Tag: Keyano College

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Economic Entertainment Ft Mac Sports

Huskies Hockey Team Program Ended by Keyano College After Funding is Cut Due to Financial Considerations

The Keyano College Huskies hockey team has ended, even though the team just had one of their best seasons ever. The hockey team has lost all funding due to recent financial cuts and cost cutting measures. The cost for the program was one of the reasons given for the elimination of the team. A statement issued by the CEO and interim president for Keyano College, Tracy Edwards, explained that “This was a very difficult decision and speaks to the seriousness of regaining our financial footing. I want to thank the coaches and players for all they have done as ambassadors for Keyano College. We will be sure to work with students who would have been returning to the team in the next academic year, to ensure their needs are met.”

When Keyano College Huskies hockey team members and school staff first realized that program funding could be cut they showed up at the meeting in the hopes of starting a debate and keeping the program alive. It quickly became apparent that there would be little discussion though. According to the Huskies assistant coach, Paige Pyett, “There was no option for debate. It was the board letting us make comments and ask questions, but no opportunity to say sway the decision or change their minds.” According to head coach Nate Bedford “I’ve heard rumours there would be cuts, but to be honest, I’ve heard rumours about lots of different things getting cut across the college. It hasn’t been the world’s greatest place to go to work for some time now. Not just for me, but for everyone.”

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Economic Ft Mac

Therese Greenwood No Longer Vice President at Keyano College

Therese Greenwood, the vice-president of external relations and advancement at Keyano College, no longer holds this position and she has been let go at the college. This makes Greenwood the top official to part way with the school since Kevin Nagel resigned as the President and CEO of the college in February of this year. According to Mathew Harrison, the spokesperson for Keyano College, a public announcement will not be made about the departure and the school does not have any plans to replace Greenwood. Harrison stated “Given that it’s a personnel matter it’s not something that we discuss the details of. Part of the responsibilities will go to the president’s office and some will be split up among the other vice-presidents.” A press release with a date of April 2nd of 2014 discussed Greenwood’s hiring and described her marketing and communication background.

Before Therese Greenwood took the position at Keyano College she held a position at Queen’s University and she also worked with the City of Kingston. After Greenwood came to the Fort McMurray area she worked at the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo in an executive communications position. In the past Therese has also worked as an editor and a journalist as well. When the media tried to contact her they could not reach Greenwood for a comment. Many of the staff changes in recent months at Keyano College have been caused by a decline in revenues which were caused by the global crash in the price of oil. As a result of the drop in oil prices demand for services from the college have also decreased significantly.

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Alberta Ft Mac

Collaborative Agreement Signed by Keyano College and Mount Royal University

A collaborative agreement has been signed by both Mount Royal University and Keyano College, so that students have an easier time earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science without having to leave Fort McMurray to do this. The new program will focus on the environmental problems and issues, and the solutions to these problems and issues, that are associated with natural resources and the natural resource industry. The program is one that has been demanded by industry groups, various levels of government, and environmental groups. Mount Royal University dean of science and technology Jeff Goldberg explained “People can continue to live in Fort McMurray for family or work reasons while earning a four-year degree from us. There’s a lot of demand for people with this kind of training. Graduates will improve the expertise level of the workforce. For us, the networks already existed between Mount Royal and Keyano College people. It’s a win-win for everyone and a huge win for Keyano College.”

This is not the first collaboration with another school for Keyano College or Mount Royal University, but it is the first collaborative agreement between the two schools. Keyano College already has similar agreements for other programs with Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and the University of Alberta. Students of the new collaborative program will attend lectures through the use of a high definition camera system, Connected North, and this system offers two way communication. Keyano College vice president of academics Catherine Koch provided a statement that included this memorandum “This Memorandum of Understanding provides added academic options for our students in an ever growing field and continues our commitment to high-quality education in our community.”

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Economic Ft Mac Politics

Keyano College Faculty Survey Shows Dismal Views

A new Keyano College faculty survey shows that many faculty members hold dismal views of the current administration. The Alberta Colleges and Institutes Faculties Association climate survey conducted last year showed that Keyano staff had a lower opinion about the school on almost every level last year. The study showed that 85% of the staff believed that there was a lack of open communication from administrators to faculty members, and that 78% believed that the day to day challenges that instructors faced were not understood by senior administrative staff. The survey involved 91 college faculty members and they indicate the mood of faculty members at the institution after staff and budget cuts in the last few years. Instructors and faculty association members have not spoken about how they feel about the cuts and cutbacks, saying that school policies prohibit them from commenting. Keyano administrators have denied that this is the case. The study showed that faculty members had the lowest view of Keyano College tat they have had in over a decade.

After the Keyano College faculty survey results were released Keyano College spokesperson Matthew Harris released an email that stated “We are aware of the faculty climate survey. Our interim President looks forward to meeting with our Faculty Association to discuss any and all concerns. It’s been a difficult time for the College over the last year, and all areas have felt the strain of the changed economy of the region. It’s important for all of us to work together so that we can meet these challenges. Part of that will include understanding how faculty and staff feel about the organization, identifying shortcomings, and addressing those shortcomings so we can bridge the gap and focus on moving forward together.”

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Economic Entertainment Ft Mac

Keyano College Affair of the Arts Tickets are Now Available

If you are an art lover or a patron of the arts then you may be excited to know that the Keyano College Affair of the Arts tickets are now available. The event will take place on March 12, 2016 and it will be hosted by the Keyano Theatre and Arts Centre. This is the seventh time that an art event like this has been hosted by the Centre. Those who attend will be treated to a performance by Colin Mochrie and Debra McGrath, a married couple who are both Canadian actors. There will also be a wine tasting for those who enjoy trying different wines, food which will be catered by Chartwells, and a local young artist will also give a performance.

The wine tasting at the Keyano College Affair of the Arts is an event that is being co organized with local wine club the Fort McMurray Opimian Society. Those who purchase tickets for the event will receive 5 tastings an this is included in the gala ticket price. The local artist who will be showcased during a performance will be under 19 years old. Keyano Theatre and Arts Centre marketing coordinator stated “We had sent out a call to musicians, where local youth artists can come and submit their application, and from that we were going to choose an artist.” The competition ended last week. The goal of the event is to raise money for art programs. In order to attend you must eb at least 18 years old, and tickets cost $200 per ticket. Anyone interested in a ticket can purchase one online or they can call the Centre box office at 780-791-4990.

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Economic Ft Mac Politics

Interim President for Keyano College is Ready to Face the Current Challenges the School Faces

Right now Keyano College is facing some financial struggles, and these are caused in part by a lower demand for classes and industry training due to the current economy. Interim president Tracy Edwards is prepared to face the challenges though. Edwards was named the interim president for the school after Kevin Nagel suddenly resigned from his position on the board a little more than a week ago. Edwards is confident that she has the skills and experience needed to turn things around in spite of all the budget cuts that Keyano College has seen in recent months. Tracy Edwards told the media that “I’ve done that a number of times. Particularly when I went to Lethbridge in 2005 (it was) very similar situation — lots of issues around finances. So I do have some experience coming into an environment like this. What people want during a time of turbulence is basically some stability, some vision and some hope. To be assured that the future is bright. Yes, it’s been a little bit rocky but we have a lot to look forward too. And working together, we can figure it out.”

According to Kara Flynn, the Keyano College board chair, the choice of interim president was an obvious one. Flynn also explained the situation by saying “Keyano is not immune to, unfortunately, the lower revenues that are being generated in this community through this time. So we’ve had to make some very difficult decisions as an organization.” The recent staff layoffs all involved support roles at the college.