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Postsecondary International Network Newsletter Spring 2006 2006 Annual Conference - Minnesota, United States July 21 - 28, 2006 Conference Theme Education...Inside Out Submitted by Joe Sertich, President - Northeast Minnesota Higher Education District The 2006 PIN conference will explore this theme, “Education…Inside Out” from several perspectives. We will visit a two year technical college campus that includes a national model for k-14 alignment, the secondary technical education program. As we head north, we’ll experience a Native American pipe ceremony and discover a national model for regional growth and alignment called, TRUE NORTH. We will see business, industry, and training happening in interactive environments. Our travels and sessions will include diverse, economic, and cultural themes that will require nothing less than real educational reform as we look ahead. Delegates will have every opportunity to share their own experience with Education...Inside Out. A call for presentations invites case studies and innovative projects that illuminate this theme. Call for Presentations information is on the PIN website (www.pinnet.org). The schedule will also provide time for reflection, great food, and entertainment. We each share in the challenging work of bringing relevance, rigor and readiness to learners and workers in the demanding 21st century. This is the time...we are part of the change that is turning Education...Inside Out! Conference Program The hosts of this conference believe in big welcomes! That’s why they have created a special video message on the website just for you. Once you land in Minnesota, in the beautiful Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, expect a warm reception throughout your visit by your hosts, President Joe Sertich and President Anne Weyandt. The tentative conference program is on page 18. Chancellor James McCormick, who leads the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, one of the largest in the country, and Vice Chancellor Linda Baer of Academic Affairs are looking forward to meeting with you and sharing ideas. The conference will include a special Minnesota greeting by State Representative Tony Sertich, and Commissioner Sandy Layman of Iron Range Resources, an economic development partner in northeast Minnesota. We will begin the conference at the historic St. Paul Hotel with registration and a magical reception on Friday evening, July 21. Special guest will be Stan Sahlstrom. Stan is one of the founders of PIN and become the first PIN President in 1979. On Saturday, July 22, conference presentations will be held all morning with activities in the afternoon. Sunday, July 23 offers full morning conference sessions with afternoon activities in the metro area choosing an event from a list which includes the Mall of America, Mill City Museum along the Riverfront, and a theater presentation in the evening. President Weyandt invites you to attend an evening game of baseball with her and the St. Paul Saints team. Monday, July 24 is a day-long interactive session starting at the Wells Fargo Building, site of the former World Trade Center in St. Paul. The session moves on to the Anoka Technical College for a tour and lunch with Secondary Technical Education Program (STEP) Principal Jinny Karbowski. The afternoon brings us to the Carlson Towers where business meets education for a meeting with Marilyn Carlson. You will also enjoy meeting Minnesota State Representative Tony Sertich at the Capitol Building in St. Paul. On Tuesday, July 25, the bus takes us all north to our next venue, The Lodge at Giant’s Ridge just outside the city of Biwabik in Northeast Minnesota. There are special interests along the way starting with an American Indian Pipe and Drum Ceremony at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, then on to lunch and a scenic boat tour of the beautiful Lake Superior Harbor in Duluth. An evening program and special entertainment will follow at The Lodge. Wednesday, July 26 opens with Regional Concept Sessions. Afternoon activities will provide a variety of options including golf, City of Ely shopping tour or enjoying the many activities at Giant’s Ridge. The day ends with a down home country Bar B Q and campfire. Thursday, July 27 brings morning conference sessions, an intriguing trip to the Soudan Underground Mine which was operational during the 1950’s and 60’s and will transport you back to the time when iron ore was mined from the earth using this process. This tour will also highlight the Neutrino Demonstration Project. The second tour of the afternoon is at one of our local taconite mines and will include rides in a 240-ton production truck. Then it’s off to a very special time at the cabin of Joe Sertich and his family for a cocktail reception and boat rides through the lakes of the Sturgeon Lake Chain. Dinner will follow at the very unique Rustic Italian restaurant called Ciaó. Friday, July 28 is the final day of sessions with the bus leaving for St. Paul following lunch at The Lodge. If you wish to extend your visit in St. Paul the conference hotel rates will apply. As usual, there will be a diverse and exciting partner program planned for each day that will include special tours, shopping and recreation. Be sure to visit the website and watch the video welcome message from President Joe Sertich and President Anne Weyandt! 