20102014 Business Plan

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    GRANDE PRAIRIE REGIONAL COLLEGE

    2010-2014 BUSINESS PLAN

    For additional copies or more information on this Business Plan, please contact:

    Office of the PresidentGrande Prairie Regional College

    10726 106 AvenueGrande Prairie, Alberta

    T8V 4C4

    Phone: (780) 539-2911Toll Free: 1-888-539-4772

    www.gprc.ab.ca

    2010, Grande Prairie Regional College. All rights reserved.

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    June 2010

    Grande Prairie Regional College is proud to submit this Business Plan 2010 - 2014 to Alberta Advanced Education and Technology in accordance with the

    requirements of the Post-Secondary Learning Act. GPRC enthusiastically embraces our mandate to provide broad programming through campuses in Grande

    Prairie and Fairview, serving the growing needs of our dynamic northwestern Alberta region, in our role as a Comprehensive Co mmunity Institution.

    This plan provides the framework and resources by which GPRC can move in the key strategic directions identified in the planning process for this 2010-2014

    Business Plan. We are committed to providing quality learning experiences, regional stewardship and service, excellence in people, and economic and

    environmental responsibility.

    GPRC is well-positioned to move forward in strength to meet the challenges of the coming years: our management team is complete, consultative and capable;

    we have mutually satisfactory collective agreements with our faculty and staff; our infrastructure and capital improvement projects are on target; our financialprocesses are sound; and the people of our region have resoundingly endorsed the news of the new stewardship model through which GPRC will operate both

    campuses and the full range of programming.

    Grande Prairie Regional College is keenly aware of its responsibility to the northern and remote communities we serve, and is committed to being a good

    partner in education with our corporate and municipal stakeholders, and with other post-secondary institutions. GPRC is a key factor in the economic, social

    and cultural wellbeing of our region, and will continue as the portal for meeting regional learning needs.

    The 2010-2014 Business Plan and Budget provides the strategies and resources to achieve the id entified goals, and has identified key priorities which reflect

    the challenges presented by: the economic s lowdown, programming and facilities, human resources recruitment and retention, financial sustainability and

    institutional culture.

    This Business Plan complies with the Executive Limitation Policies of the Grande Prairie Regional College Board of Governors. It was prepared under thedirection of the Board of Governors in accordance with the Government Accountability Act and ministerial guidelines established pursuant to the

    Accountability Act. All material economic, environmental or fiscal implications of which we are aware have been considered in the preparation of this report.

    _________________________

    Michael OConnor Don Gnatiuk,

    Chair, Board of Governors President and CEO

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    EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    Grande Prairie Regional College is a public, board-governed comprehensive community institution providing a wide array of credit and non-credit

    programming in response to the needs of the region. The College has a tradition of striving for excellence in learner achievement, and providing high quality

    programs and services to ensure that students are well prepared for lifelong learning. Through the established business model,Model for Regional

    Stewardship, Grande Prairie Regional College prides itself in being a leader in collaborative approaches to education, and reflects exemplary practice in

    hosting University programs and two-way ventures with post-secondary and industry partners to ensure the learning needs are met in northwestern Alberta.

    Grande Prairie Regional Colleges 2010-2014 Business Plan is guided by the institutions Mandate,Vision, Mission and Values, and is designed to move the

    institution forward in concert with the 2010-2014 Strategic Plan. The Plan addresses the major demographic, economic and educational issues that the

    College will face over the coming four years. It is designed to be an evolving instrument to guide the institution in decisions that lead the College to become

    the steward of post-secondary education in the stewardship region.

    Over the next four years, Grande Prairie Regional College will experience growing momentum within the context of financial challenges and a recedingeconomic environment. Fairview College Campus joined the College on July 1, 2009 and provided a unique opportunity for the College to be a true

    Comprehensive Community Institution offering apprenticeship training at both campuses to focus on the needs of the catchment area. However, while

    opportunities such as this are positives for Grande Prairie Regional College, the current economic downturn and provincial deficit put a damper on new

    programming funding for the 2010/11 academic year and beyond. With this, pursuit of the Colleges goals and priorities demands that the institution make

    the most effective use of its resources by operating under a financial strategy of conservative stewardship.

    Additional environmental factors that have also influenced the d evelopment of the 2010-2014 Business Plan include:

    A service region that covers large distances, is younger than the

    provincial average and has low educational attainment rates.

    An international student enrolment demographic that has

    decreased in registrations.

    A growing Aboriginal population that is younger than the provincialaverage and has low high school completion rates.

    An economy in the midst of a transition, with resource andhealthcare industries facing difficult times and

    unprecedented challenges.

    Decreased funding from provincial government has put a fiscal

    restraint on many areas of the College.

    A facility that is reaching full capacity and will need to

    accommodate planned enrolment growth in infrastructure, as

    well as in both the Academic and Administrative divisions.

    An enrolment demographic that is over three-quarters female at

    Grande Prairie Campus with a large portion of students working and

    registered in part-time studies.

    High school enrolment rates declining resulting in less

    potental students for the College.

    Continued next page

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    The summary of goals and strategies developed to respond to the environmental factors and support the strategic direction of the College are:

    High quality and responsive student education and support

    programs:

    Includes: improving student enrolment and success through the

    Strategic Enrolment Management Plan; increasing accessibility for

    regional learners; addressing learning needs; focusing on applied

    research; and utilizing technology to enhance learning, services and

    information management.

    Contributing to the quality of life and economic growth in the

    stewardship region:

    Includes: Building community, industry and government support;

    addressing community learning needs; increasing learning

    opportunities; developing academic, community and industry

    partnerships; and increase innovation opportunities to area residents.

    An engaging and supportive working environment:

    Includes: developing employees; improving internal processes and

    adding policies; enhancing recruitment strategies; implementing the

    Mandate, Vision, Mission and Values, as well as a cultural change

    across the institution; implementing the Emergency Preparedness

    Plan; and creating an enterprise risk management program.

    Sustained environmental health of the insitution:

    Make the campus a greener environment by implementing strategies

    for responsible use of resources at both Grande Prairie and Fairview

    College Campus.

    Sustained fiscal health of the institution:

    Includes: improving financial management and fundraising; planning

    for capital renewal; updating the campus master plan; expanding

    facilities to accommodate growth.

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    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ......................................................................................................................................................... 1

    TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................................ 1

    INSTITUTIONAL CONTEXT ................................................................................................................................................... 1

    MANDATE,VISION,MISSIONANDVALUES ........................................................................................................................................................... 1BUSINESSMODEL .............................................................................................................................................................. ......................................... 3CHANGESINDIRECTIONFROMTHE2009-2013BUSINESSPLAN..................................................................................................................... 3

    ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN ....................................................................................................................................................... 5

    REGIONALDEMOGRAPHICSANDLABOURMARKETDEMAND ........................................................................................................................ 5ENROLMENTDEMAND ..................................................................................................................................................... ......................................... 9

    STRATEGIC PLAN ................................................................................................................................................................ 12

    THEPLANNINGPROCESS ................................................................................................................................................. ....................................... 12SUMMARYOFKEYPRIORITIES ............................................................................................................................................................... ............... 13OBJECTIVES,EXPECTEDOUTCOMESANDPERFORMANCEMEASURES ....................................................................................................... 15

    ALIGNMENTWITHGOVERNMENTGOALSANDCOLLEGEBOARDOFGOVERNORSENDS ....................................................................... 23

    ENROLMENT PLAN .............................................................................................................................................................. 26

    ENROLMENTGROWTHTARGETS ........................................................................................................................................................... ............... 26

    INSTITUTIONENROLMENTPLAN ......................................................................................................................................................................... 27

    FINANCIAL PLAN ................................................................................................................................................................. 28

    EMERGINGCOSTPRESSURES ................................................................................................................................................................................ 28FINANCIALPROJECTIONS ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 29BUDGETASSUMPTIONS ..................................................................................................................... ..................................................................... 30 TUITIONPROJECTIONS .................................................................................................................................................... ....................................... 32

    RESEARCH PLAN ................................................................................................................................................................. 33

    CURRENT RESEARCH PATHWAY............................................................................................................................................... ....................................... 33

