Latest news with #GeorgianCollege


CTV News
7 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Georgian College becomes province's first institution to operate Industry 5.0 sandbox
Georgian College was just awarded a $1.75 million grant over five years - funding the province's first institution to run an Industry 5.0 sandbox. 'Georgian College is at the forefront of transformative and career-focused education,' said Georgian College president and CEO, Kevin Weaver. 'Among the college's many contributions is the development of a highly skilled regional talent pipeline. This grant also speaks directly to how Georgian College is unlocking opportunities regionally, nationally and, indeed, globally - strengthening the economy and providing substantial social benefits. This is a significant milestone for the college – its students, employers and the community.' This investment appoints the school a Technology Access Centre (TAC) by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, supporting its centre of industrial simulation and prototyping. The Industry 5.0 sandbox is a space where manufacturers can test, develop, and refine new technologies in a safe, flexible environment. This project hopes to bring expert consultation, applied research partnerships, technical services and specialized training to the area. According to the college, the Industry 5.0 takes advanced technologies with human-centred designs to build smarter, more sustainable, and resilient manufacturing systems. 'This funding reflects Georgian's national leadership in applied research and our commitment to helping industry drive innovation and economic growth,' said Dr. Mira Ray, Executive Director, Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Georgian College. The goal? To help manufacturers adopt these innovations by offering digital and physical simulation, design, prototyping, and training services all under one roof. The TAC designation places the institute among a national network of colleges connecting businesses with specialized research facilities and expertise. 'The TAC designation validates our community's shared vision and gives us the tools to deliver made-in-Ontario solutions, future-proof our students, and support regional economic development,' said Laleh Khodaparast, Georgian College's director of research and innovation.


CTV News
24-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
City of Barrie infuses $7.5M into Georgian College's cutting-edge downtown hub
Georgian College rendering of a new downtown hub in Barrie, Ont., that will welcome up to 1,000 students in the fall of 2026. The City of Barrie announced it is investing $7.5 million in Georgian College's new downtown location, a move that's expected to revitalize the city's core and support economic growth. The College says the new hub will welcome up to 1,000 students and focus on high-demand programs like design, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall made the funding announcement Tuesday while delivering his 2026 budget directions to city staff. According to the mayor, one per cent from an existing two per cent capital levy would be reallocated and used for new projects that involve partnerships between different levels of government, starting in 2027, with Georgian College as the first recipient. 'This is about ensuring taxpayers get maximum value for their dollars,' Nuttall said. Georgian College President Kevin Weaver called the downtown development a 'monumental step forward' for the institution and the community. 'Our new downtown location will offer cutting-edge facilities, strengthen our connection to the city, and provide students with immersive, real-world learning opportunities,' Weaver added. 'This is an investment in our city's future,' the mayor noted. 'Georgian's new location will be a cornerstone of downtown revitalization, attract new faces and energy, and fuel long-term growth in our downtown core.' Along with the city's investment, the College said the project would be funded through one-time capital reserves and fundraising efforts. Students are expected to fill the halls of the new hub by September 2026.


