2017-20 Strategic Mandate Agreement: Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology

Preamble

This Strategic Mandate Agreement between the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development and Canadore College outlines the role the College currently performs in Ontario’s postsecondary education system and how it will build on its current strengths to achieve its vision and help drive system-wide objectives and government priorities.

The Strategic Mandate Agreement (SMA):

• Identifies and explains the shared objectives and priorities between the Ontario government and the College
• Outlines current and future areas of program strength
• Supports the current vision, mission, and mandate of the College and established areas of strength within the context of the College’s governing legislation
• Describes the agreed-upon elements of the new College funding model, including:
  • a College’s enrolment plans and the initial midpoint levels of weighted funding units that will be funded in the corridor funding model during the period of this SMA; and
  • differentiation areas of focus including metrics, and targets
• Provides information on the financial sustainability of the institution; and
• Informs Ministry decision-making and enables Ministry to align its policies and processes to further support the College’s areas of strength

The term of the SMA is from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2020.

The agreement may be amended in the event of substantive policy or program changes that would significantly affect joint commitments made in the SMA (e.g., Major Capacity Expansion and Highly Skilled Workforce). Any such amendment would be mutually agreed to in writing, dated, and signed by both signatories.

Ontario’s vision for postsecondary education

Ontario’s colleges and universities will drive creativity, innovation, knowledge, skills development and community engagement through teaching and learning, applied research and service.

Ontario’s colleges and universities will put students first by providing the best possible learning experience for all qualified learners in an affordable and financially sustainable way, ensuring high quality and globally competitive outcomes for students and Ontario’s economy.

Canadore College Mandate, Mission and Vision

Institutional mandate, mission, and vision statements describe where an institution currently is and where it sees itself in the future.

Vision

Canadore is the college of choice for connecting people, education and employment through leadership and innovation.

Mission

To provide outstanding applied education and training for an ever-changing world.

Mandate

“The objects of the Colleges are to offer a comprehensive program of career-oriented postsecondary education and training to assist individuals in finding and keeping employment, to meet the needs of employers and the changing work environment and to support the economic and social development of their local and diverse communities.” (College of Applied Arts and Technology Act, 2002)

Aspirations

The Ministry recognizes the importance of supporting institutions to evolve and acknowledges the strategic aspirations of its postsecondary education institutions. The SMA is not intended to capture all decisions and issues in the postsecondary education system, as many will be addressed through the Ministry’s policies and standard processes. The Ministry will not be approving any requests for capital funding or new program approvals, for example, through the SMA process.

Institutional aspirations

To create a unique student experience that provides our graduates with a competitive advantage, Canadore College aspires to be the leading college in experiential learning and student development. We will accomplish this by remaining student focused, creating applied learning experiences inside and outside the classroom, domestically and internationally. Canadore will access all existing — and create new — channels of delivery.

Canadore College remains committed to delivering our aspirations in a culturally respectful and holistic manner. We will provide credentials to reflect the learning of our students and the needs of our employers as we develop the workforce for the 21^st century. Canadore College will offer a complete array of credentials, ranging from certificates to degrees. This will be accomplished through the implementation of a major/minor credentialing framework[1].

As a leader in Indigenous education, we root our partnerships, program delivery and services in a principled and culturally appropriate way that respects Indigenous learners, nations and Aboriginal institutes. We are committed to assisting our partners in building community, educational and social infrastructure supported by self-determination.

Canadore will engage community, business and industry in new models of cooperation that will enhance existing learning experiences, create new learning experiences, and address social and economic inequities in our region, our province, and our country.

Canadore will be a provincial applied research hub for our students, staff, and community partners focused on economic and social development. Our primary vehicle for applied research is our living laboratories.

Canadore is a major economic driver. We are a major influencer for immigration to the region. We represent 6.5% of our gross regional product (GRP) [Economic Modelling International], which is significantly out of balance when viewed as a portion of the economic health of the North. We aspire to assist business and industry to evolve, grow, and thrive in ways that reduce our GRP. To reduce our GRP we will have to execute our aspirations with effectiveness and efficiency combined with support from all levels of government and community.

Canadore will introduce minors in program areas through new program development, and program review and renewals. We will ensure that programs are developed and delivered consistent with Ministry requirements and continue to meet all provincial program standards utilizing an innovative approach. Vocational skills will be achieved through a model much like what is defined as a major in the university model. General Education requirements and Generic Skills will be achieved through a minor option (a secondary concentration to enhance employability and the graduate profile). Minors being explored include, but are not limited to, Indigenous, Human Relations, Technology and Environment, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Canadore believes that this will differentiate our graduates and the model could be used as a prototype for other colleges, and contribute to an Ontario College system differentiator.We aspire to continue to diversify and expand our sources of revenue beyond government assistance.

Shared objectives and priorities for differentiation

Student experience

This section captures institutional strengths in improving student experience, outcomes and success. This section recognizes institutions for measuring the broader learning environment, such as continuity of learning pathways; retention; student satisfaction; co-curricular activities and records; career preparedness; and student services and supports.

Institutional approach to improving student experience

Canadore is a leader in developing unique and student-centric programs and services that support each individual learner.

We are known as a partner of choice to Aboriginal Institutes and we specialize in Indigenous education. We successfully achieve this by rooting our partnerships, program delivery and services in a principled and culturally appropriate way that respects Indigenous learners, nations and Aboriginal institutes. We are committed to assisting our partners in building community, educational and social infrastructure supported by self-determination.

Canadore is also the college of choice for nearly 1,000 learners with disabilities and 2,000 international students. While this demographic makeup presents some challenges, individual learning plans, campus-specific services and robust mental health and community integration services have led to excellence in student achievement, strong retention rates and one of the province’s leading graduation rates overall.

Canadore is about the student experience and will continue to differentiate itself form the mainstream approach to supporting learners by being innovative.

