RRC Polytech is pleased to welcome the new Chairs for the School of Education, Arts & Sciences. Please join us in welcoming:

• Pauline Black, Chair, LINC Foundational English Language Learning
• Patricia Culleton-Koebel, Chair, General Arts and Communication
• Carleigh Friesen, Chair, Adult Education and Teaching Excellence
• Rebecca Molly Hiebert, Chair, Professional and Academic Advancement
• Danny Hutchinson, Chair, Math, Science and Apprenticeship Related Courses
• Linda Manimtim, Chair, Occupational Specific Language Learning for Career Advancement in Business, Education and Technologies
• Norlan Page, Chair, Global Access, English Language Programming for Academic Advancement
• Kirill Serafimovich, Chair, LINC Regional ESL Literacy and Care for Newcomer Children

Pauline Black joined RRC Polytech in 2017 with 20 years of experience teaching English as an Additional Language. She cares deeply for students and is a teacher at heart! She has held a number of positions and roles at the Language Training Centre, including Instructor, Academic Coordinator, and Project Coordinator for Material Handling 4.0. She has been in a Program Manager role for Language Programming of Stage 2 and Stage 1, Regional and Rural, and Childcare for Newcomer Children Programming.  

Pauline enjoys the fast-paced, ever-changing environment of preparing English Language students for the Manitoba workforce and academic study. She is committed to creating meaningful pathways for students into the province’s workforce.  

When she is not working, you will often find her spending time with her family (she has five teenagers!), at a soccer game, bicycling, hiking or skiing.

Patricia Culleton-Koebel is a life-long learner, passionate about education and committed to student success. 

Patricia joined the College in 2017 and has taken on the roles of Instructor, Academic Coordinator and most recently, Acting Program Manager for Math, Science and Communication. 

Patricia brings more than 15 years of experience in adult education. Throughout her time at RRC Polytech, Patricia has built collaborative relationships across programs, supporting process and system changes for course-based registration and academic conversion. Prior to joining RRC Polytech, she was an English as an Additional Language Instructor for a Business Management Institute in China and for a private language institute in South Korea. 

Outside of work, Patricia spends time learning and completing DIY projects, baking bread, gardening unique vegetables with her kids, exploring Manitoba, and spending time with her family. 

Carleigh Friesen (she/her) came to RRC Polytech in 2015, and brings enthusiasm for learning, collaboration, and overcoming challenges along with a range of experiences from Instructor at the Language Training Centre, Manager of the Academic Success Centre, and most recently as Organizational Development Consultant for the ENABLE and ENVISION programs. Prior to joining RRC Polytech, Carleigh was an English language instructor at the University of Manitoba and internationally in Mexico and Costa Rica.   

Carleigh’s hobbies include learning Spanish, reading, cross-country skiing, traveling, and hiking with her wife and one of their two cats. 

Rebecca Molly Hiebert values innovation and collaboration, and uses her passion for research, science, and language to explore new ways of fostering an inclusive and student-focused environment at the college. 

With experience in student supports, Rebecca has worked in the Academic Success Centre as an Academic Support Specialist, Writing & Communication Centre Lead, and Acting Manager. She also has experience as an instructor and with course and program development in a number of departments at the College. 

In her free time, Rebecca likes to play disc golf, read voraciously, go camping, and enjoy music with her family. 

Danny Hutchinson came to RRC Polytech in 2010 as an instructor in the Related Math and Science Department.  He is a Red Seal-endorsed Machinist who has worked in many different sectors within Canada, the US, and Australia. 

Danny has a keen interest in Building Science and hosted a podcast on the subject!  When not at the College, he can be found at the Teulon-Rockwood Fire Hall where he serves as a Captain, or working beside his wife and kids setting up their miniature Highland cattle farm. 

Linda Manimtim has worked in newcomer settlement and language training since 2002 as an instructor, curriculum developer, and instructional designer. 

