Saskatchewan Polytechnic History
A timeline highlighting significant events and activities for Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Click on a year to expand and view details.
2015
Launched Desire2Learn, a dynamic online integrated learning platform to students for all 577 online credit courses.
Government of Canada investment of $348,952 received to purchase hydroacoustics equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles for Natural Resources Technology programs.
2014
Launched the President’s Partnership awards at the inaugural President’s Gala, proceeds
benefit the Aboriginal Student
Achievement Plan.
Restructured academic program divisions into an 11 school model that aligns with economic and public service sectors.
In partnership with the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation opened the Hannin Creek Educational Facility at Candle Lake.
On September 24th the Government of Saskatchewan proclaimed the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Act and SIAST officially relaunched as Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
Campuses were renamed to reflect urban locations.
In partnership with International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII) launched the Centre for Minerals Innovation.
Launched the Saskatchewan Manufacturing Centre of Excellence in cooperation with the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters.
Digital Integration Research Group (DIReG) lab opened.
2013
July
SIAST received authorization to grant its first degree, a Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing. The first of its kind in Saskatchewan, the new two-year degree program assists Registered Psychiatric Nurses in advancing their education by acquiring their degree while still working, and also allows current students to access a bridging option.
June
Master of Nursing Nurse Practitioner program announced as collaborative endeavour between SIAST and the University of Regina.
2012
December
SIAST joined Polytechnics Canada, an alliance of research-intensive, internationally
recognized post-secondary institutions committed to creating high-quality jobs for
the future.
September
SIAST celebrated the grand opening of its SIAST Kelsey Campus Mining Engineering Technology
Building in Saskatoon. The newly repurposed building not only houses the province's
first Mining Engineering Technology diploma program but expands SIAST Kelsey Campus's
footprint.
July
Dr. Larry Rosia was appointed as president and CEO effective July 1.
2011
September
The Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN) degree program
started, a joint degree program between SIAST and the University of Regina.
June
SIAST Alumni office opened. The Canadian Forces began recognizing SIAST's Electronic
Systems Engineering Technology (ESET) and Electronic Technician (ET) programs.
March
Government of Canada invested in flight simulator technology to benefit aerospace
industry assisting SIAST in purchasing a new King Air Turbo Prop simulator for use
in pilot training and certification.
SIAST became the registered owner of its first property known as Surface Parcel #119001057,
Surface Parcel #120177132 and Surface Parcel #153956379, located in Saskatoon. Official
approval received in November 2010, to acquire holdings located at #25 and #55-33rd
Street West, Saskatoon.
| The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) approved a
$200,000 grant application from SIAST's Chemical Technology program to seek wastewater
treatment solutions: SIAST's first NSERC grant. The research is being conducted in
partnership with two Saskatchewan businesses: EcoLibra and Ground Effects Environmental
Services. October SIAST Kelsey Campus, Avenue W Education Centre opened. The $21-million, 35,000-square-foot facility accommodates programming and services for SIAST, the Saskatoon Public Schools and the Saskatoon Trades and Skills Centre (STSC). April SIAST won bid for Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) eligibility. Faculty working in the social sciences and humanities sector can now apply to an additional source of funding to support their applied research efforts. February SIAST unveiled a five-year, $5.5 million Aboriginal Student Achievement Plan (ASAP). The initiative enhances Aboriginal student participation and success at SIAST. |