Examples of institutional initiatives

Pathways for Indigenous partners: Through Canadore’s First Peoples’ Centre, the College directly works with 7 Aboriginal institutes, serving more than 85 First Nations. In combination with unique, culturally-rooted programs such as Aboriginal Women in Trades, Aboriginal Professional Office Skills and Aboriginal Entrepreneurship, these relationships provide laddering, confidence building and pathways to more than 75 postsecondary programs. Many of these programs articulate into advanced diplomas or university degrees. Canadore’s approach to improving labour market participation rates of Indigenous students is dynamic, principled and relationship-driven. This depth has supported many direct Canadore-to-Nation relationships, leading to collaborative projects. The College is currently a partner on a project that will bring students from their current education status to being eligibility criteria-ready and confident in 12 months. Intensive upgrading in physics, math, communication and science will combine with wrap-around supports and an Indigenous preparatory certificate, followed by direct entry into one of more than 15 full-time postsecondary health programs.

NPREP: By partnering with our regional social services team, Canadore is breaking cycles of poverty by bringing Ontario Works (OW) clients off of social assistance and into college. This is bending the cost curve on social assistance by providing intensive wrap-around supports services, personalized learning plans and 6-month post- graduation support to program participants. In its first year, the project has already reduced the local OW case load by 100 students who have come to Canadore, representing $1M off of the OW roll for people who would not have otherwise attended postsecondary.

Co-curricular supports: Canadore supports social integration and support both inside and outside the classroom. The College will expand its signature “Canadore Volunteers,” and co-curricular record programs to enhance the learner experience. Volunteerism, social activism and a comprehensive leadership development program will differentiate Canadore by focusing on the whole student and their societal progression. Rounding out successful academic activities requires innovative programs and services to engage the best and brightest students in peer-to-peer activities that build affinity and community to the sector in which they will work. Canadore has three living-learning communities in residence: Aviation, Health and Human Wellness, and Entrepreneurship. These custom living experiences build additional resiliency, mentorship capacity and dynamic developmental environments that extend beyond the classroom. Measures of success will go beyond mainstream engagement and focus on learner development against stated goals.

International student support (onshore and offshore): International students are provided with a number of additional services to support and improve their overall experience at Canadore College. In addition, international students at all campuses have access to academic supports and resources such as tutoring and academic accommodations. Assistance is provided to help graduating students prepare their resumés and get ready for their first job interview. Canadore has introduced outbound international study opportunities over the past five years as part of its internationalization strategy. Our academic partnerships abroad allow students and faculty to have two- to eight-week education experiences, primarily in China and Ireland, with options developing soon for Brazil, Costa Rica, and Bhutan. This extends Canadore’s classrooms walls beyond Canada and provides domestic students another opportunity to gain a more global perspective and additional skills. Several work-abroad opportunities have evolved from these international relationships and Canadore will continue to expand opportunities for domestic students in the future to consider options for work-abroad for periods of two weeks to a full semester.

Campus consolidation (to improve student experience): Canadore has always been efficient and effective in its deployment of capital resources. The consolidation of the Commerce Court Campus into a combination of Aviation and College Drive campuses will enable the right -sizing of the academic and administrative spaces as well as a complete update of equipment to reflect current standards and employer expectations. Accordingly, campus consolidation and modernization will improve the student experience in terms of the quality of space and equipment. It will also facilitate the modernization and update of curriculum for the affected programs. It is anticipated that the consolidation of campus assets will therefore improve operations and operating costs, improve the marketability of programs, enrolment and retention rates, and overall student and employer satisfaction.

Experiential learning: Canadore has worked to provide students with quality experiential learning opportunities to enhance their employability skills and graduate profile. Experiential learning opportunities include work-integrated learning (field placement, clinical, and internship), study abroad, community service learning, applied research projects, apprenticeship laddering, labs and simulation. We consistently seek input from our Program Advisory Committees (PACs) and stakeholders to identify opportunities that will benefit students working with our community partners, employers and government agencies. Canadore College has representation on the two provincial Experiential Learning working groups contributing to a provincial framework. Canadore continues to annually benchmark experiential learning opportunities and seek new and innovative ways to ensure student success. Canadore is recognized for its research pursuits securing funding from provincial, national and local sources. Canadore has expertise completing research as an individual college and has developed a solid reputation working collaboratively with other educational institutions and community partners. Research is embedded in many programs enabling students to build their skills and resumés while studying. Four major research hubs enable our College to focus on industry specific research: the Innovation Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Production (ICAMP), Digital Media Hub, Health Hub, and Advanced Composites Fabrication, Repair and Test Centre. Increased areas of focus will be on the aging population with the addition of The Village, a state-of-the-art facility which will incorporate clinics to address mental health, mobility, sensory, and other health and wellness needs. The Village will focus on eastern, western and indigenous health and wellness and will provide research opportunities which will contribute provincially and nationally to policy development and best practices in this growing field. Canadore will continue to provide work-integrated learning opportunities to its student population and expand this model to include innovative opportunities to service both students and community partners. It will expand to provide additional opportunities to enable students to address social problems, working in groups with community organizations. This will help Canadore meet graduation requirements, reduce agency fatigue and help students build social innovation skills and mindset development. Canadore will also introduce entrepreneurship placement opportunities in the Entrepreneurship Centre for students interested in exploring business creation and development in the profit and non-profit sectors. Additional certification will be explored for all students preparing for and completing work-integrated learning requirements.

Degree structure: Canadore is committed to pathway opportunities for our students to fulfill our credential direction, as per our previous SMA. As such, we are planning to expand student opportunities to include college degrees as pathways options. Three major areas have been identified to meet student, employer and community needs. The three degrees being considered are Health and Human Service Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Management, and Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Management. These three degrees will meet student and employer needs not currently addressed in northern communities.

Metrics and targets

Innovation in teaching and learning excellence

This section focuses on innovative efforts including pedagogical approaches, program delivery and student services that contribute to a highly skilled workforce and ensure positive student outcomes.

This section captures institutional strengths in delivering high-quality learning experiences, such as experiential, entrepreneurial, personalized and digital learning, to prepare students for rewarding careers. It includes recognition of student competencies that improve employability.

