The Parkland College-Cumberland College Coalition officially launched its new five-year Strategic Plan today in an online event.
The 2020-2025 Strategic Plan is titled Stronger Together. The planning process began more than a year ago with public consultations in 16 communities across east-central and northeast Saskatchewan. It also incorporated feedback from learners, staff, employers, and the colleges’ Boards of Governors.
The plan defines a purpose for the Coalition of providing education and training to address regional labour market needs, preparing learners for employment and further education, and supporting the sustainable social, environmental, and economic development of employers and communities. It introduces a shared vision and mission, as well as seven key values. Four strategic pillars stand on this foundation, accompanied by a set of goals and objectives to guide the Coalition’s efforts and measure its success.
“This launch is a celebration of our two regional colleges and their collaboration to create a visionary plan that sets the direction for the Coalition,” said President & CEO Dr. Mark Hoddenbagh. “It is bold, innovative, and will help us increase our positive impact in our communities.”
The plan introduces the concept of the “E-Shaped Learner.” While the colleges excel at developing technical skills, this model supplements them with entrepreneurial, electronic literacy, and employability skills.
Saskatchewan’s Advanced Education Minister Gene Makowsky and Colleges and Institutes of Canada (CICan) President & CEO Denise Amyot provided messages of support during the launch.
“I think the title of the plan, Stronger Together, is more relevant today than likely ever before,” Makowsky said. “The Coalition’s contributions are making positive and sustainable impacts and enriching the lives of students and local communities.”
“Your strategic plan is not just a matter of delivering credentials,” Amyot noted, “but it is a holistic, ongoing approach that involves learners, faculty, employers, Indigenous peoples, and a host of community and government partners.”
With the recent two-year extension of the initial two-year pilot, the Coalition is well positioned to implement the initiatives outlined in the plan, focusing on positive outcomes for the colleges' students, regions, and employers. The full Strategic Plan may be accessed on the colleges’ websites (www.cumberlandcollege.sk.ca and www.parklandcollege.sk.ca).
