New programs announced by Sault College

Sault College will be offering two new programs this fall.

At yesterday's meeting of the college's board of governors, Acting President Max S. Liedke [shown] announced the approval of a pre-trades and technology program and a hospitality operations - food and beverage program.

"The pre-trades and technology program is going to help students develop the necessary skills and confidence to move on to trades and technology programs," Liedke said.

The new program was created mainly to serve students graduating from secondary school who may have decided not to pursue studies at a post-secondary level.

"There is a huge shortage of people for those programs [trades and technology] and it's hard to attract them," Liedke said. "I think we really need to market the trades because there are very lucrative opportunities available in them."

In her report to the board, College Registrar Mary Ellen Tomie said that post-secondary registration was down.

Liedke said the pre-trades and technology program could help address this problem and increase enrolment at the college overall.

Native College Entrance program suspended

The board also decided to suspend the Native College Entrance Program based on a recommendation from the Advocacy and Innovation Committee.

Liedke said that enrolment in the program has been declining because Native peoples coming into the college would rather enter into programs in their chosen vocation, especially if those programs contain a Native component as part of the regular curriculum.

New chair in September

Also at yesterday's board of governors meeting, a new chair and first and second vice chairs were chosen.

Joe Nardi, currently chair of the building and finance committee, was acclaimed as board chair effective September 1.

Ron Gagnon was acclaimed as first vice chair seat and Ben Pascuzzi was acclaimed as second vice chair.

Balanced budget

In his role as Chief Financial Officer, Liedke told the board that the college's $34 million budget was balanced.

"I'm very proud of this budget," said Liedke. "Everyone had a part in it and we balanced the budget as directed without cuts to services, programs or staff."

The following news release was issued by the college:

********************* Balanced budget approved at Sault College board of governors meeting

The Sault College Board of Governors approved the 2006/07 operating budget as presented in last night’s Board of Governors meeting by Max Liedke, acting president and chief financial officer.

"The College is operating with a balanced budget. We continue to operate within our financial means in order to remain a viable community educational institution into the future," says Liedke.

The college is pleased to be able to present a balanced budget this year recognizing the importance of a strong fiscal position to continue to pursue new partnerships and program development.

Of the $35 million budget at the college, approximately $32 million is spent locally.

The board also approved a tuition fee increase of $100 per first year student and a 4.5 percent increase for upper years based on the provincial government guidelines and policies for tuition fee increases.

"Institutionally, we have made great progress in dealing with the critical under funding of Ontario colleges. Although we have the government's promise to invest much needed dollars into the post secondary education system, Ontario colleges are funded on a per student basis at approximately 70 percent of the national average. That represents a shortfall of almost $2,000 per student," says Liedke.

Approval of new programs and partnerships will also draw new students to the college.

Two new one-year programs also received ministry approval and will be offered this September.

These include Hospitality Operations Food and Beverage and Pre-Trades and Technology.

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