Niagara College rings in Fall Convocation Ceremonies

Ceremonies will continue on October 27

With drumming beats from the Strong Water Singers and inspiring words from the College president, Niagara College kicked off the first day of its largest Fall Convocation Ceremonies to date.

The first of three Fall 2023 Convocation ceremonies at the College, an afternoon ceremony on October 26 marked the graduation of almost 500 students from a variety of programs within its School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker, and School of Academic and Liberal Studies.

In an inspiring address from the convocation platform, NC President Sean Kennedy encouraged the graduating students to embrace their ‘inner five year old.’

“As I reflect on the state of the world today, global and human crises can feel overwhelming and, at times, hopeless. This is where your ‘inner five year old’ can help restore a sense of balance,” said Kennedy.

“Always strive for the highest of standards in all that you do. Make a difference in the lives of your family, your workplaces, our communities, and our world,” he said.

“Be responsible adults and citizens but, along the way, remember your early self, before the pressures of social norms and social media, before you felt the demands and stresses and messes of society and our interconnected world. May you always be guided by your inner five-year-old in embracing a world full of possibility, discovery, wonder and joy.”

Most of the day’s graduates are bound for in-demand health-care fields, with almost 350 graduating from programs within NC’s School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker alone including Gerontology, Palliative Care – Multidiscipline, Nursing Leadership and Health Care Management, and Community Mental Health Multidiscipline.

Due to a record number graduates this fall, NC expanded its Fall Convocation Ceremonies to be held over two days with three ceremonies in 2023 – its largest Fall Convocation to date.

The October 26 ceremony began with drumming from the Strong Water Singers, an Indigenous collective of drummers from across the Niagara region – who will also set the tone for NC’s convocation ceremonies on October 27.

Fall Convocation will continue at NC on October 27 with ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The morning ceremony will celebrate more than 530 graduating students will cross the stage from various programs within the School of Business and Management Studies; School of Environment and Horticulture; School of Hospitality and Tourism; School of Wine, Beer and Spirits; and School of Culinary Arts.

An afternoon ceremony will celebrate more than 560 new graduates from a wide variety of program areas within its School of Allied Health Studies – including NC’s first class of Massage Therapy graduates – School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker, School of Community Services, School of Justice and Fitness Studies, School of Trades, and School of Technology. The College will also confer an Honorary Degree in Applied Studies upon Indigenous education leader Rebecca Jamieson, President-CEO of Six Nations Polytechnic, during the afternoon ceremony.

The almost 1,600 NC students graduating at Fall Convocation this year will join an additional 4,500 from who graduated during five days of Spring Convocation Ceremonies in June to make up NC’s Class of 2023. They will also join NC’s alumni community of more than 120,000 – and growing!

NC’s Fall 2023 Convocation Ceremonies are held at NC’s Simplii Financial Athletic Centre (gymnasium) at the Welland Campus. Ceremonies may also be viewed via livestream or watched later via the convocation website at niagaracollege.ca/convocation.

For more information about NC’s Fall 2023 Fall Convocation Ceremonies – including a schedule and list of programs graduating within each School –visit the ‘Ceremony Schedule’ section of NC’s Convocation website.

 

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 11,000 students from over 80 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is consistently ranked among Canada’s top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

 

Related release:

Oct. 23: Niagara College expands Fall Convocation with record number of October grads

 

TOP PHOTO: Graduates prepare to enter their convocation ceremony at the Welland Campus on October 26.

 

Media inquiries, please contact:

 

Julie Greco

Communications Consultant

905-328-2532

[email protected]

 

Michael Wales

Director, Communications

905-328-4101

[email protected]

 

Thousands expected at Niagara College’s Fall Open House Nov. 4

Niagara College will open its doors to an anticipated 2,000 to 3,000 guests during its Fall Open House, November 4, when prospective students, parents and friends will visit the Welland Campus and the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake to explore all the College has to offer.

The Open House will run simultaneously from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at both campuses.

“Niagara College’s Fall Open House is a critical step for future NC students to experience and explore everything there is to learn about Niagara College’s programs and services, said Ian Aikenhead, Director, Student Recruitment. “Campus tours, open labs and faculty-led information sessions allow future students to learn and ask questions about their programs of interest.”

All of NC’s 130 programs will be represented at the event with every school of study offering a scheduled information session. Smaller break-out sessions for individual programs will also be available.

