2026-05-14 – Newsroom

Solving Montreal’s bike storage problem earns Dawson student recognition

In a city where apartment space is tight and bicycles often end up on balconies or in hallways, Dawson Interior Design student Maryssa Baril set out to design a better solution.

Her project, VeloVibe, earned an honourable mention in the 2026 FORM Student Innovation Competition, standing out among more than 300 entries from across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. Created for this year’s theme, “Mood-Boosting Design,” the piece combines functionality, ergonomics and bold material choices to transform bike storage into an integrated, visually engaging part of urban living.

You can see Maryssa's design at the Interior Design Vernissage and Exhibition May 28-29.

Visit the link for a homepage news story, including a Q&A with Maryssa.

Human Resources, Professional Development

Support Staff Training Day is June 10

Support Staff Training Day will begin at 8:45 AM on Wednesday, June 10. The daylong program will offer a variety of workshops in response to interests expressed by Dawson's support staff community.

Keynote speaker Nogol Madani will speak about “Building Dynamics that Unlock Collective Potential.” This session will explore some of the challenges employees are navigating in today’s world of work and offers a path forward rooted in psychological safety, a facilitative leadership mindset, and collective intelligence.

Nogol Madani is a future-focused workplace expert, speaker, and facilitator. She is the founder and CEO of a company dedicated to helping leaders build high-performing, inclusive, future-ready teams through psychological safety.

Nogol started her career as an engineer, and as a first-generation immigrant and female professional, she experienced firsthand in the workplace how many leaders weren’t unlocking potential, they were stifling it. This realization sparked her mission to help develop workplaces where people thrive. Nogol has earned the trust of organizations like Google, SAP, Rio Tinto, BeaverTails, C2 Montreal, and Desjardins, guiding them to collaborate, communicate, and create better together. She is also a faculty member at the McGill Executive Institute, where she shares her expertise on leadership and team dynamics.

To register for the keynote and any of the workshops, look for an invitation via email from Pascahl Scott, Director of Human Resources.

#DawsonProud, Academic News

AEC in Commercial Photography comes to a close with Emerge exhibition May 28

The AEC in Commercial Photography program is ending after decades of training photographers. The last vernissage is Emerge, featuring the work of the last cohort. It will take place in the Upper Atrium on May 28 at 6:30 PM.

Visit the link to read a reflection by Program Coordinator Laurel Breidon on the impact of the AEC in Commercial Photography.

#DawsonProud, Academic News, Homepage news

Photography students connect with industry pros speed-dating style

Students in Dawson College’s Professional Photography Program stepped into the fast-paced world of the industry on May 8 during a portfolio “speed dating” event designed to connect graduating photographers with working professionals.

The event paired students with industry experts for a series of 15-minute, one-on-one portfolio reviews. In each session, students presented their work, received personalized feedback, asked questions, and built connections in a dynamic and supportive setting.

Visit the link for the homepage news story.

#DawsonProud, Academic News, Dawson Foundation, Dawson Talent

Student mural brings life and colour to Dawson Library

A new collaborative mural is bringing colour, creativity and calm to the Dawson College Library, thanks to support from the Dawson College Foundation.

Titled In Bloom, the large-scale artwork is now installed in the 6E wing of the Library, on the wall facing Wood Avenue. Tucked into the last section of shelves on the left side off the corridor, the mural transforms an otherwise quiet study area into a vibrant visual experience.

Visit the link for the homepage news story.

#DawsonProud, Academic News, Sustainability, Well-being for all

Reconnecting with Nature and transforming the campus, all in a weekend

Two classes of Dawson College students spent an intense weekend on campus May 2–3, getting dirty, sweaty, and wet as they lifted and moved tonnes of soil and took on a variety of physically demanding tasks. In just two days, they transformed several areas of the campus - and themselves. The students were part of two Eco-Landscaping Physical Education course sections taught by Angela Corinthios and Paul Wasacz.