2007 Annual Conference - Australia will host the 2007 Annual Conference. Box Hill Institute and Canberra Institute of Technology will assist in coordinating the conference.A Message from the PIN President By Mike Schafer, PIN President Greetings from Florida where I’m spending a little time working on my golf game, enjoying some fishing adventures with good friends and meeting with alums, trustees and retirees of MVCC who have also found that Florida can be a wonderful haven from the bleak March days that often beset upstate New York. Despite this brief respite, I am finding myself looking forward to my return to campus and to continue to work on some exciting new initiatives underway at our campus. I am also looking forward to this years PIN conference, the renewal of friendships and the opportunity to be updated about exciting innovations at your respective campuses. This year we are headed to beautiful Northern Minnesota for July 21-28th. We will have as our hosts, Joe Sertich (Northeast Minnesota Higher Education District) and Anne Weyandt (Anoka Technical College) and it promise to be an exciting conference. The theme of this year’s event is “Education Inside Out,” and will focus on a variety of ways that colleges have infused innovation to adapt to changing environmental conditions. One of the real benefits of this great organization is the opportunity for educational exchange. This conference promises us some wonderful learning experiences about our respective institutions. You will soon be receiving more details about the specifics of the conference. As I have said before, the strength of PIN lies in our connectedness and ability to network. We are excited to have new colleagues among us and I encourage each of you to help us to recruit more members to join in our efforts to provide an international forum to study the critical issues that face post secondary education. The organization will only grow stronger if we are able to broaden our membership to new colleagues. So please, share the vision of PIN! Canada Trip Expands Box Hill Students' Horizons Box Hill News Release
A group of Box Hill Institute students and teachers traveled to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Canada in September last year. The exchange was facilitated through the college’s association with PIN. The three-week exchange was organised through the Institute’s Global Education Network (GEN) and included classes, industry and tourist visits. The group included three students from the Centre for Building & Furniture Studies, two students from the Centre for Automotive, Transport & Engineering and three students from the Centre for Hospitality & Tourism Studies. Building student Alastair Morris is completing a Certificate III in General Construction and is a third-year apprentice with the Housing Industry Association Limited. Alastair found the major difference between Box Hill Institute and SAIT was the technology. "SAIT had state-of-the-art equipment and brand new tools every year, with the previous year’s tools being auctioned off to the apprentices," he said. "The trip has been really inspiring for me. After I finish my apprenticeship, I'd like to work overseas." As well as class work and industry observation, the students took in some of the tourist sites around Calgary. They visited the Banff and Jasper National Parks and Lake Louise. Alistair thanked Box Hill Institute, Konica Minolta and the Housing Industry Association Limited for making the exchange possible. Box Hill Institute provided the return airfares and a cheque for $450 per participant thanks to a Konica Minolta sponsorship. The Housing Industry Association Limited supported the exchange program and provided funding to assist with accommodation expenses for the three building students. Durham College Endorses Resolution Calling On First Ministers To Set A National Skills StrategySubmitted by Gary Polonsky, President - Durham College Durham College has endorsed a resolution today urging Canada's First Ministers to set a specific course of action for implementing a National Skills Strategy. The resolution has been endorsed by each of Ontario's 24 colleges, following the colleges' annual conference in Sudbury on Sunday and Monday. The resolution will go to Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and the country's First Ministers today to help influence the discussions at the summit on postsecondary education and skills training in Ottawa on Thursday and Friday. "We need to establish a National Skills Strategy and set real targets for increasing the number of highly skilled and trained workers in Ontario," said Bev Balenko, chief operating officer at Durham College. "We are urging the First Ministers to start setting a real plan for action." The What We Heard report found people are worried that Ontario isn't producing enough skilled graduates to address a looming skills shortage. During the colleges' annual conference in Sudbury, there were repeated calls for political leaders to work with educators, labour, businesses and others to set meaningful targets for producing a more skilled workforce. Universal College Of Learning - Rhode Island Exchange UCOL News Release Third year Whanganui UCOL Fine Arts (Sculpture) student Clare McNamara is about to embark on one of life’s great adventures, an overseas exchange. Clare is the lucky recipient of a 2006 New Zealand Undergraduate Study Abroad Award, to the value of $4000. Shortly after receiving her award Clare was informed that her application for a $3000 grant from Akoranga Education Trust had been successful. Clare will use the award and grant money to cover costs associated with an eighteen week long exchange at Rhode Island School of Design in America. Clare is grateful for the generous assistance she has received. “I am very excited about going on the exchange. I have already done some of my own fund raising to help cover costs. The award and grant money really take the pressure off and I would like thank to Education New Zealand and Akoranga Education Trust for their support.” While Clare attends Rhode Island School of Design Nicole Mayhew from Rhode Island will attend Whanganui UCOL. Whanganui UCOL Campus Principal Suzanne Frecklington is delighted with the exchange. “I am very pleased for Clare, exchange programmes are such a neat way to experience a different culture. We look forward to welcoming