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About Columbia

Transforming Challenges into Triumphs: The Journey of Columbia College

Columbia’s founder, Dr. J.T. (Tom) Snell, was so frustrated with his education that he dropped out of high school. He soon realized that if he wanted to achieve any meaningful purpose in life he had to return to school. His previous frustration with education fueled his passion to create a learner-centered environment based on leading-edge research from around the world.

Dr. Snell’s relentless commitment to excellence has created a unique college of dedicated faculty and staff whose students are achieving amazing results. Since 1986, we’ve supported over 40,000 adult learners in achieving their career goals and shaping their best futures. Our students thrive in a stimulating, student-centered environment that is focused on providing quality education that employers value.

We’re designed to be both flexible and responsive to the educational and training needs of business, government, and individual community members at a regional, national, and international level. Columbia responds to identified learning needs in the form of programs, courses, workshops, products, and professional services.

We provide innovative, flexible, and alternative educational programs, products, and services to all sectors of society in a caring, positive, and success-oriented atmosphere. Our classes are delivered in person, online, and in blended environments – forging a path to success that is tailored to each student’s unique needs. Columbia has the reputation of being a leader in its field: we are one of 19 Canadian institutions recognized for exemplary adult educational programs and innovative practices by the Secretary of State (Government of Canada).

We’re different and we’re proud of it.

Completion Rates & National Exams

Over the past 30+ years, we have educated over 40,000 adult learners, making us a truly student-centered institution. Every decision we make is in our students’ long-term best interest. We are proud to have one of the highest student program completion rates in Alberta, with over 80% of our students graduating, and they consistently achieve higher than average marks on national academic exams.

Individual Success

This is not a traditional college. We were founded to help adults acquire the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors needed for successful careers. Our career advising staff also assist students in finding relevant employment in their fields of training.

Greater Meaning & Purpose

At Columbia, we help you develop the professional behavior employers seek. We treat each student with respect and care, supporting them in finding greater meaning and purpose through a new career.

Satisfied Employers

Columbia’s unique approach to adult education ensures employers can hire individuals who excel in their roles, solve work-related problems, communicate effectively, make important decisions, and collaborate well with others. Our professional program practicum students receive higher employer satisfaction ratings than the national average, according to a Conference Board of Canada study.

Professional Behaviour

Our highly educated faculty and skilled staff treat each student with respect, care, and professionalism, both in and out of the classroom. Students receive coaching on professional conduct and are encouraged to adopt behaviors that contribute to their success in the workplace and the community. Many of our faculty members continue to work in their respective fields, bringing a wealth of current knowledge and experience to share with students.

Active Engagement

Columbia students are not lectured but engage in activities based on textbook readings and homework. They receive regular feedback on their progress and are encouraged to interact respectfully and collaboratively. Our faculty facilitate more student interaction and lecture less than at other institutions. This hands-on classroom experience, combined with individual practicum work, better prepares students for their future careers.

Our Approach to Education

We deliver programs in shorter periods of time. This is referred to as accelerated program delivery or compressed learning. Class sizes are comparatively much smaller than traditional classrooms, giving learners more access to faculty, and as a result, enhancing the quality of their education. Faculty members actively and collaboratively engage learners by facilitating in small groups rather than lecturing to large audiences. This interactive and hands-on approach allows learners to gain and retain greater knowledge and skills that are transferable to the workplace.

In addition to student evaluation of courses and their facilitators, the college constantly seeks input from graduates and their employers. Each program has a board of advisors that includes members from the industry to help guide the direction of the program. This process of continuous evaluation enables the college to keep our programs and courses current.

5 Features of Columbia College

Discover how these features set Columbia College student outcomes apart from those attending other colleges and universities in North America. Read more to see if these five distinct educational features align with your personal learning and educational goals.

