Sask Poly Students Receive Potential Reprieve as ESET Program Relocation Delayed
Students in Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Electronic Systems Engineering Technology program have received promising news that could delay their program's planned relocation from Saskatoon to Regina by one academic year. The institution has informed students it is actively pursuing a solution to deliver the second year of the ESET program in Saskatoon before the eventual move.
Initial Announcement Created Uncertainty and Concern
When first-year ESET student Alex Loewen initially learned about the program's relocation plans, he described the news as "devastating." Loewen, who has two young children aged six and eight in Saskatoon, explained that moving his family for just one year of study was not a realistic option. "It's not a reality to move a whole family for one year," Loewen stated. "I wouldn't feel good about missing one year of their lives at this age."
The original announcement came in a letter sent to the program's 15 students at the end of January, which indicated Saskatchewan Polytechnic would suspend intake for the ESET program beginning in Fall 2026-27 to prepare for program changes the following year. This communication left many students confused about their immediate academic futures.
School Pursues Temporary Solution for Saskatoon Delivery
In an email sent to students on Thursday night, Brenda Suru, dean of Saskatchewan Polytechnic's faculty of technology and skilled trades, revealed the institution is working on a temporary solution. "We are pursuing a solution that will allow us to deliver year two of the ESET program in Saskatoon," Suru wrote in the communication.
She clarified that this would be a temporary arrangement lasting only one academic year before the program transitions to Regina in a new format within the faculty of digital innovation, arts and sciences. The school has promised to provide more detailed information by the end of February.
Students Remain Cautiously Optimistic
Despite the encouraging update, some students maintain a degree of skepticism about the situation. First-year student Timothy Carlow expressed reservations, noting, "We don't have an official plan or anything yet. We're still not fully trusting what's going on."
Carlow, who is retraining due to an injury, acknowledged he would make the move to Regina if absolutely necessary, though it would create significant personal challenges. "It would be a huge pressure on my personal relationships, but being I'm under retraining due to an injury, I don't necessarily have a choice," he explained.
Reflecting on his initial reaction to the relocation news, Carlow described entering a "state of disbelief" before taking action. "My first reaction when hearing news like this is to get answers. I waited until the weekend and then started sending out emails when I was in a bit calmer of a state of mind."
Students Seek Clear Communication and Commitment
Both students emphasized the importance of consistent communication from the institution as this situation develops. Loewen articulated what would provide reassurance to affected students: "We just want regular communication and confirmation that the process is being taken seriously and that they will actually do what they've told us. That would reassure us."
The potential one-year delay in relocation offers breathing room for students like Loewen who face significant personal barriers to moving. While the long-term plan still involves transitioning the ESET program to Regina, this interim solution could allow current students to complete more of their studies in Saskatoon before facing relocation decisions.
This development comes amid broader changes at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, including recent layoffs at other campuses. The institution faces the challenge of balancing program delivery with operational considerations while minimizing disruption to student education.
