Media release from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO):

Toronto, Sept. 27, 2016 – Amid concern that today’s postsecondary graduates are lacking critical employability skills, an international test on literacy, numeracy and problem-solving will be given to first-year and graduating students at 11 colleges in Ontario. A similar pilot for universities will follow in fall 2017.

The Essential Adult Skills Initiative (EASI) pilot project by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) marks the first time in Canada that core skills, considered foundational to success in work and life, will be evaluated at the postsecondary program and institutional level.

“We’re very adept at teaching disciplinary content and assessing whether it has been learned,” says Harvey Weingarten, HEQCO president and CEO. “But when it comes to core skills like communication, critical thinking and problem solving, we have little information about whether students arrive on campus with these skills or to what degree they acquired them through their studies, because we don’t test for them. Students are missing an opportunity to understand and describe the skill sets they bring to the workplace, while our colleges and universities are missing an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of their programs, identify weaknesses and address them.”

Ontario colleges volunteering for the pilot are Algonquin, Centennial, Conestoga, Fanshawe, Fleming, George Brown, Humber, Sault, Seneca, Sheridan and St. Lawrence. Five universities have signed on to-date for the second phase of the pilot: McMaster, Queen’s, Ryerson, Wilfrid Laurier and York universities in Ontario, as well as Quest University in British Columbia.

“Each of these institutions is demonstrating a genuine interest in assessing the knowledge and skills of their entering and graduating students,” says Weingarten. “Each understands the importance of these core skills as critical to their graduates in the workplace and in navigating the world.”

Using the internationally recognized Education & Skills Online assessment from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the first phase of the EASI pilot will test 350 first-year students at each of the participating colleges in October 2016; the second phase will test a similar number of graduating students from the institutions in February 2017. The students are drawn from specific programs at each institution, ranging from sciences and business to humanities and applied arts. The college final report, to be available by fall 2017, will evaluate the practicality and validity of the test and provide an initial sense of whether students have enhanced core skills in literacy, numeracy and technology-enabled problem-solving over the course of their postsecondary studies.

The 90-minute online test consists of a series of questions or tasks based on everyday scenarios, examining how the student comprehends and applies numeric and textual information. Students receive individualized reports on their skills proficiency and can compare their scores with OECD international data. Participating colleges and universities will have an evidence-based window on the entering and exiting skills of their students. The results for each college and university will be revealed only to the institution and will not be included in the study reports.

“The initial goal is that colleges and universities use these results as instruments for quality enhancement,” says Weingarten. “If the pilots prove successful, this could become standard practice in Ontario and beyond. One measure doesn’t give the full picture on skills acquisition and this is just one way to capture the value-added of higher education, but it’s a revolutionary first step for Canadian higher education.”

About the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario
The Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario is an agency of the Government of Ontario, established in 2005 to contribute to the improvement of Ontario’s postsecondary education system. HEQCO is mandated to conduct research, evaluate the postsecondary education system and provide policy recommendations to the Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development on improving system quality, access and accountability.

 

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For further information, please contact:
Susan Bloch-Nevitte
Executive Director, Communications
Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario
416-434-7311 / sbnevitte@heqco.ca

Stay in the know at www.heqco.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @HEQCO
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HEQCO

 

 

Peterborough, ON (Sept. 29, 2016) – Graduates of Fleming College’s Justice programs now have the opportunity to complete a degree at Royal Roads University (RRU).

The two institutions recently signed a transfer agreement that allows eligible graduates of select two-year diploma programs within Fleming’s School of Justice and Community Development to transfer into the third year of RRU’s Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies degree program.

Students can graduate with a diploma and a degree in as few as four years. The following Fleming programs are included in the agreement:

• Community and Justice Services
• Customs Border Services
• Law Clerk
• Paralegal
• Police Foundations
• Protection, Security and Investigation

“The development of clear and accessible pathways for our students is an important priority in our quest to deliver outstanding learning experiences at Fleming. Our Justice faculty are committed to instilling a keen sense of the importance of lifelong learning in their students,” said Carol Kelsey, Dean of the Schools of Justice and Community Development and Health and Wellness. “This agreement represents an important and worthwhile opportunity for our graduates to pursue.”

