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Laurentian University student enrolment exceeds planning forecasts

Demand for LU education remains strong despite anticipated year-over-year drop

(November 4, 2021) - With nearly 8,000 individual students currently enrolled at Laurentian University for the Fall 2021 semester, thousands of students continue to place their trust in the academic programs, faculty members and community that support their education.

“As we march on the path toward a more sustainable future, it’s incredibly encouraging to see that the demand for Laurentian University is still strong and signals that we continue to be an important part of Ontario’s postsecondary system and a critical institution supporting the growth of northern Ontario,” said Robert Haché, President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University.

Students are completing their education both online (2,100) and in degree programs which are primarily being delivered in-person at the Sudbury campus (5,900). This level of enrolment is approximately 400 students above planned enrolment.

Of note, enrolment numbers show a positive trend for French-language programs year-over-year, which results in more than 20% of the student population currently enrolled in French-language degree programs.

The University measures enrolment levels in November each year in order to account for new and returning students. This count, which shows a 14% year-over-year drop, represents students who are currently enrolled in 106 academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Recently, due to many converging circumstances, Laurentian embarked on the path of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA), fundamentally restructuring its academic offerings to ensure it continues to deliver on its mandate to northern Ontario and Canada.

Dr. Daniel Archambault’s legacy honoured with new Service Awards recognizing outstanding service from the Laurentian University research community

This year marked the inaugural distribution of the Dr. Daniel Archambault Research Service Awards during Research Week 2024. These awards recognize Laurentian University faculty, staff and students for outstanding dedication and commitment to, as well as impact through their valuable contributions to the academic research community.

This award is created in memory of Dr. Daniel Archambault who served the Laurentian University research community for more than 15 years, a tribute to his accomplishments and dedication. Dr. Archambault passed away in 2021.

Qualifying services may include serving on committees supporting research enterprise, mentoring and supporting colleagues and students, fostering interdisciplinary research, advancing community engagement through knowledge dissemination, and/or establishing new research collaborations.

The inaugural recipients of the Dr. Daniel Archambault Research Service Awards are:

Faculty recipient:

Dr. Thomas Merritt, (Full Professor, School of Natural Sciences)

For his outreach work exhibiting science-related themed artwork for local elementary schools and Science North, mentorship initiatives, Peer-review work for the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and service at Laurentian University with his roles on the Strategic Plan Steering Committee, LU NSERC Tri-Council, and Research, Development and Creativity Committee.

Student recipient:

Valérie Gauthier-Fortin, (Doctorante en sciences humaines et interdisciplinarité)

For her work and leadership with l’Acfas-Nouvel-Ontario (formerly known as Acfas-Sudbury). Valérie first joined the steering committee in 2019 after completing her master's degree and while embarking on doctoral studies at Laurentian. With no defined leader at the time, she eventually served as the organization’s first student president from 2019-2022. She is described as the driving force behind the revival of Acfas and is credited for providing researchers from Nouvel-Ontario a forum to present their work in French.

Staff recipient:

Karen Oman, (Business Manager, Cooperative Freshwater Ecology Unit and Vale Living with Lakes Centre)

For her professional contributions and passion for supporting world-class research out of the Cooperative Freshwater Ecology Unit and Vale Living with Lakes Centre for the last 19 years. Karen’s assistance played a key role throughout the $22-million fundraising effort to build the Vale Living with Lakes Centre, as well as landing the $1.2-million CFI grant for equipment and research infrastructure support, all in addition to her many day-to-day duties.

The award recipient received a personalized framed certificate, and their name has been added to a permanent notation on a University display which will list the names of those who receive this honour.

“Indigenous Education and Mapping Out Institutional Spaces”: Laurentian Announces Theme, Preliminary Program, and Keynote Speakers for 8th National Building Reconciliation Forum

Registration now open, Sponsors welcomed

April 18, 2024 - Over the course of three days (June 25 - 27), the 2024 National Building Reconciliation Forum, hosted by Laurentian University, will be focused on the theme, “Indigenous Education and Mapping Out Institutional Spaces”. The Forum’s preliminary program, keynote speakers, and registration form is now available on the Forum website.

Four guiding sub-themes will be shared, including:

- The Power of Storytelling: Crafting Compelling Narratives;

- Language and Culture: Elders and Cultural Practitioners in the Workplace;

- Cultural Diversity: Celebrating Differences and Building Bridges;

- Shaping the Future: Trends and Insights in Implementing Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

This will be the eighth National Building Reconciliation Forum since 2015 when these annual events were initially planned, in part, as a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The Forum is an opportunity to bring together university leadership and administrators with Indigenous peoples, governments, researchers, academics and students to advance reconciliation and Indigenous education in Canadian universities.

