Barrie STEM Hub

Cheque Requisitions

Payments Under $5,000

Payments for most goods and services totalling under $5,000 can be made by using a purchasing Visa card (p-card), by submitting an approved invoice to Accounts Payable, or by submitting a cheque requisition.

When to Use the Purchasing Visa Card (p-card)

The p-card is an efficient and effective method of procuring and paying for low-dollar value goods and services and should be used when making purchases for goods or services under $5,000. Most vendors accept credit cards, including Aramark at the Thunder Bay Campus.

Alumni Spotlight: Yukon Educator Heidi Warren

This Exceptional Alumni Award Winner Helps Children Blossom

Heidi Warren sits in the snow, with snow-covered trees behind her, while hugging two dogs

"Students have taught me more lessons about myself than I ever could have expected," says educator and Lakehead alum Heidi Warren, above.

One moment in particular stands out for her. She was trying to lead an elementary school class outside, but as she was hurrying the children along, a young student tried to get Heidi to stop.

"I was feeling overwhelmed and rushed, and I said, 'Come on, let's go,' and he started to cry. He wanted to show me this incredible picture of a rainbow and hearts that he'd drawn for me on the chalkboard.

I realized that I needed to take a breath, connect with that student, and look at his picture. It only took a moment, but it made a huge difference."

A green chalkboard with a drawing of rainbows, hearts, and a car on a highway

"To keep planting seeds for meaningful change in education," is Heidi's mission. "I want to continue creating spaces where hearts and minds can grow (including my own)." Above is the chalk drawing created for her by her young student.

Taking the time to build connections shapes Heidi's approach to learning.

She's currently on a secondment as a whole child coach with the First Nation School Board in Yukon. Her regular job is as the principal of the White River First Nation's Nelnah Bessie John School in Beaver Creek, Yukon.

"I want to support kids so that they thrive because when I was a student, sometimes I got support and sometimes I didn't," she says.

Embracing Community in the Arctic

Heidi spent much of her childhood in the Northwest Territories, including Fort McPherson and Inuvik.

"There's no separation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in the north; we all lived in community together," she says.

"My parents taught me that we were visitors and that we should take our lead from Elders and Indigenous people. This gave me a much stronger relationship to the land and to the community."

Heidi Warren's mother stands in front of a sign saying Yukon Territory Canada; her arm is around Heidi and she holds Heidi's sister on her shoulder

Heidi received her Bachelor of Arts and Science and Bachelor of Education in 2010. She's happy to be teaching in Yukon, where she spent part of her childhood. Above, she stands beside her mother who's holding her little sister.

Both of Heidi's parents were educators. "As a young child, I loved being in the classroom with them, surrounded by books and chalkboards."

These early experiences made her want to be a teacher, but Heidi first tried out several different careers before embarking on an education degree as a mature student.

"I started at a large university close to Toronto—by that time, my family had moved to southern Ontario—but I found it hard to be in such an impersonal environment."

Stepping into a New World

Things changed when her mother told her that a university would be opening in Orillia.

This news prompted Heidi to enrol in Lakehead Orillia's Bachelor of Arts and Science program (specializing in biology and anthropology) and concurrent Bachelor of Education program.

She began her studies in 2006, becoming a member of Lakehead Orillia's charter class.

"It was perfect. The professors had high expectations, but they offered great support, and the classes were small.

Heidi Warren and other Lakehead Orillia alumni award winners stand together while holding their awards

Heidi (4th from the left) received an Exceptional Alumni Award at an October 25, 2025, ceremony at Lakehead Orillia. "It was lovely to be back again. The ceremony was heartfelt and true to the Orillia way."

I remember every single one of my instructors. Anthropology Professor Dr. Tim Kaiser's belief in me and his passion for his subject were inspirational. Biology professor Dr. Nanda Kanavilil was incredible, too. He always wanted us to strive for the deepest understanding of genetics and biology."

Nurturing Children's Self-Worth and Curiosity

In her role as a whole child coach, Heidi works with First Nation School Board education assistants and teachers committed to using a holistic lens with their learners.

