2023-24
STRATEGIC PLAN
MISSION, VISION AND VALUES Mission To inspire lifelong learning and leadership through experience, excellence, and innovation.
Vision Transforming the future through innovative learning.
Values • Learner Success • Integrity • Respect • Community • Excellence • Innovation
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Lakeland College
Message from the President................................................. 4 Vision 2030.............................................................................. 6 Focus, Priority Initiatives, and Expected Outcomes 2023-24.................................................................................... 8 The Board of Governors of Lakeland College Mandate and Roles............................................................................... 10 Lakeland College 2023-24 Environmental Scan.............. 16
2023-24 Strategic Plan
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT 4
Lakeland College
At Lakeland College, our institutional goals reflect our values – we remain committed to learner success, integrity, respect, community, excellence and innovation. Since 1913, we have been entrusted with the post-secondary education of generations of students who look to us to teach them what they know to thrive in their lives after graduation. It is not a mandate we take lightly and everything we do as an institution is geared towards enhancing that ultimate goal. At Lakeland College, we are known for providing our students with an innovative, leading edge education designed to meet the needs of the industries where they’ll make their careers after graduation. As an institution, we remain committed to this mandate, continuing to prioritize essential community and industry partnerships through advisory boards and community engagement to ensure our curriculum offerings always meet the changing needs of industry. Our relationship with our community and industry partners is a symbiotic one, and an important aspect of that give-and-take includes our applied research activities. Our team of research scientists runs projects and trials geared towards providing producers with ground-level data to assist with making the ag industry more economical, sustainable and efficient. In this strategic plan, you’ll see how we are continuing to enhance our ability to ensure learner success, from increasing our supportive campus culture to fostering a community of belongingness. That culture extends beyond the students. We know how critical having an engaged, healthy staff is to the sustainability of our campus. We prioritize ensuring our staff feels supported and empowered to do their jobs in a healthy, collaborative working space. I am excited for the future of Lakeland. In this plan, you’ll see the steps we’re taking to proactively meet future challenges, and how we continue to provide our students, staff and community with the excellence they have come to expect from us.
Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart PRESIDENT AND CEO, LAKELAND COLLEGE 2023-24 Strategic Plan
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VISION 2030 Vision 2030 provides a holistic approach that ensures the long-range development of Lakeland’s goals is met. The four Board-created goals focus on learner success, relevant programming and research, connectivity and sustainability. These goals provide the contextual backdrop for planning.
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Vision 2030 was developed to probe further into the future, define each goal and identify components that expand and complement each goal. This attentiveness will move Lakeland into the future, supporting our mission to inspire lifelong learning and leadership through experience, excellence and innovation, and as well, execute our vision of transforming the future through innovative learning.
2023-24 Strategic Plan
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FOCUS, PRIORITY INITIATIVES, AND EXPECTED OUTCOMES 2023-24 8
Lakeland College
LEARNER SUCCESS
Board Ends
Focus
Priority Initiatives (College 2030 Vision)
Expected Outcomes (Milestones 2025)
Campus Culture
Lakeland fosters lifelong learning, leadership
Student mentorship on both campuses
Supports for Learners
Every learner has access to a full range of supports and the college is a partner in academic success
Review the student supports model
Student Experience
Lakeland has a culture of belongingness, engagement, and innovation
Expand the student-led experience to College operations
Embracing Diversity
Lakeland is a leader in providing a safe and welcoming learning environment for every student
Align policies and procedures with equity, diversity and inclusion best practices
Proactive healthy lifestyle programming
Students engaged in crisis management efforts for a safe campus
RELEVANT PROGRAMMING & RESEARCH
Increase awareness and obligations to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action Program Quality
Every student learns experientially through student-led initiatives
Program curriculum is refreshed and equipment is modernized
Labour Market Alignment
Graduates have employable skills and programs are launching pads into successful careers
Lakeland College programs align with industry needs.