“We are honoured to host the National Building Reconciliation Forum,” said Dominic Beaudry, Associate Vice-President of Academic and Indigenous Programs. “As an academic institution that has prioritized Indigenous education and reconciliation, we hope to both model and strengthen the collective understanding of what postsecondary institutions can do to advance reconciliation at universities across Turtle Island.”

The 2024 Forum will facilitate knowledge sharing in a wide variety of formats. Planned events in the preliminary program include panel discussions, oral histories, workshops, lectures, and artistic presentations. Guest speakers, Elders, and Knowledge Holders will be engaging with participants throughout the event.

Esteemed guest speakers who will provide keynote presentations include authors, Tanya Talaga and Waubgeshig Rice and academics, Dr. Susan Manitowabi and Dr. Sheila Cote-Meek. Some social engagements planned include, The Nibwaachidwin Social, which will be held in the Round Room at the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre and visits to two local First Nations, Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and Wahnapitae First Nation on Day 1 of the Forum.

Universities from across Canada will be in attendance for the Forum. Events throughout the weekend are open to the public. Registration is required and is now open.

Former Student Now Sociology and Criminology Professor

Dr. Jordan Babando on making his way back to Laurentian as a professor

April 17, 2024 - Dr. Jordan Babando isn’t new to teaching and he isn’t new to Laurentian. He received both his Bachelor’s of Sociology and his master’s degree from Laurentian. He then went on to complete his doctorate at Queen’s University before teaching at several Ontario Universities and for a short time at UBC, until he eventually came back to Sudbury.

“Once I had my PhD, I wanted to focus on work, growing my career, and growing as a professional,” Dr. Babando says. That’s exactly what he did, teaching and working at seven different universities throughout the course of his PhD and over the following four years.

Dr. Babando finds the experience surreal and humbling, “I get to be back here in a community I love, working at a school that I love. My colleagues are the same people that once mentored me and believed in me and now our offices are just down the hall from each other.”

Dr. Parveen Nangia, Full Professor in the Faculty of Arts, is one of the professor-turned-colleagues that Dr. Babando mentioned. Dr. Nangia supervised Dr. Babando’s master’s and has similar feelings about Dr. Babando’s return to Laurentian. “I am pleased to see Jordan back at Laurentian in a different capacity, as my colleague,” says Dr. Nangia. “He has accumulated a wealth of knowledge through his experience teaching at various universities. He has already started making an imprint in the Criminology program. Dr. Babando’s disciplined work ethic, his care for the students, and his friendly and supportive nature make him a valuable asset to Laurentian University in general and the Faculty of Arts in particular.”

This academic year, Dr. Babando is teaching courses in the Bachelor’s of Criminology program, which is offered both online and on campus. At one time wanting to be in law enforcement himself, Dr. Babando now finds himself teaching criminology to future law enforcement officers, lawyers, and social service workers. He sees the program as a great option for those in rural areas who want to study at a distance and eventually have career prospects, like policing, that are needed everywhere, not just in bigger cities.

Dr. Babando brings with him a unique teaching background in sociology and criminology, and a specialization in mental health and homelessness research. He encourages students from all disciplines to consider criminology courses for their electives, “Criminology courses are appropriate for all students. In my experience, diverse perspectives make for fascinating conversations which are very complimentary to the course content.”

As his Laurentian experience continues to evolve, Dr. Babando says that he is most excited to build a future as a researcher and professor. He is eager to help students achieve their goals, the same way his Laurentian professors did with him.

When a unique hobby sparks lifelong commitment to advocacy

Marine Biologist and Science Communications Graduate Student, Jérôme Breton discovered a love for diving with sharks and wants to be an advocate for marine conservation

April 11, 2024 - At just 23 years old, Jérôme Breton has a degree in Marine Biology, experience working on research for the federal government, and is now at Laurentian University to round-out his skills as a science communicator. As a 12 year old, Jérôme started a unique hobby that would shape his academic journey and lifelong passion–on a family trip to British Columbia, he went diving with sharks. While most would view this experience simply as a unique excursion on family vacation, for Jérôme this experience became a calling. He was fortunate to get to spend the next few years diving around the world.

