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While the University of Regina has taught students in Saskatoon for years, there’s now a new campus for them to call their own.
On Thursday, the university officially opened its new space on Northridge Drive. It will house the faculties of nursing and social work, as well as Cité universitaire francophone.
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The university’s campus will support around 500 social work students and around 800 nursing students.
University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jeff Keshen said the 16,000-square-foot space features larger classrooms, breakout and study areas, and new audiovisual technology for remote nursing classes.
He added that the additional space also allows students enrolled in online courses to take required in-person evaluations or exams in Saskatoon instead of travelling to Regina.
The University of Regina’s roots run deep in Saskatoon, Keshen explained, noting the school has the only social work program in the province.
Keshen said the university also partners with Saskatchewan Polytechnic on its nursing program, with many students taking courses through both institutions.
“It provides a great opportunity for them to finish their degree right here at home in Saskatoon,” he said.
Keshen said students previously took classes at Innovation Place, but now University of Regina students will have a better “sense of community” on the new campus.
Saskatchewan’s minister of advanced education, Ken Cheveldayoff, said the University of Regina’s expansion offers students more options to study in the province.
“We want them to have the ability to fulfill their academic careers here in the province, and hopefully stay and start their careers here as well,” he said.
Cheveldayoff said there is “absolutely” a growing need for skilled professionals in both the health-care and social work industries.
“Facilities like this help ensure students have the tools, the support and the learning environments they need to succeed,” Cheveldayoff said.
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