Faculty and professionals connect and learn at winter retreat
On Jan. 8-9, the second edition of Dawson鈥檚 Inclusion and Wellness Retreat took place at the picturesque Manoir D鈥橸ouville on 脦le Saint-Bernard in Ch芒teauguay. Fifteeen people from a variety of departments (faculty and professionals) gathered to explore ways we can adapt our teaching approaches, interactions, and course design to meet a wide range of student needs.
Guest speakers included Conner Morgan from the Academic Skills Centre (ASC) and Guissou Iravani-Manesh from the Student AccessAbility Centre (SAAC).
Other workshops and activities were led by Cathy Roy (Physiotherapy Technology), Caroline Haddad (Physical Education) and Julia Lijeron (Office of Academic Development), who were the organizers of the event.
In between workshops, participants connected with colleagues through movement and being outdoors with activities such as yoga and Nature walks.聽 Participants gave this feedback about the event:
- 鈥淥verall, I left with concrete ideas about how to apply UDL (Universal Design for Learning) principles in specific ways in my work. That was my main objective, so that was a big success. I also deepened relationships with a number of like-minded colleagues, both through the UDL workshops and the meals, wellness, break times in between, and even commuting to Chateauguay.鈥�
- 鈥淚 really enjoyed that the discussions and active participation reinforced the community that we are and aspire to be. It was helpful to share struggles and concerns, but also to contribute to plans of action. I appreciated bonding with colleagues that I don鈥檛 see often. It reminded me to think outside the box, network more, and ask more questions! Our college is home to brilliant minds with original and innovative solutions. I also would have gladly joined the opportunity to engage in more activities, time permitting, because it really enhanced my retreat experience!鈥�
If you missed this retreat, don鈥檛 worry, another is planned for spring 2025.聽 Stay tuned for details about this and other upcoming events in future editions of D News.
The event organizers would like to thank the Dean of the OAD, the Academic Dean, the Communications Office, the Print Shop and the Dawson Teachers鈥� Union for their support.
