After fully and successfully launching its online delivery model during the disruption brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, NorQuest College has made the decision to change to an online model instead of physical campuses in Whitecourt and Drayton Valley.
With demand for face-to-face learning decreasing with greater utilization of technology and in response to COVID 19, the transition of the two regional campuses in the NorQuest stewardship region will also help the college control expenditures and achieve cost savings. As of August 30, 2020, NorQuest will adjust its presence in Drayton Valley and Whitecourt to a fully online service.
"As we temporarily launched all programs to the online model due to the pandemic, it became clear that we can still deliver an exceptional student experience in a more efficient way," says Joan Hertz, Interim President and CEO of NorQuest College. "We appreciate the support of the communities in the region and look forward to continuing to deliver workforce-ready training, but in a new way."
Students and staff were notified of the decision this morning, and accommodations have been made to ensure current students are able to transition seamlessly to the online model. NorQuest has 10 staff and 110 students affected by the change. Where possible, affected employees have been offered roles at the other NorQuest campuses.
NorQuest College campuses in Wetaskiwin and Edmonton will continue to deliver programming as planned.
