Strike Averted: Colleges and OPSEU Agree to Unconditional Interest Arbitration

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March 18 news from the Collge Employer Council:

Today the College Employer Council and the OPSEU academic employees bargaining team representing full-time and part-time faculty, instructors, librarians, and counsellors met at the virtual bargaining table with a Ministry of Labour appointed Mediator.

On Thursday evening, the parties issued the following joint statement:
The CEC and OPSEU/SEFPO have reached an agreement to enter binding interest arbitration and the strike that was scheduled to commence at 12:01 a.m. on March 18, 2022, is called off. This also includes all work-to-rule strike activities.

“We are pleased to advise that after 12 hours at the bargaining table, the parties have agreed to unconditional interest arbitration on both parties’ outstanding issues. Hearing dates mutually convenient to the parties will be scheduled soon,” said Dr. Laurie Rancourt, Chair of the Management bargaining team. “We remain committed to putting students and their education first”.

There will be no strike at any of the 24 Ontario Public Colleges. The parties have reached an agreement to enter binding interest arbitration and the strike that was scheduled to commence at 12:01 a.m. on March 18, 2022, is called off. College programs will continue normal operations and program delivery.

“In order to avoid any disruption to students, we were prepared to proceed, immediately and unconditionally, to binding interest arbitration before William Kaplan on all of the outstanding issues,” said Graham Lloyd, CEO of the CEC. “After all that students, faculty and the College community have been through over the past two years, we felt it was essential that we put our differences aside and conclude these negotiations without a strike.”

If you have any questions please send an e-mail to [email protected]

Bargaining update: Strike averted

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A joint message from CEC and OPSEU CAAT-A bargaining team:

The CEC and OPSEU/SEFPO have reached an agreement to enter binding interest arbitration and the strike that was scheduled to commence at 12:01 a.m. on March 18, 2022, is called off. This also includes all work-to-rule strike activities.

 

Bargaining update: Strike averted

/in , ,

A joint message from CEC and OPSEU CAAT-A bargaining team:

The CEC and OPSEU/SEFPO have reached an agreement to enter binding interest arbitration and the strike that was scheduled to commence at 12:01 a.m. on March 18, 2022, is called off. This also includes all work-to-rule strike activities.

 

Pink Boots brew aims for great strides toward gender equality in brewing

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The Niagara College Teaching Brewery marked International Women’s Day with an outpouring of support for women in the beer industry.

On March 8, students in NC’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program began working on the College’s Pink Boots collaboration beer for 2022. Their efforts are part of a global initiative launched by Pink Boots Society: an international non-profit that aims to assist, inspire and encourage women in the fermentable beverage industry through education in a supportive environment.

This is the third consecutive year that NC Brewmaster students have hopped up support for the Pink Boots initiative. For the first time, brewing for Pink Boots will take place over a two-day period at the Teaching Brewery, giving students from several different classes an opportunity to participate.

“We are always excited when our students can take part in the Pink Boots initiative and shine a spotlight on gender equality in the brewing industry,” said Craig Youdale, Dean of the Canadian Food and Wine Institute. “Niagara College is keenly aware there is work to be done in support of equality, diversity and inclusion in the brewing workforce, and we look forward to supporting that growth in the future.”

“It is an honour and privilege for us to once again participate in Pink Boots,” said Maija Saari, Associate Dean of the Canadian Food and Wine Institute. “As educators of the next generation of brewers and fermenters, we must continue to support and encourage more women and non-binary people to enter the field.”

First-term Brewmaster students Oanh Tran Thi Kieu (from Vietnam) and Alanna Scully (Blyth, Ontario) work together on the Pink Boots brew on March 8.

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NC’s 2022 Pink Boots Brew will be a 6.5 % ABV Double IPA, using the special Pink Boots Collaboration Brew Day hops blend from Yakima Chief Hops – a partner of the Pink Boots. Yakima Chief Hops donates $3 from every pound sold to Pink Boots Society for education and programming.

“It is important to keep up initiatives that encourage women to think of brewing as a career, and to continue to support and help those that are already brewers, owners and suppliers,” said Brewmaster Professor Jon Downing.

This year, NC’s Pink Boots brew follows closely on the heels of its inaugural Brave Noise Collaboration beer. In mid-February, a group of Brewmaster students crafted a Brave Noise Pale Ale at the Teaching Brewery. The Brave Noise global collaborative effort aims to make the beer industry safe and free from discrimination for women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ people.