Flexible and Student-Centered
Students learn when, where, and how they prefer and have access to learning pathways
Growing flexible options for students
Innovative Research
Lakeland is nationally recognized as a leader in agricultural research and innovation
Explore new research streams within the commercial agriculture focus
Lakeland College fills a regional corporate training niche
SUSTAINABILITY
CONNECTIVITY
Create sustainable research funding Industry Partnerships
Industry partners are fully engaged as advocates for students and programs
Industry partnerships that support programming
Fundraising
A reliable stream of funds are available to support ongoing capital priorities and to support learners through scholarships and awards
Sustainable resources and supported student success through fundraising and external partnerships
Alumni
Alumni are fully engaged as advocates for students, programs, and supports of the College
Alumni engagement to support student mentorship, student outreach, and school outreach with alumni partners in industry Sustainable strategic alumni engagement program
Collaboration
Lakeland is a leader in maximizing system efficiencies and ensuring student success by coordinating with community and post-secondary partners
Lakeland College identified as an applied research hub for regional industry
Financial Sustainability
Lakeland’s fiscal position is strong and resources are available for strategic investment
Budget framework continues to align with college needs
Empower Staff to Excel
Lakeland College has a culture of living our values and empowering our staff to achieve our mission and vision
Values are integrated into all decisions
Risk Management
Lakeland is responsive to internal and external threats
Business continuity and risk frameworks are implemented to ensure the stability, safety, and services for staff and students at the college
Sustainable Campus
Students are learning in world-class environments and have to access to modern equipment and technology
Completion of a campus revitalization strategy Improve preventable maintenance cycle Digital strategies that supports academic and administrative efforts at Lakeland College Completion of Sustainability Framework that integrates the United Nations 17 Sustainability Development Goals into our Framework.
Recruitment
Lakeland has a strong recruitment strategy
Optimize sustainable enrolment growth 2023-24 Strategic Plan
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THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF LAKELAND COLLEGE MANDATE AND ROLES This Mandate and Roles Document for the Board of Governors of Lakeland College (“The College”) has been developed collaboratively between the Minister of Advanced Education (“Minister”) and the College. This document is in furtherance of the parties’ legal obligations under the Alberta Public Agencies Governance Act (APAGA) to reflect a common understanding of respective roles and responsibilities in governance of the College. 10 Lakeland College
1. Mandate The College’s mandate is set out in the Investment Management Agreement entered into by the College and the Minister. 1. Type of Institution, Sector, and Governance Lakeland College is a board-governed public post-secondary institution operating in Alberta as a comprehensive community college under the authority of the Post-secondary Learning Act (PSLA).
2. Outcomes Lakeland College is committed to preparing Albertans for success by helping its learners achieve their academic and career goals. Lakeland provides access to high-quality academic programs and is a leader in student-managed learning experiences and innovation. Providing work-integrated learning opportunities prepares students to excel as leaders in industry and their communities. Lakeland programs are responsive to the needs of industry and produce job-ready graduates prepared to contribute to Alberta’s economy. Lakeland works closely with employers and industry organizations to ensure curriculum and training are aligned with the labour market and that students can interact directly with industry while in their programs. Through practicums, work placements, co-ops, and on campus student-managed enterprises, students develop hands-on skills and gain valuable experience directly related to their sector. These experiences help students develop a passion for their field, and to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, communicators, and contributing members of innovative teams. Lakeland instructors come from industry and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience into the classroom to enhance the learning experience. This focus is making a difference. In a recent national survey of over 40,000 college and university students and recent graduates, Lakeland ranked as the #1 College Most Recommended by Students, #2 in Best Overall Value, #2 in the Most Skills-Focused Curriculum, and #3 in Best for Getting a Job. Employment outcomes also indicate the significance and quality of Lakeland programming. 89% of Lakeland graduates are employed, 92% are satisfied with their jobs, and 94% would recommend Lakeland to other students. Feedback from employers is perhaps more impressive with 96% of employers indicating that they would recommend a Lakeland graduate to other employers and 98.9% of employers indicating that they would hire another Lakeland graduate. Much of this success can be attributed to the emphasis placed on academic excellence, hands-on learning, and the opportunity students have to participate in work-integrated learning experiences.
