Saskatchewan Polytechnic Reverses Relocation Plan for ESET Students

Students enrolled in the Electronic Systems Engineering Technology (ESET) program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic will continue their studies in Saskatoon, following the institution’s decision to reverse a previous plan that would have required them to relocate to Regina. On February 13, 2024, the school announced that second-year students currently based in Saskatoon “will not be required to relocate to complete their studies,” alleviating concerns among students who faced potential disruptions to their education.

The decision to keep the program in Saskatoon comes after students were informed in late January that their second year would only be offered at the Regina campus. Many students expressed that this would have forced them to make the difficult choice between relocating across the province or abandoning their academic pursuits. The school is still finalizing the details regarding the delivery of the program.

In a statement, Saskatchewan Polytechnic indicated that the adjustments to academic programs are necessary to address a financial shortfall linked to federal immigration policies and to ensure long-term sustainability of educational offerings. The administration also mentioned that relocating the program by 2027 is aimed at keeping graduates at the forefront of emerging technologies.

Applications for the Saskatoon campus for fall 2026 are currently on hold to facilitate this transition. First-year student Alex Loewen discovered the reversal late Thursday evening and expressed relief over the decision. “It’s a big relief that we’ve taken a step in the right direction and that we’ve been heard,” Loewen stated. He emphasized that while this is a positive development, it is merely a first step in addressing the concerns of students.

Loewen highlighted the importance of finding a new location that remains close to the current campus and is equipped for the program’s specific technical and hands-on learning requirements. “The equipment we use can’t just be plugged into the wall and it’s ready to go,” he explained. The initial decision to move students without consultation had eroded trust between the student body and the administration, according to Loewen.

He noted that public support and media attention likely influenced the school’s decision to reconsider its plan. For now, students are focused on completing their education with minimal disruption. “If we can get a result where we can continue and finish our education in a relatively undisrupted way, I think we’re going to say good enough,” Loewen concluded.

The situation at Saskatchewan Polytechnic reflects broader challenges in the education sector, where financial constraints and policy decisions can significantly impact students’ academic journeys. As the school navigates these complexities, students remain hopeful for a smooth transition that prioritizes their educational needs.