Sask Poly Students Avoid Major Setback as ESET Moves to Regina

Student Concerns Over Program Relocation

When Saskatchewan Polytechnic student Alex Loewen heard that his program would be moving from Saskatoon to Regina, he described it as "devastating." The news came as a shock to many students, especially those who were already settled in their lives in Saskatoon. However, a recent email sent by the school to students on Thursday night suggested that the relocation might be delayed by a year. This potential delay offers some relief to students like Loewen, who is a first-year Electronic Systems Engineering Technology (ESET) student.

In the email, Brenda Suru, the dean of Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s faculty of technology and skilled trades, mentioned that the school is working on a solution to allow the second year of the ESET program to continue in Saskatoon. She added that the program will remain in a temporary training space for one academic year before moving to Regina in a new format within the faculty of digital innovation, arts and sciences. More details about this plan are expected to be shared by the end of February.

The initial communication, which left some students confused, was sent to the 15 students enrolled in the ESET program at the end of January. The letter stated that Saskatchewan Polytechnic had decided to suspend the Fall 2026-27, Year 1, intake for the ESET program as part of preparations for changes that would take place the following year. It also mentioned that the school would not be accepting new students for the program this fall.

Loewen expressed his concerns about having to move, noting that he has children aged six and eight living in Saskatoon. He said that relocating a whole family for just one year would be unrealistic. “It’s not a reality to move a whole family for one year. I wouldn’t feel good about missing one year of their lives at this age.”

Timothy Carlow, another first-year student, remains skeptical about the possibility of staying in Saskatoon despite the email. He said, “We don’t have an official plan or anything yet. We’re still not fully trusting what’s going on.” Carlow added that he hoped to complete the two-year ESET program in Saskatoon but would consider moving if necessary. “It would be a huge pressure on my personal relationships, but being under retraining due to an injury, I don’t necessarily have a choice.”

Carlow described the initial news as a “state of disbelief,” adding that his first reaction was to seek answers. “I waited until the weekend and then started sending out emails when I was in a bit calmer of a state of mind.”

Loewen emphasized the need for regular communication and confirmation that the process is being taken seriously. “We just want regular communication and confirmation that the process is being taken seriously and that they will actually do what they’ve told us. That would reassure us.”

Saskatchewan Polytechnic responded to inquiries from the TUSER PARABOLA, stating that students entering their second year this fall were informed that “year two of their program will continue in Saskatoon; they will not be required to relocate to complete their studies. Details will be provided to students as they are finalized.”

Financial Challenges and Workforce Reductions

The school has faced financial challenges, leading to layoffs of over 125 employees last year. In a statement released on February 3, the institution announced that 23 more employees would be let go, with more cuts possibly coming later in the spring. These reductions come amid challenges posed by federal immigration policy changes that have restricted the ability of post-secondary institutions to attract international students.

The statement highlighted that recruitment challenges have contributed to “revenue shortfalls.” Additionally, other program changes are underway, including the relocation of the instrumentation engineering technology program from Moose Jaw to Saskatoon.

Ongoing Updates and Communication

Students are closely watching for updates as the situation continues to develop. With some online platforms blocking access to critical journalism, the Saskatoon Star Phoenix has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox. This ensures that readers stay up to date with the most important news of the day.

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