RED DEER COLLEGE
RDC receives Government approval of new name: Red Deer Polytechnic

Red Deer College will continue to evolve as a post-secondary institution and expand its breadth of programming and scope of opportunities for learners with its new name Red Deer Polytechnic.  

The name, Red Deer Polytechnic, was supported by the College's Board of Governors and is now officially approved by the Government of Alberta. 

"We are thrilled to take another important step in the historic progression of our post-secondary institution with the confirmation of our new name," says Dr. Peter Nunoda, Red Deer Polytechnic President. "Consulting a variety of stakeholders during the past few years, it was evident by the feedback that we recognize and celebrate our roots in Red Deer and central Alberta. Red Deer Polytechnic emerged as the most compelling choice to represent our bright future and connections to the city and community." 

On May 4, the Honourable Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education, shared his vision for the future of the College as a polytechnic. This model opens countless occasions for learners, partners, industry experts, and community members to collaborate in applied research, work integrated learning opportunities, and practical experiences.  

As Red Deer Polytechnic, the range of programming and credentials will expand, recognizing the needs of learners and industry. There will continue to be a robust range of program options in apprenticeships, certificates, diplomas, micro-credentials, collaborative degrees and other programs with partner post-secondary institutions, along with more of Red Deer Polytechnic's own degrees. This will allow more central Alberta students to complete their post-secondary education at home and remain in the region after graduation, contributing to the socio-economic fabric of the area.  

"With noteworthy developments of our post-secondary institution during the past several months, the excitement for the 2021/2022 academic year has been building. We look forward to welcoming our learners back in September, and until then, we still have important work to do," says Nunoda. "We have been collaborating internally, and with industry experts, on our new visual identity as Red Deer Polytechnic. This includes a refreshed logo and other brand elements that we are excited to reveal in the fall." 

In September, the institution looks forward to welcoming its first cohort of students to begin their academic journey at Red Deer Polytechnic. This cohort includes Red Deer Polytechnic's own Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. Four other degree proposals have been submitted to Alberta's Ministry of Advanced Education, including Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Bachelor of Business Administration, and Bachelor of Education.