TIMMINS, ON: Representatives from Northern College and Algoma University joined together to sign new “2+1” and “2+2” Academic Pathway and updated Joint Admission agreements to support enhanced student mobility between the College and the University.

The expanded partnership between the two Northern Ontario based post-secondary institutions establishes new transfer pathways, including business offerings delivered by the Algoma University School of Business and Economics, which maximize credit recognition allowing students from designated Northern College diploma programs to seamlessly transition to the University to complete a degree in a related subject area. The agreements streamline and harmonize the student experience so that credits are directly acknowledged and accepted.

This expanded partnership strengthens each institution’s commitment to supporting the postsecondary aspirations of students from Timmins and the surrounding region.

Pathways are now available between the following programs:
Northern College Diploma Program
Algoma University Degree Program
Business
Business – Accounting
Bachelor of Business Administration
Computer Engineering Technician
Bachelor of Computer Science

The delivery location for each program is dependent on the area of study. A feasibility study is being conducted by the NORDIK Institute to examine the potential to expand Algoma’s program offerings on the Timmins campus of Northern College, a location where Algoma has delivered Social Work and Community Development degree completion programming since 2010.

Thanks to the generous support of eCampus Ontario, the institutions have collaborated to develop a fully online Computer Science Bridging Program. The program facilitates mobility for students from Northern College’s Computer Engineering Technician (CET) diploma program to ladder seamlessly into Algoma University’s Bachelor of Computer Science degree program. This new program is a 2+1 with students completing the CET program in two years, followed by a series of online bridging courses from May – August. In the fall, students complete an additional two semesters of full-time study at Algoma University to earn a Bachelor of Computer Science degree. Durham College played a strong supporting role in development of the online bridge, helping Northern and Algoma build capacity for online development and delivery. Eligible students are able to start the online bridge this May.

The new “2+2” Pathway and Joint Admissions agreements align with both institutions’ strategic priorities to expand postsecondary access and enhance the overall educational experience for students. Both institutions are committed to working with regional partners and all levels of Government to expand postsecondary access, stimulate socio-economic growth, and encourage the development needed to support current and future workforce and leadership capacity needs in Ontario.

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“Northern College is pleased to be collaborating with Algoma University in these uniquely designed program articulations. Through a joint admissions process students have the ability to obtain their college diploma and if their aspirations see them proceeding on to undergraduate studies, they will attain an undergraduate degree with two additional years of study, stated Dr. Fred Gibbons, President & CEO of Northern College. “This 2+2 pathway allows students who would otherwise have had to leave the area to pursue university studies to do so now right at home. This is convenient, cost effective and more importantly keeps our young adults at home where they can obtain a college diploma and university degree and proceed to enter the local workforce. This model of post-secondary education helps to better manage the critical workforce needs of the city and region.”

“The ongoing development of the partnership between Algoma University and Northern College continues to enhance access opportunities for students from Timmins and the surrounding region. Being able to provide students with two credentials, through academic experiences at two institutions, while focussing on future success for learners and the communities in which they live is truly impressive. The opportunity these pathway programs provide is truly exceptional,” said Asima Vezina, President and Vice-Chancellor, Algoma University. “Increasing student access to post-secondary education is critical, especially in Northern Ontario, and I am so proud to be part of this initiative. I look forward to future collaboration and partnership with Northern College, and continuing to be at the forefront of innovation in our region.”

“eCampusOntario is so pleased to support these two institutions in the development of flexible online programming that serves students and enhances mobility across institutions. This project is a shining example of what can be accomplished in a connected and collaborative post-secondary system.”Lena Patterson Senior Director, Programs and Stakeholder Relations, eCampusOntario

“Expanding the breadth of post-secondary programming within the City provides new opportunities for youth and residents to obtain their first and second post-secondary credentials right here at home. The City enthusiastically supports the continued relationship between Northern College and Algoma University. Alliances of this nature will ensure the ongoing economic viability of Northern College and its continuous contribution to the Timmins economy.” George Pirie, Mayor, City of Timmins

“We are very excited about university pathway opportunities for students in the North. This articulation agreement will support a positive future story for our students, while providing them with the opportunity to remain in the North.” Lesleigh Dye, Director of Education, District School Board Ontario North East

“The Northeastern Catholic District School Board proudly supports the partnership between Northern College and Algoma University, as they further develop post-secondary pathways options for learners in the north. We applaud the efforts of both institutions as they continue to collaborate to meet the needs of learners. We acknowledge their unwavering commitment to improve outcomes and we stand in full support of this exciting opportunity for learners in Northern Ontario.” Tricia Stefanic Weltz, Director of Education, Northeastern Catholic District School Board

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About Northern College
Founded in 1967, Northern College offers over 75 full- and part-time post-secondary programs at its campuses in Timmins, Haileybury, Kirkland Lake and Moosonee, and is a leader in distance learning delivery. Northern has a mission to ensure quality, accessible education through innovative programs, services and partnerships for the benefit of our northern communities. A successful collaboration with Algoma University has brought university undergraduate education to the Timmins region for much of the past decade. Northern looks to continuing to play a central role in helping expand the breadth of programming within the next couple of years. To learn more about Northern College, visit northernc.on.ca.

About Algoma University
Algoma University, based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario was established in 1965. Algoma University is a small, undergraduate, teaching-focused university that places an emphasis on serving the needs of Northern Ontario. Algoma University offers a wide range of degrees spanning the liberal arts, sciences, and professional disciplines. As a partner with Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig and the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association, Algoma University has a special mission to cultivate cross-cultural learning between Indigenous populations and other communities. The University also offers programming in Brampton, Ontario through its School of Business and Economics and, Social Work and Community Development programming in Timmins, Ontario. For more information, please visit www.algomau.ca.

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Media Contacts:

Northern College
Kyle Gennings
Marketing and Communications Officer
T. 705-235-3211 ext. 2276
F. 705-235-6888
C. 705-288-1101

Algoma University
Megan Parlowe
Communications Officer
Algoma University
T: 705-949-2301 ext. 4121
C: 705-971-2227