3. Clients/Students Lakeland’s inclusive academic environment ensures a commitment to underrepresented learners. Located in the heart of Treaty 6 Territory, Lakeland is an active participant in reconciliation, providing programming, services and campus planning to support our Indigenous learners to succeed in academics and beyond. Our 2020/2021 stats indicate over 7.5 % of our student base identified as Indigenous. However, we know the actual number of Indigenous students exceed this percentage. Lakeland continues to serve the needs of the community which includes interacting with over 200 students who have identified needs and providing learner accommodations yearly. Within Lakeland’s Human Services academic school, 72 students take their programming in French. Lakeland serves learners of all ages and stages of life from those entering the post-secondary world to mature learners who are seeking reskilling or upskilling. Lakeland transitional experiences, foundational learning, career exploration, certificates, diplomas, apprenticeship, and niche undergraduate study support students and meet the regional labour market needs.
4. Geographic Service Area and Type of Delivery Established in 1913, Lakeland is a key driver in rural sustainability, economic recovery, development and expansion by providing learning opportunities to rural learners. Because these opportunities strongly align with the labour market, employers in this economically important region of Alberta have access to a skilled and well-trained work force that is crucial to economic growth. To maximize learner access to programs and courses, a variety of instructional delivery methods are used including face-to-face, blended, and online learning. Lakeland’s digital use continues to evolve to support programming, regional collaboration, and industry need. Lakeland’s stewardship model includes working with community-based adult learning program and creating learner pathways that support dual credit programming and career and technology studies. Consulting with a range of partners such as K-12 school divisions, industry associations, agricultural societies, Rotary clubs, Chamber of Commerce, professional associations, Friendship Centres, Métis associations, First Nations, Alberta Innovates, the 2023-24 Strategic Plan
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Regional Business Accelerator, economic development organizations, and the Regional Innovation Network, Lakeland seeks to promote individual growth, informed community members, and educated citizens through facilitation, information sharing, and collective capacity building. Program delivery at Lakeland includes opportunities for students to engage with student- managed learning enterprises. These work-integrated learning experiences are a significant part of Lakeland’s delivery model. Students, with mentorship from faculty, run several on-campus enterprises, including a play program, a concession at Rustler athletic events, a tax clinic, a power plant, a hair salon and esthetician spa, an environmental consulting office, and commercial crop and livestock business units.
5. Program Mandates and Credentials Offering Lakeland awards certificates, diplomas, and bachelor’s degrees in niche programming areas, as well as post-diploma certificates and post-baccalaureate certificates. Lakeland College also offers apprenticeship programming that prepares people to become certified journeypersons. Collaboration with a range of post-secondary partners helps Lakeland meet the various needs within its regional stewardship area including collaboration with degree-granting institutions to offer baccalaureate degree programs when it is efficient to do so. As a member of Campus Alberta, Lakeland has partnerships and transfer agreements to expand its programming and service capacity while improving efficiencies for Alberta.
6. Special Program Areas/Areas of Specialization Lakeland offers agricultural sciences, pre-employment, apprenticeship, agriculture technologies, foundational learning, energy, environmental sciences, fire and emergency services, health and wellness, human services, business, and university transfer programming. Lakeland also designs and delivers programs to meet specific learner, community, and industry needs through continuing education and corporate training models. Lakeland’s programming combination complements the economic strengths of Alberta and its stewardship region. Aligning programming with the regional labour market of agriculture and oil and gas activity, Lakeland is the only post-secondary institution in Alberta with academic schools in all the following sectors: agricultural sciences, energy, and trades and technology. Lakeland’s Student-Managed Farm - Powered by New Holland (SMF) is renowned throughout Canada and is a key reason why the college is a national leader in commercial agricultural production programming. The SMF is a fully integrated, multi-enterprise, commercial farm that enables students to run a $6M commercial agricultural business, a commercial-scale crop operation, and multiple commercial, research, and purebred livestock herds, including Lakeland’s 80-head beef research herd of crossbred Angus cattle, 280-head dairy herd, and new 200-head bison operation. Lakeland is the only institution in Alberta with diploma programs that specialize in commercial crop and forage as well as commercial beef production. Lakeland’s new Bachelor of Agriculture Technology program, the first degree of its kind in Canada, prepares students for the rapid evolution of technology in agriculture and for careers that bridge the gaps between emerging technologies such as data enabled precision data systems, machine learning and artificial intelligence, and agriculture production and management. Lakeland excels at embedding student-managed enterprises within program curriculum providing opportunities for students to enhance their learning and leadership skills. These enterprises are a strategic approach to work-integrated learning and provide authentic learning environments right on campus where students apply what they’ve learned and develop job-ready skills. This teaching and learning model help develop curiosity, critical thinking, a passion for the sector, professionalism, and technological literacy.
