Programs

Programs and projects approved by the Council include the following:

Strategic Programs 2008-09

Disability Services – ($255,000 in ongoing funding)

Last year, in 2007/08, the Council approved the equivalent of one staff year position of $85,000 to provide disability services at each of the four largest post-secondary institutions (Brandon University, University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, and Red River College).  Additionally, the Council approved the same funding allocation for provision of disability services to begin in 2008/09 at the following institutions:

• Assiniboine Community College
• Collège universitaire de Saine-Boniface
• The University College of the North

Brandon University

Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing (BScPN) Program Expansion Initiative – ($339,300 in total; $228,000 from Government’s New Initiatives in 2009/10; $111,340 from COPSE in 2010/11)

In view of the growing shortage of Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPN) as a result of increasing retirements, and in response to the Government’s Nursing Election Commitment, the Council approved a 12-seat expansion to the RPN program.  The 12-seat expansion, in addition to the 35 students admitted annually at the Brandon site, and 40 admitted at the Winnipeg site, brings the total annual admissions to 87 students.  The RPN expansion initiative also responds directly to the significant numbers of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) interested in pursing further nursing studies at the baccalaureate level.  LPN’s receive substantial credit upon entering the BScPN program and have access to several course delivery options.

4-Year Drawing Major, 3-Year Drawing Minor, and the 3-Year Art and Visual Culture Minor (no funds required)

With the recognition that Drawing is offered as a major stream of study in most faculties and departments of Art, the Council approved the addition of Drawing to the Bachelor of Fine Arts program at Brandon University.  The approval includes the offering of Drawing as a single 300 level course taught by current faculty and using existing studio space.  As well, the Council approved the offering of an Art and Visual Culture Minor within the Visual and Aboriginal Arts degree program.  This minor, consisting of 18 credit hours, offers a program of study for students not intending to pursue studio art careers, but may wish to teach art history or seek careers in curatorial positions, arts administration, collection management, museum education and art conservation.

University of Manitoba

Internationally Educated Engineers Qualification Program – ($1,039,200 in total; $207,900 in 2008/09)

The Internationally Educated Engineers Qualification (IEEQ) Program, developed and implemented as a pilot program at the University of Manitoba in 2003, creates a pathway for internationally trained engineers to fulfill the licensing requirements for professional engineering practice in Manitoba.  The 12-month IEEQ program consists of engineering courses, cooperative education work experience, cultural orientation, English language and communication support, engineering business practices, engineering ethics, and professional networking. 

To continue the program, the Government committed a total of $1,039,200 in permanent baseline funding over the next four years.  In 2008/09, the IEEQ program received funding from the following three sources: Manitoba Immigrant Integration Program (Manitoba Labour and Immigration) ($100,000), Manitoba Opportunities Fund ($246,200), and the Council on Post-Secondary Education ($207,900).

Internationally Educated Engineers Qualification Program Post-Baccalaureate Diploma – (no funds required)

Following the pilot phase of the IEEQ Program (2003—2007), the Council approved the establishment of a formal post-baccalaureate diploma for students who successfully complete the IEEQ.  The diploma offers an opportunity for international engineering graduates to pursue formal recognition of foreign credentials and eligibility for professional licensure with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba, the regulatory/licensing body for engineering in Manitoba, and to earn a formal Canadian university credential from the University of Manitoba.  The diploma consists of a minimum of 24 credit hours of coursework with up to 14 credit hours transferrable on the basis of a prior earned undergraduate engineering degree.  Employment prospects for IEEQ graduates are expected to be very good in Manitoba in view of the low unemployment rates in engineering, increasing retirement rates, and ongoing demand for knowledge and skills in the engineering specialties.

University of Winnipeg

Bachelor of Arts (3- and 4-Year Degree)-  Thematic Major in Human Rights and Global Studies (no funds required)

TheThematic Major in Human Rights and Global Studies is based on an interdisciplinary approach in which issues of “human rights” are explored within a context defined by globalization.  In addition to taking certain required courses, with a human rights dimension, students may choose additional courses from among three streams including 1) reading and human rights; 2) society, culture and economy; and 3) institutions, law, and politics.  Graduates will be well prepared for positions in international rights and advocacy organizations, international non-profit organizations, international aid organizations, humanitarian and refugee organizations, and academia.

