STRATEGIC DIRECTION 1: CULTURALLY AND GLOBALLY ENGAGED

Student experience and graduate success are the centerpieces of our mission as we diversify our enrolment base across a breadth of programs, attracting students from different age groups, environments and backgrounds through programs and delivery that reflect the emerging needs of students and employers alike.

As we look forward, our focus on inclusivity and engagement will transcend all areas of the College, realized through a concerted, institution-wide effort to infuse new competencies within academic programs, cognizant that the landscape is more culturally diverse and global in scope than ever before.

A culturally and globally engaged Niagara will sustain the College’s brand position within an increasingly competitive post-secondary sector, serving to further differentiate ourselves while solidifying our reputation as Canada’s leader in applied, experiential learning.

As we build broader and deeper connections to where our students come from, our work-integrated learning more closely reflects our students’ journeys. Program outcomes reflecting this diversity will support the variety of employers with which our graduates engage. Our learners will emerge from the College as world-ready, culturally and globally engaged graduates, succeeding as collaborators and innovators in Niagara, Ontario or wherever their career path may lead.

We will expand and diversify student opportunities for intercultural study/work travel through internships, field studies and research projects, capitalizing on the range of global partnerships the College has established.

As we build a learning environment that is increasingly inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of our learners, we will support and engage with Indigenous learners and communities in new ways, guided by the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

STRATEGIES:

Infuse diversity and cultural and global competencies within our academic programs; Act on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations;

Build international and domestic enrolments that are diverse in age and background, in a breadth of programs;

Expand opportunities to experience intercultural study/work travel – “Be World Ready.”

OUTCOMES:

New program review criteria to include cultural and global competencies within program curricula;

A more diverse enrolment base driven by new programs that respond to employer and learner demand;

An inclusive learning environment that better reflects the diverse needs of learners, including enhanced support for, and engagement with Indigenous students and communities.