The University of Lethbridge officially opens its new Edmonton campus location today at Concordia University College of Alberta.

"By listening to our students and closely following the direction provided by our strategic and academic plans, we believe this move presents great opportunities for both the U of L and Concordia to work together to meet the needs of Edmonton students in new and innovative ways," says University of Lethbridge President Dr. Mike Mahon. "This helps to ensure that more students will have the knowledge and skills they need to be successful."

Dr. Gerald Krispin, Concordia University College President and Vice-Chancellor, echoes Mahon's comments in that the partnership, though only in the beginning stages, has great potential to benefit both institutions.

"We are very pleased the U of L has chosen to join us here at Concordia, rather than in another, less accessible and less student-friendly location," says Krispin. "We both expect to gain from this experience, and we look forward to working with our University of Lethbridge colleagues now and in the future."

Almost 20 years ago, the U of L began offering Management courses in Edmonton in an attempt to meet the unique needs of working students in the area. As student needs have changed over the years, the University has enhanced its programming to reflect changing trends. The facility-sharing arrangement with Concordia is the next phase of the U of L's growth in Edmonton.

As a result of the agreement with Concordia, the U of L's Edmonton team has moved from a downtown office to its own leased administrative space on the Concordia campus. In addition, U of L students will have the use of several classrooms, videoconference facilities and student computer labs, as well as access to the Concordia library, recreation and fitness facilities, bookstore and cafeteria, which helps the U of L deliver a well-rounded campus experience for students in Edmonton.

"This collaboration increases opportunities for students and helps ensure we continue doing what we do well – foster a vibrant and engaging learning environment," says Mahon.

It was through student feedback that the need to deliver a campus environment, in addition to programming and flexibility, was deemed essential. The new Concordia location also enhances parking and transit access.

"By partnering together to serve students, we are better able to address the post-secondary needs of Edmontonians," adds Mahon.

The facility-sharing arrangement is similar to that of the U of L Calgary campus, which has a lease partnership with Bow Valley College in downtown Calgary. Between the two campuses in Calgary and Edmonton, approximately 1,000 students are members of the U of L family.