NWP Master Academic Plan

2024-2030 MASTER ACADEMIC PLAN 2025-2030

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NWP MASTER ACADEMIC PLAN 2025-2030

MESSAGE FROM THE

VICE-PRESIDENT ACADEMIC

Recognizing the importance and value of forward progress and being a pace setter within one of the province’s fastest growing regions, Northwestern Polytechnic is pleased to present MOMENTUM: Master Academic Plan (MAP) 2025-2030.

As we chart a bold course for the future, this plan is a timely addition, detailing how NWP will support the overarching vision, mission, and values outlined in Northwestern Polytechnic’s True North Strategic Plan 2024 to 2030 with an equally impactful academic mission.

MOMENTUM translates NWP’s institutional priorities into clear academic direction that will enhance programming, deepen student success, and strengthen connections with communities and industries. It is a roadmap for action, grounded in our polytechnic mandate and focused on creating responsive, relevant, and high-quality learning experiences that deliver value.

Our commitment to continuous improvement drives everything we do. Through thoughtful engagement and a focus on authentic and inclusive interactions, we are building a learning environment that empowers students and faculty. This work is anchored in our mission to transform post-secondary

education in Northern Alberta through hands-on learning, applied research, and strong partnerships.

MOMENTUM recognizes that our students are an incredible force. They bring the energy and creativity needed for progress, while NWP propels achievement with practical, career-focused education and research opportunities. This combination is both powerful and productive.

From growing enrolment and advancing student-centred learning to expanding community engagement and achieving our polytechnic vision, the goals outlined in the MAP have been carefully considered and are in alignment with the strategic priorities of True North and our unique learning environment.

To that point, our MAP connects the academic dots for learners, educators, and our valued partners. It not only serves as a guide for higher learning but also as a catalyst for critical thinking, accelerated solutions, and innovation. Together, we are moving forward with clarity and purpose, ensuring our institution continues to thrive and remains a place where people, ideas, and communities grow.

Dr. Jodi Schultz Vice-President Academic NWP MASTER ACADEMIC PLAN 2025-2030

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ACCELERATING SUCCESS Education is an incredible engine for growth and development. By equipping people with timely knowledge and skills, Northwestern Polytechnic is enabling individuals, industries, and communities to forge ahead.

Vision To transform post-secondary education in Northern Alberta through polytechnic education, research, and partnerships.

Purpose To spark and empower success.

Core Values CONNECTED: We encourage inclusivity and are connected to our students, staff, partners, and communities.

INNOVATIVE: We are innovative in how we identify, develop, and deliver quality programming and services.

RESPONSIVE: We are flexible and adaptable to our students, partners, and communities through accountability, integrity, and transparency.

NWP Priorities • Growing Enrolment Together • Strengthening Engagement • Realizing our Polytechnic Mandate

ACADEMIC VISION Deliver quality education in a supportive, future-focused environment through workforce-aligned polytechnic programming, making NWP a destination of choice.

ACADEMIC PRIORITIES The three strategic priorities addressed within the Master Academic Plan include:

SUSTAINABLE ENROLMENT GROWTH COMMUNITY-CONNECTED EDUCATION POLYTECHNIC PROGRAMMING

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SUSTAINABLE ENROLMENT GROWTH that attracts and retains learners.

Sustainable enrolment growth is a clear indicator of relevant, innovative, and responsive post-secondary offerings. As our institution grows and evolves, we are committed to contributing to regional prosperity with a skilled and educated workforce. This is achieved through a consistent focus on increasing student recruitment, improving retention, and ensuring natural progression.

POLYTECHNIC APPEAL - The development of a Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) Action Plan is central to this priority. Not only will the SEM Plan chart a clear path toward meeting and exceeding domestic and international enrolment targets, the SEM Action Plan will include strategies to attract new learners and retain current ones through targeted initiatives across the student lifecycle.

SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT - In becoming a destination of choice, the learning environment we cultivate is just as important as the knowledge and skills we impart. We are committed to creating a culture of belonging, offering outstanding student support, meaningful services, and opportunities for lasting connection.

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NWP MASTER ACADEMIC PLAN 2025-2030

2 COMMUNITY-CONNECTED EDUCATION for all learners Community-connected education establishes clear, seamless pathways to polytechnic learning and rewarding careers. At NWP, we are committed to building meaningful, shared-value partnerships with communities and smoothing the way for success.

INDIGENIZATION - We are focused on incorporating Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, values, and ways of being into everything we do. Guided by principles of accessibility, understanding, and belonging, NWP is intent on broadening support and building unity.

TIMELY EXPOSURE - Northwestern Polytechnic is collaborating with high schools to give learners a head start. By expanding Dual Credit programming, we are able to activate a learning advantage that increases student skills, boosts confidence, and facilitates an early introduction to workforce-aligned programs.

NATURAL PROGRESSION - Through strong collaborations with industry and a focus on work-integrated learning, we equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experience to transition confidently from classroom to career.

SOLUTIONS FOCUS – A key differentiator for Polytechnics is the ability to deliver actionable solutions. Through productive partnerships and applied research, Northwestern Polytechnic is able to foster innovation and address real-world challenges faced by industries and communities.

Feedback loops and the relationships we create are central to keeping us attuned to needs, maintaining curriculum relevance, and ensuring we are optimally placed for emerging opportunities.

3 POLYTECHNIC PROGRAMMING that delivers responsive career and industry training Polytechnic programming is rooted in employability, ensuring that students graduate with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience necessary to have a clear path to a rewarding career.

