“Don’t hesitate to start a conversation. We are here to talk with you, to consult well before you have to make any commitments,” says Ute Kothe, Dean, University of Manitoba (UM) Extended Education. “Our aim is to provide the education Manitobans need.”

Meeting challenges

In these rapidly changing times, businesses are having to adapt to become more efficient and explore new markets in both Canada and internationally. It’s not always easy to hire the perfect match for a job, but experts and leaders can be trained in-house.

“The cost of losing employees and having to rehire is significant. Professional development can make a big difference. That’s where we can help,” says Kothe. “We provide tailored professional development to enhance job skills and upskill workers. This is something we are deeply committed to.”

The university not only serves students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees but also supports alumni and businesspeople through lifelong learning. To this end, UM Extended Education provides flexible, online professional development options that fit into a busy schedule.

As part of the University of Manitoba, the largest research university in the province, Extended Education is in a unique position to provide tailored training opportunities.

“We have the connections to experts like our instructors, as well as the UM network of experts with a broad range of expertise.”

It all begins with a conversation with a member of Extended Education’s Business Development and Innovation Team to discuss your organization and its needs including determining the specific skill sets you want to provide or enhance in your team.

Building skills

“It’s not just about knowledge. There is a lot of knowledge easily available online now. It is about building skills,” says Kothe.

From one-time training to recognizing an organization’s own training as prior learning that can be credited towards a UM certificate or micro-certificate, UM Extended Education delivers tailored training to its partners to strengthen businesses and provide employees with the opportunity to add a university credential to their resume and LinkedIn profile.

Learning and growing

Extended Education graduate, Derek Scott started off as a power cableman for Manitoba Hydro, and now he is training people to be systems operators who make sure the lights stay on. The Certificate in Program Development for Adult Learners was a requirement for the position he holds.

But Scott has not stopped there. He is now working on his next credential, a Certificate in Applied Management.

“The most important thing is that learning never ends. That you can continue on your journey of learning. And no matter what your age or your life or what’s going on, you can do it and you can still advance and you know you are not stuck where you are. You can always grow,” he says.

Working in partnership

As an example, organizations have partnered with UM Extended Education to offer their own customized version of the Certificate in Applied Management.

Kothe says, “We determine a subset of elective courses that are relevant to the organization. Thereby we are together enabling their employees to enhance their impact for the organization and their CV for years to come.”

Another impactful example is the Micro-Certificate in Artificial Intelligence: Machine Learning Solutions which can be customized for interested organizations. It is not just about understanding this important technology, she says. “Adding a blend of change management and leadership and management components can make all the difference.”

While UM Extended Education is always interested in forming new partnerships, the goal is to create lasting relationships. Accordingly, UM Extended Education has long-term partnerships with CPHR Manitoba, the Manitoba government, and Manitoba Municipal Administrators, providing certificates that lead to career enhancement and advancement.

Supporting people

UM Extended Education is committed to fostering welcoming workplaces that attract a wide range of talents. Organizations can strengthen their work culture with a credential in Change Management and with a new course called Understanding Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility in Practice. It is already recognized as professional development for several organizations.

While one or two people from an organization can take a program, when a larger number of employees form a cohort, there are even greater results, says Kothe. “They create a network. They can better collaborate with each other as they speak a common language due to their common educational experience.”

Providing customized professional development increases employee satisfaction and commitment to an organization.

“You depend on your people to do the work. Support them with professional development. We can work together to address your unique needs and discover where you can really shine,” says Kothe.

“We want to partner with you.”

To learn more about partnering with UM Extended Education, email bdi@umanitoba.ca

As seen in the Winnipeg Free Press

“It’s important that everyone does the work and that they feel that their contributions matter,” says Robin Attas, EDIA Specialist, University of Manitoba (UM) Extended Education in a recent webinar, Changing behaviours, changing hearts and minds: Intentional EDIA strategies in turbulent times.

The decision to work towards change may be inspired by a reaction to a negative event, a desire to be proactive for the future, or the need to meet an external requirement like a new law, she says. The urgency of the situation might require prompt action, or it may take more time.

“There are complexities. We need to give space for people to decide for themselves, and to focus on solving problems together rather than prescribing solutions. Leaders need to manage expectations and have a lot of delicate conversations around how to make changes happen.”

And change does not happen overnight, she says. “It takes more than one training session, constant reminders, changing processes and practices, and ongoing education.” So, it is important to get started.