Campus tours, a Student Services Fair and academic displays will show guests what makes NC unique, while NCexperts will guide visitors at each campus and share what to expect from a student perspective.

At the Student Services Fair, visitors can learn more about the outstanding supports offered to students to help them achieve success during their studies. Admissions and Financial Aid and Enrolment Services staff will also be on site and ready to facilitate student applications.

An Academic Marketplace—where guests can collect information about the many full- and part-time offerings at each campus—is where faculty, staff and students from the College’s various program areas will chat one-on-one with potential students about life at NC and career opportunities after graduation.

students speak with a visitor at an information booth on campus
A Student Services Fair will be set up at Fall Open House for visitors to learn about the outstanding student supports offered to NC students. (Photo from NC’s Fall Open House in 2022).

This fall, the event has been modified to allow for flexible, more frequent campus tours so attendees can see the labs in their areas of interest. Beginning at 10 a.m. and for the next four hours, current NC students will continuously escort groups of visitors across campus to point out learning and study spaces, common areas, student services and labs. In total, between 15 and 20 labs will be open, including Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism, Environment and Horticulture, Media and Trades.

Registration is required for prospective students. Those who register and check-in at the event using their ticket will be entered into a draw for a chance to win a $5,000 credit towards their NC tuition for the 2024-2025 school year. Students can also enter to win one of 10 $100 Amazon gift cards by registering for NC’s Fall Open House before Thursday, Nov. 2 at 11:59 p.m.

Though pre-registration is not mandatory – students can register at the door if needed – only those who register before Nov. 2 will be eligible for the gift card draw.

Free parking is available at all lots at both campuses during the event. For directions, program locations by campus and schedules, visit the Open House website: openhouse.niagaracollege.ca

While Open House, held in both fall and spring, is a key highlight in the recruitment cycle, NC’s Student Recruitment team connects with prospective students throughout the year to help them choose the next step in their educational journey.

Earlier this fall, the College also began offering a digital Custom Viewbook for those interested in exploring an education at NC. The innovative tool allows students to personalize their experience in under 60 seconds. Learn more at customviewbook.niagaracollege.ca/home.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 11,000 students from over 80 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is consistently ranked among Canada’s top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

Elyse Howarth
Communications Consultant
905-329-4910
[email protected]

 

Niagara College’s Food and Beverage Innovation Centre receives funding support to help businesses develop and market beverages

Niagara College is excited to share that the Food & Beverage Innovation Centre (FBIC) will receive funding of up to $50,000 from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP).

This support will help FBIC deliver services to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to de-risk innovation in new beverage product development, which includes prototyping, food safety guidance, testing and producing marketable products at FBIC’s new Beverage Research & Development Pilot Processing Facility.

Having achieved their Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification, FBIC can now help industry partners to be market-ready by focusing on getting the food safety and quality parameters right at the initial stages of development, so they can prove their concept in the market, and be confident in the next steps of scaling to commercial co-packing/manufacturing. FBIC de-risks the product launch process and plugs in where you need support most.

This NRC IRAP funding allows FBIC to connect SMEs with our highly qualified and experienced FBIC staff, faculty, recent graduates, and students, with the right expertise and equipment to meet their needs and provide solutions for industry innovation challenges.

“We’re grateful for NRC IRAP’s support as contributions such as these allow the FBIC team to continue their work that positively impacts industry, as well as adding to a unique student experience,” said Marc Nantel, PhD, Vice-President, Research, Innovation and Strategic Enterprises.

Project intake is ongoing and open until March 31, 2024. The average project value will be between $12,500 to $15,000 — comprised of $10,000 NRC IRAP funding and industry cash. To participate, SMEs must pay an up-front service fee on average of $2,500 before work commences.

The target clients for this pilot include SMEs innovating in beverage production as well as spoonable and pourable foods, including non-alcoholic, low alcohol, or alternative products (like plant-based and functional beverages like sports drinks, etc.).

To be eligible, small- and medium-sized enterprises must be NRC IRAP clients referred by an Industrial Technology Advisor or Client Engagement Advisor.

