Porter talks about lifelong learning, how the U of M is making education more accessible for people of all ages, and why heading back to school later in life can be both empowering and transformative.

She also tells Marjorie how the university’s commitment to age-friendly principles is helping to break down barriers and welcome a growing community of older learners.

To listen to the entire conversation, please follow the link to CBC Manitoba Radio Noon.

The AFU Showcase is open to the university community and the public, where you are invited to connect with units from across the university and learn more about their offerings. Registration is not required to attend the AFU Showcase, which will take place in conjunction with the Centre on Aging’s 42nd Annual Spring Research Symposium, which will be held on the same day and location.

Why attend the AFU Showcase?

The AFU Showcase is a way for both the UM community and public to connect with one another. Using the AFU principles for inspiration, here are 10 reasons why you should join us!

1. To encourage the participation of older adults
   Whether you’re interested in learning opportunities, being a research participant, or engaging in a variety of activities and events, connect with UM staff to find out about opportunities available to you.
2. Personal and career development
   Interested in learning more about where your future career path can take you? Access resources to update your resume or learn about current job and volunteer opportunities and get recognized for your extracurricular activities through the student Experience Record. Connect with staff from Career, Community and Experiential Learning Centre. Those who are current students or have graduated from UM within the last six months can schedule meetings with Career Services and are also able to access online resources and workshops.
3. Range of education needs
   Whether you’re looking to change careers or pursue a graduate degree, staff from the Faculty of Graduate Studies can talk to you about the various graduate programs offered. They can also share information about the Graduate Focus on Aging Concentration.
   Are you in need of support for your learning? Student Accessibility Services can assist students with disabilities to foster future academic success. Connect with them in person to find out how.
4. Intergenerational learning
   There are many opportunities for older adults and younger adults to connect and learn from one another. Whether it’s by auditing a course or attending an arts or cultural event, check out the Events calendar to find out what’s happening on campus.
5. Online educational opportunities
   Whether you’re interested in learning about research through an online webinar or taking a short course, connect with Extended Education staff to learn about their range of learning opportunities both in person and online!
6. Research agenda
   The Centre on Aging has a participant database for those aged 55 years and older who are interested in participating in research studies focused on older adults. Sign up to be contacted about future studies and contribute to aging research.
7. Longevity dividend
   Manitobans are known for their generosity. By 2041, the projected number of those aged 65 to 74 years will be over 140,000 Manitobans, with over 80% of individuals aged 55–74 donating to a charitable organization. Learn how you can make a difference to future generations at the UM by connecting with Planned Giving staff.
8. Health and wellness programs and cultural activities
   No matter which campus you’re on, the Family Resource coordinator (Fort Garry) or Rady Family Centre  (Bannatyne) provide various resources and supports for staff to access on family care topics: child care, older adult care, newcomer supports.
   Visit Recreation Services to learn about their Aging Actively programs and if you haven’t already, take a tour of their facilities during the lunch hour.
9. University’s retired community
   UM staff considering retirement can find out about other considerations they need to know by connecting with the UM Retirement Readiness Peer Network Group or taking the Road to Retirement course on UM Learn.
   For those who will be retiring, speak with a University of Manitoba Retirees Association (UMRA) representative to learn how retirees can stay connected with the UM.
10. Dialogue with organizations representing older adults
    As part of the Centre’s 42nd Annual Spring Research Symposium, you can connect with exhibitors who will be available to talk about programs and services they offer in Manitoba to older adults, their caregivers, families, and friends.

For more information

To learn more about Age-Friendly University Showcase participants and initiatives, visit the AFU Hub.

Last year, the Office of Equity Transformation (OET) introduced the Listening, Learning, Leading series to help us move beyond polarization and build foundations for increased understanding and dialogue. OET is now introducing the Public Classroom Initiative, an extension of that series, designed to foster informed dialogue and deepen understanding of contemporary issues within the UM community. 

