Education | December 2014

SATURDAY, December 6, 2014

A SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Bryce North, CEO of AdVolve Media, a past grad of the Asper School of Business, speaks to students at the Asper School as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week. Photo by Darcy Finley

Business education booming in Winnipeg

would be interested in taking our core courses, which include introductory accounting and finance, marketing, and human resources.” Red River College continues to offer its students the real- world experience they need to succeed in the business world. “Red River is known for the business and management programs we offer and the success of our graduates. We continue to be viable and position our graduates for career paths in the business world,” said Debra Wutke, Business and Management Program Manager. The college has partnered with the University of British Columbia’s School of Business to offer a certificate course in property assessment. “This course qualifies you for an entry level position at the City of Winnipeg or Province of Manitoba,” said Sam Levy, Red River College’s Trades, Transportation, Industry and Environment Program Manager. “The industry identified the need for trained people in this area. By offering the program here, we can give it a Manitoba context.” Red River College has also developed a new course in Sport Management and Administration. Students will learn the fundamentals of sport management, including managing and motivating volunteers, marketing and media. “There’s a need for a very special skill set when you’re working in the sports industry. This course is taught from a management and administration perspective, not a coaching perspective,” Wutke said. “Combining a BA with these courses will give students the skill set they need to be successful.” The course has already attracted a high level of interest since it rolled out in April. “We’ve got the Grey Cup and 2017 Canada Summer Games

coming. There are a lot of major events in this industry, and there’s a great passion and volunteerism around sport in Winnipeg,” said Wutke. “Sporting events create job opportunities.” Two courses are still in development but are expected to be available next year. The Effective Meeting Management course teaches students how to run everything from AGMs to stockholder meetings. “Effective meetings are almost like unicorns — they don’t seem to exist — and there’s nothing people hate more than meetings that are a complete waste of time,” Wutke said. “Not only will this course teach you how to make meetings effective, but you are also taught to recognize the liability of people who serve on boards. Graduates of the program will be able to ensure meetings are run effectively without risky personal liability.” Red River is also developing a course in personal finance. The meeting management and personal finance classes will have open enrolment, with no prerequisites required. “There’s lots of talk and interest about the level of indebtedness of our population. It’s not unusual for students or adults to find themselves in a credit crunch, wondering how they got there,” said Wutke. “There’s a lot of allure for new graduates to get credit. We’re motivated by instant gratification, but that’s a hole they can dig for themselves.” The personal finance course will teach participants how to understand their credit standing and what they can do to improve credit scores; how to transition from student to employee; how to access credit; and the debt- recovery process. “It shows you how to get back on your feet,” Wutke said. ●

By Holli Moncrieff For the Free Press S ome of the best business programs in the country are available in Winnipeg, whether you wish to earn an MBA or take a course in accounting. The University of Manitoba’s Asper School of Business is AACSB accredited. AACSB Accreditation is the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide. “We’ve passed very rigorous quality-control checks. Only five per cent of business schools in the world have this accreditation, and we’re the only school in Manitoba that has it,” said Subbu Sivaramakrishnan, Associate Dean for the Asper School of Business. “The majority of our courses are taught by professors who have PhDs in their field. Our students often do projects for real companies.” While the school is perhaps best known for its MBA program, it offers a number of courses designed for executives who are looking for additional training. “We offer multiple degree programs, but we also have executive education programs directed at people who are working in middle and upper management,” Sivaramakrishnan said. “Many of our students are already working.” The special student or occasional student designation allows adult students to take courses at the Asper School without working towards a degree. “We offer courses on negotiation, leadership, corporate governance, and branding. These are all designed for executives who want to learn more about a particular topic,” said Sivaramakrishnan. “Anyone who manages a business

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Toni Hanson, Records and Information Management graduate

