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In the ever-evolving landscape of education and professional development, collaborative partnerships are emerging as catalysts for innovation. In 2023, Dalhousie University spearheaded transformative collaborations, shaping an innovative educational landscape. Partnering with the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA), a custom Certificate in Adult Education was offered. Simultaneously, the Faculty of Science pioneered a unique offering of the Certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, fostering inclusivity in scientific disciplines. Beyond the campus, the Faculty's enduring partnership with the Naval Fleet School Atlantic contributes significantly to Canada's national defense. Additionally, collaborations extend to New Brunswick Community College, emphasizing leadership development. The ground-breaking collaboration with Irving Shipbuilding pioneers an education program in systems engineering, responding to the growing demand for skilled professionals. These partnerships exemplify the transformative power of education, shaping a dynamic and inclusive workforce for the 21st century.

Enhancing Healthcare Education with NSHA

The collaboration with NSHA focuses on delivering a custom Certificate in Adult Education to a cohort of 25 individuals within the organization. Scheduled from September 2023 to June 2024, the certificate program offers eight distinct learning experiences covering program design, facilitation, instructional methods, inclusive learning spaces, online engagement, and diverse perspectives, including Indigenous viewpoints. Tailored to the diverse roles within NSHA, this program underscores the importance of customized education for healthcare professionals. By incorporating Indigenous perspectives, it aligns with the broader goal of fostering a culturally sensitive and inclusive healthcare environment.

Advancing Diversity in Science with the Faculty of Science

In a parallel initiative, the Faculty of Science at Dalhousie collaborates on a custom Certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDIA) for a cohort of 30 individuals. Utilizing a blended model, this certificate program combines online and face-to-face interactions to maximize accessibility and engagement. Beyond traditional diversity training, the curriculum delves into internal biases, definitions of equity, belonging, and inclusion, and the impact of lived experiences. Participants emerged with enhanced skills in fostering inclusive practices and communication, leading diverse teams, and developing inclusive policies within scientific disciplines.

Educational Synergy Beyond Dalhousie

Moving beyond Dalhousie's internal collaborations, partnerships extend to the Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development's enduring relationship with the Naval Fleet School Atlantic. Originating in the 1980s and evolving with Dalhousie's growth, this partnership provides instruction, curriculum development, and student support for naval recruits in Marine Systems Engineering and Combat Systems Engineering. This collaboration, deeply rooted in the social, economic, and cultural fabric of Halifax, not only symbolizes a shared purpose but significantly contributes to Canada's national defense.

Leadership Development with New Brunswick Community College

The Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development also engaged in an impactful partnership with New Brunswick Community College through the Academic Leadership Certificate program. Designed to cultivate effective leaders in academia, this program, now in its second dedicated cohort, emphasizes adult learning principles, leadership development theory, and practical, action-based experiences. The "action leadership projects" undertaken by participants address real-world challenges in student housing, employee engagement, and open enrollment options for students.

Pioneering Systems Engineering with Irving Shipbuilding

In a ground-breaking collaboration, Irving Shipbuilding has partnered with Dalhousie University to develop an education program in systems engineering. With over $176,000 in funding, this program, initiated by systems engineer Ray Jonkers, addresses the growing demand for professionals skilled in understanding complex systems. The program offers a just-in-time training experience, attracting employees from diverse industries such as ocean technology, aerospace, and defense.

The collaborations in 2023 between Dalhousie University and various external partners underscore the transformative potential of educational partnerships. By customizing programs to meet specific challenges in healthcare, science, naval engineering, leadership development, and systems engineering, these initiatives pave the way for a more informed, inclusive, and empowered workforce. As these partnerships continue to evolve, they exemplify the innovative spirit required to meet the demands of the 21st century, creating a landscape where education not only enriches individual experiences but also propels entire industries forward.

Contact us at openlearning@dal.ca to get more information about customized learning for your organization or team.