Centennial College hosts new forum to advance global citizenship and equity in higher education

TORONTO, Oct. 17, 2014 /CNW/ - As the internationalization of education continues to grow as a trend, a new professional network focused on integrating global citizenship, social justice and equity issues in higher education convenes in Toronto for its inaugural forum on Nov. 13. The Global Citizenship & Equity Education Professional Network (GCEEPN) is the first of its kind in Canada.

With a special focus on leveraging innovative technologies in the classroom and beyond, the GCEEPN Forum will include a Tech Expo to inspire educators to think outside the box. It will feature interactive learning booths that demonstrate how to effectively integrate social justice education and digital technology.

Forum participants will hear from influential speakers, including:

• Naki Osutei, Director of Public Affairs and Social Legacy, Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games;
• Darrell Bricker, CEO of Global Affairs, Ipsos;
• Natasha Walji, Head of Industry for Consumer Packaged Goods, Google Canada;
• Ann Buller, President and CEO, Centennial College.

"Our approach to internationalization exists within a framework of global citizenship, social justice and equity learning," says Buller. "With this in mind, the GCEEPN will create a space and opportunity for thought leaders, experts and educators to work together to help shape the future of global citizenship and equity in higher education."

The forum will culminate with participants co-authoring a comprehensive action plan with recommendations on how to effectively integrate these themes into higher education, which will then be distributed to post-secondary institutions.

The GCEEPN was developed by the Office of Global Citizenship Education & Inclusion at Centennial College, the 2013 Winner of the Canadian Bureau of International Education (CBIE) Board of Directors Award for Comprehensive Internationalization, and the 2013 Gold Winner of The Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) Internationalization Excellence Award.

About Centennial and the Office of Global Citizenship Education & Inclusion

Over the past five decades, Centennial College has transformed itself from a local community college to a worldly institution with a presence in numerous emerging markets, including China, India, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. Its core focus remains preparing graduates to enter the work force, while offering students distinct ways to learn to be leaders. Centennial has worked to build lasting partnerships with local communities while preparing students to succeed in a global context.

Event Details:

Global Citizenship & Equity Education Professional Network (GCEEPN) Forum
Thursday, November 13, 8 am to 3:30 pm
The Estate Banquet Centre, 430 Nugget Avenue, Toronto

To register: https://appform.centennialcollege.ca/gceepn/index.aspx

About GCEEPN

GCEEPN plans to meet bi-annually to further discuss innovative ideas and be a support for common issues that arise from this work. Those interested in joining should register for the forum on Nov. 13 by visiting https://appform.centennialcollege.ca/gceepn/index.aspx. 

Contact

Yasmin Razack
Director of Global Citizenship Education and Inclusion, Centennial College
[email protected], 416-289-5000, ext. 3397

SOURCE: Centennial College

Media contact: Mark Toljagic, Communications Officer, 416-289-5000, ext. 7142; cell 416-605-6012; [email protected]