Archived News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

August 20, 2014

Students to Benefit from New Partnership



BRANDON—Student success is at the heart of a new collaborative agreement signed today between Brandon University (BU) and Assiniboine Community College (ACC), a partnership to explore new courses, research opportunities and student mobility between the two institutions.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will enhance both programming and accessibility for more than 9,500 students enrolled each year in post-secondary education in Brandon and the surrounding area.

“This agreement will expand opportunities for students and recognizes the role of education in fostering investment and economic growth in the Westman region,” says Dr. Gervan Fearon, BU president.  “It also signals a significant direction for post-secondary education in the province. Collaboration among institutions is key to the future.”

The MOU builds upon a landmark 2009 partnership between BU and ACC, unrivalled in Manitoba post-secondary education. Connect 20/20 led to nine articulation agreements allowing students with credits at one institution to transfer to another in programs including business administration, education, media arts, nursing, police studies and environmental science-based courses.

“We are building upon a strong relationship to make the city of Brandon a post-secondary education destination and increase the number of graduates with ready skills to join the workforce or pursue higher education,” said Mark Frison, ACC president.

“This agreement will help us to meet our goal of ensuring there are no wrong doors to education in this province,” said Premier Greg Selinger.  “This agreement means that student’s accomplishments at one institution will benefit them when transferring to another.  I commend these two institutions for collaborating to build capacity and meet the needs of students in Brandon and the surrounding regions.”

Assiniboine Community College has been providing exceptional learning experiences for over 50 years, transforming lives and strengthening Manitoba through applied education and research.

Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship; educating students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.

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The Province of Manitoba is distributing this release on behalf of Brandon University, Assiniboine Community College and the Government of Manitoba.