2025-11-20 – Newsroom

#DawsonProud, AccessAbility, Facilities Management, Homepage news, Student Services

Newly renovated space for students with disabilities

Dawson College’s recently renovated room 2H.02 has been thoughtfully redesigned to better serve students with disabilities, with essential upgrades addressing a range of needs beyond mobility.

“Our vision was to create a purposeful space that genuinely meets students’ real needs. With the help of Inhwa Choi and Elias Azar of the Facilities Management team, that vision surpassed our expectations,” said Christine Lister, manager of Dawson’s Student AccessAbility Centre (SAAC).

Inhwa emphasized the design intent: “We wanted students to feel that this room is truly their space—a welcoming, intentional environment, not a storage area or an undefined corner, but a place where every student can relax, focus, and find comfort whenever they need a quiet moment.” Inhwa said the team felt that the College’s standard paint and flooring colours could use a fresh approach in this space. The team chose a soothing green paint palette “to foster warmth and relaxation.”

Visit the link for the homepage news story.

Photo: from left to right: Dawson employees involved in renovating the 2H.02 room Maxwell Jones, Samuel Vallery Saint-Hilaire, Elias Azar, Inhwa Choi, Diane Gauvin, Geoff Kloos and Christine Lister.

#DawsonProud, From the Director General

Four Dawson teachers honoured for teaching excellence

Dawson College proudly honours four exceptional faculty members: Michael Duckett (History), Felix Fuchs (English), Jennifer Koopman (Humanities), and Meghan Waugh (Interior Design). They are being awarded the Director General’s Teaching Excellence Award for 2024-2025. The award presentation will take place on Jan. 14 at the Winter 2026 Ped Day.

This award recognizes their outstanding dedication and excellence in teaching, as nominated by their students and colleagues. Michael has long been passionate about history and open classroom discussions. Felix, originally from Munich, brings expertise in postcolonial literature and critical social theory; Jennifer has been enriching humanities education since 2013 with a focus on literature; and Meghan, a Dawson graduate, combines design expertise with teaching.

Their commitment to inspiring, engaging, and supporting learners enriches the academic community and embodies the highest standards of education at Dawson. They each shared insights in a Q & A with the Communications Office.

Visit the link for the homepage news story.

Communications Office, From the Director General, Homepage news

New Space for Dawson College in 2026

The leadership of Dawson College is nearing the completion of a complex process to secure new rental space, customize it to meet the College’s needs, and prepare for an eventual move.

The Ministry of Higher Education has allocated funds for a 20-year lease, including renovations to address Dawson College’s significant space deficit. The lease must be signed by April 1, 2026, to move forward with this plan.

“The Ministry of Higher Education is supporting us in the pursuit of rental space,” said Director General Diane Gauvin. “They are invested in this new process for Dawson.”

Diane shared this update with the Dawson community during a Town Hall meeting on Nov. 12, where she highlighted the confidential nature of the ongoing process. Visit the link for more information in the homepage news story.

#DawsonProud, Homepage news, Office of Academic Development

Meet Dawson’s latest graduate of the Master’s in College Teaching program

Kim Webb (Faculty, Product Design) has completed a Master of Education in College Teaching (M.Ed.) through the Performa program at the University of Sherbrooke. She shared her project, how she developed as a teacher and more in a Q & A with the Communications Office.

Visit the link for the homepage news story.

Awards Office

Nomination deadline for Lieutenant Governor’s Youth Medal is Dec. 10

Dawson College can recommend up to two students for the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal, which recognizes the voluntary involvement, determination and dedication of Quebecers who make or have made a difference in their community or Québec nation.

Faculty and staff members can nominate students to the Awards Office until Dec. 10. For all the details, visit the link.

Learning opportunities, Office of Academic Development, Professional Development

Register for World Café event on Resilience Teaching Dec. 10

On Wednesday, Dec. 10, Heather Bilkes (R.N., B.N.Sc., M.Ed., Nursing faculty, Champlain College) will present and facilitate a World Café event entitled Resilience Teaching. Light refreshments will be served.

Visit the link for more information and the link to register.

