The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology’s “Year in Review 2025” report presents a compelling narrative of a pivotal year, meticulously documenting a period of profound and purposeful transformation for the institution. Guided by a powerful central theme of “building,” the review details a strategy that extends far beyond physical construction to encompass the strategic rebuilding of its brand, the deliberate crafting of a forward-focused strategic plan, and the cultivation of a collaborative “OneSAIT” institutional culture. The document outlines a year defined by ambitious partnerships, significant investments in the future of applied education, and celebrated achievements in both academics and athletics. This comprehensive overview tells a story of carefully cultivated momentum and strategic growth, all while showcasing an unwavering commitment to enhancing the success of its students and the broader community on both a local and global scale. The overarching narrative is one of an institution not merely adapting to change, but actively shaping its future with clarity and confidence.
Forging a New Path: Strategic Pillars of Growth
A Roadmap for the Future
A central achievement highlighted in the 2025 review was the formal launch of the “Bold Futures” Strategic Plan, a comprehensive roadmap designed to guide the institution through 2028. This three-year plan articulates a clear and ambitious vision for SAIT’s evolution, cementing its aspiration to become a global leader in the dynamic field of applied education. The plan is constructed upon two fundamental principles that serve as its guiding stars: a profound ambition to set new standards of excellence on the world stage and a deeply held purpose to empower individuals with the essential skills, practical experiences, and professional attitudes required to build not just successful careers, but also fulfilling lives. To translate this vision into reality, the “Bold Futures” plan is strategically focused on three core pillars: enhancing future-ready skills that will be critical in tomorrow’s economy, delivering world-class learning experiences that are both engaging and impactful, and cementing its leadership position in innovation and applied research. The successful execution of this multifaceted plan is underpinned by the “OneSAIT” mindset, a cultural framework that champions cross-departmental collaboration to more effectively and efficiently serve the needs of both students and industry partners.
The implementation of the “Bold Futures” plan represents a significant institutional shift, moving beyond siloed departmental objectives toward a more integrated and holistic operational model. The “OneSAIT” mindset is the cultural engine driving this transformation, fostering an environment where faculties, administrative departments, and student services work in concert to create a seamless and supportive student journey. For students, this translates into more coherent academic pathways, easier access to a comprehensive network of resources, and an educational experience where different aspects of their learning are interconnected. For industry partners, this collaborative approach means a more streamlined and responsive point of contact, enabling the co-creation of curriculum, work-integrated learning opportunities, and applied research projects that address complex, real-world challenges. This intentional move toward institutional unity is not merely an internal reorganization; it is a strategic imperative designed to enhance agility, foster innovation from within, and ensure that the entire organization is aligned in its mission to prepare graduates for the complexities of the modern workforce and to serve as a vital catalyst for economic growth and community development.
Fueling the Vision
Launched in direct support of its new strategic direction, the “Real Futures” campaign represents a monumental $150-million fundraising initiative, the most ambitious in the institution’s history. This campaign is the financial engine designed to power the transformative goals outlined in the “Bold Futures” plan, securing the essential community and industry investments needed to propel the institution forward. The campaign’s focus is strategically channeled into revolutionizing three critical dimensions of the educational experience. The first is who SAIT teaches, with a goal of expanding access, increasing scholarships, and fostering a more diverse and inclusive student body that reflects the community it serves. The second is how it teaches, which involves significant investment in innovating pedagogy, modernizing learning environments with cutting-edge technology, and creating flexible delivery models that meet the needs of contemporary learners. The third and final focus is what it teaches, ensuring that curriculum remains exceptionally relevant and future-focused by working hand-in-hand with industry leaders to anticipate and address emerging labor market demands. The report highlighted the campaign’s promising start, noting the early successes of events like the 2025 Giving Day, which raised an impressive $165,000 and signaled strong initial buy-in from the community.
