Aurora College

PROJECT MONITORING AND CONTROL – MGMT 0705
2025-12-08 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Inuvik)
In this course, you will learn to:

Establish a baseline from which to measure results

Develop contingencies for “unknowns” which may affect your project

Control the project scope and take measures to avoid “scope creep”

Implement a simple change management process

Apply techniques for shortening project duration

Track cost, schedule and quality data

Report project progress and status

Apply strategies for getting back on track when a project goes “off the rails”

BOOKKEEPER & FINANCIAL OFFICER TRAINING PART ONE – INTRO TO ACCOUNTING (ACCT 0011) - Online / Multi-Day
2025-12-08 09:00 - 2025-12-10 16:00
This three-day course looks at the theory and the steps involved in preparing books for a business or organization in the NWT. Using an accounting simulation consisting of actual source documents from a fictitious business, students will enter one month of financial transactions for a small company using the five-journal system. This course will show students who use a computerized software program what is actually happening behind the entry screens on their computer and will give them a better overall understanding of the accounting process.

Please note: This class includes intensive, hands-on work that will require your full attention. It is strongly suggested that if you are participating in these online sessions, you take the class in an environment where you can focus solely on the class. You will need a calculator or adding machine for this session.

Course objectivesAfter completing this course, you will be able to:

Better understand the accounting process used in the 5 Journal manual accounting system

Be familiar with the steps involved in the annual accounting cycle

Understand the five account categories used in accounting

Understand Debits & Credits

DatesDecember 8 – 10, 2025

Time9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

LocationOnline

InstructorHeather Lyon

MANAGING AND ADMINISTERING CONTRACTS, JOINTS VENTURES AND PARTNERSHIPS – MGMT 0706
2025-12-09 09:00 - 16:00
Running a successful project is more than just aligning your project team to project goals. It also requires a clear and conscious focus on aligning corollary team participants, contractors and subcontractors through contract management and administration. In this course, you will learn:

Drafting RFP’s and bid documents

Analyzing and evaluating responses

Fundamentals of contracting

Identifying key deliverables and objectives

Establishing quality and delivery criteria

Monitoring budgets and delivery

Managing without micromanaging or “giving away the store”

Closing out agreements

Dismissing contracts

QUALITY METRICS FOR PROJECTS – MGMT 0708
2025-12-10 09:00 - 16:00
Meeting cost and time constraints within a project often compromises quality. This course explores how to maintain your quality standards through a balanced approach to quality time and cost. The focus is on developing and applying a quality framework that works for your own projects.

In this course, you will learn:

Defining quality

The quality approach

Prioritizing key quality metrics

The quality management plan – establishing metrics

Applying practical tools and techniques

Applying industry-standard techniques

Applying quality control tools and techniques

Compiling and documenting lessons learned

Sharing best practices

EFFECTIVE PREPARATION AND START-UP OF PROJECTS – MGMT 0709
2025-12-11 09:00 - 16:00
Effective initiation processes are key to launching effective projects. This course explores specific tips and strategies you can implement during the preparation and start up phases.

In this course, you will learn:

an overview of approaches, methods, and instruments for the initiation.

selecting methods and instruments that fit your project

actively involving others in the analysis and planning of the project

the role of a project facilitator

the effect of different leadership styles and training tools and tricks.

Creating, editing and updating a project handbook.

how projects should be launched, by applying adjusted versions of workshops, facilitation, handbooks,and other guidelines used by others (best practices)

implementing the course ideas into your own organization/project

PMP CERTIFICATION PREPARATION – MGMT 0710
2025-12-12 09:00 - 16:00
Individuals may be certified by the Project Management Institute (an internationally recognized body of project management professionals), a comprehensive program that certifies individuals knowledge in the field of project management. If you would like to find out more information, please visit www.pmi.org.

This course provides an intensive review of the subject matter tested on the Project Management Institute’s Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification Exam. You will improve your test-taking skills by completing Sample Exam questions and by discussing the rationale behind both correct and incorrect answers. This course will help you identify personal strengths and weaknesses in each of the PMBOK knowledge areas and develop a personal strategy for passing the exam.

