TABLE OF CONTENTS
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Lakehead University respectfully acknowledges its campuses are located on the traditional lands of Indigenous Peoples. Lakehead Thunder Bay is located on the traditional lands of the Fort William First Nation, Signatory to the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850. Lakehead Orillia is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. The Anishinaabeg include the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Pottawatomi nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. Lakehead University acknowledges the history that many nations hold in the areas around our campuses, and is committed to a relationship with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples based on the principles of mutual trust, respect, reciprocity, and collaboration in the spirit of reconciliation.
MESSAGE FROM THE ZONE TEAM
Initially funded by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities through the Northern Sustainability Fund (2019), the Lakehead University Community Zone began supporting the university community in 2021 and officially launched in January 2023. As the Zone’s first Annual Report, it covers the substantial progress made since its inception as the central point for cultivating and accessing the breadth of programming and services offered by Lakehead University in support of community learning, professional development, and training.
“The Community Zone is the central point for accessing programming and services offered by Lakehead University in support of community learning, professional development, and training.”
− Mission Statement
Our Community Zone team takes pride in our productive discussions regarding the process, development, design, delivery, and promotion of non-credit offerings. These discussions, involving more than 40 internal and external partners, have provided valuable insights into the vision for new non-credit offerings and helped us collaboratively plan the next steps from start to finish. We have supported the design, development, and delivery of over 35 programs, courses, workshops, and other initiatives to benefit learners and our valued stakeholders.
CONNECTIONS TO THE STRATEGIC, ACADEMIC, RESEARCH, & OTHER PLANS
Community engagement, continuing education, life-long learning, and professional development programs are central to Lakehead’s goals and priorities. The Zone is important in supporting the realization of key elements of the University’s Strategic, Academic, Research, and other plans.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Academic Excellence
Professional development for students
Professional development for staff and faculty
Social Responsibility
Improving learner capabilities, competencies and engagement
Local and Global Partnerships
Strengthening partnerships to develop lifelong learning beliefs and opportunities
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Capacity Development
Extending Lakehead’s range of continuing personal and professional development programs
Diversifying funding sources while also encouraging foundation/donor potential
The Lakehead University Community Zone is fundamental to realizing university priorities like social responsibility, accessible and flexible education, lifelong learning, sustainability, and community engagement. Collaborations with local, Indigenous, and industrial communities address diverse educational needs, preparing learners for the current job market. Aligned with the Research Plan, the Community Zone facilitates community-engaged initiatives, supporting projects like the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System and Encounters in Bioethics Lecture Series, contributing to educational enrichment and reinforcing Lakehead University's commitment to social responsibility and sustainability.
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION (EDI)
The Community Zone supports Lakehead University's commitment to EDI by providing access to a range of offerings in various formats and environments to accommodate the diverse needs of learners. This approach aligns with the University's goal of cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment by providing educational opportunities tailored to a wide range of learners.
“Provide training for faculty and instructors on incorporating EDI principles into teaching, including unconscious bias, cultural competency, and human rights.”
“Provide support for faculty and instructors to increase EDIrelated teaching skills, including promoting positive relationships and breaking down barriers.”
− EDI Strategies 3.2.2 & 3.2.3
All non-credit offerings designed in partnership with the Community Zone utilize inclusive and universal design principles and practices. Subject Matter Experts and Course/Workshop Facilitators are provided with tangible resources, additional training and support related to implementing EDI practices in the design and delivery of their offerings.
SUPPORTING INDIGENEITY & SUSTAINABILITY IN CURRICULUM
The Community Zone supports Indigeneity and sustainability in the curriculum by facilitating access to non-credit offerings that integrate Indigenous knowledge and sustainable practices, fostering inclusive education and environmental stewardship. Through our commitment to decolonization, Indigenization, and reconciliation, our team works closely with the Teaching Commons’ Indigenous Curriculum Coordinator to ensure that non-credit programming is developed in a good way; one that elevates Indigenous voices, honours Indigenous epistemology, and embeds practices of Indigegogy. Three tourism micro-credentials currently offered through the School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Tourism emphasize sustainability as it relates to the tourism industry (including food, land, and products), with a focus
Upskill your career in tourism with micro-credentials!