2 Winnipeg Free Press - saturDAY, December 6, 2014

Customized trades training at RED RIVER COLLEGE AND MITT

fast track to a well-paying career. Since it received the Advanced Status designation from the Provincial government, the program requires 200 fewer hours for the practicum compared to other courses of its type. “This is the only program of its kind that’s received recognition from the province. We teach to a really high level and ensure our students get a good training experience,” said Levy. “We offer a fifth- class program here that gives students the theory and practical techniques they need to pass their certification exams.” In order to make the trades more accessible, the college offers courses part-time and in the evenings. “People can take our welding courses in the evening, either to brush up on their skills or as an introductory point. These classes are a really good place to start,” Levy said. “We have people coming in from other countries with lots of welding experience, but they need a Canadian context.” Both Red River College and MITT offer customized onsite training to local companies by request. “As our college rebrands, we’re happy to do customized training for groups. We can do it on their site or ours,” said Greg Scheelar, Workforce Development Consultant for MITT (formerly the Winnipeg Institute of Technology). “We’re always looking at how we can respond to labour market needs. What skills do we need and how best can we deliver them? If an individual needs employees, they come to us. We find the employees and train them.” It’s never too early to start learning a trade. The French Trades and Technical Program initiative at MITT gives Grade 9 students a chance to get their hands on some tools. Chantal Simard, Senior Consultant for the program, says it’s the first time in Manitoba that junior high students have been able to take trades training in French. “Up until now, there hasn’t been the option of taking the trades in French unless you were at the university level. This program allows francophone students to get a taste of the trades so they might consider the trades for a career,” she said. “Hopefully we can offer career exploration to as many students as possible.” The program started as a pilot project last year with just two classes of students. This year, there are four Grade 9 classes and two Grade 10. The students come to MITT for hands-on training on the equipment, and learn the theory behind each trade at their own schools.

By Holli Moncrieff For the Free Press L ike many industries with an aging workforce, Canada’s trades are facing a critical labour shortage in the years ahead. Many colleges, including Red River College and the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT), are doing what they can to attract more people to the trades. One of Red River’s most popular courses is the Railway Conductor Program. Within 15 weeks of starting the program, students are guaranteed employment within the railway industry, says Sam Levy, Red River College’s Program Manager for Trades, Transportation, Industry, and Environment. “We still have a huge demand for railway conductors in the industry. Graduates of our railway conductor program have a really high employment rate — 95 per cent of our grads find jobs in the industry,” he said. “It’s a very good return on investment.” Railway conducting can be lucrative. Levy says that conductors can make about $85,000 in the first year. “A demand currently exists within the industry. Things have bounced back in a huge way,” he said. “It’s a great career for people who can handle the pressure.” Red River’s Power Engineering program offers another

L OUIS R IEL S CHOOL D IVISION C ONTINUING E DUCATION WINTER 2015

Top: A student welds during class at Red River College. Above: Jerry Kube checks out some of his work during a welding class. Photos by Darcy Finley

“It’s pretty amazing. The students are totally engaged. They look so professional and they know how to use the machinery,” said Simard. “This is an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed, but many do miss it because they’re not thinking in terms of their future until they get to Grade 12.” Some of the trades the students have expressed an interest in include aesthetics, hairstyling and carpentry. Several have said they want to be millwrights, pastry chefs or pursue other culinary arts after high school. “There are some stereotypes about the trades that we’ve tried to overcome for years. It’s not seen to be as glamorous as university, but there are so many options in the trades,” Simard said. “If we don’t start the students off early, they often end up with other jobs and families and can’t afford to go back to school.” ●

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Winnipeg Free Press - saturDAY, December 6, 2014 3

Les Kovacs (left), instructor of the Small Engine Repair class, and Ken Zulyniak work on a boat motor at the Louis Riel Arts & Technology Centre. Photos by Darcy Finley

Louis Riel Continuing Ed courses creative & practical

Jan. 14, and is taught by oil painter Julie Lamoureux. “Art journalling is a way to get in touch with your feelings through self-exploration. It’s a tool for introspection,” Laidlaw explained. “This class is new for us. We’ve never had a course like this before.” Another popular art class is silk painting, which has had such a high demand that the school division now offers an advanced level. “Students can choose to make either a scarf or a wall hanging. They can bring their own images from home, or use the design provided by the instructor, which is a gorgeous butterfly on a flower,” said Laidlaw. “The colours used are really gorgeous. The students use watercolour techniques to mix the colours.” The first level is a four-week course that begins on Jan. 14. Tuition fees are $69. Laidlaw finds that adult students are looking for opportunities to use their hands. The school division’s hand-built pottery workshop is always in high demand. This six-week course runs on Tuesday evenings. “Students learn to make little boxes, coil pots, or pinch pots. It’s a really great way to learn how to work clay for people who have never tried it before. It’s completely different from traditional pottery classes. You can do anything with hand-built pottery,” she said. “This course is great for people who want to do more creative work but who want it to be more tactile. People seem to really enjoy this class.” Another new hands-on course that will be offered this winter is Make Your Own Container Candles, a workshop that teaches students how to make soy container candles. “Soy is a healthier thing to burn. You can use some of the materials you already have in your kitchen. The students will learn how to make tealights, as well as candles in small glass cups,” said Laidlaw. “We think it’ll be really popular because pretty much everyone loves candles.” One of the school division’s most popular courses is also one of its most practical. Both levels of the Small Engine Repair program could end up saving participants a lot of money. “People bring in their lawnmowers, snowblowers, or outboard motors and learn how these small engines work and how to fix them,” Laidlaw said, adding that the class is extremely popular with women as well as men. “Once you’ve learned how to repair small engines, you’re pretty much always able to fix them. You can carry the theories you learned from working on one engine over to others too.” Small Engine Repair is a five-week course that begins on Jan. 14. The classes run from 6 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., and are taught by mechanic Les Kovacs. For more information on all the classes Louis Riel Continuing Education has to offer, please see their website at www.lrsdconed.com. ●

