The 2022 graduates of the Red River College Polytechnic Baccalaureate Nursing Program will be celebrated at a Pinning Ceremony today, December 15th, 2022 at 6:30pm at Soul Sanctuary (2050 Chervrier Blvd).

Our Pinning Ceremony has great meaning; the pins mark transition from education and preparation into the profession of Nursing, which is a challenging yet rewarding profession to be in.

We look forward to seeing you there, however for friends and those who are unable to attend in-person, we invite you to live stream the ceremony here.

Three RRC Polytech engineering students were recently selected to attend a national symposium in Ottawa to showcase a project that highlights what Manitoba’s polytechnic has to offer its students and industry partners.

Electrical Engineering student, Alexander Talgoy was joined by his capstone project partners and Instrumentation and Control Engineering Technology students Trey Blank and Matt Moura at ‘CICan on the Hill’ where they rubbed elbows with Parliamentarians, academic and industry leaders, and other showcasing students from across Canada.

“It was a fantastic opportunity for us to share our work and represent what Canadian college students are capable of,” said Talgoy. “We had a lot of interest in our project and our exhibit, which included a robot, and it was neat to see the breadth of work being done by students across the country in a range of disciplines.”

For their project, the students solved an increasingly common challenge faced by manufacturers of all sizes – integration of disparate tools and technologies when automating repetitive tasks; it was inspired by a client project from RRC Polytech’s Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing (TACAM).

TACAM is funded through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada to support companies in Manitoba’s aerospace and manufacturing sectors with applied research, business and technical services, and training.

“We are seeing a lot of demand for this type of work from industry, so it really made sense for us to support the students and showcase this project,” said Dr. Dele Ola, TACAM director. 

The students were backed by their instructor, Liting Han and Devin McArthur, a recent RRC Polytech grad who joined TACAM as a research technologist after completing his own project term with the Centre.

“In this case, we had previously solved our client’s automation issue, but not in the way we were hoping, so we posed this challenge to the students as part of their capstone project.”

Essentially, the students were required to completely automate identification and appropriate placement of varied objects moving along a conveyor belt using a specialized camera and software, a conveyer belt with programmable drive, a robotic arm, and a programmable logic controller.

“One of the key challenges the students faced was getting the various technologies to communicate with each other, which is difficult as it is not something they have been purposefully built to do,” said Han. “There isn’t a manual for this type of thing, so the students had to use trial and error, applying the concepts they’ve learned in class.”

The connection and value of RRC Polytech’s applied research capacity to student experience and development couldn’t be clearer to Han.

“We customize course materials based on the technologies TACAM has made available to us,” said Han. “They learn about them in the classroom and then move to the lab – or factory – to apply what they’ve learned using the actual tools and technologies. It’s transformative.”

Along with access to the tools and tech, the students received trouble shooting support from TACAM staff, and were able conduct their work in the Smart Factory which was both a major motivator and success factor for the students.

“Our team was excited not just to apply our knowledge to a real-world problem, but to experience the realistic working environment and use the advanced tools and systems offered by the Smart Factory,” said Talgoy. 

The Smart Factory, located at the RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame campus, hosts an array of cutting-edge manufacturing technologies along with traditional manufacturing technologies – allowing students, researchers, and companies to try out the latest manufacturing tech. 

The project is still operational in the Smart Factory and available for demonstration. Proud of their work, the team hopes it can remain in place for a while before the tools and systems are needed by another industry project.

The following message may trigger powerful emotions, especially for people with lived experiences of victimization and violence. It is recommended that you approach this message when you feel safe to do so, and prioritize your mental health, practicing self-care as needed. RRC Polytech has created a list of supports and resources for your well-being. You can find it online, here.

On December 6^th, RRC Polytech recognizes the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Today, our flags will be lowered at all of our campuses, and we ask our College community to observe a moment of silence at 11:00am.

Thirty-three years ago today, a man with a gun entered Montreal’s École Polytechnique and killed 14 women, injuring another 14. His actions were not a random act of violence but a premeditated, misogynistic act.

Every December 6^th we are reminded that such heinous violence is not a thing of the distant past. The people killed that day could have been our contemporaries, our colleagues. They could have been our mothers, aunts, sisters, friends.

Today, we remember: Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault, Annie Turcotte and Barbara Klucznik-Widajewic.