It begins to identify indicators of quality that are currently available and within an institution’s control.

Institutional approach to innovation in teaching and learning excellence

Canadore aspires to be the leading college in experiential learning and student development through student-focused, applied learning experiences in Canada and abroad and using existing and new delivery channels.

Canadore will engage community, business and industry in new models of cooperation that will enhance existing learning experiences, create new learning experiences, and address social and economic inequities in our region, our province, and our country.

Canadore will be a provincial applied research hub focused on economic and social development. Our primary vehicle for applied research is our living laboratories.

Professional development (PD) for faculty, staff and students is critical to the teaching and learning process and student success. Examples include: cultural training – Walk a Mile cultural sensitivity training; international cultures awareness workshops; respectful college community training for all employees (joint college-union initiative); the Facilitating Learning in Higher Education in-house teaching and training modular program; a professional development policy to promote degree completion, accessible to all employees; and a collaborative personnel selection process including union and management. Workshop options include Mental Health First Aid, threat risk assessment and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act workshops. Canadore College is proud to have signed the Indigenous Protocol and has embraced Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations.

Examples of institutional initiatives

Quality assurance: Canadore College continues to mature its institutional quality assurance processes and strives to continually improve. The Ontario College Quality Assurance Service Management Board commended Canadore on the work done and achievements made to date. Canadore College’s foundation for program quality assurance resides in the Program Quality Assurance Policy. Canadore has identified six Program Quality Assurance elements; each of these elements consists of a series of policies, processes, and monitoring activities designed to ensure compliance with audit requirements, while providing the best possible experience for students and partners. Canadore is a leader among Ontario colleges on the depth, recognition and approach taken to developing meaningful relationships in Indigenous education. More than 20 full-time postsecondary programs at Canadore are delivered in First Nations. It has developed shared intellectual properties and credentials with Aboriginal institute partners for programs delivered only in communities. It has conducted research on Indigenous quality assurance with its partners and will apply what it has learned between now and 2020. Through its partnerships, Canadore will continue to align with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission goals and will continue to deliver high-quality Indigenous education programs and experiences, as it has for 5,000 Indigenous Canadore Alumni over the last 25 years.

Northern Colleges Collaborative Programming (NCCP): Canadore is one of the six northern colleges that have worked collaboratively to deliver online programming to service their vast geographic area, utilizing a common learning platform, shared teaching resources and shared practices. By combining course and program and procedures they have launched business programs to students who would be otherwise challenged to pursue postsecondary education. The six colleges worked together to align their systems to service these students. The NCCP consortium is now working to provide mechanical engineering programs that ladder in to the Lakehead Engineering degree, providing additional pathways to university credentials. The model was presented at the Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) and THINK conferences as a model for collaboration that can be used provincially and nationally to increase access among educational institutions.

Interprofessional training and multi-generational learning: Canadore has been integrating an interprofessional model into its health and human services programs that gives students in these programs opportunities to work and study collaboratively, reflecting industry expectations and standards. A multi-disciplinary approach to service delivery is viewed as the best approach to enhance health and wellness and reduce service delivery duplication. Canadore is seen as an educational leader in this field and will increase opportunities by including other disciplines. Work is being done to ensure that all disciplines that touch the client work collaboratively together. This will also be modelled in the classroom. Justice, health, and human service providers are starting to work together in communities and Canadore will also model this approach. Research to study the impact of this educational and service delivery model will be shared with other educational and community partners. Canadore has a unique opportunity to develop an interprofessional and multi-generational learning environment with the addition of The Village. Although there are some models in Europe that facilitate opportunities for students to learn and live with aging persons there is none in Canada.

Canadore will create a model, which could be duplicated across Canada that sees every program area having an opportunity to interact with the residents and contributing to the living lab model. Canadore students will provide services and activities for The Village residents and the residents will mentor students. The College anticipates great benefits for both the students and facility residents and the outcomes will be researched and shared provincially and nationally.

Living labs: Experiential learning using an interprofessional approach will be integrated into all programs whereby current and future labs and clinics will operate as a living lab. All labs and clinics will provide our students with hands-on opportunities and the addition of an on-campus retirement facility will provide increased opportunities. It is the intention to have all students touch The Village; programming will be developed to integrate students, clients and residents providing an unprecedented model both provincially and nationally.

Distance / flexible delivery: Canadore has increased the number of distance/flexible learning options, promoting student access and success. Students can access complete programs online and additional programs will be explored using this delivery model. In addition, students can access all general education options online and weekend delivery modes are being explored. Canadore works with other northern colleges to jointly deliver programs online, which enables the colleges to offer programs that would not be possible due to low enrolment. Canadore recognizes the need to ensure experiential learning is embedded in the design of courses to ensure student engagement and provide real-world experience. Canadore is exploring online simulation and virtual lab packages to enhance experiential learning and student engagement.

Entrepreneurship and social innovation: Canadore will embed entrepreneurship and social innovation experiential learning opportunities in all programs. This will be supported through its on-campus E-Hub and quality assurance department. Canadore is developing a flexible, online, continuous intake Innovation and Entrepreneurship graduate certificate and will create resources to support both students and faculty. Canadore will create a menu of courses that will contribute to an Entrepreneurship and Innovation minor giving students the opportunity to gain additional expertise in this area. Canadore is also exploring offering a degree in Entrepreneurship and Strategy Administration with minor options such as philanthropy, non-profit management and social innovation. Entrepreneur bootcamps and a community ecosystem will be developed to meet student, staff and community partners’ needs, contributing to regional economic development.

Canadore is placing increasing emphasis on out-of-the-classroom entrepreneurship and social innovation to further enhance mirrored practices in the classroom. The College partnered in late 2016 with local donors to launch the E-Hub, employer services and living-learning communities. These activities have brought more than 50 employers to campus to host workshops, hiring competitions and lunch-and-learns. They have supported the start-up of more than 20 current and recent graduate businesses. Canadore Volunteers is an additional link to the community that maps students to issues, people, volunteering and agencies who need assistance. In 2016 more than 325 students contributed more than 25,000 hours of service through this program.