By Holli Moncrieff For the Free Press M ukluks continue to be some of the most sought- after footwear on the planet. Why not learn how to make your own? The mukluk-making course continues to be one of the most popular programs at Louis Riel Continuing Education. “You end up with your own really gorgeous pair of mukluks. A lot of our students end up making mukluks for friends and family. It’s a really in-demand course,” said Jan Laidlaw, Program Facilitator. The tuition is $349, but since students also learn where to source materials, some have turned their new talent into a part- time business. “You don’t have to know anything about beading or sewing to take these classes,” Laidlaw said. “Everyone who takes the class just loves it.” The class begins on Jan. 19 and runs for six weeks. A great companion class is Bead Art, which starts on Jan. 14 and is held over two Wednesday nights. Tuition for Bead Art is $48. Classes are limited to 12 students and tend to fill up quickly. If you’d like to express yourself creatively but aren’t interested in sewing, the school division is offering a new four-week course in art journalling. “You learn about putting together the colours, words, images and ideas that go into an art journal. Different themes and techniques are taught each night,” said Laidlaw. “Art journals combine words and art. Some of the themes are travel, dreams, and creative exploration — an art journal can be whatever you want to make it.” The art journalling class starts on

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4 Winnipeg Free Press - saturDAY, December 6, 2014

Lise Léveillé (centre) teaches a beginner French class at the Université de Saint-Boniface. Photos by Darcy Finley

Language brings new perspectives

By Holli Moncrieff For the Free Press

L earning another language is an invitation into a new world. As you learn the words spoken in other cultures, you also learn a lot about the history and traditions of that country, says Erika Morin-Nett, Language Programs Co-ordinator for the Université de Saint-Boniface. “Learning two or three languages gives you a new perspective on the world. You don’t learn a language in isolation — you also learn about the culture, which gives you a different way of seeing things in the world,” she said. The Université offers both French and Spanish classes to the francophone community, and to non-francophones as well. “We have people taking French because they’re going to travel to a French-speaking country, people taking French because of their jobs, and we have people who are taking it for reasons of the heart — for their families, because they have children in immersion, or because they’re in love with the language,” Morin-Nett said. “Living here in Winnipeg, we’re surrounded by French in so many ways.” Professional language consultants develop all of the Université’s programs, which include classes for the francophone community’s professional and personal development, programs for youth, and courses for non-francophones who want to learn French or Spanish. “We also have courses for francophones who want to improve their French,” said Morin-Nett. “There’s no other place in Winnipeg that has our experience. We’ve been teaching French for 25 years and Spanish for 30 years.” All of the school’s materials are developed with a Canadian context, which Morin-Nett says is an advantage over programs that use curriculum that was developed in France. “This is an advantage for people who are taking lessons in a professional capacity,” she explained. “Everything is tailored to Canadians.” The Université views its instructors as one of its greatest assets and hires accordingly. All instructors must undergo a rigorous training program before they take charge of their own classes. “We’re very picky with the people we hire to be instructors. We get lots of comments about how our teachers are great, and we do everything we can to support them,” Morin-Nett said. “We give our instructors materials they can use in the classroom and lots of opportunities for professional development.” One of the school’s Spanish language consultants is now DELE accredited. DELE is the official accreditation of the degree of fluency of the Spanish language, issued and recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport of Spain. “We will now be able to offer DELE testing here,” said Morin-Nett. Most of the Université’s programs run for 11 weeks, and there are four terms each year. The winter session runs from January until March, and the spring session from April until June. Those who are looking for more of a challenge can enrol in Élan, a one-week immersion program. “We get our Élan students out doing things with the Francophone community. They go out to French restaurants and see French shows,” said Morin-Nett. “This program is really better for

