Helping Meet the Needs of Manitoba’s Industries Learn more at rrc.ca/industry
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As jobs and technology evolve, matching education with industry needs can be lot like dancing on quicksand — but it’s a challenge Red River College meets with an innovative approach: one that works with industry to train students to work in industry. Nowhere is that more true than in RRC’s Continuing Education programs, which help students in the workforce expand their skills or build on previous education. “Our students want short, intense, specialized training that prepares them to hit the ground running on Day 1,” says Kathleen Kerr, Dean of the College’s School of Continuing Education. “All programs partner closely with industry to put students on the fast track to careers in areas where companies are hungry to hire.” Administrative Assistant Certificate Program Red River’s Administrative Assistant Certificate Program delivers graduates with high-demand skills such as business computing, bookkeeping and event planning in just 18 weeks, plus a four-week practicum. Instructor Roger Fitch says program designers and instructors meet with industry reps every five years to ensure courses teach the skills employers are looking for, including soft skills such as emotional intelligence and communication, which are critical to succeeding in today’s business environments. “Industry partners have told me that program grads are sometimes so well-versed in the latest business technologies, they end up mentoring the people who hire them.” Fellow instructor Wanda Daza describes the program as one of Red River College’s best-kept secrets. “By the time they leave, our students are so confident. The program can be intense, but we want them to succeed.” And succeed they do: more than 85 per cent of grads are hired after finishing the program’s four-week practicum, which provides on-the-job training vital to transforming classroom learning into work-ready skills. Manitoba Hydro has offered practicums to RRC students for 10 years. Alicia Malawski, a work exposure co-ordinator for Hydro, says supervisors look forward to working with Red River College students. “They’re eager to put their knowledge to work. We give them opportunities to develop their skills and demonstrate their ability on real-world projects.” For example, Malawski says one practicum student will soon begin providing administrative assistance to the office of a Hydro vice-president. Under the guidance and mentorship of the Executive Assistant, they’ll manage a busy calendar, prepare and distribute minutes, draft letters, and more. The partnership gives Hydro “a direct pipeline to a diverse pool of candidates,” adds Malawski, “and that’s critical for an RED RIVER COLLEGE PARTNERS IN STUDENT SUCCESS By Ryan McBride for the Free Press
ACE Project Space Meanwhile, RRC’s Applied Computer Education (ACE) Project Space makes innovation the spearhead of its approach to how education and industry collaborate. Located in Winnipeg’s Innovation Alley, ACE is an interactive work hub that puts the cutting-edge technical savvy of students in the College’s Business Information Technology and Business Technology Management programs to work on projects for industry clients. “We used to ask industry what they wanted us to do, and then we’d do it,” explains Haider Al-Saidi, ACE department chair. “Now we lead our client-partners to solutions that can shape the future of their industries.” Students and industry partners have wrapped up more than 20 projects so far, including a website to inform voters about election data, a virtual reality training app
for new wheelchair users, and a member benefits system for a chamber of commerce. Findoutmoreatrrc.ca/informationsystems. Applied Research For more than 15 years, the College has worked with industry partners in aerospace, construction, vehicle technology, and culinary arts to build productive, future- forward partnerships. This November, RRC opened the new Prairie Research Kitchen in downtown Winnipeg: a flexible, state-of-the-art space designed to cook up research collaborations between food production companies and students, staff and instructors. “These partnerships are really the perfect pairing,” says Mavis McRae, a culinary research professional at the College. “Our chefs, food scientists and students use everything they know about food trends, ingredients and cooking methods to help
partner companies solve problems or develop new Manitoba-made products and processes.” So far, the College has worked with close to 60 companies across Western Canada to develop 90 new culinary product ideas. “Our students gain hands-on experience while our industry gains a greater competitive advantage.” That’s another win-win for Red River College students, industry, and the Manitoba economy. Find out more at rrc.ca/research. ❚
Clockwise, from top, the Administrative Assistant Certificate Program, the new Prairie Research Kitchen and the ACE Project Space at Red River College. Red River College photos
organization of Manitoba Hydro’s size.” Find out more at rrc.ca/adminprogram.