Metrics and targets

Access and equity

This section recognizes institutions for their efforts in improving postsecondary education equity and access. Institutions play an important role in providing equitable and inclusive environments that make it possible for students from diverse communities to thrive and succeed.

Institutions will also be recognized for creating equitable access opportunities that can include multiple entrance pathways and flexible policies and programming, with the focus on students who, without interventions and support, would not otherwise participate in postsecondary education. Examples include outreach to marginalized youth, transition, bridging and access programs for adults with atypical education histories and who did not meet admissions requirements.

Institutional approach to improving access and equity

Canadore College draws students from across the country and the world with only 40% of all students coming from its region. It brings people to the area, as 55% of all graduates stay in the region.

Nearly 25% of students identify as Indigenous. Canadore serves more than 50 First Nations communities and has an annual Indigenous student retention rate of more than 80%. Canadore is a strong partner of Anishinaabe, Inuit and Métis communities across Ontario. The First Peoples’ Centre integrates First Nations teaching and learning into the college experience. The Centre has been serving the First People of Ontario for 25 years. Canadore partners with six Aboriginal education institutes for community delivery of programming.

Canadore serves many students as a pathway institution and almost eight% of students used an articulation or credit transfer process, supporting growth in the 35% of Canadore students who have previous postsecondary experience.

Canadore is home to students from more than 26 countries and 80% of its domestic learners come from a community of less than 55,000 people.

Canadore is a safe campus for learners of all backgrounds with 100% of Canadore students participating participate in sexual violence training, all students are paired to a college staff ambassador and 90% of students who are registered with a disability reach graduation criteria.

Guidelines and Student Success Services Pathways help Student Success Advisors link academic accommodations with best practice recommendations to enhance student success and match students with proven strategies that address their specific learning needs.

Canadore has enhanced its resource centers on all three campuses. It provides timely appointments and a full range of student-focused services for students requiring additional support.

Nearly 60% of Canadore students are defined as at-risk. Canadore links its students with campus and community resources to enhance student retention. Examples include the North Bay Regional Health Centre, Community Counselling Centre of Nipissing, North Bay and District guidance counsellors, Partners in Addiction and Mental Health Committee and the Youth Justice Steering Committee.

Canadore’s international student population and partnerships continue to grow in the aviation, environmental science and culinary management program areas.

Examples of institutional initiatives

Access-based “wrap-around” support programs: For the past five years, Canadore has ranked among Ontario’s top three colleges for graduation rates. Its hybrid student success model leverages public, private and community resources. This allows students to receive support through same-day triage and then transition to the best possible targeted care.

By partnering with its regional social services team, Canadore is breaking cycles of poverty by bringing Ontario Works (OW) clients off social assistance and into college. The Nipissing Poverty Reduction Through Education Program is a three-year, $750,000 initiative that is so innovative that it is the first program of its kind by the Ontario Poverty Reduction Strategy. It provides intensive wraparound support services, personalized learning plans and six-month post-graduation support to program participants. In its first year, the project has already reduced the local OW caseload by 100 individuals who became Canadore students. This has decreased OW costs by $1 million and opened the door to postsecondary education for people who otherwise might not have pursued it.

Indigenous learning language and culture and Indigenous Circle of Excellence: Through the Village Project, Canadore will further enhance the Indigenous Circle on Education to bring cultural teaching, canoe building, meat dressing, sewing and dance to the College. This approach will support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations and repatriate pride, culture and ways of Indigenous knowing into the mainstream student experience. Canadore’s Indigenous Circle of Excellence will welcome like-minded partners to contribute to this initiative. Canadore will also lead in improving labour market participation rates of Indigenous learners in non-traditional fields of employment.

Degree Structure: Canadore is committed to pathway opportunities for our students to fulfill our credential direction as per our previous SMA. As such we are planning to expand student opportunities to include college degrees as pathways options. Three major areas have been identified to meet student, employer and community needs. The three degrees being considered are Health and Human Service Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Management, and Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Management. These three degrees will meet student and employer needs not currently being addressed in northern communities in our neighbouring universities.

International partnerships and access to domestic education: Canadore has undertaken several educational partnerships internationally to facilitate articulation and advanced standing, primarily on an in-bound basis. Work is underway and will continue to expand partnerships to include international delivery. This would benefit both domestic and international students, who would have access to Canadore’s programs at these in-country locations. Through its partnerships and recruiting network, Canadore will also continue to provide international students with options to study at the North Bay locations and Canadore@Stanford partner locations. These initiatives and efforts have enabled Canadore to overcome any perceived limitations owing to its geographic location and essentially provided an opportunity to achieve economies of scale as well as options demanded by the student market.

eCampusOntario: As a college in the north, access to educational opportunity is a critical issue given the vast geographic region. Canadore College has invested in online learning infrastructure and curriculum development to build high quality programming for northern learners. However, its efforts require support to ensure it is bringing the most dynamic, current instructional design to an online format. Canadore is working with and has received support from eCampusOntario to build a networked community to support the north to facilitate this growth and development. Canadore has increased the number of distance/flexible learning options for students, promoting access, pathways and student success. Canadore has worked with other northern colleges and universities to build capacity in northern Ontario. This contributes to Canadore’s effort to work with sister institutions to recruit and retain students in the north.

Mental health initiatives and strategies: Canadore is a proven leader in developing and delivering innovative community-based solutions aimed at overcoming the challenges its learners face. Canadore has adopted a leading mental health triage and navigator support services model. Now in its sixth year, the model ensures students receive support within 15 minutes of entering the student services office. This system combines innovative mental health training and innovation fund projects to create a widespread capacity at Canadore to support student success.

Crown wards: Canadore leads the regional Crown ward efforts and through this initiative helps 50 learners annually achieve their goals.

Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Canadore develops community-based transition plans for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and works with partners to blend campus-based supports with community-based resources. The approach is moving the service continuum from a reactive position to one of life promotion and proactive service.

