By Brendan Wagner

Saskatchewan considers expanding degree-granting status

Feb 25, 2011 | 2:30 PM

Depending on the outcome of a new public consultation process in Saskatchewan, SIAST, Briercrest and other post-secondary institutions might one day be able to hand out degrees.

Advanced Education Minister Rob Norris is launching the consultations as the government considers expanding degree-granting status beyond Saskatchewan's two universities.

“We don't have a public policy instrument to evaluate the request,” he said. “Traditionally, there's just simply been a response that the University of Saskatchewan and University of Regina are sufficient.”

Norris noted schools like SIAST and Briercrest have indeed enquired about handing out degrees alongside diplomas. He said the need for an agency to review and approve new degree-granting programs in this province is obvious.

“B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario are all looking at this, as well as the Atlantic provinces, and it's time that Saskatchewan has in place a framework so that we can evaluate the merits,” Norris said.

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The minister insisted that the process is all about expanding the options open to students.

Anyone interested in contributing to the consultations is invited to contribute to the discussion at the Advanced Education website.

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