By: Graham Walker
Nineteen academic programs will be rolled over from the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology to RRC Polytech, starting this Fall.
Executives and administrators from RRC Polytech and the soon to be shuttered MITT met on April 8 to discuss the findings of the academic review program initiated after MITT announced last January its funding model was no longer viable.
MITT students graduating after the current semester will become alumni of RRC Polytech, while students enrolling in these programs for the 2026 Fall semester onward will apply to RRC Polytech Admissions.
The influx of new students to the RRC is expected to be roughly a thousand additional learners.
In an open TEAMs meeting held by RRC Polytech administrators on April 10, RRC Polytech President Fred Meier said that while a great deal of work remains in this “unprecedented challenge,” bringing MITT courses into the RRC curriculum by Fall is something to be excited about as it brings an opportunity for growth in the years to come in a fluctuating job market.
With the review complete and adaptable offerings identified, the first of three phases to amalgamate the MITT programs into the RRC Polytech course catalogue has already begun.
There are 18 working groups examining the details to ensure continuity and support for students and a smooth transition before the start of the Fall semester.
Emily Doer, Manager of Communications and Public Relations at RRC Polytech, told The Projector, “For current RRC Polytech students, this transition will not disrupt their programs or academic progress. Students will continue their studies at RRC Polytech as planned, with the same institutional supports in place.”
For students, blending the transferable programs into the RRC Polytech curriculum comes at a time of already significant challenges to post-secondary education in Manitoba.
Cost of living continues to be a considerable obstacle to educational affordability as the Manitoba government is allowing post-secondary institutions to potentially raise tuition by the highest level in eight years.
RRC Polytech and MITT are scheduled to host another information night on May 7 at the newly designated RRC South Winnipeg campus to provide updates on further developments and the progress regarding ongoing changes course calendar.
