What's in a name?

Posted: Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Bill 4, the Post-Secondary Learning Amendment Act, received royal assent on May 26 when Lieutenant Governor Norman Kwong signed it into law.

Mount Royal College is now able to apply to use "university" in our name, and Mount Royal Board of Governors Chair Cathy Williams has sent a letter making this request.

Minister of Advanced Education and Technology, Doug Horner, will now consider Mount Royal's application for a name change.

"This legislation is an important step for post-secondary education in Alberta," says Dave Marshall, president of Mount Royal.

"We are in close contact with the Minister's office for updates on this process."

Today, 80% of Mount Royal students are in a baccalaureate program, a university level course or in a university transfer program. When, and if, a name change happens, it will better reflect the undergraduate education Mount Royal currently offers.

"A new name would not change how Mount Royal operates. We will continue to offer high-quality, personalized learning in smaller classes," says Marshall. "It would recognize that Mount Royal offers degree programs in conjunction with our diploma, certificate, transfer and open studies programs."

There would also be no change in how Mount Royal is funded, or its position within the Baccalaureate and Applied Studies Institution sector of the Roles and Mandate Policy framework that is outlined in the Post-Secondary Learning Act.

Marshall says the amendments introduced by Minister Horner in Bill 4 are a clear demonstration of his commitment to helping Mount Royal achieve its aspirations.

"I want to acknowledge and thank the Minister for his tremendous efforts over the past three years to enable Mount Royal to continue to offer Albertans, Canadians and international students high-quality degree programs."

When Mount Royal first opened its doors nearly 100 years ago, it welcomed 189 students. Today, some 12,000 credit students take a variety of programs and courses including bachelor's degrees, applied degrees, university transfer courses, diplomas and certificates.

More details about Bill 4 can be found on the Government of Alberta's Advanced Education and Technology website.

Go Back