Library

Library and Academic Services

General

“Guide” your Pride with Library Guides!

June 1, 2023

Note: This post was previously published on May 26, 2022, and has been updated for the current year.

Pride is a celebration of confidence, self-respect, and solidarity as expressed by 2SLGBTQIA+ people, associated with openness about one’s own sexual and/or gender identity, and the celebration of Queer culture and history. It is also a protest in support of human rights and equality for all those who express sexual and gender diversity. This protest demands political, industry, health care, and community leaders address the human rights concerns of the Queer community and move toward positive and informed change.

Library Guides are subject and database-specific curated collections of library and external resources, that provide instruction, and “jumping off points” for unlocking your full capacity to find well-sourced and high-quality resources and information.

Encouraging allyship is important for everyone and helps to make the world a more inclusive and affirming place.  We encourage you to activate your allyship by exploring queer resources, data, and history. Library Guides are subject and database-specific curated collections of library and external resources, that provide instruction, and “jumping off points” for unlocking your full capacity to find well-sourced and high-quality resources and information.

Below we have highlighted Guides that support learning about gender and sexual diversity. Learning is an important part of allyship. The impact of 2SLGBTQIA+ -specific allyship also extends beyond benefiting Queer identities by decreasing the likelihood of implicit and explicit bias, and removing barriers to true inclusion.

Why Diversity Matters

As part of our efforts to foster respect and inclusion, we need to recognize our cultural biases or assumptions, regarding expectations of gender roles/expressions. Rather than either/or, gender and sexual identities are unique, fluid, and complex.

When talking about the complexities of cultural identities, we sometimes focus on ethnicity, language, or religion. However, gender and sexual diversity also play a key role in our identities and day-to-day lives. As part of our efforts to foster respect and inclusion, we need to recognize our cultural biases or assumptions, regarding expectations of gender roles/expressions. Rather than either/or, gender and sexual identities are unique, fluid, and complex.

Featured Guide:

>> Intercultural Competence & Diversity – Gender and Sexual Diversity

Why Health and Well-Being Matters

Sexual health can be a challenging issue to discuss in the clinical context. Studies have reported that some healthcare providers may face barriers to discussing sexual health with their 2SLGBTQIA+ patients, including a lack of knowledge of same-sex sexual practices.

“Although 2SLGBTQIA+  people are as diverse as the general Canadian population in their experiences of mental health and well-being, they face higher risks for some mental health issues due to the effects of discrimination and the social determinants of health.”[i]

Featured Guides:

>> Gender Studies for Health Professionals 

>> Indigenous Health & Well-Being, Two-Spirit Resources

>> Sexual Violence Awareness – Education, Prevention and Supports – 2SLGBTQIA+ Perspectives

Why Statistics Matter

Statistics around gender and sexual diversity help us gain a better understanding of the Queer experience and help researchers, advocates, and the Queer community use data to illustrate the concerns of 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Statistics can also be used to track the impact of policy changes that affect 2SLGBTQIA+ people as a whole, or within more specific identity groups. This helps ensure data-informed decisions are made when advocating for positive change or advocating against changes that will negatively impact the needs of gender and sexually-diverse people. Statistics are a powerful lens through which we can view the Queer experience and community.

Queer statistics are often in short supply.  “…Canada made history by becoming the first country in the world to provide census data on transgender and non-binary people!

Queer statistics are often in short supply.  “…Canada made history by becoming the first country in the world to provide census data on transgender and non-binary people! This type of data is so important not only because it allows all Canadians to see themselves in national statistics, but also because it helps to fill a long-standing information gap on gender diversity.”

Featured Guides:

>> Health Indicators & Health-based Statistics (See “Looking for Specific Populations”)

>> Statistics Canada See (“Looking for Specific Populations”)

You’re Invited! Join RRC Polytech in the Pride Parade

The Pride Parade is coming up on Sunday, June 4, 2023!

Everyone in the College community is invited and encouraged to bring friends, family, and pets downtown for a few hours to celebrate inclusivity and share the love, as we show off our support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

On behalf of Library and Academic Services, we wish everyone a safe and happy Pride! We remain dedicated to providing a respectful atmosphere that is diverse, inclusive, and equitable to our students, staff, and external partners. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths and our goal is to provide a barrier-free environment for individuals to succeed in their academic, employment, and research goals.