FLEXIBLE PATHWAYS - NWP offers a range of credentials, including select degrees, diplomas, certificates, apprenticeships, continuing education, and academic upgrading. With the benefit of stackable credentials, learners can build their education intentionally and progressively. Step-bystep advancement supports at every stage of the learning journey.

WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING - Recognizing the vital links between education, workforce, and economic development, Northwestern Polytechnic is connecting learning experiences directly to career opportunities.

We are sharpening our focus on applied, industryaligned knowledge and skills while continuing to draw strength from our deep community roots and more than 70 years of postsecondary education in the region.

Our academic approach has been purposefully designed to strengthen community ties as we meet individual needs and keep pace with evolving workforce trends.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT - Aligned with our polytechnic mandate, we are responsible for growing not only enrolment but also our reputation as an innovative, responsive institution known for high-quality results. This will be achieved through timely program development, a growing NWP degree presence, and an enduring commitment to academic offerings that serve both students and communities. We are dedicated to supporting the ongoing sustainability and prosperity of NWP for generations to come.

NWP MASTER ACADEMIC PLAN 2025-2030

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1 PRIORITY ONE

SUSTAINABLE ENROLMENT GROWTH

GOAL ONE

STRATEGIES

To increase and sustain enrolment through targeted recruitment and retention strategies.

OPERATIONALIZE the Strategic Enrolment Management Action Plan.

COMMIT to targeted enrolment expansion in programs where there is evidence of student and workforce demand.

EXPAND course delivery modes including alternative start dates and different delivery locations.

DEVELOP and IMPLEMENT offerings and processes that allow students to ladder and transfer credentials.

EXPAND dual-credit offerings to enhance pathways to NWP programming.

REFINE application processes to accept all eligible students who apply.

IDENTIFY and IMPLEMENT user satisfaction evaluation tools for student services.

IMPLEMENT a new student information system.

ESTABLISH same-day student responses and execute fast, seamless service.

SUPPORT and INVEST in improved processes with automation.

DEVELOP and IMPLEMENT an international student recruitment and retention plan.

ESTABLISH program capacities to optimize student numbers in each program.

ORGANIZE and IMPLEMENT student recruitment activities and events to increase enrolment.

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NWP MASTER ACADEMIC PLAN 2025-2030

GOAL TWO

STRATEGIES

To provide an enhanced student experience for all students, regardless of campus, program, or duration.

COMMIT to strategic partnerships that improve the student experience.

ENHANCE front-line services for all students.

COMMIT to making Indigenous education a priority.

CONTINUE to support student mental health and wellness services.

ALIGN career preparation and work-integrated learning outcomes with employment opportunities.

EXPAND student events and celebrations of diversity.

SUPPORT students throughout the entire student life cycle.

ESTABLISH international collaborations to provide opportunities for study abroad and student exchanges.

NWP MASTER ACADEMIC PLAN 2025-2030

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2 PRIORITY TWO

COMMUNITY-CONNECTED EDUCATION GOAL ONE

STRATEGIES

To create a culture of connection.

ESTABLISH partnerships with industry, community organizations, and other post-secondary institutions to support academic programming, skilled trades, and innovation.

ENHANCE collaboration of faculty, staff, and students across departments through streamlined communication.

STRENGTHEN partnerships with Indigenous communities by integrating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into curriculum, teaching, and research initiatives.

PARTNER with K-12 school divisions to increase access and supports for students entering post-secondary.

GOAL TWO

STRATEGIES

To offer every student the opportunity to connect to their field of study though work-integrated learning.

DEVELOP a variety of work-integrated learning options.

GOAL THREE

STRATEGIES

To engage in applied research that addresses real world challenges and drives innovation in collaboration with industry, community, and academic partners.

PURSUE targeted grants and funding opportunities to support applied research initiatives.

COLLABORATE with organizations and employers to create meaningful work-integrated learning opportunities.

PREPARE students by enhancing work-ready skills to support employability.

DEVELOP and DELIVER courses to increase student engagement in research.

PARTNER with industry in applied research initiatives geared towards solving real world problems.

ENCOURAGE faculty and student involvement in research initiatives.

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NWP MASTER ACADEMIC PLAN 2025-2030

3 PRIORITY THREE

POLYTECHNIC PROGRAMMING

GOAL ONE

STRATEGIES

To advance our academic and skilled trades programming mix.

DEVELOP and IMPLEMENT systematic approaches to identify new, in-demand programming.

BALANCE overall programming to ensure alignment with regional needs and learner demand.

CONTINUE to invest in new program development to emphasize polytechnic education.

COMMIT to curriculum development with industry and community partners that enhances student experiences.

GOAL TWO

STRATEGIES

To elevate academic quality to ensure graduate employability.

CONDUCT systematic program reviews aligning with the requirements of quality assurance and accrediting bodies.

COMMIT to external evaluation and accreditation of academic programs.

ESTABLISH program advisory or industry-related advisory committees for all programs.

SUPPORT faculty in their professional development ensuring a high standard of academics.

ATTRACT and RETAIN faculty who bring industry experience and professional expertise.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION Office of the Vice-President Academic Northwestern Polytechnic 10726-106 Ave, Grande Prairie Alberta, Canada T8V 4C4 VPAR@NWPolytech.ca | NWPolytech.ca

Northwestern Polytechnic acknowledges that our campuses are located on Treaty 8 territory, the ancestral and present-day home to many diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people. We are grateful to work, live and learn on the traditional territory of Duncan’s First Nation, Horse Lake First Nation and Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, who are the original caretakers of this land.

We acknowledge the history of this land and we are thankful for the opportunity to walk together in friendship, where we will encourage and promote positive change for present and future generations.