LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO EXPAND DEGREE GRANTING AUTHORITY

The Government of Saskatchewan today introduced The Degree Authorization Act, to expand degree-granting authority in the province.

Currently, only the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina can grant degrees in Saskatchewan. The new act allows for the potential expansion of degree-granting authority to other post-secondary institutions in the province, provided the degree receives approval through a rigorous quality assurance process.

The legislation follows a report by consultant Alex Usher who consulted with post-secondary institutions, faculty and student associations, professional bodies and other educational groups last spring. The new legislation builds from four key recommendations made in his report:

• A quality assurance board should be established for reviewing new degree programs at institutions other than the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan. 
• Institutions other than the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan should be able to offer degree programs if approved by the quality assurance board.
• The University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina should not need approval for new degree programs, but would benefit from a periodic quality audit system.
• A competitive process should be developed to determine which public institutions should offer new degree programs in areas of emerging professional practice.

"The proposed legislation provides greater accessibility and opportunity for students in our province, ensures a robust and fair quality assurance process for new degrees and protects the longstanding reputation of the two Saskatchewan universities," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said.

The Act will apply to all educational institutions involved in offering part or all of a degree program and deemed to have a physical presence in Saskatchewan, and to any degree program that is specifically targeted to Saskatchewan students through advertising. The Act does not apply to the University of Saskatchewan or University of Regina programs, or their partnerships with other institutions.

"The quality assurance measures in the new act will demonstrate to students in Saskatchewan, as well as nationally and internationally, that we place a high priority on the value of quality post-secondary education," Norris said.

Details on the proposed legislation can be found at http://www.legassembly.sk.ca/legislative-business/bills/progress-of-bills-27-1

Mr. Usher's report is located at www.aeei.gov.sk.ca/consultations-degree-granting.

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For more information, contact:

Marieka Andrew
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3170