Invite people into the conversation, Attas says. “No one is a terrible person. Actions can be terrible. But people are human and we need to value that humanity.”

Changing action, changing beliefs and values

Like the webinar title says, there are two ways to approach EDIA. Changing behaviours is about action. The goal is to change the way people act with each other in specific situations. Changing hearts and minds is about beliefs and values. The goal is much bigger, to change how people think and feel about things.

“Both are really necessary,” says Attas.

Changing behaviours

For example, changing behaviours to improve accessibility might involve removing barriers, making accommodations and making proactive choices. For anti-racism, it might involve countering bias, educating others, and apologizing for hurts. For gender inclusivity, it might involve adapting an all-inclusive, gender neutral “they”, or embracing individual pronoun use.

Changing hearts and minds

“Changing heart and minds is about deeper change,” says Attas.

Changing hearts and minds involves determining what’s important and what matters, looking at values, beliefs and morals, culture change, strategic planning, mission-vision-value statements and sharing similar motivations due to reactive, proactive and external factors.

To improve accessibility, that might mean valuing and prioritizing accessibility. and addressing attitudinal barriers. For anti-racism, it requires understanding what systemic racism involves and more open discussions. For gender inclusivity, perhaps it is embracing the idea that using someone’s correct pronouns should not be a big deal, and that valuing and respecting others for who they are is important.

The course

UM Extended Education’s course, Understanding Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility in Practice, includes both through a long-term educational experience. Attas developed the course with the team at Extended Education. It’s a great way for participants to start where they are, better understand, and prepare to contribute to an improved work environment.

“In the course, you learn from the material, the instructor, and each other. Learners will better understand core concepts and be better able to take action to remove barriers.”

“Education can be a pathway to common understandings,” says Attas. Lifelong learning in equity diversity, inclusion and accessibility should value prior knowledge and experience, provide learners with the time to integrate their learning, assume diversity and teach to everyone, provide open discussions that are safe and accountable to respect everyone, and be intentional to work towards your goal.

UM Extended Education’s Understanding Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility in Practice 18-hour course is much deeper than a short workshop. It was designed to inform and inspire change and is recognized as professional development by several organizations.

Learn more about the course and register now

The graduate of University of Manitoba Extended Education’s Micro-certificate in Artificial Intelligence: Machine Learning Solutions discovered the program by googling AI and Machine Learning programs near him. It was the first one he found.

“So I said, why not? I wanted a program from a good school and UM has a good brand. I wanted my employer to sponsor my learning. And they paid for it,” says the UM alum who also holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree.

Artificial Intelligence: Machine Learning Solutions is a micro-certificate for every professional looking to understand the possibilities of AI and Machine Learning and what they can do for their business or organization, no coding required. It’s one of several Extended Education program and course options designed to improve your professional process and technology management to move forward in your career.

As Arooj Ahmed Quereshi, instructor and content provider for one of the program’s three courses, says, “This new technology, AI, is here and I think everybody should be aware of it so they can make good use of it.”

Solving business challenges

That’s just what Sheth plans to do.

As a business systems analyst at New Flyer, he is applying what he learned. Sheth will now work on various AI projects, automating the routine and tedious tasks so staff can focus more on speaking with customers. The process will become optimized, better.

“I was amazed by the knowledge I gained. Now I can link AI to a business application to get rid of a business problem. It is a very good way to impress the boss.”

Jessica Charney is also applying knowledge she gained from this program in her work as a learning and development specialist with Birchwood Automotive Group.

“I am now able to do a deeper dive into the research side to make sure that the AI that we are using is ethical,” Charney says. “For me, personally, I feel that AI is a way to advance the human experience, and how we interact with each other. I think it’s just enhancing how humans go about their day-to-day lives.”

Don’t be afraid

When many people think of Artificial Intelligence, they think of that scary robot assassin in the Terminator movie. But don’t be afraid, says Briana Brownell, instructor and content provider for the program. AI is good for every industry and savvy professionals must be aware of the technologies and how they can determine effective solutions to their most important business challenges like retaining customers, making better products, reducing risk, marketing effectively, innovating and leading in their marketplace.

“This mission is critical for most industries now. There is a push to have technology infrastructure, the ability to collect and analyze data quickly, and to create solutions,” says the founder and CEO of Pure Strategy Inc. noting examples of AI and Machine Learning in action are all around us providing us with relevant data from Netflix recommendations to Facebook news, and even auto-correcting us on our phones.

