A. 2021-2024 INSTITUTIONAL PLAN
As the College continues to navigate through the uncertainty of the pandemic, the development of NWC’s 2021-2024 Business Plan has utilized the following assumptions: i) ii) iii) iv) v) vi) vii)
viii)
ix) x)
xi) xii) xiii) xiv) xv) xvi) xvii)
Because of the unique student body compared to other PSI in Saskatchewan and in order to ensure quality delivery and retention of students, all programs will continue delivery in a blended format at a minimum for the 2021/22 academic year. Annual tuition increases should be in-line with pre-Covid increases and as indicated within 2021/22 institutional budget letters. A 4% increase in tuition is anticipated as unofficially stated by partnering institutions based on the parameters as identified in the respective 2021/22 budget letters. For the foreseeable future the province remains in a “State of Emergency” and the pandemic will impact College operations for the full 2021/22 academic year. Social distancing restrictions as of May 14, 2020 will remain in place. The time required on campus will vary by program. Delivery format for the 2022/23 and 2023/24 is based on following assumptions: a. Social distancing restrictions will have to be lifted, and can return to larger class sizes; therefore, enrollments for these two years will be higher compared to 2021/22. b. Technology based solutions will still be in place, including but not limited to blended delivery. Enrollment for 2021/22 will be higher than 2020/21 due to: a. First Nations Reserves would not be in lock down as frequent as in 2020/21. b. Implementation of vaccinations will reduce the fear of COVID-19. c. Some programs will continue to be in a blended model while other programs will be in a full online format. During 2021/22, some Indigenous communities (sponsors) will not support students from their communities taking programs delivered in a blended or online delivery format, which will reduce the access to higher education in the region. Students in some Indigenous communities do not have access to internet service or cannot afford to pay for services to effectively participate in blended or online delivery formats. a. Will have a negative effect on enrollment for the year 2021/22. b. Will Increase the demand for on-campus access, services and technology. Due to classroom size and facility usage limitations, fewer seats may be available in 2021/22. As a result, 2021/22 enrolments will be similar to 2020/21, below the pre-Covid 5-year average. Local businesses may not prioritize workforce training and support for student work placements may decline in the 2021/22 academic year. For the years 2022-2024 the College anticipates most programs will slowly transition back to face-to-face delivery, access/enrollments will increase and Indigenous community (sponsors) will fund students at pre-COVID-19 rates again. In 2022-2024, some programs will have less reliance for blended learning and students will have more access to in-person college supports, services, and technology. The College will continue to require additional technology support for staff and students. Implementation of health and safety protocols are part of regular operations. Activities and priorities as established and identified for the 2021/22 academic year are based on an added year on the current 2018-21 strategic plan (to be discussed below).
NORTH WEST COLLEGE
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2021-24 BUSINESS PLAN
