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Starting on September 5, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) students and graduates will have 24/7 access to official transcripts, parchments and letters of completion in their own secure virtual credential wallet. Through a new partnership with the Association of Registrars of the Universities and Colleges of Canada (ARUCC), RDP students and graduates will receive and manage their documents through the MyCreds™ platform. MyCreds™ provides secure and convenient access to academic documents, allowing students and graduates to share these with other colleges and universities, government, employers and third parties. Documents issued through MyCreds™ are tamper-evident and cryptographically signed, making them authentic and official. "Red Deer Polytechnic is committed to providing students with seamless access and services, and our partnership with ARUCC to offer academic documents through MyCredsTM is an important new aspect of this,” says Dr. Trish Nuyten, Interim Dean of Enrolment Management and Registrar. “By providing students and graduates with this new pathway to access and share their digital documents, we are offering them more opportunity and agency to connect with educational institutions and employers through an innovative, convenient method.” "The launch of Red Deer Polytechnic on MyCreds™ illustrates the growing impact of digital service in Alberta," says Jennifer Crothers, ARUCC

Tristan Wine’s connection to Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has extended beyond graduation. After earning an Engineering Technology Diploma at RDP in 2019, Tristan worked for more than a year and then decided to further his education in Camosun College’s Engineering Bridge program in 2021. That summer, he began working as an Applied Research Technician in the Polytechnic’s Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing (CIM-TAC) as part of his Engineering program’s co-op placement. As a Technology Access Centre, the CIM-TAC is a 15,000 square foot innovative hub that helps entrepreneurs with product and process development, improvement through technical services and applied research. After one year at Camosun College, Tristan enrolled at the University of Victoria, where he is in his fourth year of an Electrical Engineering Degree. His post-secondary education, including at RDP, has helped to prepare him for his job in the CIM-TAC. “The skills and knowledge that I have acquired throughout my courses and post-secondary opportunities have directly helped me perform the duties of an Applied Research Technician at RDP,” he says. Having received meaningful work experiences in his Engineering co-op placement at the Polytechnic, Tristan returned to the four-month co-op placement in the summer of 2022. “I wanted to

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has recognized eight outstanding employees who made extraordinary contributions in serving students, the institution and our communities through innovation. The awards were presented at the annual RDP Awards of Excellence event held on August 29 at Red Deer Polytechnic. “The dedicated employees we celebrate with these awards ensure our continued growth and success as a relevant, learner-centered Polytechnic,” says Stuart Cullum, President, Red Deer Polytechnic. This year, 18 employees were nominated by their peers in recognition of demonstrating excellence in innovation, teaching, service to their community or profession and leadership. RDP is pleased to announce the following 2023 Awards of Excellence Recipients: Excellence in Innovation Natalie Ford , Nursing Instructor, School of Health and Wellness. Recognized for her innovative approach to teaching and course development to enhance the learning experience for students. Guriqbal Munday , Industrial Research Associate, Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing (CIM-TAC). Recognized for significant contributions to RDP’s advanced manufacturing and innovation applied research program, which includes leading the design of a solar panel cleaner for Wash-Bots. Excellence in Service Krista Baumgartner , Operations Manager, Donald School of Business, Science and Computing. Recognized for her service in creating enhanced programming and fostering an environment

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) will be recognizing employees who made extraordinary contributions in serving students, the institution and communities over the past year at the 2023 Awards of Excellence.   The Awards of Excellence are given annually as formal recognition for remarkable contributions from faculty and staff that extend beyond their job requirements. These outstanding contributions may be through innovation, service, teaching or leadership, and make a positive impact at the institution, in communities or in their profession.   This year, 18 RDP employees have been nominated in four categories:   EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE  As an Administrative Officer for the Division of Student Success, Heather Adams has contributed to the Polytechnic community in many ways. She played an instrumental role in creating an onboarding manual for new employees. Heather has also been integral in developing initiatives to recognize her colleagues across Red Deer Polytechnic. She has assisted with the United Way Campaign, Student Orientation, Career Expo, RDP’s staff Christmas party and many other events.  As Safety Coordinator and Administrative Assistant, Megan Andruik advocates for the health needs of learners and employees and continuously promotes the importance of RDP’s safety and wellness culture. Megan has led several health-related initiatives and events, including a step

