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Laurentian University student enrolment exceeds planning forecasts

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.

Laurentian University’s End-of-Life Doula Program Earns National Accreditation

Laurentian University’s End-of-Life Doula Program Earns National Accreditation

For alumna Rikki Sibbald, the program was life-changing, offering expert training, and tools to provide compassionate end-of-life care.

(April 14, 2025) - Laurentian University’s End-of-Life Doula program has received national accreditation from the End-of-Life Doula Association of Canada, a recognition of the high-quality curriculum, expert instruction, and comprehensive resources.

The micro-credential program is comprised of four courses totalling 100 hours in length. Laurentian University’s Centre for Teaching and Continuing Learning, who developed the program with the support of Home Hospice North, started offering the first introductory course in Spring 2023 until the program in its entirety was first offered in Winter 2024. In the year since the program started, there have been 12 graduates with another 20 learners currently in the program.

For those like Rikki Sibbald, who feel called to provide compassionate support to those in need, the End-of-Life Doula program offers the training needed to turn that calling into action.

Rikki, Laurentian alumna in Psychologie and Éducation, is originally from New Liskeard but has been teaching with the Conseil scolaire Viamonde in Penetanguishene since completing her program in 2010. Although very different from her chosen career, she had long been drawn to end-of-life care. After a couple experiences with caring for relatives in their final days, Rikki often wondered how she could deepen her understanding of death, grief, and the support families need during that time.

"I’ve always been interested in death and dying," she says. "I considered nursing because the caregiver in me is strong, but my love for academia was stronger so I went into teaching instead. Over the years, I kept searching for programs or certifications in compassionate end-of-life care but I could only ever find options in the States."

That changed when she stumbled upon Laurentian’s End-of-Life Doula program.

"I punched the words into the search bar one day, as I would do periodically over the years and when I saw that Laurentian offered it, it felt like a sign. Even more perfect? It was online, so I didn’t have to take time off work or be away from my husband and kids. And Laurentian is my alma mater, so it just felt right."

Rikki enrolled in January 2024 and completed the program later that fall. The non-credit micro-credential trains individuals to support people in their final days, guiding them and their loved ones through the emotional, practical, and ethical aspects of dying. It covers everything from communication and grief support to funeral practices and legal considerations.

Throughout the program, Rikki was struck by the depth of knowledge she gained and the diversity of her classmates. "There were healthcare professionals, but also people like me—people who just felt drawn to this work," she says. "It was incredibly supportive, and the instructors were amazing. Having a Francophone professor also made a big difference because I want to be able to offer support in both English and French."

For now, Rikki is looking for ways to bring this knowledge to her community by partnering with local organizations, libraries, and hospices to support those facing loss through grief discussions called “Death Cafés”. Down the line, she hopes to turn this passion project into a retirement plan, offering respite care for families so that no one has to worry that their loved-one will die alone. 

Laurentian’s recent accreditation affirms the strength of the program. The End-of-Life Doula Association of Canada praised the program for its well-structured curriculum, high-quality teaching competence, and excellent student resources.

"This program opens doors," Rikki attests. "It’s changed the way I think about death, and it’s given me the tools to help others do the same."

Laurentian’s End-of-Life Doula program is delivered through the Micro-credential and Non-credit Programming department, and is offered in both English and French. It is open to anyone interested in providing compassionate, end-of-life support. Registration is open on a continuous basis with the next deadline of April 26, 2025. For more information, visit Laurentian University’s Continuing Learning page.

 

Accreditations renewed for French-language Teacher Education programs at Laurentian University

Accreditations renewed for French-language Teacher Education programs at Laurentian University

New programs committed to responding to teacher shortage

(March 21, 2023) - Graduates of Laurentian University’s education programs have been, and continue to be, in very high demand. French language programs offered by Laurentian’s School of Education have successfully renewed their accreditation for seven years with the Ontario College of Teachers. This includes the accreditation of new and existing programs: 

A unique incentive to enroll in Laurentian’s Baccalauréat en éducation (en plusieurs parties, en ligne, à temps partiel) is now available to francophone students. This OCT-accredited multi-session program aims at enabling teacher-candidates to enter the profession with a Transitional Certificate of Qualification and Registration as they are completing their program. Once a student completes specific requirements, including completing two weeks of placements, they will become eligible for this transitional certificate. 