Recognizing the wealth of expertise across the university and the growing interest in key topics, the Public Classroom Initiative will provide accessible learning opportunities on a range of critical and timely topics. Held around lunchtime in the Fireside Lounge (first floor, UMSU University Centre), participants will gain insights from UM experts in a concise, 20-minute presentation followed by a 10-minute question and answer period.

Upcoming sessions:

Media Literacy and Critical Thinking

Presenter: Cecil Rosner (Media Literacy Program Instructor, Extended Education)

Thursday, December 12 at 12:30 p.m.

Antisemitism: Histories and Contemporary Manifestations

Presenter: Belle Jerniewski (Jewish Heritage Centre)

Friday, January 10 at 12 p.m.

Islamophobia: Histories and Contemporary Manifestations

Presenter Youcef Soufi (UM Institute for Humanities)

Monday, January 13 at 12 p.m.

Subsequent sessions will include:

• Corporate Responsibility and Supply Chain Justice (presenter: Minelle Silva, I.H. Asper School of Business)
• International Human Rights Law (presenter: Nathan Derejko, Faculty of Law)
• Environmental Racism and Land (presenters: Dan HenHawk, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management and Bruce Erickson, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources)
• The Zimbabwean Experience with Death, Mourning, and Funeral Practices in the Diaspora (presenter: Joy Chadya, Faculty of Arts)

Emily Kalo, a Fellow in Equity, Anti-Oppression, and Social Justice, is working on the project. She says, “It’s a privilege to work alongside Dr. Tina Chen and the OET team on this important initiative to drive positive change through education. Many of us have likely faced difficult interactions with individuals holding narrowly focused views. The Public Classroom sessions aim to provide us with the knowledge and empathy needed to navigate such situations while enriching our own understanding of current issues.”

While the Public Classroom sessions will be in-person only, OET is also working on an audio project which will give listeners the opportunity to dive deeper into these contemporary issues alongside each guest speaker. These recordings will be launched in the Winter Term.

Tina Chen, Vice-Provost (Equity), says, “By placing learning in public spaces and in short presentations, I hope the Public Classroom Initiative will remove barriers for learning with each other as members of the UM community. I am looking forward to seeing staff, students, and faculty from a range of units, lived identities, and positions attending. I believe that learning together, embracing complexity and broadening our understanding across challenging topics is the foundation for dialogue that can take us beyond polarization.”

The micro-certificate consists of three courses: EDIA 0102: Expansions, EDIA 0104: Actions, and EDIA 0106: Reflections. Rooted in competency-based education, the courses focus on critical reflection of the learner’s knowledge, skills and lived experience and building capacity for participation in transformative practices, processes, and policies to advance EDIA at UM and beyond. Importantly, the EDIA micro-certificate is offered at no cost to the learner.

A commitment to our community

The micro-certificate is part of a broader strategic response to the recommendations of the President’s Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and other reports calling for enhanced education and training for staff, faculty, and students in EDIA.

Developed through extensive consultation with a wide range of groups and individuals holding diverse social identities, roles, areas of expertise, and lived experiences, the program complements other education and training initiatives related to anti-oppression, social justice, Truth and Reconciliation, decolonization, and Indigenization.

“This program is unique in Canada, emphasizing the development of individual competencies that will transform how our community learns and takes action together,” says Tina Chen, Vice-Provost (Equity). “The EDIA micro-certificate marks a significant milestone, demonstrating the university’s commitment to investing in our community to ensure actions are based in on-going learning as we strive to make real progress towards addressing inequities, narrowing gaps resulting from ableism, racisms, sexism, homo and trans-phobia, and other systemic oppressions, and working for meaningful diversity and a vibrant community. It also demonstrates the tremendous enthusiasm for this continued work from across the University of Manitoba.”

Celebrating progress

That enthusiasm was evident at the July 4 launch event celebrating this critical movement toward building individual and collective transformation at UM. Hosted by the Office of Equity Transformation and the Division of Extended Education, the event featured remarks from collaborating partners within UM as well as the Honourable Renée Cable, Manitoba Minister of Advanced Education and Training. Attendees also heard from two participants of the first cohort of the EDIA: Foundations course, who shared stories of personal and professional growth from the experience.

