Transformation Progress Tracker
101 total
Student Housing Policy has been revised
Anticipated Outcome
Local students in Inuvik have access to student Housing through the approval of a revised housing policy.
Commitment to transform Aurora College into a polytechnic university
Anticipated Outcome
The Government of the Northwest Territories committed to establishing polytechnic university and directed the hiring of an Associate Deputy Minister and formation of the ECE-based Aurora College Transformation Team.
First meeting of the Advisory Committee
Anticipated Outcome
A committee of Ministers and corresponding committee of Deputy Ministers provide expert advice to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment and the Associate Deputy Minister of Post-Secondary Education Renewal on key transformation issues.
Associate Deputy Minister hired
Anticipated Outcome
Associate Deputy Minister of Post-Secondary Education Renewal will oversee the transformation of Aurora College into a polytechnic university. The Associate Deputy Minister of Post-Secondary Education Renewal, assumes the role of President of the College and supervises, administers and directs all aspects of the operation of the College, including the delivery of College programs at the three campus locations and Community Learning Centres.
Release NWT Post-Secondary Education Framework
Anticipated Outcome
A 10-year NWT Post-Secondary Education Strategic Framework 2019-2029 was released in August 2019 after a territory-wide visioning exercise that included a public speaker series. The Framework includes a vision and goals that will inform the continued development of the overall post-secondary education system in the NWT, as well as shape the ongoing operations of the polytechnic university.
Career and Education Advisors are meeting with students to support career and education decisions
Anticipated Outcome
Career and Education Advisors work with students in Grades 9-12 and with youth aged 18-24 to support informed decision making regarding their education and career paths. These groups represent a significant portion of the NWT’s future workforce and their success is critical to the NWT’s economic success.
Student Service Desk hours expanded
Anticipated Outcome
Students are better served by a Service Desk that is more readily available during those times when students require them -- during the lunch hour and after 4 p.m.
Academic Advisory Council established
Anticipated Outcome
The Academic Advisory Council consists of individuals with the necessary expertise and qualifications to support the Associate Deputy Minister of Post-secondary Education Renewal in decisions relating to academic programming and academic support services for the polytechnic university. The Academic Advisory Council met for the first time on November 19, 2019 and included representatives from eight post-secondary institutions: Wilfrid Laurier University, Ryerson University, University of Alberta, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Ontario Tech University and Yukon College.
Staff trained on new Student Information System
Anticipated Outcome
The new Student Information System (SIS), a GNWT investment in Aurora College, collects and provides accurate and accessible data ensuring the Aurora College Team can meet the demands of a modern post-secondary institution both during and after its transformation into a polytechnic university.
New Student Information System fully implemented
Anticipated Outcome
The new student information system, a GNWT investment in Aurora College, will support internal information management and public reporting of statistics.
Academic Program Development and Review Framework developed
Anticipated Outcome
A new policy and processes are in place to review and make decisions around programming. These will continue to evolve as other related transformation work is completed.
Program Review policies finalized
Anticipated Outcome
A new Program Review Policy that meets best practices and national standards is in place and being applied to the review of all existing programs. This policy will continue to be updated as Aurora College establishes additional capacity related to program review and development.
Provide Indigenous Engagement Approach to Indigenous Governments for their input
Anticipated Outcome
Engagement with Indigenous governments will be incorporated into the planning and execution of work related to the transformation of Aurora College. The importance of having a post-secondary institution that reflects the values and interests of Northern residents and communities cannot be overstated.
Aurora College internal Working Groups formed
Anticipated Outcome
Aurora College employees will be directly engaged in the transformation into a polytechnic university. Four Working Groups, made up of Aurora College employees and Aurora College Transformation Team members, will be established to help coordinate the implementation and completion of the projects in four distinct areas: Academic Program Management, Recruitment and Retention, Accountability and Operations.
Discussion paper on governance released
Anticipated Outcome
Feedback on a discussion paper shared with Indigenous governments, stakeholders and the public will help to inform the proposed arm's length governance model for Aurora College and the polytechnic university.