“Opportunities to highlight and celebrate our students through events like Pink Boots and Brave Noise build our collective understanding and mutual respect of the additional challenges faced by those who are forging new ground as under-represented individuals,” said Saari.

Fourth-term student Angela McCallum, who coordinated the College’s involvement in Brave Noise, participated in Pink Boots for the first time this year.

“Championing women in brewing is always a worthwhile cause,” she said.

First-term Brewmaster student Jui-Tzu (Rita) Yang from Taiwan is pictured working on the College’s Pink Boots Brew on March 8 at the Teaching Brewery.

By working toward gender equality, McCallum noted that Pink Boots supports and facilitates the important goals of Brave Noise.

“Ultimately, we want to normalize female participation in the brewing industry. However, this is no small task,” said McCallum. “The Pink Boots Society plays a foundational role by assisting, inspiring, and encouraging female beer professionals through education.

“When inspired and encouraged, we – as female brewers – are in a better position to tackle the goal of normalization.”

NC Teaching Brewery’s Pink Boots Double IPA is expected to be released in April.

NC’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program was launched in 2010 as the first of its kind in Canada. The award-winning, two-year program offers extensive hands-on training at an on-site, state-of-the-art Teaching Brewery to prepare students for employment in the expanding brewery, microbrewery and brewpub industries. Located at the College’s Daniel J. Patterson in Niagara-on-the-Lake, students learn from award-winning faculty and have access to on-site hop yard and local farm products to brew a full range of beer styles. Visit ncteachingbrewery.ca.

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.

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Media inquiries please contact:

Julie Greco

Corporate Communications Consultant

Cell: 905-328-2532

[email protected]

 

Michael Wales

Director, Communications

Cell: 905-328-4101

[email protected]

Niagara College reaps the harvest of sustainable wine growing with new certification

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New releases from the Niagara College Teaching Winery will be among the first in Ontario to bear a special label earned by a commitment to sustainable wine growing from grape to glass.

The College is now on a select list of Sustainable Winegrowing Ontario (SWO) Certified Wineries and Vineyards. The new SWO Certified program was unveiled by the Ontario Craft Wineries (OCW) and Grape Growers of Ontario (GGO) on March 1, along with a list of wineries and vineyards that have achieved certification.

An evolution of the former Sustainable Winemaking Ontario Certified program, which launched in 2007, the new SWO Certified program now encompasses both vineyards and wineries, including winemaking facilities. By including both winery and vineyard certification, the new SWO Certified program ensures a complete cycle of sustainable growth.

“Sustainable winemaking is extremely important for the long-term viability of the whole wine industry,” said Steve Gill, General Manager of NC’s Learning Enterprises. “With Niagara College Teaching Winery and vineyards now achieving this result, we can pass on knowledge and, most importantly, the significance of how to be good stewards of the industry.”

“The Grape Growers of Ontario are excited to welcome Niagara College Teaching Winery to the Sustainable Winegrowing Ontario Certified program,” said the GGO’s CEO Debbie Zimmerman. “This certification solidifies their commitment to integrating sustainable practices from soil to shelf, ensuring high quality 100% Ontario grapes are grown consistently year over year.”

SWO Ontario Certified Chair Andrea Kaiser noted that winemakers and grape growers who achieve the certification are audited annually on water and waste management, energy efficiencies, social responsibility, commitment to diversity in the workplace, and more, to ensure that the complete grape-to-glass path is sustainable.

“Sustainable Winegrowing Ontario Certified recognizes the Ontario wineries and vineyards who are committed to ensuring that our environment, local communities and economy remain healthy and viable for generations,” said Kaiser. “We are pleased that Niagara College Teaching Winery has taken the next step in sustainability by becoming Sustainable Winegrowing Ontario Certified.”

Only wines containing grapes grown on a vineyard that is SWO Certified and produced at a winery that is SWO Certified are able to bear the SWO Certified logo on its labels, from the vintage year that they are audited. The NC Teaching Winery will be among Ontario VQA wines that bear the SWO Certified logo beginning with its 2022 vintage. The wines are verified as 100% VQA Ontario by the Ontario Wine Appellation Authority.

NC is one of 57 sustainable winegrowers of the new SWO Certified program. It is among 34 vineyards that are now SWO Certified Grape Growers and 24 wineries that have achieved the SWO Winery Certification.

NC Head Winemaker and Instructor Gavin Robertson noted that SWO certification is significant for the NC Teaching Winery, which offers experiential learning opportunities for students in culinary and beverage programs – especially wine programs –  as well as its public-facing Wine Visitor + Education Centre, which aims to represent and promote the Ontario wine industry as a whole.