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2 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2019
Dr. Jane Karpa, associate professor, Brandon University Department of Psychiatric Nursing, in the school’s practical lab in downtown Winnipeg. Photo by Jason Halstead
BRANDON UNIVERSITY
TAKING THE LEAD ON NURSING EDUCATION By Bob Armstrong for the Free Press
A row of 10 hospital beds — several of them occupied by inert, mostly plastic, patients — fills a room on the sixth floor of the Rice Building at 491 Portage Avenue. It’s the psychiatric nursing skills lab at Brandon University’s Winnipeg location, the place where students practise core, hands-on skills like taking blood pressure, giving injections and inserting catheters. Today, a group of psychiatric nursing students are learning how to give oxygen therapy to a patient. These students will go on after graduation to work with patients or clients experiencing depression, anxiety, addiction, schizophrenia, dementia or other mental health issues. But mental health issues may be accompanied by, or may worsen, physical illnesses. So naturally, they are taught to assess all aspects of their clients’ health. In 1995, Brandon University became the first in Canada to offer a four-year psychiatric nursing degree. “We are a pioneering program and national leaders in many respects,” says Dr. John Moraros, Dean of the Faculty of Health Studies at Brandon University, which is home both to the Department of Nursing and the Department of Psychiatric Nursing, as well as the relatively new Master of Psychiatric Nursing program. The program leading to a Bachelor of Nursing degree is based on the main campus in Brandon and accepts about 55 students a year. By comparison, the Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing program is uniquely divided between Brandon and Winnipeg. There are about 45 students per year admitted to the program’s Winnipeg location and 35 to its Brandon location. Both the BN and BPN programs have labs, where students can practise the hands-on skills of nursing and both programs use high-fidelity, life-sized mannequins and real- life actors, who have been assigned specific conditions to give students experience interviewing and assessing patients. Both programs combine theory classes and lab-based skill development with a substantial amount of clinical education in a variety of health-care settings. While they have similarities in their core courses, particularly in the first years, the two degree programs differ more substantially in later years. Students in the BN program
take theory and clinical courses that will prepare them to work in locations like acute, medical, surgical, pediatric or other hospital units, as well as in clinics, care homes and community health settings. The BPN curriculum, on the other hand, includes courses on subjects like counselling, addictions, abuse and therapeutic groups, so its graduates are clearly focused on issues of mental health, in both hospital and community settings. The BrandonU Bachelor of Nursing program is positioned to prepare students to work in health-care settings across the province and especially in rural Manitoba. The faculty has strong ties to the Prairie Mountain Health Region, Moraros notes, adding that “we try to give our students a number of rotations in a rural setting.” Working in health care in a small community is different from working in a larger city, he notes, and many students enjoy the experience. The BN program culminates in a senior practicum course that allows students to bring together everything they’ve learned in a real-world setting, as well as a project-based course that lets them dig deeply into issues like nursing leadership, health policy, program development and implementation. The BPN program is based on a philosophy of acknowledging the interactions between mental wellness, the overall environment, individuals, families, communities and the psychiatric nursing profession. With a strong cohort of students and a low ratio of students to faculty, the program gives students the chance to work closely together to benefit their community. “We have very little attrition, so we graduate about 75 students per year and they all get jobs,” notes Dr. Jane Karpa, associate professor, Department of Psychiatric Nursing. With an employment rate like that, it’s no surprise that it’s a high-demand program. Karpa notes that in Winnipeg alone there are 275 students taking pre-psychiatric nursing in hopes of getting one of those coveted seats in the BPN program. Some graduates from psychiatric nursing find work in acute care psychiatric units at hospitals. Others work in community mental health with the WRHA or other health authorities. Still others may work in community agencies or organizations devoted to helping marginalized and vulnerable people. “Our students are trained to work with all populations that are living with mental health issues,” notes Karpa. Brandon University’s leadership role in nursing education includes being the only university in Canada to offer a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing.
It’s a part-time program, offered through distance education, with more than 60 students across Canada currently enrolled. The demand for psychiatric nurses in Canada is only going to increase, notes Moraros. A Mental Health Commission of Canada study recently indicated that 20 per cent of Canadians will experience some form of mental illness in their lives and that mental illness costs the Canadian economy $50 billion per year, including lost productivity. “Investing in effective programs would make a significant difference to the Canadian economy and to our overall health,” he says. Among the psychiatric nursing students in the skills lab learning how to administer oxygen this one autumn, the importance of mental health to us all is obvious. “There’s no health without mental health,” says one student, to a round of agreement from her classmates. For more information, visit brandonu.ca/ health-studies/programs/bscpn. ❚
Brandon University’s leadership role in nursing education includes being the only university in Canada to offer a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing.
