EDUCATION GUIDE
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SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2024
CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY
CMU shaping what quality work-integrated learning looks like in Canada
BY NICOLIEN KLASSEN-WEIBE
C anadian Mennonite Univer- sity (CMU) has been select- ed as one of the top institu- tions in Canada to develop a national quality work-integrated learning (QWIL) certification. In collaboration with 12 other insti- tutions, this venture operates through Canada's leading organization in the field, Co-operative Education and Work-Integrat- ed Learning (CEWIL). CMU is the only university from the prai- rie provinces to be selected for this project. "CMU will be working with colleagues across the country and the social impact research advocacy firm SISCO to review and provide feedback on the framework, process, and potential value of what con- stitutes quality work-integrated learning (WIL) for our students in our context," says Christine Kampen Robinson, Director of the Centre for Career and Vocation at CMU. She adds that the project is a real honour for CMU." Our practicum staff will be building ap- propriate documentation for each domain of the certification process, and we will be among the first institutions to have the opportunity to apply for certification in Canada." Based in west Winnipeg, CMU already has well over 20 years of history in WIL, coordinating with more than 500 distinct organizations to host students for their placements. CMU is also the only school in Canada that includes a WIL requirement for all undergraduate students. The structure of the university's program already aligns with CEWIL's standards and definitions of WIL and internships; both institutions prioritize compatibility and developmental learning. "CMU has been invited to be part of a select group of institutions, including the University of Toronto and other top Canadian schools,” says Jonathan Dueck, Vice-President Academic, at CMU. “Togeth- er we will set benchmarks and best practic- es for work-integrated learning in Canada. This invitation is recognition of CMU's uniquely strong commitment to work-inte-
Arts • Science • Business • Music • Social Work 100% Work Experience in every degree program
SUPPLIED PHOTO Students gain practical skills from focused work placements.
grated learning among Canadian schools."
He notes that the university is committed to providing students with practical, hands- on experience during their studies. "CMU's Practicum means that every stu- dent has real-world experience, out there 'in the wild,' with the practical exercise of service, leadership, conflict resolution, communication, ethical reflection, and the many other skills that CMU's liberal arts-and-sciences curriculum builds," says Dueck. CEWIL and CMU aim to foster high-qual- ity WIL experiences that are meaningful and influential for students and their host organizations. CMU looks forward to the partnership as it helps establish the nation- al QWIL certification. Every CMU undergraduate is required to complete a work-integrated learning placement, to make connections between academic learning and skill development. CMU students have completed work-in- tegrated learning placements at more than 500 different organizations on every conti- nent (except Antarctica). You can learn more about WIL opportuni- ties at CMU at cmu.ca/ccv. CMU has been invited to be part of a select group of institutions, including the University of Toronto and other top Canadian schools
cmu.ca/admissions
Small university Big opportunities
st. mary ’ s academy
St. Mary’s Academy, established in 1869, is a Catholic school in the tradition of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. Our legacy of learning, faith, service and leadership defines the Academy as a distinguished girls’ school where students graduate empowered with knowledge, aware of their gifts, possess a desire for excellence in all endeavours, and embrace a sense of social responsibility to use their abilities in the service of others. January 14, 2025 at 7:00 PM open house
— Jonathan Dueck,
Vice-President Academic, Canadian Mennonite Uniuversity
SUPPLIED PHOTO Many students get hired after showing what they can do during a work placement.
new student applications due february 3, 2025
Applications accepted for all grades, with major entry points in Grades 7 & 9 Financial assistance available All faiths welcome A community of learning, faith and service
St. Mary’s Academy, 550 Wellington Crescent, Winnipeg, MB, R3M 0C1 | 204-477-0244 www.smamb.ca | Instagram.com/smawinnipeg | Facebook.com/smawinnipeg
SUPPLIED PHOTO There's no replacement for getting the real life experience that work-integrated learning offers.
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