Nicole to Whanganui UCOL and doing our best to ensure her stay in New Zealand is a really enjoyable one.” Clare says she and Nicole have been keeping in regular contact, and through one another have been able to sort out accommodation and fill each other in on aspects of their home towns and institutions. “The Rhode Island School of Design is located in the city of Providence and I am really looking forward to taking in the culture of the city, especially the music scene which I have heard a lot about.” says Clare. New PIN Member UCOL is a new PIN member in New Zealand. UCOL is a Government funded Institute of Technology based in the lower North Island of New Zealand. Our highly regarded national and international reputation is the result of innovative and evolving initiatives that have put UCOL in the top echelon of tertiary education providers in our country. UCOL is a large regional Polytechnic with modern facilities, experienced lecturers and tonnes of choice with campuses in Palmerston North, Wanganui, Masterton and Levin. Student learning and student needs are paramount to our existence, and we are proud of our commitment to ensure that students receive a rewarding, productive and successful learning experience. UCOL courses offer a mix of practical, hands-on experience and theory. They offer an exciting and extensive range, from business skills to performing arts. What is most important is that they make sure those courses cover the skills and knowledge needed – now and in the future – by employers. Modern, up-to-date classrooms, interactive teaching and learning accommodates differing learning styles and provides an environment that motivates students to succeed. Students have the advantage of qualified, educated team tutors and staff members that are readily accessible. New Member - Adam Smith College, Scotland The education map of Fife changed forever last August (2005) as Fife and Glenrothes Colleges completed their much anticipated merger to form the Adam Smith College, Fife - Scotland’s third largest college. Adam Smith College is a returning member of PIN. Fife College hosted a PIN conference in 1989 and participated in several faculty exchanges. Welcome back! It was a day of celebration at the Glenrothes Campus in Stenton Road where Dr. Craig Thomson, newly appointed Principal of the new College, formally announced the completion of the merger which follows a long period of co-operation between Fife College and Glenrothes College. Around 20,000 students will attend the Adam Smith College, Fife which will have more than 700 staff and an expected annual turnover of £28 million. It will have a presence throughout Fife with four main campuses and 16 local learning centres. The new college will seek to be a central focus for local communities and will aim to set new standards of service excellence for its customers, whether they be students or commercial organisations. Dr. Thomson said: "What we are doing is taking two very good colleges and creating an excellent one. It will deliver top class facilities for local people and will reflect the vibrancy, aspiration and ambition of our students. "The new college has been designed to maintain the strong links with the two towns and local communities while delivering the additional benefits that come from being part of a large college. "We have an integral role to play in the future of Fife by supporting the changing needs of the local labour market and helping shape its future direction. This will include supporting industries that have declined in recent times and attracting new economy jobs through our digital media provision." "The new college will be fully integrated from day one which is a testament to the hard work, patience, enthusiasm and professionalism of all staff. Their dynamism will help the Adam Smith College; Fife set the bar on excellence in education." Students of the new Adam Smith College, Fife will be able to enjoy some of the best facilities of all Scotland's colleges of further education. In formalising the merger Dr. Thomson also unveiled a groundbreaking new look for the college which reflects its emphasis on people. The unique design incorporates images of people from the local community under the motto 'Inspiring Learning'. School of the Air – 21st Century style Submitted by Neil Black, CEO - North Coast Institute During the past two years over 500 of the most isolated people in the Australian state of NSW have become TAFE students via satellite, many accessing TAFE for the first time. This is all due to an innovative technology partnership between two TAFE (Technical and Further Education) Institutes in NSW; the North Coast Institute, which services 800 kilometers of the north coast of NSW, and the Western Institute, which services most of inland NSW, including some of Australia’s most isolated and remote communities. The project – the Interactive Distance Learning Satellite Project (IDL) has been so successful that the IDL team has won a 2005 NSW Premier’s Public Sector Commended Award which is in addition to the TAFE NSW Quality Award received in 2004 for this project. The IDL project involves partnerships between telecommunications company Optus, NSW Department of Education and Training, the Northern Territory Department of Education, local communities and schools and enables flexibly delivery programs to be supported by satellite technology. Interactive lessons and learning are provided to students in remote NSW farms and vocational education courses are provided to rural and remote Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. Studios are located in the inland cities of Dubbo and Broken Hill and the coastal town of Port Macquarie. Rural and remote homes and farms on School-of-the-Air programs from Broken Hill and Distance Education programs from Dubbo, as well as other school sites are linked to the network, and can receive training from these