Technology Accreditation Canada accredits Yukon College's Geological Technology program

faculty receiving TAC certificate
College faculty receive the official TAC certificate today from TAC executive director Richard Stamper. (L-R) GeoTech instructor/coordinator Dr. Joel Cubley, dean, Applied Science and Management Margaret Dumkee, instructor Mary Samolczyk, executive director, Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining and Communities, Innovation & Development Shelagh Rowles, Richard Stamper, Yukon College president and vice chancellor Dr. Karen Barnes.

WHITEHORSETechnology Accreditation Canada (TAC) today presented the faculty at Yukon College with a certificate recognizing national program accreditation for the college’s Geological Technology program.
 
Lead auditor Darrin Heisler, AScT (British Columbia) and auditors Holly Valad, A.Sc.T  (Saskatchewan) and Chris Gabrielson, P.Tech.(Eng.) (Alberta) reviewed the program noting its broad curriculum which creates a diverse range of employment opportunities for graduates and an exceptional connection with industry, including CNIM partnership and facility tours, to gain student industry awareness and understanding. The audit team commended the faculty for developing multiple entrance pathways for more students to enroll in the program.
 
“TAC congratulates Yukon College on achieving accreditation for their Geological Technology program,” remarked Richard Stamper, TAC Executive Director.  “This significant achievement demonstrates the College’s commitment to its students, faculty, industry and government and signifies that the program is relevant and aligns with the current standards of the profession.”
 
TAC certificateIn addition, accreditation creates a positive impact on graduate employment outcomes, as it provides a streamlined pathway towards professional certification as an Applied Science Technologist (A.Sc.T), through the Association of Technicians and Technologists of British Columbia (ASTTBC).  
 
“National program accreditation for the Geological Technology was a primary goal of faculty since the program’s inception in 2012 as it demonstrates to employers graduates of the program receive a rigorous, thorough geological education commensurate to that available elsewhere in Canada”, commented Dr. Joel Cubley, Instructor. “We are very pleased to have had the opportunity to build a meaningful, constructive relationship with TAC.  
 
The process of accreditation is recognized worldwide as an objective method of assessment and an important tool to identify program strengths and challenges. It also provides faculty an excellent team-building opportunity. This independent seal of approval, represents excellence in education and the high standards of the profession graduates will be joining.

About TAC Through accreditation, TAC is committed to partnering with educational institutions to ensure students receive a quality education that meets the standards of Canada’s engineering technology profession. For more information about TAC or how to apply for accreditation, please visit technologyaccreditation.ca.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Joel Cubley

Associate Professor, Earth Sciences

Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining

Dr. Shelagh Rowles

Provost and Vice-President Academic

Academic and Provost Division