| November SIAST Kelsey Campus's, Ontario Avenue Centre opened. The Centre's 37,000 square feet features 11 classrooms and five shops focused on paramedic and trades training. October SIAST unveiled four state-of-the-art wireless patient simulators at its campus in Regina. SIAST is first in the world to receive the wireless model - METIman. SIAST Woodland Campus student family housing opened. SIAST's supporting partners in the $6.8 million dollar 36-unit student family housing project were Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour, City of Prince Albert, Northern Lights Community Development Corporation, Cameco Corporation, and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. SIAST's Skills Passport program opened to provide technical and language skills assessment in Ukraine and the Philippines. August Two hundred SIAST courses now available through SIAST's Virtual Campus, with 26 online courses recently added. June The First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) and the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that details a unique arrangement for police preparation training in Saskatchewan. As part of ongoing program delivery and applied research projects, a wind turbine is installed at SIAST Palliser. >>more SIAST and The Salvation Army won the Canadian Business and Community Partnership Award from Imagine Canada for the SaskEnergy Home Energy Efficiency Project (HEEP). April SIAST receives eligibility to apply for research grants through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). March As a leader in recognition of prior learning, SIAST planned training for the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) faculty to develop assessments for advanced placement in Underground Mining and Process Operations college programs. February The Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour approved a new nursing degree program in Saskatchewan jointly offered by SIAST and the University of Regina, to begin September 2011. The last intake of nursing students for the University of Saskatchewan and SIAST Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS) is targeted for September 2010. SIAST board of directors approved the Strategic Plan 2009-2019 SIAST 2.0: Defining Tomorrow. A 10-year partnership between SaskPower and SIAST Palliser Campus in Moose Jaw results in more than $125,000 invested in equipment for the institution's Electrical Engineering Technology program. |
| November SIAST's first student housing project in Prince Albert received $250,000 contribution from Northern Lights Community Development Corporation and a pledge of $200,000 from Cameco Corporation. Enrolment at SIAST increased almost 11 percent in 2007-08. SIAST celebrated 50 years of Civil Engineering Technology program delivery at its Palliser Campus. October SIAST hosted national conference with a focus on practical nurse education in Canada. Over 50 colleges and universities shared expertise. The Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS) and its Second Degree Entry Option expanded by 74 and 18 first-year seats respectively, and SIAST launched the 30-seat Psychiatric Nursing program in Regina. September Degree options now available for SIAST Computer Systems Technology grads by transferring their diploma and continuing in a degree program through the University of Saskatchewan. >>more July SIAST tasked to improve foreign credential recognition as part of the $3 million investment for the Foreign Credential Recognition Support for Labour Market Needs in Saskatchewan project. April University of Saskatchewan degree options are now available for SIAST's Natural Resource Technologies diploma programs through transfer agreement. February Lethbridge College, SIAST expanded corrections transfer credit options. Agreement enables Correctional Studies, Youth Care Worker grads to pursue corrections degree at SIAST Woodland Campus. January SIAST launched the Simulation Centre, a $1.05 million reality-based health-care lab. |
| November SIAST and Alliance Pipeline unveiled the new Alliance Pipeline Ltd. Instrumentation Electronics and PLC Lab, with donated state-of-the-art equipment valued at $180,000. September SIAST Palliser completed $3.9 million in upgrades. August Ten SIAST faculty members graduated from the new three-year SIAST Faculty Certificate Program offered through SIAST's Instructional and Leadership Development Centre. July The University of Saskatchewan and SIAST signed an agreement to have the two-year Chemical Technology diploma SIAST program fully recognized towards a Bachelor of Science. |
| September A $1.6-million, 1,100-square-foot Mobile Training Lab was unveiled in Prince Albert to expand provincial trades training capacity and increase access by taking shop facilities and instructors to remote and rural areas of Saskatchewan. The first SIAST Operations Forecast approved by the SIAST board of directors and submitted to the Department of Advanced Education and Employment. August The Aboriginal Success in Trades and Technologies Pilot received $103,000 funding from Crown Investments Corporation. January SIAST and Dumont Technical Institute (DTI) renewed a partnership agreement that enhances Métis access to skills training and supports joint institutional planning. |