Prior to joining the Language Training Centre at RRC Polytech in 2019, she worked at post-secondary institutions and language training centres in Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, and in England. She has a Bachelor of Education from McGill and a Master of Education from the University of Alberta. 

Linda enjoys tinkering with technology, watching cartoons with her children, playing board games with her husband, and making a mess in the kitchen. 

Norlan Page has worked at RRC Polytech since 2010, as a Student Integration Coordinator, International Student Support Coordinator, and most recently Acting Program Manager in the Intensive English for International Students program. He has also served as a steward and executive member of MGEU Local 73.

Norlan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Certificate in TESOL from Providence University College, and a Master of Business Administration degree with a focus on Leadership for the Common Good from Canadian Mennonite University. He has also completed the Envision Leadership Development program at RRC Polytech.  

Prior to joining RRC Polytech, Norlan taught English for 10 years in Canada, China and South Korea, where he co-founded and managed a successful private language school.  

Away from the College, Norlan enjoys cooking for his family, cheering on the Jets and Bombers, and getting out on a lake in a canoe. 

Kirill Serafimovich has been working at RRC Polytech since 2017, first as an ESL Instructor and then as an Academic Coordinator for the LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) program at the Language Training Centre.  

Kirill holds a TESL Certificate, a Master’s in Education and Linguistics and a Master’s in Economics.  

In his personal and professional life, Kirill values integrity, honesty, humility, initiative, and critical thinking. 

In his spare time, Kirill enjoys curling, rollerblading, biking, playing tennis, listening to podcasts, exploring Canada and the world. 

Students changing their career with the support of Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) isn’t unfamiliar – in fact, many students arrive at RRC Polytech to upgrade existing skills or develop new skills to reach their personal and professional goals.

Stephen Klatt was one of these students. He was a practicing physiotherapist for over five years when he was forced to close his practice for a few months due to the pandemic and wasn’t sure what was next.  

“The fear and anxiety that everyone had surrounding COVID made many of my clients not want to return to in-person treatments, and it was really difficult to get things going again. So, I took the two months off to explore personal interests, including upgrading my computer and building a professional website for myself and had a lot of fun on these projects and I thought ‘Hey, I’m interested in something more technical and hands-on’ – that’s what brought me to the College,” says Stephen, currently in his second year of Electronic Engineering Technology.

“The one thing about healthcare that I really enjoyed is feeling like I helped someone at the end of the day, and I was wondering if I was going to be able to do that moving into a technical career that is not working with the public directly,” said Stephen.

Last summer Stephen was selected as a paid summer co-operative (co-op) student with Manitoba Hydro Working as a Fiber Optic Route Design Assistant where he was a part of the rural broadband expansion. He worked with a team to expand Internet access to small towns and First Nation Communities around the province.

“I realized that the work I’m doing is still making a difference. I’m not helping people through an injury, but I’m helping people get connected and improving their quality of life,” said Stephen.

Stephen felt confident applying for a co-op position after his first year because of the supports provided by Work-Integrated Learning and Career Services, especially by Electrical Engineering Technology Work Integrated Learning Coordinator Hojat Norouzi, who he said encouraged him to apply for co-op placements that he was interested in, but never thought he would get.

“I didn’t think I had many relevant skills, but going to the Career Services helped me put together a functional and skilled-based resume – which doesn’t focus as much on your previous experience, as it does the skills that you have. Because I had no experience in the electronics industry, it was all physiotherapy related, I was able to talk more about my soft skills, abilities, and relevant skills, rather than my industry specific knowledge,” said Stephen.

Work-Integrated Learning and Career Services provides students and recent graduates with everything from accessing labour market information, to developing cover letters and resumes, and preparing for interviews. They also offer group and one-on-one meetings to develop effective and transferable skills statements and opportunities to connect and engage with employers recruiting students recruiting students for work-integrated learning and career opportunities. Work Integrated Learning coordinators mentor and guide students through the entire process from setting learning goals for the workplace to final reflections of how skills have improved and developed further during the work term. 