Written by Ebony Novakowski, Copyright Officer; edited by Linda Fox, Program Support and Promotion


[i] “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans & Queer identified People and Mental Health”, Canadian Mental Health Association, https://ontario.cmha.ca/documents/lesbian-gay-bisexual-trans-queer-identified-people-and-mental-health/

[ii] “Representation is an essential part of treating everyone with dignity and equality (SDG 10)”, Colleges and Institutes Canada, last modified May 16th 2022, Perspectives, May 16 (collegesinstitutes.ca)

Book Tasting: Feast on Words and Ideas from Indigenous Writers Across Canada

May 31, 2023

Photo of an Indigenous person. Text: Book Tasting  - Indigenous Heritage Month. Feast on words and ideas from Indigenous writers across Canada.

A Book Tasting in Honour of Indigenous Heritage Month

You are invited to drop in, sample, and “take out” (sign out) a book with your staff or student ID at the upcoming book tasting in the Library. Our menu will feature a selection of works by Indigenous authors in honour of Indigenous Heritage Month.

When and where?

Exchange District Campus Library

Monday, June 12
11:30am-1:30pm

Notre Dame Campus Library

Monday, June 19
11:30am-1:30pm

Photo Gallery

Exchange District Campus Library – June 12, 2023

Notre Dame Campus Library – June 19, 2023

Sneak Preview: A Book Sampling by Category

The menu will feature five genres of books, such as the sampling you see below. Click on the book covers for more information about each title.

Memoir and Biography

cover art

My privilege, my responsibility : a memoir
North, Sheila, author.
2021

cover art

Nothing will be different : a memoir
McGowan-Ross, Tara, 1992- author.
2021

Children and Youth

cover art

The trail of Nenaboozhoo and other creation stories
Bomgiizhik, 1975- author, illustrator. ; Belcourt, Christi, illustrator, editor.
2020

cover art

I sang you down from the stars
Spillett-Sumner, Tasha, 1988- author. ; Goade, Michaela, illustrator.
2021

cover art

Fry bread : a Native American family story
Maillard, Kevin Noble, author. ; Martinez-Neal, Juana, illustrator.

Culinary Arts

cover art

A feast for all seasons : traditional native people’s cuisine
George, Andrew, Jr., 1963- author. ; Gairns, Robert, author.
2010

cover art

Tawaẃ : progressive Indigenous cuisine
Chartrand, Shane, author.
2019

Ebooks

cover art

Blue Bear Woman
Bordeleau, Virginia Pesemapeo
2019

cover art

Bones
Pennock, Tyler
2020

cover art

A two-spirit journey : the autobiography of a lesbian Ojibwa-Cree elder
Chacaby, Ma-Nee, author. ; Plummer, Mary Louisa, author.
2016

Literature

cover art

Kisiskâciwan : Indigenous voices from where the river flows swiftly
Archibald-Barber, Jesse Rae, 1972- editor.
2018

cover art

Five little Indians
Good, Michelle, author.
2020

cover art

Tainna = The unseen ones : short stories
Dunning, Norma, author.
2021

cover art

Daughters of the deer
Daniel, Danielle, author.
2022

Non-Fiction

cover art

Indian in the cabinet : speaking truth to power
Wilson-Raybould, Jody, 1971-, author.
2021

cover art

Black Water : family, legacy and blood memory
Robertson, David, 1977-, author.
2020

Hope to see you there! If you have any questions or feedback for the Library, come and visit us in person or send us a message through our Ask Us Chat — we’d love to hear from you.

Written by Linda Fox – Library Technician, Program Support and Promotion

Know Your Resources! Part 2: Alexander Street Nursing Video Collections

May 29, 2023

The Library at RRC Polytech has an abundance of resources to help you with your studies, research, and even pastimes. Over the next few weeks, we will highlight some of the fantastic databases that you have access to.

What are databases?

So, databases. What are they? How are they useful? And why are there so many? The databases we subscribe to are specifically chosen to align with the college’s programs, initiatives, and individual courses that are offered to our students. Each database has specific information on areas of interest to help with your studies. Some databases are specifically ebooks, some are journals on the latest information in the field, and some are entirely composed of videos.