The early momentum of the “Real Futures” campaign, exemplified by the success of its Giving Day, serves as a powerful testament to the community’s confidence in the institution’s renewed vision and strategic direction. This initial groundswell of support underscores a shared understanding that investing in applied education is a direct investment in the future prosperity of the region. Philanthropic contributions secured through this campaign are being immediately translated into tangible enhancements that directly benefit students. These funds enable the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment that mirrors what graduates will use in the workplace, the creation of scholarships that remove financial barriers for deserving students, and the expansion of applied research opportunities that allow learners and faculty to tackle pressing industry problems. This symbiotic relationship between the institution and its supporters is crucial; it not only provides the necessary resources for innovation and growth but also deepens the collaborative ties with community and industry partners, ensuring that SAIT remains deeply connected and responsive to the needs of the economy it is dedicated to strengthening. The campaign is positioned not merely as a request for funds but as an invitation for partners to join in building a more skilled, innovative, and resilient future.
A Renewed Identity
To ensure its public image was in perfect alignment with its forward-looking strategic direction, SAIT undertook a comprehensive and thoughtful brand refresh in 2025. This was not a superficial change but a deep-seated initiative designed to encapsulate the institution’s core essence and to set clear, consistent expectations for every student and partner interaction. The revitalized brand is defined by five key personality traits that were carefully selected to reflect its character: tenacious, signifying resilience and a commitment to overcoming challenges; connected, highlighting its deep roots in industry and community; inventive, reflecting its focus on innovation and creative problem-solving; passionate, conveying the enthusiasm of its faculty and students; and friendly, representing its welcoming and supportive campus culture. This multi-faceted identity was then crystallized into a new, powerful brand promise: “The confidence to make it real.” This slogan serves as the ultimate articulation of SAIT’s value proposition, underscoring its unwavering commitment to providing the kind of practical, hands-on education that does more than impart knowledge—it equips graduates with the genuine self-assurance they need to succeed and make a tangible impact in their chosen fields from day one.
The new brand promise, “The confidence to make it real,” effectively bridges the gap between the abstract concept of education and the concrete outcomes valued by both students and employers. It speaks directly to the institution’s core pedagogical philosophy, which prioritizes learning by doing. This confidence is forged in state-of-the-art labs, workshops, and simulation environments where students can apply theory to practice in a safe and supportive setting. It is nurtured through mentorship from industry-experienced instructors and fortified through work-integrated learning opportunities that provide invaluable exposure to real-world professional environments. The slogan implicitly communicates that a SAIT education is a transformative experience that builds not only technical competency but also the crucial soft skills—such as problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability—that are essential for career longevity. For prospective students, it promises an education that leads to tangible skills and career readiness. For industry partners, it signals a source of talent that is not just qualified on paper but is prepared, poised, and confident enough to contribute meaningfully from their very first day on the job, thereby reinforcing the institution’s reputation as a premier provider of work-ready graduates.
Cultivating Success: A Holistic Student-First Approach
Comprehensive Support Systems
A substantial portion of the 2025 Year in Review is dedicated to showcasing SAIT’s multifaceted and deeply integrated approach to student support, emphasizing a holistic commitment to learner success that extends far beyond the classroom. The institution’s support network is built upon the solid foundation of established centers of excellence, including the Natoysopoyiis Indigenous student support centre, the Reg Erhardt Library, the Lamb Learner Success Centre, and the International Centre. These hubs do not operate in isolation; instead, they form a comprehensive ecosystem designed to address the diverse academic, personal, and cultural needs of the student body. For example, a student might simultaneously leverage academic coaching at the Lamb Learner Success Centre, access vital research materials through the library, and receive guidance on cultural adjustment from the International Centre. This interconnected framework ensures that students have a robust safety net and ready access to the specific resources they need to navigate challenges and thrive throughout their educational journey.
Building on its strong foundational services, SAIT introduced and expanded several key initiatives in 2025 to proactively address the evolving needs of its student population. Leveraging a significant $500,000 grant from the Global Skills Opportunity, the institution was able to provide transformative study-abroad experiences to students who might otherwise face financial barriers, thereby broadening their global perspectives and enhancing their cross-cultural competencies. Concurrently, the Industry Mentorship Program underwent a significant expansion, matching a greater number of students with seasoned professionals to provide invaluable real-world insights, career guidance, and critical networking opportunities. The institution also underscored its commitment to financial accessibility by facilitating access to an impressive $10 million in scholarships and bursaries across nearly all programs. In a crucial move to ensure an equitable academic environment, a new, dedicated Accommodated Test Centre was established to support the specific testing requirements of students with disabilities, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity for success. These targeted enhancements demonstrate a strategic and compassionate response to the diverse challenges students face.