    CAPITAL PLAN ..................................................................................................................................................................... 34CAPITALBUDGETSUMMARY .................................................................................................................................... ............................................. 34PRIORITYFACILITYDEVELOPMENTPROJECTS ................................................................................................................................. ............... 35

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    KNOWLEDGE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS ............................................................................................................................................................. ........ 38

    TECHNOLOGY PLAN ........................................................................................................................................................... 39

    SUMMARYOFKEYPRIORITIES .............................................................................................................................................................................. 39SUMMARYOFPROJECTS ......................................................................................................................................................... ................................ 39

    HUMAN RESOURCES PLAN ................................................................................................................................................ 43

    SUMMARYOFKEYPRIORITIES .............................................................................................................................................................................. 43

    APPENDIX I ......................................................................................................................................................................... 44

    STRATEGICENROLMENTMANAGEMENT PLAN ................................................................................................................................................ 44

    APPENDIX II ........................................................................................................................................................................ 47

    ENROLMENTPLANBREAKDOWN ................................................................................................................................................................. ........ 47

    APPENDIX III ...................................................................................................................................................................... 49

    COLLABORATIONS ANDPARTNERSHIPS..................................................................................................................................................... ........ 49

    APPENDIX IV ........................................................................................................................................................................ 51

    WORKSCITED ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 51

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    Page 1

    INSTITUTIONAL CONTEXTMANDATE, VISION, MISSION AND VALUES

    In November 2007, the provincial government released theRoles and Policy Mandates Framework for Albertas Publicly Funded Advanced Education

    System (Alberta Advanced Education and Technology, 2007). This enabled Grande Prairie Regional College to include apprenticeship training in its

    educational offerings. With this, the College reassessed and revised its Mandate, Vision, Mission and Values. Approval for these changes was received by the

    Minister of Advanced Education and Technology in December 2008.

    MANDATE

    Grande Prairie Regional College is a public, board-governed college operating as a comprehensive community institution under thePost Secondary Learning

    Actof Alberta. The College offers regional learners instruction and support services that are learner-centred and responsive to the lifelong educational needs

    of full-time and part-time students of diverse, multicultural and Aboriginal backgrounds.

    As a comprehensive community institution, Grande Prairie Regional College is committed to expanding access to post-secondary education in its service areaby responding to community and regional demand for both credit and non-credit programming. The College has developed a portal access delivery model that

    encourages other post-secondary institutions to deliver programming on site, enabling the establishment of collaborative partnerships that rapidly and

    effectively meet the varied needs of regional learners.

    The College offers university transfer, diploma and certificate programs; apprenticeship and pre-employment training; and adult high school completion.

    Credit programs are offered in the areas of Liberal Arts, Education, Health and Wellness, Human Services, Fine Arts, Business, Technology, Human Services,

    Academic Upgrading, Trades and Technical training, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. The College also offers baccalaureate degrees, primarily as

    collaborative degrees.

    In response to regional, community and industry demand, Grande Prairie Regional College provides a range of customized non-credit pre-employment

    programming, skills development, safety, English as a Second Language and community interest courses. The College meets community and industry demand

    for responsive and specific industry training through the provision of customized programming.

    As an educational facility in northwest Alberta, Grande Prairie Regional College helps meet the cultural, recreational, athletic and conferencing needs of the

    region in partnership with service area, community and regional stakeholders. The College offers athletic, music, art and science summer camps, and the

    Douglas J. Cardinal Performing Arts Centre i s frequently the site of community music festivals, dance recitals, speakers series and industrial seminars.

    The College encourages and supports applied research and scholarly activities, and innovation activities that complement and enhance teaching and learning

    in program areas and in industry sectors where its academic expertise enables such a contribution.

    Grande Prairie Regional College is dedicated to providing learners in northwest Alberta with access to high quality and diverse lifelong learning opportunities,

    and to the responsible educational, fiscal and environmental stewardship of resources.

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    Page 2

    VISION

    Grande Prairie Regional College is recognized by its learning communities for leadership in educational excellence.

    MISSION STATEMENTCreating connections to knowledge, experience and community one life at a time.

    VALUES

    The fundamental values of Grande Prairie Regional College are:

    Student Centred

    We commit ourselves to a community oflearning.

    We commit ourselves to the teaching andlearning relationship.

    We give students the opportunity to grow andbecome enriched.

    We pursue student learning opportunities thatmaximize and lead to lifelong learning.

    The student is always the beneficiary of ouractivity.

    Integrity

    We live up to the highest standard s ofprofessionalism through fair and ethicalbehavior.

    We do what we say and build trust throughour actions.

    We are honest and open.

    We are committed to a spirit of service.

    We strive to earn our students' andsupporters' trust.

    We are loyal.

    Respect

    We treat each other, our students and ourpublic with dignity and respect.

    We celebrate the diversity of people, ideasand culture.

    We take responsibility for our reputation.

    We are enhanced by cooperative efforts,partnerships and shared use of resources inan atmosphere of respect.

    We respect the need for discretion andconfidentiality.

    Accountability

    We are personally accountable to each other.We are accountable to the communities weserve.

    We strive to provide a safe and caringenvironment for students, staff and visitors.

    We are fiscally accountable.

    We are committed to the stewardship of theenvironment, our building and the land.

    We make evidence based decisions.

    Innovation

    We encourage innovation.We respect our past but we are futurefocused.

    We engage students in creative learning.

    We are responsive and market driven.

    We strive to be a leader in applyinginformation technology in ways that cantransform higher education.

    We are a portal to discovery and learning.

    Passion

    We love what we do.We take the lead, and lead by example.

    We all contribute.

    We strive to be an extraordinary place towork.

    We have fun.

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    Page 3

    BUSINESS MODEL

    Grande Prairie Regional Colleges 2010-2014 Business Plan was created

    under the business model framework titled,Model for Regional

    Stewardship. Similar to the previous years plan (2008-2012 and 2009-2013), the 2010-2014 Business Plan was created under the models context

    of being the steward of post-secondary education in the region.

    The essential structure of the Colleges portal model is straightforward.

    As Figure 1 illustrates, the context behind it is that Grande Prairie Regional

    College will either meet the learning needs of the service region by

    delivering coursework and programming directly from the instituion, or

    find a partner who can assist in the delivery. Success in this model will

    hinge on the institutions ability to:

    identifyregional education needs;

    develop coursework/programs or identify potential partners

    who can assist; and

    delivercoursework/programs to learners.

    Figure 1: GPRCS Model for Regional Stewardship

    ~ We will serve or we find those who will. ~

    CHANGES IN DIRECTION FROM THE 2009-2013 BUSINESS PLAN

    Significant events have taken place since the release of Grande Prairie

    Regional Colleges 2009-2013 Business Plan specifically the economic

    realities, the continued transition of Fairview College Campus

    programming and staffing to the College, new educational opportunities in

    agriculture and environmental science. While these occurrences were

    identified in the previous years business plan, the rapid speed of the

    global economic downturn and recovery were not anticipated. Though the

    College is experiencing growing institutional momentum, preparations

    were required for the potential effects of the receding economy on the

    province and the region.

    Since the summer of 2009, the world has witnessed negative changes in

    the financial marketplace. The swift decline in the economy has had wide-

    ranging effects on the Colleges bottom line and enrolment, and, among

    other things, has impacted the bottom line of the College. Because of this,

    the current and foreseeable financial realities will affect the speed in which

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    Page 4

    the 2010-2014 Strategic Plan is to be carried out, with many of the

    recommendations being implemented at a slower pace. Although Grande

    Prairie Regional College is financially sound and in a strong position to

    withstand the current environment, continued vigilance and careful

    planning will be required to maintain the organizations financial

    wellbeing.

    Recognized in the 2009-2013 Business Plan were the new geographical

    service regions for comprehensive community institutions, as specified in

    Advanced Education and TechnologysRoles and Policy Mandates

    Framework (Alberta Advanced Education and Technology, 2007). The

    purpose for this regionalization is to ensure that the post-secondary

    system is responsive and aligned to meet the needs of each areas learners,

    economy and society. The College has expanded programming to include

    all areas within the region. Programming delivery in Grande Cache has

    allowed expansion within our stewardship region. The continued quality

    program delivery at both Grande Prairie and Fairview will allow learners

    within the region a chance for quality post-secondary education.

