June 22, 2016

Medicine Hat College’s (MHC) budget plan for 2016-2017 focuses on initiatives that ensure the college is meeting student demand for hands-on relevant programming, leveraging partnerships  to increase the impact and value of community investments, and positioning the institution for long-term success.  

One example is an investment in an assessment of regional labour market needs with the objective of ensuring current and future learning opportunities provide individuals and employers the skills and training required to broaden Alberta’s economic base.

“We recognize that the learners of today – whether they be a student on campus or a business professional seeking professional development- expect access to opportunities in multiple formats,” says Dr. Denise Henning, president and CEO. “We will review our distance learning opportunities and invest in program and course development, which will naturally generate new offerings.”

The college is taking steps to ensure that students are served well and that satisfaction rates remain high by investing in academic support resources such as tutors, a writing specialist and an academic strategist. These new services, in conjunction with the existing array of student development assets, will achieve enhanced satisfaction, retention and graduation rates.  

Dr. Henning explains that by implementing the college’s Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) plan, the institution will address regional participation rates by placing emphasis on under-represented learners.

“We have, and will continue to, focus on recruitment efforts while enhancing support services that are sensitive to cultural and personal needs,” says Henning.

Also factored in is the current economy and the increased demand for financial support, and access to emergency funding. As a result MHC will be striving to enhance scholarship and bursary support for students.

The college will continue to make enhancements to their international education strategy. “It’s important to us that we are competing in the global market. We will further embed the concept of internalization within program curricula and increase the number of students and faculty participating in exchange/mobility programs. We are taking a renewed approach to international student recruitment, which will lead to a more inclusive campus community.”

The budget plan also invests in research and scholarly activity.

“We are proud of what has been accomplished in the past and as we look to the future we are excited to increase the impact and value we have on learners, our region and on the global market,” says Henning. “We’re also grateful for funding support from the provincial government which continues to recognize the value of a college education.”