Students take part in a beginner French class at the Université de Saint-Boniface.

people who speak a little bit of French. It’s very difficult to do a week of immersion if you don’t speak any French.” The Université also offers programs that are tailored to those who work in certain industries. They will design customized classes for various organizations, which allows employees to learn as a group. They’ve developed programs for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and La Société Santé en français. “There is a big demand in the health community for people who can speak French, so we developed a special program for them,” Morin-Nett said. “It’s great for people who are in the working world in general, but it has the vocabulary people in the healthcare field might need.” There are different levels of difficulty offered in each program. A placement interview helps new students decide which course and level they’re best suited for. “There are lots of things about both French and Spanish that are similar to English, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to learn the language. It all depends on your motivation,” said Morin-Nett. “Like everything else, the more you put into it, the more you get out of it.” For more information on the Université de Saint-Boniface’s courses and programs, please see their website at www.ustboniface.ca. ●

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Winnipeg Free Press - saturDAY, December 6, 2014 5

Creative approach to social change at CMU

By Holli Moncrieff For the Free Press T he Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) offers a unique opportunity for those who long to make a difference in the world. Each June, their Canadian School of Peacebuilding (CSOP) attracts activists and humanitarians from around the world. “It’s a creative approach to bringing about social change, and it’s an intensive learning experience. We bring in instructors from around the world,” said Kevin Kilbrei, Director of Communications and Marketing for CMU. “In previous years, students from Egypt, Chile, and the former Soviet Union have attended.” CSOP courses can be used for professional and personal development or for academic credit. Some of the classes featured in June 2015 include Human Rights and Peace, Peace Psychology, and Women and Peacebuilding. “Women and Peacebuilding explores what contributions women have made, what difficulties female activists face, and what men can do to help strengthen women’s voices,” Kilbrei explained. Friendship and Peace: The Blackfoot Way, taught by Leroy Little Bear, is an opportunity to explore indigenous approaches to peace, justice, and friendship through the Blackfoot worldview. These include the notions of constant flux, the relatedness of everything, and the Blackfoot relationship to the land. The CSOP program is available to students of all ages. If you’re interested in applying, you can find their online registration application here: www.csop.cmu.ca/index.php/registration/. CMU students have an opportunity to volunteer in a developing country with the Out of Town program. “Out of Town is a transitional program for students leaving high school and going into post- secondary education. We have sites in Guatemala, South Africa, and Burkina Faso, and it

Students take part in a biology class at the Canadian Mennonite University. Photo by Darcy Finley

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 >>

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6 Winnipeg Free press - saturDaY, December 6, 2014

It’s never too late for musIcal learnIng

The Conservatory Chorale is an internationally recognized choral program with over 100 singers from age five and up. The choirs perform extensively both nationally and internationally and have consistently won acclaim at all levels. Chorale members develop vocal and choral skills in choirs with the highest possible artistic standards. Singing in chorale develops musical sensitivity and responsiveness, musical literacy, appreciation for a wide variety of the highest quality choral repertoire, personal motivation, self-discipline, and teamwork. The Chamber Choir, the Conservatory’s most experienced and disciplined singers, has performed as a major touring group throughout Canada, the United States, Great Britain, France and Italy. Other conservatory ensembles include guitar, recorder and chamber music. Chamber groups in the Conservatory are available to students of all levels. These groups are generally small ensembles where students can enhance and further develop their musicianship and communication skills. “One of the wonderful things about being a student here is taking in many of the performances that take place on campus. A lot of them are free or have a very minimal cost,” Kim said. For more information on Brandon University’s courses and programs, please visit their website at www.brandonu.ca. ●

“You are only as old as your mind says you are. If you set your mind to it, it’s amazing what you can accomplish,” he added. “You never know unless you give it a shot.” Brandon University’s School of Music has been around since 1906. Over 600 students are currently enrolled at school, and adult learners are always welcome. “Our instructors really enjoy teaching the adult students. Their thought processes are often really in tune, and they can often be the best students,” said Kim. “Our instructors are quite patient with their adult students. We really serve a broad community.” Rather than seeing a generation gap, Kim has noticed that the school’s adult learners enjoy interacting with the younger students. “Most of our older students like being amongst the younger people. It reconnects them to that feeling of being young and in university for the first time,” he said. Some of the university’s most popular music theory courses are History of Jazz, Opera History, and Women in Music. “The opportunity exists to audit or take our classes without studying for a full degree,” said Kim. “We have a History of Popular Music class which people seem to really enjoy.” Conservatory students of all ages enjoy a wide variety of opportunities to perform in front of an audience.

