Education

12 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018 UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF THE NORTH "One of our most popular programs is a new program that we started this past September, Primary Care Paramedic, we're delivering it in partnership with Criti Care Manitoba." By Todd Lewys for the Free Press When you compare one educational institution to another — at least on the surface — it may seem they are all quite homogeneous. Which is to say, when you've seen one, you've essentially seen them all, with the lone exception being subtle differences in the programs on offer. That's not the case with University College of the North (UCN), says UCN's Vice-President, Academic and Research, Dan Smith. "We're definitely not just a colder version of the South," he says. "The North is made up of relatively small, remote communities that require long car rides to get to, or that can only be accessed by air. It's a different way of living." Consequently, a different approach must be taken to delivering education to spread-out communities — communities with people looking to acquire the skills they'll need to find employment in fields that are unique to the northern way of life. "We have two campuses — one in Thompson and the other in The Pas," notes Smith. "There are also 12 regional access centres that we use to deliver all types of programs. Spreading out those access centres allows us to deliver a wide range of programs right where people live." Correspondingly, those programs are aimed at filling the jobs that play a vital role in maintaining — and hopefully upgrading — the quality of life in such a harsh, demanding landscape. "UCN offers a wide range of educational support services and more than 40 degree, diploma and certificate programs," he says. "They're all designed to meet the unique learning needs of northern Manitoba." These days, demand is high in two fields: health care and education. Not surprisingly, UCN is focusing on delivering programs designed to meet those needs. "One of our most popular programs is a new program that we started this past September, Primary Care Paramedic," Smith says. "We're delivering it in partnership with Criti Care Manitoba. We had a huge response — over 16,000 hits — on our website, just from the press release." As of now, 13 of the program's 16 available seats have been filled, he reports, adding that the selection process for the program is very stringent. "It's a program that speaks to needs in the North — the regional health authority is very enthusiastic about it. The program allows for health care to be delivered to northerners by fellow northerners." Likewise, UCN's Bachelor of Nursing program is enabling northerners to deliver essential health care in a hospital setting. "We've partnered with the University of Manitoba in the delivery of this program," says Smith. "It's one we're very proud of, and that helps meet critical needs in communities across the North." Another program — UCN's Bachelor of Education program — is also meeting educational needs. "It's a very popular program and is one of our first degree programs. Most of the teachers in Moose Lake, Man., for example, are graduates of the program, something that we're also very proud of." Smith says UCN is always looking for ways to better equip its students with the knowledge and skills they'll require to capably meet the demands of northern-based jobs. "It's important that we respond to the conditions with well-targeted programs and courses that meet the needs of our students," he says. "We strive to keep classes small and provide face-to-face study opportunities for our students. We do offer some online education but have found our students want more personal connections with faculty members." To date, that well-targeted, personalized approach has proven effective. "We routinely get high marks in student surveys," says Smith. "Everything can always be better, so we'll be working hard to better connect programs to the jobs available in the North. It's an exciting time here with all the investment that's coming, but it's also a big challenge from an educational standpoint. We're up to it, and look forward to meeting the challenge." For more information on University College of the North, visit ucn.ca. ❚ UCN PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO MEET JOB DEMANDS IN NORTH University College of the North takes a unique approach to deliver education to spread-out communities and people looking to acquire skills they'll need to find employment in fields that are suited to the northern way of life. UCN photos — Dan Smith

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