Engagement sees four proposed areas of teaching and research specialization for the polytechnic university released for discussion

HDownload Audio

by ahnationtalk on September 2, 2020258 Views


Today the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) released a discussion paper seeking input on four proposed areas of teaching and research specialization for the polytechnic university that will guide transformational decision-making leading up to its launch.

As highlighted in the Government Response to the Findings and Recommendations of the Aurora College Foundational Review, the transformation of Aurora College into a polytechnic university represents a significant organizational change that will create a new range of opportunities for prospective students and the territory as a whole.

Every post-secondary institution is unique. Areas of specialization help distinguish institutions, their contributions to knowledge, and their scope of learning opportunities. Specializations at any post-secondary education institution evolve over time and what is proposed in this discussion paper is a starting point for ongoing engagements with partners and key stakeholders around the future polytechnic university. Over time, it is anticipated that the polytechnic university will refine and expand these areas of specialization as the needs of Northerners and the NWT evolve.

While areas of specialization are a basis for planning for the new polytechnic university, they will increasingly inform many of the improvements to Aurora College made through the transformation process. It is important to note that, while areas of specialization will guide programming decisions and shape their design and delivery, they do not explicitly dictate what programs will be offered. Programming decisions require further engagement and analysis.

As part of its ongoing engagement with partners and stakeholders, the GNWT is sharing the Polytechnic University Areas of Teaching and Research Specialization discussion paper with Indigenous Governments, campus communities, industry and other key stakeholders for their input. Those interested in providing input are asked to do so by end of day on September 28, 2020.

Quote

“As part of the transformation of Aurora College into a polytechnic university, we are once again taking an active approach to engaging with partners and stakeholders in the early stages of decision-making. Getting the areas of specialization right is important as they will focus the organizational change that will create a new range of opportunities for prospective students and the territory as a whole. ”
– R.J. Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment

Quick facts

  • Feedback on this discussion paper will be accepted until September 28, 2020
  • Interested public can provide input at the links below
  • GNWT recently released the Aurora College and Polytechnic University Governance discussion paper that is open for feedback until September 14, 2020.

Related links

For Media inquiries, please contact:

Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
presssecretary@gov.nt.ca

NT5

Send To Friend Email Print Story

Comments are closed.

NationTalk Partners & Sponsors Learn More