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By Chris Brown

new programs, tuition increase

Board approves college’s 2021-22 budget

May 19, 2021 | 12:24 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Medicine Hat College’s 2021-22 budget has been approved by its board of governors with nine new program opportunities in the next two years and a seven per cent tuition increase.

“Our strategic plan provides a strong foundation for our future and this budget creates opportunities for flexibility and growth,” says Kevin Shufflebotham, president and CEO, in a release. “The past year has taught us we need to be more nimble, more adaptable, and Budget 2021-22 gives us that capacity.”

He says the budget is a good news budget, especially compared to last year.

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“Last year we had to significantly reduce the amount of faculty and staff that worked at the college, we had to reduce programs and put some programs on hold,” he said. “And this year we were able to take some of those resources and put them towards new programs that are developed and so this year’s budget really aligns with our strategic plan looking at learners, looking at access, looking at meeting needs of the region. It’s just an absolutely good news budget.”

New programs to be offered this fall include an agroecology technician diploma and humanities and social sciences diploma, advanced accounting certificate and practical nurse refresher certificate, hospitality and tourism major and a suite of microcredentials.

The college says the short, concentrated groups of courses will enable learners to build on previous education or enter a new knowledge field in the areas of UAV drone advanced pilot training, rainwater harvesting, permaculture design, and hospitality & tourism management.

Three new programs are being developed for fall 2022: service dog and canine studies management, and sport & event marketing and management and sustainable innovation diplomas.

Find links to more about each of the programs on the college’s website.

The budget also includes investment to support innovation, scholarly activity and research. There are also additional chair positions in arts, science & education, business and continuing studies, trades and technology, and health and community services.

The college also says resources will be made available for Indigenous engagement and support services as part of the health, wellness and athletics expansion. As well, funding has also been designated to support program accreditation, records and registration, policy development, community engagement and an overhaul of the college website.

The budget also includes a decrease of 1.1 per cent in the Provincial Operating and Program Support Grant, an increase of 33 per cent in Infrastructure Maintenance Program funding and a 31 per cent increase to non-instructional student fees.

The budget is built on a projection of 1,984 full-time students.