“We are witnessing the beginning of a transformation,” says Ute Kothe, Dean of the Division of Extended Education. “Learners are asked to develop and implement projects that improve equity and accessibility at UM. In the next years, we will celebrate transformative change creating vibrant and inclusive communities across our campuses, resulting from actions taken by the thoughtful and passionate learners from this program.”

How to apply

To register for the EDIA Micro-certificate program, applicants must complete the pre-requisite course, EDIA 0100: Foundations. Applications for the next EDIA: Foundations opens to UM staff, faculty and students on July 22 to August 8.

Learn more about the EDIA Micro-certificate.

The Faculty Recognition Reception honoured recipients of Teaching and Community Engagement Awards, Merit Awards and those granted Tenure. Hosted by the Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), the event marked an occasion to celebrate the achievements of some of UM’s dedicated faculty members.

Congratulations to all the honorees:

Dr. and Mrs. H. H. Saunderson Award for Excellence in Teaching (2023)

• Bruno Dyck (I.H. Asper School of Business)

University of Manitoba Graduate Students’ Association (UMGSA) Teaching Award (2023)

• Youngjin Cha (Price Faculty of Engineering)

Dr. and Mrs. Ralph Campbell Outreach Award 

• 2022 – Hee Jung Serenity Joo (Faculty of Arts)
• 2023 – Randy Herrmann (Price Faculty of Engineering)

Annual Community Engagement Award (2024)

• Polina Anang (Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Science)
• Julien Arino (Faculty of Science)
• Jacquie Dawson (Desautels Faculty of Music)
• Adam Muller (Faculty of Graduate Studies)
• Janine Newton Montgomery (Faculty of Arts)
• Brandi Smith (Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management)
• Katinka Stecina (Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Science)
• Mario Tenuta (Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences)
• Shirley Thompson (Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth and Resources)
• Heather Watson (Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Science)
• Andrew Woolford (Faculty of Arts)
• Carla Zelmer (Faculty of Science)

Community Engagement Fund Award (2023)

• Shawna Ferris (Faculty of Arts)
• Zana Lutfiyya (Arthur V. Mauro Institute for Peace & Justice, St. Paul’s College)
• Emily McKinnon (Access & Aboriginal Focus Program, Extended Education)
• Victoria Sparks (Desautels Faculty of Music)

Merit Award (2022)

Each year, Merit Awards are awarded to faculty members for their outstanding achievements in teaching, research, scholarly work and creative activities, and service in three different categories. View the 2022 recipient list here.

Tenure (2024)

• Kjell Anderson (Faculty of Law)
• Devi Atukorallaya (Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, Rady Faculty of Health Science)
• Yik Au (I. H. Asper School of Business) 
• Nandika Bandara (Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences)
• Denice Bay (Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Science)
• Lori Blondeau (School of Art)
• Cara Brown (College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Science)
• Leo Butler (Faculty of Science)
• Amine Choukou (College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Science)
• Susan Cooper (Faculty of Science)
• Andrew Deruchie (Desautels Faculty of Music)
• Philip Ferguson (Price Faculty of Engineering)
• Julia Gamble (Faculty of Arts)
• Aleeza Gerstein (Faculty of Science)
• Jason Gibbs (Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences)
• Colin Gilmore (Price Faculty of Engineering)
• Jesse Hajer (Faculty of Arts)
• Sarah Hannan (Faculty of Arts)
• Cameron Hauseman (Faculty of Education)
• Mohammad Khan (Faculty of Social Work)
• Bradley Klus (Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, Rady Faculty of Health Science)
• Christian Kuss (Faculty of Science)
• RJ Leland (Faculty of Arts)
• Xihui (Larry) Liang (Price Faculty of Engineering)
• Robert Martin (Faculty of Science)
• Neil Minuk (Faculty of Architecture)
• Hee Mok Park (I. H. Asper School of Business)
• Jeremy Patzer (Faculty of Arts)
• Leslie Roos (Faculty of Arts)
• Soodeh Saberian (Faculty of Arts)
• Ben Schellenberg (Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management)
• Jillian Seniuk Cicek (Price Faculty of Engineering)
• Tanveer Sharif (Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Science)
• Olivia Wilkins (Faculty of Science)

The year associated with each award differs due to the timeframe of program. Learn more about the awards on the Faculty Awards webpage.