Unfortunately, at this time, Aurora College, Yellowknife Campus does not offer the PMP exam.

Bookkeeper & Financial Officer Training Part Two – Reading and Understanding Financial Statements - Online / Multi-Day
2025-12-15 09:00 - 2025-12-16 16:00
Many bookkeepers spend a lot of time recording financial transactions that are used to create financial statements each month. It is not unusual for bookkeepers, along with business owners and managers, to lack a full understanding of the valuable information included in these statements. This workshop goes through the sections of basic financial statements including balance sheets, income statements and supporting documents to give you a thorough understanding of the information they contain. You will learn how to use common ratios used by lenders and investors to determine the health of a business or organization, as well as ways to thoroughly analyze the information contained in the statements.

Course Objectives

To learn how the double entry accounting system works

To develop an understanding of the principles of accounting used in financial statements

To learn what information is included in a balance sheet

To learn what information is included in an income statement

To learn how to analyze the information in financial statements

To learn how to read a statement of cash flows

DatesDecember 15 – 16, 2025

Time9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

LocationOnline

InstructorHeather Lyon

Fall Term Ends
2025-12-18 08:00 - 17:00

Winter Term Starts
2026-01-05 08:00 - 17:00

Registration Ends
2026-01-16 08:00 - 17:00

Add/Drop Deadline
2026-01-16 08:00 - 17:00
Also the last day for tuition to be paid or for a student to be setup with a payment plan through Finance

Bookkeeper & Financial Officer Training – Part Three - Computerized Accounting - Online / Multi-Day
2026-01-19 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-20 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-21 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-26 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-27 09:00 - 16:00
This is Part 3 of the Bookkeeper & Financial Officer Training Program. You do not have to have taken part 1 as long as you have some basic knowledge and experience with bookkeeping. This five-day session uses an accounting simulation package to teach you more about the various aspects of bookkeeping while learning how to enter financial transactions using the QuickBooks Desktop software program. Topics include Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Payroll, Banking & Cash Accounts, and GST.

DatesJanuary 19, 20, 21, 26, & 27, 2026

Time9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

LocationOnline

InstructorHeather Lyon

C.O.R.E De-Escalation - Online
2026-02-05 09:00 - 2026-02-06 16:00
Creating Opportunities with Respect & Empathy

Introduction

Introduction Sequence

Traditional lecture vs. skill based learning

De-escalation Overview

Goals of the course

Part I: Realizing Expectations

Being a professional brings expectations from:

The organization, the public, the media and the courts

Natural reactions in the face of conflict – Fight, Flight or Freeze

Exceptions are those who benefited from: great parents, great mentors, the Anvil of Experience (making mistakes) or effective training Experience Alone is No Guarantee of Success – Ericsson’s 10,000 hr. principle

Intergenerational Communication

For the first time, we are seeing Grandparents working on teams that contain persons their grandchildren’s age. Dr. Mary Donahoe

The Impact of Technology on Interpersonal Communication

Video Technology has created a new reality, the power of social media

Part II: It’s Not Personal!

Rationalizing the Irrational

People under the influence of negative emotions can appear irrational

Their attacks can be very personal and offensive

People Don’t Mean What They Say …

Words and meanings can be (and usually are), completely different

We need to ignore the words and search for the correct meanings

Don’t Take the Bait – 80% of Complaints Stem from Our Reaction

EGO Is the Enemy

Ultimately, that voice in our head that makes us do and say things that we never planned on doing or saying!

Compliance vs. Cooperation – Separating attitude from behavior

The Unanswered Question – the appropriate response to verbal resistance

Part III: The Learned Response

Confidence In Conflict – Confidence comes from skill acquisition and skill development Aristotle – ‘Audiences Are Made, Not Found’ and the 3 Appeals Emotional Intelligence:

Knowing who we are and what our role is (moral compass) Recognizing our emotions (and only perform the positive ones) Recognizing the emotions of others (empathy) Using this awareness to start building a relationship THE 93% RULE – It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it!

