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

Red River College Polytechnic is ready to boost Canada’s resilient recovery, with the introduction of Quick Train Canada: a fully-funded series of micro-credentials from post-secondary institutions throughout the country. RRC Polytech is part of a coalition of Canadian colleges, polytechnics and cégeps called Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) that worked together to secure federal funding for this important training initiative, and is the only Manitoba institution to offer Quick Train courses.

C2R2 formally launched Quick Train at Mohawk College in Hamilton this morning, with the announcement of a $46.5 million investment from the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program.

“One of our strengths as a polytechnic is offering agile, relevant training that empowers people to excel in their fields,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President, Academic, RRC Polytech. “This funding creates access to important upskilling and re-skilling opportunities throughout their careers, ensuring Manitoba has a workforce that contributes to a more sustainable and equitable economy.”

Quick Train programming is designed to enable workers and employers to update their skills quickly through multi-week, virtual, and in-person learning. Each of the 14 C2R2 institutions offer Quick Train courses specific to their areas of expertise, all of which support Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy while fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. Through this partnership, Manitobans have access to Quick Train micro-credentials from C2R2 institutions across the country – many courses are offered in-person for local learners, while others are entirely virtual.

“The transition to the new low-carbon economy will demand a well-trained workforce and Canada’s colleges and aligned institutions are well-equipped to develop and deliver the programs to prepare people for those exciting new careers,” said Ron J. McKerlie, President and CEO of Mohawk College, where C2R2’s administration and secretariat are managed. “The Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery coalition has developed Quick Train Canada to provide Canadians with a direct link to thousands of training and research opportunities to help Canadians access good jobs. We are excited to support the transition to the low carbon economy while fostering inclusion, diversity, and equity throughout the process.”

RRC Polytech currently offers six Quick Train courses through the C2R2 initiative: three that focus on Clean Tech (Introduction to Electric Vehicle Technology, Electric Vehicle Communication and Computer Systems, and Building Envelope Science: Principles and Practice), and three that focus on Social Innovation (Engagement and Relationship-Building with Indigenous Communities, Indigenous and Canadian Government Relationships, and The Consultation Process). The tuition-free courses are currently full, though the College plans to launch more Quick Train courses this Spring.

“The Quick Train initiative demonstrates that Canadian institutions thrive when we work together,” continues Watson. “As the only post-secondary institute in Manitoba involved with C2R2, it was important for us to work with our partners to establish a resource that will benefit not only Manitobans, but anyone across Canada looking to update their skills,” continues Dr. Watson. “Our partnership with C2R2 allows us, in particular, to showcase RRC Polytech’s significant contribution to electric vehicle applied research and training on a national scale.”

RRC Polytech’s Vehicle Technology & Energy Centre (VTEC) is a local leader in EV technology, having recently worked with Frontiers North Adventures, a Churchill-based touring company, to convert their fleet of diesel-powered tundra buggies to battery electric vehicles, as well as providing supplemental training to Winnipeg Transit on electric bus maintenance.

Since 2020, 14 leading Canadian post-secondary institutions have worked together as C2R2 to lead Canada’s transition to a clean economy by bridging the skills gap for a strong recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information, visit rrc.ca/quicktrain.

Red River College Polytechnic is welcoming more than 3,000 prospective students tomorrow for Open Doors, its first in-person open house event since 2020.

“After two years of virtual events, we’re thrilled to once again open our doors to future students to introduce the many options available to them through a polytechnic education,” says Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President, Academic, RRC Polytech. “The landscape of work is ever-changing, and employers are seeking a diverse workforce. Open Doors gives us the chance to demonstrate how diversity drives innovation at RRC Polytech. We’re transforming our learning model, in part to address changes in the workforce, to prepare our students for the future of work.”

RRC Polytech is hosting 13 program-specific tours at the Notre Dame Campus and four at the Exchange District Campus, giving potential students a firsthand glimpse at the College’s equipment and facilities. The Open Doors’ Exhibition Hall at the Notre Dame Campus will feature information booths where attendees can connect one-on-one with staff and instructors to learn more about RRC Polytech programs, campuses and supports.

“We know how important it is to create exposure to RRC Polytech early on, so we’ve been going out into the community to meet potential students where they’re at – now, we’re looking forward to welcoming these students onto our campuses to give them a taste of what they can expect from a polytechnic experience,” says Clint Thiessen, Student Recruitment Officer at RRC Polytech. “RRC Polytech prepares students for today’s workforce because they learn from industry-trained faculty, on the latest equipment, and in environments similar to what they’ll find on the job.”

In addition to full- and part-time learning, RRC Polytech is increasing its micro-credential and flexible learning opportunities to provide more options to learners at any stage in their journey – whether they’re at the beginning of their career or they’re upskilling or re-skilling as a mature student. For more information about programs, visit rrc.ca/explore.

Open Doors – RRC Polytech’s Open House will take place tomorrow, Wednesday February 22, 2023 from 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campuses. For more information, please visit rrc.ca/opendoors.