Today, after two years of virtual graduation ceremonies, alumni and their classmates, friends, family and loved ones, along with RRC Polytech staff are gathering for a second chance at convocation. Almost 1000 RRC Polytech alumni will be donning a cap and gown to cross the stage in person during ceremonies at the Centennial Concert Hall.

“We recognize that being surrounded by classmates and loved ones, and crossing the stage is a major milestone to help celebrate students’ hard work and achievements. We wanted to be able to provide this memorable in-person experience to alumni who had virtual convocation ceremonies over the last two years,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President, Academic, who is emceeing the alumni graduation ceremonies.

Earlier this spring, after receiving positive survey responses from alumni who graduated between Spring 2020 and Winter 2022, the College announced that special return convocation ceremonies would be held for its alumni.

For Tian Tian, since arriving in Canada in 2020, not only did she have to learn how to navigate a new country and way of life, but also navigate classes in a new online learning environment. Despite all challenges, Tian, seamlessly managed a demanding class schedule, found time to give back to the community, and began building a family.

Starting her education journey at the onset of the pandemic, and finishing during another wave of the pandemic, she now has the opportunity to attend the in-person convocation ceremony she had anticipated.

“I am grateful to be able to join my instructors and fellow classmates in person – they have been fundamental in helping me build brave relationships here at RRC Polytech and prepare for my future career,” says Tian, who is a 2021 Honours grad of the Manufacturing CAD program and recipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for outstanding achievement.

“Today is also extremely special because my son, Alexis, who became our youngest classmate, will be with my family in the audience while I cross the stage.”

Tian will be bringing remarks at the 7:00 p.m. alumni convocation ceremony tonight – this ceremony along those at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. will be available via livestream at rrc.ca/convocation.

Congratulations to the classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022!

Today, RRC Polytech is celebrating its latest group of graduates with an in-person ceremony — the first held in-person since February 2020.

“Tonight’s ceremony marks a fresh start for our graduates. They have accomplished a great deal through challenging circumstances — they truly deserve a celebration,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice-President Academic.

“Our convocation ceremonies represent opportunity and new beginnings. We are excited to be gathering together again to celebrate our students’ achievements.”

More than 2,000 students — many of whom completed a significant portion of their learning in a virtual setting — will cross the stage over three ceremonies, the first of which takes place tonight at 7:00 p.m.

Among the honourees at this week’s ceremonies are Taryn Lucas and Trent Adams, the College’s 2022 Lieutenant Governor’s Medal recipients. RRC Polytech awards up to four Lieutenant Governor’s Medal awards each year to graduating students who excel in academic and technical achievement, involvement in College and/or community activities, and good character.

Lucas graduates from the Community Development program, while Adams graduates from Environmental Engineering Technology.

“At RRC Polytech, I have been able to develop meaningful and impactful relationships with amazing students and communities, which has helped to further develop my portfolio of purpose. I now feel capable of tackling the real-life situations in front of me,” says Lucas.

“I hope to further my education towards law school and include advancements in my social finance and impact investing knowledge, which will in turn allow me to reach the point of becoming Mayor of Winnipeg, helping to decide our city council which helps to impact the Greater Winnipeg and Manitoba region.”

“The class of 2022 have proven they’re capable to adapt to great change, and thrive despite challenging circumstances,” says Dr. Watson. “I look forward to seeing what they bring to their careers and communities.”

RRC Polytech will continue to offer a virtual convocation experience for those who are unable to attend or are not yet ready for a large, in-person gathering.

For a full list of graduates and award winners, and to stream the ceremony, visit rrc.ca/convocation.

There are no changes to the update issued yesterday.

RRC Polytech will operate on a limited capacity for Wednesday, April 13 and Thursday, April 14. All programs at all campuses will be delivered online. Programs and services are anticipated to resume as normal on Tuesday, April 19.

Winnipeg Campus access is limited to critical staff only. Campus access at NDC will be restricted to Security (C-tower) and card-only access at EDC.

RRC Polytech’s Regional Campuses, as well as Stevenson Winnipeg, are closed for April 13, with all staff working from home and classes taking place online.