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Matt MacRae (left) and Bonnie Murray (right) have both benefitted professionally from the Applied Counselling program offered by Extended Education at the University of Manitoba. Extended Education at the University of Manitoba photos
U OF M EXTENDED EDUCATION
APPLIED COUNSELLING FOR ADDICTION, MENTAL HEALTH
Extended Education programs respond to community needs
Keep learning. Online from Anywhere. Working professionals know that the key to success in today’s rapidly-changing workplace is continuous learning. We’ve responded by developing programs and courses designed to help you keep learning – with the highest quality instruction and flexible delivery methods. Online Programs: Business Analysis NEW
With increasing reports of the dangerous and erratic behaviour of people using methamphetamine, Winnipeggers are reminded of the devastating effects of addiction and mental health issues. That’s where Applied Counselling comes in. It’s just one of the many programs and courses provided by Extended Education at the University of Manitoba, responding to a real community need. “Addictions and mental health issues are very common,” says Kathleen Keating-Toews, research education specialist, Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM). “There’s always been a need there. As an agency, we have to know the latest trends and developments in terms of treatments. We have always seen people for alcohol use. Recently, we’ve seen an increase in meth use and an increase in intravenous (IV) drug use. We’ve added mandatory staff training in trauma- informed care. We work with clients with the expectation they have experienced trauma. Trauma, addiction, and mental health issues are often co-occuring.” APPLIED LEARNING All Applied Counselling program students take three mandatory courses from AFM: Fundamentals of Addiction, Pharmacology, and Recovery-Oriented Practice. Students include working professionals who may already work in the field, but want to learn more. A number of AFM staff have taken Applied Counselling to complement their degrees with applied learning. “It’s incredibly important right now to meet the needs of our community. We have to better equip people who work in this field and provide specialized knowledge in addiction issues. Applied Counselling courses provide a well-balanced education in this area,” says Keating-Toews. She notes the stigma around addiction issues and how counselling is moving past the old and typical way of dealing with them, by moralizing. “All professional development makes you a better helper in the end. In our courses, students have excellent motivation and knowledge, and they make excellent connections with each other. We are always excited to get the next crop of students.”
RESPONSIVE CONTENT Extended Education and the AFM continue to adjust course content to respond to current situations and demands, Keating-Toews says. “We always get good feedback from people. Counselling definitely attracts people who feel a calling to do this work. They are special, empathetic people.” Applied Counselling program graduates are making a difference in our communities. For Bonnie Murray, counselling is more about offering support than providing advice. “You’re more of a listening ear and sometimes people need to know they are the experts on their own life and things they need to work through,” she says. Murray says the program helped her build skills and her comfort level in helping others. “It was very informative, very rewarding both personally and professionally, as far as skills I feel I can apply in my daily life and work. I have been using the skills already, being more helpful and supportive of those I work with,” she says. She recommends the program. “Yes. It’s well worth it.” As a peer support worker for the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society, Matt MacRae says the key to counselling is not to look down on people but rather to treat them as equals, and to remain positive. “It’s about coming down to a level playing field. You’re treating them like a human being, not just a number,” says MacRae. FINDING A WAY MacRae has lived with Schizophrenia and was in a severe motor vehicle accident, suffering a head injury and paralysis on his left side. Doctors had told him he may never walk again, but he did. “I was told I would never be able to graduate, never be able to have a family or anything like that, and I proved them all wrong,” he says. “There’s something to be said for the human spirit and believing in yourself, you know, even when everybody else is telling you ‘no,’ you’ll find a way because you are strong.” MacRae especially appreciated when one of his instructors asked his opinion and advice. “It’s a great community of teachers and students and I’ve met some friends here, friendships I will cherish my entire life. I learned so much in this program. I use the information that I learned every day,” he says. McRae recommends others keep learning. “If I had one choice in my life and I had unlimited money I would just spend my entire life as a student, just learning. Do it. It’s one of the greatest things you’ll do in your life.” Learn more about all of Extended Education’s programs and courses to help you keep learning at UMExtended.ca. ❚
Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Earn a credential that meets local, national and international needs for teacher development. Program Development for Adult Learners Meet the growing need for adult educators and trainers, and learn how to design and develop effective adult learning programs. E-Learning Letter of Accomplishment Learn to design or deliver online training. Choice of teaching or design stream. Certificate in Management and Administration (CIMA) Take the next step in your management career with an academic credential and a nationally recognized professional designation to add to your resume. Human Resource Management Become a leader in HR with innovative courses that correspond with the HR competency framework – providing eligibility for the CPHR designation.