By Holli Moncrieff For the Free Press I f you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed, Brandon University has a solution. “Learning to play an instrument can be a great stress reliever if you have a demanding job. It’s a way to unwind and forget about the pressure and stresses of work,” said Michael Kim, Dean of the School of Music. “It’s helpful for improving focus, concentration, and discipline. It translates very well to other things you may be doing in their life.” The University’s Eckhardt-Gramatté Conservatory offers lessons and classes to adults. Lessons can be one-on-one or in a group setting, and are available in piano, voice, strings, percussion, guitar and all band instruments. “You name the instrument, we have it. We also have theory classes and music history classes,” Kim said. “Many people want to study an instrument as a hobby or a way of relaxation.” Many people wish they’d learned to play an instrument as a child, but are hesitant to take lessons as an adult, fearing it will be too difficult. Kim says that isn’t the case. He’s seen many adult students succeed.

Winnipeg Free press - saturDaY, December 6, 2014 7

Students take part in a biology class at the Canadian Mennonite University. Photo by Darcy Finley

<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

can be a one- or two-term program,” said Kilbrei. “The students learn about some of the countries’ cultural issues and meet with local officials and teachers.” In past years, some students had dinner with South African social rights activist Archbishop Desmond Tutu, he added. “Their global awareness is obviously heightened. It’s an opportunity they’d otherwise never experience,” Kilbrei said. “They get to understand the world and each other.” The university continues to expand its science offerings as well. Students can now take biochemistry at CMU. “We’ve been growing our science program to meet the needs of what’s being sought. We’re reacting to the demand,” said Kilbrei, adding that many people don’t know that CMU also offers pre-professional programs. These programs include first- and second-year university courses in a variety of disciplines, and sometimes third- and fourth-year classes as well. Some of the programs available are in agriculture, law, medicine and nursing. “There is a lot of course work needed to get into these professional streams. People don’t realize you can take your pre-med courses here,” Kilbrei said. CMU celebrated the grand opening of its brand new library on Nov. 29. This $14.5-million project features a learning commons, seminar rooms, the university bookstore and a café. A pedestrian walkway over Grant Avenue now connects the north and south sides of the campus, which is expected to increase student safety, said Kilbrei. “Our students cross Grant Avenue over 700 times everyday. This walkway will give them a safe crossing,” he explains. “The new facility will be open and fully functional for the start of the new school term, which starts on Jan. 6.” The 10,000 square-foot space contains 100,000 print volumes and 20,000 audio and multimedia resources. Even with the advances in ebook technology, Kilbrei said libraries are essential places of learning. “The library still has a function as a learning centre. It has a large group meeting and student study area that creates a new environment for the students to study and collaborate with each other,” he said. “Libraries need to be responsive to new technology.” Many people are still under the impression that you must be Mennonite to attend CMU. “You don’t need to be Mennonite. Only 45 per cent of our students self-identify as Mennonite. Over 17-18 per cent have no faith. We have quite a diverse mix of students,” said Kilbrei. “It’s a smaller university, so you get to know the people around you.” The university offers several upcoming campus visit days for those who are interested in attending CMU. Campus visit days will be held on Jan. 20, Feb. 27, and March 13. “We usually have 40 to 60 students visiting the school on those days. It’s a little more interactive than what an open house would normally be,” Kilbrei said. “It’s an opportunity to interact with the environment and with the faculty as well.” For more information on CMU, please see their website at www.cmu.ca. ●

The Brandon University Chorale choir rehearses with conductor Andrée Dagenais in the Lorne Watson Hall. Brandon University photos

WHEN PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING YOU NEED TO BREAK DOWN

BARRIERS TO PROVIDE COMFORT AND CARE CHALLENGERS DO. Determined to alleviate suffering in Africa, Dr. Tito Daodu challenged the status quo to ensure she could take her skills where they’d be needed most. The education she received at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Medicine gave her the means and the confidence to take action to assist those in need. By returning to provide care in her home country of Nigeria, Tito is proof that you can overcome all obstacles when passion sets your path.

Follow your heart.