“As both an ambassador for Ontario wine and a learning space, it’s crucial that we operate according to the highest production standards in the industry, and in the 21st century, this includes operating sustainably,” said Robertson. “The SWO certification is the gold standard for environmentally, socially and economically responsible practices in the Ontario wine industry, so we decided to undergo the extensive self-assessment and third-party auditing process to achieve certification.”

NC Sustainability Program and Outreach Coordinator Amber Schmucker applauded the new certification program, which demonstrates important measures for the wine industry as well as its impact on student learning at the College.

“The SWO program is a great demonstration of how one of the many sectors NC students will be entering upon graduation is responding to climate change and integrating sustainability into operations,” said Schmucker. “We are thrilled that the NC Teaching Winery has been awarded the SWO certification, as it will allow the College to demonstrate continual improvement for sustainability on campus, while also providing a platform for strengthening internal and external partnerships.

“When it boils down to it, programs like SWO Certified allow us to build capacity for sustainability on campus and enhance student learning opportunities in and out of the classroom.”

SWO Certified is a recognized and independent third-party audit program available to all Ontario vineyards and wineries that produce Ontario VQA wine. It was developed with the three tiers of sustainability at the forefront of the program: environment, economy and community. Grape growers and winemakers are stewards of the land, they operate viable businesses, support jobs, and are a cornerstone of tourism to our local rural communities. Visit sustainablewinegrowingontario.ca for details.

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca. 

 

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Media inquiries, please contact:

 

Michael Wales

Director, Communications

Cell: 905-328-4101

[email protected]

 

Julie Greco

Corporate Communications Consultant

Cell: 905-328-2532

[email protected]

 

Paramedic students help vulnerable populations put best foot forward

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Angela Seng knows that good foot care is essential to good health.

But the second-year Paramedic student also knows it’s easy to overlook the body part that pounds countless kilometres of pavement every day, especially when someone has more pressing priorities, such as securing food and shelter.

That lesson is reinforced regularly for Seng. She was hired during Spring term 2021 to help establish a foot care pilot program at Southridge Shelter in St. Catharines, which will serve to develop the skills of students from various NC health-care programs while helping shelter residents.

It’s at Southridge, meeting people dealing with issues of homelessness, that Seng sees the effects of ill-fitting shoes, worn-out footwear, and callouses or toenails in need of care and trimming.

And it’s there during weekly visits that Seng, along with four other Paramedic students, has assessed, triaged and provided referrals for more in-depth foot care by doctors and nurses when shelter residents need it.

“Foot health gets overlooked,” Seng said. “Most people don’t have knowledge of foot care health. It’s education. Good foot care is good health.”

The assistance Seng provides at Southridge was made possible by a grant of $209,576 spread over two years from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF).

The money, awarded in 2020, enables Niagara College and its academic and community partners to address access to health care for those needing essential foot care, and improve implementation by health-care professionals at homeless shelters.

It’s the first grant of its kind for NC. So far, the money has been used by the College’s Research & Innovation division to hire students from the Personal Support Worker; Paramedic; Advanced Care Paramedic; Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant; and Practical Nursing programs to establish the pilot at Southridge.

Using a train-the-trainer model, students will also mentor their peers to administer the program going forward and earn program placement hours in the process.

The project, which is a collaboration with the Michener Institute of Education at the University Health Network Chiropody program, is managed by the Centre for Health, Wellness and Aging within NC’s Community and Health Studies division.
“It’s a matter of making it a primarily experiential learning opportunity for students,” said Carolyn Triemstra, dean of Community and Health Studies. “It’s been a lot of work but the success we’ve seen each week as students go into the shelter has been amazing.”

Annie Froese, shelter director at Southridge, said residents are coming to the clinic with a wide range of issues, from needing new shoes, a single treatment, such as nail trimming, or ongoing therapy, which is provided by REACH, a primary care provider for homeless and marginalized populations in Niagara.

To help with footwear issues, students in the College’s Social Service Worker program secured shoe donations to help solve footwear issues, underscoring the interdisciplinary approach of the program.

“A lot of our guys wouldn’t self-assess where their feet are at,” Froese said. “It’s one of those aspects of health that comes from a place of privilege. Other things are going well in life so you can pay attention to that.”