The following existing programs which were approved in previous years, received ongoing additional funding from the Strategic Programs Envelope in 2008/09.

Brandon University

• Bachelor of Music – Program Expansion – ($162,234 in total; $57,500 in 2008/09)

• Bachelor of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies – ($13,319 in total; $3,400 in 2008/09)

Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface

• Bachelor of Social Work (Baccalauréat en Service Social) – ($428,000 in total; $30,000 in 2008/09)

University of Manitoba

• Aboriginal Child Welfare Master’s in Social Work – Distance Education Component - ($231,000 in total; $1,000 in 2008/09)

• Bachelor of Health Sciences and Bachelor of Health Studies – ($110,000 in total; $45,800 in 2008/09)

University of Winnipeg

• Masters of Arts in Aboriginal Governance – ($213,500 in total; $39,100 in 2008/09)

System Restructuing Projects 2009-09

Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface

Expansion of the À Vous! Collection – ($31,700)

The Collège received funding of $31,700 to build upon its existing À Vous! Collection and develop advanced course level, website, and instructional materials.  The targeted clientele for the project includes Francophones who have completed secondary studies in a Français school in Manitoba, graduates of a French Immersion program, French-speaking immigrants, and young or mature adults who have taken French, oral French or intensive French courses.  The project helps the Collège meet the needs of its clientele at the advanced level, and ensures consistency with language reference tools such as the Canadian Language Benchmarks and Common European Framework.

University of Manitoba

Disability Services – ($125,000)

As part of its ongoing provision of services to an increasing number of post-secondary students with disabilities, the University of Manitoba received funds of $125,000 to renovate new space or retrofit its Disability Services Test and Exam Centre.

Thesis Digitization – ($20,000)

The Council approved funds of $20,000 towards the digitization of 3,600 theses and dissertations that had been stored in the University of Manitoba Libraries permanent collection.  The digitization initiative greatly facilitates access to theses and dissertation research files using the UM BISON catalogue system, and frees up much needed space for expansion of the UM Libraries permanent collection.

University of Winnipeg

Distance Learning Initiative – ($98,500)

As part of a two phased project, the University of Winnipeg received funds of $98,500 to implement Phase 1 involving the complete migration of all telecourses to online asynchronous delivery and archiving.  This phase of the project involves audio-video archiving that is web-based along with Audio-on-Demand podcasting in various classrooms, enabling students to access information online using their home computer systems.

Assiniboine Community College

Ad Astra Scheduling Software – ($99,800)

The College received funds for the purchase of Ad Astra Scheduling Software.  The software works to streamline a number of processes in key areas including academic, event and resource management.  The Astra package includes the software, consulting and training for successful implementation of the software. 

Red River College

Enhanced Student Support Pilot Program  – ($45,000)

The Council funded Phase II of the three-year Enhanced Student Support Pilot Program (ESSP) at Red River College this year, having funded Phase I last year.  The ESSP was designed to determine whether enhanced student supports would result in increased retention and success.  Phase II addresses issues that arose from implementation of Phase I of the ESSP by 1) creating customized assessment tools that identify program-specific essential skills; 2) doing initial assessments in spring, several months prior to beginning of classes, thereby allowing time for remediation, 3) having supports ready for students the first week of classes in the fall, with some supports offered over the summer, and 4) scheduling spares as part of the program that are designated specifically for tutoring and other academic supports so students have a regular, built-in opportunity to get assistance.  Several activities were developed to meet the objectives of Phase II.

University College of the North

Restructuring the Library System – ($60,000)

The University College of the North (UCN) received $60,000 for a pilot project to establish a merged UCN/Public Library in Norway House Cree Nation to increase access to library services that support courses offered by UCN as well as literacy, children’s programming, and community library development.  These funds support the costs of hiring a Library Technician, hiring casual labour to help with cataloging and processing of new materials, installing computers and a Library Automation System, as well as general operational expenses of maintaining distributed library services for students and faculty.

The following existing project approved in previous years, received System Restructuring funding in 2008/09.

