University of Saskatchewan Opens Doors to Future Students

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) Prince Albert Campus hosted its third Open House on the evening of March 15, 2024, welcoming prospective undergraduate students, their families, and school counsellors. The event featured a variety of activities aimed at showcasing the educational opportunities available at the campus.

Jay Wilson, Principal of the USask Prince Albert Campus, emphasized the importance of the event in promoting the programs offered. “We’ve got a bunch of different colleges and schools from Saskatoon coming up here and giving students an opportunity to find out what their program is like,” Wilson stated. Many attendees are in their final year of high school, exploring options for the following academic year.

Among the colleges represented were the Edwards School of Business, the College of Agriculture and Bioresources, and the College of Arts and Science. Wilson highlighted the objective of the Open House: to illustrate that students can begin their studies in Prince Albert, even if they must complete some programs at the main campus in Saskatoon. “Most of our programs you can start here in Prince Albert,” he said, noting that this option allows students to stay close to home and save on living expenses.

The Open House provided an information fair for attendees to meet college representatives, attend sessions about the programs available, participate in campus tours, and learn about the admissions process. According to Wilson, the event has evolved over its three years, adapting to the needs of new students. “Each year it’s a new group, unless they’ve had a sibling come through,” he explained, adding that many visitors were experiencing the campus for the first time.

This year, several new course offerings were introduced, including a class in the Edwards School of Business aimed at high school students to help them get ahead in their post-secondary studies. The College of Agriculture and Bioresources will also launch a certificate course this summer. Wilson expressed optimism about the current academic term, noting that student retention rates have been strong. “From our fall initial enrolment, we’ve maintained really good numbers,” he said, highlighting that the positive student experience contributes to retention.

The campus has also focused on enhancing student support services. “We continue to work really hard to provide a supportive environment,” Wilson stated. Recent additions include an Arts and Science advisor and an advisor for the Edwards School of Business, underscoring the campus’s commitment to meeting student needs.

In September, Peter Stoicheff, President of the University, visited the campus to engage with alumni and assess its progress. Wilson commented on the enthusiasm of the visiting delegation, which included new campus administration members such as Vince Bruno-Bossi, Scott Banda, and Deidre Henne. “They asked lots of really good questions, but they were all positive and directed towards the growth of the campus,” Wilson noted, reflecting on the strong support from the University leadership.

The Open House also allowed first-time visitors to explore the campus facilities, including dental and nursing laboratories, as well as the student lounge. Rob Procyk, Campus Lead, conducted several informational sessions, which attracted a healthy number of pre-registered students and parents. “There was good interest, both from the two school divisions here in Prince Albert, as well as high schools outside of Prince Albert,” Wilson reported.

Despite assumptions regarding lower enrollment at the USask Prince Albert Campus, Wilson confirmed that the institution is experiencing growth in several areas. “We’re actually growing in a number of areas with some programs, so we’re really, really happy about that,” he concluded, emphasizing the campus’s objective to foster a vibrant learning community.

The Open House served as a key opportunity for prospective students to engage with the university, and Wilson welcomed continued inquiries from interested individuals. The positive atmosphere of the evening reflected a commitment to student success and the ongoing development of the campus.