Engaging Communities Near and Far FACULTY OF EXTENSION
BEYOND
BEYOND EXTENSION: A FACULTY OF ENGAGEMENT
T
he Faculty of Extension embraces,
as its guiding ideal, “community
pioneers of Extension spent their time
just some of the highlights of the work
engagement, near and far,” and this is
travelling to the many communities of
Extension is doing today in the scholarship
our cornerstone for advancing excellence
rural Alberta, delivering lectures and
of engagement. In the past year, adult
in teaching, research and community
magic lantern shows, but also addressing
learners have come to us from 60 different
service. Over the past twenty years, there
the challenges and problems of rural life
countries. Our research likewise spans
has been growing awareness that it is no
and agricultural existence. They brought
the globe, advancing early childhood
longer sufficient for public universities
relief from rural isolation, advances in
development here in Alberta to improving
to simply extend knowledge outward,
agricultural technologies, and innovations
emergency early warning systems to
a process referred to as “outreach.”
such as public radio, the “cutting edge”
help save lives in Asia. The scope of our
There is a realization that communities
technology in continuing education in its
interests and activities is as diverse and
have aspirations and issues that need to
day.
far-reaching as the communities we serve,
be addressed collaboratively by those communities and their universities. By
Dr. Katy Campbell
Dean, Faculty of Extension
listening to and sharing the expertise of community stakeholders, the University can bring to bear its knowledge, methodologies and resources to solve problems and advance community
“The Faculty of Extension interests and development. This two-way, embraces, as its guiding ideal, ‘community engagement,
reciprocal process is known today as “community-university engagement,” but it is also a process in which Extension
near and far,’ and this is our already has a long history (Academic Plan,
A.E. Ottewell and the other early
Within the University of Alberta, the
In the 21st century, the communities we engage reach far beyond the campus and province to a much larger global “community of communities;” they are far more diverse in their cultures, perspectives, needs and issues than those our predecessors worked with. As the University pursues and advances this “new” process of community-
excellence in teaching, learning
that Extension has unique perspectives,
and community service.”
Marshall Tory, the first President of the
ongoing expertise, and a special role
University of Alberta, founded Extension
to play in informing and advancing that
with the mandate of “carrying the
process.
ENGAGING COMMUNITIES NEAR AND FAR
“near and far.”
domain the “scholarship of engagement.”
2008-2013).
university to the people.”
In this report, you will read about
Faculty of Extension has as its academic
cornerstone for advancing
Almost one hundred years ago, Henry
university engagement, we recognize
Dr. Katy Campbell Dean, Faculty of Extension
MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH DESIGNED TO SAVE LIVES
J
ust before 1 a.m. on December 26,
work continues in the use of mobile
accessible through a variety of devices,
2004, the third largest earthquake in
communications in alerting systems and
including mobile phones. The objective
beyond.
was to identify disease outbreaks in as
recorded history began under the ocean west of Sumatra and two hours later tsunami waves killed 230,000 people on the coasts of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India
While the world watched in horror,
(RTBP), the objective of which was to
the Common Alerting Protocol has led to
improve disease monitoring, detection,
ongoing involvement with the federal and
played out in those two hours.
and reporting in Sri Lanka. In this research
Alberta provincial governments in their
and evaluation project, patient data was
efforts to develop a next-generation, CAP-
gathered on low cost mobile phones
based public alerting system. One aspect
and transmitted to a central server
of this involvement is emergency alerting
where it was analyzed by advanced
at Canadian post-secondary educational
software developed by Carnegie Mellon
institutions, including the University of
University’s Auton Lab. Results were
Alberta.
