NEWS RELEASE
LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY
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Lakehead University has been awarded $60,267 from the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT) to develop new and remodel existing health and science diploma to degree pathways.
“Now more than ever, ONCAT recognizes the need to create accessible diploma-to-degree pathways in the health and sciences disciplines,” said Shauna Love, Operations Director and Co-Lead, Interim Executive Director at ONCAT.
“As the world looks to these fields to meet ever-changing health and well-being needs, strong transfer pathways respond to student interest in completing studies in chemistry, biology and kinesiology but will also help meet pressing labour-market demands,” Love said.
Dr. Carlos Zerpa, an Associate Professor in the School of Kinesiology, and PhD student Kaylin Kainulainen have been awarded $47,971 to remodel and strengthen diploma to degree pathways into the Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology (HBK) degree program.
“From a broader perspective, the current global pandemic has had, and continues to accumulate, countless negative consequences for health and well-being,” Dr. Zerpa said.
“Demand for skilled professionals who can assist individuals in improving and maintaining physical and overall health will likely increase in the near future. Creating opportunities for more students to enter this field and receive high-quality training and education will contribute to meeting this demand,” he said.
Participating partners include Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology, Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology, Collège Boréal, Confederation College of Applied Arts and Technology, Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology, and Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology.
Dr. Craig MacKinnon, Professor of Chemistry, and Dr. Heidi Schraft, Associate Professor of Biology, have received $12,296 to work with Fanshawe College to develop a set of transfer pathways to and from Lakehead University in the Chemical Laboratory Technology - Science Laboratory Advanced Diploma and the Honours Bachelor of Science in Chemistry/Honours Bachelor of Science in Applied Life Science.
In addition, the project team will assess the viability of developing additional pathways into Lakehead University's medical concentration programs and related Engineering credentials.
“Graduates of both credentials often seek additional education to gain access to the workforce, access career advancement opportunities, and continue their journey of lifelong learning,” Dr. MacKinnon said.
“Currently, graduates of the advanced diploma do not have access to a formal transfer credit pathway into a straight Chemistry or Applied Sciences degree within Ontario and must leave the province (and sometimes the country) to access that type of credential,” Dr. Schraft said.
“Through ONCAT’s support for these projects, Lakehead University is able to continue to support the development of innovative health and science pathways to university,” said Dr. Michel S. Beaulieu, Associate Vice-Provost, Academic.
“Once launched, the pathways from these projects will contribute to our commitment to supporting a strong and resilient society.”
