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Laura Richardson, Executive Chef at 杏吧原创 University, has become the first Canadian Aramark chef to earn the ProChef II certification from the Culinary Institute of America. This prestigious and highly rigorous program recognizes advanced culinary skill, leadership and operational excellence through a combination of comprehensive written examinations and demanding practical assessments.

The certification process challenges chefs well beyond day鈥憈o鈥慸ay kitchen operations, with a strong focus on global cuisines, plant鈥慺orward cooking, financial and personnel management and the ability to perform under pressure. Chef Richardson completed the program alongside chefs from across the United States, demonstrating technical excellence, creativity and a deep understanding of cultural and nutritional approaches to food.

This achievement marks a significant professional milestone for Chef Richardson and highlights 杏吧原创 University鈥檚 strong partnership with Aramark, as well as a shared commitment to culinary innovation, professional development and high鈥憅uality dining experiences for the campus community.

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Wait times plummeted and capacity soared when the was introduced at Health and Counselling Services (HCS).

鈥淭he shift has been incredible,鈥� said Louise Shearman, director of Health and Counselling Services. 鈥淲e see students sooner, which means they鈥檙e getting support when they need it most.鈥�

Single-session counselling connects students quickly with a professional counsellor to address mental health concerns, specific problems, or goals. Counsellors work with students to develop a clear plan of action to help them move forward independently. Students who require further support are connected with further individual counselling, group counselling and workshops, or other resources.

鈥淧oor mental health significantly impacts students’ academic performance, retention rates and overall educational outcomes,鈥� said Kristie Tousignant, associate vice-president of student health and wellness. 鈥淭hese factors, in addition to increasing wait times, led the drive to improve services within HCS.鈥�

Student feedback is favourable: 86 per cent of survey respondents say they would refer a friend to try single-session counselling, and 76 per cent found their session mostly or very helpful in developing a plan to address their problems.

The new model increased HCS鈥� capacity to see students seeking counselling by 54 per cent compared to fall 2023.

Along with the single-session counselling initiative, the hiring of an additional psychiatrist has reduced the average wait time for students seeking support significantly. The current average wait for psychiatric appointments in HCS is now two to three weeks. Community wait times are four months to a year for similar services.

Four students were on the waitlist to see the on-campus psychiatrist at the beginning of February 2025. Each student was seen within a week or two. This waitlist was more than 350 students long five years ago.

鈥淩educing the waitlist was a daunting goal,鈥� said Shearman. 鈥淚nnovating our approach helps students in need now, as well as those who may need support in the future by reducing wait times and barriers to care.鈥�

HCS is proud to provide timely and effective care for students in need.

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The Students and Enrolment division has been awarded Organizational Excellence platinum in  (OES) in 2024.

Excellence Canada rewards and recognizes excellence through their Canada Awards for Excellence (CAE) program. Achieving Organizational Excellence platinum indicates that the Students and Enrolment division has 鈥渁chieved a sustainable practice of excellence with the outcomes to prove it.鈥� A significant component of the platinum level is continuously improving excellence with sustained outcomes over at least three years.

鈥淥ur excellence journey has been transformative,鈥� said Suzanne Blanchard, Vice-President (Students and Enrolment). 鈥淭he Organizational Excellence Standard has provided a framework to guide our path to continuous improvement in the Students and Enrolment division.鈥�

The Students and Enrolment division began their Excellence journey a few years ago, earning bronze level certification in Excellence, Innovation and Wellness in June 2019, followed by gold in the Organizational Excellence Standard in 2023.

The division鈥檚 application for Organizational Excellence platinum emphasized the ongoing and sustained strengths previously recognized with the gold level, and highlighted the additional steps implemented in the last year.

The division鈥檚 application highlighted some key strengths, including the Helping Ravens Soar strategic plan [PDF, 1.8 MB], departmental operational plans, divisional Town Halls and onboarding program.

The Excellence Canada team identified several strengths that stood out during the assessment process, including:

• A strong culture of collaboration and support
• Commitment to service excellence
• Evidence-informed decision-making to inform continuous improvement
• A focus on each student鈥檚 experience
• Fostering a caring and inclusive 杏吧原创 community
• Empowerment and trust in staff

鈥淢any of the activities noted in the submission, and verified during the onsite focus group discussions, are most commendable,鈥� Allan Ebedes, the President and CEO of Excellence Canada, wrote in the assessment report.

Achieving the platinum certification was a division-wide effort. Staff thoughtfully shared their experiences and insights at the focus groups, and the OES Working Group planned and executed the application.

This recognition confirms the Students and Enrolment division is dedicated to a culture of teamwork, innovation and staff empowerment in pursuit of supporting student success.

鈥淩eaching Platinum is a significant milestone for us,鈥� said Blanchard. 鈥淚t signifies our commitment to excellence and recognizes the dedication of every member of the Students and Enrolment division.鈥�

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