7. System Collaboration and Partnerships Lakeland works with a variety of agencies, institutions, advisory committees, learning councils, business, industry, and research organizations to meet the diverse need of its region, and ensure alignment with government priorities and college strategic goals. To highlight a few collaborative activities, Lakeland continues its work with Community Adult Learning Programs (CALPs) to understand the diverse needs. Programs and pathways such as Employment Skills Enhancement, and Digital Literacy for Employment become positive transitions to post-secondary experiences. Lakeland’s longstanding collaboration with Northern Lakes College supports foundational learning, while collaborations with Alberta and Saskatchewan school authorities makes dual credit opportunities available to high school students throughout the two provinces. Partnerships with industries such as: Masterfeeds, TrustBIX, MNP, Alberta Pulse Growers, SeCan, AgX, Canadian Angus Association and ALUS and other post-secondary institutions including University of Alberta, University of Calgary and Olds College help to advance agriculture research. 12 Lakeland College
Lakeland collaborates with University of Alberta to deliver its Aboriginal Teacher Education Program at the Lloydminster campus. To strengthen local economic development, Lakeland works with community partners such as Alberta Milk, New Holland, Canadian Natural Resources Limited, Cenvous, Peterbilt, Points West, Canadian Land Reclamation Association, Snap-on Tools, 4-H Foundation of Alberta, Top Grade Ag, Mosaic, BASF, OneCup Al, and Libby Young.
8. Research and Scholarly Activities Applied research at Lakeland involves collaboration with industry and other end users for the purpose of benefiting the social, economic, and environmental aspects of its region. Applied research projects must complement teaching and learning and advance innovation-based rural economic development. Initiatives are geared towards supporting Alberta’s future economy by helping partners capitalize on new opportunities and find solutions to current challenges. Lakeland is a founding member of Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CMIN) which is focused on accelerating the automation and digitization of Canada’s agricultural sector. With Lakeland’s applied research focus on agricultural sciences, research teams are specialized to enhance agricultural technology for improved productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in commercial crop and livestock production. A newly renovated 743 square metre Agriculture Technology Centre (ATC) will serve as the central hub for ag tech data collection, and home to the new Bachelor of Agriculture Technology program plus ag tech applied research activities. A data lab, large equipment lab and a makerspace area within the ATC will support innovation and entrepreneurship. Research in the ATC will focus on the development, implementation, validation, knowledge translation and commercialization of ag technology solutions that will enhance regional productivity and sustainability. With the transfer of Alberta Agriculture and Forestry research teams in commercial beef production and pulse, Lakeland’s applied research footprint in commercial agriculture production has grown significantly over the past year. Lakeland now has three research scientists focused on commercial livestock production, as well as scientists focused on each of cereal production, pulse production, and canola production. These strategic research priorities of these teams are informed by two producer committees, one for crop research and another for livestock research. These research committees ensure Lakeland’s research priorities in commercial agriculture will benefit producers and support economic growth in the agriculture sector.
9. System Mandate Lakeland plays a leading role in rural sustainability, economic recovery and development contributing to its broader social, economic, and environmental footprint. Lakeland is committed to providing training opportunities targeted at the labour market needs to ensure workforce preparedness and strengthen local economies. Lakeland offers international projects, practicum experiences, and study abroad opportunities to prepare its students to participate in an interconnected world. Lakeland College welcomes international students and embraces the opportunity to provide an environment that supports global connectedness. To enhance each student’s college experience, Lakeland offers a full range of personal and academic services including academic advising, athletics, cafeterias, clubs, financial aid, health, Indigenous support services, learning strategies and support, recreation, residence, student centres, and career and wellness services. Lakeland strives to create an inclusive and welcoming culture for all. To enhance learner success, Lakeland provides a learning and teaching commons that creates personalized learning pathways and supports instructional excellence. Students develop competencies in different learning methods and technologies, so they are prepared for lifelong learning.
