Alison presented “Findings from LEAD: an open course for graduate students+ in lifelong learning and professional development skills” at the 64th Annual Conference of the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies (CAGS), held November 3–5, 2026, at the Hotel Saskatchewan in Regina, Saskatchewan. This year’s theme was Empowering Excellence: Innovating Graduate Education for a Changing Canada, which fits closely with what LEAD sets out to do.
What is LEAD?
LEAD (Lifelong Education and Development) is an open educational resource for graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and senior undergraduates in any discipline. It focuses on skills that are rarely taught explicitly in graduate programs: strategic learning (including metacognition), project management, resilience, mentorship, and navigating difficult conversations. We developed the course with students and experts, with funding from eCampusOntario’s Virtual Learning Strategy and support from uOttawa’s Teaching and Learning Support Service. It has been offered as a for-credit graduate course, as a Summer Institute with a certificate, and as a series of workshops.
Interested in LEAD for yourself or your institution? Learn more on our LEAD page or scan the QR code shown on the slide.