Public post-secondary institutional structure
Alberta's public post-secondary system is organized into six categories or institutional designations. Collectively, these institutions offer a comprehensive set of certificates, diplomas, applied degrees, bachelors, masters and doctoral programs. Each public post-secondary institution has a mandate outlining the institution's direction in terms of programming, region and client group served. An institution's mandate is one of the guidelines used when new credit programs are considered for approval by the Ministry of Advanced Education. In 2007, the Ministry of Advanced Education developed a model that defines institutions according to their credentials, type and intensity of research activity, and geographic focus. The six categories or institutional designations are:
1. Comprehensive Academic and Research Institutions (Athabasca University, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge)
2. Baccalaureate and Applied Studies Institutions (MacEwan University, Mount Royal University)
3. Polytechnic Institutions (e.g., NAIT, SAIT Polytechnic)
4. Comprehensive Community Institutions (e.g., Bow Valley College, Keyano College, Lakeland College, Red Deer College)
5. Independent Academic Institutions (e.g., Ambrose University College, The King's University College)
6. Specialized Arts and Culture Institutions (e.g., Alberta College of Art and Design, The Banff Centre)
Research structure
When Alberta established its six sector advanced education system in 2007, it also clearly defined roles and responsibilities for three categories of research: pure, applied, and scholarly.
Pure research is defined as exploratory and primarily conducted by Comprehensive Academic and Research Institutions (CARI). Applied research focuses on identification of solutions to specific areas, may involve third party engagement or funding, and is conducted by non- CARIs. Lastly, scholarly research encourages faculty members at non-CARIs to engage in research that supplements their instructional mandate, possibly in collaboration with a CARI.
With the clarity of roles established in the post-secondary system, Alberta's universities, colleges and technical institutes focus their mandates to contribute to the overall success of Alberta's research and innovation system. Provincial higher education research falls under the banner of Alberta Innovates.
Provincial legislation
Alberta has produced various acts to deal with post-secondary education over the course of its history. These acts were passed to regulate the development of different types of educational institutions established over time (see chronology). Most recently, the Ministry of Advanced Education proclaimed the Post-secondary Learning Act in 2004. This act is now the singular piece of legislation that takes the place of four previous acts (the universities, colleges, Banff Centre and technical institutes acts). The rationale for combining all these acts is to establish a framework to expand offerings of baccalaureate degrees beyond the universities and private degree granting university colleges. Public colleges and institutes under this act can grant degrees as well. Another reason for this move is: to promote better coordination between public post-secondary institutions; avoid duplication of functions; move toward a single seamless post-secondary system; and ensure efficient allocation of resources. The creation of Campus Alberta Quality Council as the body that examines proposals for new degrees is also part of the consolidated Post-secondary
Learning Act.
Campus Alberta
In 2002, Alberta Learning released Campus Alberta, a document about the province's post-secondary system. Campus Alberta contains a set of guiding principles intended on fostering high quality, flexible learning opportunities for Alberta citizens. This document triggered changes in the post-secondary system, particularly to the acts that governed the different educational institutions. Although the concept has since evolved, this document set parameters around the emerging notion of lifelong learning. The key factors that encourage lifelong learning are:
A global tendency towards a knowledge-based economy
Globalization of international markets and growing competitive pressures
Industry's need for an increasingly sophisticated and expanding workforce
The positive impact education has on the individual and society at large.
Campus Alberta advocates for a learning system that is responsive and focused on the learner as well as innovative, collaborative, and accessible. In terms of accessibility and collaboration, the report recognizes the importance of both formal and informal learning opportunities as a way of earning credits for post-secondary education and encourages more articulation between post-secondary entities.
Now, the Campus Alberta Planning Resource has become an annual profile of Alberta's advanced education system, published by Alberta Advanced Education and Technology. The latest Campus Alberta Planning Resource was published in 2014. It provides a common source for data on demographics, enrollment, and economic factors that impact demand for post-secondary education and the capacity of post-secondary institutions to meet this demand. This helps to ensure that Campus Alberta can respond to the needs of learners, the economy, and society in all regions across the province.