studios. The Institutes also have a mobile satellite trailer and laptops, which can log into the studio lessons. Julie Johnson, teacher of Information Technology at the Port Macquarie Campus of the North Coast Institute, says that it is an exciting project for both students and teachers. “So far it’s been a magical experience. The students are so keen, so positive and so grateful – it’s a joy to teach them. It makes you feel that you are making a difference to people’s lives,” says Ms Johnson. A closer look at the Bellbrook story brings even greater meaning to this extraordinary project. The Bellbrook Story Over 18 members of the Aboriginal community at Bellbrook, approximately 50 km from the town of Kempsey, took part in the Introduction to Technology via Satellite Delivery program on a hot (45°C) summer’s day in 2005. The North Coast Institute mobile satellite dish took some time to tune into the satellite, but Manager of the Institute’s Information and Communication Technology Unit, John Colthorpe and Infrastructure Manager Jeff Parsons persevered in the heat. (PIC) Julie Hopkins, an Outreach Coordinator at TAFE NSW-North Coast Institute takes up the story. “The Community Health Outpost was quite comfortable despite the lack of air-conditioning. Virginia and I set up the notebook computers. Virginia went through the log on procedure and provided training on the correct use of microphones. Collene, the teacher in the Studio in Port Macquarie, was able to chat with each student and the atmosphere in Bellbrook was full of anticipation and excitement. After one and half hours we suggested a break, but only half the students stopped for lunch, the others were keen to practice using their mice while using the paint software. Following the break the computers started losing their connection to the satellite, Virginia and I shut down half the computers but the signal faded. Finally we were left without any signal. It was well after 2:00 pm when Virginia and I reluctantly asked the students to finish up for the day. The students all said they can’t wait till the next lesson. By now the temperature was even higher, so with wide brimmed hat and plenty of water, Virginia dismantled the dish on the trailer while Trevor and Gladys helped me to pack the car with computers. Sault College Students Can Continue Studies “Down Under” 25 New Articulation Agreements with Griffith University, Australia Sault College News Release Faculty and students will benefit greatly from new articulation agreements signed between Sault College and Griffith University (GU) in Queensland, Australia. The university will grant two years of related GU undergraduate degrees upon completing a Sault College Advanced Diploma in 25 program areas. Faculty exchanges will also be available with scholarship options. Judi Maundrell, Sault College Vice President, Academic has been working with the Australian university to finalize these exciting new opportunities. “Because Griffith University is considered as one of Australia’s most progressive universities, we are proud to sign articulation agreements with them today. We are pleased to welcome Chris Madden, Pro-Vice Chancellor (International) to the College to sign articulation agreements in 25 program areas,” says Maundrell. The university approached Sault College after identifying numerous program fits between the two educational institutions. “It’s fantastic that our programs are being recognized internationally as an entry into university,” says Dr. Tim Meyer, Sault College President. Located in Brisbane - Gold Coast Corridor, Griffith is a five-campus university with more that 34,000 students including 7000 international students. Sault College currently has articulation agreements with Algoma University College, Lake Superior State University, Michigan and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. Mohawk Valley Community College Campus Events Provide Introduction to Many Cultures Submitted by Mike Schafer, President - Mohawk Valley Community College The mission of The College’s cultural programming, open both to the college community and residents of central A third January event featured a live dance performance, entitled “KUD Bosanska Mladost,” by Bosnian youth from the community surrounding MVCC’s Utica Campus. Wearing authentic Bosnian dress, the group performed authentic folk dances including the Shota wedding dance, Vranje suite, the Rugovo suite and others. Movies from China took their place on screen at MVCC this spring, including showings of “Hero,” and “House of Flying Daggers.” In March, the retired dean of the nearby Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute School of Art, Dr. Clyde McCulley, came to campus to discuss “Mexico: Its People, Culture and Art.” Also in March, a central At the end of March, the MVCC International Initiatives Committee staged an international festival open to the College and the community, including free music, workshops and booths, a film, presentations and food from a variety of nations. MVCC’s hospitality programs, which train students as restaurant and hotel managers, chefs, bakers and caterers, also adopted international themes for many of the weekly gourmet dinners they serve to paying customers. Among the themes for these dinners: “Welsh Heritage Dinner for St. David’s Day,” “Fabulous French Fare from the Coast of A dramatic exhibit of photographs taken in National Centre for Chinese MedicineCanberra Institute of Technology News Release The National Centre for Chinese Medicine (NCCM) was established at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) to develop and implement Chinese medicine related educational projects and joint business and research projects with Chinese universities and business institutions. The primary focus of the Centre is on the development of education projects relating to Chinese medicine. It will also concentrate on the following