“Royal Roads University is committed to providing relevant, engaging and career-enhancing education,” says Brigitte Harris, Acting Dean, Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences. “Our partnership agreement provides Fleming graduates with access to programs that will allow them to continue building knowledge and skills and to enhance their ability to contribute positively in justice-related careers.”

This pathway follows a new diploma-to-degree agreement finalized between Royal Roads and Fleming College last spring that allows graduates of three Fleming diploma programs – Hospitality, Tourism – Global Travel, and Recreation and Leisure Services – the opportunity to complete a degree program at RRU.

About Royal Roads University
Royal Roads University in Victoria, B.C., a public university established in 1995, offers a progressive model of post-secondary education, delivering applied and professional programs through the faculties of management and social and applied sciences. The university offers its students a unique blended learning experience, combining online and on-campus instruction, as well as full time intensive on-campus instruction in undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees, certificates and diplomas. It also offers progressive executive, custom and continuing studies programs. www.royalroads.ca

 

About Fleming College
Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 5,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 71,000 alumni. flemingcollege.ca

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Media, for more information please contact:
Laura Copeland
Communications Officer
laura.copeland@flemingcollege.ca
705.749.5530 x 1370

Fleming College welcomed more new students and international students to its campuses this September.

International intake climbed by one-third (32.9%) over September 2015 with 250 new international students attending Fleming. Currently, there are 494 international students enrolled at Fleming, an increase of more than 16% over last year.

The number of new domestic students has also increased by 1.8% over last year to 3,046.

Bucking the provincial trend, Fleming College was one of the few Ontario colleges to see an increase in applications over last year.

“We are currently faced with a challenging demographic in Ontario, particularly in less urban areas,” said Fleming College President Tony Tilly. “Population growth has flat-lined and, as a result, there are fewer high school students in the system. Despite this situation, we are pleased to have experienced growth this September and are delighted to welcome new Fleming students to our campuses.”

New programs launched this September – Graphic Design – Visual Communication, Construction Engineering Technician, and Moving Image Design – have all contributed to growth in new students. The Esthetician program has also seen an increase in students with the program’s move to Sutherland Campus and its newly-launched on-campus spa.

“Fleming’s commitment to community creates a vibrant on-campus experience for our students,” added President Tilly. “The College’s student supports, services, our experienced faculty, and our beautiful campuses are also appealing to students when they are choosing a post-secondary destination.”

 About Fleming College
Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 5,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 71,000 alumni.

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Media, for more information please contact:
Laura Copeland
Communications Officer
laura.copeland@flemingcollege.ca
705.749.5530 x 1370

 

Fleming College’s Sutherland Campus will host Mental Illness Awareness Week Oct. 3-7 with a theme of “Balance and Connection.”

“Our aim is to bring positive attention to mental illness in hopes that it will reduce the stigma and let those who struggle know that Fleming cares and supports them. This week’s events also assume a proactive approach by highlighting the importance of balance and connection in minimizing and/or managing the symptoms of mental illness,” says Anita Arnold, Fleming College Counsellor and member of Fleming’s Mental Health Initiative Committee.

The week will kick off on Monday, Oct. 3 with a keynote address from TED Talk speaker Dr. Ivan Joseph, an award winning coach, educator, mentor and director of Ryerson Athletics. He will speak to the importance of belief in oneself despite life’s set-backs, forming connections with others who support you, and building upon your success not your failure. The talk will take place at 11 a.m. in the Library.

Activities throughout the week will also include participation from students. Massage Therapy students will provide free massages on Tuesday, Oct. 4 and students from the Fitness and Health Promotion program will provide fitness demonstrations on Thursday, Oct. 6.

