A new academic agreement enhances students' learning

Academic agreement to enhance learning WATCH: Officials from Sault College and Laurentian University sign another academic agreement to enhance students' learning.

SAULT STE. MARIE – Officials from Sault College and Laurentian University joined in Sault Ste. Marie last week to sign another academic agreement to enhance students' learning.

The new partnership will allow graduates of Sault College's two year Social Services Worker Indigenous Specialization program to complete a Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work at Laurentian University in an additional two years.

"Many students are actually interested in pursuing bachelor's degrees. So we try to provide as many pathway opportunities as we possibly can. This one is particularly important because it allows students to complete two years of college education and then after, two further years of university education and they can get a degree. Normally a student would have to complete two and a half to three years before they get their degree," explained Colin Kirkwood, Sault College.

There are flexible options, including full-time on-campus or part-time online, serving as a more accessible approach to education.

This is especially true for Sault College graduate Jonathan Nolan who wants to continue growing in his professional field while at the same time, wants to advance his education.

"If I'm not physically able to go into Laurentian University, I can take this program online and at a part-time basis that suits me, and will be more successful in the end," he expressed.

Officials say the partnership will additionally allow for both institutions to work together to move forward on truth and reconciliation.

Shelly Moore-Frappier of Laurentian University says that they "want to create opportunities for Indigenous learners at Laurentian University… that is a major part of our strategic plan and as an institution with a tri-cultural mandate, I think it's really important that we're walking our talk."

This new option will be available for learners beginning in January 2020.