Released on February 25, 2011
In response to ongoing requests from post-secondary institutions and developments in post-secondary education elsewhere in Canada, the Government of Saskatchewan is launching a public consultation process to consider expanding degree granting status in Saskatchewan. As it stands now, only the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina can grant degrees other than theological degrees.
"We are working to ensure that Saskatchewan's post-secondary system is student-centred and characterized by excellence and inclusion," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "With regard to inclusion, we want to determine if expanding degree-granting status to other institutions might benefit students by expanding the number of options open to them. In terms of excellence, we need to ensure that we have a broad and robust quality assurance process."
There are three components to the initiative. First, outside consultants will be recruited to help guide the project. Secondly, stakeholder and public input will be sought through broad consultations, and thirdly, quality standards will be developed through a quality assurance process.
Alberta, B.C., Ontario and the Maritimes have established agencies to review and approve new degree-granting programs according to established quality standards.
The consultations will invite input from the post-secondary education sector, including students, as well as all other interested parties. For more information, go to www.aeei.gov.sk.ca/degree-granting.
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For more information, contact:
Bill Stovin
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0926