To optimize the availability of information, there are several databases we subscribe to. The great thing about this is you simply choose one database and search for what you need as opposed to having too many results about irrelevant topics.

Each database has different tricks and tips to make sure you’re able to search for the right information. They’re not all set up the same and each will have its own set of rules to make sure you’re getting the most out of it.

Let’s explore one of our newest additions to the database collection.

Two collections offer over 600 videos on nursing topics

This week’s featured resources are collections within a new database that RRC Polytech’s library has decided to try out. The database itself is called Alexander Street. We have subscribed to two different collections, which are also referred to as channels, within it: Nursing and Mental Health in Video: A Symptom Media Collection and Nursing Education in Video: Third Edition. Together, both collections provide over 600 videos on healthcare topics to help with studying or teaching.

Collection 1: Nursing and Mental Health in Video: A Symptom Media Collection

If you’re looking for information related to mental health, this will be a resource for you. This extensive collection has real case studies of different forms of mental illnesses and their symptoms. The information provided will help to understand patients and key takeaway videos for case studies. 

Collection 2: Nursing Education in Video: Third Edition

Medcom has been providing high-quality, award-winning training videos for healthcare professionals for years. Luckily, all their up-to-date videos can be found within this collection. Useful for professionals and students alike, the training videos are real examples of clinical practice.

Since Alexander Street is a database and there are many different channels, searching for information can be a little overwhelming and even frustrating. Below are some ways to maximize your results and make sure you’re finding relevant content.

When you first open the database, you’ll be on the front page of the collection that you’ve chosen, from the Databases A-Z List, which will look like the image below.

The opening page of the collection within the Alexander Street database.

From the front page of the collection, you can see there are a few ways to browse videos by using a search bar, filtering, or playing the entire channel.


When Using the Search Bar, Filter to “Current Channel”

The search bar of this database is finicky. As mentioned, Alexander Street hosts many different collections/channels. If you search for something incorrectly, it may show you content that you will not have access to. When you begin a search, make sure that the filter is set to “Current channel” (as shown in the image below).

This image shows how the filter beside the search bar is set to “Current channel.”

If you use this filter, you’ll be able to find the appropriate results which you can either filter through or browse through later.

Search results for the keyword “geriatric,” using the “Current Channel” filter.

Without the “Current Channel” filter

What happens if you forget to do that and you search in “All videos” or “All channels?” Then your results are going to be skewed, as shown in the image below.

This search didn’t filter to “Current Channel,” and produced results with irrelevant topics and videos that aren’t available to us.

Return to the Nursing Video Channels

You can get back to the channels owned by RRC Polytech by clicking the menu bar on the upper left corner of the page (shown below).

From here, select “Collections”

You will be taken to this page where you can go back to browsing our subscriptions.


Filtering results in conjunction with a keyword search

You can use filtering alongside search terms, as shown below searching with the keyword “depression.”

Filtering results without a keyword search

Generally, when you’re searching through databases the filters go alongside a search term. However, in this database filtering can be used on its own without having to use search terms. It’s very convenient because it lets you see what kind of options are available to browse and you’re able to narrow down your results significantly.


With your new knowledge of Alexander Street, you’re now ready to look at these resources on your own. Keep your skills fresh and expand your existing knowledge by looking at these great healthcare resources.

Stay tuned for more of “Know Your Resources!”

Keep an eye out for the next installment of Know Your Resources! where we will continue to explore all the great resources the Library has to offer. If you have any questions on how to access or navigate something come and visit us in the Library or send us a message through our Ask Us Chat — we’d love to assist you.

The previous edition of Know Your Resources! is available here >> Part 1: SafetyHub

Written by Justine Hawley – Library Resource Management Technician

RED Forum Spotlight! Building and Using Open Educational Resources

May 25, 2023

At RRC Polytech, faculty and staff have begun using existing Open Educational Resources (OER’s) to support their work with students. This past year, Rebecca Hiebert and Emilie Jackson, while working in the Academic Success Centre in Library and Academic Services, adapted a compilation of OE resources to create College Success for Newcomers, an OER in the form of an e-book.

