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Memorial University partners with Royal Canadian Navy to provide reservist training
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
Paul Ryan, Dr. Rob Shea, Rear-Admiral Chris Sutherland

Photo composite: MI’s Paul Ryan (left) and Memorial VP Dr. Rob Shea (right) welcomed Rear-Admiral Chris Sutherland, Deputy Director Royal Canadian Navy virtually for the signing.

Memorial University of Newfoundland’s Fisheries and Marine Institute (MI) announced a new partnership with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) that will allow Naval Reservists to complete some of their required military training by taking university classes online.

The program was declared on November 8 through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) declaring that Primary Reserve Force naval personnel will be able to fulfill a portion of their Leadership training through a university program which at the same time will grant a university ‘Certificate of Leadership’ credential recognized across civilian, commercial, and governmental sectors, a certificate developed through a multiyear commitment made possible by The Fry Family Foundation Student Leadership Initiative Fund.

This new partnership will offer RCN reservists in-training a unique opportunity to achieve academic goals, military training, and professional and personal development all at the same time.

The MOU was signed by Royal Canadian Navy Deputy Commander Rear Admiral Chris Sutherland and MI Vice-President Doctor Robert Shea via a video conference call.

“Our sailors have long been and continue to remain the core of the Royal Canadian Navy’s success. This partnership with Memorial University will provide amazing value to our reservists, providing them the opportunity to receive recognized academic credits while at the same time improving their leadership skills. Opportunities like this directly contribute to the building of a robust naval defence capability in Canada,” Rear-Admiral Chris Sutherland, Deputy Director Royal Canadian Navy.

The program is to be delivered online and available to both officers and non-commissioned Naval Reserve members however details about enrollment and course specifics are to be announced in the future.

“Memorial University’s Marine Institute has a long history working with the Royal Canadian Navy to develop and deliver outstanding education and training opportunities for its personnel. We are pleased to expand our collaboration through our new undergraduate Certificate in Leadership for sailors to develop their professional competencies to become influential, dynamic leaders in their field,” added Dr. Vianne Timmons, President and Vice-Chancellor, Memorial University.

The historic relationship between the RCN and MI dates back to the 1990s when the university was the home for Full Motion Bridge Simulator Training. In past years, the university was also home to a Marine Engineering Technician and Naval Combat Systems Technician programs for the RCN.