What do beer and purple carrots have in common?

Manitoba beer-brewing enthusiasts have Sandra Gowan of Gordon, MB, to thank for growing some of the first ever local hops. Retired school teacher Lori Regnier, sells organic vegetables to locals and upscale restaurants from her farm in St Francois Xavier, Blue Lagoon Florascape - a model for community-supported agriculture. And they’re both graduates of Extended Education’s Prairie Horticulture Certificate Program. See their stories here: 

http://www.canstarnews.com/page/story/the_headliner/4392

http://www.canstarnews.com/page/story/1/4337

Posted in:  Extended Education

Military Support Office Cited for Services to Reserves

From left, Sgt Cameron Bois, MWO Ian Smith and Dr. Cheryl McLean, Director, Distance and Online Education

Imagine you want to earn a degree but you’ve just been posted to Afghanistan. 

For members of Canada’s Armed Forces, balancing work, family and study takes on an added dimension- when even applying to the university and registering for courses on time seems impossible.  The irregular hours, constant training and travel, common in the military, can test the resolve of even the most motivated adult learner. 

 For Sgt. Cameron Bois of Winnipeg, the Military Support Office (MSO) at the University of Manitoba was indispensable in helping him complete a degree.  The goal of the MSO is to assist Canadian Forces personnel (regular and reserve), retired members, civilian employees of the Department of National Defence, and their families, in pursuing degree study, largely through Distance and Online Education. “I chose the University of Manitoba because of the support they offered to members of the armed forces. MSO staff walked me through the process and I was able to register in time over the phone from Afghanistan. They were one of my best supporters, especially if exams needed to be deferred or assignments handed in late.” 

Many of the skills Bois learned in the military, like time management, helped him in his studies.  Members of the military also contribute to their classes because of their varied experiences.  In an archaeology course, he added an interesting perspective to the class discussion since he had travelled to many of the sites studied.

Like many armed forces members, Bois was looking to his future as well as the present when he chose to do his degree.  He agrees that a more educated force benefits the military directly, especially in filling leadership roles.

Bois says once members of the military realize the MSO is there to help them, many decide to pursue their degree. Master Warrant Officer Ian Smith, another member of the military in Ottawa, recently completed his Bachelor of Arts degree by distance while employed full time in the Canadian Forces. He echoed Bois’s praise of the MSO staff, “They made what at times seemed like a daunting task a lot easier. Whenever any of my colleagues asks about post-secondary education I always suggest the University of Manitoba and the support I received has a lot to do with that.”

Bois was so grateful for the support he received from the MSO that he recently nominated them for a special citation. In spring of 2009 at a ceremony at McGregor Amory, the Canadian Forces Liaison Council presented a Citation to Distance and Online Education’s Military Support Office (MSO) in recognition of academic advisory services provided to members of the Canadian Forces Reserves. Cheryl McLean, Director of Distance and Online Education accepted it on behalf of MSO.

In 2009, the Military Support office marks its 35^th year serving Canadian Forces personnel studying part-time around the world.

Posted in:  Extended Education

Continuing Education Instructors Recognized

The Instructor Service Recognition annually recognizes instructors in Continuing Education for their outstanding service to students and their contribution to program design, development and delivery over eight years or longer. For 2009, the following instructors were presented with a framed parchment at the Extended Education Graduation on June 11, 2009: Teresita Chiarella, Cyril Labman, Merv Pritchard, Darryl Rudge and Pat Travers.  Not in attendance but also acknowledged were:  Linda Burnside, Vic DeWitt, Rosalyn Howard, Nick Iafolla, Terry Imhoff, Ken Kowalski and Timothy Sampson.     

From left, Cyril Labman, Darryl Rudge, Pat Travers, Teresita Chiarella and Merv Pritchard were among the 12 instructors recognized in 2009 for outstanding service to Continuing Education students.

Posted in:  Extended Education

Award Winners Inspired to Continue Learning

From left, Irene Kamchen, Robyn Green and Deborah Hatton, three of Extended Education's academic and scholarship recipients for 2009.

