Session

In 2018, the Ministry of Advanced Education asked regional colleges in Saskatchewan to identify transformational opportunities for the provincial college system that would ensure sustainable, efficient, and improved program delivery. That spring, both Cumberland and Parkland Colleges were searching for a President and the government paused the recruitment. The Coalition was then established through the efforts of the Boards of Governors of the two Colleges who operated with a shared President and Board of Governors until their merger July 1, 2023. Both colleges were facing enrolment declines, funding challenges, stakeholder disengagement, and consistent pressures to be nimbler and more reactive to regional community needs.

The merger was designed to better position both colleges to serve learners and communities through shared resources, increased partnership opportunities and the development of new programming. The merger was to provide organizational sustainability, organizational stability, and increased opportunities for staff and learners. We will share the operational, governance and strategic complexities and lessons learned. The conference theme is aligned with one of our major merger outcomes. We will share evidence of increased employee and stakeholder engagement, image and reputation, brand awareness, student enrolment, and financial sustainability post-merger.

We will educate participants on the strategic, governance, and operational tools and strategies implemented that will inspire and inform attendees to consider the future of the education landscape. Our merger path was bold and required; a persuasive unified vision, dedicated governance, the right leadership, sense of urgency, thorough implementation plans, robust communication and change management plans, and committed resources.