Here is the full list of events and activities:

• Monday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Library – Keynote speaker Dr. Ivan Joseph; Main Foyer – photo booth, free popcorn
• Tuesday: Noon to 3 p.m., Main Foyer – Free massages, sleep centre, string duet, free apple cider from Drumoland Orchards and Stables
• Wednesday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Main Foyer – Community Support Fair, therapy dogs, Aboriginal drumming and crafts, free cookies and draw prizes
• Thursday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Main Foyer – Exercise bikes will be set up with prizes for the top riders, four 15-minute demonstration fitness classes offered through the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, promotion of intramural sports and a free draw
• Friday: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Main Foyer – A comfy corner with a collection of funny YouTube videos, freezies and painting

Mental Illness Awareness Week is hosted by Fleming’s Mental Health Initiative Committee and Student Administrative Council. The committee is made up of faculty, staff and students committed to generating awareness of mental health issues. The committee also organizes activities to improve the overall health and wellbeing of the college community.

 

Do you know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the community? Fleming College is currently seeking nominations for its award program that recognizes dedicated community service.

The Brian L. Desbiens Community Service Awards are given out annually – one to a Fleming College employee (internal) and one to a member of the public (external).

The awards were created to recognize citizens who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to, and concern for, their community, country or beyond. Through volunteer work and within their career these candidates have exceeded expectations, putting their ideas and skills to practical use for the benefit of others.

Please note, candidates for the internal award must be employees of Fleming College while candidates for the external award can be any citizen who lives in Peterborough, Haliburton or Northumberland counties, or the City of Kawartha Lakes, which are all served by Fleming College’s campus locations. Members of the public are encouraged to nominate candidates for either award.

Nominations will be accepted starting Tuesday, Sept. 20. All nominations must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14, 2016. The awards will be presented in November.

Don’t miss this opportunity to nominate a deserving candidate. For a nomination form, or more information, please contact Laura Copeland, Communications Officer at 705-749-5530 x 1370 or laura.copeland@flemingcollege.ca. You can find the nomination forms on the Fleming College website at:

External Nomination:
http://flemingcollege.ca/news/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Brian-L.-Desbiens-Community-Service-Award-External-Nomination-Form.pdf

Internal Nomination:
http://flemingcollege.ca/news/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Brian-L.-Desbiens-Community-Service-Award-Internal-Nomination-Form.pdf

 

About Fleming College
Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 5,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 71,000 alumni.

 

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Media, for more information please contact:
Laura Copeland
Communications Officer
laura.copeland@flemingcollege.ca
705.749.5530 x 1370

Fleming College is aiming to “Stomp Out Stigma” through its upcoming Mental Illness Awareness Day at Frost Campus on Tuesday, Oct. 4.

Joining forces with Team 55, Let’s Tackle Suicide Awareness, the Frost Campus Mental Health Initiative Committee will highlight the importance of suicide prevention at the event. Dave Pogue from Team 55 will provide the keynote address around suicide prevention and next steps to reduce stigma related to mental illness. Jack Veitch from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and Chris Jardin from Peterborough AIDS Resource Network will also participate as guest speakers to encourage this important conversation.

“Fleming College is engaged in a conversation about mental health and how the college can support this important issue with a proactive, systematic approach,” says Melissa McQuaid, Counsellor at Frost Campus and a member of the Mental Health Initiative Committee.

The committee, which started as a grass roots campaign to bring awareness to substance use issues, including fentanyl, has broadened its scope to include other aspects of mental health, says McQuaid. It is composed of faculty, students, staff and community organizations, including the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit, City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service, FourCAST and CMHA.

Since its establishment in 2015, the Mental Health Initiative Committee has led several high profile events on campus that have promoted positive mental health, reduced stigma, fostered resilience, and supported those who struggle with mental health issues. These events included Bell Let’s Talk, Mental Illness Awareness Day, Stay Calm and Study On, a wellness workshop series and a substance use awareness campaign.

As part of Mental Illness Awareness Day at Frost, faculty members and musicians Joanna Hodge and Kent Hodgin will perform, and faculty member Ray Henderson, who is a member of the Citiots, will provide comic relief. Robin Nesbit, Coordinator of Recreation Services at the Lindsay Recreation Complex, will be dancing participants through Blake Shelton’s Footloose as the campus comes together to Stomp Out Stigma.

All are welcome to attend to enjoy food, music, improv, dancing and conversation from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 4. Let’s Stomp Out Stigma Together!

About Fleming College
Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 5,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 71,000 alumni.