    To accommodate theRoles and Policy Mandates Framework

    requirements, Fairview College Campus programming transitioned

    smoothly on July 1, 2009 to Grande Prair ie Regional College this

    includes the Fairview post-secondary campus. Together, to meet the

    needs of learners within the region, the combined campuses build on their

    excellence in academic programming and increased local options for

    apprenticeship training. While the operations officially commenced

    during the summer of 2009, the changeover process continued well into

    the 2009/10 academic year and will continue beyond. The 2010-2014

    Business Plan outlines initiatives for both campuses to serve the needs of

    the region.

    Grande Prairie Regional Colleges 2010-2014 Business Plan recognizes the

    challenges that will be faced in the upcoming years. Adjustments and

    changes in direction are inevitable as the organization moves forward over

    time with the many complex and varied issues that have been addressed in

    this section. However, the College is a strong and vibrant institution.

    With strategic planning as its focus, a longside the regions continued

    support and investment, it is expected that the College will weather the

    current economic storm and come out stronger on the other side.

    Figure 2: Map of GPRC Service Region

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    Page 5

    ENVIRONMENTAL SCANExamining opportunities and challenges through environmental scanning assists Grande Prairie Regional College in responding appropriately to the changing

    needs of the diverse region that it serves. The following context elements were key factors during the development of the 2010-2014 Strategic Plan.

    REGIONAL DEMOGRAPHICS AND LABOUR MARKET DEMAND

    DEMOGRAPHICS

    Grande Prairie Regional Colleges service region is home to over 102

    thousand people (see page 4 for a map of the region). Residents are

    distributed over a landmass of 68 thousand square kilometers, with large

    distances separating people and places (Statistics Canada, 2006). The

    region has been one of the fastest growing areas in the province, with an

    increase of 13% between the 2001 and 2006 population census counts

    (Statistics Canada, 2006). Since the 2001 census, the City of Grande

    Prairies population has increased by over 35% (Government of Alberta

    Municipal Affairs, 2009). Additionally, the Town of Fairview has also

    experienced an increase since the 2001 population census count by 4.5%.

    Though not as significant as the City of Grande Prairie, this increase did

    help to balance the 5% population decline that occurred between the 1996

    and 2001 population census counts (Statistics Canada, 2006).

    With the number of residents just over 50 thousand, the City of Grande

    Prairie has a young population. This trend is reflective of demographics in

    the Colleges regional stewardship area where the population as a whole is

    younger than the Alberta average. Although the average age in the

    Colleges stewardship region is lower than the Alberta average, there will

    still be a significant demographic shift when the baby boomer generation

    retires resulting in a shortage of skilled workers. Sectors such as

    healthcare, manufacturing and energy will be hit by the retirement boom

    as the first baby boomers reach the normal retirement age of 65 years in

    2011.

    The town of Fairview, situated 120 km north of Grande Prairie, is home to

    a population of 3,200 and serves a surrounding region of approximately

    9,000 (Town of Fairview, 2009). Fairview College Campus was founded

    in 1951 as Fairview Agricultural College, with a focus on providing

    agriculturally based programming to rural Peace Country residents. Over

    time, the College expanded to include apprenticeship/trades programming.

    Eventually, apprenticeship/trades programming became the predominant

    focus of the institution. Today, the town of Fairview and the College enjoy a

    reciprocal relationship which includes a pool, theatre, and fitness facility

    located on the College campus for the benefit of both town and College.

    Figure 3: Population Age GPRC Service Region,Grande Prairie, Fairview and Alberta (Statistics Canada, 2006)

    0%

    2%

    4%

    6%

    8%

    10%

    12%

    14%

    16%

    0-4 5-9 10-1415-1920-24 25-2930-3435-39 40-4445-49 50-5455-5960-64 65-69 70+

    %o

    fPopula

    tion

    GPRC Service Region City of Grande Prairie

    Province of Alberta Town of Fairview

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    Page 6

    The general level of schooling in the Colleges service region i s lower than

    the provincial average. As Figure 4 illustrates, there is a greater proportion

    of adults in the region 20 years and over who have not completed a high

    school diploma (26% as compared to 19% for the province). Additionally,

    the provincial average for University degrees is considerably higher than

    the Colleges service region, the City of Grande Prairie and the Town of

    Fairview (19%, 9%, 12% and 8% respectively).

    One of the concerns that has been emerging throughout the regional boom

    in the energy sector over the last four years was the increasing number of

    youth who either did not complete high school, or chose to enter the labor

    force directly after the completion of high school. High salary employment

    opportunities had enticed young adults within the Colleges service region

    to forgo their education. Grande Prairie Regional College is aware that with

    the current economic climate creating a new, unexpected competitiveness

    upon the workforce, those who lack the appropriate education may now be

    placed in a vulnerable position. This was the reality in 2009/10 academic

    year where many programs increased in enrolment due to the economic

    slowdown. Apprenticeship numbers did recede in year 1 and 2. The College

    will also have to ensure that program offerings are linked to employment

    and responsive to industry demand.

    Figure 4: Level of Schooling GPRC Service Region, Grande Prairie, Fairview and Alberta

    Population 20 Years and Over (Statistics Canada, 2006)

    32%

    21%

    17%18%

    4%

    8%

    26%

    28%

    15%

    19%

    3%

    9%

    21%

    30%

    14%

    20%

    3%

    12%

    19%

    26%

    12%

    20%

    4%

    19%

    0%

    5%

    10%

    15%

    20%

    25%

    30%

    35%

    No High SchoolCertificate

    High Shool Certificateor Equivalent

    Apprenticeship/TradesCertificate

    CollegeCertificate/Diploma

    UniversityCertificate/Diploma

    below Bachelors

    UniversityDegree/Certificate or

    higher

    Town of Fairview GPRC Service Region City of Grande Prairie Province of Alberta

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    Page 7

    Aboriginal people living in the Colleges stewardship area account for

    almost 10% of the total population compared to nearly 6% for the province

    (Statistics Canada, 2006). As illustrated in Figure 5, over 50% of the

    Aboriginal population in each category is under 25 years of age. By 2017, it

    is projected that Alberta will have the highest Aboriginal population in

    Canada (Alberta Culture and Community Spirit, 2007).

    Figure 5: Aboriginal Age GPRC Service Region, Grande Prairie,Fairview and Alberta (Statistics Canada, 2006)

    Through years of robust economic growth, the provinces Aboriginal

    population once had the lowest unemployment rate in Canada, with 5.6% in

    March 2008 for Aboriginals living off reserve. However, with the downturn

    in investment markets and the resulting decrease in demand for workers,

    the unemployment rate for Aboriginal people has increased to 16.9% in

    March 2010 (Alberta Employment and Immigration, 2010).

    Adding to the rising number of out-of-work Aboriginal people is the

    increasing gap in educational attainment as compared to non-Aboriginal

    populations. The area of greatest concern is the low high school completion

    rates. According to the 2006 census, over 40% of Aboriginal people

    residing in the Colleges service region have not completed a high school

    diploma (Statistics Canada, 2006).

    Grande Prairie Regional College recognizes that the ability for an Aboriginal

    student to succeed in school has a direct impact on his/her capacity to

    participate in the labor force. However, with the shift in demand for labor

    and the increasing competitiveness for employment, there is an urgency to

    provide training and skill development opportunities for Aboriginal people

    within the region. Therefore, to understand programming requirements

    and increase educational attainment, the College will need to enhance

    linkages with community Aboriginal groups, as well as foster on-campus

    support and services to provide for the academic need of this learner group.

    LOCAL ECONOMY AND LABOUR FORCE

    Over the past decade, Grande Prairie Regional Colleges service region has

    had a vibrant economy with major industrial sectors in agriculture, energy

    and forestry. As the regions communities have grown, they have been able

    to attract and retain higher-order education, health, recreation, retail and

    commercial services. Employment opportunities have increased steadily,

    which has resulted in economic diversification and sustainability.

    Though growth and prosperity have been positives for the region,

    challenges are emerging because of the adverse global economic conditions

    and lower energy prices. The slowdown in forestry and natural gas sectors

    has resulted in an increase in the unemployment rate. Although lower

    than the national average, the unemployment rate for the At habasca-

    Grande Prairie economic region in March 2010 increased 1.6% from the

    previous years rate of6.5% (Alberta Employment and Immigration, 2010).