Through her coaching, she enables educators to support students academically, culturally, and cognitively to create the sense of safety that's necessary for a supportive learning environment. "Historically, school hasn't been a safe space for Indigenous children," she explains.

Elementary school students and chaperones sit at the edge of a lake with a mountain on the far shore

First Nation School Board students at a fall camp that helps them stay connected to their culture and language through activities including setting fish nets, moose hunting, duck hunting, camp meal prep, and storytelling.

This fall, Heidi returned to the Orillia campus to receive an Exceptional Alumni Award for her transformative work as an educator. "I was very honoured and surprised," she says.

"I want to fan the flame of kids' passions and interests," she adds. "Helping children discover who they are gives me my sense of purpose."

Keywords:

Heidi Warren

Exceptional Alumni Award

Teaching

Celebrating Lakehead’s Teaching Award Winners

Where would we be without teachers?

Most of us have been taught by at least one educator who inspired us with their knowledge, changed the way we saw the world, and helped us believe in ourselves—even when we didn't.

That's why, every year, Lakehead honours outstanding faculty and staff members whose commitment to teaching helps their students excel.

Read on to meet Lakehead's most recent award recipients and discover why these educators deserve a round of applause.

Distinguished Instructor Award Recipient

Dr. Sam Salem
Civil Engineering

Dr. Sam Salem wearing a jacket and tie "Teaching with purpose—inspiring minds and shaping futures—is my foundational principle. Even if my day has been tough and I'm feeling exhausted, once I'm in the classroom and see the excitement in students' eyes, my tiredness disappears."

Favourite Class to Teach:
Any class that is practical and interactive, emphasizing real-life applications over theory alone. I often use visuals, real engineering examples, and open discussion to simplify complex concepts and engage students. By encouraging questions, ethical awareness of public safety, and hands-on learning, I help students connect classroom knowledge to real-world structural engineering with a strong sense of responsibility.

Proudest Teaching Accomplishment:
"Even though it's wonderful when my students get good grades, what makes me most proud of them is when they try hard and ask questions. It shows me that they want to learn. For me, teaching is a work of the heart. You have to love what you teach in order to inspire students."

Contribution to Teaching Award Recipients

Dr. Davut Akca
Interdisciplinary Studies (Criminology)

Dr. Davut Akca wearing a jacket and tie "I love teaching because it allows me to share my knowledge, research, and professional experience with new generations while learning alongside them. It is deeply rewarding to witness students grow, gain confidence, and find their career paths. Teaching also keeps me intellectually engaged and up to date in my research field.

Favourite Class to Teach:
One of my favourite classes is the highly hands-on Investigative Interviewing course. Students apply evidence-based interviewing techniques, conducting mock interviews in a separate classroom while their peers observe and later provide structured feedback. It allows students to experience professional-level skill development.

Proudest Teaching Accomplishment:
Consistent student feedback highlighting the practical and engaging nature of my courses. One student wrote: "Dr. Akca is a great prof and clearly explains the course materials." Comments like this affirm my belief that—in an era of easy access to information—creating meaningful opportunities to apply knowledge is what truly supports student learning and professional growth.

Dr. Ahmed Elshaer
Civil Engineering

Dr. Ahmed Elshaer wearing a jacket and tie "I enjoy helping students see the real world through engineering. The classroom becomes a place where curiosity grows, ideas turn into projects, and students start thinking like problem solvers. Teaching allows me to guide them through challenges and share the excitement of learning."

Favourite Class to Teach:
Either Wind Engineering, Engineering Optimization, or Artificial Intelligence. Wind Engineering is inspiring because students learn how wind interacts with real structures and how engineering decisions shape resilience and safety. Engineering Optimization and Artificial Intelligence empower students to solve complex problems using modern tools and data-driven thinking.

Proudest Teaching Accomplishment:
Students often mention that the clarity and energy in the classroom helped them succeed in courses they once worried about. I've had students explain that my teaching helped them choose engineering as a career path with confidence. It means a lot to know that one of my courses changed how they see themselves and what they believe they can achieve.