“An indication of the hazard was
communication from the outside world and within those countries failed to provide the warning that could have
then made available to regional and local health authorities as electronic alerts
Gow later visited villages in Sri Lanka
the MACT program, Gow is leading the
helped to develop a community-based
Mobile Applications for Research Support
tsunami warning system based on the
open source data interchange standard
(MARS) Lab Initiative to build research capacity and expertise in using mobile phones to support community-based
for multimedia, all-hazards public alerting
research activities. Through this initiative,
systems.
researchers, graduate students and community organizations are provided
Currently Director of the Master of
access to software, equipment and
Arts in Communications and Technology
expertise in using mobile phones for
(MACT) program in Extension, Gow’s
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
Beyond public alerting, Gow is
also involved in the use of mobile community-engaged projects. Through
himself. Working with LIRNEasia, he
Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), an
communications in research and
and saw some of the devastation for
the earthquake…” – Gordon Gow
Here in Canada, Gow’s expertise with
Dr. Gordon Gow pondered how events
Internet ten minutes after
systems.
prevented much of the tragedy.”
was available on the
to three weeks typical of paper-based
the Real-time Biosurveillance Program
after the earthquake,” said Gow, “but
“An indication of the hazard
and knowledge of the Common Alerting
little as 24 hours as compared to the two
and Thailand.
available on the Internet ten minutes
Director, Master of Arts in Communications and Technology
Building on his work with LIRNEasia
Protocol, Gow brought his expertise to
Dr. Gordon Gow
research purposes. Photo by Dipanker Dutta
COMMUNITY-UNIVERSITY ENGAGMENT SHOWCASE
I
n 2008, the Faculty of Extension Research
Committee decided to undertake a research
Foth, long-serving member and a former dean of the
of the Showcase (coinciding with the faculty’s
faculty:
Centenary in 2012), Dennis, Fay, and company are
symposium to “showcase” the faculty’s commitment to the scholarship of engagement, announced in the Academic Plan as the faculty’s
surprising number of people who didn’t know that
was a need for us to have a domain of academic
“We were very excited to take ownership
we do a lot of research through our faculty. There
of this concept,” recalls Dr. Fay Fletcher, “and
research that is credible and unique. Now, with the
since we wanted to show our commitment to and
scholarship of engagement as our focus, we have
expertise over the domain, the decision was made
the opportunity to provide relevant research and
to host our first Community-University Engagement
responsive continuing education.”
Keynote Speaker Community-University Engagement Showcase 2010
“Over my many years at Extension, I met a
new academic domain.
Showcase the following March.
Dr. Budd Hall
This was particularly encouraging to Dr. Dennis
Plans moved ahead quickly, and thanks to
The scholarship of engagement, in Dennis’
words, is twofold: On one hand, the faculty pursues
a committed and enthusiastic effort by everyone
community-engaged research, and on the other, it
in the faculty, the Showcase doors opened
studies the processes, methodologies, and impacts
to researchers, presenters, and practitioners
of the practice of engagement.
of community-university engagement from
Now gearing up for the next big installment
confident that Extension can and will position itself to establish the University of Alberta as a leader in community-engaged research and learning.
“My personal prediction? The next generation of academics will see university-community engaged research as equal in importance to bench, laboratory and traditional field work. And the world will be a better place for it.”
– Dennis Foth
Extension, colleagues at the U of A, members of
“Continuing education units across
external communities, and participants from other
the country have over 100 years of universities around the globe. experience in university-community engagement… We not only know the business world and the world
The conference has become a bi-annual
event at the faculty, welcoming such distinguished scholars as Dr. Hiram Fitzgerald (Associate Provost for University Outreach and Engagement at
of professions, we also know those Michigan State University), Dr. Budd Hall (Director of the University of Victoria’s Office of Community who have been pushed or left out of our education instituitons.”
SCHOLARSHIP
– Budd Hall
Based Research), and a host of others in this diverse field of study.
Dr. Dennis Foth (left) Dr. Fay Fletcher (right) Creating awareness of Extension’s research and engagement activities
EXTENSION WELCOMES ABORIGINAL CHILDREN’S RIGHTS ADVOCATE
A
renowned advocate for First Nations
sharing her advocacy for the rights of indigenous
children’s rights and a leading First Nations
children in Canada and around the globe. A member
First Nations Child and Family Caring Society and
organization have partnered with the University
of the Gitksan Nation in British Columbia, Blackstock the University of Alberta strengthens the faculty’s
of Alberta to uplift the rights and potential of
has worked in the field of child and family services
ongoing commitment to working with Aboriginal
Aboriginal children and families, strengthening the
for more than 20 years and founded two successful
and other external communities to promote learning
university’s commitment to engage with Aboriginal
First Nations non-profit organizations.
and beneficial research, working hand-in-hand with
communities.
