Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
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The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is located in Edmonton, Alberta. NAIT (as it is more commonly called) is a leader in technical training and applied education designed to meet the demands of Alberta's industries.
First opened in 1962, NAIT is currently home to over 18000 students in over 200 full time programs. Today, NAIT is well-established and recognized worldwide as a leader in technology-based education and training.
The institute's main campus is in Edmonton, Alberta, but satellite campuses are located in Fairview, Peace River, High Level, and St. Albert.
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Mission and Vision
Mission To anticipate and meet the needs of students and the economy by combining outstanding applied education with a human touch.
Vision To be an outstanding technical institute committed to student success in a global economy.
Key Directions
- Champion student success
- Excel in teaching & learning
- Optimize the use of technology
- Advance enterprise development
Mascot and Colors
NAIT's mascot is the Ook. This is a shortened version of the Inuktitut word for the Snowy Owl, "ookpik". NAIT was presented this mascot in 1964 by the Federal Department of Northern Affairs and Natural Resources. Most of NAIT's sports teams are now called the Ooks as well.
NAIT's official colours are blue and yellow.
Students Association
The NAIT Students Association is comprised of all NAIT students. It is lead by a four person elected Executive, and governed by an eighteen person elected Senate (two from each school). NAITSA is responsible for running The Nest (campus bar), The Nugget (campus newspaper), campus events, a student health and dental plan, and various other services aimed at enhancing student life.
History
In 1959 the Alberta provincial government decided to build an Edmonton facility to supplement apprenticeship and vocational training, which was at the time handled by the Provincial Institute of Technology (PITA) in Calgary. The new institution would be named the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and PITA would be renamed the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). Construction of the new facility began in January of 1962. The first class was enrolled in October, a group of 29 Communication Electrician apprentices. NAIT officially opened on May 27, 1963, with a ceremony led by Premier Manning. The first graduation ceremony happened in 1965, with a class of 326 graduates. In 1982 the government transferred control to the new Board of Governors, chaired by Allan McCagherty.
Future
Spurred by Alberta's booming economy, NAIT continues to grow at a rapid pace. In response to this growth, it launched "The NAIT Campaign: Building on Demand" in October 2005 to solicit $50 million in donations to create and expand facilities. Future plans include:
- NAIT Waiward Steel Centre for Steel Technologies at the Souch Campus. Construction began May 2005, estimated to be completed August 2006.
- NAIT Spartan Controls Centre at the Main Campus that will house Process Control, Instrumentation, and Millwright programs. Construction began July 2005, estimated to be completed August 2007.
- NAIT Suncor Energy Centre for Piping Technologies at the Patricia Campus. Set to begin construction in May 2007 and open in August 2008.
- Construction of a new Grande Prairie campus, housing various construction trades. Construction to start in 2007 and open in 2008.
- Renovation of the Engineering Annex building at the Main Campus when its current occupants move into the NAIT Spartan Controls Centre. (no estimated date)
- Renovation of vacant space at Souch Campus to accommodate the Building and Environmental Systems Technology program. (no estimated date)
- A new facility for the School of Business at the Main Campus. (no estimated date)
Tentative plans to renovate the Main Campus fitness and recreation facilities are currently in the exploratory stages.
Recent changes in Provincial education regulations are allowing NAIT to develop a Bachelor of Technology degree. The degree is slated to have a variety of different majors, and will be the first time NAIT grants a full degree. It is uncertain when this program will be offered.
Organization
NAIT is currently organized into 9 different Schools.
School of Academic Foundations and Bridging
- Offers Programs in:
- College Preparation
- Pre-Business
- Pre-Engineering
- Pre-Technology
School of Applied Building Science
- Offers Programs in:
- Engineering
- Architecture
- Apprenticeships
School of Applied Media and Information Technology
- Offers Programs in:
- Information Technology
- Digital Media and Design
- Photography
- Radio and Television
- Offers Programs in:
- Administration
- Accounting
- Finance
- Reporting
School of Electrical and Electronics Technology
- Offers Programs in:
- Telecommunications
- Electrical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Aviation
- Offers Programs in:
- Animal Health
- Radiology
- Dentistry
- Medical Laboratory Work
- Emergency Medical Services
- Offers Programs in:
- Culinary Arts
- Hospitality Management
School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Technology
- Offers Programs in:
- Mechanical and Materials Engineering
- Heavy Equipment
- Automotives
- Machining
School of Resources and Environmental Management
- Offers Programs in:
- Biological Sciences
- Chemical Technology
- Chemical Engineering
- Forestry
- Environmental Sciences
Notable Alumni
- Ian McClelland (Photographic Technology '65), founder, Colorfast Corporation, former MP for Edmonton Southwest and former MLA for Edmonton Rutherford.
- Percy Wickman (Finance '69), former Edmonton alderman, and former MLA of Edmonton Whitemud.
- Patrick Laforge (Marketing '74), Edmonton Oilers President and CEO
