Released on March 15, 2017
Gabriel Dumont Institute and the Province’s Universities Will Play a Vital Supporting Role
Advanced Education Minister Bronwyn Eyre today announced Northlands College, in collaboration with an advisory committee, will deliver university programming in La Ronge.
Northlands College delivers post-secondary education in several locations in northern Saskatchewan, including Creighton, Buffalo Narrows and Île á la Crosse. Its experience and relationships, together with its presence in La Ronge and other communities in northern Saskatchewan, will be important in the transition.
The advisory committee will be represented by Gabriel Dumont Institute, the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina. The committee will provide quality assurance, teacher education experience and Indigenous engagement expertise. Its guidance will help shape the future of university programming in La Ronge.
The announcement follows an evaluation process that considered a broad spectrum of priorities for Saskatchewan’s post-secondary sector. Northern students will continue to have access to an array of high-quality university programs in La Ronge.
The ministry will work with Northlands College to ensure all currently enrolled NORTEP Council students experience minimal changes, with the intention that students be able to finish their programs under the same terms and conditions they had when they entered.
“Northlands College has more than 40 years of success delivering post-secondary programming in La Ronge and other northern communities,” Eyre said. “I look forward to working with them and the advisory committee as they continue to expand university programming in the north.”
Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI) operates SUNTEP, a highly successful teacher education program in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert. GDI’s involvement on the advisory committee will be an integral part of a successful transition.
“I’m looking forward to having GDI play a crucial role in working with Northlands College and providing teacher education programming in the north,” Eyre said. “With GDI’s experience in teacher education and Northlands’ deep roots in La Ronge, the opportunity exists for a strong partnership.”
Minister Eyre also highlighted the contributions from the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina. Both are expected to provide valuable expertise and oversight when it comes to long-term planning for post-secondary education in the north.
“I thank the NORTEP Council for its many years of service to northern students,” Eyre said. “Expanding programming in the north is very important and with Northlands College and GDI working together with degree granting institutions, I am excited about the opportunity northern students will have in the future.”
Over the coming months, the NORTEP Council and Northlands College will work out the details associated with the transition. The transition will take place on August 1, 2017.
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For more information, contact:
Marieka Andrew
Advanced Education
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3170
Email: marieka.andrew@gov.sk.ca