What are Open Educational Resources (OERs)?

OERs can come in many different formats. In general, OERs are educational materials such as: textbooks, problem sets, assessments, slide decks, videos, lesson plans, study guides, handouts, info graphics, and other educational content that can be used for free and without permission.  

OERs are resources published under an open license, such as Creative Commons allowing these resources to be freely adapted. Under an open license instructors and students can retain, revise, remix, reuse and redistribute these educational resources. 

Want the full story on how to adapt an OER?

Be sure to join us at the RED Forum session Success for Newcomers: Building and Using Open Educational Resources, on Friday, June 2 from 1:15-2:15pm.

Rebecca Hiebert and Ebony Novakowski will present about the journey to adapting an OER as well as best practices for OER Licensing and information on accessing OERs.

How Rebecca and Emilie got started

At the start of the pandemic, Rebecca struck on a brilliant idea to help students learn how to write outlines when taking notes in class or brainstorming to write reports. Rebecca hoped to create a video of herself using PowerPoint slides with a TED Talk clips to inform a step-by-step guide that demonstrated how to listen to content in a video, analyze the main ideas, and capture these in an outline. Being proactive and respectful of copyright concerns, she reached out to the TED Talks people to request permission to use their video in this way. After a long month of waiting, she received an answer, but not the one she was hoping for. 

This led to a conversation with RRC Polytech’s Copyright Officer, Ebony Novakowski, who introduced Rebecca to an online repository of open videos that she could use in the resource she wanted to create. With the new resource under her belt, Rebecca was intrigued by the possibility of creating additional OER. A few months later, with help from Emilie Jackson, and funding support for the Campus Manitoba PressbooksEDU Network grant they were on their way to creating a localized version of College Success for Newcomers: a guide to provide language and academic supports for new students in Manitoba.

Want to learn more about the OER College Success for Newcomers?

This OER resource supports newcomer students and can be used by anyone in North American (or anywhere really!) The goal is to reduce duplication where instructors and support staff are all trying to create and recreate similar resources to help international students adapt to the Canadian college setting. This resource is free to be used and adapted further by instructors and support staff worldwide. Additionally, the resource provides multiple perspectives so that international students can learn about Canadian culture and the diverse experiences of the people who live here.  

Where is the College Success for Newcomers OER available?  

The OER is available online (worldwide) through the platform Pressbooks. The OER can be downloaded into a variety of formats including PDF which could be printed out or viewed offline as well as Pressbooks XML which can be used to adapt the content into future OERs. The OER can be used by anyone, anywhere without permission. It is entirely open and free to access.

Click on the button to view the OER:

How is this OER being used at RRC Polytech?  

One perk of Open Educational Resources is that they benefit multiple departments, schools, and educators. and by creating resources under open licenses, they can be easily shared without preventative restrictions to instructors who want to use and modify the resource. They can also be shared without cost to students.

College Success for Newcomers will be used in the following departments and programs: 

  • The Academic Success Centre will use College Success for Newcomers OER when working with international students both in 1:1 tutoring and when leading workshops. 
  • The Social Innovation and Community Development department will use the OER in courses that are blended with international students, Canadian born students of diverse (European) ancestry, and Indigenous students.  
  • Communications instructors will be implementing the OER into the fall version of COMM 1173, Communication Strategies, that will reach over 1,200 students at RRC Polytech.  
  • Instructors will be using the OER in the Department of LINC English Language Learning and Newcomer Integration (previously the Language Training Centre) IRCC English Language Programming. 

Looking for Personal or Departmental OER Support?

Open Educational Resources are accessible online and free to share and use in any educational setting. There are already many existing OERs available so if you are looking for a resource to support students, reach out to the library staff and they can help you search for an OER to meet your needs.

If you have an idea for a resource that would benefit others, you may want to consider adapting it into an OER to make it available to everyone. Reach out to the Copyright Officer to learn more! 

Submitted by Ebony Novakowski – Copyright Officer, Library and Academic Services

Know Your Resources! Part 1: SafetyHub

May 8, 2023

The Library at RRC Polytech has an abundance of resources to help you with your studies, research, and even pastimes. Over the next few weeks, we will highlight some of the fantastic databases that you have access to.