A partnership with NWT post-secondary institutions is established
Anticipated Outcome
Aurora College, Collège nordique francophone, and Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning, entered into an agreement to formalize a collaborative relationship and build capacity to increase access to post-secondary programming and services in the NWT. Signatories will contribute their institutional strengths to support the development of complementary programs and services that will provide students with more program choices, attract research investments, and respond to workforce development needs.
Commit to transformation having neutral or positive social and economical impacts
Anticipated Outcome
The Aurora College Transformation Implementation Plan commits that over the course of its transformation to the polytechnic university the changes will have a neutral or positive social and economic impact.
Identify polytechnic university areas of specialization
Anticipated Outcome
Based on feedback from partners, stakeholders and the public, Areas of Specialization for the polytechnic university will inform future programming decisions, investment in research and the formation of new strategic partnerships.
Launch ACT's new milestone-tracking web pages
Anticipated Outcome
Tracking the progress of the Aurora College Transformation Implementation Plan ensures transparency and accountability throughout the transformation process.
Pilot a Centre for Teaching and Learning
Anticipated Outcome
Introducing a Centre for Teaching and Learning pilot project that will contribute to professional development within Aurora College and will play a key role in supporting a learning-centred environment for Aurora College students. The Centre of Teaching and Learning pilot project will be supported by five new positions within Aurora College, including an Interim Director of Teaching and Learning located in Fort Smith.
Reflect a service oriented, learning centred approach in the 3-year Aurora College Strategic Plan
Anticipated Outcome
One of the four pillars in the 2020-2023 Aurora Strategic Plan is Learning Centred. The College Team are committed to providing learners with programs and services that are adaptive and can be tailored to help students meet their academic and personal goals. Work to strengthen Aurora College as a learning-centred institution will result in tangible improvement to the student experience and improved student outcomes.
Release Aurora College 3-Year Strategic Plan 2020-2023
Anticipated Outcome
Aurora College's 2020-2023 Strategic Plan will include a new vision for the College to help guide it on the path to becoming a polytechnic university. A second 3-year plan will be released in 2023 and a 5-year strategic planning cycle for the polytechnic university will begin in 2026.
Release Transformation Implementation Plan
Anticipated Outcome
An Implementation Plan that lays all of the tasks required to transform Aurora College into a polytechnic university, ensuring that the right changes are made in the right order and at the right time.
2019-2020 Aurora College Annual Report released
Anticipated Outcome
The release and tabling of the 2019-2020 Aurora College Annual Report in the Legislative Assembly meets a legal requirement and highlights the achievements of the College. The tabling of the 2019-2020 Annual report completes this commitment however subsequent years will incrementally build on this year's report to reflect a polytechnic university.
2020-2021 Corporate Plan for Aurora College released
Anticipated Outcome
The 2020-2021 Corporate Plan for Aurora College is released using a new model. The model will continue to develop over the next few years and will move the College's corporate planning closer to that of a polytechnic university.
Establish three new research chair positions
Anticipated Outcome
Research is an important part of a post-secondary institution. Three new Research Chairs will drive innovative research and capacity, each based at one of the three Aurora College campuses. Each Research Chair will be responsible for developing and implementing an applied research program related to the areas of specialization. Their work will align with Aurora College's strategic direction and values, build Northern capacity and address Northern research needs.
First ACT Implementation Plan quarterly report distributed
Anticipated Outcome
A quarterly report will be generated and distributed starting in January 2021. The information will monitor and report on the progress of the Aurora College Transformation Implementation Plan ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the transformation process. The information will mirror that on the ACT website and feature success across the Aurora College community.
Program policies are developed to ensure alignment with vision, mission and goals
Anticipated Outcome
Program policies that address the creation, suspension and termination of programs at the institution are in place and are aligned with the institution's vision, mission, goals and areas of teaching and research specialization.
Board of Governors skill matrix has been developed
Anticipated Outcome
A skills matrix ensures that Board of Governor members have the necessary competencies and, as a whole, the Board comprises the necessary skills and experience to provide strategic direction and oversight of Aurora College and the polytechnic university. The matrix approach has been developed and the specific competencies will continue to be defined over time, following the legislative process to amend the Aurora College Act.