Naturally, Jérôme developed a love for the ocean through his hobby, and after graduating from high school in Gatineau, Québec, he went on to the Université du Québec à Rimouski where he earned a degree in Marine Biology. “While completing my undergrad, I was lucky to have an incredible work experience as a student giving and coordinating guided tours during the summers and as a biologist for invasive species, at the Department of Fisheries and Ocean Canada (DFO),” said Jérôme. “It was there that I got a feel for field work but also where I discovered the importance of science communication. The research was effortless because of the high quality of interactions between everyone involved in the work. I already knew that I wanted to advocate for aquatic ecosystems but after this I knew exactly how I could do that.”

Jérôme found out about Laurentian University’s Science Communications masters program, which would give him the chance to build the skills to not only advocate widely for aquatic ecosystems but also learn how to foster positive communication among research teams like what he had experienced in Rimouski. Laurentian University, with its proximity to home and the option to do his research in French and work with French professors, was the perfect fit for Jérôme.

Now half way through the program, Jérôme’s research centers around his experience working with DFO in Rimouski. “I’m diving deeper into the fishery industry in Rimouski because my experience there was so positive thanks to the way that everyone worked collaboratively. My research will use this example to create a framework of good working relationships within a given interdisciplinary research project that can then be applied to research centers and projects in other areas,” said Jérôme.

Motivated by his desire to create meaningful communication pathways between researchers and the public, Jérôme says that his “goal is to help people understand that we have so much knowledge about what is happening in our oceans, lakes, and rivers”. He wants to play a role in making research findings accessible to everyone, despite their background, in hopes he can help educate everyone about the importance of preserving aquatic ecosystems.

Professor William Newbigging awarded Teaching Award of Excellence

Laurentian students moved by professor’s passion for education.

April 3, 2024 - Laurentian University has numerous staff and faculty members that go above and beyond for students. William (Bill) Newbigging, this year’s winner of the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance’s (OUSA) Teaching Award of Excellence, is no exception.

Dr. Newbigging has been a member of the Laurentian faculty since 1993. For the majority of his time at Laurentian he has been a distance education professor, teaching courses online. The virtual nature of his teaching doesn’t stop Dr. Newbigging from forming meaningful connections with each of his students.

This year, 26 Laurentian students nominated Dr. Newbigging for the Teaching Award of Excellence. OUSA is a provincial advocacy group that represents over 150,000 post-secondary students throughout the province. Their Teaching Award of Excellence provides students with the opportunity to recognize educators within their post-secondary institutions who excel at unleashing the potential of Ontario's youth and spark the desire to learn in students.

Students shared kind words about Dr. Newbigging, highlighting his teaching style as engaging, motivating, and exceptional.

The Student’s General Association (SGA) has partnered with the OUSA to award Dr. Newbigging the Teaching Award of Excellence. “Dr. Newbigging’s students came out in droves to speak highly of their professor. They collectively agree that he is a “one-of-a-kind” educator. Students spoke of his caring, kind, patient, and thoughtful nature and highlighted his efforts to always be responsive, supportive, and understanding.”

Dr. Newbigging humbly credits Laurentian students, faculty, and staff for his ability to make an impact. “Good teaching is only possible when you have highly motivated students. It’s hard to get students motivated in one term so they must already be motivated. That says something about Laurentian. It says something about the students. It says something about hard-working faculty and staff. It’s not something one person does, it is a collective effort,” said Dr. Newbigging.

The professor’s teaching philosophy puts an emphasis on hard work, saying, “Students always say they appreciate the work I put in while teaching and I always say to them that this course deserves hard work. The subject matter deserves hard work. So I do work hard and I expect that the students work hard as well. It is a responsibility I take very seriously.”

The SGA collects the nominations from students and forwards them to OUSA annually. “Educators like Dr. Newbigging help our students not only to succeed but also to enjoy their academic journey,” said the SGA. “We wish to thank Dr. Newbigging for his continued efforts to make the learning experience positive for our students and congratulate him on his very well-deserved win.”

Other Laurentian faculty members have received the OUSA Teaching Award of Excellence in previous years:

Dr. Blake Dotta, Laurentian University (2022)
Dr. Pamela Toulouse, Laurentian University (2021/2020)
Dr. Sara Burke | Laurentian University (2019)
Dr. William Crumplin | Laurentian University (2018)
Kathleen Zinn | Laurentian University (2017)

Previous winner, Dr. William Crumplin was a notable mentor and inspiration for Dr. Newbigging when he started out as a professor. “Dr. William Crumplin led by example and showed me that it was very important to engage students all the time,” said Dr. Newbigging, reflecting on the mentorship he received from Dr. Crumplin in his early days of teaching. “He demonstrated the positive impact of direct and ongoing communication with students. He paid attention to his students' needs and praised them when appropriate. All those things I thought made the experience and connection better for the students in the program.”

