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Red Deer Polytechnic continues to grow its breadth of industry-relevant education opportunities with the approval of a number of new or revitalized programs. Learners can apply to RDP now to begin the new programs in September 2023. The breadth of new programs demonstrates Red Deer Polytechnic’s continued movement to develop more ways for students to design their learning pathways while continuing to ensure those pathways connect students to employment after graduation. “We are excited to add these new and re-energized programs to our comprehensive mix of industry-relevant programming at Red Deer Polytechnic,” says Dr. Paulette Hanna, Interim Vice President Academic. “The knowledge and skills that graduates will possess help to address the needs of the labour market, communities and learners, advancing the economic and social interests of Alberta.” Red Deer Polytechnic’s new programs, which are open for enrolment for Fall 2023 Term are: Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies: Students design a four-year degree that can be completed entirely in Red Deer. The program pathway allows students to achieve their specific career and learning goals by combining courses across a range of disciplines in the Humanities and Social Sciences, with elective options in Business, Health, Science, and the Creative Arts

As a way for organizations and employers to connect with students and potential employees, Red Deer Polytechnic is set to host its first Education and Career Expo: Thursday, April 27 Red Deer Polytechnic’s Main Campus Day session: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Evening session: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM With funding from the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, and Careers, Red Deer Polytechnic is proud to collaborate with central Alberta exhibitors, employers, teachers, and community members to offer an educational and immersive experience for students and community members to explore a variety of programs and careers. Grade 8 to 11 students can attend RDP during the day session to learn about the breadth of more than 80 industry-relevant programs offered at Red Deer Polytechnic. In addition, central Alberta exhibitors and employers will have the opportunity to engage with Polytechnic students and youth to increase their awareness about various careers through hands-on and interactive displays. Employers will have further opportunities, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, to connect with high school and post-secondary students, along with community members who are looking to enter the workforce or are seeking a career change. Red Deer Polytechnic will also host program presentations

The diverse ways in which faculty, staff and students make an impact through applied research by solving society’s challenges was on display yesterday at Red Deer Polytechnic’s (RDP) annual Research Showcase. During more than 20 different presentations, RDP faculty, staff and students presented to about 150 community members some of the current applied research that they are conducting. Presentations highlighted the breadth of programming and applied research at the Polytechnic, with topics that spanned disciplines including animation and visual effects, education, nursing, science and sociology. “The Research Showcase demonstrated the vast research that is led by learners, faculty, and staff from across the institution, addressing challenges and opportunities in industry and society,” says Dr. Paulette Hanna, Interim Vice President Academic. “As a polytechnic, we connect our applied research, education, and training to develop skills, knowledge and solutions that provide meaningful impact for Alberta and further abroad.” One of the students who participated in RDP’s Research Showcase was Payton Baltzer. He is enrolled in the Polytechnic’s Bachelor of Science – Biological Sciences program and is also a forward on the Kings Basketball team. He presented two different research projects, including one in which he studied the home range size of female

At a small gathering this afternoon, Red Deer Polytechnic leaders and members of the Welikoklad family toured the newly named Welikoklad Simulation Lab to learn more about the upgrades made possible through a generous donation from Bill and Irma Welikoklad. In the Welikoklad Simulation Lab, Health Sciences students work through simulations of real-world patient care scenarios, which are facilitated by instructors. These experiences help students develop competence and confidence in a safe environment. In simulation, students may either work with actors, who represent a variety of patient scenarios, or with high-fidelity manikins that simulate a range of high-pressure situations, such as cardiac arrest. At the event this afternoon, attendees observed two Bachelor of Science - Nursing students participating in a high-fidelity simulation involving a post-operative complication. Experiential learning opportunities for students help them connect classroom theory to the real-world application of their skills, which is important across all programs. “For students in our Health Sciences programs, the scenarios they work through in the safe environment of the Welikoklad Simulation Lab help them to develop critical skills in patient care,” says Sharon Hamilton, Dean of the School of Community, Wellness and Health “Through these experiential learning opportunities, including mandatory professional practice

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February is Black History Month in Canada, where we honour the contributions, achievements and lived experiences of Black community members. At Red Deer Polytechnic, we honour the contributions, achievements and lived experiences of students, alumni, faculty and staff. Read on to discover the strength, resilience and passion of RDP's community members. Meet Wemi and Encounter His Passion for Social and Racial Justice Meet Wemi whose passion for impacting, helping and advocating for people led him to pursue his studies in the Social Work Diploma program at Red Deer Polytechnic. Wemi is from Nigeria and emigrated to Canada, and he also holds a degree in Industrial Chemistry. “Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate Black community members who had influenced and significantly impacted their society. It's an opportunity to create awareness of the legacy of the heroes in the past. These people have helped shape and well position our society. I am passionate about social and racial justice because of their common traits: fairness, equitable division, and opportunity. As a prospective social worker, I want to fight for the right and justice of the oppressed, irrespective of who they are or what they believe. We live in a dysfunctional world where people

Red Deer Polytechnic has reimagined the way that it provides learners with applicable volunteer, learning and employment opportunities, along with career guidance, through the Career Education and Experience Development (CEED) Centre. With the efficient combination of several RDP departments such as Career Services and Work-Integrated Learning, the CEED Centre is a comprehensive, centralized hub on main campus that offers career education services to help meet the needs of students, alumni, employers, and organizations. The CEED Centre’s resources and free services, which include workshops and resumé building, are offered on campus and virtually. “The valuable services provided through the CEED Centre complement Red Deer Polytechnic’s industry-relevant programming and range of credentials,” says Dr. Paulette Hanna, Interim Vice-President Academic. “The dedicated staff within the CEED Centre facilitate collaborative connections between students and organizations, which further prepare learners to become successful leaders in their careers.” Along with partnering with employers and industry, the CEED Centre collaborates with faculty and staff across the Polytechnic to help students obtain skills, workplace experiences and jobs. Through the Centre, students are matched with appropriate work-integrated learning opportunities, including internships, co-ops, and required professional practices with regional industry. These opportunities are beneficial to students, organizations, employers, the region