Their lives were taken abruptly by a man who specifically targeted women in STEM. After entering a mechanical engineering class, he separated the nine women from the 50 men and ordered the men to leave. The women were shot, along with others encountered throughout the building.

Not only were these individuals robbed of their lives; their deaths represent a great loss to our society. Any life lost is a tragedy, and it’s particularly heartbreaking to think of what these students may have accomplished had they been able to complete their studies and contribute their talents to the world.

After December 6^th, 1989, women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals everywhere were made painfully aware that their mere existence was a radical act. As one of the victims proclaimed that day, they were not feminists fighting against men or marching to prove that they were better. They were women, studying engineering.

And while many may believe these violent acts are a thing of the past, we are learning more difficult details being shared regarding the recent murders of four Indigenous women in the Winnipeg community. Over the last 30 years, there have been over 1,400 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit (MMIWG2S), and the loss of these four women is a stark reminder of this ongoing endemic issue. We mourn the loss of: Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and a fourth victim advocates have asked we refer to as Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe or Buffalo Woman, until her family is found. We extend our condolences to their families, and we stand with them, and advocate groups, who continue to fight relentlessly for justice and to end violence against Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit (MMIWG2S) folx.

December 6^th reminds us of the critical importance of embedding the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do at RRC Polytech. Ensuring our campuses are safe places to learn and work is critical. It’s up to all of us to make sure that people of all gender expressions can come to school or work everyday, knowing their biggest stressor is an upcoming exam or project – not their personal safety. Ending gender-based violence means we must continue to uphold this commitment at home and in our communities.

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is about remembering and honouring those who have experienced gender-based violence, and those we have lost to it. This day is meant for us to examine the power dynamics between people of all genders. It should be a time for those of us who hold more power to reflect on it – reflect on our privilege and how to use it for good. And then, to act.

The circumstances of this day can make us feel helpless. There are small but significant ways to honour the victims:​​​

• Wear a white ribbon. You can make one at home or order one online.
• Observe a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m.
• Attend a vigil in your community.
• Today and throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence (from November 25 to December 10), add your voice to the conversation and share the ways you are being part of the solution to end gender-based violence. Use the hashtag #16Days.​​​​​​​

Today is an important, but difficult day. If you need someone to talk to, all RRC Polytech staff have access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program through Homewood Health.

Let’s take care of each other.

Fred Meier, President & CEO

On November 29, Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) marked the accreditation of eight of its programs by Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC).

“Achieving accreditation for these programs is a real win-win,” says Derek Kochenash, Dean, School of Skilled Trades and Technologies at RRC Polytech. “Not only does accreditation open doors to even more career opportunities for our students, it provides our partners in industry with the essential talent to help their organizations achieve their goals. 

The accreditation is the result of a comprehensive audit that includes a tour of each program’s labs and student support services, and interviews with its students, faculty, alumni and graduates’ employers.

The eight programs that received accreditation are: 

• Electronic Engineering Technology, 
• Electrical Engineering Technology 
• Instrumentation and Control Engineering Technology
• Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Structural Engineering Technology
• Architectural/Engineering Technology
• Municipal Engineering Technology
• Environmental Engineering Technology

National program accreditation provides students, industry and RRC Polytech with confirmation their program has met defined standards. 

“RRC Polytech is grateful to Technology Accreditation Canada for this acknowledgment. The accreditation reflects the high quality of these eight programs, while enhancing graduates’ credentials as they enter the workforce,” continues Kochenash.

Accreditation also affords graduates an expedited path to certification through the Certified Technicians & Technologists Association of Manitoba (CTTAM) and provincial certifying bodies across Canada.

“We congratulate each program for its commitment to delivering to students a high quality program that meets the current standards of the engineering technology and applied science profession,” says Stephen Morley, Chair of TAC’s board of directors.

This announcement was made during an appreciation event for work-integrated learning employers – celebrating businesses and organizations who support and mentor students through hands-on work placements.

For more than 80 years, RRC Polytech has been working alongside industry and community partners to provide relevant experiential training to students through co-operative placements and apprenticeships.

Every year, Red River College Polytechnic awards up to four Lieutenant Governor’s Medal awards to graduating students who excel in academic and technical achievement, involvement in College and/or community activities, and good character.

This year, RRC Polytech is proud to have selected a recipient who embodies every aspect of the award:

Michael Stewart, Applied Accounting

He cannot hear you.

He can barely see you.

But he’s ready, willing and more than able to help you with anything.

