Saskatchewan Polytechnic Program Move Makes Students Worried

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is moving its Electronic Systems Engineering Technology program from Saskatoon to Regina. This change affects about 15 students who were told mid-way through their studies. They are worried because the program needs hands-on work and they may have to move far away.
By Newsroom | Education, Saskatchewan |

Initial Disruption for Students

A recent decision by Saskatchewan Polytechnic to relocate the Electronic Systems Engineering Technology (ESET) program from Saskatoon to Regina has caused considerable distress among students. The announcement, delivered via email to students midway through their program, has left many feeling blindsided and uncertain about their academic future. The hands-on nature of the ESET program makes online learning an unviable option, presenting students with a difficult choice: relocate to Regina or abandon their studies.

Program Relocation Details

  • Students enrolled in the ESET program were informed of the relocation to Regina via an email on January 29th.

  • The program, a two-year diploma, is currently based in Saskatoon.

  • The relocation affects approximately 15 first-year students.

  • The distance between Saskatoon and Regina is over 250 kilometers.

"I feel like I’m not being viewed as a person, but I’m being viewed as a number." - Krei Carlson, first-year ESET student.

"I don’t know anybody in Regina." - Krei Carlson, first-year ESET student.

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Students were reportedly informed of the move two weeks prior to the announcement. The timing of the announcement, mid-program, has been a significant point of contention.

Student Association's Position

The Saskatchewan Polytechnic Students’ Association has expressed concern regarding the impact of recent institutional changes. While acknowledging the institution faces difficult decisions to maintain its viability, the association aims to support students through this transition.

  • The association believes that having programs in Moose Jaw supports the local economy and attracts international students.

  • They have requested to be part of discussions concerning these changes to better assist students.

  • The issue is personal for the association's representative, who is also an international student.

Institutional Context: Layoffs and Funding Challenges

The ESET program relocation occurs against a backdrop of broader financial challenges at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Recent reports indicate staff layoffs and concerns about program viability due to declining enrollment and funding shortfalls.

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  • 14 staff members were recently laid off, with indications of further reductions.

  • This follows 27 layoffs in April.

  • The institution attributes enrollment declines to federal immigration policies, specifically a cap on student visas, which has impacted tuition revenue from international students.

  • International students typically pay higher tuition fees than domestic students.

  • The Saskatchewan Polytechnic Faculty Association has raised concerns about the long-term viability of programs and educational quality given these reductions.

"The layoffs highlight the financial vulnerability of post-secondary institutions heavily reliant on international tuition." - Share Lawyers summary.

Student Perspectives on the Relocation

Students describe feeling "complete shock" and "blindsided" by the decision. The abrupt nature of the announcement, coupled with the significant disruption to their lives, has led to feelings of being undervalued.

  • The program's hands-on nature renders online delivery impractical, leaving few alternatives for continuing their studies.

  • For students without local support networks in Regina, the relocation presents a substantial personal challenge.

Implications of the ESET Relocation

The relocation of the ESET program raises several critical questions regarding student welfare, institutional planning, and the impact of broader economic factors on post-secondary education.

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  • Student Welfare: The decision places a significant burden on a small cohort of students, forcing difficult personal and academic choices. How will the institution provide adequate support for these students navigating this upheaval?

  • Institutional Viability: Is the relocation a strategic decision to consolidate resources, or a response to unforeseen financial pressures? What long-term impact will such decisions have on student recruitment and retention?

  • Program Continuity: Will the relocation ensure the continued quality and integrity of the ESET program, or could it lead to a reduction in educational offerings and opportunities?

The situation underscores the delicate balance post-secondary institutions must strike between financial sustainability and their commitment to student education and well-being.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the Electronic Systems Engineering Technology program moving?
The school is moving the program from Saskatoon to Regina. This is happening as the school faces money problems and fewer students.
Q: Who is affected by this move?
About 15 first-year students in the Electronic Systems Engineering Technology program are affected. They were told about the move in an email.
Q: What are the students worried about?
Students are worried because they have to move over 250 kilometers to Regina. The program needs hands-on learning, so they cannot easily study online.
Q: What is the school saying about the layoffs?
The school laid off staff because of money issues and fewer students, especially international students. This is why they are looking at program moves and changes.