1. Aurora College
Presentation to the Standing Committee on Social Development
March 9, 2017

2. Mandate Priority – Education, Training and Youth Development Mandate
The 18th Legislative Assembly will foster lifelong learning, skills development, training, and employability by expanding opportunities for postsecondary education, trades-oriented, and northern educational institutions.
Mandate
We will take steps to close the skills gap using the Skills4Success strategic framework, by working with Aurora College on a renewed strategic plan, refocusing support for postsecondary institutions in the NWT, improving outcomes from our Community Learning Centres, strengthening the apprenticeship program, and improving our career development services.

3. Commitments Aurora College Foundational Review Aurora College Plan
A Foundational Review will ensure that the governance and operations of the College are what is needed to implement a long term comprehensive Plan.
Aurora College Plan
A long term comprehensive Aurora College Plan will lead to programming designed to meet the needs of students and that is aligned with the needs of the NWT labour market.
Aurora College Funding and Accountability Framework
A Funding and Accountability Framework will be developed to provide greater transparency and accountability, and will include performance based elements.
Legislation for Postsecondary Institutions
The GNWT is currently developing overarching postsecondary legislation .

4. Foundational Review Scope
The Foundational Review will focus on the operations and governance of Aurora College.
It can include such things as internal processes, including funding and accountabilities, the configuration of the college, the Board structure, and the relationship with the responsible Minister.
The Foundational Review will be informed by the Skills 4 Success and the Labour Market Report .
The Foundational Review will help ensure the college operates effectively and efficiently including providing the necessary supports for students and staff.
Input will be sought, including from Members of the Legislative Assembly, to complete a Terms of Reference for the Foundational Review.

5. Aurora College Plan Purpose
Work previously undertaken , including input received, as part of the College’s strategic planning exercise will be used to inform the Foundational Review.
A long term comprehensive plan for Aurora College will be informed by both the Foundational Review, Skills 4 Success and the Labour market Report. This Plan will be completed in time for implementation in the 2018/2019 academic year.
This Plan will help ensure students have access to the programs that lead them to in-demand jobs.

6. Funding & Accountability Framework
Purpose
The Funding and Accountability Framework(s) will ensure Aurora College is held more accountable for its performance and use of public funds.
The scope of this project will consider research on other jurisdictions, Aurora College’s current funding and accountability processes as well as, legislation, directives or policies.

7. Postsecondary Legislation
Purpose
Objective of this new legislation is to create a process of accreditation that ensures the effective governance and quality assurance of postsecondary institutions and their programs in alignment with national and international best practices.

8. Fiscal Responsibility
Target Reduction
To reach the target reduction, Aurora College will:
Increase administrative efficiency;
Increase revenues through fees for tuition;
Increase revenues through fees for student accommodations; and
Fiscal reductions related to the Social Work Diploma and Bachelor of Education Programs identified for the College will be put in abeyance until the next fiscal year.*
*No intake into these programs until the Foundational Review is completed and a Strategic Plan for the College has been finalized.

9. Moving Forward Foundational Review Aurora College Plan
The Foundational Review will be completed in the Fall of 2017.
Aurora College Plan
The long term comprehensive Plan will be concluded and will be ready for implementation in the 2018/19 academic year.
Aurora College Funding and Accountability Framework
The Framework will be completed and will be ready for implementation in the 2018/19 academic year.
Legislation for Postsecondary Institutions
As the Legislative Proposal will be informed by the Foundational Review it would be brought forward within 6 months of the completion of the Review.