    The economic slowdown that the region faced since 2008 has seen a

    rebounding effect. The economy has started to pick up with an increase in

    natural gas and oil prices. The increased unemployment rate has not been

    as significant as in years past. More specifically, the provincial economy

    improved during the last five months of 2009 seeing significant job gains;

    however, the unemployment rate provincially is still 7.5% up 1.4 percent

    from March 2009 (Alberta Finance and Enterprise, 2010).

    0%

    5%

    10%

    15%

    20%

    25%

    0-4 5-9 10-1415-1920-24 25-2930-3435-39 40-4445-4950-54 55-5960-6465-69 70+

    %o

    fPopulat

    ion

    GPRC Stewardship Region City of Grande Prairie

    Province of Alberta Town of Fairview

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    Page 8

    Combining regional economic instability with the provinces forecasted

    deficit of $1.4 billion (Alberta Finance and Enterprise, 2010), challenges

    are emerging as leaders attempt to address community wellbeing and

    future development issues under potentially tight fiscal constraints. The

    College service region has seen significant improvement in both the energy

    and forestry sectors. The agricultural industry is under intense pressure

    due to declining commodity prices, economies of scale, and a potential

    drought. Additionally, healthcare facilities are overloaded and have

    difficulties in recruiting and retaining health professionals into many

    remote areas. This has resulted in a short supply of trained health workers

    and an inability to provide accessible and timely services. The health care

    situation does not appear to be getting better with constraints on

    provincial budgets.

    In the face of current economic realities, both the housing situation and

    the decline in energy investment have provided some relief to market

    tensions. The softening of house prices has improved housing affordability

    throughout the province, especially in the Grande Prairie area.Furthermore, with labor shortages easing, labor costs are declining

    alongside the price of material. With this, the cost

    pressures that originated during the recent boom are expected to recede

    and the inflation rate is projected to fall, which will help set the stage for a

    return to economic growth (Alberta Finance and Enterprise, 2008).

    The provincial economy is well positioned to navigate the current turbulent

    global environment, and has started to recover (Alberta Finance and

    Enterprise, 2010). However, through this, changes will have to be made to

    the development and stewardship of all its resources. Grande Prairie

    Regional College is strategically positioned to assist the region in creating

    sustainable growth by offering training to potential students. Through

    funding received from the transition of Fairview College, the College is

    positioned to offer credit education in both apprenticeship training and

    health care service areas. Furthermore, with the partnering of Fairviews

    post-secondary campus and investment in applied research through the

    Centre for Resource and Innovation, the College is positioned to assist with

    the transition of farming and forestry sectors to platforms with more

    sustainable models, such as bio-economy, and creating the next generation

    of skilled workers.

    ISSUES AND IMPLICATIONS REGIONAL DEMOGRAPHICS AND LABOUR MARKET

    Both the regions healthcare and resource-based sectors are facing

    difficult times and unprecedented challenges. However, the new

    direction of the changing marketplace will have positive e ffects on the

    regions economic sustainability. The College will do its upmost to

    assist in easing the health-related challenges in the region and

    increasing the availability of skilled trade workers. Grande Prairie

    Regional College is committed to building an education centre that

    will train health service providers, as well as expand the campus to

    offer industry-demanded apprenticeship training. Additionally,

    through the resources of the Fairview post-secondary campus and

    funding directed toward applied research, the College will assist

    resource-based businesses in the transition to more sustainable

    business models.

    Many communities within the service region are a considerable

    distance away from the College, which makes access to education

    difficult. To respond to the regions needs, it will be necessary for

    Grande Prairie Regional College to continue with the development of

    distance education courses by utilizing distance education partners

    such as Alberta-North, eCampus Alberta, and capsites within our

    region.

    Alarge number of the Colleges service region population has chosen to

    forgo a post-secondary education for high salary employmentopportunities. Additionally, education levels are lower than the

    provincial average particularly within the Aboriginal population.

    Without an investment in higher education, future career choices and

    resilience to the fluctuating market will be compromised. Combine this

    with the impending retirement boom, and the region will experience

    significant skills shortages within the next four years. To assist in

    alleviating the lack of education attained, the College will need to

    increase access to continuous upgrading and provide support

    mechanisms to help overcome learning barriers. In addition, programs

    will need to align with industrial sectors to ensure that they are linked

    to employment and responsive to industry demand.

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    ENROLMENT DEMAND

    The following historical student profile data is provided by Alberta Advanced Education and Technologys Learner Enrolment Reporting System. The College

    uses this information to determine market response t o programs and services, as well as to provide direction for program development and budget projections.

    It should be noted that Fairview College Campus merged with the College July 2009; the enrolment information in this section does not include the historicaldata for the transitioned programs as GPRC did not submit this data to Alberta Advanced Education and Technology.

    CREDIT ENROLMENT

    The following represents a summary ofGrande Prairie Regional Colleges credit enrolment students for the 2008/09 academic year:

    65% of the student body were 20 years of age and older. A large

    portion of the Colleges students have been out of secondary school for

    over a year and are working whi le attending school.

    76% of the student intake in the last two years were female. A

    significant number of male students entered the workforce

    directly out of secondary school.

    There were 2,249 full-time and part-time students. Note advanced

    education has new methodology for calculating unduplicatedheadcount

    The average age of students was 25.1 while the median age

    was 21.

    Table 1: GPRC Full Load Equivalent (FLE) Credit Enrolments 2004/05 to 2008/09*

    CREDENTIAL 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09

    Academic Upgrading 165 149 131 155 203

    Certificates 333 280 287 255 258

    Diplomas 139 166 137 151 116

    University Level 607 591 568 521 522

    Other 142 161 139 170 191

    FLE Total 1,386 1,347 1,262 1,251 1,290

    Unduplicated Headcount 2,279 2,347 2,229 2,367 2,249

    *Fairview College Campus programming is not included in this figure

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    Figure 6: 2008/09 Student High School PopulationCity of Grande Prairie and GPRC Service Region

    (Alberta Education, 2010)

    1,357 1,3301,241 1,257 1,202

    1,2621,346 1,357

    1,570

    1,7701,668

    1,786

    805 785702 719 678

    726 751 753 720

    835

    705

    827

    0

    200

    400

    600

    800

    1,000

    1,200

    1,400

    1,600

    1,800

    Grade01

    Grade02

    Grade03

    Grade04

    Grade05

    Grade06

    Grade07

    Grade08

    Grade09

    Grade10

    Grade11

    Grade12

    GPRC Service Region School Divisions City of Grande Prairie Schools

    Over the last five years, Grande Prairie Regional College had seen an

    average declining enrolment rate of 4.4% (see Table 1). This was

    predominately due to a highly employed population where the strong

    economy was attracting individuals, especially high school students, into its

    labour force. Currently with the acquisition of Fairview College Campus,

    the College has recorded an estimated 2000 FLE for the 2009/10 academic

    year. This is a direct result of the economic slow-down which has impacted

    the overall enrolment in a positive way.

    Recognized earlier in this section (page 6), a significant number of the

    regions population chose to forgo their education for high-paying

    employment opportunities. As a result, the strong economy competed

    directly with the College. However, with the changes in global markets and

    the resulting labour force competitiveness to have the appropriate

    credentials, it is anticipated that this pattern will end. Furthermore, as

    illustrated in Figure 6, there are a considerable number of high school

    students within the Colleges service region entering their graduating years.

    It is projected that this, combined with the economic slowdown, will

    positively affect student enrolment at the College.

    Aboriginal Students

    The demographic factors identified previously (see page 7) significantly

    affect the educational opportunities and success of Aboriginal students at

    Grande Prairie Regional College. For the 2008/09 academic year, 333

    self-identified Aboriginal students were registered (Table 2). This

    represents a 10% increase from the 2007/08 academic year. The trendindicates aboriginal student enrolment has started to rebound from the

    low seen in 2007/08.

