SASKATOON — Saskatchewan Polytechnic issued a statement Friday, saying the relocation of the Electronic Systems Engineering Technology program from its Saskatoon campus to Regina is necessary to address financial pressures and ensure its long-term sustainability.
The statement followed after several students, led by Timothy Carlow and Alex Loewan, raised their concern about the lack of consultation and the personal impact of a mid-program relocation. The students were notified by email that the program would be moved to Regina with little warning.
“Saskatchewan Polytechnic recently took the necessary step to implement academic program adjustments to address a financial shortfall resulting from changes in federal immigration policies and to support long-term program sustainability,” the statement said.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic added that, as part of its goal of providing industry-relevant education, it regularly updates its programs to ensure students graduate with the skills and credentials that meet employers' demands.
The statement added that changes to the ESET program are intended to keep graduates at the forefront of emerging technologies, including relocating from the Saskatoon campus to the Regina campus, effective September 2027.
The relocation will see the ESET program move from Saskatoon to Regina, effective September 2027. To facilitate a smooth transition, new applications for September 2026 are not being accepted.
The statement said students who are currently enroled and will be entering the second year, while the program is still in Saskatoon, were notified last month that their second year would be offered in Regina.
However, those in their second year will finish the program in Saskatoon and are not required to complete it in Regina, even though they were initially informed that they, too, would need to relocate.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic said it remains committed to working with affected students and ensuring clear communication. More details will be shared as plans are finalized.