Extended Education presented a number of awards before and during its graduation ceremony on June 11:

CMA Manitoba Award of Excellence (Certified Management Accountants)

Being selected as the recipient of the CMA Award in the Certificate in Financial and Accounting Management gave Robyn Green “a sense of accomplishment for many years of effort”. A budget assistant for the U of M Libraries, Robyn applies the knowledge she gained to help manage the Libraries’ budget. The program also sharpened her time management skills since she had to manage her course work along with job and family (her daughter was her biggest cheerleader!). Robyn learned from her classmates and the instructors, who brought many years of industry experience to the classroom. She has been accepted into the CGA Program advanced level because of this program.  “It was a challenging program but very worthwhile- I’d definitely recommend it.”

IPMA Award for Academic Achievement (International Personnel Management Association)

 Receiving the IPMA Award in the Human Resource Management Program (HRM) confirmed for Christine Hildebrand that she hadn’t lost her academic edge. Employed at the U of M since 2001, Christine is currently Student Services Coordinator for Admissions and Financial Aid in the Faculty of Law. Previously, while the Homestay Coordinator for the English Language Centre, she applied what she learned in her work finding Canadian homes for international students. “The HRM Program was very valuable as a broad overview of Human Resources. The instructors were dynamic, engaging and experts in different areas of HR. I appreciated the flexible study options.” An advocate of lifelong learning, Christine takes a holistic approach to learning. “I often apply what I’ve learned without even realizing it at the time”. 

 ASQ Manitoba Section Award for Academic Achievement (American Society of Quality)

 Is there a better way we can be doing things? is a familiar  mantra for Don Proskin, Quality Advanced Planning Manager at Palliser Furniture. Don has a BSc degree but realized “when my work became more quality-focused, I needed to freshen up my skills in that area”.  Receiving the ASQ award was a pleasant surprise. “Everything I learned in the Quality Management Program was relevant to my work at Palliser and I could apply it immediately.” Taking the program by distance allowed Don to fit his learning into a life already full with work and family responsibilities. “The program helped me be more effective. Now I understand how an organization’s culture and leadership influences the implementation of a quality program.”

IPAC Public Sector Management Award (Institute of Public Administration in Canada)

Employed in the Urban Development Branch of Intergovernmental Affairs, Irene Kamchen manages the Social Economy and Community Development Program of the tripartite Winnipeg Partnership Agreement. She was honoured to be recognized with the IPAC Award, presented to her at a luncheon in May. When Irene began her career with the Province ten years ago, she brought years of rich managerial experience but found managing in the public sector required a new set of skills and knowledge. The Certificate in Public Sector Management gave her the opportunity to explore managerial and public policy issues within the context of government. “It was a very positive experience. Learning in a cohort allowed us to speak frankly about the challenges we face as public servants.” As a bonus, the “incredibly knowledgeable instructors and prominent guest speakers” made her feel like she was on the “cutting-edge of public management”.

The Dr. Ron Kristjanson Memorial Scholarship

Deborah Hatton and Stephanie Ross were this year’s recipients of the Dr. Ronald Kristjanson Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship was established in 1992 to commemorate the life and work of Dr. Ronald Kristjanson, adult educator and professor in Extended Education. Awarded to students in their final year of study, the scholarship is based on grade point average and community service.

Deborah Hatton wants people to realize that there is no statute of limitations on learning and education. Mother of eight and grandmother of two, three of her four children still at home are autistic. The scholarship helped her complete her last Practicum course in the Certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis Program (ABA), which she took concurrently with her honours year of a psychology degree at the U of M.  The ABA Program “gave me a great advantage now that I’m doing my research work in my thesis.”  For Deborah “It’s important to know people with developmental disabilities - it’s not just about the theory.” Deborah’s not done with learning yet- her future plans include a Masters degree and a PhD in ABA.