“On behalf of all the researchers and chemists at UM, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Kothe for this greatly deserved recognition,” said Dr. Mario Pinto, Vice-President (Research & International). “Through her exemplary leadership, she has helped to create a more inclusive environment for RNA researchers around the globe.”

Dr. Kothe is the current Head of the Department of Chemistry and the incoming Dean of Extended Education.

In 2016, she collaborated with Kristian Baker, Associate Professor of Genetics and Genome Sciences at Case Western Reserve University, to create and build the RNA Salon program. The RNA Salon program brings together local RNA communities around the world by providing financial support for seminars and science-based activities. The program is intended to increase engagement and interaction between RNA scientists while supporting training and professional development amongst RNA researchers and junior trainees.

Through Dr. Kothe’s steady guidance, the RNA Salon program has expanded its reach to over 50 sites across every continent. A passionate advocate of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), she pushed for the inclusion of historically underserved geographic locations and encouraged local RNA community members to adopt a more inclusive mindset, adding requirements for DEI activities in RNA Salon applications.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Kothe promoted virtual RNA Salon seminars, which assisted in maintaining a sense of community and inclusion amongst global research communities during a time of isolation.

An integral leader in the Canadian RNA community, Dr. Kothe has been responsible for organizing national RNA conferences and developing RNA-focused training programs. As a founding member of the newly formed RNA Canada ARN, Dr. Kothe remains a fervent advocate for DEI initiatives as a member of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity Committee.

As a professor and head of the UM Department of Chemistry, Dr. Kothe’s leadership has helped establish her lab as a world leader in identifying the molecular and structural features that allow different types of RNAs to fulfill diverse functions.

Over her decorated career, she has received recognition for her numerous scientific contributions in the form of an election into the College of the Royal Society in Canada, a RiboClub Blue Jacket award, and was awarded the Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences (CSMB) Jeanne Manery Fisher Memorial Lecture.

Dr. Kothe is currently serving as the Department Head of the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science, since 2021. She completed a diploma and Ph.D. in biochemistry in Germany before becoming a faculty member at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta in 2006.

“I look forward to working with the Division of Extended Education in promoting life-long learning across multiple dimensions,” says Kothe. “This exciting opportunity aligns closely with my passion for teamwork, innovative teaching and community engagement.”

An accomplished researcher, Ute Kothe has secured over $10M in research funding and has published more than 30 articles and book chapters. Her research regarding the role of RNAs and proteins in gene expression have earned her many awards, including election to the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists of the Royal Society of Canada. Additionally, Kothe held the Alberta Innovates Research Chair in Transcriptomics of RNA Modification (from 2015-2020) and co-founded the Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute (ARRTI).

Throughout her career, Ute Kothe has demonstrated a strong commitment to teaching, learning and professional development. At the University of Lethbridge, she became a trained facilitator for the Instructional Skills Workshop (an intensive 4-day professional development program for faculty), received the Distinguished Teaching Award in 2014, and was named Teaching Chair in 2020. A firm believer in the importance of community engagement, she has led many science outreach activities, in particular founding the local chapter of Let’s Talk Science in 2010 and leading its supervision for 10 years.

A strong proponent for advancing equity, diversity and inclusion efforts in science, Kothe served on the diversity, equity and inclusion committee of the international RNA Society and RNA Canada ARN, and in 2023 the Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences awarded her the Jeanne Manery Fisher Memorial Lecture for promoting inclusion in science.

“I am confident that Dr. Kothe’s demonstrated effective leadership skills, collaborative approach and commitment to continuing education will serve the Division of Extended Education well into the future,” says Diane Hiebert-Murphy, Provost and Vice-President (Academic).