Short duration skills training / community based training: Canadore’s First Peoples’ Centre has dramatically improved capacity for, and access to, skills training and community-based training programs. The College carries out nearly $1 million in community-based training every year in programs that build confidence for Indigenous learners while enhancing employability and skills. Canadore served 500 full-time Indigenous students in 2016 and served an additional 150 part-time learners through these community-based training arrangements and special funding projects. Examples of these training programs include: Aboriginal Entrepreneurship, Professional Office Skills, Aboriginal Women in Trades, Pre-Apprenticeship Programs, Walk-a-Mile Training, Solar Installation Training, Construction Basics and upgrading courses. These programs provide access to foundational learning to provide not only laddering to other programs but also confidence to those who otherwise may never leave their community.

Support of Truth and Reconciliation: Canadore has partnerships and training agreements with approximately 40 First Nation communities across Ontario and strong relationships with agencies. The College is widely known as a strong partner with Anishinaabe, Inuit, and Métis communities across Ontario. The First Peoples’ Centre integrates First Nations teaching and learning into the College experience. The Centre has been serving the First People of Ontario for 25 years. Community-based partnerships and delivery models are a focus of Canadore and we have evolved to offer programs that are skills-based, shared intellectual property between the College and partners, and custom delivered based on community needs. The College partners with five Aboriginal education institutes for community delivery of programming. Canadore sits at many working teams of people and has served our region in developing and supporting parts of the Urban Aboriginal Strategy; we are rolling out mandatory cultural competency training for our staff and are actively training employees of other employers in the region. We translated the national Mental Health First Aid Program into Ojibwa and Cree and have already trained more than 200 front line community education counsellors throughout Ontario. It is a provincial college in Indigenous education with programs running from the Manitoba border to Cochrane to Kingston and everywhere in between. Canadore has aligned its five-year Indigenous Education Strategic Plan to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations and measures success on outcomes that make Indigenous people and their communities whole. Canadore accesses more than $1 million of non-MAESD funding annually to actively lead and develop great capacity in this realm. Indigenous education will remain a key differentiator for Canadore.

Acquisition of, or partnerships with, private enterprises: As a small, northern and rural college, Canadore must be entrepreneurial in its approach to serve its students and community. Canadore will consider opportunities that provide learning experiences for students and employment prospects during and after study. Canadore will also explore horizontal or vertical investments and partnerships that help diversify its revenue base. This could include in-province, in-country or out-of-country development projects, collaborations and partnerships. This will continue to be managed through appropriate governance, due diligence and risk management practices. These initiatives will ensure that Canadore continues to provide access to its community and also to regional, provincial and international students.

Foundation program opportunities: Canadore has developed a number of foundation program opportunities in pre-health, business and trades, including an Indigenous pre-health and preparatory program. It also offers academic upgrading and English as a second language programs to foster student success. Canadore has a robust offering of dual credits and is actively engaged in School Work College Initiatives with local school boards. Canadore will go to remote communities to offer some of these programs to meet student and community needs.

Metrics and targets

Applied research excellence and impact

This section captures institutional strengths in producing high-quality applied research that further raises Ontario’s profile as a globally recognized research and innovation hub.

Applied research projects create or improve products, services and processes. College applied research gives industry firms access to the skills and competencies of faculty and students, facilities and equipment and markets and networks through the colleges’ connections to local business and communities.

Institutional approach to applied research excellence and impact

Canadore College is committed to expanding its applied research base that supports its strategic direction and the economic development of the region.

Canadore will be a provincial applied research hub for students, staff, and community partners focused on economic and social development. Its primary vehicle for applied research is its living laboratories.

Examples of institutional initiatives

Applied research: Canadore’s research pursuits secure funding from provincial, national and local sources. Canadore has expertise completing research on its own and has developed a solid reputation working collaboratively with other educational institutions and community partners. Research is embedded in many programs, enabling students to build their skills and resumé while studying. Four major research hubs enable Canadore to focus on industry specific research: Innovation Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Production (ICAMP); Digital Media Hub; Health Hub; and Advanced Composites Fabrication, Repair and Test Centre. Increased areas of focus will be on the aging population, including the addition of The Village, a facility that will incorporate clinics to address mental health, mobility, sensory and other health and wellness needs. The Village will focus on eastern, western and Indigenous health and wellness and will provide research opportunities that will contribute provincially and nationally to policy development and best practices in this growing field.

Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM): Canadore has signed a memorandum of understanding with NOSM to submit a joint proposal to equip the new medical clinic and the interprofessional Safe Mobility Clinic. These will be jointly utilized by students to serve the complex needs of the Indigenous population in the northeast and the older adults residing in the newly constructed retirement residence. Canadore students and NOSM learners will work under an interprofessional model of care to provide services to an underserviced population in the Nipissing region. As this partnership evolves and NOSM students are provided with opportunities to collaborate with Canadore and the regional hospital, the goal is to secure future physicians deciding to practice in the north and to facilitate research opportunities between the two schools.

Mental health (e.g. student resiliency outcomes): Canadore has led several key research projects in mental health over the last several years and is currently collaborating with its sister northern colleges on additional projects to build student mental health, pathways and resiliency. Canadore has supported or led projects in providing mental health support services at a distance by piloting new methods and approaches. The College has researched and built pathways for learners that are a hybrid of community-based delivery and onsite transition supports. It is currently mapping pathways to provide meaningful articulation and pathways from Aboriginal institutes to other postsecondary opportunities in Ontario. Canadore’s efforts are student-centric and provide evidence of value, a practice of finding the best fit for learners to reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety and an approach to collaboration that focuses on system-wide approaches to improving student mental health and resiliency.

Cross-institutional partnerships, pathways and research initiatives: Canadore has been active in seeking out research and pathways for its students and community partners. It has been very successful receiving funding through ONCAT to partner with both colleges and universities. A 2016-2017 ONCAT funded research project developed an inventory of the Indigenous programs that exist and are delivered by institutes, colleges and universities in Ontario. The project also documented the pathways that existed between those programs, as well as the pathways to and from those programs to non-Indigenous programs. Credits awarded and schools of study data was collected and collated.

eCampusOntario projects: Canadore is participating as a partner on the Northern Affirmative Action – Northern Initiatives project. Northern College is the lead and 10 northern postsecondary institutions are participating. Canadore is also participating in the Small Business Management – Trades project. Algonquin College is the lead and Canadore and three other colleges are participating.

