Adapting to Change

If you had told the PACE team at this time last year that we would be delivering all of our programs, that’s over 300 courses, in an online-blended format, we wouldn’t have believed you. But, thanks to our pre-existing history in delivering outstanding industry-aligned certificates and diplomas in an online format, and an exceptional and dedicated team, we implemented a 180° pivot to remote delivery in March 2020 in less than 48 hours.

Since then, we have continued to develop, modify, and grow our online offerings. From initially having a handful of diplomas and certificates available in a fully online format, most of which were in our part-time programs, we are now ready to welcome students to our January 2021 programs into our virtual classrooms. Which is our third online delivery intake since the global novel corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic reached Winnipeg. We now have 7 part-time programs delivered fully online and all of our full-time programs are being delivered in our online format until it is safe to transition to in-person instruction.

During this time, we’ve hosted virtual networking and career preparation events, like our Career Hub and speaker series. We’ve invited our students into our living rooms with trivia nights and dance parties where students, staff, and our families have gathered around the computer (even after long days of working and learning remotely) to share smiles and laughs in lieu of some of our favourite in-person events like class potlucks.

We have also hosted our first ever virtual graduation, where we celebrated the graduation of our #Classof2020, the largest cohort of students ever, many of whom finished the programs in our virtual classrooms. During the virtual ceremony we were buoyed by the words of MaryAnn Kempe, an instructor in our Human Resource Management Diploma where she told our graduating students to wear the badge of 2020 with pride.

“This PACE graduating class of 2020 will forever be known as the class that adopted and adapted to change.

“In the midst of all this chaos, you had to make a choice. To either adapt and adopt new ways of learning and collaboration or to resist and fail.”

As we continue to adapt to the evolving situation, Ms. Kempe’s words stay with us. We believe they’re not just true for the students who finished their programs online in 2020. But that they're also for the students that started in May and September not letting the pandemic come between them and their goals, starting their programs in our virtual classroom, opting to adapt and adopt new ways of learning.

As the public health situation continues to evolve, we continue to adapt and adopt. A few things remain the same though. What hasn’t changed is that our exceptional industry-aligned courses and programs continue to be delivered by leading professionals, all of whom are practicing in their respective fields. They continue to bring real-world experience to our classrooms. Our students continue to have a range of networking opportunities with their respective industry associations as well as PACE alumni, building valuable connections throughout the duration of their studies. And lastly, the PACE staff team continues to deliver the support to both students and instructors during this time to ensure that from day one right up until they graduate and enter the workforce, PACE students are prepared with all the tools for long-term success in an ever-changing world.