REGINA — Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the University of Regina have signed a new transfer credit agreement that will benefit students pursuing a career in education.
Graduates of Sask Polytech's Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma program can now transition into the Bachelor of Education (BEd) Early Elementary or Middle Years program at the U of R with up to 30 credit hours (one year) recognized towards their four-year degree.
“This partnership with Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes the skill sets obtained by their ECE students are transferable to our Early Elementary and Middle Year education degrees,” said Dr. James Nahachewsky, dean of education with the U of R. “We provide a student-centred approach to higher education that allows our students to excel as teachers and leaders in Saskatchewan and through this agreement we are welcoming their ECE students to continue their education with us.”
"This is an important pathway for our ECE diploma graduates to further their education and careers," said interim dean Kelly Maddin for Sask Polytech’s School of Human Services and Community Safety. "Sask Polytech's collaboration with the University of Regina through agreements like this reinforces our strong academic partnership. Encouraging ECE students to continue their education can help meet the growing need for experienced teachers throughout Saskatchewan."
Under the block transfer agreement, graduates who have successfully completed the Sask Polytech ECE diploma program, on or after April 30, 2021, with a minimum grade point average of 60 per cent, will receive a maximum of 30 credit hours recognized as a transfer credit in the University’s BEd program. Graduates who have completed the diploma program prior to April 30, 2021 may be approved as eligible under this agreement to be admitted to the BEd program on a case by case basis with the approval of the U of R Faculty of Education.
This partnership between Sask Polytech and U of R opens doors for aspiring educators, providing them with a streamlined path to achieve their career goals. By recognizing the value of the ECE diploma program and offering transfer credits, both institutions are committed to supporting the development of highly skilled teachers in Saskatchewan.
— Submitted by Saskatchewan Polytech Media Relations