Paramedicine, like what’s offered at the Southridge foot care clinic, is increasingly becoming part of a paramedic’s job description and Niagara is a leader in it with EMTs part of mobile health teams that provide targeted services to lessen the volume of 911 calls and alleviate emergency triage pressures.

“It’s helping students understand the scope of the role as paramedics,” Triemstra said.

Still, the care provided in the pilot is critical, explained Catharine Gray, the Michener Institute’s academic chair and discipline head of Chiropody. The rate of lower-limb amputation in Ontario, particularly related diabetes, is one every four hours, taxing the health-care system once hospitalization and rehabilitation are considered.

Programs like this one can help to change that statistic.

“For the most part, people don’t think of feet until there’s a problem and at that point, it may be too late,” said Gray, who spearheaded the project.

The Michener Institute, which offers a three-year postgraduate Chiropody program focused on the assessment and management of foot and lower-limb conditions, is collaborating with the College to co-develop the educational model and resources required to educate and train NC students.

Gray, who hails from Niagara Falls, hopes to see the program expand beyond Southridge, to reach others needing similar care.

“There’s lots of opportunities for foot screening to increase across all populations,” she said. “This is a population that really needs care and support.”

Niagara College’s School of Allied Health provides a hands-on learning environment that includes a state-of-the-art, fully operational dental clinic, and community and hospital lab facilities. It offers a wide variety of field and clinical placements for students to gain critical industry experience and a unique interprofessional education that integrates several health-care professionals into a single team to provide the best possible patient care.

About the Michener Institute of Education at the University Health Network

For more than 60 years, Michener has educated generations of Canadian health-care professionals. It is the only post-secondary institution in Canada that focuses exclusively on the applied health professions, and it sustains a vibrant School of Continuing Education that supports lifelong learning and professional development. Michener programs are fully funded by the provincial Ministry of Health. This ensures that our programming is aligned to the needs of the health-care system.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

Michael Wales
Director, Corporate Communications
Cell: 905-328-4101
[email protected]

Julie Greco
Corporate Communications Consultant
Cell: 905-328-2532
[email protected]

Beer students brew up attention to diversity and inclusivity

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Niagara College has become part of a global ‘bevolution’ advocating for equality and safety in the beer industry.

The College’s Teaching Brewery has joined breweries around the world that are participating in Brave Noise. The global collaborative effort has the goal of making the beer industry safe and free from discrimination for women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ people.

On February 18, a group of students from the Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program brewed their version of the Brave Noise Pale Ale in support of the movement for change.

“The promotion of safe and inclusive workplaces and equality within the craft beer industry is critically important. If our involvement can make even a small impact, it’s absolutely worth it,” said fourth-term Brewmaster student Angela McCallum, who coordinated the College’s involvement in the initiative. “It’s important for brewers to acknowledge these issues as early in their career as possible, so it makes sense for us to learn about and get involved with Brave Noise while we’re still students.”

McCallum learned about Brave Noise through her network of female brewers. When she looked into how NC could get involved, she discovered that elements already existed within the NC’s codes of conduct for students and employees, and through its support for relevant charities and initiatives, but saw an opportunity for the College to make a clear statement about its coordinated efforts.

She found that the idea struck a chord among her classmates and that the topic was broadly relevant to many. Out of 13 fourth-term students, three are female, seven are men of colour, and multiple identify as LGBTQ+. It also gained support from faculty and administrators.

“The first time I heard about Brave Noise was through Angela. She explained it was anti-sexism and anti-racism, and all things that I believe in,” said Brewmaster student Alex Moruzi. “I wanted to be a part of it.”

Brave Noise participants are required to demonstrate transparency in their policies as well as their commitment to long-term work. NC has already demonstrated its transparency by submitting its codes of conduct to Brave Noise and its commitment through its ongoing support of relevant charities. To help raise awareness among students, employees and visitors, QR codes linking to its codes of conduct and various related resources have also been posted in prominent locations at the Teaching Brewery and throughout culinary and beverage labs within its Canadian Food and Wine Institute.

Co-founder of Brave Noise and Women of the Bevolution Ash Eliot noted that NC is the only educational institution currently involved with Brave Noise.

“This is exactly where the conversation around creating ethical workplaces should start – early on during the educational process,” said Eliot. “By having Niagara College students involved in the Brave Noise collab and initiative, this is such a huge opportunity to build a better and safer beer world with these aspiring brewers and future brewing industry professionals. We look forward to them being part of the collab and we hope to see more colleges follow their lead.”