Artificial Intelligence is the backbone of all advances in technology, says Cuneyt Akcora, program consultant from the Faculty of Science. Over time, any intelligent developments in computer science are AI-related. If you want to use them, you need to know the basics.

A new kind of literacy

“I see it as an important new kind of literacy. If you don’t understand AI and Machine Learning, others have an advantage over you. You don’t need to program but you need to understand,” says the professor of computer science and statistics.

For example, if you work in human resources, algorithms on job search websites narrow down applications for specific jobs. You need to know how they are figuring this out.

“Understanding AI will help you and your company in most of the jobs today,” says Akcora.

“I very much like the practical aspects of this program. It is not coding, and not using data searches. Coding is often automated these days. It is about understanding the decisions made by AI, understanding the main direction, where to focus, the tools needed to know.”

UMextended.ca/programs

As seen in the Winnipeg Free Press

The Experiential Learning Institute: Assessment in Experiential Learning

Date and time: Tuesdays, October 1, October 8 and October 15, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

The Experiential Learning Institute offers faculty and instructors an opportunity to engage deeply with a topic over the course of three weekly sessions. The focus of the Fall 2024 institute is assessment in experiential learning.

Participants must attend all three sessions to receive a certificate of completion. If you are not able to attend all the sessions you may register for individual sessions, but you will not receive a certificate of completion for The Experiential Learning Institute.

Sessions:

• Oct 1, 2024: Assessing Experiential Learning (led by Gera Villagran Becerra)
  What are effective ways of assessing experiential learning? How does assessment fit in the experiential learning cycle? In this workshop, we’ll explore best practices for assessing experiential learning. Participants will be challenged to take an experiential approach to assessment and reflect on the challenges it involves.
• Oct. 8, 2024: Beyond Reflection Papers: Innovative Strategies for Assessing Experiential Learning (led by Meaghan Ewharekuko)
  Have you heard about multi-stage assignments, two-stage exams and gamification as strategies to assess experiential learning? In this workshop we will explore novel methods and effective strategies for assessing different types of experiential learning within the classroom and beyond.
• Oct. 15, 2024: Assessing 21st Century Competencies (led by Janine Carmichael)
  How do you assess 21st century competencies like empathy, active listening, conflict resolution and innovation in experiential learning? In this workshop, we’ll explore strategies to assess these competencies and mitigate potential challenges. We’ll also learn how to use tools like the newly created UM Competencies Framework.

Register

Small Shifts, Significant Gains: Transformative Teaching Strategies Series (Session Two, Three, and Four)

Date and time: Thursday, October 3, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, Thursday, October 10, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, and Monday, October 21, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Looking for ways to revitalize your teaching but don’t have time for a big redesign? In Small Teaching James Lang argues that small changes in classroom techniques and activities can have big impacts on student learning. Drop in to any or all of these brown bag lunchtime chats to hear creative strategies from your faculty colleagues across the university.  Bring your questions and your lunch.  Leave with ideas you can implement right away in your courses!

Session Two, Lightning Presentations:

• Xiaopeng Gao (Department of Soil Science) presents: Enhancing Education Through Hands-on Learning and Real-world Connections
• Brandon Trask (Faculty of Law) presents: Building in Relevance: Integrating Aspects of Clinical and Applied Learning in Different Course Types 

Register for session two

Session Three, Lightning Presentations:

• Jillian Seniuk Cicek and Jeff W. Paul (both from the Price Faculty of Engineering) present: Your Students’ Brains on PowerPoint: How to Leverage Cognitive Science to Use PowerPoint to Teach Instead of Present
• David Watt (Department of English, Theatre, Film & Media) presents: Developing Relationships through Assignments and Feedback

Register for session three

Session Four, Lightning Presentations:

• Julie Pfeffer (Department of Restorative Dentistry) presents: Self-Directed Student Assessment – How to Maximize the Output/Input Ratio for Your Learners (and for Yourself!)
• More to come

Register for session four

Decolonizing Classrooms: Barriers to Decolonizing, Part 2

Date and time: Thursday, October 10, 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM

The Decolonizing Classroom series aims to give participants the context and tools necessary to meaningfully engage with decolonizing processes as they relate to education. “Unpacking and Overcoming Barriers to Engagement and Decolonizing Processes” explores the barriers that exist for teachers and students, which prevent them from enacting decolonizing processes in educational contexts. Part two of this workshop series discusses the barriers that prevent teachers from engaging fully in decolonizing classrooms and creates a space for the discussion of strategies for overcoming these barriers.

