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E D U C A T I O N F E A T U R E U V i c E x e c u t i v e T r a i n i n g www.uvic.ca/gustavson/executive P r o j e c t M a n a g e m e n t L e a d e r s h i p N e g o t i a t i o n s S e r v i c e M a n a g e m e n t S u s t a i n a b i l i t y A g i l e T A K E Y O U R N E X T S T E P . says Isted. "Given uncertainty around public health orders, we quickly postponed a few courses and re- configured others for online delivery. Faculty relied more on the "flipped classroom" blended learning model where participants interacted with new material prior to class, allowing for more interactive and engaging group activities during delivery. "We even reimagined graduation," Isted says. "No longer could we celebrate together in a meeting space with cheese, wine and certificates, but that didn't mean we weren't going to celebrate our students." The school had food, drinks, certificates, cupcakes, balloons and more surprises hand-delivered to students in far-flung locations during closing modules to recreate that same hands-on touch University of Victoria always strives for. "With everything else our students were going through in these challenging times, our evaluations (and the live reactions) showed these celebrations were appreciated even more than anything we'd done in person in the past," Isted says. There are several important takeaways the Gustavson School of Business will take into the post- pandemic realm. The team quickly realized that high-quality training and the administration surrounding its successful delivery can be easily provided virtually and through remote work. "Likewise, we now have individual participants from all over the world registering for our open-enrolment programs, which once drew mainly from BC, which provides a richness in diversity within our virtual live sessions." UNIVERSITY CANADA WEST The pandemic has highlighted University Canada West's reliance on technology and the role it plays in our everyday lives. Throughout the past two years, the school has continued to expand its micro-credential offerings, giving students and working professionals opportunities to upgrade their skills or explore a new career path. UCW's micro-credentials are focused on technology, business and innovation, covering topics like blockchain technology, e-commerce, data analytics and digital marketing. "What we have noticed is a trend toward micro-credentials and short courses that allow professionals to upskill or gain new relevant skills that will help them be flexible and advance in their careers," says Cyndi McLeod, chair of the board of governors at UCW. "Students are looking for degrees that teach applied and soft skills that set them up for success in today's fast- changing digital economy." When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, UWC had to pivot quickly and move everything online. Its team started intensively training faculty and provided students with support and training to ensure everybody had the skills and the ability to continue their education. UCW also increased student supports and hired more staff to assist students, while increasing the number of ways it supports students. "For instance, we offered virtual drop-ins and one-on-one and group meetings online," says McLeod. "We will continue to offer these services beyond COVID." Enrollment in Simon Fraser University's Continuing Studies rose during the pandemic, a trend likely attributed to professionals using the opportunity to take a step back and re-evaluate their careers. While some were looking to upgrade existing skills or learn new ones, others were transitioning to a different field or a new career altogether. SFU CONTINUING STUDIES SFU Continuing Studies transitioned smoothly to online learning, since