“I’m thrilled to see Niagara College participating in a collab that is all about accountability and values statements,” said Ren Navarro, Brave Noise collaborator and founder of Beer. Diversity – a consulting company that advocates for diversity in the beverage industry – who joined NC’s Collab Brew Day at the Teaching Brewery. “Brave Noise is about standing up to make positive changes within the brewing industry, and I’m excited to see what this group of brewery students will bring to the table.”

Maija Saari, Associate Dean of the College’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute, said that she is deeply impressed and humbled by the initiative demonstrated by the students who have championed Brave Noise at NC.

“Our graduates represent the next generation of brewers. Projects like Brave Noise remind us, as educators, of the importance of imparting the skills and attitudes necessary to create a respectful and inclusive workplace as well as expert knowledge of brewing,” said Saari. “We can and should demonstrate leadership in learning, and do all that we can to support a diversified and welcoming environment for all who share a passion for quality craft beer.”

College Brewmaster Jon Downing said that he is happy to support the initiative led by McCallum to advocate for more diversity and inclusion in the brewing and hospitality industries.

“Through the Brave Noise Collaboration we are supporting a vital movement looking to improve the industry and encourage and support those who are in it, and those who want to be,” said Downing.

McCallum applauded College faculty and administrators for supporting the initiative and creating a climate where students felt empowered to become involved.

“As students, we are very lucky to have support at NC,” she said. “It was a great experience, as a class, to learn how to become advocates. It gives us the confidence to use our voices and our power to speak out and make a difference.”

NC’s Brave Noise Collaboration beer will be released in mid-March. Brewmaster students will be dedicating the Brave Noise beer to one of their former classmates who left the program last term to focus on her transition journey.

For information about the Brave Noise initiative visit bravenoisebeer.com.

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.

 

Media inquiries please contact:

 

Julie Greco

Corporate Communications Consultant

Cell: 905-328-2532

[email protected]

 

Michael Wales

Director, Communications

Cell: 905-328-4101

[email protected]

Niagara College introduces Supply Chain, Business Analytics and Social Media programs for 2022

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Three new graduate certificate programs are on the roster of choices for prospective Niagara College students this year – and they’re right in step with current times and an increasing demand for talented professionals.

The College’s School of Business and Management, based at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake, has launched Supply Chain Management and Business Analytics programs, while the School of Media Studies, based in Welland, is now offering a program perfect for the digital age: Social Media Management.

Supply Chain Management

As supply chain issues continue to dominate headlines in early 2022, NC’s School of Business and Management is ready to welcome its first class of Supply Chain Management students this spring.

The one-year graduate certificate program will prepare students to work in an industry that influences the purchasing, production, warehousing and distribution of goods.

“Supply chains, as we have come to learn during the pandemic, underpin the functioning of commerce. Something that was previously almost invisible or unacknowledged by many is now the stuff of headline news,” said Adam Weaver, Associate Dean of Business and Management. “Demand for talented supply chain managers is definitely increasing.”

Program coordinator Rob Shepherd acknowledged that launching the program in supply chain management has never been timelier.

“I have never seen this much of a buzz regarding sector trends and ways the global supply chains operate. They are critical to commerce and society and support our basic way of life,” he said. “Think about the process of making an online purchase. You go to a website, order what you require, pay for it, and in a day or two, the item arrives at your doorstep. That is the dynamic and the reality of today’s supply chains.”

Graduates of NC’s Supply Chain Management program will receive advanced standing toward a Certified Supply Chain Management Professional (SCC-CSCMP) designation – the highest and most recognized professional designation in the field of supply chain management in Canada – thanks to the program’s credit transfer articulation agreement with Supply Chain Canada (SCC). Known as the voice of the industry in Canada, SCC sets the standards for excellence and ethics and is the principal source of professional accreditation in Canadian supply chain management.

Because the new program will be affiliated with the SAP University Alliance, it will deliver a curriculum in SAP enterprise resource planning systems.

“SAP is used by many, many organizations worldwide as their operational business platform,” said Shepherd. “The competencies students acquire are directly transferable to the world of work.”

Shepherd noted that the program will help address a shortage in talent within the sector. DHL, a global leader in the logistics and supply chain management industry, estimated that the demand for supply chain professionals exceeds its supply by a ratio of six to one, and the U.S Bureau of Labor estimated that jobs in the sector will grow by 26%.

“Opportunities are and will continue to grow as global supply chains advance and evolve,” said Shepherd.

The first Supply Chain Management class will begin in May. Visit niagaracollege.ca/business/program/supply-chain-management.

