Education

Winnipeg Free press - saturDaY, December 6, 2014 9 By Holli Moncrieff For the Free Press T he University College of the North is committed to meeting the needs of its students, wherever they may be. "We have 12 regional locations so students can take courses in their own communities," explained Donna Carriere, Vice-President, Community Based Services. "The programs developed in various communities depend on the demand." An example of UCN's unique approach is the Northern Manitoba Mining Academy they've developed in Flin Flon. "We have a geology-associated program up there, and a geology/environmental studies- type of course being developed for the high school," said Sherry Peden, Vice-President, Academic and Research. "We meet local demands. We tailor our programs to meet the needs of each community, and we develop innovative programs to better meet the needs of northern Manitoba." UCN has two main campuses — in Thompson and The Pas — which provide programs for adults over 19 who have been out of school for at least six months. "We have small class sizes, so our instructors get to know their students. One of the things we're very proud of is that we take an integrated, community-wide approach to our programming," Peden said. "We've had good success integrating aboriginal and northern content into our programming." Some of the cultural activities the colleges offer include regalia-making classes, quilting, and university-wide potlucks. Since many of their students are parents, UCN supports them by offering onsite childcare. "We have a childcare centre right on our campuses, so students can have accommodations and childcare while they attend school," said Konrad Jonasson, President and Vice-Chancellor. "We also have Elders who provide support and free counselling services." The Elders are an integral part of UCN's sensitivity to the needs of the northern communities they serve, he adds. "Our Elders put on services and events. They conduct powwows and other activities like sweat lodges," he said. "We encourage our students to get involved in cultural practices and take pride in them." Emma Gossfeld is the Resident Elder at UCN's Thompson Campus. "Our people are lifelong learners, but sometimes there are issues they need help with," she said. "We provide support to students and staff, and encourage them to come to us for help when they need to." Returning to school as an adult can be an unnerving, confidence-shaking experience. UCN is committed to providing a safe place for adult learners to get their high school diplomas or upgrade their skills. The college offers both day and evening programs to its students. The average age of its students is 32, and the majority are single parents. All students have access to a variety of services, including a computer lab that is open 24-7, academic and personal counselling, a library, student housing, scholarships and bursaries, aboriginal centres, and various student activities. UCN offers basic upgrading to bring students' skills up to a Senior 2 level; a Mature High School diploma; and upgrading for those who have a high school diploma but who need higher grades to be accepted into a college or university program. English as an Additional Language programs are available as well. Both the Mature High School diploma and EAL classes are tuition-free. For those who wish to continue their education, there are bachelor degrees available. Some of the degrees offered include nursing, midwifery, arts, business administration, education, and a Health Access Program degree. The college also offers a wide range of certificate and diploma programs — everything from law enforcement to eco-adventure tourism to carpentry and woodworking. "We're always developing new programs to meet the workforce needs of the north, in order to be more responsive to the community," said Peden. "We're adding to our offerings of culinary arts and industrial welding." The college recently upgraded their Bachelor of Business Administration program. "We've hired senior-level instructors for this program, and we're pretty excited to be offering this at both campuses starting this year," Peden said. "We also created a Career and Workforce Development Division to better meet the labour needs of the north. Through this division, we created a program that develops people from zero trades experience to full Red Seal certification." For more information about all UCN has to offer, please see their website at www.ucn.ca. ● UCN'S new campus in Thompson. UCN photos ucn meets northern Learning needs

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