Toward community prosperity at Algoma U, Ontario’s access university

By Margaux Dugras ©2018 Postmedia Network Inc. ​This article was published in The Sault Star on Nov 8, 2024

Algoma U contributed $577.6 million to Ontario’s economy in 2022-23, according to an independent study

Entering university life for the first time can be a daunting experience for many students, from rigorous academic expectations to balancing a stacked schedule.  

But things look different at Algoma University, where the threads of its involvement are woven throughout the Sault Ste. Marie community. A self-described “access university,” the institution stands out for its holistic approach to learning and community-informed programming.  

That unique mandate extends beyond its course offerings and into economic prosperity for the surrounding community. Since its designation as an independent university in 2009, Algoma’s economic impact has grown considerably. A study conducted by economists at Lightcast Professional Services estimated its economic output in Ontario at $577.6 million from 2022 to 2023 — equivalent to supporting 5,597 jobs. The school’s impact on Sault Ste. Marie alone is estimated at $145.4 million.

The study took into account a range of spending to arrive at the figure including that of the university’s operations, research, construction, students, visitors and alumni. 

All of this is made possible through community outreach and an ears-on-the-ground approach, says Craig Fowler, vice-president of growth, international and external relations at Algoma. 

“We see ourselves as being part of the community fabric,” Fowler says. “Our value to the community is a two-way street.” 

Part of Algoma’s commitment to flexible learning is its range of options for students at all points on their academic paths. The university offers asynchronous learning options, an expansive credit transfer system and multiple community-oriented programs encouraging Black and Indigenous students to flourish.  

Algoma also offers more non-competitive scholarships for domestic and international students than any other university in Canada. 

“Our most important KPI (key performance indicator) is our students walking across the stage,” says Fowler. “So, our entire environment is about creating the highest probability of students having that success.”  

Acting as an engine for economic and social change is just part of Algoma’s commitment to reconciliation, Fowler says, as its campus stands on the grounds of a former residential school.  

Algoma honours its responsibility to its history through its partnerships with Indigenous-led organizations, such as its agreement with Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, the Anishinaabe educational institution. 

“When it comes to decolonization and cross-cultural learning, it is integrated in everything we do,” Fowler says. “Programs are designed that way. It’s centred around the [Anishinaabe] Seven Grandfather Teachings.”  

Algoma is also the only university in the country to offer a three-year undergraduate degree in Anishinaabemowin, the Ojibwe language. 

Tying all these threads together — open access, flexible programming, cross-cultural solidarity — gives a complete picture of how Algoma is striving to give back to its community, one degree at a time.  

For more information, visit algomau.ca.   

This content was produced by Content Works, Postmedia’s custom content studio.