Canadian Institutes of Health Research: Canadore College has partnered with Ryerson University and the North Bay Regional Health Centre to share knowledge and resources regarding the use of simulation training for health practitioners. A steering committee is comprised of members representing organizations involved in the research. These include: First Peoples’ Centre at Canadore College; Canadore College School of Health, Human Care, and Wellness; Nipissing First Nation; North Bay Indian Friendship Centre; and the Indigenous Knowledge Keepers Council.

Hydrogen Technology (green technology): Canadore is in ongoing discussions with NEXT Hydrogen Corporation to establish what it would cost to retrofit the College’s gas lab for hydrogen training. Canadore is also in discussions exploring the costs associated with turning the codebook into curriculum that can be taught and tested.

Biomass Innovation North: The School of Environmental Studies and Biotechnology is in ongoing discussions with Biomass Innovation North regarding opportunities to collaborate on research in the areas of biomass production on short rotation crops and in upcycling institutional solid waste and low-value recyclables into clean-burning pellets for combined heat and power production. Northern Ontario is ideally suited to the production or recapture of biomass from forestry and agriculture; combined heat and power capacity from biomass is expected to increase substantially and to make up an important component in the province’s carbon reduction goals.

Post Production facility: Launching in the fall of 2017, this will support digital platforms in partnership with Ontario’s digital industry (movies, animation, simulations). Canadore has entered into a revenue model with the private sector to support ongoing development.

Metrics and targets

Innovation, economic development and community engagement

This section recognizes the unique role institutions play in contributing to their communities and to economic development, as well as to building dynamic partnerships with business, industry, community members and other colleges and universities. It focuses on regional clusters, customized training, entrepreneurial activities, jobs, community revitalization efforts, international collaborations, students, partnerships with Aboriginal Institutes and a program mix that meets needs locally, regionally and beyond.

Institutional approach to innovation, economic development and community engagement

Canadore College has over 65 industry-driven postsecondary and apprenticeship programs, all of which are constantly evolving to meet the needs of the new economy. It works closely with over 50 First Nations communities, Aboriginal Institutes and employment delivery agencies to support workforce development for the Indigenous population, Canada’s fastest -growing population. It has award-winning professors delivering experiential learning that is supported by outstanding student services to help each learner achieve personal and academic success.

Examples of institutional initiatives

International academic partnership projects: Canadore is actively developing partnerships that will result in Canadore’s academic programs being delivered abroad. Partnership discussions are currently active in Guangzhou, China regarding the establishment of in-country delivery of several Canadore credentialed programs at a partner college campus. Canadore has had ongoing faculty and student mobility and exchange with this partner for more than 12 years. In addition, Canadore is in discussions with the State of Punjab, India and a private-sector partner to create a technical trades campus in Punjab. The infrastructure would be constructed in Punjab to Canadore’s standards by the State of Punjab and the curriculum and credential offered would be provided by Canadore as part of this partnership. Canadore is also working with several colleges and universities in China to source curriculum for future program expansion in the School of Healthcare.

Canadore College upholds quality assurance, positive key performance indicators, employability of graduates, cultural integration and student support mechanisms as part of its public/private partnerships.[2] The continuation of third-party delivery in the GTA region is critical to the financial viability of Canadore College. Canadore anticipates that approximately 2,000 students per semester, and from a diverse range of origins, will continue to study at its private-public partnership campuses. A ten-year agreement is in place with Stanford College of Business and Technology to deliver programs. Currently there are approximately 1,400 students attending from various countries, predominantly China and India.

Participation in labour market planning: Canadore participates in regional labour market planning through committee membership at the labour market round table, by engaging with industry on employment trends and through a variety of other student-centric activities including the coordination of a regional career fair; co-recruiting and co-branding activities with industry to raise awareness of available jobs; and increasing student confidence in the programs and careers that are available to them. The goal of these activities includes curbing out-migration of both people and industry.

The Village: The Village is a ground breaking approach to educating the next generation of our country’s health and wellness professionals. Our proposed model currently does not exist anywhere in Canada. A living lab model of class-leading health, human care and wellness education, the Village will foster a spirit of collaboration that will greatly enhance the delivery of community-based services while inspiring a new ideal for holistic care and healing that can be adopted by communities across the country. This innovative educational community will seamlessly blend teaching, learning and living across generational boundaries to provide a continuum of care services while supporting leading edge applied research. The Village will excel in interprofessional education while integrating Western, Eastern and Indigenous healing and wellness practices. I will be an evolving, replicable model for intergenerational living and a center of excellence for applied research in healthy aging and personal wellness. Canadore has recently signed a memorandum of understanding with NOSM to submit a joint proposal to equip the new medical clinic and the interprofessional Safe Mobility Clinic which will be jointly utilized by students to serve the complex needs of our indigenous population in the northeast and the older adults residing in the newly constructed Retirement Residence. Canadore students and NOSM learners will be working under an interprofessional model of care to provide services to an underserviced population in the Nipissing region. As this partnership evolves and NOSM students are provided with opportunities to collaborate with Canadore and the Regional hospital, the goal is to secure future physicians deciding to practice in the north and to facilitate research opportunities between the two schools.

Innovation Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Production (ICAMP): Recognizing the disruptive nature of technology in modern manufacturing, ICAMP provides the necessary resources for companies to research and create new products without heavy investment in the specific enabling technologies. This 13,300-sq.-ft. industrial center is focused on product innovation, allowing companies to access the technologies and resources for the development or refinement of new or existing products and processes. Industry partners, college researchers and students all come together and make use of Canadore’s highly specialized technology to solve complex industry problems, with the results leading to economic development. Since its inception in late 2013, ICAMP has executed over 400 projects by partnering with over 100 companies. It has helped to create 93 new jobs and been instrumental in retaining another 53 jobs regionally. Canadore will continue to pursue applied research in advanced manufacturing through ICAMP and has further plans to increase the educational programming in this sector.

