Transformation Progress Tracker
18 total
Commitment to transform Aurora College into a polytechnic university
Anticipated Outcome
A Phase 1 critical milestone commitment led by the GNWT - 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.
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
A critical milestone that started in Phase 1 and concludes in Phase 2 is the coming into force of the update Aurora College Act. Feedback on a discussion paper shared with Indigenous governments, stakeholders and the public helped inform the proposed arm's length governance model for Aurora College and the polytechnic university.
Launch ACT's Critical Milestone Interactive Webpage
Anticipated Outcome
Tracking the progress of the Aurora College Transformation ensures transparency and accountability throughout the transformation process.
Release Transformation Implementation Plan
Anticipated Outcome
During phase 1 of transformation, the GNWT will release 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.
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. A report will be distributed quarterly and on a regular basis until the milestones led by the GNWT are complete in 2023/2024.
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.
Introduction of a draft bill to amend the Aurora College Act
Anticipated Outcome
A draft bill is introduced during phase 1 of transformation 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.
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.
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.
New college governance policies and procedures developed
Anticipated Outcome
Working Groups established during phase 1 of transformation establish new policies and procedures to support implementation of the new Aurora College governance model.
Develop Board of Governors recruitment process
Anticipated Outcome
Through a working group created during phase 1 of transformation, the Board of Governors' recruitment process was 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.
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. Reinstating the Aurora College Board of Governors is a critical milestone for phase 2 of transformation.
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. Reinstating the Aurora College Board of Governors is a critical milestone for phase 2 of transformation.
Re-establish Aurora College Board of Governors
Anticipated Outcome
The Aurora College Board of Governors will be re-established and marked by a formal announcement. Reinstating the Aurora College Board of Governors is a critical milestone for phase 2 of transformation.
Academic Advisory Council Established
Anticipated Outcome
The Academic Advisory Council, which is a phase 2 critical milestone, will be comprised of the Executive Leadership Team, program heads and school chairs, faculty, staff and student representatives and will ensure all programs are aligned with the overall vision, strategic direction and areas of specialization developed through the transformation into a polytechnic university. This work will be led by the Aurora College Board of Governors.