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Media, for more information please contact:
Laura Copeland
Communications Officer
laura.copeland@flemingcollege.ca
705.749.5530 x 1370

 

Fleming College is pleased to announce that it will soon offer free English language classes for new Canadians at its Cobourg Campus.

Fleming will offer the classes through Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC), a program funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that provides newcomers with English instruction and assists them with the settlement process and integration into Canadian society.

“In recent years, we have seen significant growth in the number of newcomers who have settled in the Northumberland area. This growth has been strengthened by the number of Syrian refugees who now call Northumberland home,” said Tracey McConnery, Manager of Fleming College’s English Programs and International Student Services. “The Fleming College LINC program is pleased to have received funding from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to provide much needed English language and settlement support to our newest Canadians in the Northumberland region.”

Classes at Fleming’s Cobourg Campus will start on Monday, Sept. 19 and will be offered weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon. The program offers a continuous intake so students can start at any time. To join the LINC program, individuals must be 18 years of age or older and must be a Permanent Resident, Convention Refugee or have Intent-to-Land Status.

“When I have talked with LINC students, I have been moved by their appreciation of LINC and the support they receive. I am very happy to see this opportunity now available in Northumberland County and I thank all those who contributed to this decision,” said Fleming College President Tony Tilly.

New Canadians in Northumberland County who are interested in attending the LINC program can book an assessment with the New Canadians Centre (NCC) in Cobourg. Please contact Luz Ofelia at 905-377-8100 or luz@nccpeterborough.ca. Following the NCC assessment incoming students will be referred to Fleming College for registration.

 

About Fleming College
Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 5,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 71,000 alumni.

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Media, for more information please contact:
Laura Copeland
Communications Officer
laura.copeland@flemingcollege.ca
705.749.5530 x 1370

MEDIA RELEASE FROM CARLETON UNIVERSITY:

New collaboration focuses on training, on-line education and the innovation economy

A new collaboration between the presidents of five universities and four colleges together with municipal and economic development leaders, will focus a spotlight on educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in the municipal administration and community services sector.

“Through the Eastern Ontario Task Force, we want to build on the strengths and address the challenges faced by Eastern Ontario communities,” said Carleton President Roseann O’Reilly Runte.”

The Task Force is developing a Workforce Development Strategy and is engaged with municipal and community services as they prepare for a major generational change in the Eastern Ontario labour force. Dr. Runte emphasized that the post-secondary sector wants to be part of the solution to drive the innovation economy in Eastern Ontario.

The Workforce Development Strategy combines the efforts of nine educational institutions working with economic development agencies and municipal partners. The initiative, led by Carleton University in collaboration with Ontario East Economic Development, includes:

• Algonquin College
• Collège La Cité
• Fleming College
• Loyalist College
• University of Ottawa
• Queen’s University
• Lawrence College
• Trent University

Together, the institutions will offer hundreds of on-line courses especially relevant to individuals developing careers in the municipal or community services sector.

The Task Force’s work is also supported by the:

• Eastern Ontario Warden’s Caucus
• Eastern Ontario Leadership Council
• Eastern Ontario Mayor’s Committee
• Eastern Ontario Regional Network

Eastern Ontario’s post-secondary institutions have a major impact on the region’s economy, employing more than 29,000 full- and part-time employees, with purchases of goods and services exceeding $500 million a year and operating expenditures totalling $2.4 billion. This is above and beyond the positive impacts of each school’s research and continuous education of the region’s workforce.

It is estimated that there are nearly 300,000 municipal employees in the Province of Ontario, with Eastern Ontario’s municipalities employing approximately 20,000. Conservative estimates indicate that 35 per cent of municipal employees are expected to retire in the next five to seven years.

On-line course information available through the Eastern Ontario Task Force portal can be found at:

www.carleton.ca/eotf

www.ontarioeast.ca  

 

For more information contact:

Steven Reid, Media Relations Officer, Carleton University

steven.reid3@carleton.ca

(613) 520-2600, ext. 8718

 

Dan Borowec, President, Ontario East Economic Development Corporation

info@ontarioeast.ca

(905)-372-3329 ext 6296

borowecd@northumberlandcounty.ca

 

The Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre and Fleming College are encouraging community members to step up, speak out and take a stand against sexual violence.