RRC Polytech understands that many students, faculty, and staff will be impacted with K-12 school closures. Our goal is to accommodate, to the greatest extent possible, those who must care for their children. If staff and faculty are affected by today’s closures, please connect with your manager or program so we can best support you. Students will not be negatively impacted should the storm or K-12 school closures impact your ability to attend class, submit an assignment or write a test or exam – please reach out to your programs for further support.

The Incident Command Team will continue to monitor the storm. Should there be significant disruptions expected (power, water, internet service) or a state of emergency declared, RRC Polytech will reassess our operations and provide updates as required.

Continue to follow our social media, emails or visit rrc.ca for further updates.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact safety@rrc.ca

Update from Environment Canada

Snow which pushed northward into Winnipeg in the early morning hours will continue to track northward this morning into the Interlake. Snow at times heavy and blowing snow is expected to continue throughout the day, accompanied by northeast winds gusting as high as 70 km/h at times.

For the Red River Valley including Winnipeg and southeastern Manitoba the majority of the snow expected with this system will fall today. Snow and blowing snow will continue tonight through Thursday, although with lesser amounts expected. The southern Red River Valley and southeastern Manitoba may also see some drizzle or freezing drizzle as warmer air wraps into the system. Snow will continue Thursday evening, but accumulations should be limited, before tapering to flurries on Friday.

Further north the Interlake and areas east of Lake Winnipeg will see the majority of the snow tonight through Thursday.

Total snowfall accumulations by the time the time the storm tapers off range from 30-40 cm for Winnipeg, 40-60 cm for the western Red River Valley including Portage La Prairie and Morden, and 20-40 cm for the eastern Red River Valley and southeastern Manitoba.

Travel will become increasingly difficult as the day progresses.

There is no significant change to the update that was issued earlier today.

RRC Polytech will operate on a limited capacity for Wednesday, April 13 and Thursday, April 14. All programs at all campuses will be delivered online. Students will not be negatively impacted should the storm impact their ability to attend class, submit an assignment or write a test or exam.

During this period only Staff, critical to the operations of our campuses will be permitted on-campus during. Campus entry at NDC will be limited to the Security entrance (C-tower) and card-only access at EDC. Please reach out directly to Regional Campuses if you require access. All programs and services are anticipated to resume as normal on Tuesday, April 19.

Campus services available remotely

In-person services will not be available at this time and Student Service Centre representatives will be available remotely from 8:00am-3:45pm by phone at 204-632-2327 or email at register@rrc.ca.  The offices of Student Support Services will remain closed until Tuesday, April 19, but will continue to offer services remotely, please contact 204-632-3966 or 204-949-8375. Campus Well-Being will continue offering some activities remotely.

The NDC Loft and the EDC Fitness Centre will be closed and re-open on April 19.

The Incident Command Team will continue to monitor the storm. Should conditions worsen and there are significant disruptions expected (power, water, internet service) or the City of Winnipeg or Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization declares a state of emergency, RRC Polytech will reassess our operations and provide updates as required.

Please continue to follow our social media channels, emails and visit online at rrc.ca/campusadvisory for further updates.

Update from Environment Canada

Major spring storm poised to wallop southern Manitoba beginning overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning and lasting until Friday morning. Widespread snowfall accumulations of 30-50 cm accompanied by northerly winds gusting 60-70 km/h giving zero visibility at times in snow and blowing snow.

By Friday morning, widespread snowfall accumulations of 30 to 40 cm are likely.

Travel will become increasingly difficult as the day progresses Wednesday, with widespread highway closures a near-certainty. By Wednesday evening even travel within communities may become impossible as the heavy snow and strong winds continue… and more of the same is expected on Thursday.

Do not plan to travel – this storm has the potential to be the worst blizzard in decades. Stock up on needed supplies and medications now. Power outages are likely, rural areas in particular should be prepared for extended outages.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact safety@rrc.ca

Due to the incoming winter storm, RRC Polytech plans to operate our campuses on a limited capacity for Wednesday, April 13, 2022, and Thursday, April 14, 2022. Only staff, critical to the operations of our campuses will be permitted on-campus during this time. We do not anticipate a return to normal operations until Tuesday April 19.

