Sault College Breaks Ground

For immediate release

Sault Ste. Marie, ON – September 25, 2009 – Sault College groundbreaking ceremony for the new Academic Wing consisting of flexible learning spaces and a reconfigured gateway main entrance drew a large crowd of government, community and college supporters today.Funding for this project is being provided by the Government of Canada’s Knowledge Infrastructure Program and through the Ontario Government’s 2009 Budget. The funds that have been generously contributed constitute the largest single investment in Sault College since it opened its doors for the first time. “As our mandate to increase enrolment, we need to have a facility that will attract prospective students and accommodate various program demands. This investment will help us to provide students and staff with the academic facility they deserve,” said Dr. Ron Common, President, Sault College, at the event.

It is expected that this new building will serve to improve the appeal of Sault College. As Provincial government partners, Sault College has supported the goals of the 2005 reaching higher plan and has made advances in improving access, quality and accountability. Sault College has consistently met student expectations relating to the quality of the learning experiences and overall programs provide students with the knowledge and skills that will be useful in their future career with employers. “It was only in the Student Satisfaction with facilities that were not as high as they could have been. And now, with the new construction, we can begin to address their concerns,” says Common.

The new modern academic wing will benefit all students and will consist of flexible learning spaces to accommodate growth. Over the past winter, the college has experienced phenomenal growth in enrolment, most impressively, the total registrations for the College are up over 23% with a 35% increase in first year activity making Sault College the fastest growing college in the province.

Demand continues to rise in specialty program areas including Renewable Energy, Natural Environment, Aviation, Health and Community studies and Skilled Trades. The modern image will reflect the launching of 10 new programs in 2010. These new programs will be located throughout the campus and will have access to the modern learning environments of the new building. “At Sault College we have experienced significant growth this year in our enrolment and we look forward to continued growth and success as a result of this redevelopment of our campus. We wish to express our gratitude to the Governments of Canada and Ontario for contributing to the transformation of the Sault College campus,” says Common.

The honourable Minister Milloy, MPP David Orazietti, MP Tony Martin, Mayor John Rowswell Peter Migwins, community members, board and advisory council members, local employers, alumni, retirees, staff and students were amongst the guests on hand to celebrate the historic day.

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About Sault College

Sault College reaches students through post secondary, continuing education, apprenticeship training and third party contract training. Sault College offers a full range of programs: Certificates, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Post Graduate Certificates, Degrees, and Apprenticeship programs. Key Performance Indicator (KPI) surveys demonstrate that almost 90% of Sault College students are employed within six months of graduation and student satisfaction is among the highest in the province. Sault College, located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario is one of 24 community colleges in Ontario. Visit our website at www.saultcollege.ca for more information.

Please contact:
Tessa Pino, Communications Officer
Sault College
705.759.2554 ext. 2830
www.saultcollege.ca