“Career Services really helped me build my confidence in applying for jobs that I thought were out of my league, and then actually landing them which was great,” added Stephen.

Stephen’s determination paid off, as he was recently named the Co-operative Education Manitoba (CEM) Student of the Year for 2022 and has the opportunity to represent RRC Polytech for the national Co-operative Education Work Integrated Learning Student of the Year Award.

“[My] co-op experience has helped me gain confidence in myself as I change careers. Working at Manitoba Hydro taught me that my previous work experience as a physiotherapist is actually quite valuable. The co-op program has been instrumental in preparing me for my second year, and for my future as an Electronic Engineer Technologist,” said Stephen.

Stephen will be heading back to Manitoba Hydro for a second co-op placement this summer before finishing his last year at RRC Polytech.

“Last year I worked with the fiber route planning and design team, and now I’ll be working with network operations. One team lays down the fiber optic cable, the other team implements the Internet network on that cable. So, now I get to experience the technical aspects of network administration,” added Stephen. “I’m really excited to get back to that work environment, they’re always very supportive and take the time to educate me – it made me want to go back there.”

Stephen’s future is bound to be a busy one, with a four-year-old daughter and a son born less than a week ago, he’s thinking about what’s next.

“I was concerned getting into this field that I wouldn’t have as many opportunities as university graduates, but working at TACAM has made me see everyone is there. Some project managers are university trained engineers, but a lot of my co-workers are technologists from RRC Polytech. It’s really inspiring to see them doing research and design with a diploma and some are straight out of the program,” said Stephen, who’s currently employed with Technology Access Centre for Aerospace & Manufacturing (TACAM) part-time until April.

Feeling confident about his career prospects, Stephen noted how important work integrated learning is and the importance placed on co-ops and the reason he’s glad he chose to study at RRC Polytech after having to pivot his career path.

“I was excited to jump in to RRC Polytech, as I knew their career-oriented approach would help me achieve my goals, while also supporting my family,” said Stephen.

RRC Polytech is pleased to welcome our new Chairs for the School of Indigenous Education.

Please join us in welcoming Monica Morin as the new Chair, Indigenous Pathways and Transition to College Education, and Saleh Saffari as the new Chair, Indigenous Innovation and Science Education.

Monica has made many meaningful contributions at RRC Polytech, working with the School of Indigenous Education and Indigenous Student Supports over the past 10 years. She began as an Indigenous Liaison Advisor and has served as acting Program Manager and acting ACCESS Pathways Manager.  

Monica holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Winnipeg, a Certificate in Real Property Assessment from UBC and is Alumni, with a certificate in Business and Administrative Studies. She has completed many leadership development training courses through ENABLE and is one of RRC Polytech’s Culture Champions and Diversity Champions. 

Monica is passionate about eliminating barriers and sustaining a strong student-centred approach for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit people in education.  She believes in working together as one, with one heart/mind. In her free time, Monica enjoys camping, concerts, staying active, painting, and spending time with family and friends. 

Saleh Saffari moved to Canada from Iran in 2012, after having taught English as a foreign language for 10 years and obtaining his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English Literature. He received his TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) certificate from the University of Manitoba and got his first job in Canada at the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT), while also teaching in different programs at the University of Manitoba and University of Winnipeg and working for CanTest and IELTS as a speaking examiner. 

Saleh joined RRC Polytech in 2015, working at the Language Training Centre as an instructor, PBLA Lead Teacher, and Curriculum Group Leader. He started studying for his Ph.D. in Education at the U of M in 2021 and is currently preparing to write his thesis proposal. 

Saleh has a passion for learning about Indigenous cultures and languages and looks forward to contributing to this community in his new role.

RRC Polytech would like to share that we have completed the competitive selection process for the position of Chair, various departments.

Thank you to all who expressed interest in these positions. It was wonderful to see such a strong response to the competition process.

