Guiding Principles

At Northwestern Polytechnic, we appreciate that the journey is just as important as the destination. Our core values, mission, and vision reflect the great distance travelled alongside our community while providing a glimpse toward the impressive rise in the trail ahead.

Our underlying values chart the course for a bright future. Learn about how innovation, connection and responsiveness will propel us into tomorrow and beyond.

Read our Strategic Plan

An aerial view of the Dunvegan Valley near Fairview Alberta An aerial view of the Dunvegan Valley near Fairview Alberta

NWP Executive

Vision, Mission, Values

Core Values

  • Innovative: We are innovative in how we identify, develop, and deliver quality programming and services.
  • Responsive: We are flexible and adaptable to our students, partners, and communities through accountability, integrity, and transparency.
  • Connected: We encourage inclusivity and are connected to our students, staff, partners, and communities.

Mission

Be it with our students, staff, faculty, alumni, donors or valued community partners, our core purpose is 

to spark and empower success.

Vision

To transform postsecondary education in Northern Alberta through polytechnic education, research, and partnerships.

Leadership Values and Expectations

Our values are the cornerstones of behaviour and results. They influence every facet of NWP’s team environment, including how we perform and the success we create.

NWP’s leaders follow a values-based leadership model that includes the following 12 key principles:

NWP leaders are expected to be genuine and true to themselves. They don't try to be someone they're not and strive to align their actions with the NWP core values and leadership values.

NWP leaders are expected to uphold high moral and ethical standards in all their actions, decisions, and interactions.

NWP leaders are transparent in their communication and decision-making processes. They share information openly and honestly, fostering trust and accountability within their teams.

NWP leaders demonstrate empathy and compassion towards others. They seek to understand the perspectives and feelings of their team members and treat them with kindness and respect.

NWP leaders create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and included, regardless of their background or differences.

WP leaders take responsibility for their actions and decisions. They hold themselves and others accountable for meeting agreed-upon standards and goals, and they are willing to accept feedback and learn from their mistakes.

NWP leaders have the courage to do what is right, even when it's difficult or unpopular. They stand up for their beliefs and principles, even in the face of adversity.

NWP leaders have a clear vision for the future and inspire others to work towards that vision. They communicate the organization’s vision effectively and motivate their team members to achieve common goals.

NWP leaders are adaptable and flexible. They embrace change, learn from new experiences, and are willing to adjust their strategies and approaches as needed.

NWP leaders serve their teams and organizations selflessly. They prioritize the needs of others and work to empower and support their team members to reach their full potential.

NWP leaders are committed to ongoing personal and professional development. They seek out opportunities to learn and grow, staying informed about trends, best practices, and emerging technologies.

NWP leaders make decisions based on ethical considerations and the best interests of others. They weigh the potential impacts of their decisions on all parties involved and choose courses of action that align with their values and principles.