Business Analytics

What do the movies you watch, ads you view, items you purchase and decisions your favourite sports team makes all have in common? They’re all driven by analytics!

Designed to prepare learners for high-demand roles in data management, students will learn how to pull meaningful insights from large complex data sets to support data-driven decision-making. Students will use industry-standard software and tools to create visualizations and interpret data in this hands-on, lab-based program. In a capstone course, they will also create a final project to solve a real-world problem. In addition to its technical components, the program will also address data ethics, security and management decisions.

“Business analytics demonstrates that decision-making is becoming the product of more elaborate forms of evaluation and calculation. What is considered data – and what can be analyzed for the sake of identifying significant, valuable patterns – has expanded considerably in our digital age,” said Weaver. “Business analytics speaks to the importance of uncovering sometimes previously unrecognized relationships, and sourcing data – often creatively – that helps to highlight those relationships.”

Program Coordinator Nick Farnell noted that there has been a positive response to courses introduced over the past few years by the School of Business and Management focused on data and analytics. The program was launched in response to a need for skilled professionals in data and analytics. A market report from the Government of Canada (Canadian Occupational Projections System) gave its highest rating – good— to job prospects for data analysts in Ontario over the next three years, and noted that projected labour demand in Canada is expected to exceed supply during the 2019-2028 period, with 18,000 new job openings and 16,700 new job seekers.

“Analytics has made its way into every industry,” he said. “There is a growing demand for professionals to understand analytics and be comfortable using data to help make decisions.”

The program is geared to students from a variety of backgrounds – from business and HR to marketing, sports and more – who seek to add a layer of applied analytical problem solving to their area of expertise. It offers flexible, hybrid learning options and is available in a condensed eight-month format, designed to appeal to a variety of learners, including those already in the workforce who seek to upgrade their credentials.

NC will welcome its inaugural Business Analytics class in September 2022. Visit niagaracollege.ca/business/program/analytics.

Social Media Management

NC’s Social Media Management program was designed to prepare students for a modern, in-demand career in the emerging field of social media management. The comprehensive program covers the various aspects of social media – from analytics and strategies, and business and marketing, to content creation and management.

“NC’s program stands out because we will offer students an understanding of all the main pillars of social media, which will equip them with the tools they need to succeed as effective social media managers,” said Charles Kopun, Associate Dean, School of Media Studies.

The new program was launched in response to the increasing demand for social media professionals, not only within the traditional media landscape but across many different fields.

“Integrated into the fabric of traditional media, social media has evolved with technology and now cuts through every swath of media out there,” said Kopun. “CEOs everywhere are embracing data, the importance of understanding their audience and reaching them in a digital environment.”

“The sector is exploding. There isn’t an industry or business or not-for-profit that can survive without social media strategies and implementation,” said Susan Pedler, School of Media Professor. “Our students will be trained in how to use each of the various social media platforms effectively, how to create and curate focused content, how to target specific audiences and how to do comprehensive analytics.”

Students in the program will receive hands-on, in-depth training in social media management platforms, website hosting, LMS management, analytics and dashboards. With a focus on applied learning, the program offers students valuable built-in opportunities to gain experience working with real clients on social media projects before they graduate. In fact, students will be required to complete a capstone course focused on planning and leading a social media campaign for a community client.

“I’m most excited about our capstone classes. Students will be working with community clients to create effective social media campaigns for their businesses or non-profits,” said Pedler. “They’ll use analytics tools to measure their success. You can’t beat that kind of real-world experience.”

In addition to building their hard skills, such as business and marketing and content creation, students will hone their soft skills as they liaise with clients, collaborate with their team, and expand their professional network.

A newly designed content studio lab will become a hub for the program at the Welland Campus, featuring new cameras and technology, space for live interviews, content creation, video editing and livestreaming. Designed flex space in the lab will allow it to become a boardroom for strategy sessions and client meetings. Students will also have access to new mobile equipment when moving on location for livestreamed events.

The program is expected to draw a mix of those who are already in the workforce and hope to build on their social media knowledge, as well as postsecondary graduates interested in launching a social media career. It will be delivered four days a week over two terms.

NC will welcome its first class in Social Media Management in September. Visit niagaracollege.ca/media/program/social-media-management/.

 

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.

 

Media inquiries, please contact:

 

Julie Greco

Corporate Communications Consultant

Cell: 905-328-2532

[email protected]

 

Michael Wales

Director, Communications

Cell: 905-328-4101

[email protected]

 

 

REDress Project honours victims and survivors of colonial violence

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On a day that is dedicated to celebrating love, a meaningful initiative will help open hearts to lives lost and impacted by violence.

