The Maskwacis Cultural College (MCC) announced earlier this year that they would be closing their physical doors to the community on May 10, 2024 and transitioning to an e-learning model.
While the registrar's office and administration team will work out of the Ermineskin Mall, resident elders, the president and the deans of the various departments will work from home. Students will still be provided with full supports and access to books, transcripts, instructor materials, and information about all upcoming courses and programs. The school officially transitioned to an e-learning hub on May 13.
"We want our students to know that only our physical presence is changing," the college says in a press release on their website. "We are still open and teaching students."
MCC has a long history in the community and is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024.
The college has evolved and changed plenty in the last 50 years and sees this newest development as another evolution.
MCC offers one-of-a-kind programming that is not offered in most Canadian universities and has graduated over 3,000 students from a variety of programs.
"Students have participated in individual courses, registering in programs that range from adult upgrading, literacy, arts, social work, business and education," states the press release. "We have offered students certificates, diplomas, bachelors degrees and masters degrees."
In a message to the community on May 24, MCC put out a call for help.
They are looking to solicit student stories, letters of support and information from current and past students to tell the story of how the school has stayed alive for the past 50 years. They also put out a call for ideas and suggestions to inform future classes and programming.
"MCC's existence, maintenance and growth is the result of the many people who have worked to successfully maintain its life," according to their website.
In addition to continuing to provide classes and services to its students, MCC is offering some classes to the public through their Microlearning Series.
There is a session on August 21 called "Becoming an Ally: active bystander workshop" and on September 30 called "Maintain or regain solid mental health."
You can register for these events by visiting their website.
As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, MCC is holding a golf fundraiser at the Montgomery Glen Golf and Country Club on September 6.
For more information about the college, or to submit your stories and letters of support, phone 780-585-3925 or email info@mccedu.ca.