Breath! – Control your heart rate and prevent your emotions from ‘high jacking’ you

C.O.R.E. Philosophy

By recognizing and controlling our negative emotions, we can now perform only positive emotions. This mindset allows us to see opportunity in conflict as we endeavor to maintain the high ground by showing respect and diffusing the other with empathy

PROFESSIONAL RESPECT

Performed respect forms the basis of a healthy relationship

PROFESSIONAL EMPATHY

Essential for diffusing a difficult encounter – empathy absorbs tension

Part IV: Communication Essentials

Active Listening Revisited – Finding the meanings behind the words

The Power of Paraphrasing – the ultimate communication tool

Digging Deeper – asking the appropriate questions at the appropriate time

Providing Real Options – The essence of persuasion

Part V: Practical Application

Personal Security Awareness

Imminent Jeopardy

Proxemics

De-escalation Phrases – demonstrate that you are listening – refocus the contact

C.O.R.E. PROCESS

Introduction Sequence

Clarify – ask the $1,000,000 question

Establish Context– tactfully minimize resistance, build upon credibility

Proceed OR Persuade – Verify

Conclude

Case Study – application of C.O.R.E. techniques to actual events

Scenario Development – Practical application

Skill building – Introduction Sequence with De-escalation phrases

Skill building – Clarifying Sequence

Skill building – Putting it all together, no resistance

Skill building – Minimal Resistance – persuasion

Skill building – Medium Resistance – persuasion – Verify

The Ethical Protector Creed and Closing Remarks

Date: February 5 & 6, 2026Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Cost: $550.00Instructor: Darcy PennockLocation: Online via Zoom

Course Withdrawal 1/3 of Course
2026-02-06 08:00 - 17:00
50% refund to student & no academic penalty

High-Impact AI Workflow: An Introduction to Increasing Your Output With Better Prompts – Online Workshop
2026-02-09 13:00 - 16:00
This three-hour intensive workshop is designed for professionals, managers, and individual contributors ready to move beyond basic AI queries and leverage generative tools (like Gemini, ChatGPT, or Copilot) for a strategic advantage. You’ll explore a Prompt Engineering Framework—a core skill for professional output—and learn high-impact workflows for communication, research, and project planning. Leave with practical, ethical skills to confidently integrate AI into your daily routine, immediately saving time and significantly boosting your overall work output.

Participants will need access to Zoom, the internet and access to a generative AI tool such as Google Gemini, ChatGPT, CoPilot, etc.

Dates: February 9th, 2026Times: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.Location: OnlineInstructor: Jeff O’Keefe

Conflict Management Workshop
2026-02-20 09:00 - 16:00
Conflict is a natural part of working with others—and when approached with skill and intention, it becomes a powerful catalyst for stronger relationships, clearer communication, and healthier teams. This immersive one-day workshop supports participants in understanding the dynamics that shape conflict and in developing practical tools to navigate it with confidence and compassion.

Your FacilitatorThis session is facilitated by Maureen Van Overliw, founder of Leadership Lab Consulting. Maureen is certified in emotional intelligence (EQ-i 2.0 & EQ-360) and brings extensive experience supporting leaders, teams, and organizations across the North and beyond. Her facilitation approach is grounded in cultural sensitivity, trauma-informed practice, and a deep commitment to helping people strengthen their leadership presence. Known for creating safe, engaging learning environments, Maureen weaves together practical tools, reflective exercises, and real-world application to support meaningful growth.

What We’ll ExploreThroughout the day, participants examine what enables teams to function at their best and what contributes to dysfunction, using real workplace scenarios that bring these concepts to life. Four key frameworks anchor the learning:

• Heather Plett’s Model of Identity, Belonging, and SafetyThis model helps leaders recognize how psychological safety and a sense of belonging influence how people show up in challenging conversations. Understanding these dynamics allows leaders to create conditions where conflict can be addressed respectfully rather than avoided or escalated.

Heather Plett’s Model of Identity, Belonging, and SafetyThis model helps leaders recognize how psychological safety and a sense of belonging influence how people show up in challenging conversations. Understanding these dynamics allows leaders to create conditions where conflict can be addressed respectfully rather than avoided or escalated.

Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI)Participants learn about their preferred conflict modes—Competing, Collaborating, Compromising, Avoiding, and Accommodating—and how each can be effective when used intentionally. This awareness helps leaders adapt their approach to better meet the needs of the situation and the people involved.

Gervase Bushe’s Experience CubeThe Cube offers a structured way to examine what we observe, think, feel, and want before or during conflict. This clarity supports grounded, transparent communication and reduces misinterpretation and reactivity.

Functional vs. Dysfunctional Team DynamicsThrough examining trust, accountability, communication, and shared purpose, participants reflect on how team health influences conflict—and how leaders can shape a more supportive team environment.

Together, these models provide a rich, practical foundation for building conflict management skills rooted in emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and leadership practice. The session balances learning with application, ensuring participants leave with strategies they can confidently use “in the wild.”

This workshop welcomes anyone interested in strengthening their ability to navigate conflict, regardless of role or level of responsibility. Whether you lead teams, collaborate with peers, or support clients, you will gain valuable insights and tools to support more effective, respectful, and grounded interactions.

Dates: February 20, 2026

Times: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: In Person Session

Instructor: Maureen Van Overliw – Leadership Lab Consulting

Cost: $550.00 (includes material and TKI report)

Course Withdrawal 50% of Course
2026-02-24 08:00 - 17:00
No refund, no academic penalty

High-Impact AI Workflow: An Introduction to Increasing Your Output With Better Prompts - Online
2026-03-02 09:30 - 12:00
This three-hour intensive workshop is designed for professionals, managers, and individual contributors ready to move beyond basic AI queries and leverage generative tools (like Gemini, ChatGPT, or Copilot) for a strategic advantage. You’ll explore a Prompt Engineering Framework—a core skill for professional output—and learn high-impact workflows for communication, research, and project planning. Leave with practical, ethical skills to confidently integrate AI into your daily routine, immediately saving time and significantly boosting your overall work output.

Participants will need access to Zoom, the internet and access to a generative AI tool such as Google Gemini, ChatGPT, CoPilot, etc.

Dates: March 2nd, 2026Times: 9:00 a.m. – NoonLocation: OnlineInstructor: Jeff O’KeefeCost: $175.00

First Aid/CPR Workshop - Thebacha Campus
2026-03-09 09:00 - 2026-03-10 16:00
Learn to save lives in a two-day course covering first aid, CPR, and AED for all ages—ideal for both professionals and anyone wanting lifesaving skills.

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Cost: $350.00Instructor: Blyth and BatheLocation: Thebacha Campus, Fort Smith

Intro to Excel - Online
2026-03-19 09:00 - 12:00
This 3-hour session will introduce you to the capabilities of the MS Excel program. Learn the basics of what you can do with the powerful electronic spreadsheet program including:

Purpose of spreadsheets

Moving around the screen

Using the ‘Ribbon’

Entering data

Creating basic formulas

Selecting cells

Working with workbooks

Viewing & printing

Date: March 19, 2026Time: 9:00 a.m. – NoonCost: $175.00Instructor: Heather Lyon

Formulas & Functions - Online
2026-03-26 09:00 - 12:00
In this 3-hour session, learn how to set up formulas and functions to get the Excel program to do the math for you. Topics include:

Creating and editing formulas

Mathematical operators

Common functions

Conditional functions

Absolute & relative cell references

Protecting your workbook

Date: March 26, 2026Time: 9:00 a.m. – NoonCost: $175.00Instructor: Heather Lyon

Formatting the Worksheet - Online
2026-04-02 09:00 - 12:00
Make your Excel workbooks look professional and readable by learning how to properly format all the aspects of your spreadsheet. In this 3-hour session, you will learn how to work with:

Formatting dates & numbers

Cell alignment

Fonts & sizes

Borders

Colours and patterns

Format painter

Themes & Styles

Conditional formatting

Date: April 2, 2026Time: 9:00 a.m. – NoonCost: $175.00Instructor: Heather Lyon

Good Friday
2026-04-03 08:00 - 17:00

Easter Monday
2026-04-06 08:00 - 17:00

Charts & Tables - Online
2026-04-09 13:00 - 16:00
In the Excel program, you can convert your data from a spreadsheet into a table and/or chart. Learn how you can turn dry financial and statistical information into a vibrant visual display that will have a powerful impact on your audience!