Become a business analyst or apply business analysis in your profession with this new online program. Change Management Enroll in the only Change Management credential offered by an academic/ post-secondary institution in Manitoba. Quality Management Learn how to lead the transition from quality control to quality excellence. Graduates are eligible for ASQ certification.
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4 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2019
Since earning her master’s degree at the University of Winnipeg, Kaitlyn McEachran (far left) has become a Socioeconomic Information Analyst at Employment and Social Development Canada. Shelly Plett (immediate left), now Director of Solutions at 24-7 Intouch, was part of the first cohort of graduates from the Master in Management program at UWinnipeg. Photos © The University of Winnipeg
UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG DEVELOPING THE SKILLS EMPLOYERS VALUE The University of Winnipeg prepares students for the jobs of today and tomorrow
At The University of Winnipeg, our mission is to grow leaders through a well-rounded educational experience that develops critical- thinking skills with hands-on involvement. More than ever, today’s youth require a varied skillset before entering the modern workforce. When UWinnipeg students graduate, they are able to think creatively, solve complex problems, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds — serving them well not only today, but in the future. This results from an educational path that only begins with attending classes. A key emphasis of the UWinnipeg experience is work-integrated learning, which includes co-operative work placements, internships, practicums, and field research, to name a few. These opportunities ensure students put their skills, knowledge, and abilities to use in a way that complements their education, while also learning how businesses and industries keep pace with rapid change. By remaining agile, responsive, and relevant, we’re positioned to adjust quickly when the demands of the job market, economy, and global workplace evolve. Nearly 50 per cent of our students benefit from work-integrated learning over the course of their studies. Our goal is to increase that number in the coming years by developing more partnerships with employers across the city, province, and country. UWinnipeg’s Professional, Applied, and Continuing Education (PACE) programs are great examples of how in-class and work-integrated
learning come together effectively. Led by practising professionals, PACE programming is always at the cutting edge of industry standards, ensuring student success by developing skills that employers value. For example, the new Advanced Certificate in People Management, developed in partnership with People First HR Services to advance the human resource skills of established leaders, is offered in a unique small classroom format that provides participants the opportunity to apply key learning back in their work environments. Two new UWinnipeg graduate studies programs taking a similar approach are the Master in Management (MiM) and the Master of Arts in Applied Economics (MAE), both in the Faculty of Business and Education. MiM was developed through a unique collaborative effort involving industry and the University’s Department of Business and Administration. This one-of-a-kind program specializes in technology, innovation, and operations — ensuring students are equipped to address the challenges and opportunities facing organizations in all sectors. Shelly Plett, Director of Solutions at 24-7 Intouch, was part of the first cohort of graduates from the program. After finishing undergraduate studies, she moved into a role with 24-7 Intouch and has been there for five years. It was during her master’s studies when she really started climbing the corporate ladder. “I’ve actually moved into a director-level role with the company, and I attribute that success directly to the confidence and perspectives I gained through this program,” Plett said. “The class size of cohorts starting each year is small enough that it allows for one-on-ones with the instructors and bonding among classmates.” The Master of Arts in Applied Economics program caters to the growing demand of public, private, and non-governmental sectors looking
for economists with strong analytical skills and practical knowledge in the area of policy analysis. Students who take this program learn how economics informs policy in a wide range of fields, including regulation, health care, environmental policy, poverty, labour issues, and finance. UWinnipeg alumna Kaitlyn McEachran became interested in the field after excelling in an introductory economics course. She graduated with a four-year Bachelor of Arts in economics before taking the Master of Arts in Environmental, Resource, and Development Economics (which was the previous iteration of the new MAE program). After earning her master’s degree, she began working for the federal government and is now a Socioeconomic Information Analyst at Employment and Social Development Canada in Edmonton. In this role, she analyzes the labour market with a current focus on Alberta’s Indigenous population and the transitioning energy sector. “I spent my entire post-secondary career at The University of Winnipeg, and I cannot overstate the impact it has had on me. The Faculty of Business and Economics — especially the master’s program — prepares students for life after university. Professors push students to understand the material so comprehensively that they can explain it in simple language, which is key to success in employment, especially in the public sector. The small class sizes give students one-on-one time with professors and the opportunity to gain meaningful experience by instructing lab sessions or a practicum placement.” If you’re interested in the Master in Management or the Master of Arts in Applied Economics programs, visit uwinnipeg.ca to learn more. The application deadline is Feb. 1 for studies beginning in August 2020. ❚
More than ever, today’s youth require a varied skillset before entering
the modern workforce.
WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2019 5
President’s Student Leadership Program students walk with Kirk Johnson, Business and Applied Arts Dean, during a visit to Red River College for an expert panel on innovation in education. UofM photo
URBAN CIRCLE TRAINING CENTRE INC. Professional Career Training Opportunity “A Learning Centre that Makes a Difference” Urban Circle is looking for Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Status/Non-status) applicants who are willing to commit to quality training that includes life skills and will lead to employment and offers the following programs: ADULT EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (January-June Apprenticeship Stream/July-December Academic Stream) – Allows you to obtain a mature Grade 12 Diploma - High School credits by Seven Oaks School Division offered twice a year & Employment Preparation or Furthering Education FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER PROGRAM – Certified by Red River College (January-December) This course is a “stepping stone” into social work field. Unique learning environment! HEALTH CARE AIDE/HEALTH UNIT CLERK PROGRAM (NURSING ASSISTANT) – Dual Certified by Red River College (August - June) This course is a “stepping stone” into the Healthcare field. EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT PROGRAM – Certified by Red River College (August-June) This course is a “stepping stone” to a Bachelor of Education degree.
UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA INNOVATIVE NEW PROGRAM BOOSTS STUDENT LEADERS By Jennifer McFee for the Free Press
A new, unique-in-Canada program is bolstering the potential of student leaders from across different post- secondary institutions, areas of study and regions. The first cohort of the President’s Student Leadership Program began their program in June 2019 with an overarching focus on leadership at three levels: leading self, leading others and with others, and leading change. The program exemplifies the University of Manitoba’s commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders. “The program is an experiential and immersive development program that adopts a broad view of leadership and several core learning principles for leadership today,” explained Dr. Suzanne Gagnon, Canada Life Chair in Leadership Education and director of the new James W. Burns Leadership Institute at the University of Manitoba. “These centre on the knowledge, skills and abilities that young leaders require to help tackle tough problems facing our society and economy, make a difference in their communities, and lead in their future careers.” Participants who come together in June for a core week at the University of Manitoba engage in peer learning, develop a leadership knowledge base, and engage with top leaders in different sectors. It’s open to post-secondary students at any level of study – whether they are working towards a diploma or a PhD. “Students develop the ability to see themselves as part of a bigger society in which there will be many views, ways of working and experiences that can and should bear on issues, opportunities and challenges that we collectively face as individuals and in organizations,” Dr. Gagnon said. After that, students pursue a hands-on leadership project in interdisciplinary teams, while also meeting on four Saturdays throughout the fall and winter for skills workshops and continued engagement with top leaders in different sectors. The first cohort was made up of 27 students from 18 disciplines at the University of Manitoba, Red River College, University College of the North and the University of Winnipeg. Starting this year, the program will be open to all public post-secondary institutions in Manitoba, adding Assiniboine Community College, Université de Saint-Boniface and Brandon University. “We are not looking for the highest GPAs but rather for students who have already had an impact as leaders who foster others, who have commitment and drive, and who wish to do more. We have many award-winning students in the first cohort,” Dr. Gagnon said. “We firmly believe, and the research shows, that young people who
have a broad perspective, who are open and know how to collaborate to achieve real results with people who have different knowledge bases from themselves, are able to apply these skills to address complex challenges for our society, and for their own careers regardless of their field.” Grouped in five diverse teams, the students in the first cohort pursued projects of their choice based on serving or helping an existing organization. This past year included the United Way, One Just City, Winnlove, Imagine a Canada/the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, and more. For participant Jessica Piper, her group created an initiative called LearnZine, which attempts to share some of what they learned through the program with other post-secondary students across Manitoba. “LearnZine showcases grassroots Manitoba volunteer organizations across the province in four main categories: education; sustainability and climate crisis; social equity and diversity; and health, wellness and public safety,” said Piper, who is in her final year of the Master of Architecture program at the University of Manitoba. “Although our website has not yet officially launched, you can check it out at learnzine.org. We will be organizing outreach at post- secondary institutions across the province in January.” As a participant in the inaugural year, Piper highlights how the innovative program brought together a diverse group of students from multiple institutions to engage in a meaningful, applied way. “The most substantial benefit might be the opportunity to work with an amazing, interdisciplinary group of other student leaders from across the province,” she said. “Getting to know the other students in the program, and discovering our shared interests and concerns, has been nothing short of inspirational.” Other high points include exposure to high-profile leaders across the province and an optional mentorship program. “The issues faced by society today, from climate crisis to systemic social injustices, are unprecedented in scale and complexity. These problems do not have simple solutions. To move forward in addressing these issues together, we require increasingly complex collaborations that cross academic fields,” she said. “The President’s Student Leadership Program is just one program, with a limited enrolment capacity, but it sets a critical precedent by facilitating opportunities for students across Manitoba to engage with one another across disciplinary boundaries.” Applications for the next session of President’s Student Leadership Program will open in January and 32 participants will be selected by mid-March, with the core week set for early June. Students can apply by going to the President’s Student Leadership Program webpage on the University of Manitoba website. For more information, visit umanitoba.ca/ leadership_institute ❚
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President’s Student Leadership Program students pose for a photo with CEO Gerry Price during a site visit to Price Industries. UofM photo
8 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2019
“In addition to teaching students how to think critically, we also do our best to add so-called human skills to the in-class work and practicum program — the ability to be creative and constructive in how you build community.”