8 Winnipeg Free Press - saturDAY, December 6, 2014

Submitted by University of Manitoba T here are more than 29,000 students at the University of Manitoba, each of them unique. Meet two students and a recent graduate who have used adversity in their lives to create their own success stories. Schulich Leader Scholarship Winners Young leaders Kailee Rutherford and Alexander Czehryn are known for their unshakable positive spirit, and for inspiring others to give back. The new U of M students won a Schulich Leader Scholarship, one of the most generous and competitive scholarships available to Canadian students. This year, there were 1,147 nominees from across Canada. Of these, 54 had applied to the U of M, and only Rutherford and Czehryn were selected. They say witnessing the suffering of others helped them define the path they wanted to pursue at university. “When I was half way done my chemo treatment, there was a 23-month- old boy beside me and I found out he had passed away,” remembers Rutherford, a graduate of Prairie Mountain High School in Somerset, Man. who began studying Science at the U of M this fall. “I knew then that I wanted to be able to help because I was mad that there was this little kid that was barely in this world and he was taken.” Rutherford was diagnosed with cancer in her Grade 11 year. In the face of this challenge, she maintained excellent grades, became an ambassador for the Terry Fox Foundation and was elected student council president. Her friends and family were amazed at her positive spirit, and how she turned heartbreaking experiences into her inspiration to one day become a doctor and help save young lives. Czehryn, who will receive $80,000 to support his Engineering studies, also dreams of saving lives. He says much of his inspiration comes from watching his father cope with hemophilia. His long term goal is to be a tissue engineer. He knows well the stories of when his dad was young and there were very few treatments for the symptoms of his disease. Czehryn says he sees how research has dramatically improved his dad’s treatment options, and he sees tissue engineering as a way to help people with conditions like his dad’s. “Tissue engineering is a new frontier so there’s still a lot of research being done and I want to be a part of that,” says Czehryn. “I want to be a part of creating solutions for the future.” His 99 per cent average upon graduation from the Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute certainly suggests that he has the potential to achieve his dreams. Both young leaders say they are incredibly grateful to receive the Schulich scholarship, and are excited to participate in campus clubs and expand their horizons at the University of Manitoba. “I really want to live up to this scholarship and use it well,” says Czehryn. “I will take my courses seriously and excel in everything I do.” The four-year award goes to 40 students per year from 20 eligible Canadian universities and is designated for students pursuing undergraduate studies in STEM subjects: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Recipients in the field of engineering are awarded $80,000. Those in the remaining fields receive $60,000. This is the third year in a row that two upcoming U of M first-year students received the award. Rhodes Scholar Alexa Yakubovich, the University of Manitoba’s most recent recipient of the Rhodes Scholarship, learned about loss early in life. When she was 12 years old, a family friend died of breast cancer. As a tribute, she began beading bracelets for family and friends. The project evolved over several years into “Beads for the Cure,” raising more than $8,000 for women’s cancer prevention and treatment. “The death of our friend shattered my young belief that ‘good things happen to good people,’ providing a painful lesson on the devastation of disease. In turn, I was driven to extend my involvement in public health and human rights advocacy, guided by the simple idea that people deserve the best chance to lead their healthiest, happiest lives,” she says. “The beads allowed me to feel like I was making a difference, albeit a small one, in the lives of those facing disease and hardship.” A recent graduate of the Faculty of Arts, Yakubovich became the 98th University of Manitoba student to be awarded a Rhodes Scholarship, the most prestigious award of its kind in Canada. The U of M is one of the leading institutions in Canada for number of Rhodes Scholars, and has produced more Rhodes Scholars than any other university in western Canada. Three of the scholarships were awarded this year on the Prairies, with two in Alberta. Yakubovich received her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in 2013 then went directly to the University of Oxford where she completed her Master of Science (with Distinction) this fall. She has done undergraduate and postgraduate research in a variety of fields, including gender studies, belief systems, cancer, heart disease and HIV/AIDS. She is currently working with Katherine Starzyk of the Social Justice Laboratory at the U of M and with the Centre for Human Right Research on strategies to improve water and sanitation services for First Nations in Canada. When she returns to Oxford this winter, her focus will be on improving child well-being in socially disadvantaged communities, specifically how social disadvantage compounds child health problems, studying HIV-positive adolescents in low-income South African communities. “I am delighted that a young woman of such drive and passion has been recognized for her academic and personal achievements,” says U of M President and Vice-Chancellor David Barnard. “At the University of Manitoba, we are committed to inspiring minds through innovative and quality teaching. Our amazing record of producing Rhodes Scholars is a testament to this university’s ability to attract and nurture the best and brightest students.” Nurturing Excellence at the University of ManitobA

Schulich scholars Alexander Czehryn and Kailee Rutherford. Photo supplied by University of Manitoba

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Winnipeg Free Press - saturDAY, December 6, 2014 9

UCN meets northern learning needs

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. ●

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.