“Sustainability is a diverse, global movement in society, economics, and higher education. At Lakehead University, sustainability is considered in a pluralistic and inclusive way, encompassing human and ecological health, social justice and equity, Indigenous rights, secure livelihoods, workplace wellbeing, and leadership for vibrant and resilient communities.”
− Sustainability Plan, 2019 – 2024
on Northern Ontario, Indigenous tourism, Francophone tourism in Ontario, and 2SLGBTQ+ tourism.
The Ontario Benthos
Biomonitoring Network (OBBN) course offered by the Office of Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning (CELL) supports the environmental sustainability commitment of the University as it educates, trains, and certifies learners in monitoring aquatic life in Ontario’s waters.
The Faculty of Education’s Department of Professional Development offers courses including, but not limited to, Addressing Anti-Black Racism, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies, and Outdoor Experiential Education to contribute to sustainability by addressing social justice, community engagement, environmental stewardship, and promoting Indigenous perspectives.
35+ OFFERINGS
DEVELOPED, DESIGNED & DELIVERED
65+
CREDENTIALS
66
CREDENTIALS OSAP ELIGIBLE & QUALITY ASSURED
OFFERINGS DEVELOPED
The Community Zone actively supports the university community and external partners in developing and delivering non-credit offerings and micro-credentials. Through instructional design and development, marketing and communication, coordination, and logistics, the Zone advances Lakehead University’s core values and vision to deliver a learner-centered experience that is exceptional, unconventional, and far from ordinary.
TYPES OF PROGRAMMING BY SUBJECT & CATEGORY
Examples of new non-credit and micro-credential offerings developed include:
• Ontario Benthic Biomonitoring Network (OBBN) Training
• Essential Skills for Leadership and Self-Management Course
• Northern Culinary Tourism Experience Development Micro-Credential
• Experiential Travel Tourism Micro-Credential
• Ontario Professional Tourism Industry Specialist (OPTIS) Micro-Credential
• Northern Ontario Professional Tourism Industry Specialist (NOPTIS) Micro-Credential
• The Global Experience Program: Kinesiology
The Zone is currently developing a wide range of initiatives with internal and external parties in areas such as Indigenous entrepreneurship, leadership, healthcare, and the arts. These subjects are diverse and continually evolving to support learners with various training and career development opportunities.
5,000+ SUPPORTED THROUGH THE COMMUNITY ZONE*
“The Community Zone managed the registration process for students and made my job as an instructor easier. I was able to focus more on course development and teaching the content I care about. Overall, working with them was a very pleasant experience, and I look forward to my future course offerings.”
− Dan Brazeau, OBBN Facilitator
*Validated through registration data (for Certificates of Participation and Completion) and approximation provided by units (non credentialized programming).
“As a project coordinator for the development of a series of four tourism micro-credential courses, I had thoroughly enjoyed my time working alongside Kelly, our Instructional Designer with the Community Zone. She expertly guided along the process from idea to course creation, providing excellent resources and feedback to our team at every stage. Her strong communication skills along with her flexibility and understanding of the needs of learners made the whole course creation process a success.”
− Nicki Schiewe, Project Manager, Ontario Professional Tourism Industry Professional Tourism Industry Specialist Micro-Credential
LEARNERS SUPPORTED
Since its inception, the Community Zone has supported departments and units delivering programming to learners with coordination and logistical support, instructional design, development and delivery, and marketing and communication support.**
**Validated through registration data (for Certificates of Participation and Completion) and approximation provided by units (non credentialized programming). Not all programming data for Research Centres is currently captured under Research Services.
“I had the privilege of collaborating with Patti and Jessica in the Community Zone on numerous occasions. Both consistently exceeded expectations in supporting my unit, demonstrating exceptional professionalism and efficiency. Their invaluable support was crucial to the success of my unit’s projects, and I highly recommend working with them.”
−
Lakehead University CELL Coordinator
4,900+
LEARNERS ENROLLED FOR CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION***
100+
LEARNERS ENROLLED FOR CERTIFICATES OF PARTICIPATION***
***Validated through registration data (for Certificates of Participation and Completion) and approximation provided by units (non credentialized programming).
Certificate of Completion: acknowledges the achievement of a predetermined set of skills, competencies and/or outcomes, includes formal assessment, conforms to the Lakehead University Non-Credit Offering Quality Assurance review and approval process.
Certificate of Participation: acknowledges active, hands-on participation, does not include a formal assessment, may or may not be awarded as a tangible document/badge.
