We're creating new educational pathways and international opportunities with strengthened ties to Ireland. George Brown College (GBC) signed agreements with two Irish academic institutions in March, Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) and South East Technological University (SETU).
GBC's Vice-President, Academic, Dr. Eileen De Courcy, travelled to Ireland as part of a Colleges Ontario-Education in Ireland delegation.
"This trip provided a great chance to connect with our Irish colleagues and explore opportunities and activities that will benefit GBC students and faculty and our partner institutions," De Courcy said. "These agreements support GBC's strategic priorities, including attracting diverse learners to the college, engaging in innovative academic and research initiatives, and building connections that contribute to a better future."
Our relationship with IADT goes back to 2014. This month we reaffirmed our memorandum of understanding (MOU) and committed to expanding our collaboration in design, business, and sustainability.
"Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology's reputation for excellence will ensure students from both institutes will be given high-level opportunities like participating in industry-related research through our Brookfield Sustainability Institute, engage in charettes, semester exchanges and pursue their goals to obtain a masters level education," said GBC Provost Dr. Cory Ross.
We also signed our first MOU with SETU (pictured), focusing on activities for the Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies and the Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts. GBC-SETU collaboration will include creating pathways to degree completion, applied research initiatives, and faculty and student exchange opportunities.
"SETU is delighted as part of its continuing link with Colleges Ontario to sign this MOU with George Brown College," said SETU's Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Dr. David Denieffe. "This collaboration will serve to grow the links between our institutions enabling learner pathways and many other possibilities as we develop our relationship."
Back in Toronto, we've also been strengthening connections to Ireland. In February, the School of Early Childhood hosted a student and faculty group visiting from Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and Consul General of Ireland to Toronto, Janice McGann, for a presentation by the Association of Ontario Early Childhood Educators. It was an excellent opportunity for intercultural classroom exchange and networking.