Dr. Cindy Blackstock
Executive Director First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada
A dynamic partnership between the Faculty of
The author of more than 50 publications, her
The partnership between Blackstock, the
those communities, Campbell said.
key interests include exploring and addressing the
Extension and the First Nations Child and Family
causes of disadvantage for Aboriginal children,
views and knowledge that must be respected and
Caring Society of Canada began in 2011 as the
by promoting equitable and culturally based
encouraged in academia, and universities also have
executive director of the society, Cindy Blackstock,
interventions.
a responsibility to work with Aboriginal communities
joined the Faculty of Extension.
The U of A’s collaboration with Blackstock and
“I believe we can have a Canada where
“These communities bring important world
in ways that uplift their aspirations.”
First Nations children can grow up proud of who
the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of
they are, with the same opportunity as other
Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada
Canada—a groundbreaking First Nations human-
Canadian children,” Blackstock said. “Through this
“is a significant addition to Aboriginal initiatives
“Through this partnership
rights organization leading the way in Aboriginal
partnership with the U of A, I’m hoping to foster
that already exist within our faculty and at the
with the U of A, I’m hoping to
children’s rights—will result in meaningful
meaningful partnerships between First Nations and
university,” Campbell noted.
research, discovery and action for children said Katy
the University of Alberta that promote the human
Campbell, dean of the Faculty of Extension.
and cultural rights of First Nations children and
foster meaningful partnerships between First Nations and
Partnering with Blackstock and the First
Blackstock, in partnership with indigenous
families.”
peoples around the globe, has supported the
community-based learning and engagement
indigenous child rights. This provides an opportunity
opportunities for the university community and the
and Family Caring Society of Canada, students will
for U of A scholars and students across campus to
cultural rights of First Nations
communities involved with the First Nations Child
explore the issues facing Aboriginal children and
explore the connections between the human and
children and families.”
and Family Caring Society of Canada,” Campbell
families and learn about the workings of effective
indigenous rights of Aboriginal peoples in Canada to
said. “University-community engagement anchors
systemic advocacy and policy. The university will
the experience of those in other parts of the world,
our faculty’s mission and mandate through Dare to
also support and make available to students the
Campbell added.
Discover.”
society’s First Peoples Child & Family Review, a
the University of Alberta that promote the human and
– Cindy Blackstock
“I am especially excited about the two-way
Blackstock, who holds a BA in psychology, a
master’s degree in management and a PhD in social
CITIZENSHIP
work, will be teaching graduate students at the U of A,
Through Blackstock and the First Nations Child
peer-reviewed journal dedicated to promoting interdisciplinary research, practice and policy focused on Aboriginal perspectives, while respecting indigenous cultural property rights.
development of United Nations instruments on
“We are excited about Cindy’s passion and her
ability to bring people along in a transformative way that creates positive change for children and their families.”
MAPPING EARLY CHILD DEVELOPMENT IN ALBERTA “We’ve done pilot study work that shows that a large number of Alberta’s children are falling below where we would expect them to be in their development. We call them ‘vulnerable’ – they are not progressing as would be expected for children of their age. If you were to ask me how many children fall into that ‘vulnerable group,’ I would have to say between 25 and 30 percent.”
