International Relations Professional Learning Community (IR-PLC)

This PLC creates a space for discussion, learning, and collaboration for International Relations Officers and others whose work focuses on supporting and promoting international collaborations

About

The mandate of the IR-PLC is to create a space where International Relations Officers can share experiences with their colleagues across Canada, exchange and access information, opportunities and best practices, link in to the wider international relations community and work together to champion international collaboration in Canadian institutions. The IR-PLC also enables Canadian IROs to connect with peers in areas of common interest and we aspire to do this in ways that include our global community of practitioners.

The IR-PLC group welcomes members from all levels of the international relations field and who hold diverse responsibilities within IR from across the country. Members are encouraged to actively contribute to the group’s rich discussions.

IR-PLC Annual General Meeting (AGM)

November 26, 2024

Transnational Education (TNE) Today: Learning from Our Global Partners

August 14, 2024

Unlocking Opportunities: The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) as a Partner for Global Engagement

September 19, 2023

IR-PLC Annual General Meeting (AGM)

November 1, 2023

IR-PLC Annual General Meeting – Keynote: Gordon Houlden – “Partnerships With China: Challenges, Considerations, and Opportunities for Canadian Institutions

November 9, 2022

International Partnerships and the SDGs: Embedding Sustainability into Global Engagement

October 6, 2022

From Conception to Implementation: A Journey Through International Partnership Assessments

April 19, 2022

IR-PLC Annual General Meeting (AGM)

November 9, 2021

Assessing International Partnerships Through a Decolonial Lens

November 9, 2021

Steering Committee

The Steering Committee members and co-chairs act as a voice for the IR-PLC and increase awareness of the IR community they represent. For more information on roles and responsibilities, please see the IR-PLC’s Terms of Reference.

2026-2027 Steering Committee Members

Kennis Fung
International Partnership Lead
University of Manitoba
Co-chair 2026-2028

Recep Demir
Manager, Global Partnerships
York University
Interim Co-chair 2025-2026

Emily MacDougall
Director, Global Partnerships
University of British Columbia
Co-chair 2024-2026 | On leave

Sherilyn Acorn
International Liaison Officer and Manager of Study Abroad and International Partnerships
University of Prince Edward Island

Sara Berman
Executive Director, Global Engagement & Partnerships
Toronto Metropolitan University

Sylvie Jasen
International Projects Coordinator,
Carleton University

Harry Nakayama
Manager of Global Partnerships,
Royal Roads University