Office of Academic Development

Fall 2025 Ped Day resources

Were you at Ped Day Nov. 7? Even if you were not, you could benefit from the resources offered by our speakers, such as keynote Jessica Riddell, and facilitators.

They are all found on the Office of Academic Development SharePoint site. Visit the link to view them.

Two Ped Days to welcome you back in January

Save the dates for two Ped Days and don't miss the great programming being prepared to inspire your teaching in the Winter 2026 semester.

Intercollegiate Ped Day will be Monday, Jan. 12 ONLINE. Psychology Professor Floris Van Vugt from the Université de Montréal will be the keynote. His specialty is how people connect across divides.
Dawson's Winter Ped Day will be Wednesday, Jan. 14 IN PERSON.

The Office of Academic Development will be sending emails with links to register.

Office of Academic Development

Call for Applications – CARE Research Funding

The Office of Academic Development invites Dawson faculty and staff to apply for funding through the Collegial Applied Research Ecosystem (CARE). This funding is made possible through an external multi-year NSERC CCI Mobilize grant awarded to Dawson. It does not draw on the College’s operating budget and was established to build an ecosystem that connects and supports researchers, students, and partners to co-create applied research addressing real-world challenges, fostering innovation, and providing equitable training opportunities.

Two opportunities are currently open: the CARE Collaborative Impact Grant, which funds applied research projects with community, industry, or public-sector partners, and the CARE Internship Initiative, which supports student research internships under faculty supervision.

Learn more or express your interest by emailing care@dawsoncollege.qc.ca.

Academic News, Events

Save the Date for Social Science Week

Planning is now well underway for Dawson's Social Science Week 2026! Social Science Week is an annual conference hosted at Dawson College, one that showcases a variety of exciting speakers and engages a range of important themes (e.g., Indigenous concerns, environmental matters, and contemporary political issues).

In 2026, Social Science Week will run from Feb. 9-12 in 5B.16. The official speaker list and program will be announced soon, but everyone can expect another stellar offering. Circle your calendars and stay tuned!

#DawsonProud, In the news/in social media

Dawson students come second at provincial design contest

Dawson won second place out of 40 teams from across the province at L'Odyssée de L'objet en 48hr , an industrial design contest organized by Réseau Technosciences Nov. 7-9. More than 20 Dawson students took part.

Visit the link to find out more about how you can see the students' designs and for a link to vote until Nov. 23 for the public's coup de coeur!

#DawsonProud, Dawson Foundation

New Foundation board member Eva Helms champions caring community

Eva Helms of the Office of Sustainability at Dawson College has joined the Board of the Dawson College Foundation. Recently, she participated in a Q & A with the Communications Office.

Visit the link for the homepage news story.

Photo credit: Sarah de Guzman

Dawson Foundation

Introducing new Foundation board member Ursula Bunge

Dawson parent Ursula Bunge has joined the Dawson College Foundation Board, bringing her extensive experience and passion for supporting students. With a background rooted in arts and culture, Ursula’s professional journey includes significant roles at the Fondation du Cégep Édouard-Montpetit, the McCord Museum, and Maison St-Gabriel, alongside coaching basketball. Her current role is Coordinator of Partnerships at the Fondation de la Basilique Notre-Dame.

Visit the link to read the full appointment news.

#DawsonProud, In the news/in social media

First Prix Paul-André-Linteau awarded to Scholar in Residence Janice Harvey

One of Dawson’s Scholars in Residence, retired history professor and very active researcher Janice Harvey, is the first person to win the Prix Paul-André-Linteau, awarded by the Institut d’histoire de l’Amerique français for the best book on Montreal history published last year.

Janice did a Q & A with the Communications Office about her book, Their Benevolent Design. Conservative Women and Protestant Child Charities in Montreal.

Visit the link for the Q & A featured in a homepage news story.

#DawsonProud, Homepage news, In the news/in social media

Dawson collaboration brings inspiring marathon story to life in graphic novel

An inspiring story of friendship, determination, and accessibility is being brought to life in a new graphic novel entitled RUN. The project follows Bradley Heaven, a Dawson College graduate with Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy, and Dan O’Connor, his integration aide and co-founder of their non-profit All Access Life, as they take on their first marathon together in October 2021.

