Winnipeg, MB – Today, the Red River College community will come together – virtually – to celebrate over 900 graduates from every school and campus across the province for the first ever fall Virtual Convocation ceremony.

“This has been a year like no other. It has forced the College to teach and learn differently, and it has pushed us to work harder, to try new things and embrace change in a way that we have never had to embrace it before,” said Fred Meier, RRC President and CEO.

“This is simply the RRC way. We’re agile, we’re adaptable and in unprecedented times, we turn to unprecedented solutions: to innovation, creativity and cutting-edge technology that allow us to keep going. We are proud to celebrate over 900 graduates who persevered to get here today, and who will enter the workforce with skills and training that industry needs now more than ever. This is an exciting time to begin your career and build on the momentum that Manitoba needs to move forward.”

This is Red River College’s first-ever Convocation Ceremony to take place in the fall, and the virtual event will feature messages from speakers across the College and province, including:

• Fred Meier, RRC President and CEO;
• Christine Watson, VP Academic;
• Loren Cisyk, Chair of Red River College Board of Governors;
• The Honourable Ralph Eichler, Minister of Economic Development and Training;
• Yash Chopra, President, RRC Students’ Association;
• Deans, Chairs, Coordinators and Instructors from across the College;
• Elder Mae Louise Campbell, Honorary Diploma recipient; and
• Natalie Bell, Alumni, Class of 2004
• Michelle Queau, Alumni, Class of 2019

“Convocation is an important milestone for our students, and an exciting moment for the College community to come together and celebrate with friends, family and peers. It takes a lot of time and energy to acquire a credential, and while we can’t be together in person, we are thrilled channel this excitement and energy as we celebrate the hard work of our 900 graduates and award winners online for our first ever fall Convocation,” said Dr. Christine Watson, VP Academic.

Graduates are encouraged to take photos in your cap, tassel and wear your alumni pin proudly.  Please share photos on social media by tagging Red River College (@redrivercollege) and using the hashtag RRC Alumni (#rrcalumni).

RRC’s fall Virtual Convocation Ceremony will stream on Facebook Live today, Tuesday, November 17 at 1:00pm. For a full list of graduates, award winners, and to stream the ceremony please visit rrc.ca/convocation.

Red River College is now one of the fastest growing research colleges in Canada thanks to two new grants totaling $300,000 awarded by Mitacs earlier last month.

“Red River College is proud to be a leading Canadian institution in applied research,” said Fred Meier, RRC President and CEO. “We continue to expand our research efforts into new and emerging areas of technology – such as AI and machine learning – and through collaboration with businesses across Manitoba and our ACE Project Space.”

“These partnerships with Mitacs help support more opportunities for our students to use their hands on training and skills to think creatively for their clients, to problem solve and implement innovative solutions, and drive industry forward.”

Mitacs fosters growth and innovation opportunities for companies and communities, while supporting applied learning for students across all industry sectors and academic disciplines – making Canadian colleges and polytechnics a natural fit their support.

Red River College is now one of the fastest growing colleges for Mitacs in Canada, and these two initiatives alone will engage 17 RRC student interns in innovative industry research.

The first Mitacs grant – one of the largest – awarded to any college in Canada – is an $180,000 partnership with RRC and IT operations optimization startup, Optimiz. With the support of Mitacs, 12 students from the Business Information Technology (BIT) program will use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning explore new approaches and technology applications to monitor the health of IT systems. This important work will allow for quicker and more effective implementations of AIOps systems, and will result in cost savings to Canadian businesses.

“In today’s ever-changing world, many businesses must quickly adapt to our new norm and over the last six months, digital accessibility has quickly become an essential need in order for them to effectively sustain their business offering,” said Tom McIlwham, Chief Strategy Officer, Optimiz.

“We identified Red River College as an excellent source of enthusiastic and highly qualified students to help us build out our solution for AIOps monitoring and management needs, and Mitacs has provided guidance and expertise to assist us through the funding process. We are very pleased to be collaborating with Mitacs and RRC on this exciting initiative, and we truly appreciate the opportunity to make this win-win-win scenario a reality.”

The second is a $120K joint partnership with RRC, the University of Manitoba (UM) and the Arctic Research Foundation (ARF). With support from the Mitacs Accelerate internship, five students from RRC’s Applied Computer Education (ACE) Department will use their skills to gather data from the Canadian Arctic to create a user-friendly, free, centralized database that will serve governments, universities, Indigenous communities and researchers from around the world, for the first time.

“RRC’s ACE Project space has established itself as a key player in Winnipeg’s start-up community, and with their cross institutional research relationships with the University of Manitoba and others, non-academic partners can receive end-to-end support for their product development with funding from Mitacs,” said Brent Wennekes, Director, Business Development, Mitacs Canada.

