University of Alberta, Augustana University College merge July 1
Written By: News Staff
2004-06-29
; "University of Alberta, Augustana University College merge July 1")
Two of Alberta’s founding institutions of higher learning joined forces today with the signing of a merger agreement between the University of Alberta and Augustana University College in Camrose to take effect July 1, 2004.“This merger reflects and advances our vision to provide all Albertans with an opportunity for an accessible, flexible and responsive learning environment,” said Alberta Learning Minister Dr. Lyle Oberg. “The partnership between these two institutions will help meet the increasing demand for post-secondary education in rural Alberta during the years to come.”
“Augustana shares the University of Alberta’s commitment to serving the community with the highest educational standards and we are proud to welcome them into the University of Alberta family. This is a wonderful way to celebrate Canada Day," said Jim Edwards, said University of Alberta Board Chair.
Augustana University College will be renamed University of Alberta, Augustana Faculty. Students currently enrolled in Augustana University College (AUC) degree programs will be able to complete their AUC degree. Once Augustana degree programs have been approved by the university, students can transfer to complete a degree from the University of Alberta, Augustana Faculty.
“The agreement was developed through goodwill and co-operation and is based on a vision for the future that respects the proud traditions and achievements of the past. This historic agreement will benefit students, faculty and staff of Augustana for years to come--and could not have been possible without their diligence and commitment," said Stan Gooch, chair of the Augustana Board of Regents.
“The University of Alberta has made it possible for the founding traditions of Augustana to have a significant ongoing role in its academic and student life," added Bishop Raymond Schultz, President of Augustana University College’s owner corporation.
Augustana University College was founded in 1910 by the Alberta Norwegian Lutheran College Association, a voluntary association of Lutheran congregations in Alberta. It became a college of what is now the national Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada in 1957. In 1985, Augustana became the first private college in Alberta accredited to grant baccalaureate degrees. It currently serves 1,000 students from across Canada and 28 countries worldwide.
The University of Alberta was established in 1908 and serves nearly 35,000 graduate and undergraduate students with more than 370 programs. The U of A is one of Canada’s premier teaching and research institutions attracting in excess of $350 million in research funding annually and leading the country with the most 3M Teaching Fellowships.