Top photo: A research & development technologist, student research assistant and scientific manager from the Food & Beverage Innovation Centre work on wet chemistry and spectroscopy to ensure the quality of various food and beverage products in the food chemistry laboratory at NC’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

A pilot plant production specialist and student research assistant optimize processing parameters of the homogenizer and microthermics in the Beverage Processing Pilot Plant at NC’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

NC’s award-winning Research & Innovation division administers research funding through investments from various regional, provincial, and federal agencies. Students and graduates are hired to work alongside faculty and staff researchers to assist industry partners’ leap forward in the marketplace. Students come from a variety of the College’s programs, such as the Commercial Cannabis Production Program, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Culinary Innovation and Food Technology, Business Administration – Marketing, and Computer Programmer.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of close to 11,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is consistently ranked among Canada’s top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

 

Media inquiries, please contact:

 

Julie Greco

Communications Consultant

905-328-2532

[email protected]

 

Michael Wales

Director, Communications

905-328-4101

[email protected]

 

 

 

Niagara College expands Fall Convocation with record number of October grads

It will be a ‘Fall Convocation first’ at Niagara College.

With about 1,600 students ready to graduate from NC this fall – its largest cohort of fall graduates to date – NC will host three convocation ceremonies over two days on October 26 and 27 at the Welland Campus.

In addition to celebrating a record number of fall graduates, the College will shine a spotlight on Rebecca Jamieson, President-CEO of Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP). Jamieson – who has been a leader in Indigenous education for more than 30 years, will be presented with an honorary degree in in recognition of her significant accomplishments.

President-CEO of Six Nations Polytechnic Rebecca Jamieson will be presented with an Honorary Degree in Applied Studies at Niagara College on October 27.  (supplied photo)

“Convocation is the ultimate celebration of student success and we are thrilled to celebrate our largest fall class of graduates and expand our fall ceremonies to two days this year,” said NC President Sean Kennedy. “We look forward to welcoming our fall graduates and their families to campus to mark this significant milestone with us, as well as our special guest, Rebecca Jamieson, who inspires us through her extraordinary leadership in Indigenous education.”

On Thursday, October 26, a 3 p.m. ceremony will be held for graduating students in various programs within NC’s School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker, and School of Academic and Liberal Studies.

On Friday, October 27, NC will host ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. During the morning ceremony, graduating students will cross the stage from various programs within the School of Business and Management Studies; School of Environment and Horticulture; School of Hospitality and Tourism; School of Wine, Beer and Spirits; and School of Culinary Arts.

The Friday afternoon ceremony will celebrate new graduates from various programs within the School of Allied Health Studies, School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker, School of Community Services, School of Justice and Fitness Studies, School of Trades, and School of Technology. The College will also confer an Honorary Degree in Applied Studies upon Jamieson during the Friday afternoon ceremony.

Traditionally, Fall Convocation ceremonies have been held on one day at NC but with more students to graduate this fall – about 400 more than fall 2022, and about 300 more than its previous largest fall cohort in 2019 – an additional ceremony on a second day was added for fall 2023.

While NC’s Fall 2023 Convocation Ceremonies will be held in person at the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre (gymnasium) at the Welland Campus, the College continues to offer graduates and their families an option to celebrate virtually, from anywhere in the world. Ceremonies may be viewed in the moment via livestream or may be watched later via the convocation website at niagaracollege.ca/convocation.

Students graduating this fall join 4,500 who graduated during NC’s week-long spring ceremonies in June. They will also join NC’s alumni community of more than 120,000 – and growing!

For more information about NC’s Fall 2023 Fall Convocation Ceremonies – including a schedule and list of programs graduating within each School –visit the ‘Ceremony Schedule’ section of NC’s Convocation website.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of close to 11,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is consistently ranked among Canada’s top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

 

Top photo (file photo): Niagara College President Sean Kennedy is joined by administrators, faculty and others to celebrate the Class of 2023 during the final Spring Convocation ceremony on June 16.

 

Media inquiries, please contact: 

 

Julie Greco

Communications Consultant

905-328-2532

[email protected]

 

Michael Wales

Director, Communications

905-328-4101

[email protected]

 

Niagara College expands Fall Convocation with record number of October grads

It will be a ‘Fall Convocation first’ at Niagara College.

With about 1,600 students ready to graduate from NC this fall – its largest cohort of fall graduates to date – NC will host three convocation ceremonies over two days on October 26 and 27 at the Welland Campus.

In addition to celebrating a record number of fall graduates, the College will shine a spotlight on Rebecca Jamieson, President-CEO of Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP). Jamieson – who has been a leader in Indigenous education for more than 30 years, will be presented with an honorary degree in in recognition of her significant accomplishments.

