LAC LA BIXHE - On Sept. 27, Portage College signed an historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Students' Association of Portage College (SAPC). The official agreement will help to strengthen the partnership student leadership and college administrative departments.
Bev Moghrabi, the vice-president of Student and College Services for Portage College, said the college and SAPC have had a strong relationship in the past. The new document will officially strengthen and define that partnership.
“We’ve always worked collaboratively but when staff change in either organization or student leadership transitions, there was a continuous need for ‘renewing’ of knowledge in the relationship,” she told Lakeland This Week, explaining that approximately five years ago, SAPC and college officials agreed it was imperative for both sides to document their collaborative partnership to ensure there was no loss of knowledge going forward.
“SAPC and Portage College are separate organizations, so developing the MOU involved discussion about operations as well as legal reviews to ensure the interests and responsibilities of both organizations were understood and reflected” she stated. “Going forward, it is the intent of student leaders and college administration to continue to work collaboratively in the spirit of partnership. The MOU shares knowledge about how we work together which will be a guide for future SAPC Councils and College Administration.”
Kaylee Weigelt, the SAPC chairperson is also the student representative on the Portage College Board of Governors. She says the MOU is more than a piece of paper — she says it’s a symbol of unity, understanding and shared goals.
“It signifies that we, the students, are not merely passive recipients of education, but active partners in the journey of academic excellence,” she said. “It acknowledges that our opinions and needs are valued and will be considered in the decision-making processes of this institution.”
Weigelt says the formal partnership is not limited to the student body alone but extends to the Portage College faculty and staff as well.
“We have already been working together through enhanced academic resources and the promotion of extracurricular activities that enrich our college experience. This MOU signifies that we will continue to engage in open dialogue, seek solutions to challenges and celebrate our successes together,” she said. “To the students, I encourage you to actively participate in the Students' Association and share your ideas and concerns. Your engagement is vital to the success of this partnership. To the faculty and staff, I extend our gratitude for your dedication to education, and we look forward to collaborating for the betterment of Portage College.”