The objective of the course “is to demonstrate that physical activity can take many forms and that many dimensions of wellness can be developed by participating in various activities, like gardening,” Paul said.

“We were one big working unit,” said Angela, who taught this course for the first time this semester. “We were figuring things out and learning together.” The two classes worked on distinct but related Living Campus projects with support from the Office of Sustainability.

Visit the link for the homepage news story.

Office of Academic Development

Send your Ped Day proposals

Faculty and educational professionals are invited to present their explorations of innovative, inclusive, evidence-based practices that enhance student engagement across disciplines and learning environments. For more information, please contact Azra Khan, Pedagogical Counsellor, Office of Academic Development.

Ped Days will take place on Sept. 25, 2026 and on Jan. 14, 2026.

Deadline for proposals is Sept 1, 2026 12 PM. Please be prepared to be scheduled on either Ped Day, September or January.

#DawsonProud, Dawson Talent

Student murals add colour and creativity to Dawson club space

Dawson College’s hallways and club spaces have been refreshed thanks to Campus Creatives, a student-led initiative bringing original mural art to campus.

Launched by the Dawson Student Union (DSU), the project was designed to make the college feel more alive while giving students the chance to showcase their creativity on a large scale. “We wanted the school to reflect the artistic spirit of our students,” said Emilia Alina Tobar-Icaza, DSU Vice-President of Operations and Services.

Visit the link for the homepage news story.

#DawsonProud, Academic News, Events

Electro Tech students final projects on display Friday, May 15

The Electronics Engineering Technology Department will be having its annual project fair which showcases the electronic projects designed and built by our graduating students.

Come by to see some interesting and unique projects, such as a solar-powered automated bird feeder; a smart water bottle integrating water diagnostic sensors for reading water quality, temperature and clarity; and a controllable search and rescue drone.

When: Friday, May 15 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Where: Conrod's (2F.4)

#DawsonProud, Academic News, Events

Vernissage Season begins Wednesday- show your support

Dawson College’s vernissage events are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the creativity and talent of our graduating students while connecting with colleagues in a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere. The first events are next Wednesday, May 20.

Attending at least one vernissage this year is a meaningful way to encourage our Dawson community. Get inspired by these emerging artists, enjoy light refreshments and feel good by showing support.

Visit the link to see the dates, times and details.

Human Resources

Update self-identification info for Human Resources by June 12

As you may know, the Act respecting equal access to employment in public bodies (R.S.Q., c. A-2.01) came into force on April 1, 2001. As part of our commitment to employment equity, and in accordance with the Act, Dawson College maintains an Equal Access to Employment Program (Programme d’accès à l’égalité en emploi — PAÉE).

To ensure that our current records appropriately reflect the Dawson community and work towards equity in our workforce we are inviting all current employees to submit or to update their self-identification information by June 12.

Visit the link for details.

IST, Office of Academic Development, Professional Development

You’re invited to Moodle Day on May 22

Dawson’s Moodle Day 2026 gives you the opportunity to exchange ideas, hear different perspectives, discover practical approaches, and connect with colleagues who are interested in using Moodle more effectively.

Dawson’s educational technology counsellors Rafael Scapin and Cameron Campbell invite you to join them online via Teams. No need to register; join the event Friday, May 22 from 9 AM to 12 PM here: https://scap.in/moodleday2026

The format will be 30-minute panel discussions on the following topics:

Moodle and AI: From Experimentation to Responsible Use
Accessibility and Universal Design in Moodle
Video in Moodle: Pedagogical Tool or Storage Problem?
Using Moodle Data to Support Students Earlier
Building a CEGEP-Wide Moodle Community of Practice

#DawsonProud, Academic News, Homepage news

Computer Science Technology celebrates its 2026 graduating class

Dawson's Computer Science Technology program celebrated its 2026 graduating cohort, who had just completed their capstone projects, on April 13. This year's project gave students two months to independently design, implement, and deploy an application using tools and technologies of their choice, offering a firsthand opportunity to reflect on the advantages and limitations of AI-assisted development in a large codebase.

