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Aurora College releases first strategic plan to transition to polytechnic university

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Aurora College will continue to offer blended learning programs that combine face-to-face courses with distancing learning for the Winter and Spring 2021 semesters, the college said on Thursday. Blair McBride/NNSL

Aurora College presented its 2020-2023 strategic plan that will guide its transformation into a polytechnic university, stated a news release on Tuesday.

"Strengthening the Foundation and Planning for Change: Aurora College’s 3-year Strategic Plan", a 16-page document states that its vision is to "demonstrate leadership in the delivery of relevant and meaningful education and research rooted in strong connections to Northern land, tradition, community and people."

Its mission is to "establish a university in the North and for the North that creates equitable opportunities for residents across the NWT to reach their full potential," the release states.

Aurora College on Tuesday released its strategic plan that will guide the institution's transition to a polytechnic university.
NNSL file photo

The plan was made with input from Aurora College students, employees, stakeholders and partners.

“Transformation of Aurora College is being done through ongoing and meaningful engagement and careful planning,” said Andy Bevan, Aurora College President. “A successful transformation to the Polytechnic University is even more important as the NWT looks for economic growth and recovery opportunities.”

The formation of a polytechnic university is part of the GNWT's 2019-2023 Mandate, with Aurora College playing a leading role in putting to action the territorial government's Post-secondary Education Strategic Framework 2019-2029.

The plan is the first of three strategic plans Aurora will use to navigate its transition from a college to a polytechnic university, and are among the five actions the GNWT has pledged to take to demonstrate progress on the polytechnic project.

The other four future actions include the implementation plan, capital plan, quality assurance review, and securing federal funding for campus improvement projects.

"Ongoing and public engagement remains a priority for the transformation of Aurora College into a polytechnic university and will take place throughout the process," the release said.