The graphic novel captures the extraordinary challenge they faced: Dan pushing Brad (Social Science, Class of 2020) in an adaptive stroller for 40 kms before Brad switched to his adaptive walker to complete the final 2.2 kms solo. As English faculty member Andrew Katz, who is collaborating on the project, said: “Things did not go according to plan. It made for an eventful day—and a great story.”

Visit the link for the homepage news story.

#DawsonProud, Homepage news, In the news/in social media, Sustainability, Well-being for all

Cooking for Justice: Dawson students serve up more than just soup

A new initiative called Cooking for Justice is connecting Dawson College students with their community—and with each other—one pot of soup at a time. Led by Diana Rice of the Office of Sustainability, the project blends hands-on cooking with lessons in social justice, sustainability, and mutual aid, transforming classroom time into meaningful action.

“It started last year during Indigenous Awareness Week,” explains Diana Rice. “The students of the Decolonization and Indigenization Studies certificate and the Office of Sustainability teamed up to make Three Sisters Soup to donate to Resilience Montreal as our contribution to the week. The students enjoyed the work so much that I decided it would be a great repeat activity, but this time with the intention of working directly with teachers and their classes.”

Visit the link for the homepage news story.

#DawsonProud, Dawson Professional Theatre, Events

Dawson Professional Theatre presents The Women until Nov. 22

The Professional Theatre Department's play, The Women, is on this week and closes Saturday, Nov. 22.

The satirical comedy set in the 1930s tells the story of Mary Haines, a wealthy, New-York-City socialite who discovers that her husband is cheating on her with a younger woman. Mary’s socialite, gossipy, so-called friends counsel her to get a divorce and take her husband for everything he’s got.

Mary ends up in Reno with a handful of other divorcees and thinks she’s made a mistake. She sets out to reclaim her husband, but at what cost? A searing, satirical comedy of manners. Performed by the third-year students and directed by Matt Holland. Closes Saturday Nov. 22. A ticket is only $6.18 for members of the Dawson community!

Visit the link for showtimes and to get your ticket.

Student Services

Mental Health Fair draws hundreds of students

Dawson’s Mental Health Fair, organized by the team of Mental Health Services on Nov. 12, brought together 19 community organizations offering information, resources, and activities to support student well-being. The event drew an impressive turnout, with approximately 700 “mental health passports” distributed to participants who visited the kiosks.

By 1:30 p.m., the fair’s top incentive, bubble tea, had already run out, marking more than 300 students who collected at least 10 stamps each. That’s over 3,000 kiosk visits before mid-afternoon. Based on sticker counts from the organizations, the total number of visits over the three-hour fair exceeded 6,000, highlighting strong student engagement and enthusiasm for mental health awareness on campus.

#DawsonProud, Homepage news, In the news/in social media

Dawson grad won QWF College Writer’s Award

The 2025 recipient of the Quebec Writers’ Federation College Writer’s Award is Zoë Vega, who wrote the winning piece while they were at Dawson College. Since graduating, they have gone on to Concordia University. Zoë, who is studying creative writing, took a few moments to participate in a Q & A with the Communications Office.

Visit the link for the homepage news story.

#DawsonProud, Academic News, Events

Get ready to walk the red carpet: The Dawson Film Festival returns Dec. 5

The Fall 2025 edition of the Dawson Film Festival (DFF) is rolling out the red carpet. Join us on Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 PM in the Dawson Theatre for a glamorous (and slightly tongue-in-cheek) celebration of student filmmaking. Expect a showcase of student-produced short films, a playful nod to classic award shows, and of course, the presentation of this semester’s DFF awards.

Tickets go on sale Monday, Dec. 1 in 3B.1-1., with all proceeds supporting student awards and the Cinema | Communications profile.

For updates, sneak peeks, and festival fun, follow @dawsonfilmfestival on Instagram.