Visit the link for a report by Maja Frydrychowicz.

#DawsonProud

Simeon Pompey honoured with MNA Medal

Congratulations to CRLT faculty member, devoted community leader and volunteer Simeon Pompey on receiving an MNA Medal from Désirée McGraw, Member of the National Assembly for NDG. She recognized Simeon as a person who helps "shape our community and make it shine. Each of these recipients has left a lasting mark on our neighbourhood and on Quebec. In their respective fields, they represent the very best of NDG, embodying the strong sense of community that brings us together."

#DawsonProud

Prix du mérite for Dawson team at Science on tourne

Dawson Science students Evan Parasol, Mateo Duque and Brent Suter earned an impressive second place finish at the Science on tourne competition May 1-2—just shy of gold by a margin of millimetres. Their standout machine also won both the Prix du mérite (for design, quality, consistency and environmental responsibility) and the Prix du Public.

Visit the link for the homepage news story.

#DawsonProud

After placing second in Quebec, student off to nationals

Dawson Science student Zhijian (Jian) Sun and his project partner, Vanier College student Nu Kim Anh Ton, have developed a promising solution for ER wait times through their science fair project entitled ERgo.

After winning the Silver Medal (Collegiate Level) at the provincials in Quebec City last month as well as the Prix de la Faculté des Sciences et de Génie de l'Université Laval ($3,000 scholarship) and the Prix du Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie ($500 award), they are off to the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Edmonton May 23-30.

In case you missed the original story in April, you can read about their project in the link below.

Sustainability, Well-being for all

Growing needs led Dawson to provide more food this year through expansion of Food Justice program

Food insecurity remains a growing concern among post-secondary students in Quebec, with recent data highlighting the scale and urgency of the issue.

While many recognize that limited access to nutritious food can negatively affect students, fewer realize just how widespread the problem has become. According to surveys cited by Équiterre in a March 31 press release, 44% of CEGEP and university students in Quebec experience some level of food insecurity, ranging from mild to severe. Among those affected, one in five reports regularly skipping meals.

The impacts go beyond hunger. Food insecurity is linked to increased mental health challenges and can significantly hinder academic success, making it a critical issue for institutions to address.

Visit the link for the homepage news story to find out how Dawson has been responding this past year as well as a link to a Global Montreal tv news report on Dawson's Food Justice program.

Academic News, Dawson Grads, Well-being for all

Peace and Nature panel report

The third and final edition of the peace panel series took place April 17 on the topic of “Peace & Nature”. The panel was organized by Dawson’s Peace Studies Certificate, Peace Centre, and the Peace 365 course taught by Ivan Freud.

Visit the link for more about the event and a link to watch it.

Decolonization, Office of Academic Development, Sustainability, Well-being for all

June 4 virtual workshop with Dr. Donna Goodleaf

Join us June 4 from 10 AM to 11:15 AM online on Teams for a virtual workshop entitled Decolonizing Curriculum: Land Acknowledgements as teaching and assessment tools across the disciplines.

It will be led by Dr. Donna Goodleaf, Director Decolonizing Curriculum and pedagogies, Centre for Teaching & Learning, Concordia University. Dr. Goodleaf will take participants through the design and adaptation of a Land Acknowledgement as a class activity/assignment regardless of discipline.

This will be a hands-on session where Dr. Goodleaf will show how to work with a Land Acknowledgement to create an assessment. This is also a preview of the type of work that the Faculty Community of Practice will pursue, Environmental Sustainability and Justice Frameworks across the Disciplines.

Register here

#DawsonProud

Contribute to unique All-Dawson book project RUN

RUN: The Making of a Graphic Novel is a collaboration of an all-Dawson creative team: celebrated Dawson graduate Bradley Heaven, who was born with Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy; his long-time aide Dan O’Connor; Illustration graduate Antonio Luzano; and English teacher and author Andrew Katz. Together, they are making a graphic novel about Brad and Dan’s first marathon run. And to help raise funds for this project, they have created this limited edition book that takes you behind the scenes of how their graphic novel is being made.