This candlelight vigil and walk, which will take place in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton, welcomes survivors of sexual violence and harassment, their supporters and allies to join together in solidarity. In the wake of local issues of sexual assault, online luring and sexual harassment, changes to campus policies on sexual violence and harassment, and recent high profile sexual assault trials, the Centre and College welcome participants to join together to build a more healing and inclusive community.

The annual Take Back the Night event will take place starting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22. This free event includes a rally with speeches, musical performances, and slam poetry followed by the ‘Light Your Way’ solidarity walk at 7:30 p.m.

Share your voice and speak out! Here are the locations:

• Peterborough – Sutherland Campus (meet at the residences, near the Pavilion), 599 Brealey Dr.
• Lindsay – Frost Campus (meet at the Frost Residence Circle), 200 Albert St. S.
• Cobourg – “The Gathering Place” Monument, East side Victoria Park, Cobourg
• Haliburton – Haliburton Highlands Secondary School, 5358 County Road 21, Haliburton

About Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre
Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre is a not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to supporting those affected by sexual violence. At our Centre in Peterborough, we offer individual counselling, group counselling and workshops, peer supports, public education and professional training. In our three surrounding communities of City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton and Northumberland, we work with local centres to provide responsive healing supports and public education events. 

About Fleming College
Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 5,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 71,000 alumni.

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Media, for more information please contact:

Lisa Clarke, Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre
Community Engagement and Project Manager
lclarke.ksac@nexicom.net
705.748.5901 x 204

Laura Copeland, Communications Officer
Fleming College
laura.copeland@flemingcollege.ca
705.749.5530 x 1370

 

The Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster (GPIC) is proud to announce the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Fleming College. Fleming will occupy 1,000 square-feet of dedicated space for use by business and technology students in the newly expanded downtown incubator located in the newly launched VentureNorth building at 270 George St. N.

“At Fleming, we are always seeking new ways to enhance work-integrated learning. But we know the actual nature of work is changing – with innovation, entrepreneurism and synergies amongst technology and business being keys for the future success of our students and our communities. This space recognizes this change and allows our students to gain the skills needed for this cultural shift,” said Maxine Mann, Dean of the School of Business and the School of Trades and Technology.

The Applied Project space will be integrated into the current youth zone, for entrepreneurs under 29 years of age, located on the 3^rd floor of the VentureNorth building.

“This will greatly benefit our graduate certificate and upper year students by providing them with a professional space to meet with their clients, professors, community members, and network with local entrepreneurs at the downtown Cube,” said Raymond Yip Choy, Coordinator of the International Business Management and Global Business Management programs at Fleming. “Applied projects help to prepare students to be high performers in their careers and stimulate their entrepreneurial spirit.”

Fleming College students undertaking applied projects have the opportunity to solve real world challenges for real world clients. As a result, the projects provide invaluable experiential learning and spur innovative and creative thought. The new space will provide students with a place to practice and perfect the skills they will use to excel in their professional careers.

“We’re very excited about the deep level of collaboration between GPIC and the Fleming College staff and students. Our past partnership through the FastStart program has already proven to help generate the awareness among students about entrepreneurship as a career path.” says Michael Skinner, President & CEO of the Innovation Cluster.

About the Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster
The Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster drives technology-based, innovation-driven, and entrepreneurship-led economic growth and high-tech job creation by providing programs designed to increase innovation, entrepreneurship, commercialization and new company creation & growth. The Cluster partners with academia and industry to provide support to start-up technology companies and entrepreneurs to help take innovative ideas and processes to market. Core Funding is provided by Ontario Centres of Excellence, Trent University, Fleming College and the Peterborough Region Angel Network. For more information, visit http://www.innovationcluster.ca.

 

About Fleming College
Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 5,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 71,000 alumni. For more information: flemingcollege.ca.

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Media, for more information please contact:
Laura Copeland, Communications Officer
Fleming College
(705) 749-5530 ext. 1370
laura.copeland@flemingcollege.ca

 

Michael Skinner, President & CEO
Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster
(705) 761-1933
mskinner@innovationcluster.ca