key activities: · Focus on continuing professional education in both Australia and China; · Provide relevant professional education in Chinese medicine practice for healthcare industry and government personnel; · Disseminate the results of research activities; · Enhance relevant clinical skills and expertise of health professionals and CIT students; · Promote the advantages of an integrated Chinese - Western health care model. · Conduct short training programs in Chinese medicine; and · Provide opportunities for staff and student exchanges between China and Canberra. · Conduct research into issues relating to quality control and the use of Chinese medicine; · Develop a database of information on treatments that incorporate the use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM); and · Conduct research into a potential cold climate herbal horticulture industry. “Chinese Archives of Traditional Chinese Medicine” is one of the most influential academic journals in Chinese medicine in the world. It has been published for more than twenty years through China State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The National Centre for Chinese Medicine at CIT is working with Liaoning University of Chinese Medicine to edit and publish this journal into the international market. It is the first bilingual Chinese medicine academic journal in Australia. With the growing public interest in Australia for traditional Chinese medicine, reflected by the ever increasing demand for nationally accredited courses and professional medical services together with Australia’s well renowned enthusiasm for international sports and enjoyment of the great outdoors, CIT was involved with the first international forum on Chinese medicine as one of the main sponsors with Health Way Developments, University of Canberra and the Australian National University held in Australia in August 2004. The Centre builds on existing educational relationships established by CIT between Australia and China and is supported by an Advisory Board composed of senior representatives from the World Federation of Chinese Medicine, Chinese Universities and CIT.
Dr Peter Veenker, the Chief Executive and Prof. Mianhua Wu, the President of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Kwantlen Hosts Chilean Faculty for Month-Long Language and Research ExchangeKwantlen News ReleaseKwantlen University College is hosting nine faculty from Chile’s Universidad Arturo Prat (UNAP) for four weeks as part an agreement between the two universities to participate in faculty and student exchanges, joint research and other ventures. “This is a first step in what we hope will be an ongoing relationship between our universities,” said Derek Francis, Kwantlen’s Vice President of Learner Support, who officially welcomed the visitors from UNAP to Kwantlen. In May 2005, Kwantlen University College President Skip Triplett and UNAP President Carlos Merino signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines exchange and research opportunities between the universities as well as areas of potential cooperation including curriculum development. “I’m very pleased to see a dream become a reality,” said Kwantlen Spanish Faculty Patricio Ramirez, during the welcome ceremony. The relationship between Kwantlen and UNAP began in 2001 when Ramirez, a native of Chile, took a leave to teach at UNAP. There, he taught chemistry to first-year science students and also organized English language workshops for chemistry faculty and high school chemistry teachers. This led to a visit by UNAP representatives to Kwantlen and a later visit by Kwantlen President Skip Triplett to UNAP, a subsequent two-month visit to study English at Kwantlen by a UNAP administrator and eventually the MOU. During their month-long visit to Kwantlen, the UNAP faculty members will attend English language classes and shadow Kwantlen faculty members in the classroom. “We expect to improve our English, especially in our fields,” said UNAP Pharmacology and Biochemistry Faculty, Leonel Rojo. “Another important thing is to investigate areas of joint research and we expect to complete at least one research project during our visit.” Among the areas of joint research anticipated by the universities is e-learning. Like Kwantlen, UNAP is a multi-campus university, with locations in Iquique in the north and Victoria, which is south of Santiago in central Chile, so it has developed an expertise in distance education. Visiting UNAP faculty represent a variety of disciplines including tourism and marketing, pharmacology and biochemistry, post-secondary education management and e-learning, architecture, soil chemistry, molecular biology, plant physiology and nutrition, marine biology and biotechnology. Kwantlen students will benefit from the addition of an international perspective in classes with a participating member of the Chilean faculty. Kwantlen faculty will also be able to increase their international competencies and develop working relationships and friendships with UNAP faculty. The MOU, which is in effect until August 2010, also anticipates opportunities for Kwantlen faculty to work at UNAP and participate in the development of curriculum for new UNAP programs. UNAP hopes to tap into Kwantlen’s expertise in developing programs that meet the needs of regional and international employment markets and allow students to bridge between citations, certificates, diplomas and degrees as their skills and interests develop. Kwantlen students will have opportunities to study at UNAP. Transportation-Related Careers Submitted by LaVern Franzen, President, Central Community College The number of transportation‑related jobs in Nebraska is expected to grow rapidly. To help meet this need, Central Community College and another Nebraska community college (Mid-Plains) are working together to prepare workers for these new employment