Certificate of Attendance: acknowledges attendance, does not include a formal assessment, may or may not be awarded as a tangible document/badge.
DEVELOPING A
100
LEARNERS ENROLLED FOR CERTIFICATES OF ATTENDANCE & NO CREDENTIAL***
MICRO-CREDENTIAL COMMUNITY
Collaboration with internal University stakeholders is vital to the successful delivery and development of programming supported by the Community Zone. Since its inception, the Zone has worked to establish and foster a robust micro-credential community internally at Lakehead University. Throughout all phases of the development and delivery processes, the Zone facilitates discussions about non-credit programming and micro-credentials directly with various faculties, committees, and units to ensure stakeholders are well-informed and to enhance the University’s core values and vision through operational excellence. This includes establishing an online Learning Community via Desire2Learn (D2L), creating procedural documents and guides for micro-credential creation, including the roadmap for OSAP-eligible submissions, developing competency statements, evaluating and approving new non-credit
offerings, aligning curriculum with learning outcomes, creating course codes and registration links, and collaborating on marketing strategies with University departments. Feedback from facilitators and learners is gathered to support continuous improvement. External partnerships and collaboration are central to most programming supported by the Community Zone. These partnerships take many forms. Units leverage existing industry networks and connections, while the Zone connects them with professional organizations and individuals seeking support for program development. In addition to those who have partnered on completed new programming, ongoing discussions continue with municipal and regional governments, other post-secondary institutions and training providers, Indigenous organizations, healthcare providers, mining companies, and many others.
• Complete the New Offering Proposal Template.
• Consult with internal and external stakeholders.
• Determine if this offering will be submitted to MCU for OSAP-eligibility.
• Identify a need or market demand for the offering.
• Identify the resource requirements necessary to deliver the offering .
• Complete the New Offering Submission Form and Budget Template.
• Identify the competency statements/ learning outcomes.
• All offerings issuing a credential must be approved by the Quality Assurance committee
• Seek appropriate approvals from Dean, Supervisor or appropriate signing authority if a non-academic unit.
• Agreements are created for the author, facilitator, copyright, and other external partners.
• A timeline is created and shared.
• Create course code, revenue accounts, and registration portal.
• Design the curriculum and assessments aligning with the learning outcomes.
• Create a facilitator guide
• Populate content into the learning management system.
• Write the offering description and create registration web page.
• Create website news stories, marketing materials
• Promote the offering according to marketing strategy.
• Determine opportunities for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) (if applicable).
• Include endorsement from industry.
• Facilitator reflections after every learning session.
• Exit surveys from learners.
• Assessment data or web traffic data may be collected.
• Revision of offering.
COLLABORATION
PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Canadian Network for Innovation in Education (CNIE)
eCampusOntario
Contact North
Ontario Council for University Life-Long Learning (OCULL)
Council of Ontario Educational Developers (COED)
LAKEHEAD COMMITTEES, COUNCILS, OFFICES, & SERVICES
Academic Leader’s Council
Administrative and Financial Services
Community Zone Advisory Committee
Dean’s and Vice-Provost Councils
Office of Innovation, Partnerships and Economic Development (IPED)
Enrolment Services
Office of Institutional Planning and Analysis (IPA)
Quality Assurance Committee
Institutional Survey Management Committee
Data Quality Committee
Office of Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning (CELL)
Office of Research Services
Teaching Commons
Office of Risk Management and Access to Information
Technology Services Centre (TSC)
LAKEHEAD DEPARTMENTS/UNITS AND EXTERNAL PARTNERS
English Language Centre
Languages Canada
Orion Assessment Services
Alumni - External Relations
Faculty of Business Administration
Athletics
Ministry of the Solicitor General (SOLGEN)
Office of Community Education and Lifelong Learning (CELL)
Third Age Network (TAN)
Ontario Nature
Faculty of Education
Ontario College of Teachers
Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences (2 Departments)
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
WE-Can Exercise Classes
Fairway Physiotherapy
St. Joseph’s Care Group
Faculty of Natural Resources Management
Ontario Professional Foresters Association
Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies (3 Departments)
Nature Explorers With Technology (NEWT)
Let’s Talk Science
Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (5 Departments and Schools)
Culinary Tourism Alliance
Destination Northern Ontario
Lakehead International
Research and Innovation
Centre for Health Care Ethics
Indigenous Tourism Ontario
Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
Société Économique de l’Ontario
Biorefining Research Institute
Homeless Individuals and Families Info System Training
EPID@Work Research Institute Paleo-DNA Laboratory
Tourism Excellence North (TEN)
Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO)
University Library
Indigenous Initiatives
Lakehead University
External Partners
33+ LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENTS & UNITS
EXTERNAL FUNDING
Since operations began, the Community Zone has worked with various units across the University to identify external applications to support non-credit and micro-credential programming. Even before its official launch, the Zone has facilitated and/ or supported several successful applications for competitive funding from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities and eCampusOntario. Additionally, the development of micro-credentials features in the proposals as part of the development of the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program.
