Athabasca responds to AB demands, cites details of plan provided in June

Athabasca University has responded to the Government of Alberta’s recent demands, reports the Canadian Press. “Our executive team and members of our board of governors will review this material. We are committed to continuing to work with the (Advanced Education) ministry to find innovative ways to better meet the needs of our learners,” explained Athabasca President Peter Scott in a statement. Scott further noted that the university provided details on a plan by the earlier June 30th deadline, but never heard back from the province. AB Advanced Education Demetrios Nicolaides stated that he “spoke directly to the university board chair” about the report, as it “did not answer the questions posed by government and did not provide a clear timeline or plan to have senior administrative functions be based in the town.” Brandon Sun (CP) PS. Scott also released a video statement that discusses the history and context of Athabasca’s operations, and highlights the institution’s concerns with the ministry’s decision to unilaterally change the investment management agreement and metrics it is evaluated against, as well as the “unreasonable and untenable” position that the directive puts the university in. AU Note: Archived stories may contain dead links or be missing source links.