 After 12 years as a floral designer, Stephanie Ross wanted a career change. Her experience as an inner city volunteer led her to choose the U of M’s Applied Counselling Program (ACC) as the route to her new career goals. Today Stephanie is the Women’s Program Coordinator for Kali-Shiva AIDS Services, which provides client-centred non-medical services specific to HIV positive women. “It was an honour to receive the scholarship”, says Stephanie.  The ACC Program “honed my counseling skills. I became more efficient and professional when working with clients.” From her classmates she gained an invaluable network of contacts for professional advice and client referrals.  “The instructors are always so enthusiastic and encouraging.” Stephanie has even integrated her old career with the new- she is studying to become a registered horticultural therapist.

 Canadian Institute of Management

For the 2008-2009 academic year, 86 students in the Canadian Institute of Management Certificate Program in Management and Administration (CIM), were awarded the CIM designation at a convocation exercise and dinner/dance reception on Saturday, June 13. Extended Education offers the program in cooperation with the Canadian Institute of Management, Winnipeg Branch.

The CIM Winnipeg Branch’s Outstanding Academic Performance Award (Gold, Silver or Bronze) was presented to the top three graduates:

Gold Award Winner:            Mary Bartman

Silver Award Winner:          Carolyn Murray Harris

Bronze Award Winner:       Jennie Hildebrand

Posted in:  Extended Education

Extended Education Graduation 2009

Families Key to Graduates’ Success

Time is precious when work and family responsibilities compete for study time. No one knows that better than the graduates of Extended Education who celebrated their hard work, determination and achievement at their graduation ceremony on June11.  Lori Wallace, Dean of Extended Education, acknowledged the challenge for an adult learner to pursue education, “Much coffee has been consumed, much computer equipment cursed and the slow food movement lost you a few years ago”. Many of this year’s 352 graduates from over 20 programs attended the ceremony which follows the University’s regular convocation where degree students studying through Extended Education marked their graduation.

Guest speaker, Judith Hayes, Director of Employee Services and Organizational Development for Manitoba Lotteries Corporation, knows first-hand how education can help achieve a dream. Her own educational journey was enriched by individuals who inspired her to continue learning and obtain a Masters degree and PhD. She urged graduates to “recognize those people who have contributed to your success”.

The Graduation ceremony was also an opportunity to honour families for their contribution to the success of “their” graduate. As graduands were presented with their certificates, family members, young and old, urged on by Dean Wallace not to “hold back”, applauded enthusiastically or shouted out their support.

After the certificates were presented to the graduates, Ms Karen Holden, Vice-President of the Alumni Association, welcomed them as University of Manitoba alumni.

Dean Wallace reminded those in attendance that this major achievement of the graduates is the culmination of the cooperative efforts and support of not only their families, instructors and classmates, but also employers, community organizations, professional associations and faculties on campus.

Posted in:  Extended Education

Aboriginal Students in Extended Education Honoured With Awards

Twenty-nine Aboriginal students in Extended Education’s Access Programs and Aboriginal Focus Programs were the recipients of the Aboriginal Education Awards and/or the Helen Betty Osborne Award in 2008.

 Aboriginal Education Awards 2008

Every year the Business Council of Manitoba recognizes the potential in Manitoba’s Aboriginal community through their Aboriginal Education Awards Program.  Financial support and employment opportunities are awarded to Aboriginal citizens who are full-time students in post-secondary institutions in Manitoba. The award helps cover the cost of tuition, books and supplies during the academic year. Recipients may be considered for summer and/or part-time employment within companies that are members of the Business Council.

The criteria for selection include personal achievements, academic standing and financial need.  Those who receive the award represent diverse areas of the province and are enrolled in a wide range of programs. Fifty-four students from the University of Manitoba received the award in 2008.

The University of Manitoba’s Access Programs sponsor university studies at the degree level for Manitobans who have traditionally not had the opportunity for such experience because of social, economic, cultural reasons or lack of formal education. Preference is given to persons who are Aboriginal (Status, Non-Status, Métis and Inuit). Sponsorship includes academic and personal support and may include some financial assistance. These programs are funded by Manitoba Education and Training, Advanced Education and Skills Training Division.