Dr. Newbigging will be presented his award at the OUSA Partners in Higher Education Dinner on April 10th, 2024.

“There is no such thing as bad weather”

Whatever the weather, the dedication and bond of Laurentian University’s Cross Country Team knows no bounds.

March 28, 2024 - If you’ve ever wondered just who might have the courage to be running on a snow covered sidewalk down Paris Street during Sudbury’s winter weather, it might just be Angela Mozzon or Cameron Date.

The two have been members of the Cross Country team since their first year as Laurentian students in 2019. Five years in, you can find them on the track for competition or outside training in almost all conditions. Angela and Cameron’s love for running is evident in their discipline, time management, and dedication to the sport.

Angela, 5th year Concurrent Education student and Health Promotion graduate, is from Sudbury and trained with Track North while attending St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School. Choosing Laurentian for her studies after high school was an effortless decision for Angela since both her older siblings were alumni but also because of the fast-track, five-year teaching program.

Cameron Date, 5th year Sports Administration (SPAD) graduate, is currently taking accounting courses as prerequisites to becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). Originally from Haileybury, Ontario, Cameron attended Timiskaming District Secondary School before enrolling in the SPAD program. “I chose Laurentian for the SPAD program. It is such a unique program where you study commerce and sports at the same time. I am on a first name basis with my professors and we have fun in class. I just don’t think you get that at a bigger school,” said Cameron.

The Laurentian Cross Country team trains throughout the year, though cross country competitions start in the fall outdoors and move indoors to track starting around January. Throughout the academic year, the team is traveling almost every weekend to universities around Ontario to compete.

The team spends three hours training, three evenings a week, and if they aren’t competing on weekends, they are training on a Saturday or Sunday. Although it can be challenging to juggle coursework, athletics, and their personal life, both runners agree that the sport is worth it. They emphasize the importance of discipline and passion in the life of a student athlete. “We are constantly running throughout the year to stay fit. Students who are passionate about running are really good at time management because they get used to prioritizing time to run,” said Cameron.

Angela and Cameron say that the cross country team has formed an incredibly strong bond on and off the track. “Our school’s team has something special. We spend time together even outside of practicing. Our coaches are so invested in us and our team is so tight. I have talked to runners from other schools and that isn’t the experience everywhere. Those bonds make us a stronger team and help us improve as individuals,” said Cameron. Angela agrees, saying, “I love the running but being on the team is more than running - it’s being a part of a family.”

In her first year, Angela faced adversity and did not perform to her expectations when competing at Ontario University Athletics (OUA). “I was finishing almost last and since then I’ve shaved almost five minutes off my time,” she says, reflecting on her improvement. “If it wasn’t for our coaches who focus on development and this being a small school, I wouldn’t have been able to get to this point.”

Evidence of their love for the team and the sport, the Laurentian Cross Country team runs in rain, shine, or snowstorms. “Running all together outside in the winter is a choice,” says Cameron. “Most of us prefer to run outside so even snow won’t stop us. It’s fun to run in the snow with a group of friends instead of running on a treadmill in the gym.” The team recently ran through the city streets during a major snowstorm on a busy Saturday in Sudbury’s south end. Angela admits, “It wasn’t the fastest run that day but we had fun with it.” The two say that it is common for friends and family to not understand their hunger for running no matter the time of day or the conditions outside.

Having reached the end of his studies, Cameron will start working at a local accounting firm full time this spring but he says he will never stop running. Angela plans to stay at Laurentian for another year to make up for one year of competitive running that she lost to the pandemic lockdowns in 2020 and is considering taking a masters program.

New Five-Year Strategic Plan launched at Laurentian University

Plan emphasizes unique aspects that make up Laurentian’s diverse identity

March 27, 2024 - A new chapter begins for Laurentian University with the introduction of the 2024-2029 Strategic Plan. Named “Laurentian’s Plan for Connection, Innovation, and Impact”, the plan identifies a vision, a mission, values, and four key priorities as the focus of the academic institution over the next five years.

“The vision, mission, and values are much more than words on a page. They are the bedrock of any organization’s strategy – they are to be used to guide priorities, shape shared ambitions, and to define how the University will strive to create a lasting impact.” said Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor. “This plan is the result of an in-depth and inclusive process that mobilized many people with unique perspectives who make up the Laurentian community.”