Community Innovation Hub: Canadore has incubators in the areas of digital media, advanced manufacturing and production, advanced composites fabrication, repair and testing and health sciences that the community can access. There has been ongoing research funded in all of these areas and Canadore will continue to look for additional opportunities and partnerships. Canadore will work to expand its entrepreneurship incubator, working with students and community partners and it also plans to establish a Community Innovation Hub.

Advanced Composites Fabrication Repair and Test Centre (ARC-TC): The ARC-TC is a key component of the Aviation Technology Campus at Canadore College. The Centre is a key academic resource for Canadore’s aviation programs; it provides access to leading composites technologies and consulting services to stimulate economic growth through innovative research, industrial applications, testing services and business incubation. It helps develop and provide specialized training programs tailored to clients’ needs. The ARC-TC plays a significant role in knowledge transfer to the private and broader public sectors.

Northern Film and Television Industry Center of Excellence: Canadore is gaining recognition as a hub for the film and television industry in the north. The Centre is a focal point for academic programing, research and industry interaction. It is a collaboration among postsecondary education, municipal government and the private sector designed to address workforce and industry gaps in northern Ontario. Through the Economic Development Department, the City of North Bay has been actively engaged with the film industry since 2009 and has helped facilitate over 39 projects within the region. Film, television and digital media are growth sectors for the community and the Centre, including the new Post Production facility coming in the fall of 2017, is a critical component to building capacity throughout the North.

Metrics and targets

Enrolment strategy, program direction, sustainability and partnerships

Enrolment strategy and program direction

Enrolment plan

The purpose of this section is to identify institutional enrolment plans and aspirations. The enrolment projections are based on Canadore’s plans and assumptions for the coming years.

As stated in the College Funding Formula Technical Manual, the introductory corridor midpoint in 2019-20 will be calculated based on the “three-year average, two-year slip”, the average of three years of enrolment two years prior to the funding year.

Domestic projected funding eligible enrolment

Projected eligible full-time head count

International projected funding-eligible enrolment

Projected eligible full-time head count

International strategy and collaboration

Canadore’s internationalization strategy has the following key goals and objectives: internationalization of its curriculum to include global perspectives wherever possible in the learning environment; internationalization of its classrooms by bringing students from around the world to study with Canadore, as well as sending its students abroad to study in other countries; bilateral faculty visits with institutional partners abroad to promote scholarly exchange; articulation and advanced standing relationships with international partners; and development of co-operative delivery models for Canadore programs in other countries, in partnership with foreign institutions.

Canadore’s additional aspirations include ensuring global and cultural diversity in its classrooms and hallways. Canadore has students from India, China, Brazil, Bhutan, Nigeria, Columbia, Korea and numerous other countries.

The usual risk factors to be managed include ensuring appropriate balance between domestic and international students and maintaining quality control over the admissions processes and delivery.

Strategic areas of program strength and expansion

Program areas of strength

1. Aviation
2. Health
3. Skilled Trades and Technology
4. Media Arts
5. Indigenous Teaching and Learning
6. Culinary
7. Recreation
8. Environmental

Program areas of expansion

1. Media (Digital Technology Platforms)
2. Health Miscellaneous
3. Social Services (including Indigenous Education and Learning)
4. Aviation (Maintenance)
5. Technology

Apprenticeship

Canadore College remains committed to meeting market demand for skilled labour and the apprenticeship system in Ontario assists in achieving this goal. Canadore has full utilization of its seat purchase plan and regularly pursues additional seats to meet market demand. Canadore is committed to working with the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT) and MAESD on apprenticeship modernization to help streamline the system and improve completion rates. Canadore believes that innovative delivery models and progressive retention strategies can help. Building on its history of online delivery of the Child Development Practitioner and the Information Technology Technician apprenticeships

Canadore College holds the only TDA status in Ontario for the Railway Car Technician Apprenticeship program and currently provides apprenticeship training for the Ontario Northland Railway, the Canadian National Railway, VIA Rail and the Ottawa Valley Railway.

Canadore will increase the use of technology (simulations) to meet the learning objectives. Working in conjunction with MAESD, Canadore will seek to have apprenticeship programs modified to meet the 21^st century requirements of employers.

Financial sustainability

The Ministry and Canadore recognize that financial sustainability and accountability are critical to achieving institutional mandates and realizing Ontario’s vision for the postsecondary education system. To this end, it is agreed that:

It is the responsibility of the Board of Governors and senior administrators of the College to identify, track, and address financial pressures and sustainability issues. At the same time, the Ministry has a financial stewardship role. The Ministry and the College agree to work collaboratively to achieve the common goal of financial sustainability and to ensure that Ontarians have access to a full range of affordable, high-quality postsecondary education options, now and in the future.

The College remains accountable to the Ministry with respect to effective and efficient use of provincial government resources and student resources covered by policy directives of the Ministry, or decisions impacting upon these, to maximize the value and impact of investments made in the postsecondary education system.

Institutional collaborations and partnerships

Joint Offers of Admission: Canadore College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) have a partnership that permits Canadore graduates for a wide range of programs to pursue a range of degree programs at the university. Graduates of Canadore’s business, health sciences and community, justice and police studies may pursue undergraduate programs in adult education and digital technology, allied health sciences, biological science, commerce, criminology and justice, and nursing. The articulation agreement in place between these two schools allows Canadore College graduates to enter a number of programs while receiving credit for their studies at Canadore College, in many instances the equivalent of nearly 2 full years of study. Canadore and UOIT announced a partnership last year for International students. This agreement permits international students to declare their intent to pursue further studies at UOIT during their first semester at Canadore College and receive automatic consideration for admission to a college-to-university transfer program at UOIT, following graduation from Canadore College. This agreement covers a wide range of programs, both at Canadore College and UOIT, providing a number of options for students.