Dr. Mark Torchia, Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning) will serve as Acting Dean of the Division of Extended Education from January 1, 2024 to February 28, 2024.

UM welcomes Dr. Kothe to this new leadership role.

UM’s Extended Education Media Literacy program, made up of three different courses, can show people how to employ investigative journalism techniques to find and filter information. It will be taught by Cecil Rosner, renowned investigative journalist, former news veteran with CBC News and chess columnist for the Globe and Mail.

“We’re bombarded every day with deceptive messages and downright misinformation, but there are ways to cut through the noise and get closer to the truth. I’m excited to be able to offer some techniques investigative journalists use to help people navigate the media and find important facts,” says Rosner.

Participants will learn to scour a wide range of sources for a variety of uses and reasons including learning how to identify and locate public records, filing Access to Information requests, and skills to objectively assess the truth and credibility of media reports while spotting fake news.

“We are truly excited to be able to launch a program that draws on the experience of one of Canada’s most awarded and respected investigative journalists,” says Rod Lastra, acting dean, Extended Education at UM. “In an era of unprecedented proliferation and commodification of data and information, a program like this is urgently needed to empower people to research and validate facts to improve their information literacy. Cecil has developed a truly relevant program aimed at providing basic investigative skills and tools to sift the real from the fake.”

Participants will receive a Letter of Accomplishment (LOA) upon completion. Registration for the program is now open, with classes beginning May 8th.

You can find more details on courses at: umextended.ca/media-literacy.

UM Extended Education provides both non-degree (non-credit) continuing education and pathways to degree studies. It is a premier provider of online professional development programs in Canada with programs and courses that draw upon the expertise of the university, industry, and community.

For more information: Randy Holyk, Manager, Marketing & Communications
Extended Education, University of Manitoba, 204-793-9459
or email: Randy.Holyk@umanitoba.ca

What excites you about working at the UM?  

To say the University of Manitoba is my alma mater would be an understatement. Over the past 25 years I have had the opportunity of working at different universities across Canada but have always perceived UM as home. This may sound trite, but the truth is this sentiment is grounded in one simple fact – the UM truly had a transformative impact on the trajectory of my family’s life. My parents and I arrived in Canada (from Argentina – I was born in Chile) in the mid-1970s as political refugees with little more than the clothes on our back and United Nations papers in hand – we left our land, language, and our sense of identity behind to start anew. Ten years into our story in Canada, an opportunity presented itself to my parents – return to university and fulfil their unfulfilled aspiration of completing a post-secondary degree. They were admitted to a UM Access program as adult “non-traditional” learners eventually both attaining degrees in Social Work (5 years apart).  I learned early on that universities were more than the sum of their parts, more than a place of research and teaching. Reflecting on it now, the flexible academic programs and supports provided to adult learners such as my parents were forward thinking even by today’s standards. They embraced the principles of inclusivity, social innovation, and lifelong learning before these were well defined 21^st century goals. So why I am excited? As I am about to embark on my next journey with Extended Education, I can’t help but feel a sense of coming full circle. I look forward to the great work we as a Division are about to commence upon, and I am hopeful that our future efforts will one day positively impact the lives of future generations.

What’s one piece of advice you have for students? 

This is tough as there are many. The rapid shift towards a digital global economy and all the prognostications of change, and uncertainty that lie ahead will require current and future generations to have much greater agency over their learning. A lot has been written about the “future of work”, “future skills”, and the need to continually acquire new skills or refine existing ones. Be informed of what the future holds, if uncertainty and disruption is to become the norm then utilize not only what you learned but how you learned it as a means to build resilience. Sir David Willetts, former UK minister of Universities and Science, once stated that the true mission of universities is to develop independent learners – in other words, continuous self-development and self-improvement is the key. If that is true then embracing the principles of lifelong learning will be critical – learning is a not a terminal process but a lifelong commitment. It is also not a commodity but rather a right that leads to both personal growth, civic engagement and societal benefit.

