‘We just want to be a world-class college,’ says NSCC president as college looks to the future

The president of the Nova Scotia Community College, Don Bureaux, has made it clear that despite the changes brought about by Bill 12, the institution has no intentions of becoming a university. In a recent interview, Bureaux emphasized that the primary goal is for NSCC to remain a world-class college.

While Bill 12 primarily focused on the implications for the province’s universities, it also made significant changes to Research Nova Scotia and the Community Colleges Act, which governs NSCC. One of the key changes includes granting the responsible cabinet minister the authority to give binding directions to the NSCC board regarding policies, programs of study, services, and other operational aspects of the college.

Bureaux revealed that the changes outlined in Bill 12 were not unexpected, as they had been in discussions with government officials leading up to the bill’s introduction. He described the changes as mostly housekeeping, stating that NSCC was already operating under similar rules of engagement.

One of the most notable changes for NSCC under Bill 12 is the ability to grant undergraduate degrees if authorized by the provincial cabinet and certain criteria are met. Bureaux mentioned that while it is becoming more common for colleges across the country to offer degrees, any potential degree programs at NSCC would be tailored to meet workplace-driven needs and would not overlap with existing university programs.

Although there are ongoing discussions about potential degree offerings at NSCC, Bureaux emphasized the importance of not duplicating or competing with the programs offered by the province’s universities. Additionally, NSCC conducts annual reviews of its program offerings to ensure they align with student needs and the economic priorities of Nova Scotia.

Recent decisions to put the music business program on hold and suspend the business administration diploma program at certain campuses were driven by low enrollment numbers. Bureaux reiterated the college’s commitment to offering programs that are in demand by students, meet workforce development needs, and contribute to the province’s economic priorities.

In response to the growing demand for training in healthcare and skilled trades sectors, NSCC has been urged by the provincial government to expand programs such as continuing care assistants, early childhood education, and construction trades. The availability of space, faculty, and apprenticeship agreements are key factors in determining the feasibility of program expansions.

NSCC has also explored creative solutions to accommodate program expansions, such as partnering with long-term care facilities to provide on-site learning opportunities for students. This integrated approach allows students to gain practical experience while meeting the workforce needs of the partnering facilities.

Overall, NSCC remains committed to offering relevant and high-quality programs that equip students with the skills needed to succeed in Nova Scotia’s evolving economy. The college will continue to evaluate and adapt its program offerings to meet the needs of students and the province.