– Dr. Susan Lynch
Early Child Mapping Project (ECMap) research team Back left to right – Olenka Melnyk, Adrienne Matheson, Susan (Sue) Lynch and Cindy Post Front left to right – Line Marie Perron, Vijaya Krishnan and Corinne D’Souza
D
r. Susan Lynch was happily retired when the
in their development,” she said. “We call them
better understanding of how young children are
socio-demographic data gathered by Statistics
Alberta government launched an initiative to
‘vulnerable;’ their development is not progressing
developing in Alberta and the factors affecting
Canada, and community asset data gathered by
address developmental delays in children entering
as would be expected for someone their age
their development. When the need for research
people living in communities throughout Alberta,
kindergarten. With a diverse background in early
in one or more of five key readiness categories
leadership became apparent, Alberta Education
the developmental measurement data collected will
childhood education, including 14 years of teaching
(physical health and well-being; social development; approached Extension’s Community-University
then be synthesized into population-based profiles
elementary school, eight years in public school
emotional development; intellectual and language
Partnership for the Study of Children, Youth, and
that show how young children are developing in
administration, and 14 years with the Alberta
development; and communication and general
Families (CUP), which has been bridging gaps
communities across the province.
Government’s Department of Education, Dr. Lynch
knowledge). If you were to ask me how many
among research, practice and policy in Alberta
has a pedigree that made her an obvious choice
children fall into that ‘vulnerable’ group, I would
communities since 2000.
to direct the province’s ambitious Early Child
have to say between 25 and 30 percent.”
government and, ultimately, to assist communities
Development Mapping (ECMap) project.
will analyze developmental measurement results
in implementing local plans to support children and
for approximately 45,000 kindergarten children,
their families in achieving developmental readiness.
shows that a fairly large number of children are
community development initiative funded by Alberta
using the data to graphically map the five areas
falling below where we would expect them to be
Education. The project’s central goal is to provide
of early child development. Also making use of
“We’ve done some pilot study work that
DISCOVERY
The Early Child Mapping Project (ECMap)
profiles to generate recommendations to the
is part of a $25-million, five-year research and
Twice within a five-year period, Sue’s team
The main purpose is to use the resulting
CREATING CHANGE THROUGH COLLABORATION t is December in Edmonton and the temperature
I
to increase the capacity of community members,
is -25° Centigrade–an almost “polar” contrast to
including service providers, policy makers,
Neil Panchmatia’s childhood home in Kenya. But
researchers, and other stakeholders to engage in
climatic differences don’t concern Neil, who is one
community-based research and evaluation (CBRE)
of the first graduate students to choose to study at
in support of the development of children, youth,
the University of Alberta because of Extension’s new
and families. “From what we can determine, there’s
Graduate Certificate in Community-Based Research
no credit certificate at the graduate level in this
and Evaluation (CBRE).
field of study in North America, and this is the first
“I grew up in Kenya with a lot of stark social
realities around me, and my family has always felt very strongly about social justice. As an East Indian
Dr. Sherry Ann Chapman
Graduate Certificate in CommunityBased Research and Evaluation (CBRE)
Sherry Ann.
perspective from birth: Now, I want to use who I am
experience,” adds Neil. “It gives people a chance
and what I’ve learned to attack social injustice at
to bring to the foreground issues that they’re
its roots. A big part of this goal is taking the CBRE
passionate about and want to learn more about.
Certificate.”
Plus the extra credential that appears on my
An innovative certificate, the CBRE is designed
The Graduate Certificate in Community-Based Research and Evaluation (CBRE) is for “anybody who works in research, wants to be more involved in the community, and would like to be formally recognized for it.”
participate in and lead CBRE projects. Since its
certificate program since 2007. Many of them have
According to Sherry Ann, this program is for
“anybody who works in research, wants to be more involved in the community, and would like to be formally recognized for it.” So far, students with backgrounds in dentistry, sociology, psychology, human ecology, pharmacy, history, and other fields have expressed interest in the certificate program.
As for Neil, the end of his educational road will
likely be his Kenyan community:
to support graduate students’ capacities to
“It’s also groundbreaking in my own
transcript complements my degree, so people interested in working with me or hiring me will see
“We have our family home and land in
Kenya, so I think I’m going to persuade my family to convert it into a school or hospice for street children. I want to provide them with a protective environment, because with small efforts, I believe we can guide them in the right direction.”
approval in May 2010, the Community-University Partnership for the Study of Children, Youth, and Families (CUP) has already seen what they describe as “a tremendous response from graduate students, post-graduates, undergraduates, and people working in policy making and practice fields.” This community of people has been watching and supporting the development of the participated in the CBRE Workshop Series. The goals of this six-part, full-day workshop series are
LEARNING
offered by the University of Alberta,” says
living in Africa, I’ve been lucky to have an outsider’s
– Sherry Ann Chapman
embedded, graduate-level certificate program
I’ve put in the extra effort to specialize.”