#DawsonProud, Dawson Blues, Student Services

Silver for Dawson Women’s Cross-Country Running Team

The Women's Cross-Country Running Team received a silver medal at the CCAA Nationals led by Mia Simpson and Amélie Bardon. Mia Simpson is the 2025 CCAA National Champion with a time of 22:52 (race of six kms). She won by eight seconds. Amélie Bardon ranked fourth with a time of 23:26, just shy of the podium in her first year of competition at the collegiate level. Bravo to our student athletes!

Photo: Team (Simpson, Bardon, Amelia Clerk 31st, Lieba Bacher-Spitzer 32nd, Ella O'Carroll 57th and Mila Degand 58th) is the first Dawson Cross-Country team to medal at Nationals.

Dawson Blues

Dawson Blues News

There are games coming up in the next few days and an online store that closes on Friday, Nov. 21.

Visit the link for Blues News.

Last chance: Nov. 21 last day to buy Holiday Party ticket

Tickets for Dawson's Holiday Party are on sale until 4 PM on Friday, Nov. 21. You can buy them with a bank or credit card in the Campus Life Office at 2E.4 every workday from 9 AM to 11:45 AM and from 1:30 PM to 4 PM.

Tickets only cost $15 and give you a dinner and entrance to the party that will take place on Friday, Dec. 5 starting at 4:30 PM.

Communications Office, IST

Launching new Dawson Employee Portal

The IST team is launching a Dawson Employee Portal, a new intranet exclusively for Dawson employees. Content that has migrated to the portal will remain available on the public website until Jan. 30, 2026. Take some time to become familiar with the new portal over the next two months.

Visit the link for more information and for access to the portal.

Learning opportunities, Perks for Dawson Employees, Sustainability, Well-being for all

Do something good for yourself: join the Sustainable Happiness course

Support staff, professionals and teachers have the amazing opportunity to actively participate in Dawson’s Sustainable Happiness non-credit community certificate group. This is a gift from Dawson that you can do within your working hours at the College!

The Sustainable Happiness training will guide people to reflect on positive psychology and sustainability. It contributes to Dawson’s commitment of well-being for all, sustainably.

The Sustainable Happiness Certificate is being offered once a week for two hours in Winter 2026, beginning Jan. 29. To participate and for more information, visit the link and contact Jenn de Vera to express your interest.

Policy on Sexual Violence, Student Services, Well-being for all

Wear purple this Tuesday

The Dawson community is invited to wear purple on Tuesday, Nov. 25. This gesture is a way to show support for ending gender-based violence. The colour purple stands for courage, dignity, and solidarity with survivors. By wearing it, you help raise awareness and spark conversations about creating safer communities for everyone.

Nov. 25 is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This day marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign, which raises awareness and promotes actions to end violence against women and girls worldwide.

Events, Policy on Sexual Violence, Well-being for all

Men wanted to staff White Ribbon table Dec. 1-4

Seeking male colleagues and students to give an hour of service to staff the White Ribbon campaign table Monday through Thursday, Dec. 1-4, from 10 AM to 3 PM. For support staff, professionals and managers, you can you use your well-being hours with the approval of your supervisor.

The White Ribbon Campaign is a global movement of men and boys working to end male violence against women and girls. It was formed by a group of pro-feminist men in Toronto in 1991 as a response to the École Polytechnique massacre of female students in 1989.

The campaign’s mission is to raise awareness about the prevalence of male violence against women, with the ribbon symbolizing the idea of men giving up their arms. Active in over 60 countries, the movement seeks to promote healthy relationships, gender equity, and a compassionate vision of masculinity.

If you are interested in volunteering, please email your availabilities to Rhea Gurnagul at rgurnagul@dawsoncollege.qc.ca.

Dawson Remembers, Milestones

In memoriam Paul Duchow

It is with much sorrow that we announce the death of Paul Duchow, who passed away in Cuba on October 5, 2025 at the age of 77. Paul taught Political Science and Humanities at Dawson, first at Lafontaine, then at Atwater. He also made an important contribution to the college serving on the executive of the Dawson Teachers’ Union for years. He supplemented his studies with a law degree specializing in immigration law. Following an early retirement from teaching, Paul helped clients cut through immigration red tape. For the past years, Paul spent much of his time in Cuba where his wife, Yarima Perodin, and his daughter, Rebecca, still live.