| November The Government of Saskatchewan approved $5.5 million for a SIAST Kelsey Campus in Saskatoon expansion and a SIAST Palliser Campus in Moose Jaw redevelopment project. October SIAST and the University of Regina signed an agreement that increases learning options for graduates of SIAST's Corrections Worker diploma program. Graduates from the two-year program will now be able to apply for advanced standing in the university's Bachelor of Arts, Justice Studies degree program. May SIAST Virtual Campus and the Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS) won the Campus Saskatchewan Award for Collaborative Design and Development for an online course. April Project to improve the adult skills training system in Ukraine is approved by the Canadian International Development Agency. SIAST is established as project lead. March SIAST established Aboriginal council to provide an Aboriginal perspective to SIAST president and CEO Dr. Bob McCulloch. |
| March The Nursing Division established a Scholar-in-Residence Program to provide faculty with access to expert consultation and advice in their pursuit of scholarship. |
| SIAST board of directors approved a new mission, vision and values statements. |
| Campus Saskatchewan is established, which is a partnership among Saskatchewan's post-secondary
institutions and the Department of Learning. SIAST is a charter member. July Dr. Robert McCulloch appointed as president and CEO of SIAST on July 1st. |
| The Heavy Equipment Mechanic program moved to a new facility on 134 English Crescent
in Saskatoon. The building was designed specifically to house the program. September To ensure training programs meet the needs of northern residents and employers, the Woodland Campus, Meadow Lake Centre was transferred to Northwest Regional College on September 1. Programs offered at Marquis Road Centre moved to either the Technical Centre or Kelsey Campus. This allowed for a more centralized approach (particularly at the Technical Centre). |
| September Centralized SIAST Wascana Campus opened in the former location of the Plains Health Centre. Festivities included a free pancake breakfast, facility tours, an Aboriginal smudging ceremony, a picnic for employees, a gala dinner for over 375 guests, a grand opening ceremony attended by over 1,000 people and an open house for the general public. To commemorate the opening, over 1,000 employees created a giant SIAST logo outside. |
| First full academic year of operations within the framework of a single provincial organization. |
| July SIAST received an additional $1.2 million to create new training opportunities in high-demand and high-employment programs. An additional 98 training seats and 12 new positions will result from the expansion of 3 existing programs (Computer Systems Technology, Computer Information Systems and Practical Nursing) and the introduction of a new program (Water and Wastewater Technician). |
| June 44,791 students were enrolled at SIAST. Of these, 11,899 were full-time and 32,892 were part-time. This was up 1.12% from 1995/1996. SIAST offered 120 certificate programs, 59 diploma programs, 7 advanced certificate and 26 applied certificate programs. March A major reorganization took place with a goal of effective and efficient provincial coordination, a province-wide perspective and a provincial capacity to create partnerships with government, industry and communities. Under the direction of Minster of Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training, SIAST moved toward becoming a single provincial institute. Highlights of the structural changes which were introduced:
In May, Dr. Art Knight, President and Paul Dudgeon, SIAST Board Chair announced structural changes to reposition SIAST as a single organization with a broad province-wide perspective. January |
| September An agreement was signed with the University of Saskatchewan to develop and introduce a single nursing program for the province (Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan - NEPS). January SIAST Board of Directors developed a set of principles and options to guide budget development activities. |
November The Academic Partnership Agreement originally signed in 1992 by SIAST and the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) was renewed. The SIAST/Regional Colleges Protocol agreement was signed. June 45,078 (12,077 full time, 33,001 part time) students were enrolled at SIAST; down 0.7% from 45,377 in 1993/1994. SIAST offered 109 certificate programs, 50 diploma programs, 5 advanced certificate and 6 applied certificate programs. March SIAST was contracted by SETE to administer a new provincial training initiative: Job Start. DTI and Kelsey Institute started the delivery of ABE in the Adult 1-10 program. |
| December SIAST contracted by SETE to administer a new provincial training initiative: Future Skills. |
| November Dr. A. Knight appointed President of SIAST. The Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) was approved. |
| The three Adult Basic Education Centres (R.J. Davidson, Cowan Crescent and Victoria)
