As part of a foundational commitment to expanding global partnerships, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and Ireland's Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) have entered a three-year collaborative agreement to foster a cooperative relationship between the two institutions.
Left to right: Patrick O'Donovan TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; Prof. Vincent Cunnane, President of TUS; Dr. David Ross, SAIT President and CEO; Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education of Alberta (Photo: Courtesy of TUS)
Aimed at fulfilling mutual strategic alignment of internationalizing curriculum and the student experience, this exciting initiative will endeavour to develop joint programming, seek opportunities for student and faculty exchanges, share information and best practices and explore research initiatives.
"Solidifying our mutual commitment to collaboration through this new partnership with TUS is significant," says Dr. David Ross, SAIT President and CEO. "The opportunity to exchange information and develop new and engaging education methods in support of student success will be a welcomed initiative among SAIT faculty and staff."
With a focus on enhancing faculty development through international projects, the agreement will support exploration into new teaching and learning practices in applied learning through leading-edge technology.
Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of TUS, commented, "Collaboration is the lifeblood of innovation, and we are delighted to commit to this exciting new partnership with SAIT, which will open new opportunities across two continents for staff, students and researchers."
To further enrich the post-secondary experience, a committee made up of representatives from both institutions will determine learning opportunities for students to gain global perspectives through joint programming and potential education exchanges. Participation for student engagement in research projects, practicums or internships will also be evaluated.
Plans to investigate the viability of collaborative design and delivery of joint programming at SAIT and TUS will be explored. Assessment will be completed through the lens of Alberta's accreditation requirements, with necessary emphasis on providing a unique educational offering in the province.
Additionally, SAIT's Applied Research and Innovation Services and the TUS Research Institutes will take a coordinated approach to applied research in their respective areas of expertise and interest. Common areas include green technology and transformation, advanced manufacturing, digitalization, bioeconomy and agriculture.
