The post-secondary sector in Saskatchewan includes public institutions, Aboriginal-controlled institutions and programming, private vocational schools and apprenticeship programs.
Governance and structure in the public university system are based upon a bicameral system consisting of the Board of Governors (BOG) that governs administration and finance of the institution. The university senate deals with the academic affairs such as curriculum, introduction of new disciplines/programs and hiring of faculty.
Public Institutions and Aboriginal-controlled Institutions and Programming
The University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan were established by provincial statute and are regulated by their respective acts: The University of Regina Act and the University of Saskatchewan Act.
The Saskatchewan Polytechnic was established through The Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology Act, 1986 (amended 1996). Saskatchewan Polytechnic is govern by the Board of Directors (BOD) who manage the business of Saskatchewan Polytechnic, the board ensures accountability to the minister responsible for Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the people of Saskatchewan. The institution adopts the corporate model of governance by having the President/CEO who manages the money. In addition, there is the Provost/VP who is in charge of budget management, planning and implementation of research projects. Lastly, the CFO/VP of Administration who is also the VP of Strategy and Advancement who oversees capability development within the faculty and staff. The Dumont Technical Institute is federated with Saskatchewan Polytechnic and is the adult upgrading and technical training arm of the Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research, created and operated by the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan.
The Regional Colleges Act created the regional colleges to provide adult basic education and skills training to people in areas of the province without easy access to post-secondary education.
The First Nations University of Canada is technically a federated college (its degrees are conferred by the University of Regina); "it is the only First Nations-controlled post-secondary institution in Canada that operates in partnership with a university". According to their website,
the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College Act of the Legislative Assembly of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) established the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (SIFC) (now the First Nations University of Canada) as an institution that is administratively and financially autonomous, but academically integrated with the University of Regina. The SIFC Act specifies the composition and responsibilities of the board of governors. Two members of the board are appointed directly by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN). Other members are appointed by the senate, Agency/Tribal Councils of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan universities, Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Saskatchewan Learning, First Nations University of Canada faculty and the First Nations University of Canada Students' Association.
In November, 2005, the All-Chiefs' Task Force on the Future of the First Nations University of Canada released a report outlining their findings and recommendations following a forensic audit of the First Nations University of Canada. The report identifies "institutional governance as the most important of its recommendations.". The 2007 FNUC Board of Governors has 27 members, including Chiefs, Grand Chiefs, students, and both federal and provincial representatives As recently as May 6, 2008, the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) was contemplating censuring FNUC (or "FNUniv" as CAUT and others call the institution) "unless the university agrees to remedy gross violations of basic university governance principles, address concerns about academic freedom and respect collective agreements it has negotiated". As of June 24, 2008, CAUT was reporting some progress in discussions with FNUniv.
The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies(SIIT) is administered under The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies Act, 2000. It is governed by a board composed of senators, Saskatchewan Tribal Council appointees, and a Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations executive member. Recently, SIIT's key goals for the year 2014 through 2019 focuses on responding to the needs of students ensuring that the graduates possess the necessary skills and knowledge to cultivate as self-motivated and continuous learners as well as contributing members of their respective communities. Other goals include improving the quality of the academic staff, becoming an institution that values ethical leadership, maintaining transparency and accountability to itself and its stakeholders.
The Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research (GDI)is the educational institution created and operated by the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan. The institution is governed by a Board of Governors that oversees the institute's direction and operational duties. Members of the board are selected from each of the 12 Metis Nations regions around Saskatchewan. This includes a Chairperson who is a Metis person and also the Saskatchewan Minister of Education. It is "the only wholly Métis owned and controlled education institution of its kind in Canada" according to the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials.
The Northern Teacher Education Program (NORTEP) is accredited by the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Regina, and the First Nations University of Canada. The Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP) "is a four-year, fully accredited Bachelor of Education program, offered by the Gabriel Dumont Institute in cooperation with Saskatchewan Learning, the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan. The program is offered in three urban centres--Prince Albert, Saskatoon, and Regina".
Private Vocational Schools
Private Vocational Schools are regulated by the Saskatchewan Advanced Education and Employment, Training Institutions Branch under the authority of the Private Vocational Schools Regulation Act, 1995 and the Private Vocational Schools Regulations, 1995. According to the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials:
The legislation requires that institutions, programs, and instructors be registered with the ministry. The ministry does not directly evaluate private vocational school programs for quality. However, registration and monitoring of program, curricula, including a review of labour market research to support new programs, affects quality. The Canadian Education and Training Accreditation Commission (CETAC) is a national association that accredits Canadian private vocational schools at the institutional level. Accreditation is voluntary.
Apprenticeship programs
The Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) oversees apprenticeship programs in Saskatchewan. According to their website,
Saskatchewan's Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Act 1999 establishes the Commission as a Corporation and Agent of the Crown. A Board of twenty or fewer members is appointed by the Provincial Government. The majority of the members of the Board are selected by industry, equally representing employers and employees. The Commission Board also has representation from Saskatchewan Polytechnic (formerly SIAST), the Provincial Government and equity groups. The Commission reports to a Minister of the Provincial Government who is responsible for the administration of the Act, usually the Minister of Advanced Education and Employment. The Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Act 1999 authorizes the Commission to manage the Apprenticeship and Trade Certification system.
According to the SATCC strategic plan for 2012, key strategies include training which is to increase the number of individuals to move through the apprenticeship program seamlessly. Support which is to increase the effectiveness between SATCC with government, industry, public and underrepresented groups especially women, First Nations, Metis and immigrants. SATCC will also look into securing funding from the provincial government and relevant stakeholders to support labor market training needs. Identify the long term and short terms needs for industrial training, apprenticeship numbers and skills. Lastly, SATCC plans to enhance its operational efficiency to meet stakeholders needs
Campus Saskatchewan
As a partnership of provincial post-secondary institutions and the government, Campus Saskatchewan was established in 2002 "to use technology-based learning to increase access to post-secondary studies in the province". Partners in Campus Saskatchewan are the following: Gabriel Dumont Institute/Dumont Technical Institute, First Nations University of Canada, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT), Saskatchewan Advanced Education and Employment (ex officio), Saskatchewan Polytechnic (formerly SIAST), Saskatchewan Regional Colleges, University of Regina, and University of Saskatchewan. Effective March 31, 2010, Campus Saskatchewan, including the Saskatchewan Council for Admissions and Transfer, ceased operations.