(Image Credit: University of Lethbridge) From left to right, Dr. Brad Donaldson, Samantha Fox, Kevin Shufflebotham and Dr. Digvir Jayas sign the Commitment to Work Together that unites Lethbridge Polytechnic, Red Crow Community College, Medicine Hat College and the University of Lethbridge
A new partnership between four southern Alberta post-secondary schools is aiming to shake up how higher education works in the region and make it an even more appealing place for students to learn.
The agreement, called the Southern Alberta Higher Education Relationship, brings together Red Crow Community College, Lethbridge Polytechnic, Medicine Hat College and the University of Lethbridge under one shared goal: working better together.
Leaders from the institutions say they’ll meet a few times each year to keep things moving, with a strong focus on collaboration, transparency and inclusivity. Reconciliation and Indigenous education are also key priorities moving forward.
Officials say the collaboration is all about building a stronger, more connected post-secondary system. It even has a Blackfoot name — Innakotsiiysinni, meaning “respect for others” — which reflects the spirit behind the partnership.
So what does that actually look like? The schools are focusing on four main areas:
- Academic programs: Students could see smoother pathways between schools, making it easier to transfer credits or move between programs. There’s also talk of new joint programs designed around what the region needs most.
- Research: By sharing facilities and expertise, the institutions hope to boost research projects and land more funding together.
- Student supports: Expect improved services and resources, with a focus on student well-being and success across campuses.
- Regional stewardship: The schools plan to share knowledge and resources to better understand what learners need—and how to meet those needs across southern Alberta.
At its core, the partnership is about making things better for students, whether that’s clearer academic pathways, more program options, or stronger support systems.
Post-secondary leaders across the region agree, saying the combined strengths of each institution could open up new opportunities—not just for students, but for research and communities as well.
The hope? A more connected, flexible and student-focused system and a stronger reputation for southern Alberta as a destination for higher education.
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