Register

Open Educational Resources – What, How, Why (Part 2) 

Date and time: Thursday, October 17, 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM

The term open educational resources (OER) describes a wide range of materials in teaching and learning that are available for public use with an open license or in the public domain. Examples of OER include full courses, course modules, syllabi, textbooks, lectures, assessments, and datasets. In this workshop, participants will learn why OER are valuable, how to locate them, how to evaluate them using a rubric, and how to adapt and create them. The workshop does not assume prior experience with these topics.

Register

Cultivating Minds, Nurturing Hearts: Fostering Well-Being, Integrity, and Inclusion in Teaching and Learning

Date and time: Tuesday, October 29, 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM

The University of Manitoba (UM) identified well-being as one of five core values in its 2024 -2029 strategic plan to “advance the personal and professional growth and academic success of our community members. Grounded in respect and compassion for each other and our community, we cultivate a supportive environment that embraces the values of mino-pimatisiwin (good life) and mino-ayawin (good health) (University of Manitoba, 2024, p. 4).

This raises important questions for educators: How do we approach teaching with care, compassion, and kindness? How do these pedagogies of care, compassion, and kindness align with other priorities in higher education (e.g., academic integrity, accessibility)?

In this interactive workshop, we will take a holistic approach to understanding pedagogies of well-being and how these pedagogies can be implemented to better support our students’ mental well-being without compromising academic standards. 

Register

Experiential Learning Community of Practice Monthly Meeting – Partnerships 101

Date and time: Wednesday, October 30, 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM

The Experiential Learning Community of Practice brings together faculty and instructors involved in the development and facilitation of experiential learning (EL) across UM.

The EL Community of Practice meets once a month to build relationships and explore topics related to teaching in experiential learning. Each monthly meeting includes opportunities to meet other faculty and instructors, explore best practices and innovations in EL, and participate in group discussions.  

At this session, we’ll chat about challenges and best practices for finding industry and community partners for EL. Join us to share your own experience in this area, hear perspectives from colleagues in other faculties and programs, and learn about successful strategies for engaging community and industry partners in your courses. 

Register

“It’s an opportunity to grow and to expand your horizons,” says Ute Kothe, Dean, University of Manitoba (UM) Extended Education. “It’s in our hands to choose what is best for us, to seek out what we find interesting and fulfilling. We can be proactive and make choices, taking ownership of our lives and careers, choosing what we would like to learn and where we would like to go, so we can live as well as possible.”

While lifelong learning can come to us through formal education at school and in post-secondary studies, it is also much more than that, Kothe says. “It is an attitude, an open mind. Be observant. Try new things. Learn from others, whether your learning is purposeful or by accident.”

Working professionals often rely on their earlier education, but as you move through your career, the world changes. Continuing your lifelong learning with professional development is a great way to stay current and get ahead.

“Through professional development, you will have the tools to ensure you are ready to advance in your career, and you will continue to enjoy your job, preventing it from getting stale and routine. Lifelong learning will also help to make you uniquely qualified for opportunities.”

Discover new opportunities

Kothe was not always so enthusiastic about lifelong learning. She remembers when she was first asked to take a four-day workshop. “I didn’t think I needed to do it. I didn’t see the benefits. But it was a life-changing experience. I learned new skills. I networked. It enabled me to see other opportunities. It opened more doors, to help bring me to the next level.”

She has also seen similar unexpected results in her colleagues. For example, she recommended a leadership program to one, and they became fascinated with one aspect of it, continued to pursue it with passion, and helped many other colleagues.

 “Try it out. See what comes next.”

Today, there are so many opportunities to learn. “How lucky we are that there are so many free learning opportunities out there. It’s not about choosing one opportunity over another. Use the free opportunities to spark your interest and then continue your education in a more formal manner to reach a new level of depth and understanding.”

UM Extended Education allows learners to extend their education and bring it to the next level by pursuing professional lifelong learning opportunities. “Traditional post-secondary education pays off, but it is a big commitment. Our lifelong learning opportunities are more flexible and tailored to the needs of the learner. You can take a single course or complete a short program or certificate with very flexible scheduling.”

The University of Manitoba had one of the first continuing education units in Canada. “Your learning is an investment of time and money. With us, you know you are engaging with an experienced institution. Our courses and programs are meant to help you advance in your life and career.”

Kothe highlights some examples of Extended Education’s latest programs.

Extended Education Programs

Building Information Modeling (BIM) Management goes beyond using software to the management of complex processes that is becoming very important in Canada for professionals in architecture, engineering, construction, as well as building owners and operators.