*The total amount does not include an additional $1,413,019 in internal matching cash and industry funds.
**Note: all marketing and communication materials require reviews, revisions, and approvals.
WEBSITE AND MARKETING IMPACT
The Community Zone website is the hub for learners to access and learn about the non-credit programming and services offered by Lakehead University. It plays a pivotal role in shaping Lakehead's non-credit and micro-credential digital
presence and has become an indispensable tool, showcasing offerings to regional, national, and worldwide audiences.
Another key area of support the Zone provides is the design and development of marketing materials and communication
plans relating to non-credit offerings at Lakehead University. Assets developed include print materials such as advertisements and posters and digital materials such as social media and digital marketing**.
29K+
ACTIVE USERS ON THE COMMUNITY ZONE WEBSITE
4.6K+
ACTIVE USERS PER MONTH ON THE WEBSITE
730+ INQUIRIES BY LEARNERS THROUGH THE WEBSITE
Website Offerings are the homepage for the non-credit program or course, including program descriptions, expected learning outcomes, necessary prerequisites, details on OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) eligibility, and hyperlinks for related courses or programs, as well as direct links for registration purposes.
Website News Stories are news articles featured on the website, complete with engaging images, pertinent hyperlinks for further reading, and promotional content that highlights current offerings or developments.
Print Materials include various printed promotional and informational items, such as advertisements, posters, flyers, brochures, business cards,
postcards, gift certificates, surveys, and official certificates, all designed to communicate and market effectively.
Social Media Promotion refers to the creation and distribution of branded image and video content, optimized for various social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, to enhance engagement and reach a wider audience.
TOP CITIES OF WEBSITE USERS
TOP COUNTRIES OF WEBSITE USERS
Canada • 93.8%
United States • 2.1%
Nigeria • 1.4%
India • 1.2%
Ghana • 0.7%
China • 0.5%
Mexico • 0.3%
Canada • 93.8%
United States • 2.1%
“As the Community Zone team at Lakehead University, we have effectively coordinated logistical support, navigated complex design matters, and collaborated extensively with internal and external partners. Together, we've fostered a strong and supportive community internally and externally, steadily gaining awareness and supporting learners through tailored marketing and effective instructional design. We're proud of our progress and excited to continue making a positive impact for learners by offering non-credit offerings.”
− Michel Beaulieu, Patti McCluskey, Kelly Brennan, and Jessica Gagnon
LOOKING AHEAD
Through the support of community engagement, continuing education, life-long learning, and professional development programs the Community Zone plans to maintain its commitment to advancing Lakehead University’s goals and priorities outlined in the new and upcoming Strategic, Academic, Research, and other plans. Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as Indigeneity and sustainability, remains at the forefront of our initiatives.
Through continuous improvement methods, data analysis, and streamlining of our processes, we aim to continue to enhance the learning experience and broaden access to Lakehead University’s non-credit offerings via the comprehensive logistical, marketing, and instructional design support that we provide.
Continued engagement with internal and external stakeholders will be crucial in identifying
community needs and fostering partnerships that enrich our programs. Our commitment to ongoing support for learners ensures that we address their evolving educational goals, while the further support of the development and delivery of noncredit offerings will cater to diverse interests and career aspirations. This integrated approach will help sustain and expand the impact of non-credit programming in the Lakehead community.
The Community Zone is poised to uphold the standards proposed by the Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board (PEQAB) to make non-credit offerings transparent to students, employers, industry, and educational providers.
Once the Government of Ontario implements PEQAB’s recommended micro-credential framework, Lakehead University is well positioned to be a leader in the sector and take advantage of the opportunities and challenges that lay ahead.