Administration & Governance

Mandate

Medicine Hat College is a board-governed public post-secondary institution operating in Alberta as a comprehensive community college under the authority of the PSLA.

Focused on growing a vibrant future with learners and our region, we provide programs and services to help learners access Alberta’s post-secondary education system, develop careers, and contribute to the province’s economy.

We believe that learning is valuable through all stages of life. Our programs meet the needs of many demographic groups in our region.

Focused on the future of work, our programs align with the needs of the region while opening doors to the world. We are agile in our ability to design, develop, and adapt. Leading collaboration, we are allies in regional development. We identify emerging trends and work with regional partners to rapidly prototype solutions.

We meet learners where they’re at. We remove barriers for the diverse population we serve including Indigenous people, rural students, first generation learners, and newcomers to Canada. Through flexible programming, clear pathways, and alternative delivery methods, learners get what they need, when they need it, in ways that work for them. Our partnerships enhance our ability to achieve this.

We combine academic theory and practical application to give learners a leg up in the labour market. With an emphasis on wellness, inclusion, and transferable skills, we prepare learners for success in college, in the workforce, and in life.

With campuses in Brooks and Medicine Hat – and a vision to expand access in communities across southeastern Alberta – we offer credit and non-credit instruction giving learners the choice of face-to-face or distance learning to meet individual needs and enable access.

As a comprehensive community college, we embrace regional stewardship and work with community-based adult learning partners such as schools, governments, businesses, and other community stakeholders to enhance access to PSE and respond to learning needs identified in the community.

Medicine Hat College is a learner-centered institution serving a diverse range of students in various areas of study including: liberal arts; business and commerce; health and human services; visual and performing arts; science and technology; and apprenticeship and pre-employment trades.

Medicine Hat College focuses on five primary types of programming:

• Certificate, diploma, post-diploma certificate, applied degree and bachelor’s degree programs that prepare learners for entry to careers and employment.
• Pre-employment and journeyman certificate programming that prepares learners for trades employment and careers.
• Collaborative undergraduate degrees delivered in partnership with other institutions.
• University studies that allow learners to start an academic pathway in the region and complete elsewhere in Alberta.
• Foundational learning programs and academic upgrading that prepare learners for success in life and further post-secondary studies.

Through Continuing Studies, the college also responds to workforce development and cultural awareness needs including non-credit offerings, contract and in-service training, and customized employability programs.

The college will continue to make investments in program development. Doing so will increase access to education and respond to opportunities and community needs.

Medicine Hat College is committed to the principles of the adult learning system, and values collaboration and partnership to provide access for learners and an efficient system for the province. This collaboration strengthens programming and increases access to quality learning opportunities through initiatives such as collaborative degree programs, transfer credit, and program brokerage.

As a comprehensive community college within the post-secondary system, MHC is a regional steward with a defined role: to provide or facilitate access to a range of adult learning services and opportunities across our service area.

The college embraces collaboration and access to the broader system as a vital method of sustaining and growing the economic vitality of the south. We conduct scholarly activity to support high quality learning opportunities in degree programs. We align with Alberta’s Research and Innovation Framework by partnering with industry to build skills and knowledge, and collaborating on applied research and innovation projects relevant to our region.

To accomplish this, MHC is involved in diverse areas of research inquiry. The college is also increasing capacity to engage faculty expertise in business innovation projects. Given the modest capacity of the institution, the most desirable projects are those that relate to regional economic development.

Medicine Hat College’s greatest strength is the care and dedication that faculty and staff have for our students. Our reputation is built on quality offerings and instruction, with a support network and personalized approach. We stand by this commitment and will continually work to ensure students are afforded every opportunity to succeed.

Collaboration is imperative to our success. Establishing partnerships in the region and throughout the province of Alberta supports economic, environmental, and social innovation. We will continue to provide local and affordable access to a comprehensive and responsive program mix, work collaboratively with other post-secondary institutions, and pursue partnership opportunities where appropriate.

The regional economic landscape is changing in our region, and the college will ensure programming and services align to community needs. This effort includes collaborative projects to support workplace development, and business retention and expansion initiatives. Our goal is to adapt to the changing labour market and strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.

We are focused on youth in our community and will continue to develop relationships with local school districts in our geographic service region through dual credit programming.

Recognizing that success requires support outside the learning environment, we provide an array of services that reflect the needs of learners and communities. This includes counselling, academic advising, academic coach, writing support, daycare, financial aid, career and employment support, and more.

Medicine Hat College has created, implemented, and supported many efforts to increase pathways for our Indigenous learners. These efforts include accessibility and connection to Elders and Knowledge Keepers locally and within the Regions (Treaty 4, 7 and Metis Region III). Cultural gatherings, pipe ceremonies, round dances, and smudging ceremonies have created pathways of holistic support and educational guidance for our Indigenous learners on their post-secondary journey.

Student mental health and wellness is a priority for Medicine Hat College. Through programs and collaboration with external partners, we have created a safety net of resources to improve all aspects of student health and wellness. Students are provided comprehensive services that strive to deliver the right service at the right time.

Medicine Hat College attracts about 300 international students annually to our campuses. Our efforts are focused on recruiting for undersubscribed programs, as well as recruiting for diversity, student success, and best fit across Medicine Hat College’s programs. Toward these aims, we participate in select recruitment activities in new markets and are diversifying our partnership networks.