opportunities. The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded to the two colleges a U.S. Department of Labor $1.9 million community‑based job training grant to focus on transportation, distribution and warehousing careers. The grant was one of 70 awarded to community colleges in 40 states, out of a total of 338 grant applications, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The grant will be used to expand and enhance existing transportation programs, develop a new transportation program and build awareness of career opportunities in the field. Goals of the project include: · Enhancing diesel technology programs by qualifying for National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation certification, the organization that verifies that industry standards are met within the program. · Adding a truck light maintenance and repair option to the diesel technology curriculum. This one‑year program will prepare graduates to service and repair trucks at truck stops or other locations. · Modify the curriculum for the six‑week truck driving training program at Central Community College to meet Professional Truck Driver Institute Certification standards. · Develop an associate degree program in transportation, distribution and logistics that will be offered jointly by the two colleges over the Internet. The online program will offer considerable flexibility in scheduling for students working for railroads and other transportation‑related industries that require employees to work varied and often extended hours. The associate degree program will be designed to transfer into the Bellevue University bachelor’s degree program in intermodal logistics. · Develop a mobile training lab that will be able to deliver training and career awareness programs to high school students and adults throughout the 46 counties served by the two colleges. In addition to laptop computers, the lab will include a training module to simulate truck driving under a variety of weather and road conditions and a transmission trainer that will simulate shifting gears. In addition to the two community colleges, the grant project includes 15 other partners who will comprise the project steering committee. Included are some giants in the transportation, distribution and logistics industry: Wal‑Mart, which operates a 600‑employee distribution center at North Platte, near Mid-Plains Community College; Werner Enterprises, one of the top five trucking companies in the U.S. and an existing partner with CCC’s truck driver training program; Union Pacific Railroad, the nation’s largest railroad, which is headquartered in Nebraska; and Nebraska Machinery, the state’s distributor for Caterpillar. House for Homeless Youth Project Box Hill Institute News Release The vision of staff and students at Box Hill Institute is to build a house for homeless youth. This initiative continues the Institute's commitment and support of youth and the local community. How will it be done? The Institute will work with students across the various Centres to assist with the labour of building the house. The initiative presents a wonderful training opportunity for the Institute’s students, encouraging them to 'own' the project and providing them with a feeling of giving back to the community. Box Hill Institute, with support from the Rotary Club of Nunawading (who raised $20,000), other Rotary Clubs and local businesses, has raised $55,000 for building materials for the house. The Child & Family Care Network matched these funds dollar for dollar and the State Government donated a block of land in Box Hill South. Apprentices and skilled trades people will be involved in constructing the house with Centre for Building and Furniture Studies teacher Marc Swart as site manager for the project. Marc has many years of experience in the building industry. After the house is completed, Ringwood Extended Family Services (now called Regional Extended Family Services) will target 12–16 year olds who are considered likely to become homeless to live in the house. The maximum stay will be 12 months and the house will not be considered as any type of shelter or halfway house. It will provide a sense of responsibility and will develop life skills to underprivileged youth. Richardson and Greene Receive Emeritus Honors Western Piedmont Community College News Release The Trustees of Western Piedmont Community College bestowed the honorary designation of “Emeritus” on Jim Richardson and Richard Greene. Richardson recently retired as president after 25 years of service to the college. Greene retired as Executive Vice President after 38 years of service with the college. Greene was also a member of the PIN Executive Board. College of Lake County President Gretchen Naff Retires, Richard Fonté Takes OfficeCollege of Lake County News ReleaseDr. Richard W. Fonté has a long record of distinguished service as a community college president and advocate for higher education and the humanities. He became the College of Lake County's new president on Jan. 24, 2006, succeeding Dr. Russell O. Peterson, who served as interim president for about six months, and Dr. Gretchen J. Naff, who retired as president on June 30, 2005. Gretchen is now residing in North Carolina From January 2004 until coming to CLC, Dr. Fonté served as director of We the People, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities to increase the knowledge of the American public of U.S. history, culture and political principles. Before becoming director of We the People, Dr. Fonté served as president of Austin Community College in Austin, Texas, a position he held from January 1997-December 2003. Among his accomplishments at Austin were organizing successful bond issue and tax-levy campaigns, establishing an "Early College Start" program for high school students, establishing a sixth college campus and leading efforts to double the discretionary grant funds received by the