R.J. Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) has approved a request by Aurora College to begin the process to become a polytechnic university. He has also directed his department to initiate the quality assurance process with Campus Alberta Quality Council.
Campus Alberta Quality Council is a quality assurance agency that reviews and recommends post-secondary degree programs for approval. The quality assurance process is the formal process that Aurora College must undertake prior to receiving formal recognition as a polytechnic university. This process ensures that the programs delivered meet Canadian standards and that students attending the polytechnic university will have all the supports needed to be successful.
Some of the requirements Aurora College will need to demonstrate include:
- Demonstrate that they have the characteristics and governance structure necessary to organize and manage as an institution of higher learning.
- That there are policies in place with respect to the number of, and qualifications of the academic faculty and instructional staff.
- Demonstrate the physical space(s) meet the needs of the programs offered, including laboratories, classrooms, libraries, technology, equipment, etc.
The formal request to the Minister of ECE for the establishment of a polytechnic university is a critical milestone identified in phase 2 of the Aurora College transformation timeline. The completion of this milestone is exciting in that it means the territory is one step closer to having an accredited polytechnic university to support NWT students. Additionally, it marks an important point in the transformation timeline - where the GNWT is no longer leading transformation and shifts primarily to a support role.
Transforming Aurora College to a polytechnic university has been a commitment of the 19th Legislative Assembly. Though there are still several internal steps required by Aurora College to receive formal recognition to become a polytechnic university, the completion of this milestone is a fitting culmination of years of hard work by the GNWT and Aurora College.
For more information about transformation, visit Aurora College Transformation (gov.nt.ca).
Quote(s):
"As the governing body responsible for post-secondary education in the Northwest Territories, the GNWT and future 20th Legislative Assembly will have a role to play in the quality assurance process including supporting Aurora College to help ensure they meet the qualifications of Campus Alberta Quality Council. I am glad to see this milestone met and want to congratulate Aurora College and GNWT staff who have supported transformation to date. This is an important initiative and I look forward to continuing to support its progression."
- R.J. Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment
Quick Facts:
- Campus Alberta Quality Council provides services to several governments and institutions across Canada.
- The Government of the Northwest Territories and Government of Alberta have a Memorandum of Understanding with Campus Alberta Quality Council.
- Aurora College underwent an internal institutional self-study prior to submitting their request to the Minister of ECE.
- Transformation of Aurora College to a polytechnic university is in phase two. Those project milestones led by the GNWT are nearing completions, with most of the remaining projects led by Aurora College, with support from government.
Quick Links:
For more information
P.O. Box 1320
Yellowknife Northwest Territories
Canada X1A 2L9
www.gov.nt.ca
