Saskatchewan Polytechnic students feeling ‘blindsided’ as program moves cities
Students in Saskatchewan Polytechnic's electronic systems engineering technology program are upset about the relocation of their program from Saskatoon to Regina, which would require them to move or withdraw.
Students enrolled in the electronic systems engineering technology (ESET) program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic have expressed their frustration after being informed that their program will move from Saskatoon to Regina next school year. The notice, sent on January 29, has left many students feeling blindsided, as they believe that their needs and circumstances were not taken into consideration. As Krei Carlson, a first-year student, stated, being viewed as just a number in this decision process diminishes their individual situations and concerns.
The relocation of the ESET program affects approximately 15 first-year students who now face the difficult choice of either moving 250 kilometers away to continue their education or having to withdraw from the program altogether. One student, Alex Leowen, highlighted the complexity of his situation as a parent of two children; he pointed out that moving would not only disrupt his education but also his family life, making it a "deal breaker" for him. This situation raises broader questions about how educational institutions manage program logistics and the impact of such decisions on the lives of students.
The decision to relocate the program has sparked a discussion about the responsibilities of higher education institutions towards their students. Many affected students feel that their voices were not heard in the decision-making process, leading to feelings of disempowerment and dissatisfaction. As the students prepare for the upcoming school year, they are left to navigate these challenges, hoping for solutions that will support their educational and personal circumstances without forcing them to choose between the two.