CONSULTANT NAMED FOR DEGREE-GRANTING CONSULTATIONS

Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration has appointed Alex Usher, an internationally recognized expert in post-secondary education systems, to lead the consultations about expanding degree-granting authority in Saskatchewan.

Usher is the President of Higher Education Strategy Associates. He has worked on both national and international research projects related to post-secondary education.

"Alex Usher brings much experience and knowledge to this role and I'm confident that he will be able to guide us in this important public policy discussion, so we can decide what works best for Saskatchewan students," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said.

The Government of Saskatchewan announced last month that it was launching a public consultation process to consider expanding degree-granting status in the province. Currently, only the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina can grant degrees other than theological degrees.

"I look forward to engaging stakeholders throughout this consultation process," Usher said. "Many jurisdictions around the world are dealing with this issue and there is much to learn from their experience, but it is also important to find out what will work in Saskatchewan."

A learning conference will be held in late April for stakeholders to discuss degree-granting experiences in other jurisdictions. After that, all interested parties will be invited to make submissions until May 13, 2011.

The final report on the results of the consultations will be submitted to the minister in the fall.

For more information on the consultations, go to http://www.aeei.gov.sk.ca/consultations-degree-granting.

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For more information, contact:

Bill Stovin
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0926