Laurier Continuing Education Winter 2024 Programs

Dec. 4, 2023

Through Laurier Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning, professionals can learn new skills and gain new capacities in 2024 through flexible non-credit programs.

With non-credit courses for business, nonprofits, education, and more, we hope your 2024 learning journey starts with a relevant and impactful program.  

A message from Continuing Education Director for 2024

Mental Health Skills for Educators Micro-credentials and Certificate

Since the pandemic, youth mental health needs have continued to rise. Help for educators has not. The call from educators is clear: schools need more support in addressing the ongoing youth mental health crisis.

This series of micro-credentials from Laurier’s Faculty of Education equips educators (teachers, principals, support staff) and those who work with children and youth mental health knowledge. Discover preventative tools and approaches to support young people experiencing the most common mental health challenges.

For each completed module, educators will receive a Laurier micro-credential in a different mental health area. Complete all six micro-credentials to receive the Laurier Mental Health Skills for Educators Certificate.

Micro-credential: Suicide and Self-Harm in Children and Youth
Course starts: Jan. 8, 2024
Date & time: Self-paced asynchronous learning
Total course time: 15 Hours

Micro-credential: Body Image and Eating Disorders in Children and Youth
Course starts: Feb. 5, 2024
Date & time: Self-paced asynchronous learning
Total course time: 15 Hours

Educators are welcome to get started today with a free introductory online module: Introduction to Youth Mental Health.

Register for free module

Canadian Risk Management (CRM) Certificate 

As the world changes faster and potential risks grow and change, financial institutions, government, and industry will need skilled Risk Managers to protect themselves and thrive. 

Laurier’s Canadian Risk Management (CRM) certificate is recognized and awarded by the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) - allowing you to gain foundational knowledge and access to write the RIMS designation exam to work in the field.

Prepare yourself to be a Risk Manager, by completing the three Laurier Risk Management Certificate courses over the next year. The three foundational courses are only offered once per year and can be taken in any order.

Start this January! This learning is completed entirely online, and includes self-paced work and regular online sessions with an expert Risk Management instructor.

Next course: CRM55 – Risk Assessment and Treatment
Next course starts: Jan. 11, 2024
Date & time: Thursdays | 7 PM – 9 PM
Total course time: 36 Hours

Certificate in Disability, Inclusive Ministry and Christian Faith

Making church communities more accessible involves more than installing a new wheelchair ramp or elevator.

Faith leaders are called to support: aging church populations, people with neurodivergence, people with mental illnesses, and all people with diverse accessibility needs in congregations. However, many are looking to better understand both visible and invisible disability and how to support these populations within their church and services.

This continuing education certificate from Martin Luther University College is led by experts in accessibility and inclusive ministry. Explore the practical, theological and ethical challenges facing faith communities, and learn the steps to become more inclusive and equitable.

Next course: Christian Theologies of Disability
Next course starts: Jan. 23, 2024
Date & time: Tuesdays | 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Total course time: 24 Hours

 
Learn more about this certificate

Program Evaluation Certificate 

Are you running a program or service and want to know whether it is effective, meeting the needs of people, or maximizing limited resources? Learn how to find the evidence you need to strengthen your program or service.

The Program Evaluation Certificate was created by Laurier’s Centre for Community Research Learning and Action (CCRLA). This program provides self-paced and experiential learning to better understand the body of knowledge around program evaluation.

Apply your knowledge and learn by doing! This continuing education certificate is led by Program Evaluation experts, who over the 6-month program will provide weekly online group sessions and one-on-one consultation to guide you in the creation an evaluation plan for your current organization.

Program: Program Evaluation Certificate
Program starts: Feb. 14, 2024 (Early Bird pricing until Dec. 20)
Time: Wednesdays | 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Total program time: 84 Hours

Learn more about this certificate

Laurier Association for Lifelong Learning (LALL) – Winter Lectures

This past semester, we had over 450 registrations for Laurier’s Association for Lifelong Learning. These lectures continue to be a beloved community resource for ongoing learning for anyone to participate.

These engaging lectures are geared toward those who love learning for community, personal growth, and fun. With 10 lectures including history, climate science, astronomy, a documentary viewing and more, learners are sure to discover a new favourite topic to dive into this year.

Program: Laurier Association for Lifelong Learning
Lectures run weekly: Jan. 18, 2024 - Mar. 19, 2024
Time: Various times and dates (see full schedule below)
Location: All lectures are held at Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex
Program time: 90-minute one-off lectures

 
See full LALL lecture lineup  

More learning for 2024! 

• Laurier community members are invited to view the Continuing Education program page for a list of upcoming programs, start dates and registration links.
• More continuing education and professional development opportunities are available through our Program Offices. 
• Any questions or requests for additional support can be sent to continuingeducation@wlu.ca.