Fostering Well-being and Inclusion
Recognizing the growing importance of mental health and overall well-being in academic success, the Student Development and Counselling department reopened the “Zen Den,” a dedicated sanctuary on campus designed for student relaxation, mindfulness programming, and stress reduction. This initiative reflects a broader institutional understanding that a student’s mental and emotional state is intrinsically linked to their ability to learn and succeed. The space provides a quiet refuge from the pressures of academic life and offers structured activities aimed at building resilience and promoting healthy coping mechanisms. Complementing this focus on personal well-being, SAIT implemented a new “hub and spoke” model for academic advising. This restructured system was designed to ensure that every student receives a consistent, high-quality advising experience, regardless of their program. The model provides clear pathways for assistance with program planning, timely referrals to specialized support services, and proactive academic guidance, thereby reducing student anxiety and creating a more navigable and supportive educational path from enrollment to graduation.
In a further demonstration of its commitment to equity and inclusion, the institution launched several targeted initiatives aimed at supporting its diverse student communities. A new Indigenous Housing Program Bursary was created to address the critical and often overlooked barrier of accessing safe and affordable housing, a fundamental need that is paramount to academic success for Indigenous students. This program represents a meaningful step in the institution’s reconciliation efforts by directly tackling a systemic challenge. Furthermore, the Office of Community and Belonging launched the innovative Women in Skilled Trades Retention Program. This new initiative moves beyond recruitment to focus specifically on supporting and retaining women in the construction and manufacturing trades, fields where they have been traditionally underrepresented. By providing dedicated mentorship, networking opportunities, and a supportive community, the program aims to foster a more inclusive environment and ensure that women have the resources and support they need to thrive and advance in their chosen trades, ultimately strengthening the industry as a whole.
Expanding Horizons: Academic and Community Impact
Growth Through Innovation
SAIT’s role as a dynamic and responsive educational institution was clearly evidenced by its robust enrollment figures for the 2024/25 academic year, which saw a total unique student headcount of 40,202. This large and diverse student body reflects the institution’s broad appeal and its critical role in the educational landscape. The figures included 21,869 students enrolled across 101 distinct degree, diploma, and certificate programs, demonstrating the strength of its core academic offerings. Furthermore, 6,835 apprentices were engaged in training across 27 different trades, underscoring SAIT’s vital contribution to developing the next generation of skilled trades professionals. An additional 13,457 learners participated in Continuing Education and Corporate Training courses, highlighting the institution’s commitment to lifelong learning and its ability to provide flexible upskilling and professional development opportunities that meet the immediate needs of the workforce. This diverse enrollment demonstrates a comprehensive educational model that serves learners at every stage of their careers.
In direct response to the evolving demands of the labor market, SAIT strategically launched nine new programs in 2025, each meticulously designed to fill specific industry needs and provide graduates with a competitive edge. Among these were forward-thinking degree programs such as the Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in Financial Technology, created to address the rapid digitization of the financial sector, and a Bachelor of Technology degree completion program with specializations in high-demand fields like Software Development and Cyber Security. The institution also reinforced its commitment to the skilled trades by introducing several pre-employment certificate programs, including ones for Machinist Technician, Transport Trailer/Heavy Equipment, and Motorcycle Mechanic, providing intensive, foundational training to fast-track entry into apprenticeships. Perhaps most indicative of its future-focused approach was the launch of a two-year Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Diploma, a cutting-edge program designed to prepare students for careers as professional drone pilots, leading to crucial Transport Canada certification in a rapidly expanding industry.