    In addressing the challenges of recruiting and retaining Aboriginal

    students, Grande Prairie Regional College has planned several new

    initiatives within the recently submitted Strategic Enrolment Management

    Plan (see page 44 for details of the plan). Efforts will be focused on

    destination programming and building on Aboriginal recruitment, along

    with assessing current services offered to the students. It is expected that

    these efforts will enhance both the quality of education and quality of life on

    campus for the Colleges Aboriginal students, as well as have a positive

    effect on their enrolment and completion rates.

    Table 2: Aboriginal Student Enrolment Trends

    2004/05

    2005/06

    2006/07

    2007/08

    2008/09

    FLE Indicator 225 179 175 159 177

    Headcount 364 370 330 297 333

    Completion Rates 69% 80% 74% 70% 73%

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    International Students

    Grande Prairie Regional College recognizes the economic, social and

    cultural contributions that international students bring to the region. For

    the 2008/09 academic year, 58 international students were registered in

    credit courses at the College (see Table 3). With the number of students atlow levels, it is recognized that there is a need to address this issue.

    Alongside the Ministrys International Education Action Plan initiative,

    preparations are taking place to advance the institutions international

    education program (see Appendix I, page 44 for details).

    Once completed, it is expected that the investment in international students

    will further enhance the learning environment at the College.

    Table 3: International Student Enrolment Trends

    2004/05

    2005/06

    2006/07

    2007/08

    2008/09

    Headcount 112 99 96 85 58

    NON-CREDIT ENROLMENT

    Non-credit registrations continue to grow faster than credit program

    registrations. There was a slight increase from the previous year

    indicating that the Non-Credit Enrolment remains an important part of

    the College (see Table 4). The success of Workforce Developments non-

    credit enrolment is indicative of a region that requires more short-termtraining designed to fit the specific scheduling and skill needs of students.

    Additionally, non-credit registrations also include community use of

    College facilities through the Department of Physical Education, Athletics

    and Kinesiology, and the Department of Fine Arts. High registrations in

    these areas are due to notable reputations these programs have achieved

    throughout the community due to excellence in the quality of the

    programs.

    The delivery of non-credit programming is integral to the future business

    of Grande Prairie Regional College. Combining the increase in operational

    costs, with the annual increase in base grant funding from the Ministry

    projected to discontinue (see page 29 for budget assumptions), the College

    will need to focus on building both the volume and profit return to the

    institution from non-credit programs.

    Table 4: Non-Credit Registration Trends

    PROGRAM2004/

    052005/

    062006/

    072007/

    082008/

    09

    WorkforceDevelopment

    6,619 7,967 9,034 8,358 8,576

    Fine Arts 900 1,235 1,339 787 574

    Athletics/Be Fit For Life

    5,760 5,996 6,379 6,218 6,690

    Total 13,279 15,198 16,752 15,363 15,840

    ISSUES AND IMPLICATIONS ENROLMENT DEMAND

    Enrolment numbers impact the service region fewer intakes results

    in fewer graduates for the labor market. Although it is projected that

    credit enrolment will increase, the College will need to continue

    focusing on student recruitment within the service region.

    Industry and community demand for non-credit services and

    programs can help to alleviate the Colleges rising operational cost,

    and supplement government base funding. To do this, the College

    must continue to develop cost-recovery policies and procedures that

    are compliant with government auditing assessments.

    The current fiscal restraint has altered the approach the College has

    taken. Government funding has been cut and as a result funding

    reallocations need to be made to ensure continued program success.

    The success of attracting and retaining students is attributed to

    successful budgeting to indicate that resources have been allocated

    correctly. A summary of the current projected budget is found on

    page27.

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    STRATEGIC PLANTHE PLANNING PROCESS

    The 2010-2014 Strategic Plan serves as a foundation upon which a number

    of planning, implementation, assessment and evaluation initiatives will be

    built over the next four years. Recognizing that there are many reporting

    activities required by various internal and external stakeholders, the

    College has built an integrated strategic model which incorporates the

    following considerations:

    the continued adoption of the Model for Regional Stewardship;

    serving our geographic service region;

    direct input from the Colleges management team on the strengths

    and weaknesses of the institution;

    the continued implementation of Fairview College programming and

    staffing to the College;

    current initiatives underway; and

    the College defined as a Comprehensive Community Institution

    throughAdvanced Education and Technologys Roles and Mandates

    Policy Framework.

    The data gathering process resulted in a review and audit of the previous

    years strategic plan. However, this document is still a work in progress,

    as the joining ofFairview Campus programming and staffing with Grande

    Prairie Regional College will be ongoing throughout the 2009/10 academic

    year and beyond, and may result in adjustments to the strategic goals and

    tasks. Furthermore, it is recognized that success in implementing the

    strategies

    depends upon College-wide participation. Now that the transition process

    is complete, performance indicators have been established and

    responsibilities assigned to ensure that all staff contribute to the success of

    the organization. It is anticipated that this plan will be reviewed and

    adapted annually to make sure Grande Prairie Regional College is on target

    towards its strategic directions and goals.

    The strategic directions for Grande Prairie Regional Colleges 2010-2014

    Business Plan are as follows:

    1. Quality Learning

    2. Regional Stewardship and Service

    3. Excellence in People

    4. Economic and Environmental Responsibility

    Building on these directions, five main goals remain as overarching

    priorities that will guide the College into the future:

    1. Quality and Responsive Education and Student Support Programs

    2. Contribution to the Quality of Life and Economic Growth in the

    stewardship Region

    3. Engaging and Supportive Working Environment

    4. Sustained Fiscal Health of the Institution

    5. Sustained Environmental Health of the Institution

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    SUMMARY OF KEY PRIORITIES

    The primary focus of the strategic planning process was the identification of key priorities for Grande Prairie Regional College. Although each topic is

    individually highlighted, the success in one area impacts at least one, if not all, other topic area no one priority is more important than the other.

    Fairview College Campus Transition

    The transition of Fairview College programming, staffing and campus will

    continue to be a key focus for Grande Prairie Regional College. Once it is

    completed, not only will it offer the opportunity for an accessible, flexible

    and responsive learning environment, but it will also help to meet the

    needs for advanced education in rural Alberta. While the integration

    begun July 2009, it is expected that the changeover will continue

    throughout the 2009/10 academic year and beyond. To ensure an

    effective transition, the following initiatives have been identified:

    integrating curriculum, human resources, communications,

    infrastructure, finance and governance work streams;

    continuing open communication and staff engagement processes; and

    aligning both Grande Prairie and Fairview campuses under one

    shared vision.

    ensure government reporting issues are resolved LERS, FIRS, and

    KIPRS

    Financial Sustainability

    To enhance the quality and value of the education provided to learners,

    Grande Prairie Regional College must continue to be financially

    sustainable. Although the College has met its financial targets over the

    years, accountability and transparency are areas that remain to be in need

    of improvement. In addition, the financial reality of the economic

    downturn has resulted in a conservative approach in budgeting income

    projections. As such, a revenue stream must be secured to meet the

    forecasted operational and capital needs. To address these concerns, the

    following initiatives have been identified:

    aligning the institution-wide fundraising plan to incorporate

    involvement from all departments;

    promoting departmental responsibilities and accountabilities for the

    financial health of the College; and

    focusing on alumni development to establish new sources of revenue

    and build on existing ones.

    Human Resources

    Staff recruitment and retention are significant challenges for Grande

    Prairie Regional College. Competitiveness of the market makes it difficult

    to attract qualified staff while maintaining fiscal balance during the

    economic downturn. With this in mind, the following initiatives have

    been identified:

    developing current staff and management;

    improving and defining internal processes; and

    enhancing recruitment strategies within the constraints of market-

    conditions.

    Institutional Culture

    The transformation of the institutional climate and culture continues to be

    a priority for Grande Prairie Regional College. Without this change, the

    organization will not be successful in achieving the strategic goals set in

    this plan. The College must be committed to a collaborative climate and

    culture that embraces diversity, values teamwork, and is flexible and

    adaptive to change. The following initiatives have been identified to lead

    an effective transformation of the institution:

    continued implementation of the vision, mission, values and

    mandate; and

    fostering a cultural change within the organization.

