CIE is Carleton’s host for the Discovery University program
Discovery University Opens the Classroom to the Poor and Homeless
Free, non-credit courses aim to break down barriers and reduce social isolation.
Maurice Vernier, 52, has just finished six months in an addictions recovery program at the Ottawa Mission, a shelter for homeless men. Now living in a group home, he still has to undergo weekly breathalyser, blood and urine testing, but if he stays clean for one year he can move into his own apartment. And he’s almost there.
“I’ve been sober nine months now,” he says, ducking his head but smiling shyly. “I quit smoking four months ago, too. I really want to change everything.”
He says Discovery University is helping him do that. On this day, Mr. Vernier is sitting in the back row of a classroom in the University of Ottawa’s Tabaret Hall, where he is taking a course called Social Conflicts and Movements. A former pastor, he hasn’t set foot in a classroom since 1996 after graduating with a degree in theology from the University of Indiana.
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Discovery University allows people living on a low income to participate in non-credit, university-level Humanities and Social Sciences courses at no cost. The courses are taught by university professors and help to encourage a commitment to learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
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Mr. Vernier surveys the room where some of his classmates are already in animated discussions or scanning today’s readings. Others quietly slide into seats and wait for the professor to call the room to order. “This has changed my life,” he says.
Discovery U is a program that allows adults who are living on a low income or experiencing homelessness to participate in free, non-credit university courses in the humanities and social sciences. The 10-week courses are taught by professors from the U of Ottawa, which also provides classroom space, Carleton University and Saint Paul University in partnership with the Ottawa Mission. Courses have been offered since 2005, starting in September and January.
Continue reading the story here.
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How to Be a University Student
How to be a University Student is a five-day, on-campus course for incoming university students who want a strong start in their university studies. A blend of lectures, readings, and workshops will teach students evidence-based strategies for success in university, with an emphasis on how to develop strong academic skills and habits. Students will apply their new knowledge through in-person, interactive workshops led by skilled upper-year university students.
This is more than just a week-long course: we provide structure and accountability to help students throughout their first year of university. Following completion of the summer portion of the course, students will have materials and a plan to make the most of the upcoming year. Students will also have the option to meet up with our team throughout the year to discuss their academic progress and learn more about additional campus resources if needed.
Featured in the FASS August 2022 Newsletter.
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Carleton Therapy Dog for ESP/IESP Students
The Therapy Dog program in CIE was initially implemented in 2017 as a viable strategy to help support ESP/IESP students in their transition to University. It is known that current students are experiencing prominent trends of anxiety, depression, and sense of being overwhelmed. Animal-Assisted therapy is an evidence-based practice that can help lead to increased levels of happiness and decreased stress levels for those who participate.
Our original therapy dog, Blue, accomplished several goals and showed us a lot more through students’ response to the program!
“After visiting with Blue, my day got better.”
Overall, students were happy and excited to see this experience of wellness and conversation around positive mental health being brought to the forefront. We are so proud of Blue and all the work he has done for so many students. The therapy dog program, run by Shannon Noonan, has garnered much attention from the Carleton community and beyond, and we are proud to have been the conduit for implementation at the institutional level – to see Blue being joined by so many of his new furry friends!
“Meeting with Blue (and Shannon), helped me make a weekly routine.”
| TVO’s Ontario Hubs checks out this exciting pet therapy program, and it’s paw-sitive impact at Carleton! |
Please check the Carleton Therapy Dogs (Mental Health and Wellness) webpage for up-to-date information and scheduling.