UPEI’s Centre for Conflict Resolution Studies recognized certificate graduates
The Centre for Conflict Resolution Studies at UPEI hosted a graduation on November 29 to award the Certificate in Conflict Resolution Studies. Among the 42 graduates were 22 women who participated in the program through the Supporting, Training and Enhancing Problem Solving Skills (STEPS) for Women project. The STEPS project was created to extensively train women engaged in community organizations across the province to gain skills to become educators and supporters for their peers.
Dr. Jim Randall, Vice-President Academic, was on hand to greet the graduates and present them with their certificates. 'All of these graduates lead busy hectic lives. I congratulate them for persevering in the face of their many commitments,' said Randall. 'The knowledge and skills they have gained will benefit their careers, their families and the social and economic future of their communities' he added.
Shauna Sullivan Curley, Q.C., Deputy Minister, Environment, Labour, and Justice spoke of the importance of having conflict resolution skills during her convocation address. 'Conflict resolution is a skill that we use every day or fail to use to our detriment. As situations that generate conflict become more and more complex it becomes even more essential to bring about peaceful and mutually-beneficial solutions.'
STEPS graduates learned new skills and gained the confidence to be prepared to handle difficult situations. They are changing their relationships and workplaces to be more understanding and collaborative.
Fellow graduate, Michelle McCallum added, 'What we are talking about is integrating a new way of doing things into our workplaces and into our communications with decision makers and into our personal lives. As an alumna (of UPEI), I am bursting with pride that this type of excellence in lifelong learning is offered right here in my backyard.'
Graduates of the program, Darrell Gallant and Cathrne Chambers also spoke during the ceremony. Following the convocation, the more than 100 family and friends present gathered for a short reception in honour of the graduates.
About The Centre for Conflict Resolution Studies:
The Centre for Conflict Resolution Studies at UPEI provides a skills-based, 210-hour certificate in conflict resolution studies, including mediation, negotiation, and facilitation. The program is based on the belief that conflict can be dealt with in safe, mutually acceptable, and healthy ways. One hundred and twenty seven individuals have now graduated from the program while hundreds of others have taken individual workshops to meet their particular needs. It is one of the most comprehensive professional development programs in conflict studies in Canada.