Institution's Executive Leadership Team structure defined
Anticipated Outcome
A new Aurora College Executive Leadership Team structure will support the changes and growth of the College both during and after its transforms into a polytechnic university.
Gap Analysis of Current Policies Complete
Anticipated Outcome
A gap analysis will be conducted on current policies and used to inform the amendment of current policies and the development of new policies throughout the transformation process.
Introduction of a draft bill to amend the Aurora College Act
Anticipated Outcome
A draft bill is introduced to amend the Aurora College Act, which includes a change in governance that leads to the reinstatement of the Board of Governors and a new arm's length governance model for Aurora College.
Needs assessment of collaborative technology and social media platforms conducted
Anticipated Outcome
The institution supports students through the strategic use of technology and social media -- both in the recruitment and retention of students.
Policy Development Framework Enhanced
Anticipated Outcome
The Policy Development Framework will be considered and enhanced to best support the institution.
Training sessions for staff on protection of privacy and sharing of personal information have occurred
Anticipated Outcome
Mandatory training for all Aurora College staff will be scheduled and completed in this academic year to ensure awareness of the protection of privacy and sharing of personal information.
A Student Experience Model is developed
Anticipated Outcome
A Student Experience Model sets minimum standards that a typical student should experience when applying to, studying at, and graduating from Aurora College. The services and instructional elements of Community Learning Centres will also be considered as part of a Student Experience Model. This will support the development of the Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) Plan.
Academic Plan includes consideration of the use of technology in program delivery
Anticipated Outcome
In the development of Academic Plans, the use of technology for program delivery will be considered to maximize opportunities in more communities.
Policies related to records management reviewed
Anticipated Outcome
All Aurora College policies related to records management are up to date and meet current standards.
Recruitment, Marketing and Communication Strategy developed 2021-2024
Anticipated Outcome
A comprehensive Recruitment, Marketing and Communication Strategy is completed and is aligned with, and supports, the institution's vision, 2020-2023 Strategic Plan, 3-Year Academic Plan, and the Strategic Enrolment Management plan.
Release Aurora College 3-Year Academic Plan
Anticipated Outcome
The 3-Year Academic Plan guides decisions and will help to focus transformation in this area.
Strategic Enrolment Management Plan developed
Anticipated Outcome
Developing a Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) plan will help the College focus its efforts where they are needed most in order to help all Aurora College students achieve success while at the institution and beyond. A SEM plan coordinates the College's core business functions such as student recruitment, student services, and academic program planning to make enrollment growth and stability something that can be predicted and is planned.
Strategic Enrolment Management Plan has approved resources
Anticipated Outcome
The Strategic Enrolment Management Plan will support student success and the success of the Plan will be realized when its implementation is included in the budgeting cycle.
Student Recruitment Ambassadors explored as part of the Recruitment and Marketing Plan
Anticipated Outcome
Student Recruitment Ambassadors may add to the success of recruitment activities with first hand experience. The added value of ambassadors will be identified in the Recruitment, Marketing and Communications Strategy 2021-2024.
Aurora College program review schedule is developed
Anticipated Outcome
A cyclical schedule is developed that specifies dates for the next review of each Aurora College program in order to support continuous quality improvement.
Role of the Board of Governors has been amended under the Aurora College Act
Anticipated Outcome
A new arm's length governance system for Aurora College will be established through Legislated amendments to the Aurora College Act. Implementation of the changes can then begin.
Update Aurora College Act
Anticipated Outcome
Amendments to the Aurora College Act are passed by the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories and will change the role of the Board of Governors, making the institution more arm's length from Government.
Engage on JK-12 education through Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Anticipated Outcome
Building on other engagements with NWT Education Authorities the College, ECE and Education Authorities will explore ways of addressing low post-secondary completion rates and poor transition rates between the secondary and post-secondary systems. To track progress of the extensive work being done in this area, visit: https://www.ece.gov.nt.ca/en/progress-tracker
New college governance policies and procedures developed
Anticipated Outcome
New policies and procedures to support implementation of the new Aurora College governance model are in place.