amalgamated into the 8th Avenue North Centre in Regina. December The Board approved the change in the name from "Campus" to "Institute" - thereby establishing Kelsey Institute, Palliser Institute, Wascana Institute and Woodland Institute. November The board of directors founded a new vision statement: "SIAST is an institution for adult career education, responsive and committed to quality and freedom within a healthy organizational structure." July The BANNER Human Resources and Payroll system was ready for implementation. February SIAST Board of Directors appointed with Ian Wilson as Chairman. |
| June Merv Houghton retired after serving 3 years as the first Chairman of the SIAST Board of Directors; Robert Lacoursiere appointed Chairman. May Academic Partnership Agreement signed by the Institute and SIIT (Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies). |
| September Richard Mackie appointed as President of SIAST. April Saskatoon confirmed as new location for SIAST head office. February SIAST submitted affirmative action plan for education equity to Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission. |
| May SIAST hosted the national Association of Canadian Community Colleges conference in Regina. Regina corporate office staff relocated to 1870 Albert Street, Regina. January Eva Lee appointed first President of SIAST. Temporary corporate offices in Saskatoon established. |
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October January
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| WIAAS operated out of 5 centres located in Regina and offered training in agriculture,
health, business, and industrial and technical trades. In 1987, RPCC operated out
of 6 local facilities. Classes were also held at 66 different locations in Regina
and 17 rural communities. July SIAST corporate offices temporarily located at Wascana Campus, 221 Winnipeg Street North, Regina. April The Government of Saskatchewan announced major revisions to its post-secondary educational system. Efforts immediately began to amalgamate urban community colleges, the Advanced Technology Training Centre and technical/vocational institutes across Saskatchewan. In Saskatoon, the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology merged with the Saskatoon Regional Community College and the Advanced Technology Training Centre. In Moose Jaw, the Coteau Range Community College merged with STI. In Regina, the Regina Plains Community College (RPCC) merged with the Wascana Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences (WIAAS). In Prince Albert, the Natonum Community College merged with the Northern Institute of Technology (NIT). |
| The Kelsey Institute Foundation established. September Northern Institute of Technology (NIT) in Prince Albert opened on September 11. |
| November Central administration offices moved from Parkway Campus to the Winnipeg North Campus. January The Industrial and Technical Division established and programs began. |
| The Winnipeg North Campus completed. September The Co-operative Education is first offered at STI as a learning method for many business and technology programs. |
| The Government of Saskatchewan announced a major expansion of technical/vocational
programs and facilities in the province. WIAAS played a major role in the expansion.
Over 20 new programs were developed accommodating over 800 new students. Plans to
build a new campus at 221 Winnipeg Street North (Winnipeg North Campus) were initiated. November STI expansion in Moose Jaw opened. |
| March Expansion plans for STI in Moose Jaw announced. Plans included new 236 stall parking lot, a 47,000 square foot addition on the east side of the building. The addition would house a 384 seat dining facility, a 200 seating capacity student lounge and a 548 square metre kitchen. Construction began in October 1981. |
| Four additional buildings were added to the central KIAAS campus - The Heavy Equipment Mechanics Program building - a 2700 square meter facility on 29th Street, the Fred Davies Building (formerly the Normal School and Teachers College), an English Language Training Centre located in Estey School and a downtown Adult Basic Education Centre. |
| WIAAS received approval to develop a new agricultural program that would train new and developing farmers using a modular decentralized delivery system. |
| The Prince Albert Industrial Opportunity Study, commissioned by the City of Prince Albert, the province and federal governments, yielded an additional report from the City of Prince Albert and the Department of Continuing Education. It recommended that Natonum Community College deliver all programs that should also be affiliated with Saskatchewan's three technical institutes (Saskatchewan Technical Institute in Moose Jaw, Wascana Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences in Regina and Kelsey Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences in Saskatoon). |
| RPCC made solid beginnings in program development in Regina and its rural communities
within a 30-mile radius. Regina citizens had access to adult education that included
courses in leisure, recreation, hobbies, high school credit and homemaking skills.
