CBU Launches the Dr. Judith A. Rolls Communication Centre to Help Students Build the Communication Skills Needed for Lifelong Success

Cape Breton University is proud to announce the opening of the Dr. Judith A. Rolls Communication Centre, a transformative new student academic support centre designed to help learners develop the communication skills, confidence and self-awareness they need to succeed academically, professionally and personally.

Named in honour of one of CBU’s most respected educators, scholars and champions of communication, the Centre recognizes Dr. Judith A. Rolls’ lifelong commitment to teaching, mentoring and inspiring generations of students.

“Communication is one of the most important skills our students can develop,” says President and Vice-Chancellor David C. Dingwall. “Whether our graduates become healthcare professionals, engineers, entrepreneurs, educators, scientists or community leaders, their ability to communicate effectively will shape their success. The Dr. Judith A. Rolls Communication Centre represents an investment in student success and workforce readiness, helping our learners develop the confidence, professionalism and interpersonal skills needed to thrive in an increasingly connected and collaborative world.”

Widely believed to be the first of its kind in Canada, the Communication Centre is built upon a comprehensive speech communication pedagogy and will work closely and collaboratively with the CBU Career Services Centre, reflecting CBU’s commitment to preparing graduates with the skills employers, communities and organizations value most. President Dingwall says it is especially fitting that the Centre bears Dr. Rolls’ name.

“It is a tremendous honour to recognize Dr. Judith Rolls in this way. Throughout her career, she made it her life’s work to educate, inspire and lead students, while advancing the study and practice of communication. Her impact can be seen in the thousands of graduates whose lives and careers have been shaped by her teaching, mentorship and example. This Centre will ensure her legacy continues to inspire future generations of CBU students.”

The Communication Centre is rooted in the successful pedagogy of the Dr. Mary A. Lynch Communication Lab, the first and longest running lab of its’ kind in North America and has been designed to expand support to students throughout their entire academic journey, helping them build confidence and strengthen communication skills from their first year through to graduation.

Through coaching, peer mentorship, workshops and consultations, students will develop competencies that contribute to personal wellbeing, academic achievement and career readiness, including active listening, conflict management, interpersonal communication, public speaking, presentation development, leadership communication and managing communication apprehension. As students progress through their studies, they will have ongoing opportunities to refine and apply these skills in academic, professional and community settings, preparing them for success in the workplace, graduate studies and beyond.

In addition to supporting students, the Communication Centre will serve faculty and staff seeking assistance with presentation development and assessment, workshop facilitation and communication strategies for teaching and learning. The Centre will operate through a model led by Lab Instructors and supported by trained Peer Consultants, creating an environment of peer-to-peer mentorship, engagement and belonging. Through ongoing collaboration with Career Services, the Centre will also offer employment-focused workshops related to interview preparation, workplace communication, conflict management, intercultural competence and professional assertiveness.

“The ability to communicate effectively is foundational to success across academic disciplines and professional environments and is integral to personal and community well-being,” says Sarah MacRae, Assistant Dean School of Arts and Social Sciences. “This Centre will provide students with a unique opportunity to increase their awareness as a communicator and strengthen their skills in a supportive environment while building the confidence necessary to lead, collaborate and contribute meaningfully to their communities and careers.”

The Dr. Judith A. Rolls Communication Centre is now officially open.