Higher education void filled: Algoma University offering two degree programs in Timmins.

• Author: Cowan, Liz
• Position: TIMMINS

Timmins has lacked accessibility to English-language university programs, but this fall, Algoma University is filling that void. A four-year Bachelor of Social Work degree and a three: year Bachelor of Arts degree in Community Development will begin in September.

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Classes will be held at Northern College's Porcupine Campus and delivered by a professor or through video-conferencing.

"There are very few communities our size that do not have easy access to university or satellite campuses," said Fred Gibbons, president of Northern College. "Part of our mission as a college is to develop an educational network for the North and to promote greater accessibility for studies.

"So it was not a quantum leap to become involved in attracting university opportunities in.Timmins ... and provide our facilities for our partners."

For several years, a community group had been working to bring English-language university programs to the city (Universite de Hearst offers French programs).

"The group changed direction," said Cathy Ellis, director of community economic development with the Timmins Economic Development Corp. "We have written all universities in Ontario to see if any are interested in providing us with programs and we also conducted two surveys to gauge interest in the community."

A survey for the community as a whole was conducted followed by one with high school students in Grades 10 to 12.

The community survey indicated that part-time studies are required along with traditional learning.

"People wanted that classroom setting as opposed to on-line learning," Ellis said.

Both studies indicated a need for degrees in arts, sciences and education with an emphasis on psychology, engineering and business administration.

"We aren't looking at bricks and mortar but to bring as many university courses as we can to Timmins by using existing facilities," Ellis said. "Universities provide relevant education to meet the workforce demand, help retain our youth and also help attract professionals to the community. They improve the quality of life of the whole community."

Northern College currently offers a four-year Bachelor of Science Nursing degree, through Laurentian University, and Gibbons said it has been quite successful. The new programs offered by Algoma will also benefit Northern graduates of the social worker and community and social economic development worker programs.

"Now these graduates have an opportunity to leverage...