Student development at the College of the North Atlantic (CNA) is a comprehensive framework managed by the Student Services Division. The primary focus is to enhance student experience and well-being through professional growth, governance and leadership while providing a direct connection to a student development officer for non-academic support.

Connect with an SDO

Watch CNA

CNA Shorts

Quick reels with real people offering real help.


Academic and Professional Growth

Involves helping you gain specific job skills and classroom knowledge to move confidently from being a student to a successful professional in your field. Key sections include:

  • Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)
    The Co-operative Education Department bridges the gap between classroom learning and industry through paid work terms
  • Skill Development Programs
    Programs like College Transition and College Bridging focus on essential "soft skills" such as time management, critical thinking, and healthy relationships to prepare students for higher-level studies
  • Digital Badging
    Under our Strategic plan, CNA is increasing its use of alternative credentials and digital badges to recognize specific assessed competencies

Governance and Leadership

It's all about aiding you in finding your voice by running clubs, joining student government, learning how to take charge of projects and becoming an effective team leader in your community and future workplace. Key sections include:

  • Student Representative Councils (SRC)
    Present at each campus, these councils allow students to advocate for collective interests and organize local engagement activities
  • CNA Student Union (CNASU)
    The provincial governing body that represents students at a high level with the college executive and Board of Governors
  • Leadership Programs
    Opportunities like the Community Leadership Development diploma program provide formal training in managing projects and coordinating community services

Student Development Officers (SDOs)

These are the primary contacts for non-academic support at each campus or learning environment. Each SDO has many responsibilities, including:

  • Advising
    Providing information on financial aid, student loans, scholarships, and awards
  • Transition & Orientation
    Leading orientation sessions, campus tours, and graduation planning
  • Employment Services
    Organizing career fairs, job search seminars, and coordinating work training placements
  • Student Life
    Acting as advisors to the Student Representatives Council (SRC) and facilitating volunteer opportunities

Connect with a Student Development Officer

Campus Life Contacts

Bay St. George Campus

Vanessa Lee
709/643-7822

Bonavista Campus

Katie Hayes
709/468-1725

Burin Campus

Elizabeth Parrott
709/891-5609

Carbonear Campus

Rebecca Parsons
709/596-8921

Clarenville Campus

Lori Thornhill
709/466-6945

Corner Brook Campus

Shanna Mugford
709/637/8558

Gander Campus

VACANT

Grand Falls - Windsor Campus

Robert Hillier
709/292-5647

Happy Valley-Goose Bay Campus

Alison Keats
709/207-1336

Labrador West Campus

Pamela Meaney – Pieroway
709/944-4189

Placentia Campus

Rose Power
709/227-6264

Port aux Basques Campus

Samantha Allen
709/695-4035

Prince Philip Drive Campus

Katie Nurse
709/758-7259

Mini Nair
709/758-7170

Ridge Road Campus

Jennifer Pelley
709/758-7388

Seal Cove Campus

Debbie Dyer
709/744-6841

St. Anthony Campus

Lavinia Crisby
709/207-1310

Online Asynchronous Program Contacts

Accounting

Business Administration

Art & Design Essentials

Bachelor of Applied Arts: Early Childhood Education

College Transition

Early Childhood Education Administrative Leadership

Early Childhood Education Advanced Studies in Inclusive Practice

Early Childhood Education (Certificate)

Early Childhood Education (Diploma)

Executive Office Management

Health and Safety Management

Human Resources

Information Management (Post Diploma)

Marketing

Medical Office Management

Mental Health and Addictions

Project Management (Post Diploma)

Records & Information Management

Rehabilitation Assistant

Strategic Human Resource Management

Video Game Art & Design

Online Synchronous Program Contacts

Accelerated Software Development (Post Diploma)

Accounting

Early Childhood Education (Diploma)

Enterprise Web Development

Executive Office Management

Medical Office Management

Co-operative Education Contacts

Burin Campus

Elizabeth Parrott–Welding Engineering Technician
709/891-5609

Corner Brook Campus

Ashley Christopher–Agriculture / Civil / Electronic Systems / Environmental / Software Development
709/637-8595

Prince Philip Drive Campus

Carolyn Forward
709/793-3703

David Kenny–Chemical Process / Management Systems / Manufacturing / Petroleum / Health & Safety
709/758-7247

Ridge Road Campus

Cara Vardy–Civil / Geomatics
709/758-7011

Deepti Mhaske–Computing Systems / Software Development
709/637-8596

Sarah Maunder–Team Lead / Electrical / Funding Support / Architectural
709/758-7423

Recruitment Contacts

Prince Philip Drive Campus

Melissa Humphries–Provincial Recruiter

Bay St. George/Headquarters Campus

Sherri McNeil–Provincial Recruiter
709/643-7731

Grand Falls-Windsor Campus

Greg Mercer–Provincial Recruiter
709/292-6264

Placentia Campus

Jennifer Richardson–Provincial Recruiter
709/227-6276
709/227-2037