The development of the strategic plan began in July 2023 and featured extensive participation from the Laurentian community. Workshops, consultations, town halls, and surveys were conducted to gather and organize invaluable feedback from students, staff, and faculty. To help with the in-depth process, StrategyCorp was hired as the strategic plan consultant. Together with the University’s planning committee, the input and perspectives of more than 2,500 people within the Laurentian community were collected and analyzed.

This path forward emphasizes the importance of, and our dedication to, deepening partnerships and fostering collaborations with the Laurentian community in four priority areas: enhancing the student experience; energizing the academic and research mission; building up the communities served; and valuing and supporting the people who make up Laurentian University.

The implementation of this plan is now underway as success indicators are in development. In the coming months, the academic and research plans will have an important role in defining how key elements of the strategic plan will be implemented.

Plan Highlights

Vision: Bring the power of Northern Ontario values, resilience, innovation, and Indigenous ways of knowing to the world.

Mission: Prepare the leaders of tomorrow through an inclusive, intellectually curious and connected bilingual and tricultural learning community.

Values: Community, Integrity, Student Success, Stewardship, Collaboration

Strategic Directions:

Enhancing our Student Experience
Energizing our Academic and Research Mission
Building Up the Communities We Serve
Valuing and Supporting our People

Learn more about the plan.

Celebrating the achievements of four outstanding women of Laurentian University

Valérie Gauthier-Fortin, Gisèle Roberts, Dr. Lynne Gouliquer, Dr. Bettina Brockerhoff-Macdonald

March 22, 2023 - On Wednesday, March 27th, Laurentian University's Presidential Advisory Committee on the Status of Gender Equity will honour the achievements of four women during its bi-annual awards ceremony.

The Outstanding Women Award is given to role models deserving of recognition for their work in promoting and uplifting women in their field, at Laurentian, in the community, and beyond. This year's recipients are Valérie Gauthier-Fortin, Gisèle Roberts, Dr. Lynne Gouliquer, and Dr. Bettina Brockerhoff-Macdonald.

Valérie Gauthier-Fortin is being honored for her leadership in promoting French-language research and innovation.

Gisèle Roberts is being honored for her leadership in encouraging female students to enter STEM fields and in advancing EDI on campus.

Dr. Lynne Gouliquer is being honored for her active research on the inclusion of women, 2SLGBTQI+, and Métis peoples.

The former Chair of the committee will also be honored at the event for her long-standing dedication and contribution to the committee over the span of a decade. Dr. Bettina Brockerhoff-Macdonald, who chaired the committee from 2003 to 2023, will receive a lifetime achievement award.

All are welcome to attend the ceremony. A virtual option is available for those wishing to join remotely:

Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 3:00pm in the Brenda Wallace Reading Room, J.N. Desmarais Library and Archives

https://laurentian.zoom.us/j/95174292159?pwd=aHJJZ0pyTFpVUk15aExRZDJmb21oUT09
Meeting ID: 951 7429 2159
Passcode: 549457

Laurentian University Welcomes New University Librarian

Laurentian alumna chosen to lead library and archives

March 20, 2024 - Laurentian University looks forward to welcoming Danielle Dennie as its new University Librarian commencing July 1, 2024. Dennie holds a Master of Library and Information Studies degree from McGill University, a Master of Science in Applied Microbiology from the Institut national de la recherche scientifique, and she brings 20 years of experience working in academic libraries. Currently she serves as Head, Vanier Library at Concordia University in Montréal.

“Danielle’s experience and her user-centric approach to delivering exceptional support and services to students, faculty, staff and the community will contribute immensely to the realization of our Strategic Plan and expanding the role of the Library and Archives”, said Brenda Brouwer, Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic. “She will lead a strong, experienced, and dedicated team of library staff and faculty - the library is in great hands.”

Dennie is Franco-Ontarian, with Sudbury roots, and she is a Laurentian alumna (B.Sc Biochemistry). She is passionate about the role of the university library in cultivating community and advancing teaching, learning and research; and how it must evolve to meet the ever- changing needs of its current and future patrons.

“Libraries must be inclusive, welcoming spaces with collections and services that stimulate creativity, innovation and different ways of knowing and thinking. I am thrilled to be returning to Laurentian as University Librarian and very excited by the possibilities as we collectively and collaboratively realize the vision for the Library and Archives,” said Danielle Dennie, incoming University Librarian.

Dennie will begin her five-year term at the J.N. Desmarais Library and Archives on July 1, 2024.

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