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Let's Talk

VOL. 30, NO. 1

Unique Distance Learning Program
Lethbridge Community College

BY Peter Scott, Freelance Writer

Since 2002, Lethbridge Community College’s (LCC) Correctional Studies Program has offered an applied degree that builds on a previously earned two-year diploma and credits students for their work-related experience. It’s fostered and approved by the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) and guided by professionals from CSC’s institutions. The initial two graduates — both on-campus learners — convocated from LCC in December 2004 from what is the only applied degree in corrections in Canada.

The entire program is also available through distance learning; CSC staff from across Canada are taking the classes this way. In addition, the degree program is offered in satellite courses to employees in Edmonton, Bowden, Drumheller, Calgary, Winnipeg, Saskatoon and Prince Albert. Students from all seven facilities are enrolled in the course now. Most institutions involved provide classroom space for satellite classes.

Those with a diploma in corrections studies need complete only the final two years to obtain a degree. Program Leader Ian Hepher, former director of the Lethbridge Correctional Centre, says the fourth year can be completed at the student’s place of employment as a directed field study. Students without diplomas stand to gain significant credit as a result of their CSC training and experience.

“Our curriculum was designed from corrections professionals’ feedback at all levels,” says Hepher. “It has been and will continue to be a dynamic process of development.”

The close association with CSC in making the course content relevant has allowed the college to recognize applicants’ work experience and training through an assessment process. LCC is also working with the Corrections Management Learning Centre in Cornwall, Ontario, to ensure course equivalencies are recognized. This process is expected to result in a formal articulation agreement in the near future.

The potential for distance learning for corrections staff was recognized at its inception by Floyd Wilson, Warden of Bowden Institution, Prairie Region, who represented CSC on the steering committee, guided it through the approval process in Ottawa and is part of LCC’s advisory committee.

“We wanted to get the education component on track when CSC introduced the degree requirement,” says Wilson, who was Deputy Warden in Grande Cache when he joined the effort to secure a degree program. “We put in a lot of work with LCC over two or three years and managed to convince the Minister to run the program out of Lethbridge.”

“They [the students] are learning nothing but material that is directly related to their needs. The curriculum is reviewed twice a year to ensure it is providing the skills and information required. It’s one of the best programs for mature students in our field. There is no watered-down education component; in fact, it has been enhanced, providing a challenging and relevant curriculum.”

Through the program, LCC has developed a reputation as a key source of staff for CSC.

“LCC is a great place from which to recruit,” says Wilson. “They can graduate with their diploma, get a job and keep working toward their degree.” ♦

 

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