A student resources quick guide is available
Anticipated Outcome
A student resources quick guide, supported by a section on the Aurora College website ,will provide students with an understanding of the services available to them, how to access those services and the standards by which they can expect responses from the service providers. The transformational aspect of this project has been completed and it will be operationalized through the implementation of the Strategic Enrolment Management Plan.
Bachelor of Education program review complete
Anticipated Outcome
The Bachelor of Education Program is undergoing a review using the revised program review process.
College application process standards in place
Anticipated Outcome
Application standards will ensure that every student entering a program has been assessed to ensure they have the prerequisites required to succeed in their chosen program. The transformational aspect of this project has been completed and it will be operationalized through the implementation of the Strategic Enrolment Management Plan.
Social Work program review complete
Anticipated Outcome
The Social Work Diploma is undergoing a review using the revised program review process.
Program policies address all aspects of program decision-making
Anticipated Outcome
Program policies that address the creation, suspension and termination of programs at the institution are in place and are aligned with the institution's vision, mission, goals and areas of teaching and research specialization.
Updates completed to electronic information learning environment policy
Anticipated Outcome
Aurora College Electronic Information Learning Environment Policy will be updated to better reflect, and align with the needs of programming today and in the future.
Develop Board of Governors recruitment process
Anticipated Outcome
The Board of Governors' recruitment process is developed. This process will provide a guide by which the public can apply to be a member of the Aurora College Board of Governors. The new process will include competency requirements to ensure an effective and efficient Board that is able to lead the institution through the changes required to become a polytechnic university.
Balanced score card created
Anticipated Outcome
A balanced score card will keep the institution on track, linking its activities to its goals in a way that shows which have been successful and which need more work. This will be done by following things that can be measured. For example, possibly the number of graduates or how much money is spent on specific things.
Casual and sessional staff have opportunities to participate in GNWT Performance Development
Anticipated Outcome
Steps are put in place to ensure casual and sessional staff can participate in GNWT Performance Development opportunities.
Consider the application of the GNWT Performance Development Process
Anticipated Outcome
Communication and staff development is supported in the institution.
A Student Housing Management plan developed
Anticipated Outcome
The Polytechnic University Facilities Plan will identify ways to address the needs of students arriving in or returning to student housing.
Community learning centre plan released as part of the Facilities Plan
Anticipated Outcome
The Facilities Plan will include how the institution will address which programs should be delivered at which Community Learning Centre, strengthen connections to Aurora College campuses and to the secondary school system.
Condition, safety and cultural appropriateness of student housing reviewed addressed in the Facilities Plan for polytechnic university
Anticipated Outcome
Student success is enhanced when student housing is in good condition, is safe and culturally appropriate for the students we serve.
Internet bandwidth requirements are identified
Anticipated Outcome
Programs requiring the use of internet bandwidth are understood and plans are in place to increase capacity as and where needed. This is being considered in the IT needs assessment currently underway as part of the Facilities Master Plan.
Polytechnic University Facilities Master Plan released
Anticipated Outcome
A facilities plan will provide a comprehensive picture of each facility type, their requirements, how they support learning and research, and their connection to the broader network of facilities across the polytechnic university. It will describe facility types and budgets, and include a description of the way facilities across the NWT will be developed and expanded to meet the evolving needs of the polytechnic. This document will inform the 10-year Capital Plan.
Recreational facilities are more accessible to students
Anticipated Outcome
Students needs for increased access to recreational facilities in campus communities, enhancing their post-secondary experience, identified.
Regional needs assessments complete
Anticipated Outcome
Work to understand regional needs in terms of types of programming and methods of program delivery is a critical part of developing the Polytechnic University Facilities Plan and an important step in the overall transformation. It will inform both how the institution operates and decisions around new facilities.
Board of Governors operating manual developed
Anticipated Outcome
A Board of Governors operating manual that outlines the roles and responsibilities of Board members, as well as accountabilities and reporting requirements is developed by ACT and provided to Aurora College for implemetation. Once established, it will be the responsibility of the Board to update or make changes to the manual.
Board orientation process developed
Anticipated Outcome
An orientation process for all Board members is developed and provided to Aurora College for finalizing and implementation. The orientation process should provide a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities as a member of the Board and of the institution.