Are you new to Red Deer Polytechnic and unsure what to expect as a student? You're not alone. This is a new chapter in your life, and studying at a post-secondary institution can feel overwhelming, especially if you don't know where to start. If you're new to the Polytechnic and are looking for advice on what to expect, we're here to help. We created New Student Orientation, an event specifically for our first-year students to help you with the ins and outs of everything you need to know, preparing you for the next steps in your student journey. New Student Orientation will allow you to: Meet and connect with students. You're not the only one that's going through this new journey. New Student Orientation is an opportunity to meet and connect with other students who are just as excited and nervous as you are. Introduce you to your program and instructors. Post-secondary education is more than just late nights studying and eating macaroni and cheese. The whole reason for going to school is to explore your educational journey and take a step toward your bright future. Why not meet the instructors that will help you achieve those goals right from

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is pleased to announce that Dr. Tonya Wolfe has been appointed to the role of Associate Vice President of Applied Research. Dr. Wolfe began her employment at Red Deer Polytechnic in 2020 as the Director for Manufacturing and Energy Innovation. Throughout her time at RDP, she has played an integral role in leading the growth and development of the Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing (CIM-TAC) and Energy Innovation Centre, and in RDP being ranked first nationally for applied research growth and recognized as one of Canada’s Top 50 Applied Research Colleges in 2021. “We are extremely excited to have Dr. Wolfe take on this new role with Red Deer Polytechnic,” says Patrick Machacek, Vice President, Development and Partnerships. “RDP’s applied research centres are working with industry and community partners to find solutions for the betterment of our society and economy. As the Associate Vice President of Applied Research, Dr. Wolfe will provide leadership across Red Deer Polytechnic for the benefit of our external partners, and also provide dynamic one-of-a-kind learning spaces for our students as we continue to grow and expand our applied research programs and services.” Along with continuing to provide leadership in applied research

Congratulations to our newest graduates of Red Deer Polytechnic, the Class of 2023! I had the honour of addressing our graduates at RDP’s 59th Convocation Ceremonies this year. Sitting up on stage, I had the perfect vantage point to see how proud the friends and families were of their graduates and how proud the graduates were of themselves. It filled me with such gratitude for my own academic journey and the family and friends who supported me. I know it’s not easy to get through a post-secondary program. The RDP Alumni Association, including the Board of Directors and I, are very proud of you! To our new grads, and those alumni who may have been following Convocation this year or maybe even celebrating a graduate in their family – I hope you also found a moment to reflect on your moment on the stage; How accomplished you felt with the new opportunities to seize and a journey to build on. As you move through your next steps, I hope you’ll stay connected to our alumni community for the support and encouragement we provide. I’ve been visiting RDP’s campus since I was 10 years old when I was enrolled in the

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is proud to announce the addition of Werner Beylefeld, Director of International Education, and Dr. Trish Nuyten, Interim Dean of Enrolment Management and Registrar, to the leadership team. “We are excited to have Mr. Beylefeld and Dr. Nuyten join Red Deer Polytechnic at a time when our institution is growing programs, training and applied research opportunities,” says Dr. Paulette Hanna, Interim Vice President, Academic. “Their experience and ability to strategically lead will best serve the needs of our students and institution.” Mr. Beylefeld has a diverse academic background. He has successfully led international teams and programs, creating strategic global partnerships within post-secondary and public sectors. With nine years of experience at the University of Regina, Mr. Beylefeld held roles that included Director of Global Outreach and Manager of Finance and International Program Development. He most recently worked as Director of International Recruitment and Integrity for the Saskatchewan Ministry of Immigration and Career Training, leading the development and execution of Saskatchewan’s international recruitment strategy to support the growth of the province. Dr. Nuyten is an innovative leader who has experience in the post-secondary sector and a familiarity with Red Deer Polytechnic. She previously worked at the Polytechnic

