By Justine Kelsie

GPRC makes first step to becoming a university

Feb 22, 2018 | 12:02 PM

The Minister of Advanced Education has announced that the Grande Prairie Regional College is now eligible to grant university undergraduate degrees. 

When Marlin Schmidt released the information Thursday morning, he was answered with a standing ovation. 

“We need it to be easier for students to start and finish their education right here at home,” said Schmidt to a crowd of approximately 100.

Right now, the GPRC offers a number of apprenticeships, upgrading, and career-ready programming. President and CEO of the college Don Gnatiuk says they will continue to offer those programs but will add the option for students to get a degree as well. Work to make it a reality will begin as soon as Monday morning. 

“It is going to be the issue around what degrees do we start with first? We are looking at degrees such as education degrees. We are looking at arts degrees. We are looking at science degrees. We will decide, in consultation with our community, what makes the most sense right away,” said the CEO.

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Their decisions will be based on what is most demanded in our region. 

Chair of the Grande Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce Cris Seppola-Podsada says this move supports future growth in the region. 

“From our perspective, we are now able to further develop our community and our business community. We did find that when students were leaving [for school], they wouldn’t always come back,” said the chair following the announcement. “We want to keep our people here. We want people to come here and work here. We want to be able to educate their families. We are so excited to have been part of this today,” said Seppola-Podsada.

She says this addition to the college on top of the new Grande Prairie Regional Hospital that is in the works will be great economic drivers for this area. 

President of the Students’ Association at the GPRC Blaine Badiuk said having programs available locally is a perk for young people.

“We’re happy that the government has recognized the important role Grande Prairie Regional College plays in this community. When the college offers degrees more students will be able to continue and complete their education in Grande Prairie, without needing to move away from their homes. Keeping highly motivated students in Grande Prairie will have an enormous impact on the city’s future,” said Badiuk in a press release.

The closest university is over 450 kilometres away in Edmonton.

According to a press release from the province, this is the first step in a multi-year process to becoming a university. 

@GPRCPrez says dreams do come true. pic.twitter.com/PfBeU1eR8R

— EverythingGP (@EverythingGPAB) February 22, 2018