college. Dr. Fonté has published articles in numerous community college periodicals. He holds a Ph.D. in Community Colleges and Higher Education Finance from the University of Michigan, an M.A. in American Democratic Theory from Indiana University and a B.S. in International Affairs from Georgetown University. Gary Polonsky to RetireDurham College News Release Dr. Gary Polonsky, president of Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) announced his retirement, following 18 years at the helm of Durham College and five years as the founding leader of UOIT. Polonsky will retire this spring, and under the guidance of the Durham College and UOIT Boards of Governors, two presidents will be named to replace him. Polonsky's dedication to students is unparalleled. In announcing his retirement, he told Durham College and UOIT students, " I will have spent 43 years, my entire adult life, in the service of students and have loved every minute of it. Every student is special; every one an individual. I thank you." A native of Thunder Bay, Polonsky came from Red River College in Winnipeg to Durham Region in 1988 as president of Durham College. Working closely with a broad group of community volunteers, he was instrumental in the creation of the Whitby Skills Training Centre and more recently, Oshawa-based UOIT, which proudly welcomed its first students in fall 2003. Bringing a university to the community was not the only goal Polonsky set out to accomplish. A firm believer in lifelong learning, Polonsky attained his Doctorate in Education from the University of Toronto in June 2003. He also holds a BSc from Lakehead University (Thunder Bay) and an MA from Gonzaga University (Spokane, Washington). Durham College Announces New PresidentDurham College News ReleaseDurham College has ended a comprehensive national search by naming Leah Myers as its new president. Meyer succeeds Gary Polonsky, who announced his retirement last fall. Gary has been a long time PIN member, and has served on the PIN Executive Committee. Myers is currently the executive lead at the Ministry of Research and Innovation, a new ministry led by Premier Dalton McGuinty. Prior to this appointment Myers was the executive director of the Secretariat that provided the research, policy, consultation, communication and project support to the Postsecondary Review conducted by the Honourable Bob Rae. The recommendations of Rae's report have formed the basis of the government's Reaching Higher Plan, with significant new investments in postsecondary education. In announcing the selection of Myers to the Durham College campus, Board Chair Lorraine Sunstrum-Mann says, "This continues to be an exciting time for Durham College and our new president comes to us with considerable leadership experience as well as superior knowledge of the current postsecondary environment within Ontario. Her skills and expertise will ensure that Durham College continues to be one of the premier colleges in Canada." NAIT Using SuperNet to Train ApprenticesSubmitted by Sam Shaw, President - Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Cyber space just got a whole lot busier thanks to the launch of NAIT’s Distance Apprenticeship Training and Education program. Dubbed NAIT DATE, this new pilot project brings apprenticeship training and Alberta’s SuperNet together and is the first of its kind in the province. The program allows apprentices to take the in-class portion of their training without having to leave their jobs, families or communities. The first class of 21 students is currently underway. Thanks to the videoconferencing technology, apprentices have live and real interaction with their instructors, meaning the quality and rigor of the courses is maintained. Instructors use teaching aids – including live video, presentation slides and computer animation. Shortly after a class is finished, NAIT offers students digital copies of the class, to be used for review. Once the theory portion wraps up, apprentices can receive their hands-on apprenticeship training near their homes as well. NAIT instructors will go to the communities to provide instruction or the NAIT in Motion trailers will be deployed to the communities. According to Advanced Education Minister Dave Hancock, “More trades people need access to training opportunities in their communities – this is one of the themes I heard loud and clear during the recent A Learning Alberta Minister’s Forum. This leading edge technology helps remove barriers for Albertans in rural and remote areas who wish to realize their potential in the skilled trades. It is also another great example of the Alberta SuperNet working for Albertans and the advanced learning system.” Fifteen welder and six electrician apprentices from Edson, Drayton Valley, Grande Cache, Hinton and Jasper are taking part in the pilot project, which is funded by the Alberta government, offered through NAIT, and delivered through the Pembina Educational Consortium and the Yellowhead Region Educational Consortium. “NAIT is always looking for innovative ways to deliver its training,” says NAIT President Dr. Sam Shaw. “Thanks to Alberta’s SuperNet we can train more apprentices, which, in turn, helps industry because it ultimately increases workplace productivity. The inception of this pilot project means: apprentices won’t have to leave their homes or work sites to come to NAIT for extended periods of time, student access will increase, and NAIT will continue to deliver the best technical training anytime, anywhere.” “This pilot project is one example of how the delivery of apprenticeship technical training is changing to be more responsive to employers and apprentices, while still maintaining high industry standards,” says Brian Bickley, Chair of the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board. Olds College Ministry Approves Expanded Mandate for Olds College Olds College News Release