Students Targeting Aging Research (STAR)

The Centre on Aging hosts the STAR group for students attending the University of Manitoba. The aim of STAR is to provide students, whose interest is in aging related topics, with an opportunity to actively engage and connect with one another, discuss shared interests, network with peers, learn about current issues in gerontology from researchers and practitioners in aging, and stay up-to-date on aging related topics using an interdisciplinary perspective.

Gerontology is a diverse and complex field. By 2031, it is projected that the 65- to 74-year-olds will account for nearly 11 per cent of Manitoba’s population. And by 2036, the number of Manitobans aged 75 to 84 is projected to near 125,000.

At the University of Manitoba, Centre on Aging Research Affiliates represent 11 diverse, interdisciplinary faculties. Aging issues require the collaboration and teamwork of individuals from different backgrounds. Through networking, students can make connections with like-minded individuals who share the same interests in aging.

Sign up for the STAR mailing list

If you are interested in staying up to date on future STAR meetings and opportunities, email the co-leads at star@umanitoba.ca to be included on the mailing list.

Students must provide their current UM email addresses as per the University of Manitoba's student email policy.

Meet the STAR lead

STAR is led by student representatives. Brontë Vollebregt is the STAR lead and is available to answer any questions students may have about joining the group.

Summary report: Enhancing student engagement in STAR

Current and past co-leads of STAR: Lisette Dansereau, Megan Campbell, and Courtney Addison, conducted a study under the supervision of Centre Director, Dr. Michelle Porter, which asked, “How can we increase student engagement in STAR?”

The goal was to assess awareness of STAR in the study body at large, to describe basic characteristics of our membership, assess interest level and participation rates, and collect thoughts and ideas for improvement.

View the study summary.

Publications

Dansereau, L., Campbell, M. & Addison, C. (2022) Engaging post-secondary students in a multidisciplinary aging studies interest group, Gerontology & Geriatrics Education, Published online: 18 Sep 2022. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701960.2022.2123320

Presentations

2021.    Addison, C., Campbell, M., & Dansereau L. Engaging Students in STAR (Students Targeting Aging Research). University of Manitoba Centre on Aging Annual Spring Research Symposium (VIRTUAL). May 3–4, 2021.
2021.    Dansereau, L., Addison, C., & Campbell, M. Engaging students in aging research. Canadian Association on Gerontology (CAG) Annual Scientific and Educational Meeting (VIRTUAL). Oct 20–23, 2021.

Volunteerism and participation credit

Students who wish to pursue credit for Volunteerism and participation must complete 10 approved hours of combined attendance at STAR meetings and volunteering (registration desk, session chair, assisting symposium attendees, etc.) at the Spring Research Symposium during the current academic year.

Official recognition as a STAR member will be provided through the University of Manitoba's Experience Record. The STAR group is officially recognized as a Experience Record activity.

To start earning credit, students need to:

1. Log in to UMConnect to create an account if you already haven’t.
2. Select UM Students and enter your UM credentials
3. Search for “STAR” to find the Students Targeting Aging Research listings
4. Follow the prompts to sign up as a STAR member.

Knowledge development in aging

Launched in Fall 2022, the Centre on Aging will provide recognition of Knowledge development in aging for University of Manitoba (UM) undergraduate and graduate students. Reflected in a student’s Experience record in the area of Foundational skill development, the Knowledge development in aging is open to students who want to supplement their learning and receive recognition for completing professional development activities specifically in the area of aging.

About the Knowledge development in aging (PDF)

This is not a formal program credit in gerontology, but allows any student with an interest in aging to receive official recognition by the UM for their participation in university-approved activities on their experience record during the current academic year.

How to participate

1. Sign up for an account in UMConnect, if you do not have an existing account. 
2. Attend a minimum of 6-one-hour approved professional development events focusing on specific aging topics offered at the UM:

• Centre on Aging (Speaker Series, Spring Research Symposium, special events or workshops)
• Students Targeting Aging Research (STAR) meetings
• Summer Research Training Institute (aging specific workshop, e.g., Conducting research with older adults)

3. Students will be required to register for events and complete the sign in sheet (for in person events) or self identify online to confirm their attendance. 
4. Complete the questions in the Reflection form and return the form within two weeks, post event to receive credit. All submissions will be reviewed by Centre staff based on specific criteria that a student must meet to be approved for credit. Late submissions will not be accepted.
5. Professional development activities must be completed over the current academic year (e.g., September–August), and cannot be gained cumulatively over the course of a student’s program of studies.
   For example, students who complete four hours of professional development activities in 2023–2024, and then complete two hours in 2024–2025 will be ineligible to receive the recognition on their experience record.
6. Look for the CCR Stamp of approval on event posters. This symbol indicates that students are eligible to receive recognition upon attending and completing a reflection form for this event.

How does completing the Knowledge development in aging benefit students?

Often, students interested in taking a course in aging are limited by course offerings (e.g., offered every other year), scheduling availability, courses are only available to students registered in a specific faculty/department, or are degree specific (e.g., open to graduate students only). While many units across the UM offer presentations, conferences, or workshops, students generally do not receive official recognition for attending these events. The Centre on Aging is providing an opportunity for students to both supplement their lifelong learning in aging topics and receive recognition by the UM for a non-academic activity through a student’s co-curricular record.

Receiving the Knowledge development in aging allows students to incorporate lifelong learning skills as a regular part of their training. Many professions require practitioners to complete some form of professional development to maintain their professional standing or credentials. By incorporating these habits early, students will learn to self-administer their personal learning and be prepared for the professional work environment.

Students are unable to get recognition for both the Volunteerism and participation credit AND Knowledge development in aging. Students must choose which of the two options they wish to work towards during the academic year.

UM students can connect with other students interested in aging through national organizations:

• Student Connection–Connexion Étudiante (SC-CÉ), Canadian Association on Gerontology
• National Geriatric Interest Group (NGIG)