In fact, nothing makes Michael Stewart happier than smashing a negative stereotype associated with the deaf-blind community – it is his mission and one of the many reasons he has been awarded the only Lieutenant Governor’s Medal at RRC Polytech’s 2022 Fall Convocation.

“I just have a heart for supporting people and being involved in the community and so I want to help other people become successful and fulfill their dreams,” says Stewart.

Michael’s unwavering positivity inspires everyone around him. A lack of hearing since birth and diminished sight since age nine have never deterred him from chasing his dream of creating an inclusive society by empowering others who face similar challenges and educating those who don’t.

“My message for fellow graduates is to continue to push themselves into uncomfortable situations,” he says. “Overcome your fear and insecurities because that is where you ultimately grow the most. Make short-term and long-term goals with a detailed breakdown. When you accomplish a small goal, reward yourself so you can be proud of yourself. Also, be curious and don’t be afraid to ask questions!”

He credits his late father for his belief in himself, his work ethic, and for instilling his passion for volunteerism and his faith for the values that guide him.     

Michael lives those values each day, effortlessly balancing his community involvement and studies while working multiple part-time jobs to support himself, including as a Professional Direct Support Worker for deaf and autistic clients at New Directions.

His decision to further his education was sparked by his experience serving as a Chairperson for the Accessible Canada Act (Bill C-81) designed to make Canada barrier-free by January 1, 2040 and his ongoing committee work at the first national summer camp for deaf-blind adults at Camp Manitou, which he helped found in 2017.

His strength in math combined with a desire to help organizations or individuals that he believes in, led him to choosing a career in accounting.  

A classroom leader achieving excellent grades and attendance, Michael has graduated with Honours from the Applied Accounting Certificate program.

He appreciates his instructors for challenging him by encouraging group activities with some of his classmates who spoke English as a second language and had little to no experience with his interpreters and supports, teaching them all patience, respect, and how to adjust their communications.  

The pandemic forced a shift to virtual and hybrid delivery systems for the majority of students in his graduating class of over 1200. But already an expert in adaptability, Michael used remote learning to his advantage in May, attending classes while volunteering at the 2022 Deaflympics in Brazil, and shared the enriching experience with his classmates.

Jill Patterson, Manager of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services describes Stewart as a positive, dynamic and hardworking individual who is ready to take on the world of work and says his willingness to help teach others around him about his community sets him apart. 

“It’s been a privilege working with Michael for the past year,” says Patterson. “I only wish he would stay a Red River College Polytechnic student forever because he will be missed. Congratulations on this award, you deserve it.”

Michael says his award wouldn’t have been possible without all the amazing people who have helped him along the way and encourages everyone to volunteer and foster relationships to create healthy communities.

“From instructors and interpreters to classmates, I am blown away by the generosity, kindness, and top-notch service provided by RRC Polytech,” says Stewart. “My education will open so many doors for me as I work toward becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant and achieving my ultimate goal of changing the stigma associated with the ability of deaf-blind Canadians to work and contribute.”

Michael Stewart is a tireless advocate for accessibility, an outstanding role model and a worthy recipient of the College’s most distinguished award.

The only reason he would ever not lend you a hand, is because both his arms are already busy supporting someone else.

Next week, RRC Polytech staff and students will cuddle with dogs, walk through the forest, and learn the art of Japanese taiko drumming, all in the name of supporting their mental health and well-being.

The College’s Thrive Week encourages students and staff to focus on balance and self-care, while developing positive mental health that supports success in learning and work.

“RRC Polytech is committed to providing an environment where equity, diversity and inclusion can thrive – and part of that is addressing the diverse realities we each face when it comes to mental health,” says Melanie Gudmundson, RRC Polytech’s Chief Human Resource Officer. “Campus well-being is a priority at RRC Polytech. We understand that personal and community health contributes both to student success and employee engagement, so it’s important to offer opportunities for our community to find some much-needed balance in their busy days, whether they’re on campus or learning or working remotely.”

The week starts off on Monday, November 7 with a visit from the St. John Ambulance therapy dog program. On Tuesday, the College hosts Jaime Manness for a keynote address. Manness is a nurse and RRC Polytech grad who’s the creator, owner, and author of Hike Manitoba, which includes five guidebooks on hiking in Manitoba. Manness will talk about how spending time in nature helps her manage a high-pressure career, while sharing expert tips on hiking in the province.