President-CEO of Six Nations Polytechnic Rebecca Jamieson will be presented with an Honorary Degree in Applied Studies at Niagara College on October 27.  (supplied photo)

“Convocation is the ultimate celebration of student success and we are thrilled to celebrate our largest fall class of graduates and expand our fall ceremonies to two days this year,” said NC President Sean Kennedy. “We look forward to welcoming our fall graduates and their families to campus to mark this significant milestone with us, as well as our special guest, Rebecca Jamieson, who inspires us through her extraordinary leadership in Indigenous education.”

On Thursday, October 26, a 3 p.m. ceremony will be held for graduating students in various programs within NC’s School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker, and School of Academic and Liberal Studies.

On Friday, October 27, NC will host ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. During the morning ceremony, graduating students will cross the stage from various programs within the School of Business and Management Studies; School of Environment and Horticulture; School of Hospitality and Tourism; School of Wine, Beer and Spirits; and School of Culinary Arts.

The Friday afternoon ceremony will celebrate new graduates from various programs within the School of Allied Health Studies, School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker, School of Community Services, School of Justice and Fitness Studies, School of Trades, and School of Technology. The College will also confer an Honorary Degree in Applied Studies upon Jamieson during the Friday afternoon ceremony.

Traditionally, Fall Convocation ceremonies have been held on one day at NC but with more students to graduate this fall – about 400 more than fall 2022, and about 300 more than its previous largest fall cohort in 2019 – an additional ceremony on a second day was added for fall 2023.

While NC’s Fall 2023 Convocation Ceremonies will be held in person at the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre (gymnasium) at the Welland Campus, the College continues to offer graduates and their families an option to celebrate virtually, from anywhere in the world. Ceremonies may be viewed in the moment via livestream or may be watched later via the convocation website at niagaracollege.ca/convocation.

Students graduating this fall join 4,500 who graduated during NC’s week-long spring ceremonies in June. They will also join NC’s alumni community of more than 120,000 – and growing!

For more information about NC’s Fall 2023 Fall Convocation Ceremonies – including a schedule and list of programs graduating within each School –visit the ‘Ceremony Schedule’ section of NC’s Convocation website.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of close to 11,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is consistently ranked among Canada’s top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

 

Top photo (file photo): Niagara College President Sean Kennedy is joined by administrators, faculty and others to celebrate the Class of 2023 during the final Spring Convocation ceremony on June 16.

 

Media inquiries, please contact: 

 

Julie Greco

Communications Consultant

905-328-2532

[email protected]

 

Michael Wales

Director, Communications

905-328-4101

[email protected]

 

Simplii Financial supports Niagara College students with $1 million sponsorship

Simplii Financial, a longtime partner of Niagara College, today announced a generous $1 million commitment to expand recreation and engagement opportunities for students, across sports, extra-curricular programming, and events.

“This commitment represents a significant contribution to the lives and college experience of our students,” said Niagara College President Sean Kennedy. “Academic excellence and a wholistic student experience are key priorities for us as a College, and Simplii’s generous support gives us a leg up in providing academic and co-curricular experiences that set our students up for success in work and in life.”

The College’s Niagara-based campuses are home to more than 11,000 students from over 80 countries, and the partnership makes possible the following initiatives which support the evolving needs and expectations of an increasingly diverse student community:

  • A new extramural cricket program, additional funding for varsity athletics, and financial support for student athletes;
  • Upcoming cricket and women’s flag football tournaments;
  • Enhancements to Niagara College’s acclaimed Broadcasting: Radio, Television and Film (BRTF) program, including new equipment to support the program’s extensive sports broadcasting capabilities;
  • Sponsorship of orientation fairs, expansion of on-campus multicultural celebrations including Diwali, Lunar New Year, and other events that celebrate Niagara’s diverse college community.

“Opportunities outside the classroom are vital to building the support networks that students need to be successful. They’re the social spark that start students’ engines at the beginning of the school year,” said Kam Dhadwar, Managing Director, Simplii Financial. “We know this partnership will help all students, including a growing number from outside Canada feel more engaged and represented.”

A $1 million commitment from Simplii Financial will expand recreation and engagement opportunities for students, across sports, extra-curricular programming, and events, including expanding a new extramural cricket program within the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association’s (OCAA) Ontario College Recreation division.