Artificial Intelligence: Machine Learning Solutions takes a big-picture approach on how to use and monitor AI and stay ahead of the game. It gives professionals an edge.

Media Literacy, Critical Thinking and Investigative Journalism shares how to understand and assess information, to inform choices, and acquire tools to advance our workplaces and to navigate our complex world.

Facilitating Older Adult Learning is a micro-certificate that reminds us that lifelong learning never stops. “Why should it? It’s for life, to have the skills to shape your world. We can help you to get better at facilitating lifelong learning for older adults.”

In a world where knowledge continues to accelerate, it is no longer our limiting factor.

“The world keeps changing. We must keep learning and develop the skills to navigate it.”

Learn more about Extended Education programs and courses

As seen in the Winnipeg Free Press

UM students, staff, and faculty who have completed the prerequisite course, EDIA: Foundations, will soon be able to apply to the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) micro-certificate program and register for its three courses. The first two courses will be offered in Fall 2024.

“There isn’t another program like this in Canada, with this scope, and offered at no cost to the learner,” says Robin Attas, an EDIA-focused educational developer seconded from the Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning to develop and facilitate the first offering.

The prerequisite course – Foundations

The first offering of the prerequisite course wraps up in June. “It has been amazing,” says Attas. “It was exciting watching people interact with each other across roles. Staff, faculty, undergraduate and graduate students were all having important conversations and helping each other to learn more. Everyone was teaching and learning from each other.”

Learners who have completed it can now continue their EDIA learning journey with the EDIA micro-certificate.

The micro-certificate – Expansions, Actions, Reflections

The Micro-certificate in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility includes three courses: EDIA: Expansions, EDIA: Actions, and EDIA: Reflections. The first two can be taken together or one after the other. The third course allows learners to reflect on what they learned and what comes next, says Attas.

This Extended Education program is a great choice for personal and professional growth, for career advancement and lifelong learning. It is offered in partnership with the Office of Equity Transformation and with the support of the UM President’s Office as part of UM’s efforts to improve equity and access across UM campuses by educating and empowering UM staff, students and faculty to contribute to individual and collective transformation.

Help the university meet commitments

“This is a program for everyone, to bring us all together to grow and learn in topics and skills related to EDIA,” says Attas. “It is a way to help the university meet its institutional commitments to respond to many UM reports and task forces: President’s Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Final Report, Responding to Sexual Violence, Harassment and Discrimination at the University of Manitoba: A Path Forward, Anti-Racism Task Force Interim Recommendations to Address Racism, University of Manitoba Indigenous Senior Leadership report.

“We can all do and learn more. Whether you are an expert or just beginning your journey with EDIA, you have a place in this program.”

Of the learners in the original cohort, she says, “I met people who are so passionate and engaged in EDIA. The program will continue the momentum.”

Apply for the prerequisite

Attas looks forward to facilitating the second session of the prerequisite course this fall.

EDIA: Foundations course applications are open from July 22 to August 8 and learners will again be invited to participate through a lottery process. Learn how to apply to the EDIA: Foundations course.

Learn more about the program

The EDIA micro-certificate program courses will be offered this fall. Those who have completed the prerequisite are invited to apply to the program and register for courses.

Learn more about the EDIA micro-certificate.

EDIA: Foundations is a new course for the UM Community including UM students, staff, and faculty. It brings everyone together to develop knowledge and skills around equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, and work towards growth and transformation both personally and on UM campuses. 

About fairness

EDIA is about fairness, says Robin Attas, an EDIA-focused educational developer seconded from the Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning to develop and facilitate the first offering of this course. People are different. They have different experiences and are affected by different historical systems and institutions. Some face more barriers than others. Removing barriers ensures opportunities and promotes fairness.

For example, not everyone has equal or equitable access to post-secondary education due to systemic barriers such as the cost, location of institutions, admission requirements, and teaching strategies used.

Discussing EDIA can be uncomfortable. The discomfort comes from facing what is not right or fair.

A person confronting their own participation in systems of oppression realizes their own privilege and power and that they benefitted while others were harmed. A person learning about what is not right or fair and discussing it with others is reminded of their lived experiences that could be reflective of exactly what they are studying in this course.

When people feel awful about something, they can either pretend it doesn’t exist or do something about it.

Do something about it

Attas encourages everyone to join her in doing something about it by taking this course.

