We can do this partly thanks to our many connections and collaborations with industry, including through our advisory committees.
The world of work is evolving faster than ever — and so must the curriculum supporting students entering the workforce.
In consultation with SAIT’s advisory committees, we design, develop and deliver relevant training — ensuring our graduates are armed with career-ready skills and the innovative spirit to move industry forward.
With your wealth of knowledge and experience, bringing industry authorities like you to the table through committees is essential.
Role of advisory committees
These committees — organized by program, area or school — connect SAIT leaders, industry leaders, government and private organizations’ representatives and community members to gather input, discuss and make recommendations on SAIT’s programming.
They meet, at minimum, once a year to identify technological advances and economic and human resource trends that could affect particular programs, sectors and other areas. At these meetings, members offer advice and make recommendations for SAIT to consider.
Advisory committee members
Advisory committees are created thoughtfully and strategically to ensure members can advise SAIT on changing industry requirements and new areas of opportunity and promote co-ops, practicums or other employment opportunities for SAIT’s current students and graduates.
Each committee consists of between eight and 15 members representing a range of industry and business backgrounds within the sector represented by the program, area or school.
Ideally, each one includes representatives of companies who have hired SAIT graduates in the last five years, those whose businesses participate in practicums, capstone or other work-integrated learning opportunities, alumni, active consultants and those from accreditation or certification organizations.
Membership is voluntary — SAIT does not provide financial compensation to committee members.
Terms
Program and area committee members are appointed for three-year terms with the opportunity to be re-appointed for one additional term.
Recent SAIT graduates — who completed their studies within the last two years of being appointed to the committee — and committee chairs all hold two-year terms.
The chair can extend their term once. For school and president’s office committees, the terms are left to the discretion of each committee — these are often more of an annual round table invitation.
The maximum number of years a member serves is six — and we recommend members only sit on one committee at a time.
Members are added on a staggered basis to ensure continuity — committee members are encouraged to make recommendations for new members. SAIT students, employees and guests may attend but cannot vote.
SAIT instructors, employees or contractors cannot serve as members.
Decision making
SAIT recognizes all advisory committee members bring their unique areas of expertise and experience to meetings.
At the table, each has an equal voice and say in the committee’s recommendations and decisions.
Conflict of interest
Members must disclose any possible or actual conflicts of interest, excuse themselves from any advisory committee discussions that could be seen as being in conflict, and abstain from voting on that issue.
Benefits to committee members
Several benefits exist for those on advisory committees, including access to SAIT’s Corporate Training services and Applied Research Innovation Services division.
You'll also have the opportunity to connect with SAIT’s network of industry partners and hire SAIT students and graduates.