The new calendar proclaims the start of 2016, but Parkland College is already setting its sights on the fall. Planning for the 2016-2017 academic year is well underway to ensure that the College continues to serve students next year and beyond.
One of the key items for Parkland College in the year ahead is the creation of a new organizational strategic plan. The College’s most recent strategic plan covered 2012-2015 and performed well, but President Dwayne Reeve knows it must adapt to meet the ever-changing needs of the region.
“Planning for the future is both an exciting and daunting task,” Reeve said. “While we are never quite sure what the future holds, we are certain that a strong strategic framework will be an invaluable tool to assist Parkland College as we work to serve our students, staff, and communities.”
The College has enlisted the services of Laura Soparlo, a Regina-based consultant, whose work in the education and government sectors is extensive. Soparlo has assisted the College in past strategic planning activities and will facilitate the collection of input through focus groups and online surveys from a variety of groups, including staff, students, and external partners.
The goal is to have the new strategic plan finalized and ready for implementation in the 2016-17 year.
Simultaneously, the College is beginning its annual recruitment drive for next year’s post-secondary programs. Applications are already being accepted for most of the programs beginning in the fall of 2016. With the Trades and Technology Centre in Yorkton well into its first full year of operation, and established locations in Yorkton, Melville, Esterhazy, Fort Qu’Appelle, Canora, and Kamsack, there are more seats to fill and more options available to students close to home.
Parkland College continues to offer a diverse mix of training options. Students can pursue university degrees, skills training certificates and diplomas, and adult education upgrading.
“Many students are drawn to our unique learning environment and smaller class sizes,” Reeve added. “Students can flourish in a friendly and welcoming setting where their teachers know them by name. And our instructors and counsellors are dedicated to their students and have a passion for life-long learning.”
