Description: This is the first article in the new "Fireside Chat" series which intends to honor highly accomplised academic actuaries and allow them to share their insights into academic careers with young scholars. This article is mainly based on an interview with Dr. Edward Frees (Jed), one of the most accomplished actuarial professors.

Description: This project pertained to the development of anew Actuarial Science Learning Community model, involving four types of students' engagement: academic coursework, residential life, research, and professional development. The model provided students an immersive exposure to Data Science from the Actuarial perspective, which will result in Actuarial students greatly expanding their skill set and future job opportunities, at the intersection of Actuarial Science and Data Science.

Description: Learn more about the Aging and Retirement Strategic Research Program Steering Committee as well as other research committees and volunteer opportunities at the SOA.

Description: Significant progress has been made in transforming the actuarial profession but it remains untransformed. Universities have been instrumental in training future actuaries and this article is about how the University of Cape Town has been addressing transformation in the actuarial program. The school system in South Africa has struggled to produce the required quality and quantity of school leavers prepared for higher education. This has led to universities having to develop ways to manage this problem. The article discusses the effectiveness of some of the initiatives introduced at UCT.

Description: An update to the risk management readers on what the JRMS is planning to do over 2023 to serve its membership.

Description: A brief overview of last year's Education & Research Section Council work, accomplishments and challenges from its outgoing chair.

Description: The Society of Actuaries (SOA) has recognized the University of Waterloo and the University of Manitoba as University-Earned Credit (UEC) Centers of Actuarial Excellence (CAE). With this UEC designation, students at these universities can earn credit for designated SOA exams by attaining a required score on university coursework.

Description: R. Dale Hall, FSA, CERA, MAAA, CFA, Managing Director of the SOA Research Institute recently held a virtual open house highlighting the work of the Institute and opportunities to get involved in Institute research.

Description: The article describes a new professional experience course in actuarial science at the University of Toronto, including details on its key building blocks and student assessments. It also discusses different teaching modes (in-person vs. online). It should be of interest to institutions looking to add industry internships and experiential learning into their actuarial education.

Description: The article talks through my personal journey of passing actuarial exams during the pandemic. The purpose of the article is to provide readers a different perspective on how to successfully navigate and balance work-study commitments. The article provides 6 tips that helped me overcome exam challenges.