ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN:

Positioning NC to succeed and adapt within a changing post-secondary landscape

The education landscape is evolving.

Post-secondary education has entered a time of significant transformation, defined by shifting demographics, fiscal constraint and an increasingly competitive education sector.

Niagara College’s forward looking approach – the embodiment of its status as a preemptive college – has positioned it to succeed within this shifting landscape. As we look ahead to this new reality, our strategy for success and for new growth stands ahead of the coming shift.

Realizing our aspiration of becoming Canada’s leader in applied, experiential learning will require choices that are bold and that reflect our strengths, our vision and our place within the evolving education and training context.

Our position in Canada, as an entrepreneurial and innovative post-secondary institution that produces graduates capable of driving the key industries and emerging sectors of our economy, now requires a renewed approach, imbued with the foresight that enabled Niagara College to prepare for the change, to succeed within that context and to differentiate itself from its competition in Ontario, in Canada and globally.

Niagara College will significantly expand its global involvement by leveraging its world-renowned expertise in education management to expand markets in Canada and abroad. A more diverse student base, access to new markets and enhanced and expanded programming that reflects the changing learner and employer will help to mitigate shifting demographics that project a provincewide, multi-year decline in secondary school enrolments. Our strategy anticipates growth in non-traditional demographic segments, including aboriginal learners, new retirees and those in search of retraining.

We will realize our strategic vision of a Niagara College that is culturally and globally engaged, experientially focused, creative, innovative and entrepreneurial in its thinking underpinned by resourcefulness and collaboration.

Cultural and global engagement, and an expanded and enhanced range of experiential opportunities will create a comprehensive learning experience that aligns with the changing student profile and the evolving needs of employers.

Our approach will distinguish Niagara College in a post-secondary market that is more competitive, marked by new entrants, blurring lines and changing market share: universities that are increasingly creating vocational outcomes, private career colleges showing greater flexibility in meeting the needs of second career learners, and new entrants providing short, just-in-time training for working professionals.

Our strategic directions are supported by a resourceful and collaborative culture that serves as our institutional foundation. Fostering an integrated, entrepreneurial and innovative approach in our programs and services and a strategic approach to resource allocation, Niagara College will have the financial strength to navigate funding decreases from government sources and a reduced enrolment outlook. Our strategic directions are bold in their outlook and transformative in their approach, translating ideas into actionable, forwardlooking and preemptive responses to a fundamentally different post-secondary landscape.

As we pursue our vision and mission, we will leverage our longstanding ability to stay ahead of the curve – to identify and anticipate emerging trends and opportunities and deliver responsive and effective programs and services that support the future needs of learners, business and industry.

Our strategic directions are integrated and inclusive, enabling all members of the College community to own future success through leadership opportunities therein.

Vision

Enriching lives and fulfilling dreams.

Mission

To provide outstanding applied education and training for a changing world.

Values

Student Focused Locally and Globally Connected Respectful and Inclusive Committed to Excellence Innovative