What do you do in your role?

I have been in the Division of Extended Education for almost 10 years and have served as Associate Dean since January 2017. In my current role as Acting Dean I will be overseeing a transformative period in the Division’s history (established in 1949). We have been working with a number of national and international post-secondary continuing education organizations as well as government agencies to ensure our strategic direction is aligned with regional and global trends. This includes developing a robust strategic plan to develop authentic short cycle learning in the form of micro-credentials and related digital university credentials. The next few years will be exciting as we work with the university to not only build a Division with a strong national continuing education identity but also help enable a broader lifelong learning strategy within the University of Manitoba. I look forward to working with many of my colleagues from other UM faculties, schools, colleges, and units in the coming months and years on a number of diverse programs that extend the possibilities of existing ideas – from the ethical use of artificial intelligence, principles of environmental sustainability, inclusion of indigenous worldviews, to social justice and civic engagement programming. In summary, I am privileged to serve the Division and the University in this capacity.

How would you describe the Division of Extended Education?  

As a university continuing and extension unit, the Division’s mandate is to develop and deliver upskilling, reskilling, and social innovation courses and programs. The aim is simple – to build on existing professional experience and university education of learners to try and close the skills gap in our province. We currently serve and support a diversity of “non-traditional” learners; approximately 2,500 students enrolled in part-time or full-time intensive continuing education programs. Currently the Division also offers a range of professional higher education programs (i.e., Centre for Higher Education Research and Development, CHERD) as well as pathways/supports for university students (e.g., General Studies and the Access Programs).

Where is your Happy Place and why?  

I have a fondness for the outdoors. This was one of the main drivers in me seeking a Master’s and Ph.D., studying forest ecosystems – from old growth interior Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var glauca (Mayr) Franco) forest stands to the fascinating clonal biology of aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.). During this period, I was lucky to work for Parks Canada as a researcher and call “home” many places others would consider outdoor destinations. One location comes to mind – Cory Pass loop trail which is a stunning 15 km difficult hike located a few kilometers north-west of Banff Town site. The trail starts off in an open aspen – Douglas-fir mixed stand before ascending nearly 1,000 meters to a subalpine lookout scattered with the threatened Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm) … well over 500 years old! I had two study plots near this trail. Ideal time is early September where the distinctive smell of conifer tannin, pine resin and a multicolored deciduous aspen canopy is truly a soul recharging experience – at least for me.

Dr. Rod Lastra

Acting Dean, Division of Extended Education

UM’s Board of Governors approved the appointment of Dr. Rod Lastra as Acting Dean of the Division of Extended Education from February 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. Dr. Lastra has served as Extended Education’s Associate Dean (Academic) since 2017, and Chair of Extended Education’s program review committee. He is currently also serving as acting associate area director of the Access program.

Dr. Lastra is committed to ensuring that Extended Education successfully engages with industry, professional organizations and community partners. Dr. Lastra’s scholarly interests are in the area of micro-credentials, life-long learning, micro-learning and assessing academic barriers of post-secondary attainment for under-represented non-traditional learners. He is an active member of the Canadian Association of Continuing Education, the Pan-Canadian Micro-Credential working group, and a number of international university continuing education associations.

UM is pleased the Dr. Lastra has agreed to serve in this role.  

Dr. Kelley Main

Acting Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies 

UM’s Board of Governors Executive also approved the extension of the appointment of Dr. Kelley Main as Acting Dean for the Faculty of Graduate Studies from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. She first took the appointment on January 1, 2021. Dr. Main will continue her appointment as tenured Professor in the Department of Marketing, Asper School of Business.

Dr. Kelley Main is a highly accomplished administrator, professor, and researcher. Dr. Main previously served as associate dean, social sciences and humanities, in the Faculty of Graduate Studies since 2019. Dr. Main is an engaged and effective leader. She frequently contributes to and oversees multiple committees and workshops that enhance the UM graduate student experience and the university as a whole.  

UM is delighted that Dr. Main will remain in this role.