The practicum program has been a defining feature of CMU from the start. CMU photo
CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY (CMU) PRACTICAL LEARNING INVALUABLE By Todd Lewys for the Free Press When Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) got its start in 2000, they were looking for a way to differentiate themselves from other universities.
After much brainstorming, they decided to take a new approach to learning: every student enrolled at CMU would be required to take part in a practicum program. In short, students — no matter what degree they were pursuing — would be placed with a business or organization to gain practical, on- the-job work experience. “The program has been in place for the entire time we’ve existed,” says CMU president, Cheryl Pauls. “It was to be the defining feature of CMU and has been for nearly 20 years.” Pauls notes that the concept — few, if any Canadian universities were practising it nearly two decades ago — was gleaned from a unique place. “It actually grew out of the ethos of service learning, which led to the concept of work- integrated learning. That concept involved having students spend a significant amount of time in an off-campus work placement.” As students navigated their way through the placements, they were not only charged with the task of gaining hands-on work experience but were also required to reflect on the experience through written assignments, readings and discussions with supervisors. “Students either tell us where they’d like to do their practicum, or (placements) are based on conversations we have with students,” says Pauls. “We ask them where they come alive, and then do our best to provide them with the best available match.” And matches there are. CMU has developed over 500 community partnerships with companies and organizations in areas such as education, business, health care, social services, government, agriculture and NGO organizations — both locally and globally. “We do about 70 or so placings per year,” says Werner Kliewer, CMU’s director of practica. “Some students know what they want, while others have no clue. Our goal is to find out what students are interested in, and then find the right placement for them.”
He adds that the practicum program is an invaluable experience in more than one sense. “Not only do students learn so much and make connections, but it provides them with a great opportunity to go out and try something. In many cases, a student finds the right fit. In others, they realize it’s not for them. It’s all good because the experience helps students really figure out what they want to do for a living.” At the same time, being placed in a real-life work situation pushes students to learn how to think — and find themselves in the process. “It helps them find their way, connect ideas with practical solutions and connect with teams,” Pauls says. “Practical learning helps students see life through a different lens and allows them to figure out what they’re suited for. Even though it’s challenging, students love it. It (the practicum program) is a significant drawing card for us.” Another thing that draws students to CMU is the opportunity to gain invaluable people skills, she adds. “In addition to teaching students how to think critically, we also do our best to add so- called human skills to the in-class work and practicum program — the ability to be creative and constructive in how you build community.” Possessing those skills is critical in a work setting, says Pauls. “Companies and organizations are looking for people with good character — people who can work as part of a team, who are collaborative, and who are willing to get involved and work hard. The practicum program is part of a larger
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vision here.” That vision?