Included among the 54 award recipients from the University of Manitoba were the following students from the Access Programs:

Ashley Blais, Faculty of Medicine

Aaron Colon, University I

Jade Delaurier, Agriculture and Food Science

Jennifer Guiboche, Faculty of Law

Edward Keeper, Faculty of Science (Pre-med)

Stephanie Lamirande, University I

Allison McKay, Faculty of Social Work

Tracy Parenteau, Faculty of Social Work

Joseph, Tozer, University I

Betsy-Ann Weenusk, University I

Beverly Wood, University I

Aboriginal Focus Programs in Extended Education provide programs that respond to the post-secondary and professional development needs and concerns of Aboriginal people. These include certificate and diploma programs as well as undergraduate degree programs through cooperative arrangements with Aboriginal stakeholders and faculties of The University of Manitoba. Programs are offered in Winnipeg at the Aboriginal Education Centre in downtown Winnipeg, as in-house training for organizations, or as community-based programs.

Two students from the Health Careers Transition Year Program, offered by the Aboriginal Focus Programs, also received the Aboriginal Education Award:

Julie Galvin

Helen Kay

Helen Betty Osborne Award

The Helen Betty Osborne Memorial Foundation was established in 2000 by an act of the Manitoba Legislature and administers an award named after the late Helen Betty Osborne, a young Aboriginal woman who was murdered in The Pas.  The award commemorates her tragic life and her personal goal of advancing through education; she wanted to become a teacher. On December 2, 2008 at the Delta Winnipeg, the Helen Betty Osborne Memorial Foundation sponsored their annual awards reception and celebrated the launch of a graphic novel: The Life of Helen Betty Osborne.

Among the award recipients were the following students from the Access Program:

Foundation Award:

Mandy Buss, Doctor of Medicine

Jennifer Soldier, Bachelor of Arts

Ashley-Faye Blais, Doctor of Medicine

Tracy Parenteau, Bachelor of Social Work

Cristen Crane, Bachelor of Education

Debbie Fisher, Bachelor of Science

Office of the Federal Interlocutor:

Neepikan Hunt, Bachelor of Nursing

Jerilyn Ducharme, Bachelor of Education

Danielle Bonner, Bachelor of Nursing

Barbara Ednie, Bachelor of Arts

Tracy Sloan, Dental Hygiene

Kaitlen Hogue, Bachelor of Science

Danielle Gamache, Bachelor of Science, Physiotherapy

Shanolyn Maytwashing, Bachelor of Arts

Champion Award, Manitoba Advanced Education and Literacy:

Deborah Myran, Master of Arts

Tanya Vincent, Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology

Manitoba Public Insurance Award:

Amy Pouliot, Bachelor of Science

Diana Marie Dreaver, Bachelor of Nursing

Posted in:  Extended Education

Students Say Summer Session ” A Great Way to Learn”

What student hasn’t daydreamed about completing their degree faster, in a more relaxed atmosphere with smaller classes and more personal attention from professors?   Students who participated in a recent online survey described that as the norm in Summer Session at the U of More . They found that taking courses in summer is “a great way to get your degree done faster”. It also allows students to spread their course load over the year and ease the stress that can develop from a heavy load in the fall and winter terms.

Students reported that taking one or two courses in a compressed format allowed them to focus more easily.  As well, the accelerated learning experience is convenient and saves time. Survey responders noted that the immersive approach made it easier to retain information: “the shorter time span gives you less time to forget key material before the final exam”.  “My grades are always significantly higher in the years that I take summer courses”, observed one student in the survey. Students pointed out that the summer courses were an intense experience because of the shorter time frame and while they had to commit to working at a fast pace, the class was over very quickly. 

For some students, who work full time, taking a class in summer evening means they can still work. As one student replied in the survey, “Night courses are a great way to get ahead while still maintaining employment.”

Summer Session classes are smaller and students appreciate the more relaxed atmosphere of a quieter campus versus the more chaotic fall and winter terms.   Instead of feeling overwhelmed, “You feel more in control of your studies”, remarked one student.  Smaller classes also mean professors are more available to help individual students.

Perhaps one student summed it up best: “It was a great way to learn”.

Posted in:  Extended Education

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Posted in:  Extended Education