Red Deer College is one of 12 Alberta post-secondary institutions supporting Canadian Armed Forces reservists who are called upon for duty.
The group of 12 institutions have signed a memorandum of understanding supporting reservists who are college employees or students.
“It is really important if reservists get called to duty, or have opportunities to train, that our institutions support them,” says Red Deer College president and CEO Joel Ward.
“There were some formal policies in place, but we decided as a group of Alberta colleges to make a strong statement, supporting reservists in our institutions, whether they are students or employees.”
Of the approximately 90,000 people serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, 26,000 are reservists. About 30 per cent of the reservists are students.
Several accommodations will be available for the learners. Tests and assignments can be rescheduled, and a program may be deferred during a lengthy deployment.
Maria Anderson, a technician parts instructor, has taught at Red Deer College since 2013. She has previously been granted leave to fulfill her duties as a reservist.
“I am grateful to have an employer who encourages my career in the Canadian Army reserves,” says Anderson. “Knowing that I am supported if I have an opportunity for military training allows me to grow professionally and personally, in ways that benefit my whole community.”
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