UCN’S new campus in Thompson. UCN photos

Winnipeg Free Press - saturDAY, December 6, 2014

By Holli Moncrieff For the Free Press S everal of Winnipeg’s universities and colleges are addressing the unique needs of First Nations students. “A lot of our Aboriginal Focus programs are focused on transitions — making sure students have the counselling and tutoring services they need to make a successful transition to university,” said Gary Hepburn, Dean of Extended Education at the University of Manitoba. “What we’ve found is that a lot of background work needs to be done with agencies and communities to support students and programs.” Hepburn says that many First Nations students are eager to provide services in their communities. This could be the reason that one of the university’s most popular Aboriginal Focus programs is a diploma in Child and Family Services. The university’s Young Warriors Program is designed for a group of 25 indigenous men who wish to move into post-secondary studies. The program’s vision is to train men in the physical, mental and spiritual spheres, developing their moral character to produce high-quality leaders. “Young Warriors directly addresses some of the issues young aboriginal men face when they come to the university, and does it in a respectful way,” Hepburn said. “We’re very excited about it. We have high hopes for it.” The university is also striving to encourage more First Nations youth to pursue careers in math and science-related fields. “We had an indigenous math and science symposium over the summer. We’re putting minds together to figure out how to properly approach this area,” said Hepburn. “There needs to be a bridge between indigenous ways of knowing and mainstream science and math.” The Asper School of Business runs an Aboriginal Business Leadership program that is tailored to First Nation communities. “Aboriginal organizations tend to have a triple bottom line — profit, people, and planet,” said Subbu Sivaramakrishnan, Associate Dean for the Asper School of Business. “Concern for environment and concern for community can be as important as maximizing profit.” While the courses in business fundamentals remain the same, other components of the program are customized. “Aboriginal business studies take into account the idiosyncrasies of the aboriginal community,” Sivaramakrishnan said. “There is an emphasis given to the environment that may be different than what you’d find at other companies. The finance opportunities may also be different.” Yellowquill College offers a full roster of programs that are of special interest to First Nations students, including the First Nations Management and Administration program, First Nations Child & Family Services Worker Experience, and Aboriginal Business and Entrepreneurship. Colleges, universities focused on Aboriginal learning

Janaya Koberstein teaches a math class at Yellowquill College. Photo by Darcy Finley

“A lot of our graduates go into positions on the reserve. One of them just got elected as chief. Some used it as a stepping stone for further education — one of our students went on to get their Masters in Child and Family Services,” said Plett. The Aboriginal Business and Entrepreneurship program has been particularly popular, he adds. “Aboriginal women are really progressive when it comes to entrepreneurship,” said Plett. “We’re encouraging aboriginal people to get back into the entrepreneurial spirit.” The Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) has several programs that are designed to connect First Nations people to jobs in the manufacturing industry. “We offer trades training for folks from Peguis First Nation and Fisher River First Nation,” said Greg Scheelar, MITT’s Workforce Development Consultant. “Participants in these programs work as students at the shop of one of the supporting companies, learning to do production welding. This course will lead directly to jobs for them.” ●

“We try to empower people wherever they go,” said Lyle Plett, Co-ordinator for the First Nations Management and Administration program. “Some of our students aren’t necessarily planning on living on the reserve. Some of the First Nations population is urban-oriented as well.” Most of Yellowquill’s programs integrate aboriginal history into the curriculum. The Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council established Yellowquill College in 1984, and the school continues to be First Nations owned and operated. “Yellowquill is a very unique institution. We have house Elders, and it’s a far more inclusive environment. We believe in empowerment through knowledge and learning,” Plett said. “We recognize our students as whole people who are here to learn and to grow. This place isn’t a factory.” The First Nations Management and Administration program is the school’s original First Nations Governance program. The two-year diploma program teaches students how to manage a reserve or off- reserve system.

