From the President's Desk: September 2023

Hello,

I am pleased to welcome the Lakeland Community to the 2023-2024 school year. The start of a new academic year is an extraordinary time filled with eager expectations and renewed energy.

Summer was busy on both campuses, with renovations and upgrades taking place, not only in the main buildings but also in both residences. I thank everyone involved for their patience and understanding during these necessary changes.

During the summer, I was busy representing the College at many functions which helped promote our institution as well as helping raise funds to support and enhance student-led learning.

In September I usually review Lakeland's goals and the documents that guide us. Each year the college develops a strategic planning framework, which is the process of detailing and establishing future direction for the college. This framework is supported by the following:

Mission, Vision, Values

• Our long-term vision is the Mission, Vision and Values document and was developed by the college and its stakeholders.

Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs

• Another planning tool, the Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs, is a government-led initiative and provides the post-secondary system with key goals that “will equip Albertans with the skills, knowledge and competencies they need to succeed in their lifelong pursuits.”

Investment Management Agreement

• Investment Management Agreements (IMA) are contracts between publicly funded post-secondary institutions and the Ministry of Advanced Education. The agreements are the primary accountability instrument of a performance-based funding model, in that they incentivize institutions to work collectively to achieve the goals of Alberta 2030. They are also a requirement under the Post-Secondary Learning Act. The performance metrics are tied to the outcomes-based funding from the Province, and if the College does not meet the metrics, it will lose grant funding in subsequent years. The 2022-2023 targets have been met, and a report was submitted to the Ministry in July. New IMA targets for 2023-2024 have been developed.

Lakeland College - Strategic Plan 2030

• Lakeland's document, Vision 2030, provides a holistic approach that ensures the Alberta government and Lakeland's goals are met. The four Board-created goals focus on learner success, relevant programming and research, connectivity, and sustainability.

Annual Report

• In September of each year, management is responsible for preparing the Annual Report, which provides the Alberta government with evidence of the previous year's activities, outcomes, and financial condition.

Positioning Lakeland College for future success, I support an atmosphere that embraces diversity and creates an environment for staff and students to feel their issues are heard as they pursue their passions. I look forward to an exciting and productive year.

Until next time,

Alice