2024 Annual Conference
November 8, 2024
Manitoba Advising Professionals are pleased to present the 26th Annual Conference. This year the agenda will again include a variety of interesting, informative, and relevant sessions for advisors and other post-secondary personnel in a variety of settings.
Holiday Inn Winnipeg Airport
1740 Ellice Avenue
Winnipeg, MB
2024 Conference
Keynote speaker: Joanna White, Red River College Polytechnic
Cost
New members: $260 ($200 conference fee + $20 2024 membership + $40 2025 membership)
Current members: $240 ($200 conference fee +$40 2025 membership)
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1038324144467?aff=oddtdtcreator
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the refund policy?
Up to Oct. 31— 100% refund of conference fee (minus Eventbrite processing fees)
After Oct. 31 — no refund
Refunds will not be issued for no-show registrants. Membership fees are non-refundable. If a member is unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, conference registration may be transferred to another MAP member.
What if the conference is cancelled?
In the event of cancellation of the conference due to bad weather or other circumstances beyond our control, MAP will make every effort to reschedule the event to an alternate date. If you are unable to attend the rescheduled event, MAP will, at its discretion, refund the conference fee amount paid minus any venue cancellation charges. No refund will be made where participants are able to claim on an insurance policy.
MAP will not be liable for any ancillary or related costs including, but not limited to, hotel and airline charges or cancellation fees due to weather or other conditions or circumstances.
What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?
Parking is free at the Holiday Inn Winnipeg Airport. Winnipeg Transit offers bus service.
Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Please contact mbadvisorsinfo@gmail.com with any questions you may have.
MAP's 26th Annual Conference's Agenda
8:15-8:45am Check-in, light refreshments, and networking (Madison Ballroom A & B)
8:45-9:00am MAP Welcome and Introductions (Madison Ballroom A & B)
9:00-10:00am Keynote Address (Madison A & B): Past, Present, and Looking Forward – Building a Better Future Together
Keynote Speaker: Joanna White, Red River College Polytechnic
Often, Truth and Reconciliation can seem out of reach, or we are unsure of how to approach it and make it a reality. We will explore a Two-Eyed Seeing approach to incorporating Truth and Reconciliation work into professional practice and how this contributes to decolonization.
10:00-10:30am Coffee Break and networking (registration area)
10:30am-12:00pm Concurrent Sessions 1 (Choose 1A or 1B)
Session 1A (Madison A & B): Advancing 2SLGBTQ+
Facilitator: Dr. Robert Mizzi, University of Manitoba
This session will explore the unique challenges faced by 2SLGBTQ+ students, including fear of discrimination, mental health concerns, navigating identity, and the need for inclusive policies. We will discuss practical strategies for advisors to support these students effectively, respecting their personal backgrounds, addressing intersectionality, and fostering safe spaces. Through compelling case studies and evidence-based practices, attendees will gain valuable tools to advocate for and empower 2SLGBTQ+ students in their academic journeys.
Session 1B (Madison C): Sharing Circle
Facilitator: Joanna White, Red River College Polytechnic
In this session, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a Fireside Chat about Truth and Reconciliation and what this means in their advising practice. The Fireside Chat model focuses on casual conversations about often hard or difficult topics. Together we create brave space for the exploration of Truth and Reconciliation and the implications for our professional practice.
12:00-1:30pm Lunch & AGM/Annual Report and Board Elections (Location TBA)
1:30pm-2:45pm Concurrent Sessions 2 (Choose 2A or 2B)
Session 2A (Madison A): Generative AI in Education
Facilitators: Troy Heaps, Red River College Polytechnic and Rebecca Molly Hiebert, Red River College Polytechnic
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools have the potential to transform the way we work. This session will begin with the basics of accessing and interacting with an AI tool and will then share guidelines for responsible and ethical use. Following that, participants will be introduced to three strategies for prompting with an AI tool. For each strategy, participants will have the opportunity to try out a task and report back with their findings. Finally, participants will get a tour of the new "Generative Artificial Intelligence: Practical Uses in Education" Open Educational Resource (OER) which provides educators with positive and productive ways to incorporate generative AI tools into their work.
To fully participate in the session, please bring a device (laptop, smart phone, etc.) on which you can interact with an AI tool.
Session 2B (Madison C): Career Success is in Your Relationships
Facilitator: Zach Unrau, Red River College Polytechnic
Career success starts with understanding and fostering strong relationships. Speaking from the perspective of working with Indigenous Students pursuing their career and employment goals, this presentation will explore the interconnected roles of students, advisors, and employers. It will outline the specific expectations and responsibilities each group holds for one another, demonstrating how meeting these can create a sense of community rather than competition.
2:45-3:00pm Coffee Break (Registration Area)
3:00-4:15pm Concurrent Sessions 3 (Choose 3A or 3B)
Session 3A (Madison A): When Dreams and Reality Collide
Facilitators: Connor Trueman, Brandon University and Doug Pople, Brandon University
What do I do when a student’s dream career is far removed from their demonstrated academic
achievement? How do I have difficult conversations with students without dis-empowering
them? What is my role as an advisor when I encounter a student with unrealistic plans and
expectations? As Advisors and Student Services professionals, we often find ourselves being the
first people to engage in ‘reality check’ conversations. These conversations can feel difficult to
navigate, but they can also be crucial to long term student success. Student Services staff are well
positioned to help students understand reality and navigate the next steps. By using scenario-
based group discussions, the facilitators will encourage participants to take on this important part
of their work with confidence and purpose. An emphasis will be placed on how career services and
student advisors can work together to engage students experiencing changing academic and
career goals.
Session 3B (Madison C): Open the Door to Career Opportunities via Volunteerism
Facilitator: Kayla Lang, Volunteer Manitoba
This session will focus on the advantages volunteerism can provide students exploring career options as well as how advisors can assist them in finding opportunities that are a good match for their skills, interests, and abilities.