Simplii’s financial support will bring to life a cherished part of many students’ home culture by expanding a new extramural cricket program within the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association’s (OCAA) Ontario College Recreation division. In its inaugural season in spring 2023, the college’s cricket program saw significant interest from students and success on the field. The OCR cricket division includes mini tournaments among participating colleges over a spring-summer season. Given the growing demand for the sport among students, Niagara College is also exploring opportunities for a drop-in recreational cricket program for students.

Live sports broadcasting is an essential component of Niagara College’s BRTF program. As television and broadcasting technology continues to evolve, the partnership will help to ensure students broadcasting Knights varsity games as part of their program are working on the latest equipment, reflecting what they’ll experience in the workplace.

“The additions to our sports broadcasting capabilities will give me experience with the newest technology and provide an advantage as I prepare for a career,” said Val Naumenko, a third-year TV production student in the BRTF program who came to Niagara College from Ukraine. “The opportunity to be part of a broadcast team for Niagara College’s varsity sports program also makes me feel like I’m a bigger part of our NC Knights community.”

In recognition of Simplii’s investment in the college’s students, the Niagara College Athletic Centre will be named the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre.

About Simplii Financial:
Simplii Financial provides direct banking services to approximately 2 million Canadians with 24/7 access to online, mobile, and telephone banking with no monthly fees. The bank provides a unique range of services for Canadian newcomers including bank account enrollment from 90 countries, newcomer credit card offers with competitive rates and limits up to $10,000, same-day no-fee global money transfers to over 130 countries, plus real-time no-fee transfers to Alipay mobile wallets, an International Student GIC Program to help students meet Canadian study permit requirements, an International Student Pay program that allows students to pay their tuition in their home currency. Simplii clients can also access one of the largest national ATM networks through CIBC. For more information about Simplii Financial, please visit www.simplii.com or by following on Twitter @SimpliiFin, Instagram @SimpliiFin, or on Facebook.

About Niagara College:
Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 11,000 students from over 80 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is consistently ranked among Canada’s top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

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Note to editors: A video with comments from Niagara College students and staff is available here. (Direct link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IompOanioII). Video file is available on request.

Media inquiries, please contact:

Michael Wales
Director, Communications
Niagara College
905-328-4101
[email protected]

Ben Wylie
Director, Communications
Simplii Financial
647-212-2836
[email protected]

 

NC, NRPS partner on Niagara Police and Security Career Expo October 14

The Niagara Regional Police Service and Niagara College have partnered once again to co-host the Niagara Police & Security Career Expo on Saturday, October 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will take place at Niagara College’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake (135 Taylor Road) inside the Main Entrance (North Wing).

Police and security partners from across Niagara and Southern Ontario will be on site promoting their career opportunities. Faculty and students from the College’s Advanced Law Enforcement and Investigations program in the School of Justice and Fitness will also be in attendance.

“We are thrilled to have the Niagara Regional Police Service as our valued partner in hosting the Niagara Police & Security Career Expo,” said Carol Phillips, Dean, Community Services, Justice and Fitness Studies. “This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to fostering community engagement and justice education at Niagara College. Together, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation of law enforcement and security professionals, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to make a positive impact in our community and beyond.”

The Niagara Police & Security Career Expo is free to attend, and no RSVP is required. People attending can learn about how to obtain positions as:

  • Police Constables
  • Special Constables
  • 911 Communicators
  • Civilian Clerical Positions
  • Auxiliary Officers
  • Security Positions

Police Services, Law Enforcement, and Security agencies in attendance will be:

  • Anishinabek Police Service
  • Barrie Police Service
  • Brantford Police Service
  • Chatham-Kent Police Service
  • CN Police
  • Correctional Services Ontario
  • Guelph Police Service
  • Greater Sudbury Police Service
  • Halton Regional Police Service
  • Hamilton Police Service
  • London Police Service
  • Niagara Parks Police
  • Niagara Regional Police Service
  • Ontario Provincial Police Service
  • Ottawa Police Service
  • Peel Regional Police
  • Pen Centre Security
  • Sault Ste. Marie Police Service
  • Sun Retreats Sherkston Shores Security
  • Toronto Police Service
  • Waterloo Regional Police Service
  • York Regional Police

Whether you are a student looking to start on the path to becoming a police officer or someone looking for a career change, there are career opportunities for everyone!

