Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

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The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is a public polytechnic in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It offers about 120 programs that lead to degrees, diplomas, certificates, and apprenticeships, along with non-credit courses and customized corporate training. NAIT serves thousands of students and trainees, including many international students from around the world.

History and campus
- NAIT was established in 1962 and opened on May 27, 1963. The first class was 29 Communication Electrician apprentices, and the first graduation took place in 1965.
- In 1982, control moved to a Board of Governors. NAIT celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2012.
- The Main campus in Edmonton expanded in 2019, acquiring land from the former Edmonton City Centre Airport and nearby sites, with plans to close the Patricia and Souch campuses and add a student residence. The Spruce Grove campus remains open.

Programs and credentials
- NAIT offers a range of credentials, including four-year Bachelor of Technology degrees in Technology Management and Construction Management, and a Bachelor of Business Administration (launched in 2007).
- It is one of Canada’s largest apprenticeship trainers, offering 31 registered trades programs.

Campus life and culture
- Mascot: Ook (short for ookpik, the snowy owl). The athletic teams are known as the Ooks, with colors gold and royal blue.
- Sports include badminton, basketball, curling, ice hockey, soccer, and volleyball. NAIT competes in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association and the Alberta Colleges Athletics Conference.
- The NAIT Students’ Association (NAITSA) runs student services and activities, including the Nest Taphouse Grill, The NAIT Nugget campus newspaper, and the U-Pass. Techlifetoday is the institute’s official magazine (launched in 2007 and now published online).

Leadership and numbers
- President: Laura Jo Gunter; Provost: Peter Leclaire.
- NAIT has substantial endowment funding and a large faculty, with thousands of students enrolled across credit, non-credit, apprenticeships, and corporate training programs.