Quality Education
| 4.3.1 Public resources (lifelong learning) |
Does your university as a body provide access to educational resources for those not studying at the university, e.g. computers, library, online courses, access to lectures, etc? Lakehead University is dedicated to providing access to educational resources that go beyond those studying at the university and extend to the communities we serve. Lakehead University offers access to a variety of educational resources and tools which include: Our campuses and facilities are open to the public, welcoming community members to explore, engage and attend lectures, seminars and events. Library services are available to students, staff, faculty, alumni and the general public at no cost. Access to computers is available throughout the University, and we also have a shared library services platform hosting an extensive collection of digital teaching materials, research resources, and learning materials. Lakehead University offers a range of free and paid programs and opportunities aimed at supporting lifelong learning through the Community Zone, including programs, courses and workshops offered by the Office of Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning. These programs are open to individuals of all ages.
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| 4.3.2 Public events (lifelong learning) |
Does your university as a body host events at university that are open to the general public: public lectures, community educational events? Lakehead University actively engages with the community by hosting a variety of events that are open to the general public. To stay informed about Lakehead University’s upcoming events, the Lakehead University Events Calendar features a mix of in-person and online events. This includes regularly organized public lectures and community educational sessions that are designed to be accessible to the general public. Lakehead University’s faculty, staff and students also participate in educational outreach activities in local schools and the broader community. Annually, Lakehead University hosts Research and Innovation Week to showcase the significant research and innovation impact of Lakehead’s researchers and students to the community in each of the regions we serve. These week-long events feature research presentations, poster sessions, exhibitions and demonstrations, workshops, public lectures and keynote speakers, student research competitions and community engagement in Thunder Bay and Orillia. In addition to annual events, Lakehead University also hosts specialized lecture series such as the Harold G. Fox Distinguished Lecture Series, and the Global Indigenous Speakers Series which highlights the theory, research, and practice of international Indigenous scholars and is offered virtually, making it easily accessible to both the university community, the general public and global audiences. |
| 4.3.3 Vocational training events (lifelong learning) |
Does your university as a body host events at university that are open to the general public: executive education programmes (this refers to short courses for people who are not attending the university; this specifically excludes courses like MBA) and/or vocational training? Lakehead University offers diverse programs, courses and workshops on a variety of topics to meet community needs on an ad-hoc and programmed basis through training and event opportunities that are open to the general public. Initiatives led by the Office of Community Engaged Lifelong Learning (CELL) and Third Age Learning Lakehead (TALL) offer a variety of programs, courses and workshops in a variety of areas to meet the needs of Lakehead’s surrounding communities. This includes ad-hoc lecture series that are offered throughout the year on various topics to provide intellectually stimulating and creative educational experiences for the public. Lakehead University’s Community Zone is a centralized hub offering innovative and accessible learning opportunities including lifelong learning, professional development and training through certificates, lectures, workshops, short courses and programs (microcredentials) developed to support local industry and labour market needs. For example, the Ontario Professional Tourism Industry Specialist (OPTIS) / Northern Ontario Professional Tourism Industry Specialist (NOPTIS) micro-credential was designed in partnership with the top industry leaders in Ontario tourism for upskilling existing employees within their current job, in addition to supporting the tourism sector to scale up in post-COVID recovery. Community Zone offers both paid and free learning opportunities that are open to the general public. Additional Resources |
| 4.3.4 Education outreach activities beyond campus |
Does your university as a body undertake educational outreach activities (e.g. tailored lectures or demonstrations) beyond campus, e.g. in local schools, in the community, including voluntary student-run schemes? Lakehead University is deeply engaged in educational outreach activities that extend beyond our campuses. These ad-hoc and programmed initiatives are coordinated through collaboration among faculties, departments, student-led organizations and researchers. The Let's Talk Science program connects educators and young learners to deliver a variety of science, technology, engineering and mathematics experiences at no cost. Let’s Talk Science actively cultivates curiosity and engagement in STEM subjects within local schools and throughout the broader community. Lakehead University’s Niijii Indigenous Mentorship Program currently delivers educational programming and a hands-on experience to thousands of Indigenous youth throughout Northwestern Ontario. The program frequently visits regional school classrooms to conduct a multitude of activities, experiments, and motivational challenges. Niijii matches experienced university students (at the undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels) with Indigenous high school students from all across the Thunder Bay region to create a positive connection that both inspires and assists the high school student in thinking about post-secondary through learning about science and cultural-based activities. Additional Resources: |
| 4.3.5 Lifelong learning access policy |
Does your university as a body have a policy that ensures that access to these activities is accessible to all, regardless of ethnicity, religion, disability immigration status or gender? Lakehead University has implemented policies to ensure that access to all university activities is inclusive and free from discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, disability, immigration status or gender. These policies are in alignment with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, reflecting the university’s commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive environment. All Lakehead University members and visitors have the fundamental right to engage in studying, working and living in an environment that is free from discrimination and violence. These principles are upheld through the university’s Human Rights Policy which serves as a cornerstone to foster diversity and protection of the rights and dignity of all individuals. The Office of Human Rights and Equity provides support to staff, faculty and students offering resources and assistance concerning discrimination, harassment, sexual violence and human rights. It operates in a secure and confidential environment, ensuring that all concerns are addressed with the utmost care and sensitivity. Lakehead University remains steadfast in upholding the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion and creating a welcoming and accessible experience for all. |