Policy Working Committee has been established
Anticipated Outcome
A Policy Working Committee will schedule and conduct ongoing policy reviews as part of ongoing operations.
Re-establish Aurora College Board of Governors
Anticipated Outcome
The re-establishment of the Aurora College Board of Governors will be marked by their first meeting.
Annual Student Recruitment Calendar is complete
Anticipated Outcome
A Student Recruitment Calendar, aligned with the Strategic Enrollment Management Plan will support an effective recruitment process. This will guide the recruitment for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Board to submit request to the Minister for establishment of a polytechnic university
Anticipated Outcome
In order to establish a public post-secondary institution in the NWT, the Aurora College Board of Governors must submit a formal request to the Minister of Education, once key transformational changes are complete.
Course Calendar for Trades, Apprenticeships and Industry Training released
Anticipated Outcome
A course calendar specific to trades, apprenticeships and industry training is developed and aligns more closely with the needs of employers. The calendar will be published on the College’s website to improve program consistency and assist students in planning and preparation.
Develop a coherent set of service standards that can be applied across all facets of the institution
Anticipated Outcome
A coherent set of Service Standards will be developed that can be applied across all facets of the institution. They will be publicly available and serve as a baseline for many of the institution’s key performance indicators (KPIs) to be featured in future Aurora College Corporate Plans.
Release Aurora College/polytechnic university 3-Year Strategic Plan 2023-2026
Anticipated Outcome
A 2023-2026 Strategic Plan will overlap Aurora College and the polytechnic university. It will guide Aurora College for the second phase of the transformation and the polytechnic university through its initial years. A 5-year strategic planning cycle for the polytechnic university will begin in 2026.
Potential regional co-investment partners are identified
Anticipated Outcome
An increase in the number of co-partner agreements for the delivery of courses at community learning centres will be explored, including the potential for formal partnerships with community and Indigenous governments.
Establish Aurora College Academic Council
Anticipated Outcome
The Academic Council comprised of the Executive Leadership Team, program heads and school chairs, faculty, staff and student representatives will ensure all programs are aligned with the overall vision, strategic direction and areas of specialization developed through the transformation into a polytechnic university.
Board evaluation process developed
Anticipated Outcome
A formal board evaluation process is developed and approved by the new Board of Governors. Annual performance evaluations will require the Board to examine their performance and identify areas for improvement. This process will help to ensure a Board that is effective in leading Aurora College through the changes required to transform into a polytechnic university.
Develop comprehensive community learning centre plans
Anticipated Outcome
Building on the Polytechnic University Facilities Master Plan, a comprehensive plan for community learning centres will be developed. This will include an analysis of different models of community program delivery, which includes the articulation of the types and levels of programing to be delivered at the various community learning centres. It is critical that the polytechnic university maintain close connections between campuses, community learning centres and to the secondary school system. This is sometimes referred to as “student pathways”. Effective student pathways ensure equitable access and provide learning opportunities that make sense for Northerners.
Polytechnic university student pathways identified
Anticipated Outcome
A variety of suitable pathways are identified in the Facilities Plan to meet the range of students entering the polytechnic university.
Use of Mobile Learning Centres is reviewed
Anticipated Outcome
Increased accessibility of the polytechnic university for NWT residents in communities is reviewed and identified as part of the work ongoing with CLCs.
A revised role for campus directors is established
Anticipated Outcome
A revised role for campus directors will be established that supports the new organizational model.
Aurora College organizational structure staffed
Anticipated Outcome
Efforts are made to maintain a low vacancy rate to ensure effective operation of the College.
Changes to Aurora College organizational structure complete
Anticipated Outcome
A new organizational design will be developed that meets the needs of a polytechnic university.
Executive Leadership Team Structure established
Anticipated Outcome
Informed by an evaluation of the leadership team, and the future needs of the polytechnic university, the structure of the Executive Leadership Team will be established.
Faculty roles have been defined to include teaching, research and service
Anticipated Outcome
New faculty job descriptions, roles and performance development systems have been established to accommodate teaching, research and service.
