There was a time when a student had to come to campus to earn a diploma. The University of Saskatchewan is responding to the evolving educational needs of students by taking the university, literally and figuratively, to the people. Through the coordinating efforts of the Department of Extension, several colleges on campus are offering innovative and practical courses aimed at overcoming traditional barriers to education.
Instruction covers the areas of landscaping, greenhouse crops, and fruit and vegetable production.
Karen Tanino, a professor in the College of Agriculture and initiator of the PHCP, says the four-year program fulfills a vital need because it is tailored not only to prairie soils and climate, but also to prairie people. It's the first time in Canada that the universities and colleges have worked together to offer a common program. The PHCP was established in response to the changing needs of students, who often can no longer afford to quite their jobs to attend university, stated Tanino. At the same time, it is also economically driven. Since its introduction last November, over 100 students have enrolled, a good indication of the program's popularity.