Sault College and Algoma University Announce Expanded Partnership

(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON- February 21, 2023) – Sault College and Algoma University are proud to announce new diploma to degree pathway agreements, which strengthen their existing community partnership and support education in the field of social work.

Through the newly established agreements, eligible graduates of Sault College’s two-year Social Service Worker (SSW) and Social Service Worker – Indigenous Specialization (SSW-IS) programs can enter into year three of Algoma University’s Bachelor of Social Work and complete both their diploma and degree in just four years. Eligible graduates of the College’s Child and Youth Care (CYC) three-year diploma program can also enter year three of Algoma’s Bachelor of Social Work program and complete both their diploma and degree in five years.

To be eligible for maximum transfer credit recognition, graduates of SSW and SSW-IS must successfully complete their two-year diploma program with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.30. CYC graduates must successfully complete the advanced diploma three-year program with a minimum 3.00 GPA.

“Our partnership with Algoma University is growing and we're thrilled to offer our students even more opportunities for academic and professional advancement,” said Dr. Ron Common, President, Sault College. “Our institutions share a commitment to student success and to supporting and developing career and life goals. Not only do these new agreements help to achieve this, but they also strengthen our educational community locally. We look forward to our continued collaboration with Algoma University,” he added.

“These agreements support enhanced student mobility between the College and the University, establishing transfer pathways which maximise credit recognition while allowing students from Sault College to seamlessly transition to Algoma University to complete a degree,” shared Asima Vezina, President and Vice-Chancellor, Algoma University. “Continuing to expand on our ongoing pathway partnerships with Sault College is important to provide opportunities for people within our community to advance their educational credentials to include both a college diploma and a university degree.  This is good for our community.”

These new agreements are aligned with both institutions’ strategic priorities to expand postsecondary access, enhance the overall educational experience for students, and support the current and future workforce needs in Ontario.

These also complement the existing Sault College and Algoma University pathways including but not limited to: Business, Computer Programming, Environment Science, General Arts and Science and Justice Studies and more. For more information, visit www.saultcollege.ca/pathways or https://algomau.ca/admissions/transfers-pathways/

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