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    Enrolment Management

    Grande Prairie Regional College views enrolment management as an

    institution-wide strategy involving all aspects of the student experience

    from initial inquiry, through to enrolment, to the College learning

    experience and then to program completion or transfer. Through this, thefollowing initiatives have been identified:

    continued implementation of the Strategic Enrolment Management

    Plan (See Appendix 1);

    cultivating the enrolment management culture across the institution;

    and

    enhancing the overall student experience at the College.

    While broad in concept, these initiatives will encompass all departments

    within the institution.

    Stakeholder Linkages

    Grande Prairie Regional College understands that connecting with the

    communities and the learners it serves is essential in meeting the needs of

    the service region and many of the strategic goals set. For learners to be

    successful, programming must be accessible, inclusive and place studentsat the forefront of what employers and the economy needs. With these

    requirements in mind, the following initiatives have been ide ntified:

    adopting a regional mindset in responding to employment demands

    and community economic viability;

    consulting with stakeholders to determine how the College can

    support communities and develop learners; and

    developing strategic relationships with education institutions,

    business, industry and government.

    Campus Development

    It is essential that Grande Prairie Regional College address campus

    development and land planning as it considers the needs of its

    stakeholders. The Colleges plans must consider the resources necessary

    to support projected growth with limited financial support. This not only

    includes reassessing potential capital expansion and renewal projects, but

    it also consists of reviewing the needs of technical infrastructure and

    equipment, as well as non-curricular services. With this in mind, the

    following campus development initiatives have been identified:

    update the facility master plan and include the Colleges major facility

    expansion project for regional health and apprenticeship needs;

    development plans for continued expansion and enhancement to

    better the educational needs of our region; and

    identifying policies and procedures for an environmentally-friendly

    campus.

    Fairview Campus Programming

    Grande Prairie Regional College understands the importance of the trades

    and apprenticeship training at Fairview campus. Expansion of current

    facilities to accommodate a changing economy is an important direction

    on which the College will focus. With these requirements in mind, the

    following initiatives have been identified:

    expansion of new innovative programs at Fairview campus;

    continued consultation with area representatives to determine howthe College can support new programs in Fairview; and

    continue to develop relationships with industry to ensure a h igh levelof success at Fairview campus.

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    OBJECTIVES, EXPECTED OUTCOMES AND PERFORMANCE MEASURES

    The following objectives were designed to meet the established strategic goals and encompass the key priorities id entified in the strategic planning process.

    STRATEGIC DIRECTION 1: QUALITY LEARNING

    Contextual Statement: Grande Prairie Regional College will be a portal for meeting regional learning needs.~ The College will foster a learner-centred environment, as well as be nimble and responsive to student, community and market educational demands. ~

    Goal 1: Quality and Responsive Education and Student Support Programs

    OBJECTIVES TACTICS MEASURES OUTCOMES

    1.1 Deliver affordable

    programs that are

    accessible and relevant to

    the changing needs, context

    and diversity of students inthe region.

    Consult with learners, employers,

    community members and Aboriginal

    groups about their needs and how best the

    College can serve them.

    Develop and expand the following credit

    programs in response to community,

    industry and student interests: trades,

    certificate, diploma, high school

    equivalency, University transfer,

    collaborative degree completion and

    applied degrees.

    Maintain the completion of all annual and

    six year program reviews.

    Maintain and grow the distance education

    operating model to support distance

    students, and enhance alternative modes of

    delivering coursework and programs

    through eCampus Alberta and Alberta-

    North.

    Implement an enrolment management

    strategy to increase the number students

    registered.

    Diversity and volume of

    needs assessment

    consultations taken place.

    Capacity of class sizes.

    Trends in enrolment and

    student unduplicated

    headcount.

    Graduation satisfaction/

    employment rates.

    Enrolment trends in distance

    education programs.

    Delivery of apprenticeship,

    certificate, diploma, high

    school equivalency, and

    University transferprograms, along with

    collaborative degree

    completion and applied

    degrees.

    Number of annual and six

    year program reviews

    Fully enrolled, responsive

    and accessible educational

    programs meeting the

    needs of the students and

    the region.

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    OBJECTIVES TACTICS MEASURES OUTCOMES

    1.2 Ensure the College learning

    environment is of high

    quality.

    Encourage, recognize and advance student

    achievement and success.

    Enhance student processing systems (i.e.

    student awards, integrated system software,

    etc.).

    Ensure the Technology Plan meets the

    evolving needs of the College.

    Continue to improve the quality of teaching

    and instruction.

    Develop a College applied research policy to

    facilitate and govern faculty and student

    involvement in applied research.

    Trends in diploma, certificate

    and high school equivalency

    course and program

    completion rates.

    Trends in the course and

    program completion rates of

    self-declared Aboriginal

    students.

    Application trends for

    student bursaries and

    scholarships.

    Trends in program

    withdrawal rates.

    Enriched learning

    environment where

    students achieve their

    educational goals, whileexcelling academically and

    socially.

    1.3 Promote and enhance adistinctive image for

    student support programs

    Improve student life on campus throughsocial, intellectual, cultural and physical

    wellness activities, as well as through

    improvement to the Colleges facilities.

    Strengthen educational services for

    students from diverse backgrounds, such as

    Aboriginal, disadvantaged and international

    students.

    Student use of availableCollege resources (i.e. usage

    rates in the learning support

    centre).

    Variety of student-driven

    multicultural events.

    Excelling academically andenjoying a rich social life

    1.4 Fostering a research based

    institution that

    encompasses staff,students, and area

    researchers

    Enhance the Centre for Research &Innovation to showcase the developing

    applied researchPromote researching by staff and arearesearchers

    Create applied research opportunities forfaculty and students.

    Development of a appliedresearch policy.

    Number of applied researchprojects undertaken

    Publications in academicjournals

    Presentations at conferencesand workshops

    Student involvement

    Faculty are supported inapplied research, students

    are gaining anunderstanding in appliedresearch, and community isgaining value from theapplied research

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    STRATEGIC DIRECTION 2: REGIONAL STEWARDSHIP AND SERVICE

    Contextual Statement: Grande Prairie Regional College will establish a network/partnership environment.~ The College will position itself as the leading educational, economic and cultural partner contributing to the vitality of the region. ~

    Goal 2: Contribution to the Quality of Life and Economic Growth in the Stewardship Region

    OBJECTIVES TACTICS MEASURES OUTCOMES

    2.1 Establish network

    partnerships and identify

    priorities that mutually

    serve the interests of the

    College and its

    Stakeholders.

    Create protocols for building partnerships.

    Form close links with organizations in order

    to be well-informed of local and regional

    needs.

    Collaborate with regional Aboriginal

    communities and organizations.Pursue internal and external partnerships,

    and collaboration opportunities to build on

    existing, as well as create new, credit and

    non-credit program offerings.

    Collaborate with business, industry and

    government for solution-focused applied

    applied research activities.

    Development of partnership

    protocols.

    Formal internal/external

    partnerships and

    collaborative opportunities

    created.

    Types of applied research

    activities and partnerships.

    Quality and comprehensive

    learning opportunities

    through a wide range of

    engaged partnerships,

    networks and resources.

    2.2 Expand the opportunities

    for community involvement

    in College activities.

    Increase the availability of resources for

    fitness, health and wellness, cultural and

    non-credit continuing education activities.

    Enhance community participation

    initiatives in programs, department and

    student organizations.

    Raise the awareness throughout the

    community of opportunities to partner with

    the College.

    Registrations and types of

    activities.

    Participation of employees

    and students in community

    affairs and activities.

    Types of College/community

    partnerships (i.e. profit-

    sharing, cultural, etc.).

    Trends in private fundraising

    awards.

    Community resource for

    recreational, cultural

    research, and economic

    development.

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    OBJECTIVES TACTICS MEASURES OUTCOMES

    2.3 Develop and promote a

    distinctive image for the

    College.

    Build a distinctive College identity that is

    conveyed uniformly among the College

    community and promoted as one voice to

    the service region.

    Align department fundraising initiatives

    throughout the College.

    Existence of a marketing

    plan.

    College and community focus

    groups awareness of College

    values and achievements.

    Awareness and recognition

    within the service region of

    the Colleges quality,

    distinctiveness andachievements.

    2.4 Increase innovation

    opportunities for the

    community

    Become known in the community as a placeto grow your product

    Promote the College involvement in theCentre for Research & Innovation.

