Four southern Alberta post-secondary schools have agreed on a new partnership.
The Southern Alberta Higher Education Relationship is a formal commitment for Red Crow Community College, the University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge Polytechnic, and Medicine Hat College to work together to enhance education in the area.
The new alliance will focus on four specific areas, including academic programs, research, student support services, and regional stewardship.
Below is a breakdown of those focuses, as provided by the U of L:
- Academic programs will feature clear articulation pathways between institutions that encourage student mobility, with interdisciplinary programs jointly developed to meet regional needs.
- Research projects will encourage the sharing of facilities and expertise as well as joint applications for research funding.
- Student support services and facilities will be enhanced through shared resources and jointly developed initiatives promoting student well-being and success.
- Regional stewardship involves the collection and sharing of information and knowledge between institutions, while leveraging resources and building collective capacity. The goal is to determine, prioritize, and then enable educational access to the full spectrum of learning opportunities available to learners.
“In our partnership, we share our history, strengths and responsibilities so every learner can find their place. In the Niitsitapi way, relationships are the source of strength. Each institution offers its own gifts, stories, and responsibilities. When we come together in Innakotsiiysinni — respect for one another — we honour the land, uplift our learners and ensure that the wisdom of our ancestors guides our future,” said Sinopaaki – Samantha Fox, interim president of Red Crow Community College.
“Our partnership and commitment bring balance, respect for each Nation and institution, and help create a place where all learners can learn, thrive and belong.”
The U of L stated that “mutual respect and reconciliation” are at the core of the partnership, with a special focus on reconciliation and Indigenous education.
“The opportunities created through this collaborative approach will greatly enhance student outcomes by creating more mobility between institutions, enriching educational options through collaborative programs and initiatives and enhancing services and supports. This sharing of expertise will also strengthen the significant impact of our research efforts regionally, nationally and globally,” said Dr. Digvir Jayas, president & vice-chancellor of the University of Lethbridge.
Dr. Brad Donaldson, president and CEO of Lethbridge Polytechnic added, “This partnership reflects something truly unique – a university, college, polytechnic and Indigenous college coming together with a shared purpose in one region. By working collaboratively, we are strengthening pathways for students and positioning southern Alberta as a distinct and compelling destination for post-secondary education.”
“This partnership embodies our purpose of building a vibrant future with learners and our region,” said Kevin Shufflebotham, president and CEO of Medicine Hat College. “By working together, we can better support students across southern Alberta, strengthening our college, our community and our region.”
Officials said the alliance will meet two to three times every year to talk about strategies and evaluate progress made to that point.