Cision Canada
04-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Helping Ontario Students Succeed: ONCAT Funds Innovative Projects to Support Postsecondary Learner Mobility
TORONTO, June 4, 2025 /CNW/ - Dr. Adrienne Galway, President and CEO of the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT), announced funding to support projects that help students access postsecondary opportunities across Ontario's public colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes. From April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, ONCAT awarded $2.04 million in funding for 29 institutional projects. "ONCAT's funding for institutional projects will reduce barriers and smooth transitions for learners," said Dr. Galway. "We prioritize innovative initiatives with the potential to scale or be adopted across institutions, that help learners successfully navigate their academic journey and receive appropriate recognition for previous academic and work experience. Our mission is to ensure that learners complete their postsecondary credentials and transition successfully into the workforce." "Our province's postsecondary education programs are building Ontario's workforce of today and tomorrow," said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. "Our government is proud to support ONCAT and their critical efforts to reduce barriers for students looking to get the training they need to begin successful careers that meet our province's labour market needs." "ONCAT's funding empowers institutions to collaborate and innovate in support of student success," said Kevin Weaver, President and CEO of Georgian College, and Co-Chair of ONCAT's Board of Directors. "These projects provide practical solutions that make it easier for learners to move forward with confidence," added Dr. Lesley Rigg, President and Vice-Chancellor of Brock University, and Co-Chair of ONCAT's Board of Directors. "Together, we're building a more connected and responsive postsecondary system that puts learners at the centre and helps them reach their full potential." ONCAT-funded projects showcase innovative approaches to enhancing learner mobility across Ontario's postsecondary sector. Examples of institutional projects and collaborative initiatives include: Building Pathways: Kinesiology to Massage Therapy Lead institution: Ontario Tech University Partner organization: Durham College Builds pathway opportunities from Kinesiology to Massage Therapy programs. By developing new course materials, the pathway will reduce the time required to complete a second program—helping learners enter the labour market sooner. Creating Engineering Pathways for Military-connected Learners Lead institution: Lakehead University Partner organization: Georgian College Develops specialized pathways for military-connected learners to enrol in accredited Bachelor of Engineering programs. By recognizing the skills and experiences from the Canadian Armed Forces, the project will expand access to programs that support in-demand labour market sectors. Embracing A Two-Eyed Seeing Approach to Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Lead institution: Brock University Project summary: Implements culturally relevant assessment practices for admission and advanced standing. By creating resources that support Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition, the project will increase opportunities for Indigenous learners to access postsecondary programs. Improving Program Delivery to Enhance Learner Mobility Lead institution: St. Clair College Improves program delivery to enhance accessibility and learner mobility. By modularizing courses, standardizing assessments, developing bridging resources and leveraging online platforms, the project will create flexible pathways that support student success. Developing Evidence-informed Practices for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Lead institution: Humber Polytechnic Develops evidence-informed resources for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition. By implementing new strategies and practices for PLAR advising, this project will help more learners access postsecondary opportunities that advance their professional goals. Improving Transfer Opportunities for Francophone and Bilingual Students Lead institution: Laurentian University Reviews a framework for articulation agreements between institutions that deliver French-language programs. By updating credit recognition analyses, the project will facilitate more opportunities for Francophone and bilingual students to pursue their educational and professional goals. Engaging Faculty to Support Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Lead institution: Loyalist College Creates resources that support faculty engagement with policies and practices related to Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition. By expanding PLAR awareness across the institution, this project will promote flexible, responsive and equitable access to postsecondary education. About ONCAT Established in 2011, the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT) plays a pivotal role in supporting learner mobility, working to support students seeking to move between the province's public colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes. ONCAT partners with postsecondary institutions to help establish academic pathways, facilitate recognition of prior learning, and support learners' transition into the labour market. ONCAT is funded by the Government of Ontario. To learn more, visit


CTV News
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- CTV News
New innovation lab could be a ‘game-changer' for automotive education in Barrie
A brand new Innovation Lab at Georgian College will fast track automotive education and bring digital tools to students in the classroom.

Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SUNY Niagara hires vice president of academic affairs
SUNY Niagara in Sanborn has announced the hire of Maher Ghalayini, PhD, as vice president of academic affairs, starting March 3. Ghalayini comes to the community college from St. Lawrence College in Kingston, Ont., where he serves as senior vice president of academics, overseeing the development and execution of the institution's academic services, according to Catherine Brown, SUNY Niagara's assistant vice president of human resources and Title IX coordinator. Ghalayini has 18 years of administrative leadership in education and holds a doctorate in international higher education administration, Brown said. She said he was chosen among five finalists for his executive skills and approach to innovation. 'We felt that with his background in leadership, he could take the institution to the next level as higher education is evolving,' Brown said. 'He really has a love for community colleges and the students that we serve.' As vice president of academic affairs, Ghalayini will oversee curriculum development and academic policy, and provide leadership to faculty. Ghalayini joined St. Lawrence College in 2023 after serving as associate vice president of academics at Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario. According to the Education News Canada website, Ghalayini led the creation and development of Georgian's 2022 — 2024 academic plan by collaborating with internal stakeholders and external industry partners. He also has experience at several Ontario universities as an adjunct professor and curriculum developer. SUNY Niagara is a two-year community college with campuses in Sanborn and downtown Niagara Falls. The college offers accredited courses in arts, business, health, technology, and culinary studies. President Dr. Lloyd A. Holmes did not respond to requests for comment.