    Promote the Centre for Research &Innovation as a provider of Innovationservices

    Number of innovationprojects supported by theCentre for Research &Innovation.

    Increased advertising andutilization of the Centre forResearch & Innovation.

    Culture of Innovation

    AwarenessProgram/Activities

    Connecting innovators andsmall medium enterprisesto help enhance andmarket their product

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    STRATEGIC DIRECTION 3: EXCELLENCE IN PEOPLE

    Contextual Statement: Grande Prairie Regional College will be people-focused and will empower leadership at all levels.~ The College values a collegial and supportive environment in which faculty and staff know that their contributions matter. ~

    Goal 3: Engaging and Supportive Working Environment

    OBJECTIVES TACTICS MEASURES OUTCOMES

    3.1 Improve recruitment,

    retention and development

    of employees.

    Improve the internal decision-making

    process by developing a comprehensive

    decision-making protocol.

    Build leadership capacity by developing

    current employees in anticipation of futureposition vacancies.

    Define and implement a cultural change.

    Develop a communication system and

    culture that enables information flow to and

    from employees at all levels.

    Evaluate and enhance recruitment and

    retention strategies.

    Support and fund the Employee

    Recognition and Professional Development

    programs.

    Improve and support excellence in

    instruction.

    Continue to develop and emphasize the

    importance of staff adherence to the

    Colleges mandate, vision, mission and

    values.

    Development of leadership

    decision-making and

    strategic implementation

    procedures.

    Refined leadership trainingprogram.

    Results of the annual staff

    satisfaction survey: the

    College working

    environment;

    acknowledgement of the

    Colleges mandate, vision,

    mission and values.

    Employee turnover rates.

    Vacant positions, length of

    time to fill and quantity ofapplications.

    Employees in attendance at

    College focus group sessions.

    Trends in the ACIFA survey.

    Staff are motivated,

    committed to excellence,

    highly qualified and regard

    the College as an employer

    of choice.

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    OBJECTIVES TACTICS MEASURES OUTCOMES

    3.2 Have an effectiveEmergency ManagementPlan

    Create a Risk Management framework thatcontinually identifies, monitors, mitigatesand plans for hazards.

    Develop a communication system thatprovides crucial information to targetaudiences.

    Invite external emergency services to theCollege to promote cooperation,collaboration and communication.

    Align our procedures to regulations andcodes.

    Teach students, staff, and faculty about theEmergency Management Program throughvarious forms of media.

    Conduct regular drills and exercises toidentify gaps in the EmergencyManagement Program.

    Develop the processes to continuallyreevaluate the plans, polices, andprocedures.

    Training/education sessionsper identified threat.

    Number of practical drillsheld per academic year.

    Number of false fire alarms.

    Evacuation response times.

    Number of educationsessions for leadershipregarding roles andresponsibilities towardsEMP.

    Number of occupationalhazards identified.

    Number of table topEOC/ERT exercises perannum.

    A resilient College thatensures the health andsafety of students, staff,faculty, visitors and thecommunity in the event ofan emergency or disastersituation and allows forquick recovery of theCollege.

    3.3 Create an Enterprise Risk

    Management ProgramDevelop a Risk Management Committeethat will identify, assess, treat, andmonitor/report to senior executive strategicand operational risks as they relate to theCollege.

    Develop the internal processes to managethe risks.

    Completion of thedevelopment of all internalprocessesNumber of occupationalhazards identified.

    Number of risks on thecollege per annum.

    Protect and create value forstudents, staff, faculty,surrounding community,and institution byidentifying and proactivelyaddressing risks.

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    STRATEGIC DIRECTION 4: ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

    Contextual Statement: Grande Prairie Regional College will be strong and sustainable, and operate as an environmentallyand economically responsible institution.

    ~ The College will serve as an institution of integrity and principle with appreciation for the natural environment and stewardship of its limited resources. ~

    Goal 4: Sustained Fiscal Health of the Institution

    OBJECTIVES TACTICS MEASURES OUTCOMES

    4.1 Manage fiscal resources for

    sustainability.

    Improve financial planning, reporting,

    accountability forecasting and transparency.

    Continue to maintain diversified revenue

    generating efforts.

    Expand funding recruitment efforts in the

    region.

    Meet the limit of the Access to the Future

    Fund.

    Improved cost-recovery

    process.

    Key Performance Indicator

    Cost per FLE.

    Finances are aligned with

    Board Ends and are managed

    to meet or exceed targets for

    the year.

    Donors and amount of

    contributions.

    Access to the Future Fund

    maximized.

    Effective management and

    development of financial

    resources to meet current

    and future needs.

    4.2 Maximize capital

    investment through

    planning and development.

    Expand and enhance facilities to

    accommodate projected growth.

    Revisit and revise the Campus Master

    Facilities plan to respond to short and long

    term needs.

    Prepare and implement plans for emergency

    preparedness.

    Capital projects are

    completed within their

    projected timeframe.

    Master Facilities Plan

    completed

    Completion of an emergency

    preparedness plan.

    Assets are safe and secure,

    accommodate growth and

    demonstrate a responsibleuse of resources.

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    Goal 5: Sustained Environmental Health of the Institution

    OBJECTIVES TACTICS MEASURES OUTCOMES

    5.1 Recognized as a leader in

    environmental sustainability

    Improve recycling capabilitiesthroughout the College

    Develop and implement plan forenvironmental stewardship

    Less paper being utilizedthrough areas like paperlessmeetings

    More recycled product leavingthe College

    Completion of green policy

    initiatives.

    Institution is seen to havegreen oriented goals that showthe College is working to becomemore environmentally sensitive.

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    ALIGNMENT WITH GOVERNMENT GOALS AND COLLEGE BOARD OF GOVERNO RS ENDS

    The following summarizes the linkage between the Colleges 2010-2014 Strategic Plan and the Government of Albertas related goals, the Ministrys core

    business goals as identified in Advanced Education and Technologys 2010-2013 Business Plan, and the College Board of Governors Ends.

    ALIGNMENT WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTAS STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLAN

    GOVERNMENTSTRATEGIC PRIORITIES

    ALBERTA ADVANCED EDUCATIONAND TECHNOLOGY GOALS

    GPRC GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

    Priority 1: Alberta Innovates Goal 3: Excellence in research,

    innovation, and commercialization drives

    Albertas future success.

    Goal 1: Quality and responsive education and student support

    programs. (Objective 1.1 and 1.4)

    Goal 2: Contribution to the quality of life and economic growth

    in the Stewardship Region. (Objective 2.1, 2.4)

    Goal 5: Sustained Environmental Health of the Institution

    (Objective 4.3)

    Priority 2: System alignment Goal 1: A globally recognized, quality

    advanced learning system meets the

    needs of Alberta.

    Goal 2: A learner-centered, affordable

    advanced learning system accessible to

    Albertans.

    Goal 3: Excellence in research,

    innovation, and commercialization drives

    Albertas future success.

    Goal 1: Quality and responsive programming and student

    support programs. (Objectives 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3)

    Goal 2: Contribution to the quality of life and economic growth

    in the Stewardship Region. (Objectives 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4)

    Goal 3: Engaging and supportive working environment.

    (Objective 3.1)

    Goal 4: Sustained fiscal health of the institution. (Objective 4.2)

    Goal 5: Sustained environmental health of the institution

    (Objective 4.3)

    Priority 3: System sustainability Goal 1: A globally recognized, qualityadvanced learning system meets the

    needs of Alberta.

    Goal 2: A learner-centered, affordable

    advanced learning system accessible to

    Albertans.

    Goal 3: Excellence in research,

    innovation, and commercialization drives

    Albertas future success.

    Goal 1: Quality and responsive programming and studentsupport programs. (Objectives 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4)

    Goal 2: Contribution to the quality of life and economic growth

    in the Stewardship Region. (Objective 2.1 and 2.5)

    Goal 3: Engaging and supportive working environment.

    (Objective 3.1)

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    ALIGNMENT WITH GRANDE PRAIRIE REGIONAL COLLEGE BOARD OF GOVERNORS' ENDS

    Goal: People have Opportunities to Improve their Lives and Communities at a Cost that can be Justified by the Results

    BOARD ENDS GPRC STRATEGIC DIRECTION GPRC GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

    End 1: Individuals seeking post-

    secondary education can develop

    relevant skills in an evolving

    world.