Click here for directions to the Daniel J. Patterson Campus

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of close to 11,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is consistently ranked among Canada’s top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

Elyse Howarth
Communications Consultant
905-329-4910
[email protected]

Mark your calendar for Fall Convocation Oct. 26-27

With fall term well underway, Niagara College looks forward to celebrating its latest class of graduates.

Fall 2023 Convocation will be held on Thursday, October 26 (3 p.m. ceremony) and on Friday, October 27 (with ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.).

Details, including programs graduating this fall and ceremony schedules, are available at niagaracollege.ca/convocation.

Additional updates will be shared in the coming weeks via College’s convocation website.

The College will also continue offering graduates and their families an option to celebrate their special milestone virtually, from anywhere in the world. Ceremonies may be viewed in the moment via livestream or later via the convocation website.

Deadline for graduation requirements

A reminder to all potential graduates: Friday, September 15, 2023, 4:30 p.m. EST is the deadline to meet graduation requirements to be included in Fall 2023 Convocation ceremonies. An email reminder was shared with all potential graduates earlier this week. Students with questions may contact [email protected] with their name, student ID number and program.

Niagara College to welcome 11,000 students this fall with a lineup of events

Niagara College is kicking off a new academic year with strong enrolment, enhanced campus spaces and a lineup of orientation and social events for students.

When the fall term begins on September 6, NC expects to welcome about 11,000 new and returning full-time students at its Niagara-based campuses, including almost 5,500 new students and just over 5,500 international students. The College’s latest enrolment projections are considered back to pre-pandemic levels.

“We are excited to welcome new and returning students from across Canada and around the globe this fall, as we kick off a new academic year with tremendous momentum,” said President Sean Kennedy. “We look forward to providing our students with an exceptional start to their college experience with the support of our dedicated faculty and staff, and our NC Student Administrative Council.”

Fall Orientation

The Athletics and Student Engagement department and International Division have been preparing students for the start of classes since earlier this summer.

Orientation Day is happening at both campuses on September 5. The day features Program Information Sessions and Co-op Information Sessions, where students can meet faculty and classmates from their program and ask any questions. All sessions are listed on NC’s Orientation website.

Also on Sept. 5, a Welcome Session for international post-secondary students will be hosted from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at The Core (Welland Campus) and The Armoury (Daniel J. Patterson Campus). During the event, students can mingle over a light breakfast and have a chance to meet staff from NC’s International Division.

Earlier this summer, pre-orientation initiatives were hosted for students to help ease their transition to college life.

KickSTART – NC’s pre-orientation program – took place on-campus in July and August, as well as a slate of virtual pre-orientation sessions on topics including timetable selection, student services and communications tools.

Pre-departure sessions were offered virtually through the summer for international students. The sessions give students an opportunity to ask questions, gather information around budgeting, housing, travel and more, explore college services and become better prepared to begin their studies at NC and life in Canada. The College’s Be NC Ready Modules are part of the programming.

NC employees also travelled to India to host in-person pre-departure sessions for incoming fall students. Between the virtual and in-person sessions, close to 1,300 students participated.

Students from NC’s Orientation team are pictured at the Welland Campus in August. From left: Luis Razzetto, Prabin Bajal and Taiwo Akiode.

Incoming Early Childhood Education student Mackenzie Reedon (left) picks up her student ID card from Pradin Bajal at the Welland Campus.
Social Events

A lineup of social events is planned for all students throughout the month of September – a collaboration between the Athletics and Student Engagement department, International Division and NC Student Administrative Council (NCSAC).

“Frosh is all about making memories, meeting friends, and starting the year out with exciting and engaging events,” said NCSAC President Dipal Patel. “We strive to be consistently enhancing the student life experience at Niagara College. Partnering with NC on orientation events is an essential means to kick off the school year in the best possible way.”

Orientation events include:

  • NCSAC Carnival (Welland): This flagship event is back on Sept. 5, 2-7 p.m. on the front lawn at the Welland Campus. The event features a Ferris wheel, carnival rides, inflatables, a vendor fair, free food and more. Free direct shuttles from the Daniel J. Patterson Campus and back are available for students;
  • NC Knights Soccer Home Opener (off-campus): The season officially begins for the Knights Women’s and Men’s soccer teams on Sept. 8 at Youngs Sportsplex in Welland. Students can cheer on the women’s team starting at 6 p.m. and the men’s team at 8 p.m.;
  • Niagara Falls Boat Trip (off-campus): Students can see Niagara Falls up close and personal on a Niagara City Cruise ride (Sept. 9, all day);
  • Vibing in the Vineyard (NOTL): Students can celebrate the start of the school year at the Teaching Winery where there will be free food, free non-alcoholic drinks, music and games. A ‘cash’ bar (debit and credit accepted) will be available inside the winery for students 19+ and have valid government ID (Sept. 20, 4-7 p.m.).