“To develop well-rounded people who have a feel for developing a spirit of community, and a spirit for caring for others. By preparing students properly for the work world, I think everyone flourishes — both the students and businesses.” For more information, visit cmu.ca. ❚
Discover. Explore. Learn. Apply Today at Prov.ca/Science
WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2019 9
PROVIDENCE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE & THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY LIVING & LEARNING CENTRE MORE THAN A BUILDING By Shel Zolkewich for the Free Press
When the doors of the new Living and Learning Centre at Providence University College and Theological Seminary open early next year, it will represent a bold new concept for campus life. “It’s not just a building that houses beds and students,” said Marlin Reimer, associate vice-president for student life. “All aspects of education will be happening in the living spaces. These are flexible spaces intended for people to truly connect.” After a fire destroyed an existing on-campus residence in 2017, the Providence team saw it as an opportunity to take a step forward in how students live and learn. They travelled to Texas to tour a university that was showcasing the process of creating significant community spaces — more than simply dormitories. Back at home, a design and architecture team went to work on the rebuild. Providence has a combined enrolment of roughly 500 students, half of which live on campus in Otterburne, Man. The school was founded in 1925 as the Winnipeg Bible Training School. Today, it’s one of Canada’s leading Christian universities. A large percentage of students come from Manitoba with about 20 per cent of the university population being international students. The new three-storey Living and Learning Centre features student apartments on the second and third floors. Each of these floors has two pods with eight rooms each, plus communal areas for study, lounging and conversation.
“The design is intended to encourage interaction and deter isolation,” Reimer said. “It’s really important for students to connect with their peers, especially in their first year.” He added that maintaining student mental health and supporting them in university life is key. The ground floor is dedicated to community spaces and includes a large group study area, classrooms, a prayer and worship space, a community kitchen and two apartments for staff to live onsite. Funding for the new centre came mostly through insurance, with additional contributions from the university’s Impact 2020 campaign and its donors. It’s on track to raise $14.5 million for additional projects at the school. More opportunities for on-campus living is a priority. “We really believe that your educational experience will be enhanced if you live on campus,” Reimer said. “There are just so many more opportunities to grow.” Reimer pointed out that a strong campus community has benefits beyond what students are studying. “Learning always happens outside of the classroom,” he said. “We believe these spaces will encourage discussion about diversity, faith and the importance of community. “We’ll have evenings where international students take over the community kitchen, prepare a meal and talk about their countries.” Providence has an open enrolment, meaning students from all faiths are welcome. The majority of students share a Christian background. The university leads in communications, media, science and business programs while the seminary provides academic programs for spiritual leaders. “We care a lot for our students and want to continue to create a place that will increase their love of learning,” Reimer said. “A strong commitment to campus life is part of that.” For more information, visit prov.ca. ❚
Above: The new Living and Learning Centre at Providence University College and Theological Seminary in the final stages of construction. Bottom, L-R: Cameron McKenzie (Providence provost and VP academic), Marlin Reimer (Providence associate VP for student life), and Cody Quiring (Providence VP, external relations). Providence photos
10 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2019
Josh Tampai moved to Winnipeg from the United Kingdom two years ago after enrolling in the Bachelor of Business Administration program at Booth University College. Booth UC photos
BOOTH UNIVERSITY COLLEGE WELCOMING LEARNING EXPERIENCE By Geoff Kirbyson for the Free Press
Josh Tampai could be the poster child for the future of Manitoba’s economy. The 21-year-old moved to Winnipeg from the United Kingdom two years ago after enrolling in the Bachelor of Business Administration program at Booth University College. Booth UC is a liberal arts post-secondary institution affiliated with the Salvation Army, a Christian organization operating in more than 130 countries. In fact, both of Tampai’s parents are pastors in the Salvation Army overseas, which is how he learned about Booth UC. He chose it over the London School of Business and Economics because of the chance to live in another country — his family is originally from Indonesia — to meet new people and to pursue new opportunities. “At first, I didn’t know anybody in Winnipeg and it was quite hard with my parents, brothers and friends not being here. Then I met some international students sharing the same experience,” he said. “The people at Booth UC have been very welcoming. It’s a smaller university so the professors know you. It’s a more personal experience.” Booth UC’s business program is a four-year degree geared towards helping students enter the for-profit or not-for-profit world. Students graduate with an expertise in one or more of the following disciplines — accounting and finance; human resource management; marketing; organizational behaviour; and production operations.