Learning in Action
The 2025 review prominently featured several key projects that exemplify SAIT’s deep-seated commitment to hands-on learning and its tangible impact beyond the campus grounds. A significant development was the launch of the new cyber range at SAIT Downtown, a secure and isolated digital environment designed for training cybersecurity professionals. This state-of-the-art facility serves a dual purpose: it allows students to practice responding to real-world cyber threats in a controlled setting, and it provides a valuable resource for industry partners to simulate attacks and test their own digital defenses without risk to their live systems. This initiative not only enhances the quality of cybersecurity education but also strengthens the entire region’s digital resilience. In another impactful community engagement effort, the institution hosted an event for over 120 junior high school girls, offering them a hands-on opportunity to explore careers in skilled trades. Activities ranging from welding and bricklaying to motorcycle mechanics were designed to build early awareness, spark interest, and challenge outdated gender stereotypes in these critical fields.
The institution’s commitment to applied learning also extended to a global scale, as demonstrated by a remarkable project in which Electrical Engineering Technology students traveled to the remote community of Huarcaya, Peru. In partnership with the non-profit organization Light Up the World, the students applied their technical skills to install solar power units at a local school, bringing a reliable source of electricity to the community for the first time. This initiative served as a powerful lesson in global citizenship and demonstrated how technical expertise can be leveraged to create a profound and positive social impact. Back at home, SAIT’s learning environments were significantly enhanced by a transformative $3 million gift from the estate of Randy O’Dell. This generous contribution led to the opening of the Randy O’Dell Centre for Electrical Trades, a state-of-the-art facility that modernizes electrical education and provides students with access to the latest industry-standard equipment. Concurrently, the institution announced an expansion of its reconciliation efforts, with a renewed focus on the Indigenization of curriculum and the launch of new student success initiatives designed to foster systemic change and better support Indigenous learners on their educational journey.
A Legacy of Excellence: Celebrating Unprecedented Achievements
Accolades and Recognition
The 2025 review was replete with accolades and statistics that powerfully validated the quality of a SAIT education and its standing as a leading institution. The confidence of its key stakeholders was reflected in impressive survey results: 87% of graduates were employed, 93% of graduates would recommend SAIT to others, and an overwhelming 98% of employers indicated they would be likely to hire a SAIT graduate in the future. These figures serve as a direct testament to the effectiveness of its applied learning model in preparing work-ready professionals. The institution’s excellence was also recognized on a broader scale. It was named one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 2025, a distinction that speaks to its positive and supportive internal culture. On the national stage, SAIT maintained its position as the #4 research college in Canada, securing $12.3 million in research funding and ranking first in the nation for research intensity, a clear indicator of its significant contributions to innovation and industry problem-solving.
The institution’s programs and athletic teams also garnered significant international and national acclaim, further cementing its reputation for excellence. In the 2025 rankings from the prestigious CEOWORLD Magazine, the School of Hospitality and Tourism was ranked #13 in the world and, most notably, the #1 school in Canada, highlighting its world-class status in the field. The School of Business also achieved global recognition, ranking #53 in the world and standing as one of only ten Canadian business schools to make the distinguished list. This academic success was mirrored by outstanding achievements in athletics. The SAIT Trojans had a banner 2024/25 season, securing Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) national gold medals in men’s cross-country and badminton, along with a silver medal in men’s curling. At the provincial level, the teams dominated the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC), earning numerous gold medals in sports including men’s golf, men’s curling, women’s futsal, and women’s basketball. These comprehensive achievements across academics, research, and athletics painted a picture of a thriving institution defined by a pervasive culture of excellence and a relentless pursuit of success.
A Foundation for the Future
The “Year in Review 2025” ultimately documented more than just a series of accomplishments; it chronicled the foundational work of a deliberate and ambitious institutional reinvention. The interconnected initiatives launched during this period—from the “Bold Futures” strategic plan and the “Real Futures” fundraising campaign to the comprehensive brand refresh—were not celebrated as final destinations but as the crucial starting points of a sustained, long-term effort to redefine the possibilities of applied education. The numerous accolades, impressive rankings, and celebrated championships achieved throughout the year served as powerful, early validation of this new, integrated direction. These successes provided tangible proof that the strategic course was sound and that the institution’s renewed vision was already resonating with students, staff, and partners alike. This pivotal year established a clear and confident trajectory, setting the stage for the institution to continue translating its bold vision into tangible, life-changing realities for every learner it served.
