—From the desk of President Maggie Matear

Over the past few weeks, some colleagues have asked for my thoughts on two important questions: 1) what systemic challenges most hold us back, and 2) how we can best prepare for a future where change arrives faster than ever before? These are the right questions to be asking. As we face ongoing sector-wide pressures, we need to look honestly at what stands in our way and how we can adapt together to build a stronger foundation for the years ahead.  

After conversations with senior leaders and many of you, three priorities stand out. 

1. Adapting Our Facilities for the Future 

Selkirk College has a proud history of serving our region through a network of campuses, many built for an earlier era of education. These spaces have supported generations of learners and hold deep meaning for employees and communities. Still, the costs of maintaining older facilities (utilities, repairs, cleaning and staffing) remain constant even when enrolments fluctuate. And we don’t have the resources to provide consistent service levels across such a wide footprint.

Our goal is to ensure our physical spaces are well-used, flexible and ready for new forms of learning. That means looking creatively at how we use our buildings, updating where we can and focusing investment where it will best serve future students. These conversations will take time, and they will involve listening carefully to the people who work and teach in these spaces every day.  

Keep an eye out for opportunities to engage in a new Campus Master Plan conversation. 

2. Strengthening How We Share Information

In times of rapid change, staying connected and informed is vital. We already communicate through newsletters, blogs, meeting updates and town halls, but we know the volume of information can still leave people feeling uncertain or out of the loop. I’m confident that our new intranet, currently under development, will help address this challenge. 

Improving communication is a shared responsibility. As an organization, we need systems that make it easier for everyone to find the information they need. As individuals, we can help by engaging with updates and sharing what we learn. Listening is as important as sharing, so we will continue to build more two-way opportunities for feedback and discussion as we move forward. 

3. Renewing and Evolving Our Programs 

Our academic programs are the heart of Selkirk College. Many have long histories of excellence and community impact, and all represent deep commitment and creativity from faculty and staff. At the same time, changing demographics, shifting learner demand and evolving labour market needs mean some programs face pressure to remain sustainable. 

Across the country, colleges are grappling with similar questions: how to strengthen programs that are thriving, support those that need renewal, and responsibly phase out offerings that have run their course. For us, this means taking a collaborative, transparent approach to program review—drawing on faculty expertise to ensure each program continues meeting student and employer needs.  

Our goal is a balanced, dynamic mix of programs that reflect both our legacy and the opportunities ahead. It’s incredibly inspiring to see various faculty areas working together to develop creative, innovative and distinctive programs. 

Why This Conversation Matters 

These challenges are not about blame—they are about stewardship. We owe it to our students, colleagues and communities to make thoughtful choices about the future. By facing these realities clearly, we make it possible to find better solutions together. 

Looking Ahead: Building Together 

The path forward isn’t going to be simple or short, but I hope it will be shared. Every program, service, school and campus plays a part in shaping what comes next for Selkirk College. Your ideas, questions and involvement are essential to that work—please keep the conversation going. 

Thank you for continuing to bring creativity, care and collaboration to the college. Together, we can stay strong, sustainable and connected to the people and places we serve.