Photo: Andrew with Brad and Dan after their Lachine Half-Marathon run in October 2025.

Visit the link for more on the project and a link to contribute before June 5.

#DawsonProud, Dawson Talent

Q&A with newly published author and Dawson English teacher Alecsandra Kakon

On May 12, Dawson English teacher Alecsandra Kakon's debut novel, This Is Why I Need You, was published by ECW Books. The Communications Office interviewed Alecsandra about her book, her writing process and more.

Visit the link for the Q&A.

#DawsonProud, Events

IVGD Showcase June 4

The Independent Video Game Design program is showcasing new games from our graduating class of 2026 and from local indie developers on June 4 from 6 PM to 9 PM in 3C.1.

RSVP
https://events.humanitix.com/ivgd-fest-2026-indie-game-playtest

Game registration
https://forms.gle/Pk8qba5wAwpcUB4W8

Office of Academic Development, Professional Development, Well-being for all

Last call to register for Inclusion and Wellness Retreat

Dates: Tuesday and Wednesday June 9 and 10, 2026
Time: 9 AM Tuesday to 4:30 PM Wednesday (detailed schedule will be provided with confirmation of registration)
Where: Far Hills
Fee:  Accommodation, all workshops, meals, taxes and other conference costs are included in the fee. Staff wishing to be reimbursed by Professional Development funds will receive a pre-filled Professional Development Fund application one month prior to the start date, to submit with their receipt upon retreat completion.Spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Secure yours by signing up now: https://www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/udl/retreat/

Awards Office

Encourage students to submit writing by June 1 for QWF College Writers Award

The Quebec Writers Federation is accepting short stories, poems, or works of non-fiction written by CEGEP students in English between August 14, 2025, and June 1, 2026 for consideration for the QWF College Writers Award. The deadline to submit is June 1.

The winner will be announced at the QWF Awards Gala in Montreal on Nov. 9 and will receive a $1,000 cash prize.

Visit the link for details and encourage your students to submit their best writing.

Professional Development

Register for SALTISE- it’s FREE

The annual SALTISE conference is happening June 1-2 in Montreal at ETS.

You can register for free here: https://www.saltise.ca/saltise-conference/conference-registration/

DawsonITE

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

In this issue:

How should schools teach AI? Three models to consider
Gen Z Is Turning Against AI in an Incredible Way
How to Become an AI-Literate Teacher: A Free Step-by-Step Guide

Thursday, May. 14, 2026

Solving Montreal’s bike storage problem earns Dawson student recognition

Support Staff Training Day is June 10

AEC in Commercial Photography comes to a close with Emerge exhibition May 28

Photography students connect with industry pros speed-dating style

Student mural brings life and colour to Dawson Library

Reconnecting with Nature and transforming the campus, all in a weekend

Send your Ped Day proposals

Student murals add colour and creativity to Dawson club space

Electro Tech students final projects on display Friday, May 15

Vernissage Season begins Wednesday- show your support

Update self-identification info for Human Resources by June 12

You’re invited to Moodle Day on May 22

Computer Science Technology celebrates its 2026 graduating class

Simeon Pompey honoured with MNA Medal

Prix du mérite for Dawson team at Science on tourne

After placing second in Quebec, student off to nationals

Growing needs led Dawson to provide more food this year through expansion of Food Justice program

Peace and Nature panel report

June 4 virtual workshop with Dr. Donna Goodleaf

Contribute to unique All-Dawson book project RUN

Q&A with newly published author and Dawson English teacher Alecsandra Kakon

IVGD Showcase June 4

Last call to register for Inclusion and Wellness Retreat

Encourage students to submit writing by June 1 for QWF College Writers Award

Register for SALTISE- it’s FREE

DawsonITE

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