In 2023, Centre for Digital Media remained steadfast in its commitment to post-secondary access, bridging the gap between learners and opportunities in the knowledge economy, and supporting an even more diverse and representational digital media sector in BC. We continued to work closely with our students, faculty, alumni, Board and Advisory Committee Members, industry, and institutional and community-based partners to drive innovation in teaching, learning, and applied research to address some of society’s most pressing challenges.
Highlights from throughout the year include the development of a new Digital Futures Access Strategic Plan and 10 Key Strategic Directions that will provide a roadmap for CDM through to 2030. The Strategic Plan has been shaped by extensive community consultations and guided by CDM’s vision and core values. We are grateful to all faculty and staff, our Board, Advisory Committee members, and institutional partners for their meaningful contributions.
Sponsored by Meta and Unity and moving into the second year of our five-year commitment, Ethọ́s Lab and CDM are on track to exceed the goal to train 300+ underrepresented youth and 190+ high school educators in extended reality (XR). With the aim to increase representation in the global XR community, CDM is committed to amplifying Ethọ́s Lab’s mission. CDM is also a proud supporter of Black Boys Code.
Going deeper on the theme of digital futures and our access mission, in 2023 CDM grew full-time programs, youth camps, and micro-credentials including the Leadership and Agile Production Management micro-credential. We are tremendously grateful to the Ministry of Advanced Education, SFU, and DigiBC for their support on this initiative. We also thank the Ministry for funding the development of a new micro-credential initiative, Computer Science and Creative Technology Careers, and set to launch in the summer of 2024. This micro-credential will provide those interested in technical careers in the creative and technology industries with the essential communication skills needed to progress through the recruitment process and thrive in the workplace. CDM also partnered with UBC Extended Learning to run two digital media youth summer camps and we look forward to continued collaboration with UBC ExL.
In 2023, our Master of Digital Media (MDM) interdisciplinary student project and venture teams pushed the frontiers of the field working alongside industry and community-based clients on real-world problems, as well as building their own venture startups. We would like to congratulate our student teams and our project clients for their outstanding collaborations and results, including Dusk Wave (FPS Game, Read & Butter), ProShop ERP (Inventory Tracking, ARsembly), Justice Institute of BC (Conflict Resolution, Sheriff Sim Training), Access to Justice Ventures, Hammer & Tong, UBC Men’s Health, Chupacabra Studios, CEDaR Space UBC (Mobile AR Experience, Scouring Rush), Emoot, Providence Research, BuffaloBuffalo, Departure Lounge, SFU FCAT, DigiBC, and PixlWorks. In addition, over 20 CDM students volunteered to support the VIFF and DigiBC-produced VR showcase SIGNALS, exploring the role of creative technology in shaping our shared futures. Congratulations to our two successful venture teams Buskerville and Frugi. We thank our Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships, Su Skerl, for her outstanding work building client relationships and project opportunities.
Our PreMDM students also participated in applied research project simulations with real-world clients. As newcomers to Canada, students in the program are completely immersed in the use and practice of the language of digital media with a strong focus on cultural growth and community connectedness. The students delivered a presentation for a role-play client outlining how to address climate action targeting a Gen X audience in their project simulation. They also undertook a storytelling assignment based on the Roedde children's life events using AI image generator tools.
People were also in focus this year and all departments made meaningful contributions to our mission, vision, and strategic plan. Members of our Governance and Human Resources Board Advisory Committee supported a successful search for a Manager of Governance, People and Culture—a new position bringing HR capacity and governance expertise to our organization. For the second year in a row, faculty at CDM were recognized for their contributions in the classroom. This year, Dr. Rachel Ralph took home the Distinguished Teaching Excellence honor at SFU’s Faculty of Communication and Art Awards.
Our property team kept us styling and safe, and welcomed new tenants to CDM including DigiBC, Hammer & Tong and Variational AI. A substantial website migration was completed this year by our marketing and communications team, which better reflects the diverse programming and impact CDM has on our communities and partners. Our IT team provided top-level support to our students and contributed significantly to community-based partnerships including Alliance Française and the VR Unframed exhibit. From pumpkin carving and self-defence, to tax workshops, our student services team provided a delectable roster of wellness, practical resources, and community events. Our finance team reached new heights in terms of service excellence and integrated budget planning.
This year also saw some changes to our Board of Directors and Advisory Committee Members. CDM would like to acknowledge the significant contributions of Dr. Wade Parkhouse, Dr. James Rout, Larry Waddell, Trinnie Chow, and welcome all of our new members. The Board of Directors continues to provide strategic guidance to all of the new projects and initiatives at CDM, including notably by participating in facilitated sessions to set the direction of the Digital Future Access Strategic Plan and approving the Board Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
We are extremely grateful for the ongoing support of our community members. As we look ahead, we are excited to introduce new programs, build stronger connections to community partners and the Creative District, and enact our much-anticipated Digital Futures Access and Strategic Plan.
- The CDM Senior Leadership Team