Through the RDP Abroad Practical Nursing Experience in St. Lucia, Dianne De Ferrari has received unique career and life-enhancing global experiences. While recently immersed in the Caribbean culture, Dianne developed personal and professional skills that complement the Practical Nurse Diploma program at Red Deer Polytechnic. “This experience has helped me in several ways, including to further develop my health promotion skills in an international setting,” says Dianne, who took four Health Promotion courses throughout the two-year RDP Practical Nurse Diploma. “Growing these skills has built my confidence and has allowed me to present information in a way that better suits the needs of the people who I support as a practical nurse.” While in St. Lucia, Dianne - along with seven peers from RDP - gave presentations to local secondary students about health and well-being. “During my presentation on self-esteem, the students were engaged with the content which made me proud,” adds Dianne. “Their reactions showed that my presentation was making a real impact.” Dianne, her peers and two RDP employees, also participated in sessions about trauma and non-communicable diseases and they interacted with community members, sharing information about nutrition at a farmers’ market. “My most memorable moment was attending

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has received international recognition as part of the 2023 Green Gown Awards for its efforts in energy innovation and emissions reduction. RDP was recognized with a Highly Commended Award in the 2030 Climate Action category (the only Canadian post-secondary institution in that category and one of only two Canadian finalists across all eight categories). The International Green Gown Awards are led by The Alliance for Sustainability Leadership in Education and are supported by the UN Environment Programme. “It is an honour to be recognized globally as a post-secondary leader in environmental sustainability and energy innovation,” says Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic. “We will continue to collaborate with industry and communities in seeking innovative solutions to achieve both energy and climate security in Alberta and beyond.” The International Green Gown Awards , in association with Allianz Global Investors, were established in 2004. The Awards recognize the exceptional sustainability initiatives by post-secondary institutions around the world. This year, Red Deer Polytechnic was among 93 finalists from 25 countries that were nominated in eight categories. As a polytechnic, RDP acts as an innovation hub, where industry can leverage the applied research capabilities of its people and facilities

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is proud to have been awarded a Blue Skies Award from Parkland Airshed Management Zone (PAMZ) for taking exemplary measures to improve the air quality in the region. “As Red Deer Polytechnic, we are proud to be recognized for our innovation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to environmental health and the sustainability of communities,” says Mandeep Parmar, Director of Campus Management. “Through our Green Campus Master Plan, we are committed to a broad scope of sustainability, which includes enhancing air quality, and becoming a net zero energy institution by 2031.” Red Deer Polytechnic’s Green Campus Master Plan is comprised of six sustainability pillars that include emissions reduction, energy generation, energy storage, waste reduction, energy efficiency and educational opportunities. These pillars build upon previous RDP sustainability initiatives to conserve energy. In recent years, the Polytechnic has upgraded lights to more efficient LEDs, created the Alternative Energy Initiative, and installed 4,200 photovoltaic solar panels and a one megawatt (MW) Combined Heat and Power unit on main campus. In addition, RDP’s Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre received Gold Certification in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ( LEED) , a worldwide building certification program. The

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is pleased to welcome Lindsay Engel to the role of Vice President, Academic & Student Experience. An experienced post-secondary leader, Ms. Engel will be joining RDP from Sheridan College in Ontario where she is Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science and Technology.  “We are very excited to have Ms. Engel join the Red Deer Polytechnic team,” comments Stuart Cullum, President, RDP. “As an academic leader in the Ontario system, Ms. Engel has established innovative, student-focused, collaborative learning environments that have brought together infrastructure, faculty, industry, and students to enable success both within and outside of the institution. Her leadership will play a pivotal role as RDP continues its transformation into an industry focused, student-centric and nationally recognized polytechnic.”  Ms. Engel brings extensive experience to the position having served in instructing, academic and research leadership roles at Sheridan, Fanshawe, George Brown and Niagara College in Ontario. She has led the development of several new programs, college-industry partnerships, learner pathway initiatives and co-op opportunities for students.  Ms. Engel is completing her PhD in Applied Sciences at Brock University and brings a comprehensive background in research, data analysis, strategy and process improvement within the post-secondary, municipal and health