Laurentian University, in Sudbury, partners with Canadore College to provide graduates of the Indigenous Wellness and Addictions Prevention program a pathway to their Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work which is available via online and distance education (currently under review as expires this month). Additionally, graduates of Canadore College’s Environmental Technician – Protection and Compliance program admitted to the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (4 years) at Laurentian University will receive 30 university credits (5 full courses), equivalent to 1 year of study.

Canadore College and Nipissing University have a number of pathways and collaborative programs for students in the fields of Criminal Justice, Social Work, Recreation, and Environmental Protection. Most recently Canadore College and Nipissing University signed a Memorandum of Understanding providing graduates of Canadore College’s Environmental Technician – Protection and Compliance program and Biotechnology Technician/ Technologist programs the option to pursue degrees in Biology or Environmental Biology. Additionally, Canadore College and Nipissing University also recently established a collaborative program, permitting students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Honours Specialization degree in Social Welfare and Social Development to complete an Intensive Social Service Worker diploma at Canadore College during the third year of their studies. These two recent agreements build on a strong history of collaborative programs between Canadore College and Nipissing University.

Sault College: Canadore has signed an MOU with Sault College to establish the basis for both institutions to co-operate in the development of their respective degree programs. This will create a degree corridor in northern Ontario to: meet the needs of employers and students; create pathways that will retain and attract domestic and international learners; and address the inequity of learning opportunities between the southern and northern regions.

Limerick Institute of Technology: Canadore has signed an MOU with Limerick Institute of Technology to establish relations between the two institutions in the context of their strategy to internationalize the curriculum and the student body, and to enhance staff development opportunities through international projects. Student and faculty exchanges have taken place in the recreation and leisure services programs.

Seneca College: Canadore is currently working with Seneca College to explore the potential for diploma to degree pathways in: Honours Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation; Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology; Honours Bachelor of Child Development; Honours Bachelor of Community Mental Health; Honours Bachelor Informatics and Security; and Honours Bachelor of Software Development.

Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR): Canadore College has partnered with Ryerson University and the North Bay Regional Health Centre to share knowledge and resources about the use of simulation training for health practitioners. A steering committee is comprised of members representing organizations involved in the research. These include: First Peoples’ Centre (FPC) at Canadore College; Canadore College School of Health, Human Care, and Wellness; Nipissing First Nation; North Bay Indian Friendship Centre; Indigenous Knowledge Keepers Council.

See a complete list of Canadore College pathways.

Ministry/government commitments

• The SMA2 process has focused on implementing the first stages of the new funding model and demonstrating the ongoing commitment by all colleges and universities to student success. Future growth will only be funded through negotiated changes to an institution’s funded enrolment corridor. Through the SMA2 cycle, the ministry will continue to work closely with institutions to ensure all dimensions of the funding model are implemented.

• In a memo to colleges and universities dated March 7, 2017, the ministry committed to using the SMA2 (2017-20) process as a transitional phase to commence the collaborative and joint development of performance metrics and targets, tied to funding, for SMA3 (2020-23). The ministry reiterates this commitment and reaffirms that metrics and targets included in SMA2 are not tied to funding at this time and are a beginning point for further discussions with the sector prior to their application in SMA3. Colleges and universities will have the opportunity to reset and realign metrics prior to the application of metrics in SMA3. The ministry will also engage other stakeholders as part of discussions on a broad metrics strategy.
  • The ministry commits to establishing a joint working group with each of the sectors and to begin detailed discussions in fall 2017 on metrics/targets and to seek input on the performance measurement methodology for SMA3

• Colleges, universities and the ministry all benefit from processes that are transparent and non-duplicative. The ministry commits to work with colleges and universities to continue to streamline processes and seek opportunities to further reduce red tape (in part through increased access to other tools), including reducing or eliminating duplicated reporting requirements

• Through SMA2 discussions, the ministry has heard concerns about the challenges of delivering breadth in programming for Francophone and Francophile students, including the cost and funding of such delivery. Starting in fall 2017, the ministry commits to consulting institutions who have a formal mandate for bilingual and/or French-language delivery to review the delivery of French-Language programming and consider these concerns

• In 2016, an extension of the existing tuition policy framework was announced to support a major reform in OSAP. The ministry will engage with both the college and university sectors around the next tuition policy framework, including examining the issue of tuition anomalies in certain professional programs as a result of past changes to tuition policy, and, for colleges, examining tuition levels relative to competitive college tuition frameworks in Canada

• In recent years and during the SMA process, there has been an increased interest in the creation of a new polytechnic designation in the Ontario postsecondary education system. Starting in fall 2017, the ministry commits to undertake a review that examines whether improved benefits for students and employers are sufficient to make such a change. The ministry commits to working collaboratively with institutions across the sectors on this review

• The ministry acknowledges a request by Ontario’s colleges to explore how to support more flexible delivery of programming, including reviewing part-time funding levels. The ministry commits to working collaboratively with colleges to review this issue, including identifying implications for credentials
• The ministry commits to continue to work collaboratively with colleges to review the eligibility criteria and allocation method for the Small, Northern and Rural Grant to help target funding to best meet sustainability challenges.

[1] The ministry acknowledges a request by Ontario’s colleges to explore how to support more flexible delivery of programming, including reviewing part-time funding levels. The ministry commits to working collaboratively with colleges to review this issue, including identifying implications for credentials.

[2] The ministry has conducted a review of certain arrangements where colleges have developed partnerships in Ontario and elsewhere in Canada with private providers to recruit international students and deliver programs for these students that lead to an Ontario College Credential. Further to that review, the Ministry has directed that these partnerships be wound down over time. The final intake will be for September 2019 and there should be no new programs launched nor should there be any enrolment growth as a result of these arrangements. Protecting students enrolled in programs delivered through these partnerships is a priority, and programs should continue until students have the opportunity to graduate. The ministry will work with Canadore College as the wind down progresses.

2014-17 Strategic Mandate Agreement: Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology