SUDBURY ( January 27, 2020 )- The pathway to higher education is becoming easier for students in Northern Ontario seeking to enhance their college education with a university degree. 

Cambrian College in Sudbury and Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie have signed five new transfer credit agreements allowing Cambrian graduates to complete a university degree sooner. 

“The opportunity these pathway programs provide for students is exceptional,” said Asima Vezina, President and Vice-Chancellor, Algoma University. “Providing more options for post-secondary education is critical, especially in Northern Ontario, and I am so proud to be part of this initiative. It is essential that Algoma University and Cambrian College be leaders in our region; focusing on student success and continued economic and social development.” 

The five pathway agreements will apply to any Cambrian student who has graduated from any of the respective programs dating back to 2017. 

“This is a historic day, for both schools and especially for students in the region,” says Cambrian President Bill Best. “These agreements strengthen the partnership between our two institutions, and it’s the students who benefit by having more options to stay in the north to pursue a university education. These agreements are the ideal combination of higher education, and make students that much more valuable to employers.” 

The new articulation agreements struck between Algoma University and Cambrian College support the following pathways: 

 Graduates of Cambrian’s 2-year Business and Business-Accounting programs can earn a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Algoma in 2 years. 

 Graduates of Cambrian’s 2-year Police Foundations program can earn a Bachelor of Arts – Law and Justice in 2 years. 

 Graduates of Cambrian’s 2-year Computer Systems Technician program can earn a Bachelor of Computer Science after completing 2 years and a bridge of 3 courses (9 credits). 

 Graduates of Cambrian’s Social Service Worker – Indigenous Specialization can transfer 54 credits on their way to a Bachelor of Social Work (requiring just over 2 years of additional studies). 

 Graduates of Cambrian’s Social Service Worker program can transfer 45 credits toward a Bachelor of Social Work (requiring an additional 2-3 years of study). 

“It is very exciting that there are more articulation agreements between Cambrian and other universities in Northern Ontario,” adds Jenna Tanti, a second-year student in Cambrian’s Business Program, who will be graduating this spring. “This means I have the option to finish my education close to home and create more opportunities for myself within Northern Ontario.” 

The new agreements also include a joint international student acceptance provision. 

International students accepted into the Cambrian programs will automatically be accepted into the corresponding Algoma program upon graduation, provided they meet established criteria. The acceptance provisions help ensure a seamless transition between the two institutions through clearly defined pathways and processes. A joint admissions provision already exists for domestic students. 

With the signing of the five new agreements, Cambrian College and Algoma University have more than 25 transfer agreements in place. This will provide students with more pathways to continue post-secondary education in northeastern Ontario. 

Cambrian College is Northern Ontario’s largest college, with approximately 5000 full- and part-time students in more than 80 programs. Located in the historic, former Shingwauk Indigenous Residential School, Algoma University offers 30 programs through three Faculties (Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities). 

Picture- Signing Ceremony: Cambrian College and Algoma University have signed five new transfer agreements, making it easier for Cambrian graduates to earn a degree from Algoma. Pictured at the signing ceremony are (left to right):  Jenna Tanti, Business student at Cambrian College; Bill Best, Cambrian President, and Dr. Donna Rogers, Algoma’s Provost and Academic Dean. 

Source:  https://www.saultstar.com/news/local-news/credit-transfer-pact-forges-quicker-path-to-degrees

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