More information and a fulsome list of events is available on the Orientation social events calendar.

Move-in Day

For hundreds of students planning to call campus ‘home’ for the next academic year, the excitement will begin on Labour Day weekend when they move into campus residences.

Between September 2 and 3, NC will welcome 232 students who will move into residence at the Welland Campus, and 200 students who will move into residence at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Residence Life Staff from the College will be on hand to assist students with the move.

In June, NC announced plans to triple on-campus housing over the next four years, adding new living spaces for approximately 1,000 students between both campuses, as well as enhancements to existing residences to expand capacity and enhance student experience.

Updated facilities and campus spaces

This fall, students will see refreshed spaces and renovations that are underway to enrich learning environments, enhance student life and support inclusivity and accessibility on campus.

This past July, the original Pride crosswalks at the Welland Campus and Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake were updated with the Progress Pride design in support of NC’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The new crosswalks better represent the College’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion and the commitment to increase representation across physical spaces, a goal in NC’s EDI Blueprint.

Accessibility on campus is also a priority. NC has started work on a project to assess and renovate all existing public washrooms accessed by students, employees and visitors off of the main hallways at both campuses. The project’s aim is to ensure that all washroom facilities are AODA compliant, to align with the College’s EDI goals and to integrate additional all-inclusive facilities throughout campus buildings. A project to renovate the public service counters across both campuses to meet AODA requirements is also underway.

As part of an ongoing effort to support hands-on student learning, the NC Teaching Greenhouse at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus is undergoing climate control upgrades and renovations to environmental equipment in the building. Construction of a new, state-of-the-art greenhouse also began this summer. The new greenhouse will plant the seeds for more innovation and research to benefit students and industry and is scheduled for completion by March 31, 2024.

At the Welland Campus, highlights include renovations to labs within the School of Media, Trades and Technology and the recent expansion of the Nursing Laboratory.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of close to 11,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is consistently ranked among Canada’s top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

Elyse Howarth
Communications Consultant
905-329-4910
[email protected]

Niagara College launches new four-year Nursing degree program

Niagara College is introducing an Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree program that will expand options for students in nursing education and help meet the urgent demand for more registered nurses in Niagara and beyond.

“Niagara College is leveraging its rich history of preparing career-ready healthcare professionals, who are making an impact here in Niagara and around the world, to create enhanced options for students, while helping to address an urgent need for highly trained registered nurses in our healthcare sector,” said Niagara College President Sean Kennedy.

“The BScN program will help meet the current and emerging needs of the nursing workforce, particularly within southwestern Ontario communities and the province of Ontario.”

The College expects to welcome its first intake of 60 students into the new BScN program— which prepares students for work as registered nurses – for Fall 2024 term.

NC is a leader in nursing education and has been delivering its two-year Practical Nursing diploma program, which prepares students for career opportunities as registered practical nurse, since 2006. The introduction of the BScN marks its return to offering RN education. Before its closure during the nineties, the former Mack School of Nursing, which eventually became part of Niagara College, was the oldest nursing school in Canada.

“Launching this program feels like a return to the history and legacy of nursing in Niagara,” said Niagara College’s Vice President Academic, Fiona Allan. “We will be in an even better position to meet the health human resource needs of the region. And by offering the PSW certificate, Practical Nursing diploma, and Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing, we will be able to offer students many different pathways to achieve their career goals.”

The BScN program will prepare graduates for the complex and varied role of a registered nurse (RN) in the provision of safe, competent, ethical, compassionate and evidence-informed nursing care across all practice settings. With a focus on caring, social justice, and primary healthcare, NC’s BScN program will emphasize concepts and theories for understanding human responses in health and illness. It will also provide graduates with transferable skills that include critical thinking, emotional intelligence, problem solving, and effective communication.