Please join us in welcoming our new Chairs:

School of Business, Information Technology & Creative Arts, Hospitality & Culinary Arts

• Beth Benoit, Chair, Business Administration Year 1, NDC
• Shelly Chlan, Chair, Hospitality Management
• Scott Halpenny, Chair Business Administration Year 2 and Applied Accounting, NDC
• Gail Horvath, Chair, Information Security and IT Operations
• Melanie Lee Lockhart, Chair, Creative Communications
• Thomas Lepp, Chair, Digital Multimedia and Game Development
• Jennifer Powell, Chair, Business Administration Year 2 and Commerce Industry Sales and Marketing, EDC
• Sandra Turner, Chair, Application Development and Delivery Year 1
• Taras Wasyliw, Chair Business Administration Year 1, EDC

School of Continuing Education

• Jody Gillis, Chair, IT and Professional Studies

School of Education, Arts & Sciences

• Pauline Black, Chair, LINC Foundational English Language Learning
• Patricia Culleton-Koebel, Chair, General Arts and Communication
• Carleigh Friesen, Chair, Adult Education and Teaching Excellence
• Rebecca Molly Hiebert, Chair, Professional and Academic Advancement
• Danny Hutchinson, Chair, Math, Science and Apprenticeship Related Courses
• Linda Manimtim, Chair, Occupational Specific Language Learning for Career Advancement in Business, Education and Technologies
• Norlan Page, Chair, Global Access, English Language Programming for Academic Advancement
• Kirill Serafimovich, Chair, LINC Regional ESL Literacy and Care for Newcomer Children

School of Health Sciences & Community Services

• Allyson Cooper, Chair, BN Programs, Labs & Simulations
• Allison Fyfe-Carlson, Chair, Nursing & Affiliated Health Programs
• Ginelle Giacomin, Chair, Community Services Programs
• Tasha Gregory, Chair, BN Programs, Curriculum, Research, Planning & Quality Control
• Sandra Holben, Chair, BN Programs, Clinical-Year 3 & Senior Practicum
• Ali Khorshidi, Chair, Life Sciences, Veterinary & Dental Programs
• Kelsey Shay Regnier, Chair, Early Childhood Education
• Joanna Simmons-Swinden, Chair, BN Programs, Curriculum Theory, Yr. 3 & Off-site Programs

School of Indigenous Education

• Monica Morin, Chair, Indigenous Pathways and Transition to College Education
• Saleh Saffari, Chair, Indigenous Innovation and Science Education

School of Skilled Trades & Technologies

• Dustin Blackwell, Chair, Heavy Duty, Marine and Powersports
• Michael Blatz, Chair, Collision and Modified Apprenticeship Programs
• Shylyte Bloodworth, Chair, Manufacturing
• Aaron Brown, Chair, Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Lee Demers, Chair, Electrical Trades – Common Core and Certificate
• Jayne Geisel, Chair, Civil Engineering Technology – Building
• Nigel Louis, Chair, Aircraft Maintenance
• Rob Masi, Chair, Mechanical Trades
• Ryan Peters, Chair, Construction and Power Electrical
• Patrick Savard, Chair, Piping Trades
• Scott Savoy, Chair, Construction Trades
• James Voth, Chair, Automotive Trades

Please stay tuned for more information on the new Chairs.

Fred Meier, President and CEO and Christine Watson, Vice-President, Academic had the pleasure of hosting Senior Trade Commissioners from Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands and Canada at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae last week.

They were able to share about the incredible things happening at RRC Polytech including projects currently underway managed by students. The group discussed College priorities, including commitments to Indigenous education, research and innovation, international education and technology-based collaborations.

The meeting included a tour of the Roundhouse, Sandbox and the ACE Project Space where the Commissioners were able to hear from students about the projects they are working on. Thank you to the Manitoba & Saskatchewan Regional Office Trade Commissioners for coordinating this visit.