“Red River College has been a trailblazer for applied research at the college level and remains a national leader. Mitacs is so pleased to be able to support their researchers, students, and community partners with our Accelerate program.”

Manitoba has been the fastest growing province for Mitacs over the last two years, with over 420 internship units applied for last year alone, equaling over $6 million in research awards to Manitoba institutions.

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About RRC:

RRC is Manitoba’s largest institute of applied learning and research, with more than 200 full- and part-time degree, diploma and certificate options. Through hands-on and online learning opportunities and state-of-the-art instruction, we prepare our students to become leaders in their fields — while also ensuring they can meet changing industry demands, and contribute to the province’s economic growth. For more information visit rrc.ca.

About Mitacs:

Mitacs is a not-for-profit organization that fosters growth and innovation in Canada by solving business challenges with research solutions from academic institutions. Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada along with the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon.

To all Red River College students and staff,

June is a milestone month at the College. It is typically the end of the school year, the start of summer and graduation for many of our students. It is also a time when we celebrate Pride, where the world’s LGBTQ2+ communities come together in strength, struggle and accomplishment.

June is very different this year – for all of us at RRC and beyond. The immense upheaval caused by COVID-19 means Pride celebrations, like the Winnipeg Pride Parade, have been postponed until the fall.

But while we may not be able to march together, it is important we mark the occasion.

In these turbulent times, I’m going to take a moment to remember that Pride’s history is rooted in protest and the fight for fairness, change and social justice. I am forever grateful for this legacy, for the determination, courage and achievements of those who came before us and fought for our equality and human rights.

What is happening south of our border – and within our own country – is a different fight for equality. Against this backdrop, Pride reminds us how important it is to stand up for diversity, inclusion and equality – and in solidarity against prejudice, intolerance and injustice.

It isn’t about saying that each struggle for change is the same. They are not. The experiences of black people are their own. As such, this means we have a role to play in listening to and learning from black voices in our community. It is about recognizing that profound and lasting societal change is extremely difficult to achieve and often begins with the right to gather in protest.

Pride Month reminds us that we have much to learn from one another. It is an opportunity to express and value our diversity, and challenge the barriers that people of different sexual and gender identities, orientations, and expressions still face each and every day. This struggle is not over – it is a journey of a million steps along the road of progress.

I am proud of the work our faculty, staff and students have done to create a safe campus environment founded in respect, equity and support. I know we still have a lot of work to do – and I know we will do that work together.

When Winnipeg gathers to march this September, I hope you will join my wife and I in celebrating the many faces of Pride – both at Red River College and in our community.

Christine E. Watson Ph.D.  | Interim President and CEO
Red River College of Applied Arts, Science and Technology

Watch Christine’s video message here:

To all Red River College staff and students,

Like many of you, we watched this weekend as protests swept across our neighbours to the south and erupted in Montreal and Toronto.

Diversity, equity and inclusivity are Red River College’s heart and soul. They are values we celebrate, hold dear, and continually aspire to. It is important we acknowledge that we still have much work ahead of us to ensure all our faculty, staff and students truly feel safe, respected and equal.

As individuals and as members of our College community, we have a responsibility to support one another, stand up for our values, and work towards reconciliation. It is important we stand together in solidarity with those seeking equality, even when we are hurting the most.

In the midst of all the challenges we’ve faced over the past several months, this weekend’s horror, heartbreak, fear and anger feel especially overwhelming.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, know that you are not alone. Support is available if you need help coping with overwhelming feelings brought on by recent events.

Students can access counselling services by phone or video conference – you can also call the Mobile Crisis Service at 204.940.1781, or the 24/7 Klinic Crisis Line at 204.786.8686 for immediate support. To connect with our Indigenous Supports, visit Indigenous Education. To connect with International Student supports, visit International Education.

RRC staff can connect with mental health support via the Employee Family Assistance Program at 1-800-663-1142 or at https://homeweb.ca.

If you would like to share ideas or ask questions about our diversity programs and initiatives, please contact Priyanji Mediwake, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist at pmediwake@rrc.ca or 204-632-2004, or contact Carla Kematch, Truth and Reconciliation Manager, at cakematch@rrc.ca or 204-632-2148.

Take care of yourselves and each other,

Christine

Christine E. Watson. PhD  | Interim President and CEO
Red River College of Applied Arts, Science and Technology

For immediate release: March 12, 2020
Red River College (RRC) is working closely with public health authorities and is focused on providing timely information, reassurance, and support to our staff, faculty, and students as we continue to take necessary measures to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 at all of our campuses and to our broader community.