2. Roles and Responsibilities The College’s mandate is set out in the Investment Management Agreement entered into by the College and the Minister. The Board The Board manages and operates the institution in accordance with its mandate and carries out the other duties and responsibilities legislated by the PSLA. The Board sets strategic direction and monitors implementation. The Board participates with the Minister in setting its long‑term objectives and short‑term targets, if any. 2023-24 Strategic Plan 13
Board Members All board members, regardless of the manner of their appointment, have the fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the institution.
Board Chair The Chair is the interface between the College and the Minister and provides leadership to the Board.
President The President has general supervision over the direction of the operation of the institution and has other powers, duties, and functions that are assigned to the President by the Board.
Minister of Advanced Education The Minister is responsible for the performance of all public agencies under Advanced Education, including the College. The Minister’s responsibilities as legislated by the PSLA and APAGA include: •
appointing, or recommending the appointment of, the Board members and the Chair;
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monitoring whether the institution is acting within its mandate and achieving its long-term objectives and short-term targets;
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advising the institution respecting any government policies applicable to the institution or its activities or operations; and
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reviewing the mandate and operations of the institution at least every seven years.
Department of Advanced Education The Department supports the Minister and College in meeting their legislated responsibilities.
Subsidiaries The College does not have any subsidiaries to report.
3. Accountability Relationships of the Public Agency The flow of accountability relationships at the agency is as follows: •
appointing, or recommending the appointment of, the Board members and the Chair;
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monitoring whether the institution is acting within its mandate and achieving its long-term objectives and short-term targets;
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advising the institution respecting any government policies applicable to the institution or its activities or operations; and
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reviewing the mandate and operations of the institution at least every seven years.
4. Process for Administering the Code of Conduct The College’s Code of Conduct is reviewed and approved by the Ethics Commissioner, and the Board ratifies and makes public the Code of Conduct. Updates to the Code of Conduct are submitted to the Ethics Commissioner for review. The Chair administers the Code of Conduct for board members. The Executive Director of Human Resources administers the Code of Conduct for the Chair.
5. Mutual Expectations – Communication, Collaboration, and Consultation The relationship between the College and the provincial government is an important one. Boards are accountable to the Minister, who has primary responsibility for the PSLA. The Minister oversees strategic planning and direction setting for Alberta’s advanced learning system, policy development, funding for general operations and specific purposes, and the promotion of transparency and accountability. The Minister is responsible for providing clear mandate direction to boards, establishing clear expectations for oversight and accountability, and for participating in an ongoing dialogue with boards on important issues. The board has a governance oversight role in relation to the institution it governs. Because the chair serves as the voice of the board, and is directly accountable to the Minister, the relationship between the Minister and the chair is critical. 14 Lakeland College
Other officials, such as the Deputy Minister who oversees the operations of Advanced Education, will typically be in closer contact with institution presidents and vice-presidents. Similarly, department staff may be in regular contact with staff of the institutions on areas of mutual interests.
6. Committee Structure Committees of the Board include: •
Academic Effectiveness – Provides general oversight regarding academic direction, quality of the curriculum, and student services.
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Audit, Risk, and Sustainability – Assists the Board in its oversight responsibilities on matters relating to Lakeland College’s financial, environmental, and social conditions.
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Board Effectiveness – To ensure the Board’s policies are being carried out.
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Connectivity – Provides oversight regarding the College’s engagement with its internal and external stakeholders.
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Executive Committee – Oversees Board operations.
7. Financial, Staffing, and Administrative Arrangements The College receives funding from the Government of Alberta via its Operating and Program Support Grant. The Auditor General is the auditor of the College. The College is subject to sections 1, 2(5), 5, 6, 7, 13(3), 57.1, 80, and 81 of the Financial Administration Act. While the Post-secondary Learning Act gives the Board of Governors broad authority to appoint employees, the President is the only employee that reports to and is directly accountable to the Board. For Alberta’s public post-secondary institutions, positions that are defined as “designated executives” by the Reform of Agencies, Boards and Commissions (Post-secondary Institutions) Compensation Regulation are subject to the compensation framework and limits on total remuneration established thereunder.
8. Planning and Reporting Requirements The Board is required to enter into an Investment Management Agreement with the Minister that includes •
the mandate of the institution,
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performance metrics for the institution, and
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anything else determined by the Minister.
Annually, the College provides the Department with a Capital Plan and a Budget Plan. Each year the Board must prepare and submit to the Minister a report that includes the audited financial statements for the preceding year. The Board is also required under the PSLA to submit to the Minister any reports or other information required by the Minister.
9. Administration Three Year Renewal or Revision The Mandate and Roles Document must be reviewed and renewed, amended or replaced within three years after the day on which the document or the most recent amendment to the document was signed.
Transparency Copies of the Mandate and Roles Document will be filed with the Minister and the Public Agency Secretariat. This document will also be made publicly available on the Board’s website and the Government of Alberta’s website.
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LAKELAND COLLEGE 2023-24 ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN 16 Lakeland College
STRENGTHS STRENGTH: Dedicated People Lakeland staff show a great commitment to all members of the College community. Without its engaged group of instructors, support, and administration employees, much of what differentiates the Lakeland experience would not exist. Lakeland staff are passionately committed to quality as noted in the College’s unique student-managed enterprises, excellence in athletics, and annual student, program, and staff national awards of excellence. Holistically, Lakeland people are the College’s greatest differentiator, and Lakeland is committed to them. Students and employees describe the College as a family. This is evident in the staff’s interactions with students. Students have noted their sense of belonging and feeling welcomed by staff who take the time to know them by name. Students note the faculty’s commitment as they teach and support new learning experiences. Many learners provide stories of how a faculty member has gone the extra mile to support them in a crisis. Staff also support students in their extracurricular activities by providing mentorship opportunities and support clubs. The staff knows that Lakeland learners come here for a hands-on experience that will get them closer to a job. Helping students in their learning is Lakeland’s business. Lakeland’s many long-serving staff members reinforce the College’s commitment to staff. In 2021-22, Lakeland celebrated many employees, six employees with 30 to 40 years at the College and 13 retirees. Lakeland College continues to enhance the work environment and ultimately support institutional sustainability by prioritizing employee health and safety, psychological wellness, and employee engagement. Lakeland has been recognized as one of Alberta’s Top 75 Employers for the past seven years. In the annual employee engagement survey, many College employees continue to indicate sustainable success over what has been a challenging period.
STRENGTH: Cultural Belongingness The Lakeland family strives to be inclusive and create a sense of belonging for all staff and students. Lakeland’s Belongingness Eco System is set up to recognize and enhance diversity, inclusion, equity, sustainability, and truth and reconciliation: •
When we discover how Lakeland contributes to good health and well-being, we consider our words and how they are communicated to each other.
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We are sensitive to how we interact with one another, attempting to understand and respect each other while regarding the items others bring to the table.
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We understand that our physical environment contributes to the overall atmosphere, so we do our best to ensure it is inclusive, warm, and welcoming.
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Every life at Lakeland is worthy of feelings and having their well-being considered. Therefore, cross-functional teams are the means to provide a “voice” for all that will be affected by decisions at Lakeland.
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All members of the Lakeland family can help and give meaning to the cause or work activity.
The Lakeland Community includes individuals from diverse backgrounds who work together for the institution’s success. This is done by understanding and respecting the different ideas and perspectives expressed. The continuous improvement becomes a way of life to ensure evaluative processes are effective through the lenses of integrity, learner success, and excellence. Lakeland seeks to grow and develop, meaning its people, structure, procedures, and systems evolve and change to ensure learning and innovation continue. Lakeland has embraced the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (#57, # 62, #63, #64, and #65) to ensure that the Lakeland family understands and is provided educational opportunities to learn the history of Aboriginal peoples. Lakeland has also embraced the 17 Sustainable Development Goals to support graduates as they become better global citizens.
Values Lakeland’s values are more than words on a poster; they guide the way the College conducts business and treats students, colleagues, and clients.
