Northwestern Polytechnic

Northwestern Polytechnic
Former name
Grande Prairie Junior College, Grande Prairie Regional College
TypePolytechnic
Established1966
PresidentDr. Vanessa Sheane
Location
Grande Prairie
,
Alberta
,
Canada

55°10′31.77″N 118°49′6.25″W / 55.1754917°N 118.8184028°W / 55.1754917; -118.8184028
CampusUrban
ColoursDark blue, light blue, pink and yellow[1]
       
NicknameWolves
AffiliationsUniversities Canada,
Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association,
U Sports,
University of the Arctic,
Association of Commonwealth Universities,
Alberta Colleges Athletics Conference,
Alberta Association of Colleges & Technical Institutes,
Websitewww.nwpolytech.ca

Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP), previously known as Grande Prairie Regional College (GPRC)[2] is a publicly funded educational institution located in northwestern Alberta, Canada.[3] NWP centres the communities it serves with distinctive campuses in Grande Prairie and nearby Fairview, Alberta. In addition to the main facility locations, the institution also leads laboratory and research activities at the National Bee Diagnostic Centre (NBDC) in Beaverlodge, Alberta. With four Schools dedicated to Business, Skilled Trades, Applied Science and Technology, and Health and Education, NWP offers local, national and international students a range of learning options, including academic upgrading, diploma and certificate programs, collaborative degrees and university transfer opportunities, pre-employment programming, apprenticeships and skilled trades qualifications. Through its Department of Continuing Education, the institution also offers micro-credentials, industry certifications, specific skill development, and community interest courses.

History

Northwestern Polytechnic was opened as the Grande Prairie Junior College in 1966. In 1970, the college was renamed Grande Prairie Regional College. In 1974, classes were first started in a new facility designed by Canadian architect Douglas Cardinal.[4] In 1991, phase two of the college, designed by architects Field, Field, and Field, was officially opened.

In 2015, GPRC announced a cut in budget of over $5 million with presidents and vice presidents donating 5% of their salaries. The college eliminated 22 positions.[5] In 2018, the government of Alberta announced plans to make GPRC a university. GPRC responded that this was "the right decision" and that it "has been striving for since it opened 50 years ago".[6]

In January 2020, the province of Alberta announced a new performance-based funding model for colleges and universities.[7] In March, GPRC announced significant budget reductions.[8] A few months later in May, GPRC eliminated 85 staff positions and 2 programs.[9] Later that month, the government of Alberta announced that GPRC would not become a university, and move toward polytechnic status instead. In August 2021, GPRC appointed another new president, Justin Kohlman, the third in under five months.[10][11][12] Kohlman's term, which ended abruptly after less than two years, was noted for a lack of transparency.[13][14][15] On December 9, 2021, the government of Alberta approved the name change for the institution, officially becoming Northwestern Polytechnic.[16]

Academic programs

Grande Prairie campus main entry

Collaborative programs with other institutions such as the University of Alberta allow students to complete some bachelor's degrees at NWP, including the Bachelor of Science – Agriculture. Other degree programs require transferring to another institution to complete their degree after studying at the college. Some arrangements also allow for a student to start studies at another facility and complete their degree program at the college. In total, over 20 different routes for university studies are offered, and some degrees can be completed at the College.[17]

The college offers over 15 certificate and diploma programs. Certificate programs usually require students to complete two semesters of courses, while diploma programs usually require four.

Academic upgrading is also offered, which allows individuals to pursue other learning opportunities such as Grade 12 equivalency and general studies.

Northwestern Polytechnic has an International Education Centre which offers students courses in English as a second language (ESL). Foreign students can also take credit-based college and university courses offered to Canadian residents.

Northwestern Polytechnic’s Continuing Education (Workforce Development) offers courses to the general public in a number of areas. Courses primarily focus on personal and professional development, and range from one-day courses to full-credit programs.

Northwestern Polytechnic’s Fairview Campus offers the only authorized training center in Canada for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. In July 2023 it was announced several buildings were being demolished.[18] In August the new acting president indicated no final decision regarding the demolition had been made.[19]

Athletics program

Northwestern Polytechnic’s athletic program holds membership in both the Alberta Colleges Athletics Conference and Canadian Collegiate Athletics Association. Student-athletes compete as the NWP Wolves, and as of the 2021-22 season, consisted of over 100 athletes competing in eight teams over five sports, including cross country running, basketball, indoor track, soccer and volleyball.

The Cross Country Running program is NWP's most successful athletic program winning 3 CCAA individual gold medals and 2 individual silver medals. The women's cross country team captured the CCAA national team title in 2014 with the best team score in CCAA history - 19 points.