Our campuses are currently open and our classes, labs and exams have not been cancelled, however, our Senior Leadership Team is working with academic program areas to determine alternative program delivery approaches and models that could be implemented in order to further reduce the numbers of students, faculty and staff on site.

Additionally, RRC has suspended all international and domestic travel outside of Manitoba; cancelled all College events and large gatherings; and restricted the number of meetings to only those that are essential to core operations.

RRC’s Incident Management Team continues to monitor the situation closely in concert with our response plans, and in conversation with our colleagues at other post-secondary institutions across the province, and with advice and direction from our provincial and federal public health authorities.

As news and information regarding COVID-19 continues to unfold, the College will continue to ensure that staff, faculty and students are informed and that we continue to take necessary action to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

Updated: January 24, 2020, 12:00PM

The Language Training Centre (LTC) will re-open Monday, January 27, 2020, with no further impact to programs currently underway. During this time, programming will only be delivered in the labs and classrooms located on the fourth floor and in the basement of the LTC.

The third floor will remain closed to all staff and students until all repair work to address issues from the flood is complete by VIA Rail and RRC.

LTC staff and faculty will remain in-contact with students regarding scheduling, class locations, and program delivery. Should you have questions related to your program or admissions for programming at the LTC, please contact Louise at eal@rrc.ca We will be able to respond to your questions when we re-open on Monday, January 27, 2020.

Updates will be provided as necessary. Please continue to monitor the College website, Staff and Student News, social media, and your academic or staff email accounts.

We are working hard to minimize the disruption created by this incident. Thank you for your cooperation and your patience.

The Language Training Centre is closed today and all classes are cancelled as the result of a flood in the Via Rail Station caused by a broken pipe.

The flooding has had a direct impact on the LTC, in addition to other areas in the building, and the College, along with VIA Rail’s facility manager, are now assessing the the impact of the flood in order to determine when the LTC can resume normal operations. Our hope is that the overall impact will be minimal, and we can resume classes as quickly and as safely as possible.

Staff, faculty, and students affected by today’s closure were advised last night, and the College will continue to provide updates through the College website, social media, and through staff and student news.

Thank you to everyone who responded quickly last night to support the LTC.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Kerri Caldwell, Dean, School of Education, Arts & Sciences at kcaldwell@rrc.ca

For immediate release: November 14, 2019

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE– The vice-president of one of Manitoba’s leading heavy construction businesses – E.F. Moon Construction Ltd. – is the latest recipient of Red River College’s (RRC) Distinguished Graduate Award.

Jack Meseyton, who is also the chair of the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association, graduated from RRC’s Civil Engineering Technology program in 2005 with a diploma in Municipal Engineering Technology. His passion for, and commitment to the heavy construction industry in Manitoba, along with his dedication to the community of Portage la Prairie set him apart and made him an outstanding candidate for RRC’s highest achievement.

“I am very humbled, excited and proud to be receiving this award,” said Meseyton. “I am a very strong believer in higher education and learning – our company has several RRC grads working with us. So, I am proud to have attended the College, proud to have RRC grads and alumni working for me, and very, very proud of this award.”

The Red River College Distinguished Graduate Award honours and recognizes RRC’s finest graduates – those who have distinguished themselves in both their chosen profession and their community through outstanding achievements in one or more of the following areas: humanitarianism, professional excellence, and community service.

Meseyton was a clear deserving candidate for this honour, as he’d demonstrated all of the above in his life, through achieving professional excellence in construction and also giving back to Portage’s community in a big way. Some examples of this include his work fundraising for the United Way, his personal involvement in The Portage Potato Festival and for Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba.

“Red River College is proud to honour Jack Meseyton with the Distinguished Graduate Award. His professional achievements exemplify the kind of commitment and leadership we strive to teach our students every day. They also represent the important contributions that RRC graduates make to Manitoba’s economy, including the heavy construction industry.” said Christine Watson, Vice President Academic at RRC.

Meseyton began working in the construction industry in 1985 when he joined his father’s company – Meseyton Construction. By 1992 he was made partner and helped run the business through daily operations and projects. He entered the Civil CAD program at RRC in 2003 and graduated with honours in 2005 – the same year he began working at E.F. Moon. He later went on to obtain his Civil Engineering Technologist (CET) designation and his Gold Seal Certificate (GSC) in project management.

Growing the heavy construction industry in Manitoba

One of the reasons Meseyton is proud to be recognized as this year’s distinguished graduate, is because of the strong connection RRC has with the heavy construction industry in Manitoba.

