Algoma University is planning to offer more educational opportunities in the Timmins area
Going away to university in a new city is a rite of passage for many students. But some university officials say times are changing and they must do the same.
Sault Ste. Marie's Algoma University is developing a plan to reach more students in the Timmins area.
“We’ve learned a lot through COVID. I think that’s what’s really resonating with me that there are things we can do that we probably didn’t think we could do a year ago," said Asima Vezina, president of Algoma University.
"I think if we’re innovative and if we’re meeting the needs of community then I think the sky’s the limit.”
Algoma teamed up with Northern College more than ten years ago to run some programs out of its Timmins campus and also allow qualifying college students to take some university courses.
Now, Algoma is ready to expand and meetings with potential partners throughout the northeast have already begun.
“This is not going to be 'hey let’s put a building here and run a university', said Paul Toffanello, the principal of Toffanello Consultant Services, working with Algoma University.
"This is gonna be ‘let’s partner with Northern College, let’s partner with business and industry, let’s partner with the Timmins Chamber of Commerce, with the EDC; let’s look at ways that the whole community invests in this and the opportunities that they can create.’”
Both Toffanello and Vezina have lived and worked in Timmins an its surrounding area in past years and feel it's not only a good time, it's a crucial time to offer more educational opportunities to the region.
“Every industry and organization within the Timmins area and their outside communities have people that are looking to gain further qualification," said Toffanello.
"Well, rather than sending them somewhere or going through a university well outside their reach, you know what, it’ll be offered right here.”
“Our goal is to really service this area of the province and we know that in the northeast region our university graduate statistics are way below the rest of the province," added Vezina.
She and Toffanello say so far feedback has been good and they're working with stakeholders to develop a strategic plan that will carry Algoma through to the next five years. They say it will be presented to interested communities within the next few months.
Beyond the social work, computer science, and community development programs, it's already offering through Northern College; it's now also adding business programming such as: accounting and human resources. Algoma is also considering offering master's level programs and sees a need for leadership development, addictions, and mental health courses.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Prosecution rests in Donald Trump’s hush money case. The defence now gets its turn to call witnesses
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
'The root cause': Canada outlines national action plan to fight auto theft
The federal government is launching what it calls its 'national action plan' to combat auto thefts, which will include stronger penalties for thieves, and increased information sharing between police agencies, government officials and border enforcement.
U.S. Supreme Court rejects appeal from former Guantanamo detainee Omar Khadr
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by a Canadian-born former Guantanamo detainee who was seeking to wipe away his war crimes convictions, including for killing a U.S. soldier in Afghanistan.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
'Next man up': Canucks coach, teammates bracing for Game 7 without Brock Boeser
Questions about how the team is going to handle the absence of star winger Brock Boeser from a do-or-die game seven dominated pre-game interviews with the Vancouver Canucks coach and players Monday morning.