What are databases?

So, databases. What are they? How are they useful to me? And why are there so many? The databases we subscribe to are specifically chosen to align with the college’s programs, initiatives, and individual courses that are offered to our students. Each database has specific information on areas of interest to help with your studies. Some databases are specifically ebooks, some are journals on the latest information in the field, and some are entirely composed of videos.

To optimize the availability of information, there are several databases we subscribe to. The great thing about this is that you simply choose one database and search for what you need as opposed to having too many results about irrelevant topics.

Each database has different tricks and tips to make sure you’re able to search for the right information. They’re not all set up the same and each will have its own set of rules to make sure you’re getting the most out of it.

Let’s explore one of our newest editions to the database collection.

Featured database: SafetyHub

If you haven’t used SafetyHub yet I highly encourage you to check it out. The database is composed entirely of videos on (you guessed it) safety. There is a wide range of safety topics. Whether you’re in skilled trades, health services, or in any general workspace there is content that is beneficial for you.

Three ways to navigate

Safetyhub is a simple video database and incredibly easy to navigate. On the home page, you have three options:

  • Use the search bar and search for keywords or topic.
  • Choose one of the safety categories.
  • View all videos in the database.

1. Conduct a keyword search

Using the search bar, you can do a simple keyword search and anything related will pop up, if you want to make sure that you’re getting the best results, use quotations around the keywords.

Using quotations will filter the videos to get exactly what you’re looking for.

Example: Searching “ladders” will narrow your results significantly.

2. Select a category

Another alternative to getting specific content is to choose one of the many video categories. Each of these categories has related videos neatly grouped together so you don’t need to worry about what search terms to use.

Video categories in SafetyHub.
Example: Videos in the “Manual Handling” category.

3. View all (in alphabetical order)

If you’re interested in viewing all the videos that SafetyHub offers you can choose the “view all” category. All available videos will be provided in an alphabetical list which you can scroll through.

Videos appear in alphabetical order in the “View all” option.
Current content for professionals

Now that you know more about SafetyHub, take the time to browse through it. All the videos are current and up to date and any professional can benefit from the content here. Not only that, but it is a great way to brush up on your current knowledge.


Keep an eye out for the next installment of Know Your Resources! where we will continue to explore all the great resources the Library has to offer. If you have any questions on how to access or navigate something come and visit us in the Library or send us a message through our Ask Us Chat — we’d love to assist you.

Written by Justine Hawley – Library Resource Management Technician

Spring Into Encouragement: Let Hope Guide You During Exam Week

April 14, 2023

Spring into encouragement: Let hope guide you during exam week. Share your message of hope on the Wellness Wall in the Library.

“Hope” is the thing with feathers –

That perches in the soul –

And sings the tune without the words –

And never stops – at all –
(Emily Dickinson)

The Wellness Wall

In partnership with Campus Well-Being, the Library will be hosting a Wellness Wall display from April 17th – April 28th, 2023 where students, staff, and faculty can write anonymous responses to the question “What gives you hope?”

The purpose of the Wellness Wall is to give users a space to write anonymous notes with the anticipation of giving hope to those who may need some words of encouragement.

Where can I post a message?

NDC

A tree shape will be hung on the wall near the exit across from the Tutor’s Nook. Post-it notes and materials will be placed near the tree display for users to write their notes.

EDC

A tree shape will be displayed on the window at the entrance to the Reading Room. Post-it notes and materials will be placed near the tree display for users to write their notes.

ONLINE

Can’t make it to the Library? Send a message of hope through the online form. We will write and post your message at the EDC and NDC Libraries on your behalf.

Photo Gallery

Photos of the trees budding with messages of hope at EDC and NDC.

Submitted by Meagan Acquisto and Fatima DeMelo – Library and Academic Services

Multifunctional, Soundproof Study Room Now Available at the NDC Library

March 21, 2023

Photo source: frameryacoustics.com

With both quiet and privacy in high demand, the Library welcomes a new kind of study space featuring glass doors (so you can feel safe and included) and a soundproof, sleek interior (so you can feel comfortable and undisturbed).

Also known as the Framery Q, the Library’s new multifunctional, soundproof space fits 1-4 people and is ideal for quiet study, group work, brainstorming sessions, and private conversations.

Features

  • Fresh air ventilation
  • Stylish finish
  • LED lighting
  • Two power sockets
  • Two sofas and a turntable
  • Adaptable set-up (for sitting, standing, and shared conferencing)

You are invited to try the new Soundproof Study Room at the NDC Library today!

Written by Linda Fox – Library Technician, Program Support and Promotion

Black History Month 2023

February 1, 2023

Red River College Polytechnic’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy talks about promoting group knowledge and literacy at various times throughout the year. Black History Month celebrates the contributions of Black Canadians in areas such as politics and literature while not losing sight of the country’s history of racism and discrimination.

Part of promoting that knowledge and literacy starts with a library collection and access to information for people wanting to learn more about Black History Month and participate in events happening throughout the month. The Anti-Racism Steering Committee and the Library offer their Black History Month Book Tasting Events from 11:00-1:00 on February 27 at the EDC Library and NDC Library (Active Learning Classroom, CM27) on February 28 from 11:00-1:00.

Book tastings offer a way to browse books within an event resembling an evening at a restaurant, complete with tablecloths and cutlery in some instances. If you want to expand your knowledge palate this month, here are some resources ranging from notable print titles to online resources.

Around the Library

Anti-Black Racism Page of the Anti-Racism Learning Toolkit
Click the Image to Access the Guide

Take another look at our Anti-Racism Learning Toolkit, especially the section on Anti-Black Racism for curated resources about Black Canadians. Among notable titles:

Black Like Who? by Rinaldo Walcott

Viola Desmond’s Canada: A History of Blacks and Racial Segregation in the Promised Land by Graham Reynolds and Wanda Robson

Interested in web resources? Scroll down to the section on the Canadian Museum for Human Rights Stories or National Film Board Resources.

The library collection also boasts a selection of black authors, especially Giller Award Winners Esi Edudyan (Washington Black, 2018 and Half-Blood Blues, 2011), Andre Alexis (Fifteen Dogs. 2015), and Austin Clarke (The Polished Hoe, 2002).

National & Local Information

Click Image to Access Site

The Government of Canada, through Canadian Heritage, has a website with information about upcoming events around the country, YouTube videos, and data about black communities in Canada. The site also displays this year’s Black History Month theme in Canada, “Ours to Tell,” to hear the stories of Black Canadians in their own words, not only from history but within the present, including stories of success.

Manitoba has its own Black History Month Celebration Committee with a calendar of events to mark the month. Check out the rest of the website for more resources and information with a local focus.


Written by Fatima DeMelo, Reference Technician

Drop-In Help Desks: Ready to Help When you Need Them

December 5, 2022

There are times you can benefit from meeting with a tutor. You may have specific questions or want something explained another way. You may want someone to observe you working through pinch points; offering solutions that are responsive to your needs.

At the Academic Success Centre, found in the  Notre Dame Campus and Exchange District Campus libraries and online, there are many ways you can access tutoring and writing supports.

Drop-In Help Desks are one of those ways.

There are two streams of Help Desks – Writing (general writing skills and nursing writing) and clustered around courses or programs. Trades Math, Business Math and Accounting and Engineering Math are all examples of these clusters.

How does Drop-in tutoring work? Easy! Visit the schedule at Help Desk Drop-In Tutoring and attend. Bring your questions, assignments or  course notes/materials; a staff tutor will be more than happy to help with your course !

In addition to helping you untangle a question, assist with the writing process and/or provide opportunity for review, Help Desks provide comfort, confidence and foster active learning – you may feel more comfortable asking questions in a Help Desk setting. Furthermore, you become actively engaged in your learning process – you get to identify and articulate what you want to review.  All this leads to academic improvement and an increased value to your college experience.

We look forward to seeing you at one or more of the following Help Desks:

NDC Drop-In, Help Desk Tutoring Schedule Winter 2023

Drop-In SupportsMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
Trades Math Help Desk4-6pm
ATLAS
Marc B.
Scott S.
4-6pm

ATLAS
Scott S.
Engineering Math Help Desk12-2pm
Tutor Nook
Tian T
12-1pm
Tutor Nook
Tery T.
Health Sciences Math Help Desk10-12:30pm
Tutor Nook
Lena B.
Business Math and Accounting Help Desk10-11am
ATLAS
Chani S.
Writing and English Language Drop-In Tutoring2-4pm
Tutor Nook
Emilie J.
11am-1pm
A309
Meg L.
11am-1pm
Tutor Nook
Kaleigh Q.
&
12-2pm
A309
Cheri R.
Health Information Management Help Desk3-5pm
F201
Caleb F.
Chemistry/Math/Physics Help Desk2-4pm
Tutor Nook
Tery T.


EDC Drop-In, Help Desk Tutoring Schedule Winter 2023

Drop-In SupportsMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
Business Math and Accounting Help Desk12-2pm
Library Tutoring Space
(P212-C)
Alex S.
9-10am
EDC Library Classroom
Chani S.
Engineering Math Help Desk12-2pm
EDC Library Tutoring Space
(P212-C)
Tian T
Writing and English Language Drop-In Tutoring2-3pm
Library Tutoring Space
(P212-C)
Cheri R.
Tian Tian is a Technical Mathematics, Engineering Statics, and ManCAD Tutor. She takes great pride and joy in helping students. Visit Tian Tian’s Help Desk at NDC on Tuesdays from 12-2 in CM-18 or at EDC on Thursdays from 12-2pm.

Change (with)in Academic Coaching

October 26, 2022

Academic Coaches have long worked one-on-one with RRC Polytechnic students. They guide students to achieve their academic goads and overcome obstacles by looking at new approaches to learning.

Our academic coaches are exceptional listeners. They raise self-awareness, stick closely to the agenda, and encourage the student to take responsibility for themselves.

In our coaching model, we look at options; we look at choice. We are searching for “what is possibly, in this situation?”

When students access academic coaching, they are stating that they are not accepting the default choice (to do nothing). In his writings on the philosophy of education, John Dewey underscores this importance of choice and change: “The self is not something ready-made, but something in continuous formation through the choice of action.” Coaching is about raising self-awareness as a precursor to the nature of the choices we make.

This fall term, we’ve explored various ways to offer Academic Coaching and advanced the program with two key practices:

  1. Recognizing the value in an authentic coaching sessions. When students and academic coaches have the opportunity to observe, provide feedback and see common issues, students can see that they aren’t alone in their challenges and coaches can home in on skills – all of which leads to ways forward for students.
  2. Bringing our Peer Coaches into the fold. Peer coaches are peer tutors with additional training to help ease the transition to college for new students. The insight peer coaches provide as both students and coaches inform our coaches on what students are currently experiencing. And, as like many supports, there is a certain amount of reciprocity:
Peer Coach, Kim Patricia Reyes, Business Management

“What I like about being a peer coach and a peer tutor is the ability to share my experiences with students and, at the same time, learn from them too. It’s like having a conversation with a friend but having the ability to help and support them as they go through the adventures of being a college student.” Peer Coach, Kim Patricia Reyes,

Our Peer Coaches joined the Academic Success Centre’s Academic Coaching meetings. Their presence and input add to the richness of our coaching community. Meeting topics include moving from online to in-person learning, retaining information throughout the terms for multi-level/stackable courses, and adapting to changes in a timetable.

This fall, we have offered students the opportunity to attend a Group Coaching session. In these sessions students hear about a relatable issue or goal that a peer has, and options to work through the issue or meet the goal. Students are invited to contribute to the conversation or be active listeners.

The next Group Coaching session is scheduled for Monday, Nov 21st at 12pm in the NDC Library Classroom CM-27.  For more information, visit https://library.rrc.ca/academic_coaching/welcome

Through Group Academic Coaching, Academic Coaching Training + Development, Peer Coaching and one-on-one Academic Coaching, we provide students with impactful questions, “what makes this an issue now, what have you already tried, what are the implications of doing nothing or carrying on as things are?”; a bank of resources and, most importantly, the opportunity to identify and address and move a goal forward.

Submitted by Dayna Graham and Nick Schroeder, ASC

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

Learn more ›