Red River College

• Curriculum Development – Integrating Aboriginal Culture – ($120,000 in total; $40,000 in 2008/09)

Other Council-Approved Programs 2008-09

Council-Funded Programs

Campus Manitoba – ($50,000, one-time only transitional funding)

The Council approved one-time only transitional funding of $50,000 in support of the implementation of recommendations from the Nordman External Review of Campus Manitoba.

Churchill Northern Studies Centre – ($22,000 in ongoing funding)

The Council approved $22,000 in additional baseline funding in support of the Churchill Northern Studies Centre (CNSC), raising the total annual baseline funding to CNSC from the Department of Advanced Education and Literacy to $120,000.  In view of the rising demand for research services in the North, the funding increase enables the independent non-profit research and education facility to provide logistic services to more than 200 researchers and their students working in the biological, physical and social sciences. 

University of Manitoba

Master of Physician Assistant Studies – ($2,910,800 in total; $724,300 in ongoing funds from COPSE and $899,800 in one-time only funds from Manitoba Health in 2008/09)

As the only program of its kind in Canada, the Council approved development of the Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program to train competent Physician Assistants to help meet the increasing health care demands due to the aging Manitoba population and expected decline in family physicians, particularly in rural areas.  The new 12-seat, 26-month generalist physician assistant program consists of academic coursework combined with direct clinical/patient experience, with an option to specialize, and requires completion of an appropriate four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent program upon admission.  Graduates will be qualified to work in a variety of primary health care settings or subspecialty care with further training and/or appropriate MD supervision. 

Faculty of Medicine – Program Expansion ($3,255,700 in total; $362,500 in ongoing funds from COPSE and $1,208,900 in one-time only funds from Manitoba Health in 2008/09)

As part of the Government’s commitment to increase the number of trained physicians in Manitoba, the Council approved an expansion to the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Medicine Program by ten spaces, thereby increasing the total enrollment from 100 to 110 seats per year.  The program expansion, totaling $3,255,700 over the next four years will help address the issues related to an aging population and changing demographics among practicing physicians.

Internationally Educated Teacher (IET) Pilot Program – ($10,000 one-time only)

The Internationally Educated Teacher (IET) Pilot Program has received funding from Manitoba Labour and Immigration over the last few years to facilitate the employment of internationally educated teachers in Manitoba.  The IET is designed for graduates of international teacher education programs who require additional professional course work to be certified to teach in Manitoba.  This year, the Council provided funding towards expansion of the IET to develop new courses and a more extensive mentoring program.

University College of the North

Aboriginal Nursing Cohort Program – ($50,000 one-time only)

The University College of the North received funds of $50,000 to help build the academic and personal coping skills needed among Aboriginal learners for success in pursuing a career in the field of professional nursing.  To that end, funds were approved specifically to prepare a summative report of recommendations for improving student supports and developing a curriculum to support the Aboriginal Cohort in Nursing at University College of the North.

Certificate in Teaching Aboriginal Languages (CTAL) – ($142,100 over three years; $103,000 in 2008/09)

A program uniquely offered at UCN, the Certificate in Teaching Aboriginal Languages (CTAL) Program is a one-year full-time program designed to provide Aboriginal language teacher candidates with the knowledge and skills enabling them to teach Aboriginal languages in a variety of educational settings.  The program includes a cohort of four modules including methods courses and practicum components giving students the opportunity to integrate theory and classroom practice into real-life educational settings, particularly in Northern and Aboriginal communities.  The CTAL Program also establishes a foundation for students to develop a career path leading towards further post-secondary training such as a Bachelor of Education degree.  In view of the increasing Aboriginal population in Manitoba, this program helps to meet the expected increased demand for Aboriginal language teachers to support the success of Aboriginal students.

