SaultCollege

Supplied by Sault College… Leading the Way 2016-2020 highlights People, Programs, Partnerships, Pedagogy and enterPrise

(Sault Ste. Marie, ON December 18, 2015) At its meeting last night, the Board of Governor’s approved the launch of Sault College’s new Leading the Way 2016-2020 Strategic Plan outlining the College’s course of action for the next five years. Beginning January 2016, the plan is designed to ensure the College continues to be the premier student-centered post-secondary institution in the province.

“Five years ago, our organization set our sights on an ambitious goal to become the pre-eminent student centered post-secondary institution in Ontario,” states Dr. Common, President, Sault College. “For the past two years, the Ministry’s Key Performance Indicators have found Sault College to be the highest rated publicly funded College in the province for student satisfaction. In 2010, our student centric  ‘Journey to Greatness’ strategic plan has led us here, but we must re-invent ourselves and envision what excellence will mean for our students, organization, industry and Aboriginal partners. When 2020 arrives, a new future for Sault College will be underway guided by the principles outlined in this plan.”

Leading the Way 2016-2020, incorporates stakeholder feedback including that of staff, faculty, administration, students, community leaders, employers, industry partners and the Board of Governors. The feedback was then assembled into six themes that resonate throughout the document and include People, Programs, Partnerships, Place, Pedagogy and enterPrise.

Delivering high-quality, job-ready programs, the Academic portion of the Strategic Plan focuses on creating viable new programs where there is labour market need in the areas of robotics, business, entrepreneurship, lottery and gaming, health, community services and Aboriginal policing. The College will also continue to offer programs that expand on existing areas of expertise including engineering, health sciences, applied arts, Native Education, community services and aerospace.

Relating to programs, in the next five years, Sault College will also expand its graduate certificate offerings and degree pathways and deliver education and apprenticeship training that speaks to the needs of students and industry. Increasing experiential learning opportunities for students in the workplace is also important as the College increases its community and industry partnerships.

Focusing on People with its signed National Indigenous Education Protocol, the plan places a greater emphasis on the College’s commitment to Aboriginal Education positioning Sault College as a ‘Centre of Excellence in Aboriginal Education’ committing more resources to programs, First Nations and training institutes partnerships and community-based programs.

Additionally, the plan outlines the way Sault College will attract and retain domestic and international students by capitalizing on its geographic advantage and actively promoting and encouraging students to get their desired ‘education and more’ focusing on the whole student experience, not only academics.

“Promoting ourselves as a ‘destination College’, where students can come to study, play and stay, involves the creation of a Waterfront and Tennis Centre and, an Early Childhood Education Centre. In addition, we will continue our exclusive partnership with Searchmont Ski Resort where students receive full access the largest ski hill in Ontario,” adds Common.

The plan includes more than physical buildings and program enhancements and outlines the steps the organization will take in the implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning System to meet the needs of students and improve operational efficiencies.

“As we make strategic decisions informed by comprehensive quality review processes, we will develop new and fully-integrated programs and services that appeal to and service various populations including adult learners, Aboriginal communities, seniors and those in non-traditional fields,” adds Common. “We have much to be proud of at Sault College and are an organization filled with creative, hard-working, and dedicated staff and students. I look forward to the next five years.”

Sault College will be hosting a series of community events in the New Year to officially launch its Plan. The College wishes to thank those that have assisted with the development of this plan that further strengthens the learning organization.  To view a copy of Sault College’s Leading the Way 2016-2020 Strategic Plan in its entirety visit www.saultcollege.ca.