Vision and Mandate

Vision

NorQuest College is nationally recognized as an innovative, vibrant college with a uniquely inclusive and supportive environment that inspires

• passion for learning
• education that empowers every learner
• excellence and leadership in the work we do
• commitment to strengthening communities

Mandate

NorQuest College is a board-governed public college operating as a Comprehensive Community Institution under the authority of the Post-secondary Learning Act of Alberta. With campuses and learning sites across the Edmonton region, NorQuest enhances access to educational opportunities through its role as regional steward.

NorQuest provides high-quality learning opportunities that prepare graduates for careers and further studies in business, industry, health sciences, human services, early learning and education, and information, communication and design technologies. A leader in enhancing access to post-secondary education, the College is widely recognized for its foundational learning opportunities in academic upgrading, adult literacy, employment readiness and English as a Second Language education. Credentials granted by the College include certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees.

NorQuest students experience unique educational opportunities in a vibrant and supportive environment that is responsive to changing learner needs and dedicated to learner access and success. Faculty and staff are committed to academic excellence and to enriching co-curricular student life opportunities. At NorQuest, learners from diverse educational, cultural, and social backgrounds can achieve their personal and career goals and enhance their lives.

NorQuest programming is sensitive to the cultural experience of Aboriginal learners, and learners for whom English isa second language. The College is a leader in meeting the needs of learners with disabilities.
As a Comprehensive Community Institution with regional stewardship responsibilities, NorQuest engages community partners to meet literacy and foundational learning needs and ensures access to a full spectrum of post-secondary learning opportunities. In rural and urban communities throughout the region, the College opens pathways for lifelong learning.

NorQuest is an active partner in Campus Alberta, collaborating with other post-secondary institutions, governments, business, and community agencies to enhance educational opportunities, strengthen the Alberta knowledge economy, and address the economic, societal, and cultural needs for education regionally and provincially.

NorQuest delivers educational opportunities to people where they live and work. The College provides flexible
alternatives in both credit and non-credit programming, including transfer credits, career laddering, recognition of prior learning, bridging, general studies, and part-time study. Workforce training is customized to meet specific needs in communities and workplaces. Through our partnership with eCampusAlberta and other innovative distributed learning alternatives, the College serves students across Alberta, throughout Canada and around the world.

NorQuest is committed to enhancing teaching and learning through applied research that informs its academic programming and builds capacity in the communities it serves. The College’s centres for excellence are engaged nationally and locally with partners in business, industry, government and communities, to develop innovative solutions to social and technological challenges.

NorQuest College contributes to a strong Alberta economy by developing the skilled workforce that both public and private sector employers require. Educated in an environment that emphasizes critical thinking, experiential learning, technology integration and intercultural competence, graduates of NorQuest College are global citizens and valued contributors in their communities.

Mandate approved by Alberta Advanced Education & Technology, June 2010

NorQuest College Values

We value people. We

• treat people with fairness and respect
• encourage participation and involvement
• recognize commitment and contribution
• promote the health and wellness of the individual
• celebrate and build upon diversity of our students and employees
• celebrate achievement and growth
• empower individuals to fulfill their roles and responsibilities
• provide a safe, supportive and healthy environment

We value learning. We

• encourage individual growth and development
• foster creativity, innovation and critical thought
• encourage risk taking
• promote life-long learning
• provide accessible and responsive programs and services
• provide an enabling and inspiring learning environment

We value our role in the learning system. We

• celebrate our accomplishments
• tell our special story at every opportunity
• share our expertise with others
• participate in community activities
• demonstrate accountability for our outcomes
• believe our programming areas and student supports provide a foundation for success

We value the quality of the processes we use in reaching our goals. We

• follow fair process in accomplishing our objectives
• promote teamwork, cooperation and sharing throughout the College
• develop stronger relationships with business, community, and other educational partners
• engage people in changes that affect them
• employ team problem-solving
• provide consistent and clear performance expectations
• measure results and demonstrate accountability for outcomes
• ensure effective communication throughout the College