Aurora College

High-Impact AI Workflow: An Introduction to Increasing Your Output With Better Prompts – Online Workshop
2026-02-09 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Inuvik)
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).

Excel Extras - Online
2026-04-16 09:00 - 12:00
You know the basics of the Excel program. Now learn about what else you can do to make working with this program even easier and more effective in this 3-hour session. Topics include:

Working with graphics

Inserting a screenshot

Sorting & Filtering

Using hyperlinks

Using comments

Drop-down lists

Grouping & Subtotals

Quick Analysis

Date: April 16, 2026Time: 9:00 a.m. – NoonCost: $175.00Instructor: Heather Lyon

Delivering Exceptional Customer Service
2026-04-20 09:00 - 2026-04-21 16:00
Course Overview

Customers today have high expectations. They are more demanding and less patient. Providing a positive, productive and proactive response is the key to exceptional customer service. Service skills always require updating, careful analysis, review and practice. This course examines the key to exceptional customer service by emphasizing the importance of first impressions, a positive service image and a customer focused approach.

Objectives:

Develop a positive approach to dealing with customers

Use responsive customer service skills

Help customers to understand changes in service

Keep your customer satisfied when explaining complex policies

Respond to demands for service with the best use of resources

Course Outline

Why is great service important?

How does it impact our customers?

How does it impact our business/organization?

How does it impact us personally?

How can we deliver exceptional service?

An attitude adjustment

Know your ‘product’

Know your customers

First Impressions

Why is this so important?

Face to face

Over the telephone

Business image

Building Relationships

Value Exchange

Recognition

Building Trust

Customer Communication

Learning to Listen

A different point of view

Personality Differences

Mirroring

Keeping the Customer Satisfied

Dealing with change

Oops, we made a mistake!

An attitude of gratitude

Managing Time & Resources

Multi-tasking

Time Bandits

Improving efficiency

Developing a Customer Service Plan

Belief Statements

Service Agreements

Accountability/Reporting Loop

Dates: April 20 & 21, 2026Times: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Location: OnlineInstructor: Heather LyonCost: $500.00

Robert's Rules of Order - Online
2026-04-23 09:00 - 16:00
Have you ever played a team sport where only a few of the players knew the rules? The same types of challenges can occur in your meetings if your group does not understand how to properly “play the game”. In this one-day online session, you will learn the basics of Robert’s Rules of Order, the foremost manual on parliamentary procedures that is used by most organizations with boards of directors. By following these rules and other tips included in this session, you can ensure your meetings will be fair, efficient, democratic and orderly.

What are Roberts Rules of Order?o History of the booko What are the principles behind these rules?

Motionso What is a motion?o Types of motions and their purposeso Presenting a motiono Seconding a motiono Debating a motiono Amending a motiono Withdrawing a motiono Voting on a motion

Requesting Points of Somethingo What is a ‘Point’?o Types of points and their purposes

Tips for chairpersons of a meetingo Know and teach your group the rules of ordero Set meeting times and dates that worko Notify and confirm attendanceo Prepare and distribute an agenda in advanceo Request reports in advanceo Start & finish on timeo Stick to the agendao Assign time limits for reports/debateso Ensure action items are clear and assignedo Do an Action Item Review each meetingo Dealing with “hot topics”o Make every decision unanimous

Date: April 23, 2026Time: 9:00 – 4:00 p.m.Cost: $350.00Instructor: Heather Lyon

Winter Term Ends
2026-04-24 08:00 - 17:00

Add/Drop Deadline
2026-05-08 08:00 - 17:00
Also the last day for tuition to be paid or for a student to setup with a payment plan through Finance.

Writing Effective Proposals - Online
2026-05-13 09:00 - 2026-05-14 16:00
This 2-day course is designed to teach students how to write an effective proposal, whether to obtain work for a business or funding for an organization. The steps involved are covered from obtaining the needed information to prepare the proposal right to the layout of the final document. Through a combination of lecture and hands on work, students will work through the development and preparation of an actual proposal.

Date: May 13 & 14, 2026Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00. p.m.Cost: $600.00Instructor: Heather Lyon

Course Withdrawal 1/3 of Course
2026-05-21 08:00 - 17:00
50% refund to student and no academic penalty.

BOOKKEEPER & FINANCIAL OFFICER TRAINING PART ONE – INTRO TO ACCOUNTING - Online
2026-05-25 09:00 - 2026-05-27 16:00
This class is designed to enhance the knowledge of people presently employed in a bookkeeping or finance position or interested in pursuing a career in a bookkeeping position.

This 3-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 on-line 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 systemBe familiar with the steps involved in the annual accounting cycleUnderstand the five account categories used in accountingUnderstand Debits & Credits

Dates: May 25 – 27, 2026Times: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Location: OnlineInstructor: Heather LyonCost: $750.00

Course Withdrawal 50% of Course
2026-05-29 08:00 - 17:00
Spring Term. No refund, no academic penalty.

BOOKKEEPER & FINANCIAL OFFICER TRAINING PART TWO – READING AND UNDERSTANDING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Online
2026-06-01 09:00 - 2026-06-02 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 worksTo develop an understanding of the principles of accounting used in financial statementsTo learn what information is included in a balance sheetTo learn what information is included in an income statementTo learn how to analyze the information in financial statementsTo learn how to read a statement of cash flows

Date: June 1 & 2, 2026Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Location: OnlineCost: $600.00

BOOKKEEPER & FINANCIAL OFFICER TRAINING – PART THREE - COMPUTERIZED ACCOUNTING - Online
2026-06-23 09:00 - 2026-06-25 16:00, 2026-06-29 09:00 - 2026-06-30 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 5-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.

Dates: June 23 – 25 & June 29 & 30, 2026Times: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Location: OnlineInstructor: Heather LyonCost: $1,000.00

Mental Health First Aid for Northern Peoples - Face to Face in Yellowknife
2026-06-23 09:00 - 2026-06-25 16:00
The Mental Health First Aid Northern Peoples course is guided by a number of important principles such as respect, cooperation, resilience, community, harmony, generosity and resourcefulness. Many of these values are used to guide Indigenous ways of living. This course was designed to respect the importance of holism and balance. That means that the whole person – mental, physical, social, emotional and spiritual parts of a person – must be considered when providing Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). It also means that for someone to be healthy, all parts must be balanced. Mental illnesses are still feared and misunderstood by many people, but the fear will disappear as people learn more about them. The Mental Health First Aid training course was developed to equip you with the tools needed to provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health problem or is experiencing a mental health crisis.

Topics covered:

TOPICS COVERED IN MHFA Northern Peoples

Substance-related disorders

Mood–related disorders

Anxiety and trauma–related disorders

Psychotic disorders

The 18-hour evidence-based MHFA Northern Peoples course has been proven to give participants:

Confidence and skills to engage someone with an emerging mental health problem or in a mental health crisis

Greater recognition of mental health problems

Decreased stigma

Improved mental health for themselves

Dates: June 23 – 25, 2026Times: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Location: Aurora College, Yellowknife CampusInstructor: Wanda Roberts/Lea Barbosa-LeclercCost: $350.00