At a recent reception for the Manitoba Council for International Education (MCIE), Tampai was presented with its Outstanding International Student Award. In making the presentation, Rhonda Friesen, Booth UC’s dean of students, said Tampai pursues excellence in whatever he does, whether that’s in academics, as a member of the student council or through music. (He plays guitar, keyboards and sings.) “Josh has demonstrated a confidence and sense of engagement in this community that is rare for new international students. Josh’s articulate, thoughtful contributions have earned him tremendous respect among institutional leaders, faculty, staff and fellow students,” she said. Tampai will graduate in the spring of 2021 and while he doesn’t know exactly what he’s going to do, he knows who his boss is going to be. “I’m planning to start my own business in music, videography or photography,” he said. In a province struggling to find enough skilled and educated workers, local employers can only hope he is blazing a trail for others to follow. Sure, he has had to adapt to the culture, food and the weather here, but they’ve all grown on him. “Despite the cold, Winnipeg has some of the warmest people on earth. Many people have helped me feel at home here. The communities that I’ve either joined or built — whether it’s church, school or a soccer group — have truly made Manitoba feel
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like a second home,” he said. For more information, visit boothuc.ca. ❚
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WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2019 11
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF THE NORTH COMMITTED TO NORTHERN EDUCATION By Neil Coligan for the Free Press
Last academic year, UCN offered 29 certificate, degree and diploma programs to 3,395 students in Thompson, The Pas and 20 other northern Manitoba communities. UCN photos
University College of the North offers more than 40 degree, diploma and certificate programs at two main campuses in The Pas and Thompson, and 12 regional centres. Here you’ll experience quality education that inspires students who are building better lives for themselves, their families and their commu- nities. TAKE YOUR NEXT STEPS AT UCN.
Manitoba’s northernmost post-secondary institution has seen remarkable growth since its founding in 2004 and it looks like 2020 will continue that trend. This July, University College of the North celebrated its 15th anniversary by graduating more than 400 students. In the 2018-19 academic year, UCN offered 29 certificate, degree and diploma programs to 3,395 students in Thompson, The Pas and 20 other northern Manitoba communities. Of those degree programs, UCN offered a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Business Administration, all with courses largely transferable to the those pursuing further studies at at other post-seondary institutions like the University of Manitoba. In September it was announced that graduates of UCN’s two-year diploma in Natural Resources Management Technology will receive two years towards the completion of the four-year Bachelor of Environmental Science degree at the U of M. “UCN’s commitment to education close to home is stronger than ever, and I commend the dedication of our recruiters, faculty and staff members who have worked tirelessly to ensure that more northerners than ever are benefiting from the high-quality education offered by UCN, regardless of where they live,” said Doug Lauvstad, UCN’s president and vice-chancellor. That effort doesn’t come without challenges, some of them unique to UCN, such as the number of potential students who haven’t completed their high school education. “In some communities it can be as high as 80 per cent where they might not have Grade 12. More typically it can be 50 per cent,” says Dan Smith, UCN’s Vice-President Academic and Research. “There’s a lot of good work being done throughout the north on improving high school education and completion rates, but it’s a slow process,” says Smith, “We’re looking at helping in that regard.” Smith says UCN’s goal is to aim for a ratio of one student actively in a diploma or degree program for every two or three being given upgrading to a post-high school standard or certification. “Nelson House recently told us they have 800
youth who are not in employment, education or training. For us that’s an opportunity to provide education and training to get them ready,” he says. It helps that UCN has partners in local industries such as mining and forestry that require employees to take training courses and certification in forklift operation, workplace safety and other short-term courses. “For instance, we work very closely with Vale in Thompson,” says Smith, “The value added for us and for other industries in the north is that we’re delivering the training so they don’t have to.” In order to meet this need, UCN has established what are called workforce development centres at its campuses in Thompson and The Pas. They also operate a similar centre in Swan River, where there is a regional campus. But Smith says the skills most in demand are in health care where regional health authorities have told UCN they will hire as many of their students as they can graduate. Those courses for nurses are taught in co-operation with the University of Manitoba. Last year, UCN also added a program for primary care paramedics offered in partnership with Criti Care EMS in Winnipeg. It’s expected the graduates will fill a growing demand for the service in the north and other parts of Manitoba. Latest figures from 2017 show that 70 per cent of UCN students are Indigenous with most of these having their tuition paid by First Nations’ Educational Authorities and other sponsors. While this ensures finances are not an impediment to education, being able to find educators who reflect the student body is challenging. Currently only 34 per cent of UCN’s faculty and staff is Indigenous. “We’re always looking to hire more faculty, but Indigenous scholars are very much in demand,” says Smith. He says even larger institutions such as the University of Manitoba, which created 12 tenure track positions for Indigenous candidates, are finding it tough to fill those positions in a competitive market. Even with these challenges, Smith says the outlook for UCN is positive. “Northern communities and the provincial government have high expectations for our programs,” says Smith. “More and more students from the north are getting an education that will help them to improve their lives, contribute to their communities, and help to strengthen the northern economy.” For more information, visit ucn.ca. ❚
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