Nunavut Arctic College and Memorial University finalize partnership

NTEP will be Nunavut’s first degree program to offer grads joint credentials

Nunavut Arctic College’s Nunatta campus in Iqaluit. The college has partnered with Memorial University to offer joint credential programs to Nunavut post-secondary students. (Photo by M. Barney/NAC)

By Nunatsiaq News

Nunavut Arctic College and Memorial University have reached an agreement that will offer Nunavut students access to new joint credential degree programs, the schools announced last week.

Memorial University, based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, was one of 11 schools that submitted a proposal when the Government of Nunavut issued a call in 2016.

The GN had previously commissioned a feasibility study to determine whether or not the territory had the resources and market to launch its first university but concluded that the best approach was to partner with an existing university.

NAC said Memorial offered strong experience delivering Inuit-specific bachelor programs in Inuit Nunangat, as well as its Arctic-focused research and specialty in marine training.

The Nunavut Teacher Education Program—previously accredited through the University of Regina—will be the first program offered as part of the new agreement, as well as the first program in Nunavut to offer graduates a degree from both schools.

The agreement recognizes the importance of Inuit language and culture, as well as career-related programming for adult learners in Nunavut, said Patterk Netser, the Nunavut minister responsible for NAC, in a May 31 release.

“Building upon Nunavut Arctic College’s experience in offering NTEP since 1985, and Memorial University’s experience offering the Inuit Bachelor of Education program through the Labrador Institute, the new NTEP will emphasize producing graduates capable of teaching and strengthening Nunavut’s bilingual education system,” Netser said.

The partnership will also allow the college to develop a new suite of courses, NAC has said.

One potential revamp is converting the college’s current two-year diploma in social work to a four-year Bachelor of Social Work, through the addition of two years of courses provided by Memorial University.

Both the college and university will host an official signing ceremony this fall.

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