Red Deer Polytechnic is excited to host the Indigenous Perspectives Conference from February 9-10, 2023. The conference, which is planned by student volunteers, provides Polytechnic learners, faculty, staff, alumni, educators and community members with immersive academic, cultural and social experiences. The Indigenous Perspectives Conference, which is organized by the Education Undergraduate Society of Red Deer Polytechnic in collaboration with several partners, offers a range of engaging sessions. The sessions include Indigenous Games and Cross-Curriculum Connections, Talking Circles, Nehiyam/Cree Language Lesson, The Spirt of the Métis, and Tipi Teachings. “The Indigenous Perspectives Conference plays an important role in the academic, personal and professional journey of many people by growing their knowledge and understanding of Indigenous experiences and perspectives,” says Annika Sudlow, Vice President of RDP Education Undergraduate Society and Advisor of the Indigenous Perspectives Conference. “Through the generosity of our sponsors – Central Alberta Regional Consortium, Indigenous Student Services, and support through the Cultural Activities Trust Fund provided by the RDP Students’ Association – we are able to offer this conference at no cost, which reduces barriers to participate.” Kendra Rosychuk, a Cree and Ukrainian pow wow dancer, will be the keynote speaker on February 9. Rosychuk is a fitness trainer

Red Deer Polytechnic is proud to be ranked 38th on Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges 2022 list by Research Infosource Inc . The ranking highlights that in 2021, Red Deer Polytechnic attracted $2.6 million in applied research investment. It is also ranked first in the country in annual growth in research income. “We are proud of our institution’s ranking and growth in applied research income,” says Dr. Maureen Toews, Associate Vice President of Teaching, Learning, and Research. “With world-class facilities, strong partnerships, and expert faculty and staff, Red Deer Polytechnic will continue to enhance its funding and applied research impact.” The Polytechnic’s Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing-Technology Access Centre (CIM-TAC) and Energy Innovation Centre (EIC), which includes the Alternative Energy Lab, are key on-campus applied research and learning hubs. In 2022, 73 projects were initiated in the CIM-TAC, supporting innovation and economic prosperity across Alberta for 57 companies. Staff conducted more than 1,300 engagements with industry representatives. The CIM-TAC currently houses $6.6 million in advanced manufacturing equipment. As a key driver of economic and social prosperity in the province, the Polytechnic is proposing a $16 million expansion to the CIM-TAC. This expansion will increase RDP’s ability to support Alberta companies

Red Deer Polytechnic is pleased to welcome Patrick Machacek as Vice President, Development & Partnerships. “This exciting new position will provide leadership toward RDP’s strategic and operational planning, communications and marketing, applied research, extended education, external relations and also guide our partnerships with industry and the community,” says Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic. “Patrick’s experience and track record speaks for itself, and we look forward to his contributions to RDP and the Red Deer region.” Patrick has spent his career as a fund development professional. He has more than twenty years leading post-secondary external relations portfolios including roles as the Vice President, Development & Strategy at Olds College; Vice President, Transformation at NorQuest College; and Associate Vice President, Advancement, Communications & Corporate Training at NAIT. During the past two decades, Mr. Machacek has led teams and implemented new business models that have produced significant impact. Through his leadership, he has increased enrolments, market and brand growth, enhanced industry and stakeholder engagement, and raised more than $450 Million in donations, research funding, corporate training, capital grants and other earned revenues. Patrick received his undergraduate education from the University of Lethbridge (BA) and his MBA from Queen’s University. “I am

Eligible Red Deer Polytechnic students will have the opportunity to enhance their competencies and career opportunities by participating in unique global experiences, including in Costa Rica and Saint Lucia, through the newly launched RDP Abroad program. This exciting study and work abroad program will provide learners with valuable opportunities to experience different cultures, develop their skills, and grow academically and personally through life-enhancing experiences. These academic and cultural learning opportunities are offered through the Global Skills Opportunity program , which is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada and jointly administered by Colleges and Institutes Canada and Universities Canada. Through the RDP Abroad Biology Experience, students enrolled in Red Deer Polytechnic’s Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences degree can apply to work with the Centre for Rescue of Endangered Marine Species ( CREMA ) and Turtle Trax , which are organizations responsible for sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica. Learners will participate in applied research while receiving credit for their work. Students have the option to select a three-week volunteer experience or apply for a three-month research assistant role. In addition, learners enrolled in the Polytechnic’s Practical Nurse Diploma program can develop their health promotion skills and expand global connections

Eighteen months ago, Red Deer College was formally re-designated Red Deer Polytechnic. Central Alberta’s largest post-secondary institution embarked on a journey to fundamentally shift its purpose and elevate its economic and social impact to benefit the province. Our new designation brought with it a new name, a new brand and even a new logo for our athletic teams. However, the evolution to becoming a polytechnic was not merely a marketing exercise or a cosmetic upgrade. As we close out 2022, I am reflecting on two key questions that are often top of mind for those with whom I have spoken: what does it mean to be a polytechnic and why does it matter? In my view these questions are key to our identity and the answers below will guide our accomplishments in the years to come. What does it mean to be a polytechnic? As described within Alberta’s Post-secondary Learning Act, a polytechnic is focused on the economic and social interests of the province. It operates a “bigger game” than a community college (whose focus is its region) and offers industry-relevant programming and enhanced applied research opportunities. It is fundamentally applied, externally focused, and responsive to the needs of employers