Return to in-class learning

Western Continuing Studies is taking the first step towards welcoming students back to the classroom. This April, the Western CIM – Introduction to Human Resource Management course will be held at the new home of Western Continuing Studies in the Western Discovery Park. As a required course in the Western CIM Professional Certificate in Public Sector Management program, enrollment is limited to Western University employees and staff.

“I am excited to be able to bring Western employees back to class,” says Christine Wilton, Program Manager, Professional and Corporate Learning at Western Continuing Studies. “This course was designed in partnership with Human Resources at Western, and we have traditionally run classes during the day on campus since 2005.” 



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The Western CIM Professional Certificate in Public Sector Management is an eight-course program that provides Western staff and leaders with foundational knowledge in a wide range of business areas. As a nationally accredited certificate program, it can be used towards the educational requirement of the Certified in Management (C.I.M) and chartered Manager (C.Mgr.) professional designations.

Western employees can take any or all of the courses offered, based on their learning needs.

Gayle Stuebing is one credit short of earning her professional certificate. Stuebing, who works as Executive Specialist for the Provost at Western University, has been taking one course each term since 2018. Then the pandemic hit and slowed things down.

“I can’t wait to be back in a classroom again,” she says. “I really enjoy the group setting. And I find that I learn better in person than I do virtually.”

At first, Stuebing saw the CIM program as a way to advance her career at Western. “But the subject matter covered is so broad that it’s actually really helped me in my current role,” she notes. 

Stuebing says that Introduction to Human Resource Management was one of her favourite classes to date. “Students come from a variety of backgrounds across the university, so the discussions are really interesting. You get all kinds of different perspectives. I made relationships in that class that I still have today.”

Meeting other Western employees is just one of the benefits of the Western CIM certificate program, says WCS instructor, Dr. Lee Ann McKivor. “It gives students the opportunity to build a community of practice with other leaders on campus,” she says. “That’s a real positive for somebody looking to develop a support network within the Western leadership community.”

With coursework tailored to the Western experience, Dr. McKivor says students also come away with a better understanding of leadership within the context of higher education, and how Western operates as a large institution.

And though it can be daunting to think about going back to school while juggling work and personal commitments, Stuebing says Western Continuing Studies understands the challenges and is always willing to help.

“Everyone I’ve dealt with at Western Continuing Studies has been so flexible,” she says. “They want you to succeed and that’s really important. It encourages you to keep going, especially when you haven’t been in school for a long time.”

Nicole Laidler is a freelance reporter, copywriter and content creator, serving clients in London, Toronto and throughout Southwestern Ontario. She helps people grow their success, one word at a time.