Niagara College will join Brock University in hosting the REDress Project on February 14. The initiative is dedicated to raising awareness of Missing and murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex and Asexual (2SLGBTQQIA+) people.

The goal of the REDress Project is to pay tribute to individuals lost to violence, as well as those who survived, and acknowledge the impacts that violence had on their families, friends and communities, noted Lianne Gagnon, Director of Student Services.

“It’s only by shining a light and providing information that we can take the steps to expose the truth of the violence. That’s why we feel it’s so important to educate our students and staff about the violence perpetrated against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, in the hope of eliminating it,” said Gagnon. “As postsecondary providers in Niagara, we are proud to stand with our partners at Brock and take a lead role in informing our communities to end the violence and work towards a more diverse and inclusive future for all.”

Beginning February 14, NC will host a week-long display of red dresses in prominent outdoor locations at its Welland Campus and Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The dress displays are intended to be powerful visual reminders of the thousands of MMIWG and 2SLGTBQQIA+ people who were victims of colonial violence over the past 40 years, and to help raise awareness of the REDress Project throughout the College community.

“Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to host the REDress Project because the victims and survivors that we honour are not just statistics; each one of them was a person who was loved,” said NC Indigenous Student Success Leader Emily Schutt. “We are proud to join our partners at Brock in displaying the red dresses on our campuses, and hope that the initiative encourages everyone to take the time to learn more about the REDress Project and the MMIWG inquiry.”

The red dress displays, for which the REDress Project was named, originally began as an art installation by Métis artist Jamie Black in 2011 at the University of Winnipeg and has since been replicated in communities across Canada.

This will be the second year that the College has will host REDress project and red dress displays on its campuses. NC Indigenous Education launched a REDress Drive in early 2022 to collect red dresses donations from the College community in support of the initiative.

NC Indigenous Education and Brock University are hosting a REDress Project virtual panel event on the evening of February 14. Panelists include Robyn Bourgeois, Acting Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement and Aboriginal Student Services, Brock University; Jennifer Moore Rattray, who served as Executive Director of the national inquiry into MMIWG; and Fallon Farinacci, survivor and advocate for MMIWG.

The virtual event will take place via Microsoft Teams from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Advance registration is required through Eventbrite at: eventbrite.ca/e/redress-tickets-266223751407. There is free admission to attend and donations will be collected to support Abbey House – a residence for Indigenous women who are experiencing crisis. Elder support will be available during the event.

On the evening of February 14, Niagara Falls and Brock University’s Schmon Tower will be illuminated in red in honour of the REDress Project.

Background

A National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was launched in September 2016. Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was published in June 2019. The report contained 231 Calls for Justice, which also included a public campaign to expose what has been experienced by Indigenous people and a national task force to examine the unresolved cases. In 2021, the Government of Canada released its plan to address the tragedies experienced by MMIWG and 2SLBGTQQIA+ by committing $2.2 billion dollars to fund the goals outlined in the final report. A National Action Plan was released in 2021 that focuses on ending the violence against MMIWG and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.

 

Media inquires, please contact:

 

Julie Greco

Corporate Communications Consultant

Cell: 905-328-2532

[email protected]

 

Michael Wales

Director, Communications

Cell: 905-328-4101

[email protected]

Niagara College helps job seekers and employers make virtual connection

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Niagara College is ready to help job seekers click with potential employers at its upcoming Virtual Career Fair.

Open to NC students and alumni, as well as community residents, the Virtual Career Fair will be held on February 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This will be NC’s second annual Virtual Career Fair, hosted by NC’s Career Services and Community Employment Services divisions. Similar to the College’s popular in-person events, which were held on campus prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Virtual Career Fair offers a one-stop online shop for job seekers to explore opportunities in their area of expertise, and interact with employers online. More than 60 employers have registered to participate in this year’s virtual event.

“Our virtual career fair creates real opportunities for our students, graduates and community residents,” said Director of Student Services Lianne Gagnon. “Our team from Career Services and our colleagues from Community Employment Services are dedicated to facilitating connections between job seekers and employers through this online event.”

NC’s Virtual Career Fair aims to assist job seekers and employers alike.

