# Background

The Minister's Binding Policy Directive on Governance and Accountability states that 'the Board of Governors is responsible for setting the College vision, strategic directions, and overall goals and outcomes within the context of the appropriate laws, government policy, and local need.'

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[Open original PDF →](https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/2025/07/A1_Vision-Mission.pdf)

Referenced from: [Board of Governors](/pages/about/board-of-governors/)

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A - Ends

## Background

The Minister's Binding Policy Directive on Governance and Accountability states that 'the Board of Governors is responsible for setting the College vision, strategic directions, and overall goals and outcomes within the context of the appropriate laws, government policy, and local need.'

A well-crafted vision and mission provide focus and direction to all stakeholders as to the role of the College in our community. It will assist College employees in establishing some order of priorities in how products and services are developed and delivered.

## Policy

The Northern College Board of Governors is responsible for the development and implementation of the College's Vision and Mission Statements.

## Procedure

The Board will consult with a broad cross-section of its stakeholders in their development and or modification. An affirmation will occur at the annual planning meeting.

## Vision

Empowerment through learning to build a better world.

## Mission

Building community across the North through partnerships and excellence in education.

## Motto

Proud to be North. Proud to be Northern.

## Indigenous Statement of Commitment

In aspiring to become the college of choice for Indigenous learners, we shall integrate the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Indigenous Education Protocols developed by Colleges and Institutes Canada; and we shall conduct ourselves with the spirit of Indigenous Peoples' Teachings.

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Policy #:

A-1

Approved:  2008-06-10

2023-05-09

Motion:

34-05-23

## VISION MISSION

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## Guiding Principles

-  Learning for empowerment
-  Accessibility for learners
-  Diversity and inclusion for a progressive organizational culture
-  Career opportunities through innovative education and transferable skills
-  Relevant applied experiences
-  Value for investment
-  Support for lifelong learning
-  Continuous improvement
-  Intentional communications
-  Transparency

## Institutional Commitments

## At Northern College we:

-  support, nurture, and celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of learners and employees;
-  connect our learners and communities through the application of accessible and innovative technology;
-  foster and encourage a friendly, caring, and respectful organizational culture;
-  establish an organizational culture that reflects the diversity of our communities;
-  work respectfully in collaboration with Indigenous peoples and communities;
-  pursue partnerships and entrepreneurial opportunities to better serve the community;
-  enhance the quality and access to a college education through global initiatives;
-  engage in applied research in the pursuit of northern development and continuous improvement;
-  use our natural and built environments observing conservation and sustainable practices;
-  practice ethical decision-making that engenders trust while safeguarding the College;
-  are open, consultative and, accountable;
-  act with personal responsibility and integrity; and
-  exceed expectations.

## Monitoring System

The College's Mission Statement, Vision, Guiding Principles, and Commitments are reviewed annually by the Board and revised in accordance with the regulations and policy directives issued under the OCAAT Act.

Policy #:

A-1

Approved:  2008-06-10

2023-05-09

34-05-23

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<small>Source: [https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/2025/07/A1_Vision-Mission.pdf](https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/2025/07/A1_Vision-Mission.pdf)</small>