U of S adds program for Northern students, ends another due to budget cuts
- EFN Staff | June 03, 2017
Improving northern Saskatchewan students access to science and engineering programming
SASKATOON — The University of Saskatchewan (U of S) is partnering with Northlands College to offer a program designed to reduce barriers people living in northern Saskatchewan may face when preparing to enter into post-secondary science and engineering programs.
The Pre-Engineering and Science (PRES) program is offered by Northlands College in Buffalo Narrows, Creighton, Ile a la Crosse and La Ronge. The 42-week program runs from September to April and includes high school upgrading, 10 university courses and programming designed to help students successfully transition to the U of S.
“It can be quite challenging for people living in northern Saskatchewan to pursue an education in science or engineering, and since 2014 we’ve been in discussions with Northlands College to figure out how we can help,” said Patti McDougall, vice-provost teaching and learning at the U of S. “Though the College of Engineering co-ordinated this project, I am proud to say that this new PRES program will provide residents of northern Saskatchewan the chance to locally begin science and engineering programming leading to a range of colleges at the U of S.”
McDougall says the PRES program emerged from the recognition that Indigenous peoples are underrepresented in science and engineering. The design of the program began with the idea that high school students in northern Saskatchewan need stable access to courses like pre-calculus and calculus and may need to be supported in these difficult courses. Success in these areas leads, in turn, to admission into university-level programming in science, technology, engineering and math.
Alongside a supportive math environment, McDougall said other university-level courses will provide students with a foundation in chemistry and physics, which are requirements for post-secondary science and engineering programs.
The class credits obtained through the PRES program will transfer towards multiple diploma and degree-level program requirements at most colleges and universities, which will give students the option to take fewer classes in their first year, helping to ease the transition to college or university, according to Toby Greschner, president and CEO of Northlands College.
“The strength of our institution is partnerships, and this partnership with the University of Saskatchewan is another example of how we are all working together to increase educational opportunities and improve the overall quality of life for the people of northern Saskatchewan,” said Greschner.
If a PRES program graduate chooses to attend the U of S, they will have the opportunity to take part in a free two-week university transition program in August, which will provide them with personal supports and program-specific information.
The first cohort of PRES program students starts this September at Northlands College. The college is accepting applications until June 1. For more information about the program and to apply, visit its website.
U of S to close research centre due to provincial budget cuts
SASKATOON – The
University of Saskatchewan will close the International Centre for Northern
Governance and Development (ICNGD) as of June 15, 2017. The annual targeted
funding for this research centre was eliminated in this year’s provincial
budget, as of April 30, 2017.
Over its 10-year history, the ICNGD has successfully provided two
“northern-tailored” graduate-level degree programs; the Master of Northern Governance and Development (MNGD) being the first degree offered by the U of S
in the North, for the North and with the North.
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The Governance and Entrepreneurship in Northern and Indigenous Areas (GENI) was
the first international joint degree between Canada and Norway, and the first
one in Western Canada. Combined, these programs have graduated more than 50
students. Furthermore, the centre’s research has focused on concerns identified
by northerners in critical areas such as northern governance, First Nations and
resource development, northern innovation and climate and socio-economics. The
centre attracted approximately $1.6 million in research funding.
While the centre will close on June 15, the university has appointed the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (JSGS) to administer the two masters programs. Students currently enrolled in both the MNGD and GENI will be able to complete their programs, and new applicants will be accepted into the GENI program only. Admissions for the MNGD program will be suspended for 2017-18 to enable a pause and re-evaluation of the program. Students have benefited from funding support through key partners, Cameco Corporation and MITACS. Ongoing discussions are occurring to maintain this important financial support for students.
“The U of S has deep roots in the North with critical relationships, programs
and community outreach activities that are decades old and span Northern
Saskatchewan, the Provincial Norths, and the Circumpolar North,” said U of S
President Peter Stoicheff. “While we are deeply disheartened by the recent loss
of provincial government funding for the centre, we will not be deterred from
our important work alongside the people of Saskatchewan’s northern
communities.”
Regrettably, this budget cut will result in the loss of six staff positions as
of the centre’s closure on June 15. These staff members have contributed
greatly to the success of the students and faculty and to Saskatchewan’s
northern communities and they will be supported through the transition and
closure of the centre.
“The U of S has a strong commitment to collaborating with its northern partners and we remain resolved towards identifying a comprehensive strategy for the North,” said Patti McDougall, U of S vice-provost teaching and learning. “Going forward, we will work with an expanded version of ICNGD’s Northern Advisory Board to ensure the voices and advice of these leaders, as well as industry, are heard as we review all of our activities and programs in the North to ensure we are meeting their needs.”