“For job seekers, it provides an opportunity to connect with employers from all over Canada virtually through one-on-one chats, group sessions, and by networking within their program area. If job seekers are looking for work or wanting to find out more about their desired career, this will give them the opportunity to do that,” said NC Career Consultant Marsha Fiorino. “For employers, it provides a platform to reach out to current students, recent graduates and members of the community.”

NC’s Employer Relations Consultant Julie Stuart pointed out that many students have been facing challenges when it comes to seeking employment during the pandemic. Employers who are recovering have been trying to ensure their permanent staff complement is working at capacity prior to hiring students. At the same time, many students are still hesitant, yet anxious for work opportunities, and many have been finding it difficult to get a sense of a company’s culture during a remote interview process.

“Student positions are competitive as many employers who typically host students have not been able to due to lockdowns or economic impacts that the pandemic has had on the business,” said Stuart. “The Virtual Career Fair provides students with a direct opportunity to connect with employers that are hiring students, to network and learn more about various organizations, and encourages them to be prepared – resumes and applications need to be ready.”

While virtual job applications have been the norm for many years, virtual interviews have become an essential tool for employers more recently.

“A virtual interview really allows the employer the opportunity to meet with the student, share company information, and highlight health and safety protocols,” said Stuart, who noted that some employers have implemented protocols for on-site second interviews following virtual first interviews. “Overall, students have indicated that they have appreciated the virtual interviewing as less intimidating and they can be in an area of comfort and familiarity.”

Employers from Niagara, Ontario, and across Canada have registered to participate in the College’s 2022 Virtual Career Fair. They represent a variety of industries including brewery, distillery, winery and viticulture; culinary, hospitality and tourism; sports and fitness; community and social services; health care; environmental; trades and technology; policing, security and justice; greenhouse, horticulture and landscape; information and technology; business and management; spa services; and more.

Niagara Falls-based Canadian Niagara Hotels Inc., the largest entertainment resort in the country, will return to NC’s Virtual Career Fair for the second consecutive year, seeking to fill more than 400 hospitality positions – from guest services and housekeeping, to food and beverage and waterpark.

“Canadian Niagara Hotels has always enjoyed hiring students from Niagara College as they come polished, well prepared with appropriate skills, and excitement to do the job,” said Laura Massi, Manager, Employee Services at Canadian Niagara Hotels Inc. “By participating in the job fair, we get the advantage of hiring talented students early for our spring/summer season.”

This will be the first NC Virtual Career Fair for Royal Botanical Gardens, and the company will be hiring for more than 45 positions in Hamilton and Burlington. RBG Human Resources Generalist Neil Parle noted that they have established a strong working relationship with NC over many years, as students from the College’s horticulture programs have provided essential support to its team of professional gardeners during the spring and summer months. At this year’s Career Fair, they will be recruiting for numerous gardening positions as well as summer and permanent positions in their new food and beverage operations.

“The food and beverage sector throughout the province has been decimated due to pandemic restrictions and a significant number of people have taken the opportunity to explore more stable opportunities,” said Parle. “Our food and beverage operation is now being managed by RBG, so this is the first year we have an opportunity to reach students, introduce RBG as an employer and establish a relationship equal to the one with horticultural students.”

For a complete list of participating employers, visit careerfair.niagaracollege.ca/employerlist/.

 

Register for NC’s Virtual Career Fair

Event registration will open for job seekers on February 10 at  careerfair.niagaracollege.ca/registration/jobseekers/. Job seekers register by creating a profile and uploading their resumes to be viewed by employers. Once they are registered, they may browse employers’ virtual booths and sign up for one-on-one time slots or group sessions with employers to be held on February 16. Job seekers are strongly encouraged to book in advance, as time slots are limited. Sessions may also be booked on the day of the Virtual Career Fair if they remain available.

For information about NC’s Virtual Career Fair visit careerfair.niagaracollege.ca.

 

Career and Employment Services

NC’s Career Services department offers a variety of resources for students, including one-on-one appointments with Career and Co-op Consultants, and year-round access to the College’s MyCareer Portal for job listings. Team members support students with application documents, interview preparation, and industry-specific knowledge and connections to assist with networking and a targeted job search approach. Visit niagaracollege.ca/studentlife/eac/.

NC’s Community Employment Services offers services and resources for community job seekers and employers alike, including COVID-19 specific help. Visit niagaracollege.ca/ces/.

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.

 

Media inquires, please contact:

 

Julie Greco

Corporate Communications Consultant

Cell: 905-328-2532

[email protected]

 

Michael Wales

Director, Communications

Cell: 905-328-4101

[email protected]