Lakehead University and Georgian College Explore New Pathways for Students
Dr. Brian Stevenson and Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining how Lakehead University and Georgian College will embark on new learning pathways.
October 23, 2013 – Thunder Bay, ON
In a time when Canada’s universities and colleges are being encouraged to work closer together to expand opportunities for students, Lakehead University and Central Ontario’s Georgian College signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today, outlining how both post-secondary institutions will embark on several new learning pathways.
Today, Lakehead University President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson, and Georgian College President and CEO, Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes, signed an MOU outlining the following joint initiatives:
1. International Collaboration: Joint international recruiting of students from selective countries for specific program admissions;
2. In partnership with Georgian’s Anishnabe Education and Training Circle and the Office of Aboriginal Initiatives at Lakehead University, both institutions will collaborate on the development of new student pathways and programs specifically designed for Aboriginal learners;
3. Extending opportunities for post-secondary education to Lakehead’s and Georgian College’s regional community partners using modern distance delivery modes (example: using videoconferencing/telepresence technology).
“Lakehead University is very proud to count Georgian College as an important collaborator, and I am excited about what we have accomplished,” said Dr. Stevenson. “This partnership, which ties our institutions’ growth and capacity development together, further demonstrates how Lakehead and Georgian continue to benefit post-secondary education in, and the economic development of, Central Ontario.”
“Georgian College and Lakehead University share a commitment to addressing the postsecondary aspirations of people in Simcoe County and across Central Ontario,” Dr. West-Moynes said. “The three initiatives set out in the memorandum of understanding are excellent examples of how we are working together to create access to innovative programs that meet the needs of our communities and employers.”
“We've worked very well together on this MOU,” explained Lakehead’s Provost and Vice-President (Academic), Dr. Rod Hanley. “These agreements are the culmination of numerous meetings of senior administrators and deans from both Georgian and Lakehead. Cooperation between Lakehead University and one of the most significant colleges in the country will only serve to benefit our students and communities.”
Any academic programs arising from this MOU’s ongoing discussions will be subject to negotiation and approval by Lakehead University’s Senate.
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Lakehead University (Thunder Bay) Media Contact: Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca
Georgian College Media Contact: Mark Hall, Senior Communications Specialist, at 705-728-1968, ext. 1008 or mark.hall@georgiancollege.ca
Lakehead University is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. More than 8,700 students and 1,850 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards. For more information about Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca.
Georgian College fosters a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, preparing students to become not only job seekers, but also job creators. Working together with industry and community partners, Georgian offers relevant, cutting-edge curriculum, quality work placements and co-op experiences. With more than 120 career-focused programs across seven locations in Central Ontario (Barrie, Midland, Muskoka, Orangeville, Orillia, Owen Sound and South Georgian Bay), Georgian serves 11,000 full-time students and 28,000 Continuing Education registrants annually. Advanced study options, including the only four-year automotive management and golf management degrees in Canada, are offered through the one-of-a-kind Georgian University Partnership Centre. Georgian received the highest score among Ontario colleges in the 2013 International Student Barometer – ranking number three in the world – and has been named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers seven times and one of Canada’s Greenest Employers four years in a row.