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Winnipeg Free Press - saturDAY, December 6, 2014 11

RURAL. ACADEMIC. COMMUNITY. The University of Winnipeg offers numerous unique master degree programs. From left, Kaitlyn Duthie-Kannikkatt (Master’s in Development Practice, Indigenous Development), Mamneet Manghera (BioScience, Technology & Public Policy) and Quinn Webber (BioScience, Technology & Public Policy). Photo by Naniece Ibrahim

U of W graduate programs take novel approach

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EARN YOUR B.A. Biblical Studies & Practical Theology Arts & Sciences Professional Studies

“These graduate programs punch above their weight. These graduates will have opportunities to provide a bigger impact than those coming out of traditional programs,” she said. “A lot of our students are interested in social justice, and how science relates to humanity.” Graduate studies programs are one of the fastest growing areas at the University of Winnipeg. They currently have over 500 students enrolled in graduate programs. The Master of Arts in Cultural Studies offers two specializations, including Texts and Cultures. This course-based MA program is intended to give students an excellent grounding in cultural, literary, textual, and visual studies. It’s also ideal preparation for students who want to pursue further graduate work at the PhD level in English and Cultural Studies. Students interested in careers in secondary-school teaching, publishing, management, marketing, and other careers in communications and cultural industries will benefit from the program as well, says Mavis Reimer, Dean of Graduate Studies. “This program gives students an opportunity to think about culture — text, visual,and literature — all in one program, which is the way most of us actually take in culture,” Reimer said. “We don’t just read novels in isolation without watching Netflix.” The Master of Arts in Indigenous Governance is a multidisciplinary program grounded in an understanding of indigenous peoples’ values, principles, and philosophies. The university strives to offer a supportive environment for “I’ve had an excellent experience in the bioscience program,” said Quinn Webber. “The high quality of research in our department has allowed me to achieve the goals that I set out for myself prior to beginning the program.” students of all backgrounds, while modelling and fostering the highest standards of excellence inside and outside of the classroom. “This program really tries to see through the lens of indigenous people’s values and philosophies,” said Reimer. An international focus prepares students to take leadership positions in the private and public sectors, to create and influence policy, to creatively approach development and governance from an indigenous perspective, and to promote the visibility and recognition of sovereign indigenous peoples and communities in Canada and abroad. “We’ve had graduates who went through this program become prominent leaders in their communities,” Reimer said. “This program is having a fairly significant impact in local and national communities.” The university has many other graduate programs available, including a Master of Arts in Theology; Master of Marriage and Family Therapy; Master of Arts in History; Master in Public Administration; Master of Arts in Religious Studies; and the Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies. Many are offered in partnership with the University of Manitoba. For more information, please see their website at www. uwinnipeg.ca/graduate-studies. ●

By Holli Moncrieff For the Free Press A unique graduate program at the University of Winnipeg bridges the gap between scientists and policy-makers. The Master of Science in Bioscience, Technology and Public Policy is designed to provide an excellent basis for a PhD in biology and related fields. Graduates are qualified for employment in industry, the public sector, and academia. “Scientists want to test hypotheses and have a hard time reaching a final conclusion because you learn as a scientist

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“The MDP program has helped me to think about development differently,” said Kaitlyn Duthie-Kannikkatt. “A skill that will help me regardless of the career path in which I find myself in.”

to keep digging deeper and deeper,” said Annette Trimbee, President and Vice-Chancellor, adding that policy-makers need end results. “Graduates who are thinking about policy from the beginning are better prepared to inform important decisions.” David Datzkiw is a student in the Bioscience program. He says he immediately noticed a difference between this new approach to learning as compared to traditional science studies. “I first started with the honours program in my undergrad, but I never saw the hands-on aspect to it. It lacked the critical thinking there would be in a real lab,” he said. “Some of the research we’re doing (in the Bioscience program) can realistically translate into treatments for people and save people’s lives.” One of the student research projects involves developing a better early-detection method for colon cancer. “The technology is always advancing, and thinking about technology continually helps students in their bioscience research,” Trimbee said. “This program provides students with insight into policy-making.” The Bioscience program attracts a large number of international students from all over the world, she adds.

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“UWinnipeg has been excellent,” said Mamneet Manghera. “I have learned essential research skills, which has helped lay down a strong foundation for me and will aid me in pursuing a PhD.”

“This program offers such a nice, close-knit environment. It reduces that initial feeling of being overwhelmed for international students,” said Datzkiw. “In the program we get to interact with graduate students from all sorts of different paths.” A very different environment creates a very different type of graduate, Trimbee explains.

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