Strategic Planning Comments

I'm working on the strategic planning documents this morning. As part of that, I'm reviewing the Institutional Access Plan (otherwise known as the IAP) that all Colleges have to submit. This one is for 2009 to 2012. Here are the highlights that impact EET and that we need to focus on in our strategic planning:


- The challenge of declining enrollments will be met with strategies that support increased participation, enhanced retention, and promote learner success. One of the main reasons for the declining enrollment is the growth in the economy, and more specifically, the lucrative job market.


- A key strategy will be on providing flexible learning opportunities. "Our strategy is to increase access to educational opportunities through the development of more programs and courses in DL or blended delivery models. " In response to this, the performance indicator is to increase DL / Blended credits sold by 10% or 17 FLE's over the next two years. Another performance indicator in response to increasing community collaboration is to provide programming via video conference facilities.

EET is already supporting several programs approved for expansion in 2009 / 2010:

• Practical Nursing Expansion
• Wind Turbine Technician
• Business Admin - China
• Police Recruit Training

There are others that are scheduled for expansion that EET may become involved with:

• Bachelor of Technology in Envi Sci
• Collaborative degree in CYC with MacEwan
• EMR/EMT/Paramedic Programs
• Collaborative Degree in Design

Some interesting stats:

- The Lethbridge region transition from high school to post secondary is 56%, which is the 4th lowest in the province.

- Stats Canada is forecasting a population increase of 7% in the Lethbridge region, but a decrease of 2.2% in the traditional post-secondary sector.

EET is mentioned specifically in the "Resource Implications" section of the IAP:
"With the development of online course and blended delivery formats and their growing demand by learners, investments have been made in the EET. Although investment in the development of online courses is available through eCampusAlberta and with the College itself, the skilled staff required for the development of effective and high quality learning materials and courses is an institutional investment and not typically associated with present funding models."

Lots of food for thought - and now back to planning . . .

Karen