The Wolves Men's Volleyball team carries a strong tradition of winning in the ACAC and has received 2 silver and one bronze medal at CCAA Nationals.

Scholarships and bursaries

The Government of Canada sponsors an Aboriginal Bursaries Search Tool that lists over 680 scholarships, bursaries, and other incentives offered by governments, universities, and industry to support Aboriginal post-secondary participation. NWP scholarships for Indigenous, First Nations and Métis students include: TransCanada Award for Aboriginal Student; BP Canada Energy Company Scholarship For An Aboriginal Student; ATCO Electric Bursary for an Aboriginal Student; Grande Prairie Regional College Financial Aid; TransAlta Aboriginal Educational Awards [20] The Jordan B. Peterson Scholarship is offered to students, named for the former GPRC alumnus.

Campus facilities

View of the Grande Prairie campus from across Muskoseepi Park

Northwestern Polytechnic’s Grande Prairie campus includes the 500-seat Douglas J. Cardinal Theatre and a double gymnasium. Both are often used to host community events in Grande Prairie, including alumnus Jordan Peterson's book tour on February 10, 2018.[21] The campus' student lounge, Howlers, also hosts weekend and evening entertainment often arranged by the college’s Students' Association.

The campus also includes a bookstore, climbing gym, a local restaurant, and library with over 60,000 holdings.

Northwestern Polytechnic’s grounds have a view of the reservoir, and open onto Muskoseepi Park walking trails.

Northwestern Polytechnic’s Fairview Campus includes a theatre and gymnasium, both of which are frequent hosts to events organised by the college as well as community. There is a pool on campus that is jointly operated by the town and the college and is open to the public.

Residence

Northwestern Polytechnic has on-campus student residences in Fairview and Grande Prairie. Student Village in Grande Prairie currently has space for over 500 students, while Fairview's residence houses approximately 300.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Brand Story | Northwestern Polytechnic". www.nwpolytech.ca. Retrieved 2023-01-17.
  2. ^ Vincent, Mac (2021-12-08). "Grande Prairie Regional College to officially become Northwestern Polytechnic in 2022". My Grande Prairie Now. Retrieved 2022-12-01.
  3. ^ Government of Alberta. "Types of publicly-funded institutions". Alberta.ca. Retrieved March 28, 2019.
  4. ^ "Grande Prairie Regional College". DOUGLAS CARDINAL ARCHITECT.
  5. ^ "GPRC admin, board donate portions of salaries to help achieve balanced budget". Academia Group. 5 June 2015.
  6. ^ Slever, Kim (20 May 2021). "UCP cancels plans for 2 new universities".
  7. ^ Penner, Shaun (20 January 2020). "Province unveils new performance-based funding model for colleges, universities". Everything GP.
  8. ^ Lumsden, Michael (12 March 2020). ""Everything on the table" as GPRC stares down grant cut". My Grand Prairie Now.
  9. ^ Keller, Emily (13 May 2020). "GPRC to cut 85 positions, suspend two programs in 2020-21 budget". Everything GP.
  10. ^ Lumsden, Michael (21 August 2021). "New GPRC President & CEO". My Grand Prairie Now.
  11. ^ Penner, Shaun (17 March 2021). "Dr. Murray steps down as President and CEO of Grande Prairie Regional College". Everything GP.
  12. ^ Vanderveen, Randy (30 March 2021). "A STEADY HAND ON THE HELM --- GPRC president brings enthusiasm and experience to the position". Grand Prairie Daily Herald Tribune.
  13. ^ "GPRC to become Northwestern Polytechnic". December 16, 2021.
  14. ^ Fisher, Erica (26 July 2023). "Kohlman out as NWP president". MyGrand PrairieNow.com. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  15. ^ Driedger, Breanna (12 July 2023). "Fairview council highlights: NWP plans to take down campus buildings in Fairview". Fairview Post. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  16. ^ "New Designation and Name Approved by Province". www.gprc.ab.ca. Retrieved 2021-12-09.
  17. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2008-05-26. Retrieved 2008-06-05.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  18. ^ Driedger, Breanna (Jul 12, 2023). "Fairview council highlights: NWP plans to take down campus buildings in Fairview". Fairview Post. SunMedia. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  19. ^ Ettinger, Luke (Aug 10, 2023). "Northwestern Polytechnic considering demolition of 10 buildings in Fairview". CBC. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  20. ^ Aboriginal Bursaries Search Tool
  21. ^ Przekop, Glory (17 Jan 2018). "Controversial U of T professor's event cancelled in Edmonton, still scheduled for Grand Prairie". EverythingGP. Retrieved 16 Sep 2023.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Grande Prairie Regional College.
  • GPRC Website
  • GPRC Wolves Athletics
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