You are now in the main content area

Laurentian University secures international accreditation for its business programs

Laurentian University secures international accreditation for its business programs

Laurentian University secured international EPAS accreditation for its on-campus Bachelor of Business Administration program, as well as for its Bachelor of Commerce in Sports Administration.

JUNE 22, 2016 – Laurentian University secured international EPAS accreditation for its on-campus Bachelor of Business Administration program, as well as for its Bachelor of Commerce in Sports Administration, Canada’s only business degree in Sports Administration. As of May 2016, 98 business programs in 72 universities in 33 countries had the EPAS accreditation, mostly in Europe.

 

EPAS is an international program accreditation system operated by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). It aims to evaluate for accreditation the quality of management programs that have an international perspective and appropriately high quality.

 

“The international EPAS accreditation of our undergraduate business programs is a significant milestone for the Faculty of Management in light of our commitment to excellence in developing socially responsible leaders for the global business world. It’s a visible assurance of quality for current and future students, alumni and employers. As a bilingual university working in a very competitive higher education environment, it was important for us to be globally recognized for the excellence of our programs,” explained Dr. Stephen Havlovic, Dean of the Faculty of Management.

 

This decision followed a three-year process which culminated in a Peer Review Team visit in March by world-acclaimed business education leaders from Morocco, the United Kingdom and France. It involved an in-depth review of the two programs through an intensive comparative evaluation of 25 university-level standards and 56 program-level standards.

 

“We are very proud of the success of Laurentian’s Faculty of Management in securing EPAS accreditation, which really sets it apart from other business schools worldwide. This accreditation process was an exceptional opportunity for self-reflection, benchmarking and continuous improvement. Students are the first beneficiaries of this new international accreditation,” commented alumnus Tom Blake, Chairman of Sprout Wellness Solutions and Chair of the Dean’s External Advisory Council.

 

The Faculty of Management serves 1,921 students including 213 at the graduate level. Enrolment has increased by 16% in the last three years alone. Laurentian’s Bachelor of Business Administration is offered on campus in English and in French and on-line in English, for full-time and part-time students. Students can choose from a wide-range of program options including accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, human resources management, international management, marketing, and operations management. Co-op and internship opportunities are also available.

 

“Achieving international accreditation for the Faculty of Management was a desired outcome in the University’s 2012-2017 Strategic Plan. I am very proud of our colleagues who have worked tirelessly over the past three years to achieve this global recognition. With brand new classrooms, a new state-of-the-art Executive Learning Centre, a new departmental structure, new undergraduate and graduate program offerings, new faculty hires and now with this new prestigious international accreditation, the best is yet to come for the Faculty of Management,” concluded President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux.

Laurentian University Balances Budget for Sixth Consecutive Year

Laurentian University Balances Budget for Sixth Consecutive Year

Laurentian University Board of Governors approved the University’s 2016-2017 operating budget

The Laurentian University Board of Governors today approved the University’s 2016-2017 operating budget of $150.5 million, an increase of $2.7 million or 1.8% over last year.

New investments will support international accreditation in the Faculty of Management, the expansion of the School of Architecture, graduate programs, bilingual engineering programs, enhancements to Research Services, and to the University’s web presence and digital strategy.

More faculty members were recruited, including four new research chairs in Earth Sciences, Franco-Ontarian History, Indigenous Health, and Bio-Mining, Bio-Remediation and Science Communication.

The University is completing major capital projects including the new School of Architecture, improvements to labs in the Faculty of Health and to student areas in the Alphonse-Raymond Building, an Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre and one-stop student services. Since 2011, Laurentian will have completed $153 million in capital investments.

“We are making strategic investments that will keep us on a steady course in the years ahead,” said Vice-President, Administration Carol McAulay. “We have worked to create room for future success, while being mindful of demographic trends of the university-age population.”

Ontario universities are preparing for a projected decrease of 9% in the 20- to 24-year old population by 2023. Over the same period, Ontario’s 25- to 44-year old population is expected to increase by 10%. Faced with this shifting demography, Laurentian has been adapting its program offering and enhanced its focus on student retention.

“There is no substitute for excellence. For a fifth consecutive year, we have the highest post-graduation employment rates among Ontario universities. The Faculty of Management secured international accreditations this week. Students from our new School of Architecture are already winning global competitions, as they did last month in Norway. Our average entry grade has risen from 79% to 82% since 2009, and the number of students entering Laurentian with an average of more than 85% has nearly doubled. Our Tri-Council funding has increased by 22% since 2009, while it has been stagnant nationally. With this approved budget, we have made a number of difficult choices in order to achieve the important outcomes articulated in our 2012-2017 Strategic Plan”, concluded Dominic Giroux, President and Vice-Chancellor.

Other budget highlights:

·    Investments up 4% in academic areas, 1.5% in academic supports and 1.4% in non-academic areas

·    Seven additional faculty positions

·    Non-salary budget of the award-winning Bharti School of Engineering will double

·    $335,000 more in Research Services to help advance the 2012-17 Strategic Research Plan

·    $238,000 more to enhance web presence and digital strategy

·    $187,000 more in Graduate Studies to support graduate expansion

New school of academic innovation in Northern Ontario

New school of academic innovation in Northern Ontario

Laurentian University and CSPGNO strengthen French language services and continuum of studies

June 14, 2016 – Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario (CSPGNO) and Laurentian University today announced the creation of a school of academic innovation which will be housed at École publique Jeanne-Sauvé in the city of Greater Sudbury.

 

Beginning September 2016, this school of academic innovation will be a focal point where Laurentian University professors and students will engage in activities aimed at:

  1. pursuing various research initiatives proposed by Laurentian and CSPGNO;
  2. facilitating the training of Laurentian students and CSPGNO staff;
  3. establishing intervention projects carried out on site at École publique Jeanne-Sauvé;
  4. disseminating results of various research projects and studies within the educational community.

 

The school of academic innovation will benefit from a wealth of expertise provided by Laurentian University professors and students in the following areas: physical activity, education, speech-language pathology, nursing and social work. 

 

Quotes

“This new collaboration between Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario and Laurentian University improves the services offered to our students and raises their awareness of the possibilities they have to pursue their postsecondary education in French.”

Marc Gauthier, Director of Education, Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario   

 

“The establishment of this new school of academic innovation allows students in many programs offered in French at Laurentian University to acquire additional community experience which enriches their training and also increases their collaborative and inter-disciplinary skills.”

Dominic Giroux, President and Vice-Chancellor, Laurentian University

 

Laurentian strengthens Indigenous education leadership through the expansion of course offerings

Laurentian strengthens Indigenous education leadership through the expansion of course offerings

Effective September 2017, requirements for a Bachelor of Arts will include six credits of courses with Indigenous content.

May 26, 2016 – Laurentian University has announced new requirements that will transform the structure and the content of its Bachelor of Arts programs.  Effective September 2017, requirements for a Bachelor of Arts will include six credits of courses with Indigenous content to promote understanding of the histories, cultures and realities of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

 

“Laurentian University is at the heart of Indigenous education in northern Ontario and embraces its role in the reconciliation process,” said Dr. Sheila Coté-Meek, Associate Vice President, Academic and Indigenous Programs. “The University is a culturally responsive, welcoming institution for Indigenous students but also one where doors are opened to Indigenous thought and culture for students and faculty from all backgrounds.”

 

Laurentian has been working to strengthen Indigenous education leadership by updating academic programs to reflect Indigenous history and realities, and foster meaningful inter-cultural engagement between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.  “We now offer over 100 courses with more than 50% indigenous content and additional courses are in development,” said Dr. Coté-Meek.

 

The University’s Faculty of Arts is one of the strongest in Canada with respect to its critical mass of tenured or tenure-track Indigenous faculty members.  Laurentian has also recently broke ground on an Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre that is a physical embodiment of its commitment to Indigenous education. The Centre will provide the space for scholars, students and community members to engage in research endeavours in social sciences and humanities, and in innovative capacity building to support Indigenous communities. Consistent with the Calls for Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, it will become a platform “to advance understanding of reconciliation.”

 

“We are proud of the tremendous work done within the Faculty of Arts to bring indigenous content into its programs and courses,” said Robert Kerr, Vice-President Academic and Provost.  “The new requirement approved by Senate means that more students who graduate from Laurentian will have a good understanding of Indigenous history and culture.”

Six distinguished Canadians to receive Honorary Doctorates

Six distinguished Canadians to receive Honorary Doctorates

Chief Justice of Canada, Chief Executive of Anglo American among recipients

MAY 26, 2016 – Six distinguished Canadians from the fields of law, mining, engineering, journalism, education and social activism will be awarded Honorary Doctorates by Laurentian University at Spring 2016 Convocation ceremonies in Sudbury and Barrie.

 

Among the recipients of Honorary Doctorates this Convocation season are the Chief Justice of Canada, the Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin (May 31, 10:00 a.m.) and Suzanne Tessier, the first woman to graduate from Laurentian University’s School of Engineering. 

 

“It is a privilege for us to pay tribute to these outstanding Canadians who have led the way in their respective fields,” said Laurentian University Chancellor Steve Paikin.  “Each of them has inspired and enlightened so many others, and we are proud to celebrate them.”

 

The full list of Honorary Doctorate recipients follows:

The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, P.C (May 31, 10 am, Sudbury, ON)

Born and raised in Pincher Creek, AB, The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin is the 17th and current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. Appointed on January 7, 2000, she is the first woman to hold this position and is the longest serving Chief Justice in Canadian history. The Chief Justice also chairs the Canadian Judicial Council, the Advisory Council of the Order of Canada and the Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute.

 

Mark Cutifani (June 1, 2:30 pm, Sudbury, ON)

A champion for workplace safety in mining, Mark Cutifani is the current Chief Executive of Anglo American, one of the world’s largest mining companies. He is also a member of the Board and Group Management Committee, a non-executive director of Anglo American Platinum, Chair of Anglo American South Africa and Chair of De Beers. Mr. Cutifani is the former COO for Inco and Vale’s global nickel business.

 

Suzanne Tessier  (June 1, 7:00 pm, Sudbury, ON)

Sudbury-born Suzanne Tessier was the first woman to graduate from Laurentian University’s School of Engineering (B.Eng ’79) and currently serves on the Advisory Board of Laurentian’s Bharti School of Engineering. One of her great passions has been encouraging girls and women to consider science and engineering as career choices, and mentoring new women engineers in the mining industry. She was elected to the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers Board of Directors in 2014.

 

André Picard (June 2, 10:00 am, Sudbury, ON)

As a public health journalist for The Globe and Mail, André Picard’s work has shone a light on health policy in Canada. Considered one of the country’s leading voices on health policy, his work includes articles on the treatment of thalidomide survivors and on the death toll of asbestos. He is a best-selling author and the recipient of the Michener Award for Meritorious Public Service Journalism, the Canadian Policy Research Award and the Atkinson Fellowship for Public Policy Research. 

 

Dr. Charles E Pascal (June 2, 2:30 pm, Sudbury, ON)

Dr. Charles Pascal is a Canadian educator with expertise in early and higher education, public policy and leadership development. In 2007, he was appointed Ontario’s Special Advisor on Early Learning. In June 2009, he released his seminal report With Our Best Future in Mind: Implementing Early Learning in Ontario, which has informed policy and practice across and outside of Canada.  Dr. Pascal also serves as Chair of the Ontario Council of Regents for the province’s colleges of applied arts and technology and has held several Ontario Deputy Minister positions including the Premier’s Council on Health, Well-Being and Social Justice.

 

Joseph Roberts (June 23, 2:00 pm, Barrie, ON)

Joseph Roberts is a social activist, author, motivational speaker and CEO. Born and raised in Barrie, Mr. Roberts overcame personal struggles with addiction, poverty and homelessness.  He created a foundation dedicated to youth drug prevention after entering an alcohol and drug intensive treatment program.  As a motivational speaker, Mr. Roberts has reached thousands of young people.  He is currently leading a campaign to end homelessness among youth.  He was named to the Maclean’s Magazine’s Honour Roll in 2003 and has won several awards for his public service.

Laurentian Architecture team celebrates first place win in Bergen International Wood Festival in Norway

Laurentian Architecture team celebrates first place win in Bergen International Wood Festival in Norway

The Bergen International Wood Festival is a biennial global competition focussing on the use of wood for its constructive, structural and tactile qualities.

MAY 18, 2016 - Laurentian University is extremely proud of students and faculty from the School of Architecture who have won the gold medal in an international competition in Bergen, Norway.

 

The Bergen International Wood Festival is a biennial global competition focussing on the use of wood for its constructive, structural and tactile qualities. This year, 20 teams of designers, architects, artists and students from around the world competed by building installations in a Bergen park with the theme of ‘Green Transition’.  The installations will remain on display for one year, to be enjoyed by the city.

 

Two teams from Laurentian Architecture included: Matt Hunter, Marie Jankovich, Marina Schwellnus, Derrick Pilon, Angela Perdue and Henry Dyck.  Derrick, Angela and Henry placed first in the competition with their hexagonal design that adapted to the site.  More than 100 hexagons were constructed with an adaptable jig.

 

The Scandinavia study trip and International Wood Festival teams were led by Laurentian Architecture professor Dr. Tammy Gaber.  The teams were joined by Laurentian Architecture professor Randy Kober for the week-long competition. 

 

“This study trip to Scandinavia and this wood design competition are incredible opportunities for teaching design. The success of our week in Bergen was in the collaboration of our students, their work ethic in a new environment and our conversations about wood design with artists, architects, carpenters and students from around the world,” said Dr. Gaber. “The prize is exciting, and as the youngest participants, reinforces the hope and opportunities latent in all design questions. I am extremely proud of them and ecstatic to have led this.”

 

Prior to arriving in Norway, Laurentian teams spent a few days in Iceland to study key buildings and sites with Dr. Gaber. The group will continue on to visit key building sites in the country and then Finland.

Marketing Professor Luc Lagrandeur wins the Enactus Faculty Advisor of the Year 2016 National Award

Marketing Professor Luc Lagrandeur wins the Enactus Faculty Advisor of the Year 2016 National Award

Toronto - The Enactus-Laurentian Student Team was recognized with the SPIRIT award; previously, it received three impact awards at the regional competition in March for projects conducted among First Nations, including Moose Factory and Moosonee.

CROSH moves forward in safety and health with $1.2M in new funding

CROSH moves forward in safety and health with $1.2M in new funding

Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health at Laurentian to create Mobile Lab

APRIL 29,  2016 – The Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) at Laurentian University today celebrates the launch of two ground-breaking new initiatives, thanks to research awards that total more than $1.2M in new funding.

 

CROSH has been awarded $550,000 toward purchasing and equipping a Mobile Laboratory, a 32-ft custom-built trailer that will support ongoing research in occupational safety and health.  The mobile lab, or M-CROSH, will bring researchers to communities and workers who are typically excluded from occupational research.  M-CROSH and its portable equipment will enable field research in numerous areas, including musculo-skeletal disorders, mobile equipment ergonomics, vibration, air quality, fatigue management, and mental health. 

 

“With this mobile lab, workers across the north will be able to contribute directly to important research in occupational health and safety,” said Leo Gerard, International President, USW and Chair of the CROSH Advisory Board.  “This innovative approach brings the research facility right to the workers, in their communities and on their jobsites, and gives them the opportunity to play an active role in improving workplaces.”

 

CROSH has also received close to $200,000 toward the construction of its Workplace Simulator, which will allow researchers to replicate the environment and conditions of almost any northern Ontario workplace.  The simulator, W-SIM, integrates a robotic motion platform to simulate vibration, an environmental chamber that controls temperature and humidity, and a virtual reality eye-tracker to simulate a worker’s surroundings. 

 

Both the Workplace Simulator and the Mobile Laboratory are unique pieces of infrastructure, believed to be the first of their kind anywhere in Canada.

 

“These new tools will truly solidify our position in the forefront of research in occupational safety and health,” said CROSH Research Chair, Dr. Tammy Eger.  “With these investments, along with the funds dedicated to supporting and expanding our research capacity, we will be able to address critical issues in health and safety in Ontario workplaces.”

 

Funders of the latest CROSH initiatives include

  • Ontario Ministry of Labour, $500,000 (M-CROSH) and $492,000 (Research Capacity grant)
  • Canada Foundation for Innovation $143,000 (W-SIM)
  • Goodman School of Mines $50,000 (M-CROSH) and $50,000 (W-SIM)

 

“We congratulate CROSH and we gratefully acknowledge the funders whose support has been so crucial to our ambitious research program,” said Dr. Rui Wang, Vice-President Research at Laurentian University.  “These investments demonstrate a high degree of confidence in CROSH and in Laurentian University in its mandate to lead the field in Occupational Safety and Health.” 

Laurentian University honours Dr. Dickinson and Dr. Watson with Teaching Excellence Award

Laurentian University honours Dr. Dickinson and Dr. Watson with Teaching Excellence Award

The annual award recognizes exceptional teaching performance by full-time faculty members and nominations must be supported by students, peers, alumni and other members of the university community.

APRIL 21, 2016 – Dr. Joël Dickinson, Associate Professor in the Psychology Department and Dr. Shelley Lynn Watson, Associate Professor in the Psychology Department were honoured by Laurentian University with the 2015-2016 Teaching Excellence Award.

 

The annual award recognizes exceptional teaching performance by full-time faculty members and nominations must be supported by students, peers, alumni and other members of the university community.

 

“I am gratified by the accolades of the students, alumni, peers and colleagues within the university, it is truly an honour to receive this award,” said Dr. Dickinson. “I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with amazing students and colleagues and I appreciate my time in the classroom immeasurably.”

 

A member of the Cognitive Health Research Laboratory, Dr. Dickinson joined Laurentian University in 2007 as an Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department. She is a graduate of the University of New Brunswick, where she completed her B.A in Psychology, and her M.A and Ph.D. in Psychology. Dr. Dickinson’s impact on the Laurentian community goes beyond just the classroom, currently a member of the Safe Space Training, Teaching & Learning Committee, Chair in Psychology, Academic Planning Committee (ACAPLAN) and Co-Chair on the Committee for Sexual and Gender Diversity meeting. Her recent research on mental shortcuts was featured on CBC’s radio program, “Summer U”.

 

"I consider teaching to be the most important part of my job, whether in first year or at the Master's level," said Dr. Watson. "I am thankful for the opportunity to supervise so many fantastic emerging researchers, at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Mentoring involves not only data analysis, public speaking, and publications, but also dealing with work-life balance, handling rejection, and celebrating achievements."

 

An Associate Professor in the Psychology Department, Dr. Watson has been with Laurentian University since 2007. She earned her B.A. (Hons.) in Child Studies & Psychology and M.Ed. at Brock University and her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Alberta. Dr. Watson plays an integral role within the Laurentian community, as she is currently the chair of the Ontario Association on Developmental Disabilities (OADD) Research Special Interest Group (RISG), Coordinator of the Masters in Interdisciplinary Health and an associate member of Rural and Northern Health Ph.D.

 

“It is a pleasure to present Dr. Joël Dickinson and Dr. Shelley Watson with the 2015-2016 Teaching Excellence Award,” said Dr. Denis Hurtubise, Associate Vice-President, Academic and Francophone Affairs. “Dr. Watson and Dr. Dickinson are true leaders both in and outside of the classroom with their passion, which has had a remarkable impact on their students.”

Laurentian Biology Professor awarded $1.65M in NSERC funding

Laurentian Biology Professor awarded $1.65M in NSERC funding

Dr. Albrecht Schulte-Hostedde to lead project to train conservation professionals

APRIL. 18, 2016 – A team led by Laurentian University’s Dr. Albrecht Schulte-Hostedde has been awarded a grant of $1.65 M under the CREATE program of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).  The award will support a new program to train conservation professionals for zoos/aquariums and their conservation partners.

 

Dr. Schulte-Hostedde is Canada Research Chair in Applied Evolutionary Ecology and a Professor of Biology, as well as Founding Director of the Centre for Evolutionary Ecology and Ethical Conservation at Laurentian University.

“Species are disappearing rapidly around the world, and zoos and aquariums are important players in mitigating this loss of biodiversity,” said Dr. Schulte-Hostedde. “We see a growing need for conservation professionals with the analytical and practical skills to do research related to conservation, both in captivity and the wild. This is an excellent opportunity to enhance the capacity of Canada's accredited zoos and aquariums in conservation and research.”

The funded project, called ReNewZoo, will provide training in conservation-related research by leveraging the resources of five major research-intensive zoos/aquariums in Canada, as well as the Canadian (CAZA) and American (AZA) zoo/aquarium organizations.  The six-year project is expected to strengthen and support the zoos and aquariums of the future, as research and conservation become critical strategic goals.  


The team led by Dr. Schulte-Hostedde will include project co-applicants Dr. David Lesbarreres,  Dr. Jacqueline Litzgus and Dr. Gillian Crozier, as well as collaborators Dr. Brett Buchanan and Dr. Chantal Barriault.

 

"This prestigious NSERC grant is the recognition of the ground-breaking research in conservation and evolutionary ecology from an excellent research team at Laurentian University, led by Dr. Albrecht Schulte-Hostedde. ” said Dr. Rui Wang, Vice-President, Research at Laurentian University.  “Their research project is both global in scope and forward-looking, and could change the way zoos and aquariums fulfill their roles in future.”

 

The award to Dr. Schulte-Hostedde is one of 13 announced by Greg Fergus, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.  A total of 10 Canadian universities will share in more than $20M in CREATE grants.  NSERC established the CREATE program—Collaborative Research and Training Experience Program—to improve mentoring and training of Canadian researchers by supporting communication, collaboration and professional skills, while providing relevant experience in both academic and non-academic research environments. 

Pages