It's the right time to start building on Yukon College's potential to be a unique, northern-focused post-secondary institution, says college president Karen Barnes.

"We're really convinced that there's an opportunity to develop an institution that would be very inclusive of all training and education, but would be very focused on northern issues and northern education,” Barnes said in an interview last Thursday afternoon.

"I think that the time is right to really build that now, and we're excited about it.”

Designing a unique post-secondary education model that's "future-focused” and inspired by "Yukon's unique culture, economy and northern environment” forms the first strategic goal of Yukon College's 2013-2016 strategic plan, which was released Friday.

As part of that goal, the college has also committed to designing and implementing land use and campus revitalization plans.

The plan also highlights the college's commitment to collaborating with Yukon First Nations to promote a culturally sensitive environment and to respond to "First Nations' educational needs for developing increased capacity and in implementing self-government.”

The strategic plan outlines an intent to further engage Yukon communities, First Nations, the Department of Education, and other partners to increase rural students' participation in secondary school and post-secondary school.

To attract students, the college plans to focus its efforts on offering flexible programming, quality instruction, and fostering a learning environment that "inspires creativity, innovation, and achievement.”

The plan also notes the college will work to expand its research capacity and work with governments in the territory to set research priorities.

In addition to outlining the college's goals moving forward, the strategic plan highlights key challenges facing the institution. Those include the need to secure endowment lands and create new residence space on the current campus, which was opened in the fall of 1988.

Barnes said she couldn't provide a specific update regarding on-going discussions with the Yukon government about endowment lands.

She did say the conversation is ongoing, and the government is committed to coming forward with a solution as soon as possible.

"We're definitely at the table together, and we all have the same goal in mind,” she said.

As for new residence space, Barnes said the college is hoping to build a new residence in the next few years.

Staff are also working within the communities to address housing needs for staff and students.

The housing shortage is a significant barrier to attracting staff and students, she said, one faced by many businesses in the territory.

Barnes is particularly proud of the college and its board for the level of community engagement and consultation it conducted throughout the strategic plan development process.

More than 420 Yukoners participated in the consultation and key themes from those discussions were included in the strategic plan.

The need for a First Nations focus was consistently noted as important, as was the college's leadership role within the community and the need for greater support for community campuses.

Concern about the number of students who don't complete high school was also raised.

"It is felt that this education gap makes it difficult for the college to provide appropriate training,” the plan says.

"Yukon College must address the difficulties associated with transitioning from the rural communities to Whitehorse, or from high school to Yukon College.”

Barnes highlighted that the plan includes specific indicators to measure progress and is not simply an iteration of the college's overarching goals.

"Our senior management team is already working on putting together their business plans for each of their departments,” she noted.

The indicators and plan can be viewed at www.yukoncollege.yk.ca/stratplan.