SAIT and TUS sign international collaborative agreement to shape the future of student success

Calgary, AB and Dublin, IRE (Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024) — As part of a foundational commitment to expanding global partnerships, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and Ireland’s Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) have entered a three-year collaborative agreement to foster a cooperative relationship between the two institutions.

Aimed at fulfilling mutual strategic alignment of internationalizing curriculum and the student experience, this exciting initiative will endeavour to develop joint programming, seek opportunities for student and faculty exchanges, share information and best practices and explore research initiatives.

“Solidifying our mutual commitment to collaboration through this new partnership with TUS is significant,” says Dr. David Ross, SAIT President and CEO. “The opportunity to exchange information and develop new and engaging education methods in support of student success will be a welcomed initiative among SAIT faculty and staff.”

With a focus on enhancing faculty development through international projects, the agreement will support exploration into new teaching and learning practices in applied learning through leading-edge technology.

Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of TUS, commented, “Collaboration is the lifeblood of innovation, and we are delighted to commit to this exciting new partnership with SAIT, which will open new opportunities across two continents for staff, students and researchers.”

To further enrich the post-secondary experience, a committee made up of representatives from both institutions will determine learning opportunities for students to gain global perspectives through joint programming and potential education exchanges. Participation for student engagement in research projects, practicums or internships will also be evaluated.

Plans to investigate the viability of collaborative design and delivery of joint programming at SAIT and TUS will be explored. Assessment will be completed through the lens of Alberta’s accreditation requirements, with necessary emphasis on providing a unique educational offering in the province.

Additionally, SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services and the TUS Research Institutes will take a coordinated approach to applied research in their respective areas of expertise and interest. Common areas include green technology and transformation, advanced manufacturing, digitalization, bioeconomy and agriculture.

About SAIT

Established in 1916, SAIT was the first of its kind, publicly funded technical school in North America. As a global leader in applied education and research — serving nearly 40,000 students annually — SAIT offers certificate, diploma, post diploma, apprenticeship and applied degree programs, baccalaureate degrees, corporate training and more than 1,000 continuing education courses, along with four dedicated, award-winning areas of research and capacity for new and emerging research. Curriculum and research priorities are developed through industry partnerships to ensure graduates have the skills and knowledge required to fulfill the demand for talent. SAIT is honoured to be recognized by Mediacorp Canada Inc. as one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 2024, and to be ranked sixth by Research Infosource Inc. in the Top 50 Research Colleges in Canada for 2023. CEOWORLD Magazine ranked the SAIT School of Business #49 on the list of Best Business Schools in the World for 2024, and the School of Hospitality and Tourism placed #14 on their list of Best Hospitality and Hotel Management Schools in the World for 2024.  

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