Dr. Kathryn Walton
English

Dr. Kathryn Walton wearing a green sweater and a pend "I love being able to create courses that not only teach students fundamental skills and ideas, but also inspire them to think deeply and intricately about English literature, its history, and its continued relevance today. Most of all, I love being able to interact with students on a day-to-day basis in the classroom."

Favourite Class to Teach:
I love teaching children's literature because students come into class with very set ideas about what it is (purely simplistic and fun). I tear down that assumption with an intense critical, historical overview of children's literature from the Middle Ages to today. It's very rewarding to get students to think more deeply about these seemingly simplistic works and how much attitudes towards children have shifted.

Proudest Teaching Accomplishment:
I am proud of any and all student engagement, but I am most proud when students are inspired to pursue graduate studies because of my teaching and materials.

Brian Weishar
Education

Brian Weishar wearing a blue shirt "My courses involve a lot of social interaction. I think it's important to build a community within the classroom. So one of the things I love about teaching is seeing the connections and discoveries that come out of that social interaction. It's a real gift to be a part of that."

Favourite Class to Teach:
"Each course offers something special. In the Classroom Management, Evaluation and Planning course, we spend a good portion of the time thinking about and practicing how to design learning. This feeds into the teacher-candidate placement. I get to 'follow' some of the students out into their placements, as a faculty advisor, and see them transfer what they've learned into action."

Proudest Teaching Accomplishment:
When teacher candidates come back from placement, after they've been in my course, and share the things they applied when they were out in the field. I love seeing the impact that they're making on their own as learners.

Other Contribution to Teaching Award Recipients:

Kaitlin Adduono, Nursing
Professor Tenille Brown, Law

Teaching Innovation Award Recipients

Mohit Dudeja
Education

Mohit Dudeja wearing a white shirt "I love teaching because it enables me to transform learning into a creative, political, and collective experience. It allows me to design learning environments that question dominant narratives, centre underrepresented voices, and invite students to interrogate how power operates in our own lives and communities."

Favourite Class to Teach:
My favourites are activism courses, such as Gender & Climate Activism and Sexual Activism & Politics, that take unconventional and justice-oriented pedagogical approaches that position students as political actors rather than observers. Activism is a survival practice for me. I have been a fighter from an early age, and the battles I have lived through shape how I teach."

Proudest Teaching Accomplishment:
At the end of our 2025 Activism in Education play, the room echoed with claps and many were in tears. It wasn't the kind of emotion that comes from performance alone, but from recognition. Students had seen their lives, struggles, and unspoken truths reflected back to them.

Dr. Taryn Klarner
Kinesiology

Dr. Taryn Klarner wearing a black blouse and black sweater "What I love most about teaching is the relationships. I care deeply about my students as people first, and I always try to position myself on their side. Together we face the course material and assignments. When students feel seen, safe, and supported, they're more willing to get involved and engage with everything."

Favourite Class to Teach:
Any class where I can use hands-on, experiential learning. I've found that learning really comes alive when students can touch, experiment, move, and engage. Hands-on activities—like our KNIT innovation—help break down barriers, build confidence, and make the content feel meaningful.

Proudest Teaching Accomplishment:
When students tell me that they feel genuinely supported and cared for in my classroom. Hearing that reminds me why this work matters so deeply because when students feel supported, they're not just getting through school, they're learning to believe in themselves and their potential. This is our highest calling as teachers.

Professor Larissa Speak
Law

Larissa Speak wearing a shirt and blazer "I hope that my teaching practices help build the capacity for settler students to better understand Indigenous perspectives and laws. I also really value the relationships I've built with Indigenous students—their contributions shape my teaching practices."

Favourite Class to Teach:
Indigenous Perspectives because it has a land-based learning component—the Gaa-maada'ooniding Law Camp. This class gets all of us out on the land and engaging with local knowledge holders about treaty history, respect, medicine teachings, and language. I'm very grateful for our partnership with the School of Indigenous Learning (SOIL), which makes this class possible.