The program will have a strong clinical focus supported by state-of-the-art simulation labs and placement partnerships. Combining theory and practice, the BScN program will prepare students for careers in the nursing field or further study at the graduate level. It was designed with an emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusivity, and holistic care for aging adults, young children, young families and underserved populations, including those living in rural areas and those impacted by mental health and chronic health challenges.

The addition of the BScN to NC’s program offerings responds to an increased demand for skilled registered nurses, said Courtney Evers, Associate Dean, of NC’s School of Nursing and PSW. She noted that a focus on social justice and health equity will set NC’s BScN program apart, and that the program was designed to provide an equally high quality of education as that of the College’s Practical Nursing program.

“As with the Practical Nursing program, the BScN emphasizes experiential learning to optimize nursing graduates’ knowledge, skill and judgement in providing client care,” said Evers. “Not only do we need to offer the BScN program to provide more options for students, we need to offer this program to help address the current registered nurse shortage.”

According to a report from the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO), “Ontario’s RN Understaffing Crisis: Impact and Solution (2021), RNs and registered psychiatric nurses have had the largest increase in job vacancies over the past two years (up by 85.8%) of all measured occupations in Canada. RN vacancies in Ontario have more than quadrupled since the beginning of 2016 and have more than doubled since the start of the pandemic; and the number of Ontario RN vacancies that have remained unfilled for 90 days or more has increased by nearly 50% since the start of the pandemic.

Faculty and administrators from NC’s School of Nursing & PSW are applauding news of the new program.

“I believe the NC BScN program is unique in Ontario because the curriculum has a strong focus on social justice and global health issues, which prepares students to be world ready,” said Professor Cindy Ko, PhD. “Professors in our department are diverse and have effective pedagogical approaches that come with their international work, education, and life experiences.”

“The Niagara College BScN program was designed with student success and competent, compassionate patient care in mind,” said Professor Tracey L. Davey. “A carefully planned combination of laboratory, simulation and clinical experience, along with a clear focus on nursing’s professional standards prepares graduates for an exciting career.”

The College has long standing relationships with hospitals and community health agencies in Niagara where students gain hands-on practical experience.

NC’s proposal to offer the BScN degree received letters of support from industry including Niagara Health, Hotel Dieu Shaver, Niagara Region Community Services, Thrive Group, Radiant Care and more.

“On behalf of Niagara Health, I am writing to express strong support for Niagara College to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree in a stand- alone format. We have worked successfully as an active partner with Niagara College in the preparation of nursing students for graduate employment, by providing a variety of clinical placements,” said Heather Paterson, Interim Executive Vice President, Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive, Niagara Health, in a letter of support.

“A Niagara College nursing degree will provide many opportunities for those wishing to pursue a career in nursing. It will provide a direct entry point to the BSCN program, as well as a pathway for Registered Practical Nurses to continue their education towards a baccalaureate degree,” stated Jennifer Hansen, Chief Nursing Officer Director of Nursing at Hotel Dieu Shaver, in a letter of support. “A Niagara College stand-alone degree will provide more opportunities and flexibility to meeting students’ learning needs. Graduates of this program would be capable of working in any setting in which a Registered Nurse with a BScN degree is required.”

The College also anticipates approval for an RPN to BsCN bridge, which would allow Practical Nursing students to enter year three of the BScN program. The BScN program will also grant preferred admission status to students from NC’s Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees one-year certificate program.

The new offering follows changes by the Ontario government in early 2020 to permit colleges to offer the BScN program independently, without a university partner, followed by amendments made to the Nursing Act in December 2020 to permit applicants holding a BScN awarded by approved publicly funded colleges to apply to the CNO to become RNs.

The program will be based at NC’s Welland Campus, within the College’s Applied Health Institute.

For information about the BScN, visit niagaracollege.ca/basn.

Niagara College  has been granted a consent by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree for a 7-year term commencing August 29, 2023. Niagara will ensure that all students admitted to the Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame. Prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (e.g. acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies, or other educational institutions).

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is consistently ranked among Canada’s top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

 

Photo:

Practical Nursing (file photo): Practical Nursing students line up to enter a lab at Niagara College’s Applied Health Institute (Welland Campus) after intake for the program increased fall 2021.

 

Media inquiries, please contact:

 

Michael Wales

Director, Communications

905-328-4101

[email protected]

 

Julie Greco

Communications Consultant

905-328-2532

[email protected]