1. Learner Success We empower learners to ignite and pursue their passion to reach their potential: •
Model lifelong learning 2023-24 Strategic Plan 17
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Work with industry to create excellent employment networking opportunities
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Develop and implement leading-edge student programming
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Encourage and support learners towards achievement
2. Integrity We hold ourselves and each other to a high moral and ethical standard with a commitment to uphold our Lakeland values: •
Exhibit honesty, responsibility, and accountability
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Work to understand and honour other people’s differences
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Celebrate success and learn from our mistakes
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Walk the talk
3. Respect We honour others by demonstrating care and concern for their perspective and ideas: •
Lead by example
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Debate ideas – not people
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Actively engage
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Cultivate an environment of belongingness
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Promote a healthy work-life balance
4. Community We participate in our communities and foster mutually respectful relationships for the common good: •
Promote volunteerism
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Take care of one another
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Exemplify a positive attitude
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Develop the best in ourselves and others
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Provide first-class customer service
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Don’t accept the status quo
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Strategically collaborate
5. Innovation We encourage novel ideas, processes, and theories in support of sustainable outcomes: •
Find and support solutions to challenges
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Foster and promote creativity and future thinking
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Take calculated risks
STRENGTH: Beyond the Classroom Student-Managed Learning Lakeland College’s continued work on being the most hands-on College in Canada remains a focal point of the student immersive learning experience. Lakeland’s academic departments continue to support some form of work-integrated learning into their curricula. This takes various forms, including work placements, practicum opportunities, internships, and Lakeland’s award-winning “student-managed” learning model. Student-managed learning is based on the premise that students learn best by applying their newly learned skills and competencies in authentic learning environments. Lakeland’s best-known example of student-managed learning is its Student-Managed Farm Powered by New Holland (SMF). This innovative teaching model puts students in the lead as they work under the guidance of faculty and industry mentors to manage all aspects of a multi-million-dollar commercial agricultural business. Lakeland is the only post-secondary institution in Canada where students manage commercial-sized bison, beef, crop, dairy and equine enterprises. On the SMF, Lakeland student have the rare opportunity to manage a working farm. Together, students make business decisions related to production, 18 Lakeland College
marketing, research, public relations and more which have real-world implications impacting the future of the farm. It has been a remarkable success over the years and continues to provide an unmatched learning experience for agricultural students in Alberta and beyond. Not only does the SMF allow students a real-life opportunity to apply all the technical and business skills they learn in the classroom, but it also shows that this teaching and learning model provides students with a perfect environment for developing some of the essential skills that are so highly sought after by employers such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Focus on the Individual Lakeland recognizes that every learner brings diversity in experience, interests, strengths, abilities, and learning styles, and the College fosters and supports learning environments where every student can succeed. To personalize instruction, Lakeland uses a variety of teaching styles, assessment tools, and technology tools, as well as piloting competency-based progression models. Additionally, small class sizes ensure that instructors know each student by name, what motivates them, and how to best support their educational goals. The learning culture at Lakeland College is personal.
Community Lakeland College has the advantage of two campuses – one in Vermilion, a small, rural community, and the other in Lloydminster, a growing city. Both communities are experiencing economic growth with the recent upturn in the economy, and new retail and industry developments are directly impacting the College’s programming. Both campuses are poised to support this new economic growth. With its small-town atmosphere, the Vermilion campus is slated to double its Veterinary Assistant offerings and focus on value-added opportunities within the Agri Sales and Customer Relation program. The work on this is in response to a call from the Alberta government for apprenticeship-style program submissions and was timely in that industry members had approached us for training as this is a serious labour market challenge. This program is intended to be nimble in addressing the needs of employers and students. Lloydminster is gearing up for new programming in Energy, Barber certification, and Marketing to support entrepreneurial activities with immersive learning experiences that add to the work-integrated learning opportunities offered at the College. As the economy stabilizes, Lakeland College will continue to embrace program growth, renewal, and restructuring to keep pace with the labour market and support community growth. Adaptable by nature as a small rural community, Lakeland can embrace developmental needs as it expands to address regional, provincial, and global opportunities. Collaborative by nature and necessity, the College sees partnerships as the way of the future to provide more holistic experiences in programming, research, and system effectiveness. Poised to be responsive, Lakeland selects partnerships that create opportunities for student engagement, career bridging, and new learning experiences.
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Vermilion Campus 5707 College Drive Vermilion, Alberta T9X 1K5 Lloydminster Campus 2602 59 Avenue Lloydminster, Alberta T9V 3N7 1.800.661.6490 lakelandcollege.ca
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