(Sault Ste. Marie, ON December 6, 2023) – After a comprehensive review of programming, supports and services, five of Sault College’s School of Natural Environment programs have received national accreditation by the Environmental Careers Organization of Canada (ECO Canada). The seven- year accreditation was granted through the Canadian Environmental Accreditation Commission (CEAC), an independent body that oversees ECO Canada’s post-secondary accreditation program.

The accreditation process, which took approximately 18 months to complete, examined various aspects of the student experience from program policies and practices to student support and facilities. Through this evaluation, the Natural Environment Technician – Conservation and Management, Forestry Technician – Conservation,  Adventure Recreation and Parks Technician, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Technician, and Natural Resource/Environmental Law – Inspection and Enforcement programs were touted for their exceptional programming meeting and exceeding the high-quality standards set by ECO Canada.

“The Canadian Environmental Accreditation Commission and the site reviewers were very impressed with the quality of the accredited Sault College programs and the dedication of the faculty and staff,” said Saskia Schälicke, Associate Registrar, Post-secondary Programs Accreditation, ECO Canada.

Accreditation of these programs reinforces Sault College’s priority of ensuring graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to be successful in these fields. “We are very proud of this accreditation as it highlights our commitment to quality programming and the holistic education of our students,” said Sherri Smith, Vice President Academics, Innovation and Student Services at Sault College. “For our current and future students, this accreditation highlights that Sault College provides an education that meets rigorous national standards preparing them to make significant contributions to these fields.”

The benefits of this accreditation extend beyond the classroom offering learning and networking opportunities for both staff and registered students. “Students can enjoy many benefits, such as the EPt (Environmental Professional in training) Student membership which provides them with tools and resources to find employment after graduation, such as the mentorship program. The accreditation also shows that their program equips them with competencies that align with the National Occupational Standard (NOS) for Environmental Employment,” added Saskia.

The accreditation by ECO Canada is a clear endorsement of the quality and relevance of education that Sault College delivers. This achievement affirms that our programs meet and exceed national standards, providing our students with a solid foundation for their future careers in these fields. We are honoured by this recognition and remain committed to offering an exceptional educational experience.

Sault College’s new programs in Environmental Sustainability Analysis, Climate Change Mitigation and Urban Ecosystem Technician hold Qualified Candidate Status with ECO Canada and are now completing the accreditation process. Accreditation decisions are anticipated to be made by the Canadian Environmental Accreditation Commission (CEAC) in the fall of 2024. Stay tuned for future announcements.

For more information about Sault College’s School of Natural Environment visit School of Natural Environment | Sault College.

For more information on ECO Canada’s accreditation process, visit : Environmental Career Resources for Educators | ECO Canada