(Source: https://www.alberta.ca/aaip-alberta-opportunity-stream-eligibility
The current exclusion of non-credit programs at SAIT from eligibility due to lack of approval from the Ministry of Advanced Education in Alberta creates a significant disadvantage for students who are pursuing these 
programs.

Who is impacted?

The current policy of the Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) significantly impacts international students enrolled in non-credit programs at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). These students, despite their substantial financial investment and academic commitment, find themselves at a disadvantage due to the exclusion of their programs from the AOS eligibility criteria. This policy affects more than 600 students projected to enroll in these programs at SAIT each year.

What is at stake?

The exclusion of non-credit programs from the AOS eligibility criteria not only hampers the career prospects of these students but also negatively impacts the labor market in Alberta. If this policy remains unchanged, talented individuals may be forced to leave Alberta, thereby affecting the local workforce. Moreover, the value of the students’ investment in their education is undermined, casting a shadow over their hopes of building a future in Alberta.

Demands:

1. Primary Demand: Inclusion of non-credit professional certification programs at SAIT as an Alberta Advanced Education approved credential.

We urge SAIT administration's active participation in discussions with the Alberta Education Ministry to seek approval for non-credit programs on a priority basis. Effective communication and monthly updates for students are crucial during this process.

2. We demand transparency from SAIT on the ConEd website regarding the status of non-credit programs in terms of ministry or institution approval status. 
SAIT ConEd's official website indicates compliance with federal and provincial policies, which might potentially be misguiding so clarification is needed on whether the program is an Alberta Advanced Education-approved credential or just an institution-approved credential. 

{For reference, MacEwan University has the following text highlighted under all of their non-credit certificate programs: “These programs are non-credit and don't yield a Ministry-approved credential. However, they are designated by Advanced Education which qualifies potential students to apply for a study permit.” 
(Source: https://www.macewan.ca/academics/faculties-schools/school-of-continuing-education/international-programs/professional-development/ )}

3. If approval for non-credit programs is not secured, demand that SAIT works towards transforming these programs into Post-Graduate Credit Certificate Programs that better suit the needs of the employment market, enable students to claim credits towards further education and meet the eligibility requirements of Alberta Immigration law.

Supporting Statements from students:

The following statements from affected students underscore the real impact of the programs not being Alberta Advanced Education approved credentials. Concerns about potential program devaluation and stress about settling in Alberta are highlighted.

“I would have to plan to start taking a 2-year Diploma course after this program as I was not aware about this program’s ineligibility for AOS Alberta PNP stream before I enrolled in this program” ~SCM Fall 2023 Certificate student

“I will not choose to pursue a 2nd-year non-credit certificate as I am skeptical that it might not hold the value that I am looking for considering the fact that these programs are not being considered as eligible by the Alberta govt. for one of the most popular immigration Streams” ~ Proj Mgmt Fall 2023 Certificate student

“I would have not enrolled for the non-credit certificate programs at SAIT if I would have known it’s ineligibility towards AOS Alberta PNP stream”. ~ Data Science Fall 2023 Certificate student

“I am very stressed and concerned about my PR pathway now as I was not aware about this program’s ineligibility towards AOS when I enrolled for the program, I would just not able to focus on my studies anymore”. ~SCM Winter 2023 Certificate student

“I would consider to drop out of my second year at SAIT and find out other educational Avenues that has post graduate certificate programs that are eligible for AOS stream”. ~SCM Fall 2023 Certificate student

Why is now the time to act? 

The urgency to act is underscored by the real and immediate impact of this policy on students. The stress and uncertainty faced by these students are detrimental to their academic performance and overall well-being. Furthermore, the potential loss of talent from Alberta’s workforce could have long-term implications for the province’s economic development. Therefore, it is crucial that immediate action is taken to include non-credit programs at SAIT as an Alberta Advanced Education-approved credential for AOS. This change would uphold SAIT’s principles of Fairness, Integrity, Respect, Safety, and Transparency (FIRST), and reinforce SAIT’s positive reputation and its vision to be a global leader in applied education.