“I want to use who I am and what I’ve learned to attack social injustice at its roots. A big part of this goal is taking the CBRE Certificate.”
– Neil Panchmatia, graduate student
OVERCOMING 80 DEGREES OF SEPARATION
100 YEARS OF EXTENSION
climate shock.
I
to “carry the University to the people.” Soon enough,
t seems like just yesterday that Henry Marshall
his fellow ELP students go through: culture and
Tory, the first President of the University of Alberta,
called for the creation of a Department of Extension
“It was plus-fifty Centigrade when I left
Jeddah,” he said. “When I touched down in
A.E. Ottewell, our first Director, and other pioneers
Edmonton, it was minus-thirty. I had never been to
of Extension, were traveling to communities of rural
Canada before. I barely spoke the language at all.
Alberta, delivering lectures, “Magic Lantern” slide
And I missed my bus. Twice.”
shows and films, mobilizing knowledge, teaching new skills, spreading advances in agricultural
With his timeline for beginning graduate
technologies, and applying innovations in
studies firmly in mind, Hamza’s initial English
“I set a goal to become proficient within a year and a half…”
proficiency placement tests were less than
H
the program and begin his Master’s study within 14
determination that won the 28-year-old Master’s
amza Ahmad Saeed would be a “big man on campus” just because of his imposing physical
stature, but it was his winning way and sheer of Construction Engineering the admiration of both his fellow students and his instructors in Extension’s English Language Program.
“When I started working in the private sector
in Jeddah, my boss told me I would have to be conversant in English to have a future at the company, so I set a goal to become proficient within a year and a half, after which I could begin
favourable: Hamza would have to begin at the very
basic level of ESL 115. In order to graduate from
and bright future with a variety of events, symposia,
months, he would have to enroll in and pass a total of 10 English Language courses. “At the beginning and end of the program, it
was all study, all the time,” he recounts. “If I failed even one course, I would fall short of my goal and have to wait another year to apply for my Master’s program.”
Not only did Hamza succeed, he achieved
excellent marks, and took on the role of ELP Student Ambassador for the entire length of his study.
studying Construction Engineering full-time,” Hamza
explains.
teachers and my friends in the program were all
Recalling the challenges he faced as he
embarked on this ambitious goal, Hamza is matterof-fact, and his experience reflects what many of
INTERNATIONALIZATION
educational delivery.
“My experience was wonderful,” he says. “The
very helpful and offered excellent guidance not only in my studies, but also in getting through day-to-day life in Edmonton.”
A.E. Ottewell
Director of Extension, 1912
In 2012, Extension celebrates its rich history
and research projects. For a full listing of events throughout the year, please visit:
www.100yearsofextension.ca
EXTENSION PROGRAMS Graduate
Languages Management Development
Professional Association Accreditation Affiliations
(MACT)
Management Development for Police Services
Canadian Institute of Management
Graduate Certificate in Community-Based Research
Management Development for Professional
Fellowship in Risk Management
Master of Arts in Communications & Technology
& Evaluation (CBRE) Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
Certificate, Citation and General Interest Programs Adult & Continuing Education (CACE) Applied Geostatistics Applied Land Use Planning Business Analysis
Engineers, Geologists, and Geophysicists Insurance Institute of Canada National Advanced Certificate in Local Authority Administration (NACLAA)
Management Accountants
Occupational Health and Safety
Purchasing and Supply Management
Residential Interiors
Qualified Administrative Assistants
Spanish Language
Association Non-Credit
Supervisory Development Writing & Editing
Spring Session for Adults 50+ Edmonton Lifelong Learners Assocation (ELLA)
Institutes and Centres
Business Seminars and Short Courses City-Region Studies Centre Construction Administration Community-University Partnership for the Study of English Language Program (ESL)
Children, Youth, and Families (CUP)
Environmental Resource Management
Centre for Public Involvement (proposed)
Fine Arts
Conferences
Human Resources Management
Information Access & Protection of Privacy
Information Access and Protection of Privacy
Community-University Engagement Showcase
Information Technology Management
For current program and course information, request a free Course Guide or visit our website: www.extension.ualberta.ca To learn more about Extension research and engagement activities, request a copy of the annual Research Report, or download it from our website.
