Degree-Granting in Saskatchewan

Expansion of Degree-Granting Authority

On December 12, 2011, the Government of Saskatchewan introduced The Degree Authorization Act, which will allow post-secondary institutions other than the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina to apply for the authority to offer degree programs.  

• LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO EXPAND DEGREE-GRANTING AUTHORITY (News Release, December 12, 2011)
  
  
• Legislative Assembly, Progress of Bills:  27-18 -- An Act Related to the Authority to Provide Degree Programs and to Grant Post-secondary Degrees
  
  
• Expansion of Degree-granting Authority in Saskatchewan (Handout) 

The new Act was introduced in response to a consultation process and subsequent report by Alex Usher of Higher Education Strategy Associates (HESA).

Consultations on Degree-Granting
In spring 2011, Mr. Usher consulted post-secondary institutions, faculty and student associations, professional bodies and other educational groups about degree-granting expansion.  Usher then provided a report and recommendations to our Ministry in August 2011:

• Expansion of Degree-Granting Status in the Province of Saskatchewan: Report on Consultations and Recommendations
   
• GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS ON EXPANDING DEGREE-GRANTING STATUS (News Release, February 25, 2011)

Quality Assurance Review
In spring 2011, our Ministry intitiated a Quality Assurance Review process led by Dr. Brian Gillespie.  The review will help ensure that the post-secondary education system is learner-centred and characterized by excellence, innovation, inclusiveness, accountability and accessibility.  Established quality standards will determine an institution's capacity to offer degrees and will assess proposed new degree programs.

• QUALITY ASSURANCE CASE STUDIES NAMED (News Release, May 27, 2011)
  
  
• GILLESPIE TO LEAD QUALITY ASSURANCE REVIEW (News Release, April 4, 2011)