Ward: RDC begins transition to university
On March 1, the Decision was rendered. To a capacity audience, Premier Rachel Notley and Minister of Advanced Education, Marlin Schmidt, announced that RDC has been given approval to transition to become a recognized university.
The decision to enable degree-granting, and the creation of a pathway to full University status will impact the economic, social and cultural growth of our region in ways we cannot yet imagine. The decision acknowledges the growth, and evolution, of RDC as a mature academic institution. Our history of delivering collaborative degrees for over 25 years is a testament to our capacity to do more, and do more we will.
So, what kind of University will we become and how long will it take?
To serve our learners, our communities, and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow, we are defining ourselves as a Comprehensive Regional Teaching University. This means we will continue to do everything we do now, with the addition of granting our own degrees. We will continue to offer trades, certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates and applied degrees, as well as collaborative degrees with our other University partners. And we will grant our own degrees – ones that make sense for our region and complement our current programs.