    Strategic Direction 1: Quality learning

    experiences.

    Strategic Direction 2: Regional

    stewardship and service.

    Strategic Direction 3: Excellence in

    people.

    Goal 1: Quality and responsive programming and student

    support programs. (Objective 1.1, 1.2 and 1.4)

    Goal 2: Contribution to the quality of life and economic growth

    in the Stewardship Region. (Objectives 2.1, 2.2, and 2.4)

    Goal 3: Engaging and supportive working environment.

    (Objective 3.1)

    End 2: Increased accessibility to

    post-secondary education in the

    stewardship area.

    Strategic Direction 1: Quality learning

    experiences.

    Strategic Direction 2: Regional

    stewardship and service.

    Strategic Direction 4: Economic and

    environmental responsibility.

    Goal 1: Quality and responsive programming and student

    support programs. (Objectives 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3)

    Goal 2: Contribution to the quality of life and economic growth

    in the Stewardship Region. (Objective 2.1)

    Goal 4: Sustained fiscal and environmental health of the

    institution. (Objective 4.2)

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    BOARD ENDS GPRC STRATEGIC DIRECTION GPRC GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

    End 3: The community has

    accessible resources to improve

    quality of life.

    Strategic Direction 1: Quality learning

    experiences.

    Strategic Direction 2: Regional

    stewardship and service.

    Strategic Direction 3: Excellence in

    people.

    Strategic Direction 4: Economic and

    environmental responsibility.

    Goal 1: Quality and responsive programming and student

    support programs. (Objective 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4)

    Goal 2: Contribution to the quality of life and economic growth

    in the Stewardship Region. (Objectives 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4)

    Goal 3: Engaging and supportive working environment.

    (Objective 3.1)

    Goal 4: Sustained fiscal health of the institution. (Objective 4.1,

    and4.2)

    Goal 5: Sustained environmental health of the institution

    (Objective 4.3)

    End 4: New research-based

    knowledge is created and shared.

    Strategic Direction 1: Quality learning

    experiences

    Strategic Direction 2: Regional

    stewardship and service.

    Goal 1: Quality and responsive programming and student

    support programs. (Objective 1.4)

    Goal 2: Contribution to the quality of life and economic growth

    in the Stewardship Region. (Objectives 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4)

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    Page 26

    ENROLMENT PLANENROLMENT GROWTH TARGETS

    Grande Prairie Regional Colleges enrolment targets for the next four years embody a strategy to increase the number of students attending the institution by

    19%. As illustrated in Figure 7, the College has set targets for a four-year accumulative increase of approximately 469 Full Load Equivalent (FLE) students by

    the 2013/14 academic year. Noted in the diagram is the addition of Fairview College Campus programming enrolment to the Colleges projections. With this,

    additional programming and student enrolment figures will be added to the Colleges portfolio beginning July 2009 as can be seen in Figure 7.

    Figure 7: 2010-2014 Enrolment Growth Targets

    (exclusive of enrolment assessment for the Health and Wellness Education Centre and trades expansion project)

    1,412 ActualFLE Students

    800

    1,000

    1,200

    1,400

    1,600

    1,800

    2,000

    2,200

    2,400

    2,600

    2,800

    3,000

    3,200

    3,400

    3,600

    97/98 98/99 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14

    1,569 FLE GPRCstudents projected for2009/10

    Add FairviewCampus programmingenrolment (491 FLE)2,060 FLE studentsprojected for 2009/10

    Add FairviewCampus programmingenrolment (550 FLE)2,529 FLE studentsprojected for 2013/14

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    INSTITUTION ENROLMENT PLAN

    Table 5 details the 2010-2014 enrolment goals for the Grande Prairie campus as identified by the Academic Division. The table also lists the enrolment

    projections for Fairview programs, which were based on enrolments in 2009/10 through student registrations for the 2009/10 academic year. Appendix II

    provides the enrolment plan breakdown for both Grande Prairie and Fairview campuses (page 47). In developing the 2010-2014 enrolment goals, the

    following factors were considered:

    the Colleges focus on enrolment management through the guidance

    of the Strategic Enrolment Management Plan (see page 44);

    the increasing trend in the number of high school graduates

    within the service region;

    expanding collaboration/degree completion opportunities; focusing on improving service to Aboriginal communities and

    learners;

    timely and appropriate response to regional economic, social and

    cultural demands;

    continued collaboration with public and private educational

    institutions; and

    increasing distance learning opportunities for regional learners;

    Table 5: GPRC 2010-2014 FLE Enrolment Goals

    CREDENTIAL 2009/10ESTIMATE*

    2010/11GOAL

    2011/12GOAL

    2012/13GOAL

    2013/14GOAL

    Certificate 371 445 527 545 520

    Diploma 140 140 212 223 250

    Upgrading 250 260 240 220 200

    University 625 640 672 766 794

    Other 185 185 185 185 185

    Sub-Total GPRC Campus FLE 1,569 1,670 1,836 1,939 1,979

    Apprenticeship Programs 310 300 256 256 310

    Fairview Certificate Programs 136 173 180 182 185

    Fairview Diploma Programs 45 50 53 55 55

    Sub-Total Transitioned Programs FLE 491 510 550 583 585

    Total FLE 2,060 2,193 2,325 2,432 2,529

    *2009/10 estimated FLE are as of February 2010. FLEs may vary slightly (1% - 3%) due to withdrawals and Spring registrations.

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    FINANCIAL PLANEMERGING COST PRESSURES

    Grande Prairie Regional College is dependent on stable and adequate

    revenue streams to facilitate long-term planning and be responsive to both

    the needs of the College and the region. In the 2008/09 academic year,

    grants made up 58% of the institutions total revenue (Figure 8). With an

    unconfirmed increase of general operating grants from the government, the

    College will be faced with the challenge of finding additional sources of

    revenue.

    Figure 9: GPRC Consolidated Expenses, 2008/09 Actuals

    Figure 8: GPRC Consolidated Revenues, 2008/09 Actuals

    The largest expense to the College is salaries and benefits, encompassing over

    61% of total expenditures in 2008/09. With the addition of Fairview College

    Campus, the College will face increases in utility charges and salaries. With this,

    the institution is tasked to seek innovative solutions to ease cost pressures, while

    meeting the educational demands of students. Efforts to increase enrolmentsand improve internal efficiencies will be necessary in the upcoming year.

    NOTE: the 2008/09 consolidated revenues and expenses do not include

    Fairview College programs and staffing that were transitioned to the College in

    June 2009.

    Salaries and

    benefits

    61%

    Supplies and

    services

    20%

    Amortization of

    capital assets

    11%

    Utilities

    3%

    Cost of goods sold

    3%

    Scholarships and

    bursries

    2%

    Grants

    58%Tuition19%

    Sales, rentals

    and services

    10%

    Contract programs

    3%

    Fund raising

    and donations

    3%

    Investments

    2%

    Amortization of

    deferred capital

    contributions

    5%

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    FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS

    Grande Prairie Regional Collegesbudgeting process is a collaborative approach that links departmental budget requests with the Colleges strategic direction.

    It is through this process that the Executive Committee identifies the financial priorities for the upcoming and future years.

    The financial projections have been prepared in a very conservative fashion. The key driver for these forecasts is government funding and in these uncertain

    economic times, we have no indication as to what those funding levels will be. Thus we have forecasted break even bottom lines going forward knowing some

    variables will change once the funding levels become known.

    The following is the preparation of the 2010-2014 projected consolidated statement of operations for the Colleges revenue and expenditure operating budgets.

    It should be noted that this budget includes both Grande Prairie and Fairview campuses.

    PROJECTED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

    Table 6: Projected Consolidated Statement of Operations Revenue Operating Budget Summary

    REVENUEBUDGET PROJECTION

    2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14

    Grants Note 1 $ 41,629,319 $ 41,629,319 $ 41,629,319 $ 41,629,319

    Tuition and Fees Note 2 10,396,421 10,396,421 10,396,421 10,396,421

    Sales,