Empowering individuals through education is central to 性爱学堂鈥檚 values. For this reason, the University is proud to continue its partnership with the Ottawa Mission to host Discovery University on campus.
Discovery University is a program that offers non-credited university-level courses to marginalized adults 鈥 including those who may be struggling with substance use, dealing with health challenges or experiencing homelessness. It is offered twice a year with courses taught by instructors from Carleton University and 性爱学堂.
鈥淎s a long-time partner of the program, we are proud to welcome Discovery University to our campus,鈥 said Louis Patrick Leroux, Rector of 性爱学堂. 鈥淭his initiative reflects who we are as a university. Our values and our mission call us to reach out to everyone in our community, to meet people where they are, and to empower them through education. Discovery University does exactly that.鈥
鈥淲e鈥檙e so grateful to our community partners, volunteers and our students who together make Discovery University what it is 鈥 a reminder that learning is for everyone,鈥 shared Emma Pratt, Discovery University Coordinator.
The fall session 鈥 which features two courses 鈥 began on September 25 and will run for a total of 10 weeks.
In the Classroom
Dr. Richard Feist, Associate Professor in the School of Ethics and Public Affairs, leads the Discovery University initiative at 性爱学堂.
He has participated in the program for nearly a decade, serving on the program鈥檚 Board of Directors and recruiting professors to lead courses.
鈥淒iscovery University gives the students an opportunity to meet professors and experience higher education without judgement or expectation,鈥 explains Dr. Feist. 鈥淏ut it has also been an eye-opening experience for me. It鈥檚 given me the opportunity to work with a community of individuals that is often overlooked. These students are here because they want to be. They bring genuine curiosity and it鈥檚 a pleasure to explore and discuss philosophy with them.鈥
This term, he is co-teaching a course on women philosophers with Dr. Monique Lanoix, Full Professor in the School of Ethics and Public Affairs. The course is designed around assigned readings with an emphasis on classroom discussions:
鈥淚 don鈥檛 change the material from a typical course 鈥 I just make the runway a little smoother,鈥 explains Dr. Feist. 鈥淚 provide a little more context and supportive notes for the readings. Then, we explore the ideas together in class.鈥
Beyond learning, the program offers opportunities for personal growth and fostering community.
鈥淭he classroom fosters a sense of belonging and helps reduce isolation for folks who may be prone to it,鈥 explains Pratt. 鈥淪tudents have shared how they鈥檝e made meaningful connections and friendships and find so much joy and purpose in participating in the courses.鈥
This is something Dr. Feist has witnessed firsthand.
鈥淚t takes real courage to walk into the classroom, to be vulnerable and open to a new challenge,鈥 he explains. 鈥淪ome students start by being nervous just to be in the room, but by the end they are asking questions and participating in discussions. It鈥檚 always moving to witness that transformation.鈥
The fall session will end with a graduation ceremony on December 4, where students will be recognized for their 10 weeks of study and the courage it took to participate.