Thrive Week also features a series of virtual and in-person events – such as a group walk through Birds Hill Park and a workshop with Fubuki Daiko – where staff and students are invited to take a moment to do something for themselves that promotes relaxation, creativity, or connection.

“Addressing our mental health can often feel like a daunting task. Thrive Week focuses on accessible ways we can all be more mindful and present in our day-to-day lives,” says Breanna Sawatzky, RRC Polytech’s Campus Mental Health Specialist. “Health is not only about our bodies, but also our minds, emotions, spirit, and relationships. Our hope is that the events provided throughout the week will allow our community to focus on small but significant ways to improve our mental health.”

RRC Polytech’s Campus Well-Being unit provides year-round support and activities for physical and mental health, including recreation and fitness classes and mental wellness initiatives such as the MindWell platform, which includes online mindfulness training and live guided mindfulness practices. For more information, visit rrc.ca/well-being.

RRC Polytech is solidifying its commitment to embodying equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) with the launch of Inclusion Week.

From October 31 until Friday November 4, the College is hosting a series of virtual and in-person events designed to inspire its community to live out the values of EDI at work, in class, and in their personal lives.

“The principles of EDI are embedded into everything we do at RRC Polytech, and they make up an important pillar of our Strategic Plan. Rather than just talking about how important these values are, Inclusion Week gives our community the chance to experience these teachings first-hand through a variety of events they can attend throughout their typical work or school week,” says Fred Meier, President & CEO, RRC Polytech. “One of our strengths as an institution is that we care deeply about the people who work and study here – Inclusion Week helps to foster a respectful, equitable atmosphere for our entire community.”

RRC Polytech is committed to addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action within its operations and in its work to advance Indigenous education in Manitoba. This commitment is a critical foundation for the College’s work in pursuing EDI within the institution and its partnerships — because those goals cannot be advanced without doing the work of reconciliation. Inclusion Week builds off the momentum of RRC Polytech’s Truth and Reconciliation week, held at the end of September, to further provide staff and students with opportunities to engage in the principles of EDI.

Inclusion Week kicked off on October 31 with a keynote luncheon at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, focused on representation. During the event, keynote speaker Uzoma Asagwara shared their experiences as one of the first Black and openly queer MLAs to ever win a seat as an elected representative in Manitoba, as well as being Manitoba’s first gender non-conforming MLA. Events throughout the week include an Indigenous language and Bannock-making workshop, a drag queen story-time and q+a session, and a Diversity speaker event featuring Laurelle Harris, the Founder, CEO and Principal Consultant at Equitable Solutions. The week concludes with an inclusive dance party hosted by the Red River College Students’ Association.

“The events of Inclusion Week give our staff and students the opportunity to delve deeper into inclusive practices and to become better allies and co-conspirators,” says Cynthia Kulczycki, Instructor at RRC Polytech and a member of Inclusion Week’s planning committee. “EDI is important and fundamental to how we operate as an institution, but it can be accessible, too – it can be as simple, and beautiful, as learning another language, cooking a meal together, or listening to a story.”

RRC Polytech plans to make Inclusion Week an annual event to further deepen its commitment to EDI. For more information, visit rrc.ca/diversity.

Provincial Funding to Support Centre’s Construction and Implementation of New Equipment and Technology for Nursing, Community Services and Allied Health Programs

Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Red River Métis Nation – Students in RRC Polytech’s Health Sciences and Community Services programs will soon be trained in an immersive lab, which simulates real-life scenarios including mock disasters, in-home emergencies, and care in community health spaces.

Today, the Government of Manitoba is committing $12.53 million in funding for RRC Polytech’s new Interdisciplinary Health Sciences and Community Services Simulation Centre (Simulation Centre) at its Notre Dame Campus. The Simulation Centre will provide invaluable experiential training for the province’s future healthcare and community services professionals, ensuring that they are well-prepared with specialized skillsets required for the field.

The 16,630-square-foot Simulation Centre will feature dynamic learning spaces with immersive technology and settings, to be used annually by 1,000 RRC Polytech students from 15 programs, spanning from nursing to paramedicine and child and youth care practitioners.

“This new multi-purpose facility supports our government’s commitment to train more nurses and health-care professionals and build a stronger, more sustainable health care system,” says The Honourable Heather Stefanson, Premier of Manitoba. Our government is proud to work collaboratively with RRC Polytech and all of our post-secondary institutions to provide training opportunities for our youth while building a strong workforce now and well into the future.”