Extension Publications: (780) 492-1218
FACULTY OF EXTENSION STATISTICAL OVERVIEW Course Registrations: 15,165 Number of Individual Learners: 8,507 Number of Instruction Hours: 717,893 Number of Courses: 803 Number of International Student Registrations: 3,845 Professoriate: 20 Number of Instructors: 338 Total Research Grants Awarded (2011): $18.4 Million 2010-2011 Research Activity Expenditure: $3.4 Million 2011-12 Fiscal Year Research Grant Budget: $3.5 Million
FACULTY OF EXTENSION PROFESSORIATE Marco Adria, PhD
Dennis Foth, PhD
Laurie Schnirer, PhD
Susan Lynch, PhD
Professor
Special Advisor to the Dean
Associate Director, Community-University
Early Child Development Mapping Project,
Partnership for the Study of Children, Youth, and
Community-University Partnership for the Study of
Families
Children, Youth, and Families
Master of Arts in Communications and Technology
Lois Gander, Q.C., LL.M.
Walter Archer, PhD
Academic Advisor, Information Access and
Interim Associate Dean, Engaged Learning
Protection of Privacy Program,
Rob Shields, PhD
Debra Pozega Osburn, PhD
Academic Director, Adult Learning and Liberal
Government Studies
Henry Marshall Tory Research Chair,
Vice-President (University Relations)
Executive Director, City-Region Studies Centre
University of Alberta
Studies Rebecca Gokiert, PhD Mary Beckie, PhD
Assistant Director, Early Childhood Measurement
Stanley Varnhagen, PhD
Academic Advisor, National Advanced Certificate in
and Evaluation, Community-University Partnership
Director, Evaluation and Research Services
Local Authority Administration
for the Study of Children, Youth, and Families Kyle Whitfield, PhD
Cindy Blackstock, PhD
Gordon Gow, PhD
Academic Advisor,
Executive Director, First Nations Child and Family
Director, Master of Arts in Communications and
Applied Land Use Planning Program
Caring Society
Technology
Government Studies
Katy Campbell, PhD
Martin Guardado, PhD
ADJUNCT PROFESSORS:
Professor and Dean, Faculty of Extension
Academic Director, English Language Program
Sherry Ann Chapman, PhD
Yoshitaka (Yoshi) Iwasaki, PhD
Professor, Psychology, University of Alberta
Assistant Director, Lifelong Learning and Knowledge
Director, Community-University Partnership for the
Community-University Partnership for the Study of
Mobilization, Community-University Partnership for
Study of Children, Youth, and Families
Children, Youth, and Families
Jeff Bisanz, PhD,
the Study of Children, Youth, and Families Helen Madill, PhD
Sharmila Ferris, PhD
Al Cook, PhD
Special Advisor to the Associate Dean,
Professor, Department of Communications,
Associate Dean (Research), Faculty of Extension
Engaged Learning
William Paterson University
Fay Fletcher, PhD
Maria Mayan, PhD
Academic Director,
Assistant Director, Women’s and Children’s Health,
Martin Garber Conrad, CEO
Aboriginal Health Promotion Citation
Community-University Partnership for the Study of
Edmonton Community Foundation
Children, Youth, and Families
Community-University Partnership for the Study of
Master of Arts in Communications and Technology
Children, Youth, and Families
Master of Arts in Communications and Technology Jane Springett, PhD Director, Centre for Health Promotion Studies School of Public Health
www.extension.ualberta.ca
WRITING:
Matt Steringa, Bev Betkowski
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Don Hammond Photography, Michael Lewcio, Dipanker Dutta
EDITING & DESIGN: Michael J. Cooke