Proudest Teaching Accomplishment:
After my first year teaching, an Indigenous law student gifted me an eagle feather to recognize my contributions to teaching at the law school. As a new instructor, this was a very encouraging and generous gift, grounded in Anishinaabe practices. I continue to care for this feather and to bring Anishinaabe practices and knowledges into my teaching.

Other Teaching Innovation Award Recipients:

Kristen McConnell, School of Nursing

Teaching Support Award Recipient:

Adam Humeniuk, Teaching Commons

Congratulations to all the 2025 recipients of Lakehead's highest teaching honours!

Keywords:

2025 teaching awards

Lakehead University Teaching Commons

Winter Safety

Stay Safe, Prepared, and Informed

Snow, ice, and reduced visibility can create hazardous conditions both on campus and while travelling. All university community members are urged to plan ahead, use caution, and follow safety advice at all times.

Your Safety Comes First

To help prevent slips, falls, and travel-related incidents, please follow these important safety reminders:

Use only cleared and maintained entrances, sidewalks, and pathways. Avoid shortcuts, snow-covered areas, or unmaintained routes.
Wear winter-appropriate footwear with good traction and dress for the conditions.
Leave yourself plenty of time to get to your class, meeting or car/bus, and avoid rushing.
Use extra caution in parking lots and on sidewalks, as fresh snow can conceal ice.
When conditions are uncertain, use the closest cleared building entrance.

For more information on Snow Removal and other facility concerns, contact Physical Plant.

Driving Safety Tips:

Drive slowly and allow extra stopping distance.
Turn on headlights to improve visibility.
Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle before driving.
Watch for pedestrians, snowplows, and other vehicles.

Reporting Hazards

Report any safety concerns right away. That way, we can help keep everyone safe. Find the reporting method for your campus below:

Thunder Bay: Report icy or slippery roads, parking lots, sidewalks, or indoor puddles to Work Orders or Security Services at security@lakeheadu.ca or 807-343-8569.
Orillia: For security or parking-related concerns, please visit or contact Security Services at orsecure@lakeheadu.ca or 705-330-4028.

If You Experience a Slip or Fall

If you experience a slip, trip, or fall on campus—even if no injury is immediately apparent—please report the incident as soon as possible using Lakehead University’s online Incident Report Form. Timely reporting helps ensure appropriate follow-up, hazard mitigation, and support where needed.

The Incident Report Form can be accessed:

Through the MobileSafety App, or
Directly via the online incident reporting link

Be Prepared:

Consider keeping a winter survival kit in your vehicle, including:

Phone charger
Water and non-perishable food
Flashlight
Blanket and warm clothing
Jumper cables
Shovel
Traction mats or sand
Candles and matches or a lighter
Snow brush and ice scraper

Cancellations and Campus Closures

The University closely monitors winter weather and road conditions across our regions. Decisions to cancel in-person classes or exams, or to close campus (except for required services), will be communicated through:

The MobileSafety App (push notifications)
Lakehead email accounts
Alert banner on the lakeheadu.ca website
The Bulletin
Lakehead University social media (Facebook and Instagram stories)
Local media outlets
Direction from your immediate supervisor (where applicable)

We strongly encourage all community members to download the MobileSafety App (available in the Apple Store and Google Play) and enable push notifications under About / Preferences.

For more information on campus closures, please review the Campus Closure/Class Cancellation Policy.

Attendance, Work, and Academic Considerations

Winter conditions can vary significantly by location. Please use your best judgment and prioritize personal safety.

Employees who are unable to attend work or expect to be late due to weather must notify their immediate supervisor as soon as possible. In discussion with their supervisor, options may include:

Working from home (in accordance with Alternate Work Arrangement Guidelines)
Making up lost work time through flexible hours
Using lieu time (where applicable)
Using vacation leave
Taking leave without pay

Students who are unable to travel safely should notify their professor or instructor as soon as possible to discuss alternative arrangements.

Employees are encouraged to review the Campus Closure/Class Cancellation Policy, which outlines expectations and entitlements, including provisions for units required to remain on campus during closures.