Other Programs Jointly Funded by COPSE and/or Other Sources

The Council approved several other programs in 2008/09 that were either jointly funded by COPSE and other sources, or were solely funded by other sources.  These include the following:

Funds from Manitoba Health

Red River College

Paramedicine – Primary Care Paramedic Certificate – ($1,049,600 in 2008/09)

At the request of Manitoba Health, and delivered in cooperation with the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, the Council approved the offering of the 12-month Paramedicine – Primary Care Paramedic Certificate Program at Red River College in response to the shortage of trained primary care paramedics in the province.  The program enrolls 40 students per year (16 in Winnipeg and eight in each of the three rotating sites) and offers academic and clinical experience to develop the required skills to work in the field of emergency medical services, particularly in rural and northern communities.  The academic component is delivered in class in Winnipeg and by live video streaming to three remote locations (The Pas, Dauphin, Souris for the first year, to be rotated in subsequent years); all students attend practical skills labs training at the College.  Graduates are expected to fill existing vacancies for trained primary care paramedics in areas outside Winnipeg.

Funds from Manitoba Family Services and Housing

Assiniboine Community College

Early Childhood Education Diploma (Workplace Model) Program Expansion – Parkland Campus – ($190,000 one-time only)

Assiniboine Community College received funds to deliver an Early Childhood Education Diploma (Workplace Model) at the Parkland Campus for 20 student spaces.  The Workplace model enables students to attend classes two days per week while working as Early Childhood Educators, Level II the other three days, allowing them to complete the program within a 24-month period while retaining their full employment income.  The program is expected to help fill the shortage of qualified early childhood education workers, in all areas of the province.

Early Childhood Education Diploma (Workplace Model) Program Expansion – Brandon Campus – ($276,700 one-time only)

The College also received funds to deliver an Early Childhood Education Diploma (Workplace Model) at the Brandon Campus for 25 student spaces.  The program delivery model is the same as that offered at the Parkland Campus described above.

Red River College

Early Childhood Education Diploma (Workplace Model) Program Expansion – Rural/Streaming ($639,600 in total; $335,000 in 2008/09)

Red River College received funds to expand its Early Childhood Education Diploma (Workplace Model) at the Red River Campus by 25 spaces at three to four regional sites including Steinbach, Winkler, Portage-la-Prairie and possibly Gimli.  The program is a model for the use of learning technologies, in that classes are streamed from the main Red River Campus to the regional sites.  Streamed sessions are balanced by classroom activities led by local facilitators so that learning is a combination of streaming and in-class activities.

Red River College also received funds for its previously approved Point Douglas program in the amount of $269,700 in 2008/09 and an additional $269,700 to be provided in 2009/10.

Funds from Manitoba Water Stewardship

Red River College

Water Quality Technician Program – ($300,000 one-time only)

The Council approved $300,000 in funding from Manitoba Water Stewardship in support of the Water Quality Technician Program at Red River College.  The results of a Council-funded study of the program expected in June 2009, (see College Expansion Initiative section) will inform the future development of the program including training model and certification requirements.

Funds from Other Government Sources

Brandon University

Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing (BScPN) Program Expansion Initiative – ($339,300 in total; $228,000 from Government’s New Initiatives in 2009/10; $111,340 from COPSE in 2010/11)

See program description under Strategic Programs.

University of Manitoba

Aboriginal Nursing Cohort Program – ($526,900 in total; $219,800 in ongoing funds from Government’s New Initiatives and $50,405 in one-time only funds from COPSE in 2008/09)

As part of the Government’s Nursing Strategy to increase nurse training capacity, the Council approved the creation of a new 16-seat Aboriginal Cohort in Nursing Program (ANCP).  Students will enter University 1 or Year 1 as a fully supported Aboriginal nursing cohort as part of the Baccalaureate Nursing Programme.  As a component of the Health Career ACCESS Program, the ANCP offers the full range of ACCESS supports including academic, personal, career and financial counseling, and full tutorial assistance, thereby providing students the best chance for academic success, improving retention in the nursing program, and graduating more Aboriginal nurses.  The ANCP works to advance Aboriginal human health resource development, by helping to achieve and maintain an adequate supply of qualified Aboriginal nurses to meet the health care needs of Aboriginal communities in Manitoba.

University College of the North

Support for Consultant Travel Costs – ($7,000 one-time only funds previously transferred from Manitoba Competitiveness, Training and Trade to COPSE)

The Council approved $7,000 in one-time only funds to support consultant travel costs for the purposes of conducting a comparative analysis of regional/community-based programming costs at the University College of the North.  The funds were required to specifically cover travel costs for consultations in northern communities.