General Educational Development (GED) testing, contractual arrangements with other
educational institutions and community programming were also carried out. The Adult Basic Education (ABE) Program was transferred from WIAAS to RPCC. |
| The Dental Assisting program first offered. Major renovations to the St. John Street Campus (the home of dental programs) completed. Tthe Government of Saskatchewan expanded the 1973 Adult Community Colleges Act to have Regina establish a community college guided by a Board of Directors. The Regina Plains Community College (RPCC) was created and offered adult education programs that integrated educational opportunities to fit the ever-changing learning needs of adults in their work, family situations and roles as citizens. RPCC accepted responsibility for adult education programming that had formerly been carried out by the Regina Board of Education and for developing new learning opportunities for adults who had not traditionally participated in educational programs. December Grand opening of a 14,700 square foot addition to the Radio and Television Servicing program's classrooms and labs in Moose Jaw. |
| Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences was renamed in honour of the famous, eighteenth century explorer, Henry Kelsey. It became the Kelsey Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences (KIAAS). |
| SIAAS opened in the School of Nursing building at the Regina General Hospital. Health
Sciences was the first division created and in the fall 1972, 424 students attended
Dental Nursing, Diploma Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing and Nursing Assistant programs. The Dental Nursing Program was the first two-year, post-secondary program on the continent to provide training in preventive and restorative dentistry and was designated as a program of national significance. For the first time, the Psychiatric Nursing program was offered in a post-secondary educational institution. The Regina Vocational Centre, Saskatchewan House came under the auspices of SIAAS with three satellite locations throughout Regina. On transferring to SIAAS, the Regina Vocational Centre was renamed the Vocational Education Division. March The Diploma Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing and Nursing Assistant programs moved into Parkway Campus and SIAAS was subsequently renamed the Wascana Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences (WIAAS). Agriculture Education was transferred from the Colleges Branch, Department of Continuing Education to WIAAS and was renamed the Agricultural Extension Division. The division was responsible for decentralized delivery of Farm Management and Mechanical courses for farmers. |
| Post-secondary technical/vocational education was established in Regina when the Government of Saskatchewan granted approval to proceed with developing the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences (SIAAS). |
| The Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences in Saskatoon received a second expansion, completed in 1969, added another 291,000 square feet with the four story south tower. |
| The name, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences, was first used. |
| The Central Saskatchewan Technical Institute was renamed the Saskatchewan Technical
Institute of Saskatoon and continued to expand its course offerings and enrolment.
Expansion programs provided the Institute with 83,000 square feet of extra floor space. Moose Jaw's name changed back to Saskatchewan Technical Institute (STI). |
| The Central Saskatchewan Technical Institute established in Saskatoon with a mandate
to provide credit training in a wide range of occupations. The first building was
178,000 square feet of classrooms, shops, laboratory, gymnasium, library and cafeteria
facilities to serve the needs of the approximately 400 students enrolled in the 14
different programs offered. The Prince Albert Regional Community College was established. The name changed several times over the years (including Prince Albert Regional Community College and Natonum Community College). September $2 million addition at the South Saskatchewan Technical Institute opened. The addition provided an enrolment capacity increase from 800 to 1200 students. June Some programs transferred from the Canadian Vocational Training School in Saskatoon to the new Central Saskatchewan Technical Institute in Saskatoon. During this time, Saskatchewan Technical Institute was renamed the South Saskatchewan Technical Institute. |
| September Classes commenced at Saskatchewan Technical Institute (STI) in Moose Jaw. The official opening took place on January 11, 1961. STI was to provide a central facility for continued education in various technical and trade occupations. The first STI graduation was held on April 28, 1961 with 17 graduates from the Civil Engineering Technology program and 16 graduates from the Radio and Television Servicing program. |
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June September |
| The Saskatchewan Technical Institute (STI) was temporarily located in Regina at 2528
Broad Street. December |
| The Canadian Vocational Training School was established in Saskatoon to assist with rehabilitating and training war veterans. |