“Our discomfort can lead us to personal growth and university-wide transformation,” Attas says.

Offered by the Division of Extended Education in partnership with the Office of Equity Transformation, and with the support of the UM President’s Office, this new course is part of a campus-wide strategy to enact necessary changes around EDIA across UM campuses by educating and empowering UM staff, students, and faculty, to contribute to collective transformation.

The course will be offered in a hybrid format, including a mix of asynchronous learning modules for self-study, and synchronous facilitated sessions offered either in person or online. It is designed for everyone, no matter their educational background or prior experience and will be offered at no cost to the learner. Learners will earn a digital badge.

Students, staff, and faculty will learn together with discussions and critical self-reflection on EDIA topics. This important content can be difficult to process, so learners are encouraged to be prepared with appropriate self-care strategies.

For all of us

The EDIA: Foundations course was created in response to many UM reports and taskforces: President’s Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Final Report, Responding to Sexual Violence, Harassment and Discrimination at the University of Manitoba: A Path Forward, Anti-Racism Task Force Interim Recommendations to Address Racism, University of Manitoba Indigenous Senior Leadership report. All recommended education and training.

“At UM, there is excellent education and training on some topics for some groups. Now there is something for all of us. This brings students, faculty and staff together and allows for foundational conversations,” Attas says.

The educational components of this course were vetted through the Office of Equity Transformation and created in consultation with diverse campus groups informed by their communities. In ensuing conversations, learners will learn from each other.

Everyone enters the conversation around EDIA topics with different knowledge, skills, and lived experience, with our own identities and perspectives on the world. The course is an opportunity to reflect on strengths and areas for future growth in these topics, providing encouragement to move forward on a personal journey towards individual collective transformation at the University of Manitoba and beyond.

“We need more equity for more people. It’s hard to confront what we are not doing well. But by confronting it, we can deal with it and ensure it happens less often or not at all. It’s about how to live your life in a different way,” Attas says.

Start a lifelong learning process

The course is an excellent part of a lifelong learning process, Attas says. Learners can expect to spend one to three hours per week working on it.

“We’ve all had experiences where we’ve gained new insight or information that leads us to change our behaviours, or where a society’s norms have shifted and we need to change, too. Even for myself as an EDIA educator, I’m always humbled to learn from others about different experiences and ways of interacting respectfully.

“We will never meet every person in the world. There will always be something to learn.”

Learn more about how you can apply

“We invite our students, alumni, instructors, industry professionals, and university colleagues to attend,” says Rod Lastra, Acting Dean, Extended Education. “It’s a great opportunity to network, build partnerships, and celebrate educational excellence. We are dedicated to shaping a brighter future for learners and educators alike.”

This is an inaugural event recognizing the connections between Extended Education as part of the greater University of Manitoba, and the community,” says Lastra. “UM has a long history of valued contributions to community and making an impact.”

The day begins with an afternoon Career Fair, where students and alumni will have the opportunity to network and connect with industry partners. Students will explore career prospects and partners will meet potential employees.

The evening begins with a cocktail and networking reception, followed by dinner and a program that celebrates achievement and presents awards to our outstanding students, instructors and industry partners.

Awards

Award categories for the evening:

Industry – Partnership Excellence Award, Industry Placement Host Award

Instructors – Instructor Excellence Award, Instructor Long Service Awards

Students – Dr. Ronald Kristjanson Memorial Scholarship, Dean’s Honour List

Extended Education is the division of UM that provides continuing education and pathways to degree studies.  Among the professional development credentials offered are certificates including Artificial Intelligence: Machine Learning Solutions, and micro-certificates including Facilitating Older Adult Learning, and Media Literacy, Critical Thinking and Investigative Journalism.

“Continuing Education brings community together for the benefit of community. For me, the value of the CE unit is to ensure we maintain, sustain and acknowledge our relationships with our partners and learners. It’s not just about us. Many make a valued contribution to upskilling and reskilling, and that makes a difference.”

Buy your tickets

“With this event, Extended Education aims to inspire a passion for education and lifelong learning. We want our students, instructors, and industry partners to feel valued and appreciated. We want to connect, collaborate, and gain new perspectives. We want to share the relevance of our educational programs and their impact on society,” says Lastra.

“This event underscores the ethos of continuing education and the UM – efforts that embody the spirit of lifelong learning, uniting diverse communities for the greater good of all. We hope everyone will leave with a sense of empowerment and a belief in the transformative power of education.”

Buy your tickets for the Gala Evening Empowering Excellence