Student Services, Well-being for all

Vaccines available for free near Dawson Dec. 16

The CIUSSS West-Central Montreal mobile clinic will be stopping in our Dawson neighbourhood:
Location: The Refugee Centre (2107 Ste-Catherine St. W., #100)
Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Free walk-in vaccines will be available for influenza, COVID-19, shingles, and pneumococcal infection.

Eligibility remains subject to government criteria. See this link for details.

Dawson Gives

Help brighten the holidays for kids in care

This holiday season, Dawson is once again joining the Batshaw Holiday Gift Campaign to support children and teens in Youth Protection. About 200 young people will soon age out of care, stepping into adulthood with limited support. They are part of our extended community, and together we can help make their holidays brighter.

Visit the link to find out more and to get involved.

Continuing Education and Community Services (CECS), Events

IVGD Indie Game Playtest Dec. 5

Join us on Friday, Dec. 5, from 6 PM - 9 PM for an exciting evening of indie game playtesting at Dawson College! You’ll get to try games from local developers and Dawson students alike! The event is open to the public, and players of all ages are welcome.

RSVP: https://events.humanitix.com/ivgd-indie-game-playtest-fall-2025

When & Where:

Friday, Dec. 5
6 PM - 9 PM
Dawson College, Room 3C.1

Dawson Foundation

Foundation giving snacks to students writing exams

On Dec. 17, the Dawson College Foundation will be giving out free snacks once again for students writing the English Exit Exam and the Épreuve uniforme de français.

It’s no secret that it’s harder to concentrate on mental tasks when we’re hungry, and this is even truer when you factor in the stress of a ministry exam. For many students who don’t have time to eat in the morning, are too stressed to make a big breakfast, or who may not have enough food in their home and can’t afford to buy breakfast on the go, having a small bite to eat before writing a three or four-hour exam can make all the difference!

Last year, the Dawson Foundation was proud to give out over 500 free snacks to students, and we look forward to being there again to continue showing our support!

DawsonITE

DawsonITE Newsletter # 687

DawsonITE is your curated news related to IST and Education prepared by Dawson's Rafael Scapin.

In this issue:

ChatGPT Harm Reduction for Writing Assignments
AI in Action: How Educators Should Approach the Technology
11 ways to delete or hide yourself from the internet - and protect your privacy

Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025

Newly renovated space for students with disabilities

Four Dawson teachers honoured for teaching excellence

New Space for Dawson College in 2026

Meet Dawson’s latest graduate of the Master’s in College Teaching program

Nomination deadline for Lieutenant Governor’s Youth Medal is Dec. 10

Register for World Café event on Resilience Teaching Dec. 10

Fall 2025 Ped Day resources

Two Ped Days to welcome you back in January

Call for Applications – CARE Research Funding

Save the Date for Social Science Week

Dawson students come second at provincial design contest

New Foundation board member Eva Helms champions caring community

Introducing new Foundation board member Ursula Bunge

First Prix Paul-André-Linteau awarded to Scholar in Residence Janice Harvey

Dawson collaboration brings inspiring marathon story to life in graphic novel

Cooking for Justice: Dawson students serve up more than just soup

Dawson Professional Theatre presents The Women until Nov. 22

Mental Health Fair draws hundreds of students

Dawson grad won QWF College Writer’s Award

Get ready to walk the red carpet: The Dawson Film Festival returns Dec. 5

Silver for Dawson Women’s Cross-Country Running Team

Dawson Blues News

Last chance: Nov. 21 last day to buy Holiday Party ticket

Launching new Dawson Employee Portal

Do something good for yourself: join the Sustainable Happiness course

Wear purple this Tuesday

Men wanted to staff White Ribbon table Dec. 1-4

In memoriam Paul Duchow

Vaccines available for free near Dawson Dec. 16

Help brighten the holidays for kids in care

IVGD Indie Game Playtest Dec. 5

Foundation giving snacks to students writing exams

DawsonITE Newsletter # 687

Contact Details