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on original lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and homeland of the Red River Métis Nation – Have you ever turned on the Hallmark Channel and seen a setting that looks so familiar? It’s not a coincidence. You’re probably spotting Winnipeg’s Exchange District or Selkirk, Manitoba – the province has become an international hotspot for filming Hallmark movies. Manitoba’s total film and television production amounted to $365 million in 2021-22, with 88 productions produced in the province in this time period.

With the high level of growth in the film industry, Film Training Manitoba (FTM) and Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) are partnering to provide in-demand training to create new opportunities and support continued growth.

“Individuals that work in the film industry are highly skilled, and FTM and RRC Polytech have a long history of partnering which helps to attract more workers toward jobs and careers in film,” says Adam Smoluk, Managing Director of FTM. “As a member of the Province of Manitoba’s excellent Sector Council Program, FTM is pleased to work with a great partner like RRC Polytech to increase our reach and overall competitiveness when attracting and creating film productions in Manitoba,” adds Smoluk.

Through the Hollywood, or rather, Manitoba magic of lights, camera, hair and makeup, you see all the on-screen glamour. What you don’t see is the behind-the-scenes administration that makes your favourite Hallmark movie or TV series possible.

In consultation with local film industry partners, RRC Polytech and FTM identified a gap and a need to create specialized training focused on film accounting. Collaboratively, RRC Polytech and FTM have developed three 20-hour micro-credentials to meet the film industry’s on-going identified need for individuals with accounting skillsets.

“As a polytechnic, our strength is in remaining agile in the ever-changing world of work, which includes evolving our course offerings to meet retraining and upskilling demands in the province. This strength is realized through close relationships with our partners to create industry-focused training like the micro-credential courses we’ve developed in conjunction with Film Training Manitoba,” says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech.

The three Film Accounting Fundamentals micro-credential courses are Second Assistant Accounts Payable, Second Assistant Petty Cash and First Assistant Payroll.Throughout the Film Accounting series, learners will be introduced to accounting processes in the film industry, focusing on the analysis of production budgets and processing production expenses using financial accounting software. The courses also provide an additional focus on production payroll with attention to collective agreements and required protocols.

Creative, technical and administrative roles are all important to bolster growth in this key economic sector. The three micro-credential courses are geared at those already working in production and film as well as those who are wanting to get a start in the industry. All courses are at an introductory level, with no requirement for previous experience in accounting or finance necessary.

The Film Accounting Fundamentals courses start June 1, 2023. For more information visit rrc.ca/film

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Film Training Manitoba (FTM) is a not-for-profit charity and member of the Province of Manitoba’s sector council program (through the Department of Economic Development and Jobs). FTM conducts workforce development and training to build a highly skilled and adaptable film industry to support the activities of Manitoba production companies. FTM collaborates with members of the film and television industry to identify the training needs within the community.

Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) is Manitoba’s only Polytechnic and largest institute of applied learning and research, with more than 200 full- and part-time degree, diploma and certificate options. Through hands-on learning opportunities and state-of-the-art instruction, we prepare more than 22,000 students annually to become leaders in their fields – while also ensuring they can meet changing industry demands and contribute to the province’s economic growth. 

Safety, Health and Security Services recently completed a review of the Notre Dame Campus (NDC) hours of operation. With a campus footprint of one-million square feet, our NDC hours needed to be adjusted to better manage security of all buildings and align with Exchange District Campus hours.

Previously, staff, students and visitors were permitted to stay on campus until midnight, which has now been updated to 11:00 p.m. This change will still allow those who are taking evening classes time to leave campus.

Effective March 13, 2023, the Notre Dame Campus is open the following hours:

Monday to Friday:

• 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. All doors are open.
• 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. All doors are locked. Doors equipped with a card reader will be accessible by employees and students by swiping their card.
• 11:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. All doors are locked.

Saturday and Sunday:

• All buildings are locked. Anyone requiring campus access must enter through Security in C Building.

We recognize that there are events in the evening and on weekends. We will work with the program/department to accommodate event access as needed. 