Charts vs. Tables

Creating a chart

Changing chart types

Changing chart layout and location

Using sparklines

Creating a table

Creating a Pivot Table

Date: April 9, 2026Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.Cost: $175.00Instructor: Heather Lyon

IAP2 Certificate in Public Engagement - In-person Yellowknife
2026-04-13 09:00 - 2026-04-17 17:00
Offered by Aurora CollegeIn partnership with Dialogue Partners Inc.

This series of 3 courses (Fundamentals of P2, Designing P2 and Applying Methods P2) make up the core modules of the IAP2’s training. These courses provide participants with a deep dive into IAP2’s frameworks including building a robust engagement plan and unique methods, tools and tactics to engage in meaningful ways.

What Makes Engagement Meaningful?

What does good engagement actually look like?

Not just busy meetings or well-crafted surveys — but honest conversations that build trust, elevate diverse voices, and influence real decisions.

That question sits at the heart of this program.

This certificate helps you move beyond participation as a checkbox and toward engagement that is purposeful, inclusive, and impactful.

COURSE 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF P2/ENGAGEMENT (1 Day) – April 13

Fundamentals of P2/Engagement is the starting point for anyone on IAP2’s Global Learning Pathway. Whether you’re stepping into engagement work for the first time or looking to strengthen your practice, this course gives you the foundation to do engagement with purpose — and with impact. It focuses on understanding and applying the practices meaningful and effective engagement, and what participants need to know to do this well.

You’ll explore the heart of public engagement: the values, the principles, and the practical tools that help build trust and create space for voices that need to be heard. You’ll learn the language of engagement — what makes it unique, what makes it meaningful — and how to navigate the complex realities that come with doing this work well.

This course isn’t just about learning frameworks — it’s about building a mindset. One that helps you understand where influence lives, where participation grows, and where your leadership can make a difference.

If you want to do engagement that matters — this is where to begin.

COURSE 2: DESIGNING P2/ENGAGEMENT (2 Days) – April 14 & 15

Prerequisite – IAP2’s Fundamentals in Engagement

Good Engagement Doesn’t Happen by Accident — It’s Designed.

There’s a moment in every engagement process where you pause and ask: Is this the right approach for this work, this project, this community?

That question — and everything it leads to — is the heart of this course.

This course introduces practitioners to the design and plan phases of the practice framework, providing them with the opportunity to develop engagement plans. This includes scoping, community mapping, determining purpose and objectives and levels of influence, choosing appropriate methods and managing resources, while considering the needs of the diverse audiences.

It takes you deeper into the “how” of meaningful engagement. It’s where principles meet planning, and where good intentions become thoughtful, intentional action. Whether you’re designing a community consultation, a city-wide strategy, or an internal engagement with staff, this course helps you build a plan that’s inclusive, purposeful, and ready for the real world.

COURSE 3: APPLYING METHODS (2 Days) – April 16 & 17

Prerequisite – IAP2’s Fundamentals in Engagement

You’ve got a plan. Now what? Time to choose your methods.

It’s one thing to know why engagement matters. It’s another to pick the right tool and bring it to life.

That’s where Applying Methods comes in.

This course is for practitioners ready to roll up their sleeves — the facilitators, coordinators, and team members tasked with actually making engagement happen. If you’ve ever asked “Which method do I use?” or “How do I design this to work for everyone in the room?,” this is your space to figure it out.

You’ll be introduced to a wide range of public engagement methods — from well-known practices to more structured approaches like Deliberative Dialogue, Appreciative Inquiry, and Open Space Technology. But more than that, you’ll learn how to design and apply them well, using tools, templates, and checklists you can bring into your own work.

Date: April 13 – 17, 2026Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Cost: $2,500.00Instructor: Dialogue PartnersLocation: Face to Face in Yellowknife – TBA

Participants who complete all three courses will receive a Certificate in Public Participation (P2).
