Release Date: November 12, 2009
Media Contact: Dale Johnson, External Relations
E-mail: Dale.Johnson@uregina.ca
Phone: 306-585-5439
Mobile: 306-536-4312
Fax: 306-585-4997
University of Regina to offer new dual credit program
The University of Regina is offering a new program to students allowing them to earn high school credits while taking University three-credit hour courses. High school students who take post-secondary courses through the University's high school accelerated program can earn up to three "special project" credits on their high school transcript and nine University of Regina credits.

The Ministry of Education's policy on special projects recognizes student achievement in areas outside of the standard secondary level education offerings and encourages students to become involved in the selection, planning, and organization of their own programs. This policy was recently amended by the Ministry to allow students to attain up to three credits in this manner and to include post-secondary courses as an option for attaining credits.

"We are very excited about this change in the Ministry's policy to allow students to gain credit for completing a University course while in high school," says University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Vianne Timmons. "The University of Regina's high school accelerated program provides a positive transition for students interested in pursuing post-secondary study. It offers exciting learning options for students who are ready for additional academic challenges, and encourages them to explore areas of academic interest not available through the high school curriculum."

"The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to continuous improvement and accountability within the provincial education system," says Deputy Premier and Minister of Education, Ken Krawetz. "Ensuring the learning success and achievement of our young people is vital to moving our province forward while preparing our youth to meet the challenges of the future."

"Accelerated programs don't just give high school students a chance to try on academic life; they also offer those students an unusual opportunity to build up the momentum to carry them to University success," says Dr. Susan Johnston, associate professor in the Department of English at the University of Regina. "I've always been really impressed by the discipline and commitment of those accelerated students, and I know from experience that they have translated those early experiences into the kinds of success at University we want to model for all our students."

The University of Regina is also exploring partnerships with school divisions to develop initiatives that would allow high school students to gain high school credits while exploring specific academic interests. In such cases, high school students may not necessarily receive direct University credit (i.e. a designated course on a University transcript) but students who participate in the project(s) could receive high school credit while engaging in unique research and academic exploration at the University of Regina.