Funding Reallocations

The Council also approved several institutional funding reallocations.

Assiniboine Community College

Campus Operation/Relocation Expenses – ($140,000 one-time only in 2009/10)

The Council approved a one-time reallocation of $140,000 in 2009/10 toward general expenses related to the operation of Assiniboine Community College’s Victoria Avenue Campus and relocation to the North Hill Campus.

University College of the North

Certificate in Mental Health for LPNs – ($52,000 in ongoing funding; $16,000 from Manitoba Health)

As the only program of its kind in Manitoba, the Council approved the reallocation of funds for the Certificate in Mental Health Program.  The program is designed to provide LPNs with specialized post-basic education and training required to deliver comprehensive, competent, and quality psychiatric/mental health services to clients in the north and elsewhere.  The Certificate Program comprised of four Mental Health courses, a Leadership course, and clinical experience, is offered on a part-time basis to employed LPNs.  Fifteen participants will be admitted to the program, with the first graduates expected in spring, 2010.  The Program helps address the expected shortages in Psychiatry/Mental Health Nursing and prepares graduates to work with adults and the elderly experiencing mental health concerns and/or disorders in a variety of healthcare settings.

Kenanow Bachelor of Education Degree (B.Ed.) Degree – ($600,000 in 2008/09)

The Council approved reallocation of funds for development of a northern-based and Aboriginal-focused Bachelor of Education Degree Program at UCN.  The program is based on the Kenanow Learning Model, chosen by the UCN’s Council of Elders that provides the framework for development and foundation for implementation.  The Model bridges the link between western education and Aboriginal perspectives, reclaims the connectedness of students to the community, and embraces and reflects strengths and values in traditional teachings and Aboriginal history, culture and languages providing a foundation for developing skilled, knowledgeable, and effective teachers and students.   The program offers two paths to a B.Ed. degree: a 150-credit hour Integrated Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education with a Middle Years focus, and a 60-credit hour Two-Year After Degree Stream.  Graduates from the program will be recommended for certification by Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth and thereby be eligible for employment as teachers in Manitoba.

Law Enforcement Certificate Program – Corrections Stream – ($44,200 in 2008/09)

In response to a request from Manitoba Corrections, the Council approved the offering of the Law Enforcement Certificate Program – Corrections Stream to increase the number of northern students entering the workforce as correctional officers.  Since Aboriginal people comprise almost 65% of the correctional clientele in Manitoba, the program is specifically designed to increase the number of Aboriginal Correctional Officers. The program, consisting of coursework and job shadowing, was offered full-time to 10-15 students on a pilot basis in 2008/09, and if successful, will enroll 15-25 students per year on an ongoing basis.  Graduates are expected to help fill the shortage of correctional officers and provide employment particularly in the northern communities experiencing high unemployment.

Preventive Dentistry Scaling Module for Level II Dental Assistants – ($50,800 in 2008/09)

In response to a request from the Manitoba Dental Association, University College of the North received approval to reallocate funds to offer the Preventive Dentistry Scaling Module for Level II Dental Assistants as post-basic training for eight students on a pilot basis beginning in 2008/09.  The pilot program will accept only the June 2008 Dental Assistant graduates and will offer advanced skills training in dental assisting.  As the only program of its kind in Manitoba, it is expected to enroll eight to ten students per year assuming the pilot is successful. Graduates are expected to help fill the chronic shortage of dental assistants particularly in communities that do not have access to the services of dental hygienists.

Historical Funding of Programs

Approved Programs 2007-08 (44 KB)
Approved Programs 2006-07 (27 KB)
Approved Programs 2005-06 (26 KB)
Approved Programs 2004-05 (26 KB)
Approved Programs 2003-04 (30 KB)
Approved Programs 2002-03 (17 KB)
Approved Programs 2001-02 (48 KB)
Approved Programs 2000-01 (51 KB)

Program Approval Process

The program approval process for Manitoba's public post-secondary institutions consists of a two-step process: a statement of intent and a formal program proposal. These can be found in the documents below.

Statement of Intent Form	Financial Form
Program Proposal Form	Financial Form Description
Program Expansion Form