If you have any questions, please contact safety@rrc.ca.

Throughout the month of March, RRC Polytech is supporting Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) #ImmigrationMatters initiative, which encourages Canadians and established immigrants to engage with and welcome newcomers to their communities.

As part of RRC Polytech’s support for this awareness campaign, the Language Training Centre is highlighting a number of events and initiatives taking place that promote positive interactions between Canadians and newcomers.

On Thursday, March 2, more than 500 newcomer and international students, along with their families, friends, and RRC Polytech staff, took part in an evening of fun, learning, and exploration at the Manitoba Museum.

Participants learned about Manitoba’s rich and diverse history while practicing their English and connecting with their community and new friends.

“Building relationships between Canadians and newcomers is essential in successfully integrating newcomers and building strong, inclusive communities,” says Kerri Korabelnikov, RRC Polytech’s Dean, School of Education, Arts & Sciences. “This event is the perfect example of communities coming together to connect, have fun, learn, and share knowledge.”

The Manitoba Museum generously hosted this inclusive event, free of charge for LTC students, staff, faculty, and their families. Follow along with the #ImmigrationMatters campaign on social media.

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RRC Polytech is pleased to share we have completed the competitive selection process for the position of Assistant to the Dean, School of Indigenous Education, and Assistant to the Dean, School of Skilled Trades & Technologies

Please join us in welcoming Amber Klein as the new Assistant to the Dean, School of Indigenous Education and Mercy Alalade as the new Assistant to the Dean, School of Skilled Trades & Technologies.

Amber Klein graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in economics. Since completing her undergraduate degree, she has taken on a variety of administrative and financial roles, most recently with the Louis Riel Institute. Throughout her career, Amber has chosen roles with non-profit organizations in hopes to give back to the community.

Outside office hours, Amber enjoys trying new foods and planning her next vacation. Amber is interested in her culture and heritage as a Métis citizen. She can also be found attending Métis events around the city.

Amber is thrilled to join the College, assisting the Dean’s office and faculty with the supports needed to ensure success.

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As an administrative professional with experience managing business functions and providing support to executives and clients, Mercy Alalade has developed a strong skillset in optimizing efficiency and productivity. Her background includes a range of roles, including Finance/Office Administrator at Daytona Homes, Project Coordinator and Safety Officer at a construction organization, Office Assistant at Parsons Plumbing & Heating Ltd, and Volunteer Office Assistant at Health Sciences Centre.

Mercy is a graduate of the University of Manitoba, where she earned an Advanced Bachelor of Arts in Labour Studies and Management. Additionally, she has certifications as a Safety Auditor under CSAM.

Outside of work, she enjoys reading and spending time with family.

RRC Polytech has lowered its flags across our campuses today to mark one-year since the war began against Ukraine and its people.  

The war continues to affect thousands of Ukrainians and their families all over the world. However, news from Ukraine no longer dominates our headlines, and many of us have the privilege of carrying on with our lives – secure in the knowledge our family and loved ones are safe. We know this is not the reality for so many members of our community with deep ties to Ukraine. The war remains all-consuming.

RRC Polytech continues to condemn these attacks on Ukraine. We stand with those of you who are directly impacted by the war, and our thoughts are with you as this tragedy persists.

Manitoba has one of the largest Ukrainian communities in the country, and this population is growing as more and more Ukrainians migrate to Manitoba in search of stability and a new life. Many of us at RRC Polytech call Ukraine home or have close ties to family and friends still living there.

Even if we are not directly affected by the war, it is normal to feel overwhelmed and sad at this time. Know that RRC Polytech has many supports in place if you find yourself needing help, or if your work or studies are impacted by the war. Our Student Support Services and Employee Family Assistance Program are available free of charge for students, staff, and faculty. I encourage you to reach out and get the help you need, and to connect with loved ones who may need extra support at this time.

Let’s keep taking care of each other.

Sincerely,
Melanie Gudmundson, Chief Human Resource Officer