The Alberta Ministry of Advanced Education has approved an expanded mandate for Olds College, providing for higher levels of certification than ever before. “We set out a process for revisiting our mandate statement and everyone involved with Olds College, including our industry advisory committees, had the opportunity to participate in the review,” said Robert Wilson, Vice-President of Academic Services at Olds College. “In the end, the year-long process has resulted in an expanded mandate that provides very exciting opportunities for students. We wanted to our mandate to clearly include Olds College’s ability to provide applied degrees and baccalaureate degrees. There are no present plans to expand on the two applied degrees Olds College currently provides, but we view the Minister’s approval as a testament to the government’s faith in Olds College.” The mandate outlines the college’s focus on hands-on training and its close connections with industry. Olds College is also mandated to take its program delivery off campus and offer courses throughout Alberta, across Canada and around the world. Olds College programs offer learning opportunities in agriculture, horticulture, land and water resource management, animal science, business, fashion, technology and apprenticeship training. A number of additional programs and services are offered to serve the needs of the region including adult basic education, career training, and non-credit courses, as well as cultural and recreational activities. “Our mandate now specifies the nature of our activity in much more detail. It also includes a reference to our two major partners in learning, the Community Learning Campus and the University of Alberta, which speaks to Olds College’s commitment to expanding learning opportunities for rural Albertans,” said Wilson. “Perhaps most importantly we wanted to clearly include a commitment to applied research and innovation in our mandate. We want to provide access to high quality research facilities and services in rural Alberta. The new statement gives us latitude to offer new levels of credentials and a clear mandate to pursue applied research. It recognizes the role Olds College expertise plays internationally and it outlines our unique partnerships. In the end, we were most pleased that the Minister approved the mandate as it was presented to him by the Olds College Board of Governors. It indicates a level of confidence and support for Olds College and allows us even greater opportunity to provide the level of program delivery our students and industry partners expect of us.” Faculty/Staff Exchange-Visit Program Applications are currently being taken for the Faculty/Staff Exchange Visit Program. The exchange and visit program is designed to facilitate faculty and staff exchanges and visits among PIN member colleges. The exchanges and visits are designed to enhance the professional development of faculty/staff and to further international understanding of two-year colleges. The colleges are expected to support and facilitate the exchange/visit process. The college and the faculty members develop the exchange or visit to meet their institutional and individual objectives. PIN will award two $500 (US) stipends to facilitate faculty exchanges and visits to each country for the academic year. It is expected that the college will match the dollar amount of the stipend. The match will be cash or an in-kind contribution. Process1. The Faculty Exchange and Visit Program Application Form should be used. 2. The program criteria must be addressed in the application. 3. The narrative should be no longer than 1000 words. 4. The college president/principal and the faculty/staff member must sign the application form. 5. If there is a need for assistance in identifying a host college, PIN will assist in identifying appropriate host colleges. 6. Faculty Exchange and Visit Program Application are submitted to Executive Director, Bill Warner. 7. The Executive Committee reviews all applications at the annual meeting. 8. The Executive Committee will identify the award recipients. 9. The PIN Executive Director will notify the successful and unsuccessful applicants. 10. The $500 (US) stipend check will be sent to the college president, who will make the award to the faculty/staff member. Forward your Faculty/Staff Exchange and Visit applications to Bill Warner, Executive Director. PIN Executive Committee The current PIN Executive Committee membership includes: Australia: John Maddock, Box Hill College Peter Veenker, Canberra Institute of Technology Canada: Irene Lewis, SAIT (PIN President-Elect) Gary Polonsky, Durham College MaryLynn West-Moynes, Mohawk College Netherlands: Ricardo Winter, ROC van Amsterdam New Zealand: John Scott, Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology United States: LaVern Franzen, Central Community College Mike Schafer, Mohawk Valley Community College (PIN President) Joe Sertich, Northeast Minnesota Higher Education District
1. Plan and develop objectives and activities for the organization; 2. Initiate policies and implement policies of the Network; 3. Make recommendations regarding annual membership fees; 4. Review, in context, the participation of PIN members and make decisions about continued memberships; 5. Determine the budget for administrative tasks of the organization; 6. Communicate the decisions taken at its meeting to the membership in semi-annual newsletters; and 7. Facilitate the securing of external resources for PIN projects and encourage members to do the same. For more information about this Newsletter or PIN contact: Dr. Bill Warner Executive Director - PIN 3088 Branch Drive Clearwater, FL 33760 USA Phone: 727-533-8305 Cell: 651-308-2922 E-mail: warne017@umn.edu 2006 PIN Conference ProgramConference Theme: Education - Inside OutTentative ScheduleJuly 21 – July 28, 2006
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