Mastery of Learning in the Practical Nurse Program
Columbia’s Practical Nurse Diploma Program students have consistently achieved some of the best results in Canada. Our reputation for graduating highly competent professionals is something we are very proud of. This program is the only one we have found in Canada that follows a Mastery Learning Model. Columbia’s Mastery Learning Model provides students with up to 500 additional hours of free Mastery Learning tutorials over the course of the 20 month program. The tutorials provide learners with support from faculty, who work with them on strengthening competencies and skills and working towards mastery. Our free tutorials have proven to be an excellent resource for the students.
Foundation Documents
  • For greater insight into higher education learning and Columbia’s approach to education, please see our Foundations Documents.
  • To learn more about Columbia’s beliefs on Professional Behaviour, please refer to our Professional Behaviour document
 
College Recognition
We are proud of the following list of organizations that represent the level and diversity of recognition the college has achieved. The list includes accreditation, licenses, memberships, and professional associations. Either the college or its employees have a formal relationship with:
  • Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
  • Adult Higher Education Alliance
  • Alberta Association of Career Colleges
  • Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies
  • Alberta Association for Supported Employment
  • Alberta College of Paramedics
  • Alberta Corrections
  • Alberta Council of Disability Services
  • Alberta Education
  • Alberta Education – Teacher Certification
  • Alberta Education, Private Institutions Branch
  • Alberta Government Advanced Education
  • Alberta Teachers of English as a Second Language
  • American Management Association
  • American Marketing Association
  • Association of Canadian Community Colleges
  • Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
  • Athabasca University
  • CAEL – Council for Adult and Experiential Learning
  • Career Development Association of Alberta
  • Calgary Area LINC Coordinators Committee
  • Calgary Community of Adult Learning Association
  • Calgary Region Community Board, Persons with Developmental Disabilities
  • Canadian Association for Supported Employment
  • Canadian Chamber of Commerce
  • Canadian Criminal Justice Association
  • Canadian Dental Assistant Association
  • Canadian Federation of Independent Business
  • Canadian Military Police
  • Canadian Taxpayers Federation
  • Citizenship and Immigration Canada
  • City Police Forces in Alberta including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
  • College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta
  • College of Alberta Dental Assistants
  • College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA)
  • Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada
  • Electronic Recycling Association
  • Human Resource Institute of Alberta
  • Calgary Language Assessment and Referral Centre (CLARC)
  • Immigrant Services Calgary
  • Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
  • National American University
  • National Dental Assistants Examination Board
  • Royal Roads University
Diversity Statement
Click here to read Columbia’s Human Rights and Diversity Policy.

Commitment To The Community

We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive community through various initiatives designed to aid and empower our students and the broader community. From the provision of scholarships and bursaries through The Columbia Learning Society to promote access to education, to our Office of Indigenous Engagement dedicated to enhancing understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures, we strive to make a positive impact. Our community relations efforts include free resume-building workshops and active participation in career events, while our annual International Day celebrates cultural diversity within our student body. Additionally, our Computer Donation Program and charitable events support those in need, and our Dental Services clinic offers essential care to the public. These initiatives reflect our dedication to education, community development, and cultural enrichment.

Scholarships & Bursaries

To help individuals, Columbia College established an independent and separate non-profit society called The Columbia Learning Society. The Society’s principal aim is to provide scholarships and bursaries to individuals who wish to attend workshops, seminars, courses or programs at Columbia College. The Columbia Learning Society has been active since September 2002. To date, over 3700 adults and children utilized bursaries to attend classes, workshops, or tutoring sessions at Columbia College.

Community Relations

College personnel visit schools and community groups to provide information about the College and offer a variety of services such as free resume-building workshops. They also participate in career days and trade shows and distribute information to prospective students and student advisors. The College is committed to developing the community. The College demonstrated this commitment by establishing an independent and separate non-profit society, The Columbia Learning Society. The Society offers bursaries to attend workshops, courses, or programs at Columbia College.

Computer Donation Program & Charitable Events

Columbia College regularly donates computers that are being replaced to its students who may need a computer and to community groups who identify this as a need for their group. During 2012 Columbia College donated 30 computers to its students and community groups. The College also spends time each year having fundraising events for various charitable organizations.

Office Of Indigenous Engagement

We strive to promote Indigenous awareness and education as a crucial part of our journey towards learning and growth. Our Office of Indigenous Engagement has compiled various resources to support those seeking to learn more about Indigenous history, culture, and contemporary issues in Canada. Learn more here.

International Day

Each year students of the English as a Second Language Program and our Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) host International Day, a celebration meant to showcase the College’s cultural diversity. The event features over 25 different cultural groups creating interactive displays and activities highlighting the music, dance, food, and traditions of their particular community. For pictures of our most recent event, visit our FLICKR site.

Dental Services

Columbia College has a dental patient care clinic that is open to the public several times each year. For more information, please see our page: Columbia College Dental Clinic.