The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
University College of the North has announced it is the first and only post-secondary institution in Manitoba to offer the Maintenance Manag-ement Professional (MMP) education and certification program. The first graduates from UCN have just earned their credentials. The Plant Engineering and Maintenance Association of Canada (PEMAC) developed the curriculum. The program is geared toward people already employed as maintenance managers in industry and the service sector. The first intake took place at the UCN campus in Thompson. "This program is unique in Manitoba, supports Northern Manitoba industries and gives people the opportunity to expand their careers without leaving home," said Dr. Kathryn McNaughton, UCN vice-president, Academic and Research. The goal of the program is to give participants a broader knowledge of issues they may face in their current employment as maintenance managers. Course content covers the management of physical assets, maintenance, human resources, and finances, with an emphasis on maintenance. 'Keeping people' "It's about keeping people in the region, and improving their status at work. The curriculum is current, modern and relevant," said Adrian de Groot, the program facilitator. Program participants attend classes two days per month for 13 months. In addition to in-class and online work, students complete a major project before completion. Graduates receive a joint certificate from UCN and PEMAC. In other news, the community of Chemaw-awin (Easterville) has a new public library thanks to a joint project between UCN and the Chemaw-awin Cree Nation. The official grand opening recently took place. "UCN recognizes the importance of access to library services and educational materials for its students at the UCN Regional Centre in Chemawawin as well as for the community as a whole," said UCN Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Konrad Jonasson. "We are pleased to be able to take this opportunity to support northerners in their lifelong learning." In addition to providing local UCN students with a place to get course materials, the public may borrow items and use the library for a number of community programs. This project follows a similar partnership between UCN and Norway House Cree Nation. That public library opened in April 2009. "The benefits of having a local public library are numerous," said Dr. Stan Gardner, UCN Dean of Library and Instructional Services. "We look forward to working with Chemawawin Cree Nation on this initiative, and hope to be able to assist other communities in this way, too." The library is located at Chemawawin School. UCN is donating financial resources, staff training and performs administrative duties. Chemawawin Cree Nation provides the building space, security personnel and financial resources for staffing and maintenance. The library also received financial support from the Manitoba government. Ð Compiled from UCN news releases.9/21/2011