“RRC has provided skilled people with the technical knowledge and problem solving skills they need,” he said. “This has given many companies the support staff needed to work on ever increasingly complex construction projects. Knowing some of the theory behind how and why things are constructed in the way they are has allowed companies to make educated, informed decisions on how to proceed with and undertake the construction of these projects.”

RRC programs that filter into the heavy construction industry take place in the Jan den Oudsten Vehicle Technology & Research Centre and new Skilled Trades and Technology Centre (STTC), a state-of-the-art 104,000 sq-ft. facility, which opened in 2018. The STTC has allowed RRC to increase its capacity for skilled trades and technologies programs by up to 1,000 additional students each year. This upgraded facility and the equipment it houses allows students to remain ahead-of-the-curve to meet the ever-changing demands of their chosen industry.

Jack Meseyton will be presented with the 2019 Distinguished Graduate Award this evening, November 14, 2019 at the Portage & District Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Celebration.

UPDATED: October 14, 2019

Portage Regional Campus Closed

Due to the ongoing impacts from last week’s storm system, Red River College’s Portage la Prairie Regional Campus will remain closed and is expected to re-open on Wednesday, October 16, 2019. All exams and classes will be rescheduled and staff at the Regional Campus will connect with students directly to advise of new dates for classes and previously scheduled exams.

All remaining campuses are expected to open on Tuesday, October 15, 2019.

RRC will continue to provides updates via the College website and through social media.

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UPDATED: October 11, 2019 at 1:10PM

As Southern Manitoba continues to be affected by an ongoing severe weather system, all Red River College campuses will close at 2:00PM today to ensure the safety of staff and students.

All evening classes will be cancelled, and any recreation services and weekend activities taking place at RRC campuses have been postponed. Tests and exams scheduled for this evening or weekend will be rescheduled by the appropriate program area.

Red River College will continue to monitor the weather and remain in contact with staff and students should the situation change. Staff and students are encouraged to watch for updates through the College website and College social media.

Darin Brecht CPA CA CFA

Interim President & CEO and Vice-President, Finance and Administration

Red River College of Applied Arts, Science and Technology

UPDATED: October 11, 2019 at 10:00AM

Southern Manitoba is currently being affected by a severe weather system that is having a significant impact on power and road conditions inside and outside of the City. Currently, the weather has resulted in the College closing its Winker Regional Campus, Steinbach Language Training Centre, and classes have been cancelled at our Portage la Prairie Regional Campus. All other campuses continue to remain open.

While our other campuses continue to be open, we’re aware that some classes have been impacted by the weather and some staff and students are unable to make it to the College,  or are having difficulty making it to the College on time. If staff or students don’t feel safe travelling to and from the College, or the weather has impacted your ability to make it to the College today, please connect with your program area or immediate supervisor to let them know and to make arrangements – they are ready to support you.

Red River College will continue to monitor the weather and remain in contact with staff and students should the situation change. Staff and students are encouraged to watch for updates through the College website and College social media.

Darin Brecht CPA CA CFA

Interim President & CEO and Vice-President, Finance and Administration

Red River College of Applied Arts, Science and Technology

POSTED: October 11, 2019 at 8:00AM

Due to ongoing inclement weather and poor road conditions, Red River College has today closed the following Regional Campuses:

• Winkler Regional Campus 

The following Regional Campuses remain open, however classes are cancelled:

•  Portage la Prairie Regional Campus 

All other campuses remain open with regular scheduled classes.

Red River College will continue to monitor the weather and remain in contact with staff and students should the situation change. Staff and students are encouraged to watch for updates through the College website and College social media.

Please be advised that due to issues related to the Manitoba Hydro power outage earlier today, ITS and Facilities are currently working to restore access to various network services, at The Roblin Centre, including but not limited to access to the Internet, Wifi, File and Print Services, Email and access to other services (HUB, Colleague).  Phone Systems on campus are functional.

It is expected that these services will not be accessible for the remainder of the day and into the evening.

Continuing Education has been working to ensure classes at The Roblin Centre can proceed tonight as scheduled. However some classes that do rely on the College network may be cancelled and instructors have been advised to contact these students directly. If you are unsure if this applies to you, please do not hesitate to reach out to your instructor who will answer any questions you may have.

We apologize for the inconvenience and the late notice as we continue to work to resolve the issues that are currently affecting The Roblin Centre.

ITS will provide additional notification once access to these services have been restored.

We anticipate that solutions will be in place by tomorrow morning to minimize any further disruptions, so that all classes at EDC can proceed as scheduled. Please continue to monitor College email and Social Media for updates regarding whether or not this outage will continue to impact the delivery of classes tomorrow.

We thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we work to resolve these issues.

NOTE: This network outage only impacts The Roblin Centre and no other campus is currently affected.