EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The 2020/21 Business Plan presented is one of innovation during the unprecedented times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. North West College (NWC) is committed to a cautious and methodical approach before officially reopening our facilities for staff and the public. Our phased approach will take into account the overarching principles set out by the Government of Saskatchewan, the Ministry of Health through established Public Health Orders, the Ministry of Advanced Education, the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training, the Regional Colleges Act, the guidelines of the Association of Saskatchewan Regional College (ASRC), and our institutional partners. In addition to the above mentioned principles, the College will ensure alignment with the Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan (2020/2030), the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan, the Ministry of Advanced Education 2020-21 Plan as well as the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training 2020-21 Plan.

Institutional preparedness is paramount for the health and safety of our staff and students. All program and course plans must adhere to the guidelines set out by the Ministry of Health and established Public Health orders, as Saskatchewan continues to operate under a State of Emergency. The College continues to monitor daily the current guidelines and changing situation in Saskatchewan. Furthermore, NWC has in place an Exposure Control Plan and will continue to adjust, adapt and implement any new restrictions or guidelines that come into effect regarding gathering limits, social distancing and cleaning and sanitizing protocols. This plan is all-encompassing and addresses safety procedures and protocols required during any form of health and safety situation that could adversely impact our students, staff and College community including and not limited to pandemic situations.

Preparing the program plan for 2020/21 during these unprecedented times has been challenging, and as a result, a number of factors beyond the control of the College will affect program delivery and design, student participation and success and revenues/expenses incurred. The timing of some of the information and decisions by external organizations can create significant planning and reputational risk for the College. In the end, NWC has ensured we are presenting a plan that focuses on student success and retention, is alignment with our strategic plan, and will ensure we will be in continual compliance with the everchanging public health and safety requirements.

Strategic priorities for 2020/21 include: a) Continued planning and developing demonstrated support for a new Battlefords Campus, (pending relevant approvals). b) Understanding the importance of establishing an operational infrastructure that will enable the College to become more self-sufficient and less reliant on government funding, NWC is also committing to Enterprise Risk Management and Economic Portfolio Diversification initiatives (including but not limited to business development, foundation/development, international education, etc.). c) Adaptation of all operations in the current State of Emergency and the PostCOVID-19 new normal.

As are result, our 2020/21 Business Plan has been developed anticipating and planning for following: a) We will be operating under a blended service delivery model, and the time student are required on campus will vary by program, b) We are anticipating less students, smaller class sizes, delayed program starts, and fewer programs, c) Students will be supported through fluid and flexible online and in person (where necessary) interactions, d) We will invest time and resources to better support staff and students through technology and training, and e) We will invest time and resources for the continued and enhanced implementation of our Exposure Control Plan.

Given the above, the College is projecting full utilization of program funding with approximately 200 less FLE’s and an operating deficit of $35,746.

Even in this time of economic uncertainty, North West College plays a major role in the economic sustainability of rural northwest Saskatchewan. The Management of NWC understand that role and are committed to growing a strong economy and strong communities for today and for tomorrow.