Finalize plan for a new administrative division
Anticipated Outcome
As part of the Aurora College re-organization, a new Administration Division will be established, bringing together college services such as finance, information systems and communications.
New process established to maintain student and staff safety on campus
Anticipated Outcome
Once processes are reviewed and examined, changes can be made to better ensure the safety of students and staff when they are at a College facility.
Engage Education Authorities in discussions about dual credits
Anticipated Outcome
Building on work already underway through the GNWT Education Renewal Initiative, engagement with Education Authorities will help to create an integrated learning environment between secondary and post-secondary education. It is critical that the polytechnic university maintain close connections between campuses, community learning centres and to the secondary school system. This is sometimes referred to as “student pathways”. Effective student pathways ensure equitable access and provide learning opportunities that make sense for Northerners. This work will also entail increased opportunities for students to gain post-secondary credits while still in high school, which makes completing a qualification easier, faster and less expensive.
Aurora College's Corporate Plan includes a results-based budget
Anticipated Outcome
To increase the accountability and efficiency of the College, a results-based budget evaluation will be completed as part of the Corporate Plan development.
Recruitment, Marketing and Communication Strategy developed 2024-2026
Anticipated Outcome
A new comprehensive Recruitment, Marketing and Communication Strategy is completed and is aligned with the institution's 5-Year Academic Plan, 2023-2026 Strategic Plan and the Strategic Enrolment Management plan. This plan will support the final stages of transformation to a polytechnic university.
Release polytechnic university 5-Year Academic Plan
Anticipated Outcome
The 5-Year Academic Plan for the polytechnic university guides programming decisions.
Complete institutional quality assurance evaluation
Anticipated Outcome
In order to be recognized as a degree-granting post-secondary institution, Aurora College must go through a review by a legislated body. This review requires Aurora College to complete a self-study and put the key pieces in place to pass the review and receive recognition. This recognition is required by the Minister before they can approve the establishment of a polytechnic university.
Establish new legislation for polytechnic university
Anticipated Outcome
Legislation is passed by the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories formally establishing the polytechnic university.
Polytechnic university governance model approved
Anticipated Outcome
The governance model for the polytechnic university will be established in the Polytechnic University Act. It is currently proposed that the polytechnic university have a bicameral governance system that includes two branches of decision making including a Board of Governors as the main governing body and a Senate as the academic authority.
A co-investment research partnership with one or more major Canadian universities has been established to support research at the polytechnic university
Anticipated Outcome
Establishing a co-investment research partnership with other Canadian institutions will strengthen the foundation of Aurora College and supports research, academic program management and governance as it transformation into a polytechnic university.
Other potential co-investment partners include any organization interested in working with the polytechnic university to advance its own research related to the areas of teaching and research specialization. Co-investment partners may be federal, territorial, Indigenous or community governments, industry or businesses, or other post-secondary education institutions. This may include contributions of knowledge, expertise, human resources, facilities, equipment or funding.
Launch the polytechnic university
Anticipated Outcome
The polytechnic university will be launched with the first cohort graduating from the institution in the spring of 2025.
Polytechnic university governance policies and procedures in place
Anticipated Outcome
Building on what is currently in place, policies and procedures are enhanced to ensure that Aurora College can meet the quality assurance and legislative requirements to support an effective, efficient and sustainable polytechnic university.
Establish Academic Senate for polytechnic university
Anticipated Outcome
A bicameral governance model has been proposed and will eventually be established through the passing of the Polytechnic University Act. The bicameral model has two branches of decision making -- a Board of Governors as the main governing body and an Academic Senate as the academic authority.
Release polytechnic university 5-year Strategic Plan
Anticipated Outcome
The first 5-Year polytechnic university strategic plan will be established by the Board of Governors.
All GNWT Aurora College transformation commitments fulfilled
Anticipated Outcome
The fulfillment of all GNWT transformation commitments signifies the official end of the Aurora College transformation to a polytechnic university.
Define tools for establishing and monitoring strategic partnerships
Anticipated Outcome
Regular reviews of strategic partnerships will ensure that the institution remains relevant and sustainable. This work is ongoing and will remain in progress throughout the life of the initiative.