“The centre will help students receive the training they will need to thrive in nursing and other health care fields, leading them into fulfilling careers in vital areas of our province’s economy,” says The Honourable Jon Reyes, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration, Government of Manitoba. “It will be a key component in realizing the next phase of our nursing seat expansion on the path to reaching our 400-seat goal.”

“This centre will provide quality training for students working toward careers in the health sciences, helping them to gain valuable skills and experience in a simulated, supportive learning environment,” says The Honourable Audrey Gordon, Minister of Health, Government of Manitoba. “This new facility will help learners succeed in their fields, strengthening the health care system for all Manitobans.”

Accrediting bodies continue to increase requirements for simulation experience, highlighting the deep importance of this type of training to complement clinical practicums and theoretical learning. The Simulation Centre was designed specifically to meet the increasing need for students to be immersed in realistic scenarios and environments that replicate those they will encounter in healthcare and community settings.

“The Government of Manitoba’s investment in the Health Sciences and Community Services Simulation Centre is critical to growing 15 Allied Health and Community Services programs at RRC Polytech, and in turn, providing career-ready graduates to meet labour market needs, says Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. The Centre will engage students in transformative learning; for example, the inclusion of a simulated apartment setting creates a realistic scenario where paramedics and direct support professionals interact with patients in their own homes and incorporate cultural home-based protocols and person-centred care.”

Housed at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus, the new Centre will have a strong focus on interdisciplinary and collaborative learning, with future nurses, paramedics, allied health and community services professionals engaging in experiential training in a wide range of settings. It will house a triage station, hospital ward, high-fidelity healthcare simulation room, phlebotomy laboratory, apartment, and exam room for experiential learning, plus academic classrooms and office space.

“Through small- and large-scale activities and mock scenarios, the Simulation Centre will engage students from multiple programs, mirroring actual healthcare and community settings they will experience in the workforce, says Debbie O’Donnell Weigelt, Dean, School of Health Sciences and Community Services, RRC Polytech.

This type of experience is fundamental to our polytechnic education model – deep theoretical learning blended with experiential training. It sets our graduates ahead of the curve and on a clear path to making an impact in the field of health and community care.”

Preliminary work is underway, and RRC Polytech is in the process of acquiring new equipment and technology. The Centre is anticipated to take two years to complete. Learn more about RRC Polytech’s Health Sciences and Community Services online.

Due to a Manitoba Hydro power outage, RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus is closed until 12:00p.m. today, October 24 2022.

All on-campus classes and services at the Notre Dame Campus will be cancelled.

Regular operations are expected to resume at 12:00p.m. today. All other campuses remain open. 

Updates, if required, will be shared on the College’s website, through email, and on social media. 

Red River College Polytechnic is committed to providing a safe environment for everyone to work and learn. We are pleased to introduce a new Campus Alerting System to centralize notifications of potential impacts to personal safety. The new system will ensure all members of the college community will be informed in real time with reliable information.

The Campus Alerting System will use multiple channels to consistently share important information to you depending on the type of situation:

• Broadcasts on hallway speakers
• Desk phone calls with the same broadcast as the hallway speakers
• Desk phone display
• Emails
• MS Teams
• Text messages and phone calls on college-issued cellphones and stipends
• *Coming soon: digital television display and desktop display

Campus Alerts will include a brief description of the situation, instructions to keep yourself safe, how the college is addressing the situation, and updates as the situation is resolved.

SMS Alerts will come from (+1-844-961-4619) and phone call Alerts will come from (+1-608-480-6382). *After November 9, 2022, the SMS Alerts will change to (+1-833-232-5051). Phone call alerts will remain the same. The numbers from which the Alerts are issued are not usually subject to change, so we don’t expect that the number will change again. You can add these numbers to your contacts so you know when an Alert is live.

The introduction of the new Campus Alerting System means we are moving away from the Mobile Safety App.

Staff members will automatically be enrolled in the system on all college-issued devices and emails. If staff members would like to receive alerts on their personal phones, please contact safety@rrc.ca.

Students will receive notifications through academic email, MS Teams if they self-subscribe to the MS Teams channel, and hallway speakers throughout applicable campuses.

If you have any questions, please see the FAQ or contact safety@rrc.ca.

Frequently Asked Questions