All remaining staff and faculty will work from home during this period. Classes will be delivered remotely where possible or rescheduled as needed. Students will not be negatively impacted should the storm impact their ability to attend class, submit an assignment or write a test or exam. Program areas will connect with students by the end of the day to advise of any scheduled changes in advance of the storm.

Employees whose work that cannot be conducted remotely will be supported on a case-by-case basis through their immediate supervisor. Forms of leave will be made available in the event employees are disrupted by power outages, childcare issues, or other emergency situations, because of the storm.  

The College’s Incident Command Team has been activated. We will continue to monitor the storm and guidance from the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization, Environment Canada, and the City of Winnipeg.

This is our current approach in advance of the storm, but it is subject to change. The Incident Command Team will continue to assess the situation to ensure that we are taking the best course of action to keep our community safe and keep you informed.

Our next update will be at 4:00 pm.

Current Storm Situation from Environment Canada

A winter storm watch is currently in effect for southern Manitoba, including the City of Winnipeg. The storm is expected to begin Tuesday evening and could persist into Friday.

Environment Canada is predicting accumulations of 30-50 cm of snow accompanied by northerly winds gusting 70-90 km/h, resulting in zero visibility at times. Travel is not recommended on Wednesday and Thursday as widespread highway closures are anticipated, and travel within communities may become difficult.

The College will share further updates through email, social media, and online at rrc.ca/media

Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and prepare an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight.

For information on emergency plans and kits, go to http://www.getprepared.gc.ca.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact safety@rrc.ca

Thank you

For immediate release: March 24, 2022

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis Nation –For more than 15 years, RRC Polytech’s Research Partnerships & Innovation enterprise has collaborated with local industry and community partners to find solutions to real-world challenges. And, over the course of the last five months, work has been underway on RRC Polytech’s new Academic Plan and Research Plan, focusing on alignment with the key commitments of the Strategic Plan, In Front of What’s Ahead.
 
Both plans will support how RRC Polytech will live its bold new direction over the next five years, and play significant roles in how the College achieves a renewed commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, deepens relationships with employers, industry and community partners, and supports growth and prosperity within Manitoba.

As of April 1, 2022, the Research, Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) department will be re-aligned to join the Indigenous Strategy and Business Development portfolio, a newly re-imagined area at RRC Polytech, led by Vice President, James (Jamie) Wilson. This re-alignment was largely guided through the process of developing the new Research Plan.
 
“This change in structure was a natural fit, as several goals in the Research Plan align extremely well with the mandate of RRC Polytech’s newly created Indigenous Strategy and Business Development portfolio,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.
 
“This re-alignment is one of the ways we are positioning RRC Polytech to achieve our strategic goals and elevate our role in strengthening Manitoba’s economic, social, environmental and cultural prosperity.”
 
The College’s newly re-imagined area led by Vice President, Jamie Wilson, will now be Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development. Through the recent introduction of this role, Jamie Wilson, has already identified many opportunities to provide a suite of services including the continued service model that positions RRC Polytech as a responsive and client-centred partner for industry and employers. This service model is one that RPI continues to successfully leverage, providing solutions for industry challenges and delivering in-demand training to meet labour market needs.
 
“The overlap between business development, applied research and Indigenous growth is what differentiates Manitoba on a global scale. This is an empowerment of Manitoba’s value proposition,” says Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development.
 
“The re-alignment of the Research, Partnerships & Innovation department will ensure research at the College is approached through an Indigenous lens, and open up new opportunities for collaboration on shared goals and initiatives between academic programs, applied research, and business development.”
 
As Manitoba’s Polytechnic, applied research will continue to play a key role in academic programs, providing high quality work-integrated learning opportunities for RRC Polytech students, including the integration of capstone projects into curricula.

RPI will continue to engage in the important work that it has set out to accomplish and re-alignment in this new portfolio will truly enable RRC Polytech’s work to expands its reach, creating the right connections within the College, and in the community to support the Research Plan’s ambitious goals and strategic direction over the next five years.  

The re-envisioned area of Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development presents an exciting new opportunity to create and deepen partnerships between the business community, College, and Indigenous community. And this opportunity will make a major impact as RRC Polytech embeds Truth and Reconciliation and pursues equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.

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Research, Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) at RRC Polytech involves applied research spanning sectors from aerospace to early childhood education and can include innovations in products, processes and the diffusion of information and technology. RPI is home to three Technology Access Centres (TACs) – Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre (BETAC), Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK), and Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing (TACAM) – and dynamic research facilities, including the Vehicle Technology & Energy Centre (VTEC) and the Science of Early Childhood Education (SECD) initiative. To learn more about RPI, visit rrc.ca/research.

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis Nation –

RRC Polytech’s Vehicle Technology & Energy Centre (VTEC) will continue to lead the charge on the shift to zero-emission vehicles (ZEV), thanks to support from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).

The federal government, through NRCan recently announced a $225,000 grant for Enhancing Workplace Charging across Canada’s Prairie Region through Emphasizing Strategies for Cost-Effective Adaptation of Charging Infrastructure (Enhancing Workplace Charging), an initiative RRC Polytech will lead alongside partners Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and Saskatchewan Polytechnic (Sask Polytech). This grant was provided along with funding for 22 organizations across Canada to undertake ZEV awareness projects.

Through this partnership, the College is extending its reach from Manitoba to throughout the Prairies to build public awareness of charging options for electric vehicles (EVs).

“Our VTEC team at the College is excited to build on the momentum of EV projects we’ve completed over the last decade. This initiative is particularly important because it addresses a major challenge of making the shift to EVs on the individual level, and how organizations can support charging infrastructure for the general public,” says Jojo Delos Reyes, Research Program Manager, VTEC.

The overall aim of the collaborative initiative is to address one of the most significant barriers to EV adoption, “range anxiety” due to lack of access to charging infrastructure. RRC Polytech and project partners have identified that the Prairie region presents a major opportunity to implement charging stations to meet workplace charging needs. Throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, there are numerous existing plug-in-points (nearly 500,000 in Manitoba alone) due to the cold climate, which can be adapted in a cost-effective manner for Level 1 charging.

To support EV adoption, RRC Polytech’s VTEC team, NAIT and Sask Polytech will leverage collective expertise to research and distribute informational material to build awareness of charging options and how to adapt current infrastructure for Level 1 workplace charging.

RRC Polytech is a founding member of Accelerate and member of Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2), and the Enhancing Workplace Charging project goals directly align with the mandates of these alliances to support a greener future, highlighting the College’s commitment to sustainability.

In addition, the project will help build a future workforce trained for clean-tech jobs, through student participation in applied learning. RRC Polytech researchers, technicians, and students will also help build the College’s capabilities for new zero-emission technology initiatives.

RRC Polytech remains on the leading-edge of the drive to zero-emission vehicles, growing the province as a hub for EV innovation and adoption. To learn more about the College’s past vehicle technology projects, visit rrc.ca/vtec

Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis Nation –

Today, RRC Polytech is celebrating the success of its Winter 2022 graduating class through a virtual convocation ceremony.

There are 1,040 students crossing the virtual stage, representing programs from the College’s eight campuses across Manitoba, and includes international students who studied virtually from their home countries. For many graduates their studies took place almost entirely during the COVID-19 pandemic, which challenged students to be open to new or different ways of learning and adapt to a changing world.

“We are proud to be honouring RRC Polytech’s graduates and celebrating as they take the next step into their careers. To get to where they are today shows true resilience and dedication, and I know they will carry those qualities with them into the workforce and help move Manitoba forward,“ said Fred Meier, President and CEO at RRC Polytech. “Our alumni have a strong reputation for being leaders across Manitoba’s leading industries, and I am looking forward to seeing what our newest graduates bring to the table.”

This is the second class to graduate since RRC Polytech’s evolution as a polytechnic. Last year, the College announced that, through its new strategic plan, it would increase its focus on strategic workforce development, applied research and flexible learning options that aim to keep Manitobans in front of what’s ahead.

Honorary Diploma Awarded to Restaurant Legend

RRC Polytech has the distinct privilege of honouring Doug Stephen, founder of WOW! Hospitality, with an Honorary Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management.

“I can’t tell you how honoured and humbled I am to be presented with this recognition,” said Doug Stephen, who also shared the following advice for today’s graduates. “If you can honestly say that you are passionate about what you do when you wake up in the morning, your life will be filled with happiness and fulfillment.”

Stephen is receiving the Honorary Diploma for being an integral part of the Winnipeg dining and hospitality sector, as well as his longstanding commitment to providing RRC Polytech students opportunities to gain hands-on training and work experience.

Graduates Encouraged to Celebrate Together on Social Media

Graduates are encouraged to join in the celebrations online by taking photos and sharing them on social media by tagging RRC Polytech (@redrivercollege) and using the official alumni hashtag (#rrcalumni). Graduates may also purchase lawn signs at the Campus Store. 

RRC Polytech’s Winter 2022 Virtual Convocation Ceremony will stream on RRC Polytech’s website and Facebook Live today, February 24 at 3:00pm.

For a full list of graduates, award winners, and to stream the ceremony please visit rrc.ca/convocation.

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis Nation 

As part of its longstanding and ongoing commitment to prioritize and promote mental health and well-being, RRC Polytech is encouraging staff, students and community members to take pause and participate in Bell Let’s Talk Day 2022.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted all of our lives. In this time, it is critical that we continue to prioritize, and further expand, RRC Polytech’s mental health and well-being initiatives,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO at RRC Polytech. “Bell Let’s Talk aligns with RRC Polytech’s objective to cultivate an environment of support that provides well-being, belonging, connectedness and positive mental health for our entire community.  RRC Polytech is proud to join the Bell Let’s Talk campaign and support expanded and enhanced mental health initiatives in Manitoba.”

As part of RRC Polytech’s Strategic Plan, the College is successfully creating a culture that supports the mental health and well-being of students, staff and faculty. Building on the strength of the Healthy Minds, Healthy College strategy launched in 2014, the College recently unveiled its new Campus Well-Being unit, which strives to take a more holistic approach to physical and mental health, with the goal of benefitting even more people by providing opportunities to connect through sport, recreation, and wellness-based activities.

In developing the unit’s mandate and guiding principles, RRC Polytech used the National Standard for Mental Health and Well-Being for Post-Secondary Students as a foundational guide, a document developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada and Canadian Standards Association Group, with financial support from Bell Let’s Talk.

Additionally, a generous donation from Bell’s Post-Secondary fund is helping RRC Polytech implement this National Standard; this funding is being used to help Campus Well-Being work with students to co-design a peer support program.

“Bell’s commitment to student mental health is an ongoing priority especially as students continue to be impacted by the effects of the pandemic. We are proud to continue our support of post-secondary institutions’ efforts to expand, enhance or establish programs that support student mental health and well-being, and ultimately student success,” says Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let’s Talk.

On Bell Let’s Talk Day 2022, RRC Polytech will host a live virtual workshop at 12 p.m. for students, staff and faculty that will include short film viewings and a discussion on ways to open up conversations about mental health and wellness.

“Hearing stories from others about their experiences overcoming and navigating mental health barriers helps us to normalize these experiences and minimize the stigma or shame that we may feel concerning our own mental health,” says Breanna Sawatzky, Acting Manager of Campus Well-Being at RRC Polytech. “Now more than ever, we need to show compassion to one another as we all do our best to care for our own mental health and wellbeing. Supportive conversations, acts of kindness, wellness opportunities, and access to professional supports when needed are all part of the College’s strategy to support our community.”

Register for the workshop and learn about additional Bell Let’s Talk Day 2022 activities

Launched in 2010, Bell Let’s Talk focuses on action to increase awareness around mental health and mental illness, and encourages Canadians and people worldwide to keep listening, keep talking and keep being there for ourselves and each other.

This year, Bell Let’s Talk and the Canadian Red Cross announced a $250,000 partnership to enhance access to crisis support for people living with mental health challenges in Indigenous communities within Manitoba through the expansion of the Friendly Calls program, which helps address feelings of isolation and loneliness that have intensified for many throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information on Bell Let’s Talk, visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk

To learn more about mental health supports, students can visit: https://www.rrc.ca/wellness/supports/

Information about resources for RRC Polytech staff can be found here https://www.rrc.ca/staff/resources/healthy-minds-healthy-college/