Academic
Ped Day 2026 brings teachers and staff together to reflect on student success
On August 19, teachers and staff members gathered for Ped Day, an annual day-long event hosted by the Pedagogical Support and Innovation (PSI) Office. This year’s theme, It Takes a College, invited participants to reflect on Vanier’s forthcoming 2026–2031 Strategic Plan and explore how its student success objectives can be put into practice, both in the classroom and beyond.
The day opened with a plenary presentation and breakout sessions on Vanier's 2026-31 Strategic and Student Success Plan, now in its final stages before publication following a year of college-wide consultation and input.
After a family-style lunch, participants attended two workshops of their choosing. Led by faculty, staff, students and special guests, the workshops covered a range of themes, including:
- Supporting students at risk
- Artificial Intelligence
- Decolonizing pedagogies
- Teaching and learning en français
- Non-competitive learning
- Research and innovation for student success
- Transversal competencies and future-readiness
The workshops provided opportunities for participants to share experiences, exchange resources and consider how Vanier can continue adapting to new generations of students. One participant shared, “The student population is constantly changing, which means we need to keep our ear to the ground to stay authentic and relevant." Others remarked on the value of bringing together peers across departments, particularly ahead of a new academic year. "My colleagues are amazing resources!", said another participant.
"Ped Day 2026 was a wonderful opportunity to connect with colleagues across our community to explore how we all contribute to student success at Vanier. From student stories to group work to focused workshops, the experiences shared at Ped Day have sparked conversations that shall continue as we appreciate our roles in higher education. Thank you to all who participated!" - David Hoida, PSI Office coordinator
