The strategic mandate developed by Conestoga in response to a request from Ontario's Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities defines an expanded role for the college, including three-year, career-focused degrees and a technology-enabled learning environment.
Industry-focused centres for excellence and innovation in the areas of Healthy Communities, Food Innovation, Engineering and Information Technology and Apprenticeship and Trades will connect graduates to employers through unique program specializations and ensure that graduates are globally competitive.
According to Conestoga president John Tibbits, the strategic mandate is not a new direction for Conestoga, but rather a recognition of the transformation the institution has already undergone, with accelerated growth to meet the changing needs of Ontarians.
"Although Conestoga is already Ontario's fastest growing college, studies show that our area continues to be severely underserviced," said Tibbits. "Conestoga's continued growth and leadership in polytechnic education is essential to provide broader access to post-secondary education, prepare our citizens for successful futures, support the growth of industry and meet community needs."
Conestoga supports the vision proposed by Colleges Ontario for a distinct, equal and complementary role for colleges that includes three-year degrees and expanded options to meet the needs of today's students.
With a proven track record of continuous improvement and growth, a thriving network of successful community and academic partnerships, and a prime location in Waterloo Region, Ontario's economic powerhouse, Conestoga is ideally positioned to provide leadership in a transformed post-secondary education system for Ontario that places appropriate value on applied learning and paves the way to improved productivity through innovation.
Read the full Strategic Mandate document at: http://myconestoga.ca/strategicmandate.pdf
For media inquiries, contact Brenda Cassidy, 519-748-5220 ext 3336 or bcassidy@conestogac.on.ca