 “Graduates from Laurentian’s education programs are in high demand, and this is especially true of those enrolled in our French-language teacher education programs. This accreditation will act as a catalyst for those considering a career in education,” said Dr. Patrice Milewski, Laurentian University’s Interim Dean, Faculty of Education and Health. 

The teacher shortage has been a concern for the Province’s French-language school boards for many years. Laurentian will help counter this shortage with its education programs.

“Laurentian University is committed to responding to the current teacher shortage. These newly accredited programs will assist not only our students, but also French-language school boards who seek to fill the employment gap of qualified teachers. Laurentian University is very well positioned to support the need for teachers in Northern Ontario, and in the wider reaches of the Province,” said Roch Gallien, Special Advisor of the Office of Francophone Affairs, Laurentian University. 

Laurentian currently has nearly 250 students studying in French-language education programs, and applications remain open for fall 2023. 


 

Laurentian Relay for Life returns for the 8th consecutive year

Laurentian Relay for Life returns for the 8th consecutive year

Campaign aims to add $30,000 to a total of over $280,000 since 2015.

(March 3, 2023) - On March 10 and 11, 2023, Laurentian Relay for Life will host its eighth annual event. Relay for Life raises awareness and funds in support of the battle against cancer. Fundraising efforts are donated to the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS); the nation’s largest cancer charity and charitable funder of cancer research. The campaign has raised $284,493.61 since 2016 and hopes to raise another $30,000 this year. 

Ann VanDerAa (Mount Forest, Ontario), fourth year Bachelor of Arts and Education student double majoring in History and English Literature, Media and Writing is this year’s LU Relay for Life President, and one of twenty student volunteers on the 2022-2023 organizing committee. “I started volunteering with LU Relay for Life in my first year, and I’ve managed to work my way up all the way to the executive team. Every year’s campaign has taught me so much, and it's amazing being a part of something that affects us all. I haven’t met a person who hasn’t been impacted by cancer in one way or the other, so being a part of making a difference, that’s been really powerful.” 

Other members of the 2022-2023 LU Relay for Life executive team include Vice-President of Engagement, Caitlyn Brannon (Whitby, Ontario), fourth year Sports Psychology student, and Vice-President of Finance, Cameron Hourtovenko (Sudbury, Ontario), fourth year Biomedical Biology student. 

“We are very proud of the work put in to support Relay for Life, a truly collaborative effort,” said VanDerAa. “The event takes place in the Ben Avery gymnasium from 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening through 7:00 a.m. Saturday morning. The night is filled to the brim with live entertainment, food stations, games, sports tournaments, everything you can think of. Ultimately, at the end of the night, we come together to reveal our fundraising total.” Laurentian competes with some of the largest schools in the country in terms of number of participants and amounts fundraised. 

“Relay For Life is a global movement, taking place in 29 countries and 6000 communities worldwide and this year, we are so excited to celebrate the 8th annual Relay For Life event at Laurentian University. When Laurentian Relays, the school community helps make it possible for the Canadian Cancer Society to provide a national support system for people with cancer and their families. Together, we’re helping people manage life with cancer with services including accommodation at our cancer lodges, transportation to treatment, and one on one support with peer support volunteers. It’s truly because of the work from our incredible student leaders, volunteers and donors that our mission at the CCS is possible. We thank the Laurentian University community for making a remarkable impact and together, we can unite and inspire all Canadians to take control of cancer,” said Allie Raper, Senior Specialist, Relay For Life Youth, Canadian Cancer Society. 

LU Relay for Life is centered around four key ceremonies. An opening and closing ceremony, a survivor ceremony and a luminary ceremony. “The luminary ceremony is a particularly emotional and heartfelt point where participants get the chance to honor people they may have lost in a very respectful way,” said VanDerAa. Participants are each given a small paper bag to decorate, in which a light is inserted. “We dim the lights in the gym and give people time to reflect. It’s genuinely some people’s favourite part of Relay.” 

Though more than 125 Laurentian students have registered to participate in this year’s Relay for Life, the goal is for over 300 LU students to get involved. Students can register individually or in teams of 5-12. 

LU Relay for Life welcomes new registrants up until the day of the event, March 10th. They are grateful to their many supporters, including local sponsors as below: 

Platinum sponsors: Verdicchio’s Ristorante
Gold sponsors: Starbucks, Sudbury Five, Angèle’s Bakes
Silver sponsors: Greater Sudbury Utilities, Peavey Mart, Ferguson Deacon Taws, TestMark
Bronze sponsors: Salute Coffee Company, Handmade by Logan, New Sudbury Spice Co., Science North, Joyful Home, Sage, Twiggs Coffee Roasters, the Daventry, That’s My Jam, Positive Inception, Mastermind Toys, Sudbury Wolves, Party City, and Gourmet World

Laurentian alumna looks back on twenty-three years and counting of French language teaching

Laurentian alumna looks back on twenty-three years and counting of French language teaching

Jennifer LaBrosse inspires the next generation of students in her JK/SK classroom

(February 28, 2023) - A strong start in school helps children learn, develop problem solving and creative thinking, and supports social and emotional growth. Benefits associated with engaging experiences in early school years are widespread, and parents and guardians gain peace of mind when they are confident in the skills and empathy of their child’s educator. 

Jennifer LaBrosse (née Johnson), a Laurentian alumna (Geography, 1998 and Éducation, 1999), has been educating young minds for the past twenty-three years. She is precisely the kind of teacher that parents and guardians appreciate for her enthusiasm, dedication to her students, and caring disposition. 

“I love being a teacher. Children are amazing, each of them unique when it comes to their needs. Being able to make a positive difference in the early years of my students is what drives me.”

LaBrosse grew up in the small community of Warren, Ontario, located about forty kilometers east from the city of Greater Sudbury. She graduated from Sturgeon Falls’ École secondaire catholique Franco-Cité (1994). “My English and Geography teachers back in high school were very supportive,” she enthused. “It was because of them that I wanted to teach. My mother was a teacher, and I remember loving every opportunity to be able to help her as a kid. I was always excited to visit her classroom, and felt as though teaching would be a career I’d want to pursue.” 

Only a few short months after obtaining her teaching qualifications, LaBrosse was hired to teach a split grade 1-3 class at École publique Franco-Manitou in Manitouwadge, Ontario. “I have to admit that I was a little nervous moving so far away from home to a community that was unfamiliar to me. But as soon as I arrived, I dove right in and had a really good experience. I only had nine students in my class. We were a very small school, but this was familiar to me, having grown up in a small community.” 

In the Spring of 2000, when teaching positions closer to home became available, LaBrosse applied to Markstay, Ontario’s École publique Camille-Perron. “That first year, I was hired to teach grades 4-6, precisely the age group I always thought I’d want to educate. However, after two years teaching these school grades, I was asked if I was interested in teaching the junior/senior kindergarten (JK/SK) class. It was my school’s principal who convinced me to make this change. She told me, ‘I think you’d be great. I see how you are and I think you’d be great with the young kids.’ I wasn’t initially so sure, but I accepted the posting in September 2002 and I haven’t looked back.” 

It’s obvious that LaBrosse is passionate about teaching and supporting the bright futures of her students. “It’s never a dull moment. Every day in the classroom is different and you never know what is going to happen. The kids are caring, and it’s easy to love them. They are so inquisitive, so imaginative, and it’s great to be a part of it.” 

LaBrosse incorporates as much outside-the-box thinking into her teaching methods. “I enjoy sharing what I love with my students, and this includes music and travel. I think bringing into the classroom what I am passionate about makes things more interesting. As a JK/SK teacher, you want to try and find fun ways to learn things, such as learning syllables through music with the help of instruments.” In her spare time, LaBrosse plays the guitar. She often teaches through music to better engage many of her students. “I try to bring as much imagination into my teaching as possible.” 

LaBrosse also fosters inclusivity in her classroom. “I teach in a French-language school, but that doesn’t mean that every student who comes into my classroom speaks French before starting school,” she explained. “I welcome all students in my classroom, and I’ve got to say that as the days and weeks go by, it’s incredible to see how quickly students learn and pick up the French language. My students are like little sponges. They soak up everything that comes at them and witnessing their progress is truly rewarding.”

When parents and guardians meet LaBrosse for the first time, they often seem pleasantly surprised to see dozens of pictures of her former students proudly hung on her classroom walls. “All of my students’ graduation pictures are in my classroom. Every single one of them, kind of like a mosaic. So when parents come in, they tend to like to see that - to see how welcoming we make our teaching spaces. As teachers, we tend to be very proud of our students.”  

There is a strong sense of community amongst LaBrosse and her colleagues, she explained. In addition to teaching, she is Chair of her school’s social committee, which means that she takes responsibility to ensure positive relations are fostered amongst her peers. “We all get along really well, and many of us have worked together for years. I actually grew up with some of my colleagues, which I think is pretty amazing.” 

For those considering a career in teaching, LaBrosse encourages you to pursue your dreams. “Get as much experience as you can while accomplishing your teaching qualifications,” she said. “Be open to possibilities, be open minded. I absolutely love my job and am excited about what my ongoing future in teaching holds.” 
 

Laurentian launches Peer Wellness Program

Laurentian launches Peer Wellness Program

Health and wellness at forefront of University’s priorities

(April 8, 2022) - Mental health matters. It affects how we feel, think, and behave. It also impacts how we make decisions, how we handle stress, and how we manage relationships.

Students at Laurentian are making a positive impact toward the well-being of fellow students. While many resources and services are dedicated to support mental health and wellness, such as Counselling, Health and Wellness Services, Accessibility Services, the Indigenous Student Affairs office, and the Equity, Diversity and Human Rights office (EDHRO), the new Peer Wellness Program will contribute exponentially to student mental health and wellness. The program is in its early stages of implementation, and is already gaining traction on campus. 

Kayla Dibblee and Amalia Secenj are amongst the many dedicated students who have contributed to the development of this Program. Dibblee is a Master’s student in Social Work and a Physical and Health Education and Education alumna, whereas Secenj is completing her final semester of the Health Promotion program.

Describing the mission of the Peer Wellness Program, Secenj said: “It’s about providing guidance and creating goals to help support mental health and de-stigmatize mental health on campus. It’s about the development of peer support relationships amongst students.” The Program hopes to uplift the voices of student communities on campus in respectful and empathetic ways. It is designed to complement existing professional services on campus. To date, more than forty students have signed up to become peer supporters. Notably, not only will peer-to-peer relationships be fostered amongst students by the Program, but supportive resources are equally made available online. 

Added Dibblee: “There is great value in peer-to-peer support. Power and knowledge comes from lived experience, and students, especially those equipped with the right training, can often provide excellent support for fellow students. They understand the student experience, as they themselves live this experience.” 

Stephanie Harris, Intake Support and Community Outreach Coordinator of the EDHRO office added: “Students care about other students. They care about creating an environment where everybody feels welcomed and respected.” 

Isabelle Chaussé, Manager of Counselling and Accessibility Services also said: “My team and I are very excited to be working with students who are passionate about mental health. We've dedicated a space within the Counselling department for the Peer Wellness Program where student peers will play a crucial role in our service delivery model. The Peer Wellness Program will enhance the experience of students feeling seen, heard, and understood. 

Contact details for various student services: 

Counselling Services: 705-675-1151 ext. 6506 or peerwellness@laurentian.ca 
Accessibility Services: 705-675-1151 ext. 3324 or accessibilityservicesinfo@laurentian.ca 
Indigenous Student Affairs office: 705-675-1151 ext. 4052 or isa@laurentian.ca 
Equity, Diversity and Human Rights Office: 705-675-1151 ext. 3427 or edhr@laurentian.ca 

Students are also encouraged to call the Crisis Intervention Services 24 hour hotline at 705-675-4760 or Good 2 Talk, at 1-866-925-5454.
 

Laurentian alumna prepares to embark on international work and travel adventure

Laurentian alumna prepares to embark on international work and travel adventure

Travel enthusiast, Lisa McGowan, journeys towards mental wellness

While the COVID-19 pandemic has substantially altered ways in which we travel, Lisa McGowan (Guelph, ON), a Laurentian University graduate of Psychology (2011) and Education (2012) is eager to embark on a four-month work and travel adventure through Europe and Africa. McGowan expects to depart for this journey this month and in January 2022 through the Remote Year program. Destinations along the way include Portugal, Croatia, Spain, and South Africa. While abroad, McGowan will work to further develop her business, Pop Up Studios, specifically in the realm of travel photography. What’s more, McGowan looks forward to embarking on a journey towards mental wellness; travel has always supported her mental health. Reflecting on this, she described that “any time spent abroad, immersed in another culture, stepping out of your comfort zones, exploring the world, is time well spent and immensely valuable.” 

McGowan is no stranger to international travel. When she was a third year student at Laurentian, McGowan studied a semester at Tilburg University in the Netherlands. She was able to do so through the LUGO (Laurentian University Global Opportunities) program that recognizes the value of the university experience outside the classroom. Participating in an international exchange can create opportunities for growth in vibrant and diverse ways. “I “wanted to make the most of the University experience and study somewhere else apart from Canada alone,” said McGowan. “Travel has had such a profound impact on my well being.” It finds McGowan prioritizing her passions, and she has set the “goal to create a life for myself where I can forge my own path to the version of success where prioritizing my mental wellness and protecting my energy is foundational.” 

McGowan’s participation in LUGO catalyzed her interest in other global opportunities. Soon after her graduation from Laurentian, she was hired by EPIK (English Program in Korea) to teach English as a Second Language. While this experience was initially to occur over a 12 month period, McGowan lived and worked in South Korea for nearly two years. “I moved to South Korea in February 2013 and lived on the mainland in Daegu. I worked at two different public schools with children aged 3 to 12, which was an incredible experience. After that first year, I found a teaching job at a private academy on Jeju Island and lived in an apartment there. I loved immersing myself in Korean culture, and getting to live that life was a beautiful gift.” 

For McGowan, teaching English as a Second language came with its challenges, but more importantly, its rewards. Her experience teaching abroad enhanced her passion for helping to positively develop the minds of youth, and she later found herself employed back in Canada through the Upper Grand District School Board. A most memorable moment for McGowan teaching Canadian students was when she developed an extensive six-week long Shark Tank simulation project for her grade seven class. This project found McGowan helping to develop her students’ self-confidence and creativity while also learning about entrepreneurship. It was this project that catalyzed McGowan’s interest to develop her own enterprise. 

While it is likely that protocols surrounding the global pandemic could have an impact on McGowan’s fast approaching journey, she remains hopeful that she will be able to take on this adventure. “This is one of my wildest dreams coming true! I’m going to make the most of it.” 

All are encouraged to follow McGowan’s travels via her Instagram as she pops up around the world. No matter where she travels next, her experiences at Laurentian will always be kept close to her heart. 
 

Rob and Cheryl McEwen invest $10 Million in Laurentian University’s School of Architecture

Rob and Cheryl McEwen invest $10 Million in Laurentian University’s School of Architecture

The Laurentian University School of Architecture will now be known as the McEwen School of Architecture

The Laurentian University School of Architecture will now be known as the McEwen School of Architecture, in recognition of a significant investment by Rob and Cheryl McEwen. A blue and gold banner bearing the McEwen name was unfurled outside the School in downtown Sudbury today, as the McEwens announced a $10 million gift. Four million dollars will be used to complete the School’s $45 million state-of-the-art facility. The remaining $6 million will enhance the student experience and maximize their capacity to become agents of change for architecture globally.   

“Investing in Laurentian’s School of Architecture is a thrilling and proud moment for us.  This School’s focus on green and sustainable design, rooted in northern landscapes and community, is creating unique opportunities for the next generation of architects,” said Rob McEwen.  “We are already seeing the impact the School has had on northern communities in its first three years, and we look forward to the innovation and excellence in design these young leaders will achieve in years to come.”

 

“We are immensely grateful to the McEwen family for this transformative gift,” said Dr. Terrance Galvin, Founding Director of the School of Architecture. “This investment will help us fulfill our mission to establish a unique and cutting-edge architecture program whose graduates will contribute to socio-economic and cultural development in the Northern latitudes across Canada and around the world.  With his vision and enthusiasm, Rob will be a superb mentor to our students.”

 

Mr. McEwen is renowned as a visionary in the mining industry and in philanthropy. After a successful career in financial services and investment management, Mr. McEwen became one of Canada’s leading executives in the mining industry.  He is the founder of Goldcorp Inc., which he grew from a small company with a market capitalization of $50 million to a global player worth more than $10 billion. He is currently the Chairman and Chief Owner of McEwen Mining Inc. (MUX on NYSE & TSX) and of Lexam VG Gold Inc. (LEX on TSX), which explore for and mine gold, silver, and copper, in Canada, USA, Mexico and Argentina. Some of Rob McEwen’s awards include the 2003 Northern Miners “Mining Man of the Year”, and the 2006 Canadian Business magazine’s “Most Innovative CEO.” He was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2007.   Rob and his wife Cheryl are passionate about encouraging and promoting excellence and innovation in education and health care. Their donations to furthering these objectives are in excess of $50 million.

Cheryl McEwen is Vice-Chair of UHN Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation, which raises funds for research, education and the enhancement of patient care at Canada’s largest medical research hospital complex. She is the founder and President of “Make my Day Foods” the creator and manufacturer of the Veggie Puck, an organic, raw, frozen and nutrient-dense mixed vegetable serving ready to be blended into a daily smoothie. Cheryl is the Co-Chair of the Grand Cru Culinary Wine Festival, which is recognized as one of Canada's top fundraising events. This event annually assembles the finest wine and gourmet cuisine and the brightest minds in medical research. Grand Cru has raised net proceeds of more than $21.2 million for medical research since its inception in 2005. Cheryl is also very active in the strategic growth of the McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine.

“We are honoured to accept this generous investment by the McEwens in our School of Architecture, and proud that the School will be associated with Rob and his family,” said Steve Paikin, Chancellor of Laurentian University.  “It is a great gesture of support for our School and our students, and we believe it is also a testament to the momentum and growing national recognition of our university,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux.  

The McEwen School of Architecture welcomed its charter class in September 2013.  It will launch its Master of Architecture graduate program in 2017.

 

About the McEwen School of Architecture

Laurentian’s School of Architecture is the first new school of architecture to open in Canada in 45 years. It is also the first school of its kind in Northern Ontario and the first in Canada outside Québec to offer courses in French. The McEwen School provides an immersive educational experience that conveys the inherent necessity of pairing technical expertise with a full understanding of the spirit of landscapes, and the people who inhabit them, in order to design smart, sustainable and functional buildings. In only three years, students have already won numerous national and international awards, including a first place win at the Bergen International Wood Festival in Norway in May 2016.

As the 12th School of Architecture in Canada, the School was conceived as a venue for students from the North to be able to study architecture in their region; it will also encourage recent graduates to stay and become a part of the growing design community in the North. The McEwen School will be recognized for its research and design with wood, its research into indigenous architecture, as well as its expertise in studying the Sudbury Basin as a source for design.

The McEwen School is housed in a magnificent new $45 million complex in downtown Sudbury designed by LGA Architectural Partners totalling 77,000 sq ft including two century-old repurposed buildings formerly owned by CP Rail and CP Telegraph, and a final phase of 52,000 sq ft which will officially open this Fall serving more than 260 students. A highly competitive program, enrolment will rise to 400 students by 2018, when it will have 25 faculty and staff.

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.”

Laurentian University appoints founding Dean of Education

Laurentian University appoints founding Dean of Education

Dr. Lace Marie Brogden to lead French, English Schools of Education

FEBRUARY 23, 2016 – Laurentian University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Lace Marie Brogden as the university’s Founding Dean of the Faculty of Education.  Dr. Brogden’s appointment will be for a five-year renewable term, beginning July 1, 2016. 

 

As Dean, Dr. Brogden will have responsibility for leading the two schools within the Faculty, the English-language School of Education and the French-language École des sciences de l’éducation.  The Faculty currently includes more than 60 full- and part-time faculty, and a total of 780 students. 

 

A respected academic and experienced administrator, Dr. Brogden has been Director of the Baccalaureate Program at the University of Regina’s Faculty of Education since 2010.  Before joining the Faculty of Education, Dr. Brogden worked as Evaluation Coordinator in the Official Minority Language Office of Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Education.  She also spent five years as a French Immersion teacher in Regina’s public school system. Dr. Brogden received a PhD from the University of Regina in 2007, and a Master of Arts in Education from San Diego State University in 1996.  She completed her undergraduate degree, Baccalaureat en éducation élémentaire française, at the University of Regina in 1989.

 

“Through the new Faculty of Education, we aim to promote high-quality research, teaching and learning, while attracting outstanding students and faculty,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux.  “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Brogden to this important new role at Laurentian and we look forward to the flourishing of these schools under her leadership.”

 

“I am thrilled by the opportunity to work with both Schools in the Faculty of Education, which together serve such an important role in Northern Ontario,” said Dr. Brogden.  “It is a unique opportunity to work in French and in English, in both concurrent and consecutive B. Ed. programs, and I am excited by the prospects ahead.”

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