Sheridan and IBU launch strategic partnership to expand business education pathways

Sheridan College and International Business University (IBU) have formalized a collaborative new partnership designed to transform academic mobility and unlock advanced opportunities for business learners.

Through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding, the two institutions will work together to create pathways that enable Sheridan business graduates to move seamlessly into IBU’s master’s programs. This work recognizes the exceptional caliber of Sheridan’s business students and sets the stage for future collaboration that could expand access to IBU’s master’s programs through a jointly developed academic delivery model, grounded in shared faculty expertise and thoughtful, collaborative program design.

The partnership also includes joint development of undergraduate and graduate pathways, transfer credit agreements, student and faculty exchanges, and expanded research collaboration — providing new, flexible options for learners at every stage of their academic journey.

“We are committed to providing our students with creative and flexible learning opportunities,” says Shahrzad Farzinpak, Dean, Pilon School of Business at Sheridan. “This partnership represents a bold step toward creating transformative avenues for our students and faculty. Together, Sheridan and IBU are building advanced pathways that elevate our learners, recognize their achievements, and strengthen our academic communities.”
 
With strong faculty engagement and ongoing program review, the collaboration will continue to evolve to meet the needs of learners and the rapidly shifting business landscape.

“We are creating a future where Sheridan students can advance seamlessly from diploma to degree to master’s programming right here on our own campuses,”

– Dr. Cindy Gouveia, President and Vice Chancellor, Sheridan 

“This partnership reinforces Sheridan’s commitment to fueling our communities and economy through the development of future-ready business leaders,” says Mary Vaughan, Provost and Vice President, Academic at Sheridan. “By co-creating new pathways — including graduate-level progression — we’re opening doors to opportunities that would otherwise remain out of reach for many students.”
 
“This collaboration with IBU reflects Sheridan’s commitment to expanding accessible, world-class educational pathways for our learners,” says Dr. Cindy Gouveia, President and Vice Chancellor at Sheridan. “Through faculty expertise and a shared vision for academic excellence, we are creating a future where Sheridan students can advance seamlessly from diploma to degree to master’s programming right here on our own campuses.”
 
“IBU is proud to partner with Sheridan in strengthening the pathways that help learners advance through the higher education system with clarity and purpose,” says Dr. Asima Vezina, President and Vice Chancellor at IBU. “When colleges and universities work together as a connected network, we create powerful opportunities for students to build on their achievements and pursue higher level credentials that might otherwise feel out of reach. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to opening doors, expanding access, and supporting learners as they move confidently toward graduate level study and future career success.”

“At IBU, we believe that strong partnerships are the foundation of meaningful academic innovation,” says Dr. István Imre, Executive Dean and Vice President Academic at IBU. “By aligning our graduate programs with Sheridan’s exceptional business curriculum, we are creating clear, impactful pathways that empower learners to advance their education with confidence and purpose. This collaboration strengthens our shared commitment to developing future ready professionals who will lead with insight, integrity, and global perspective.”

---

Banner image: (From Sheridan) Shahrzad Farzinpak, Dean, PSB; Sean McNabney, Vice Provost, Academic Excellence & Transformative Learning; Mary Vaughan, Provost and Vice President, Academic; Rajan Sandhu, Vice President; Dr. Cindy Gouveia, President and Vice Chancellor; (From IBU) Dr. Asima Vezina, President and Vice-Chancellor; Dr. István Imre, Executive Dean and Vice President; Chris Fraser, Vice President, Student Recruitment & Strategic Partnerships; Swarna Bakshi Siani, Registrar & Director of Enrolment Services and Student Success.

Body image: Dr. Cindy Gouveia, President and Vice Chancellor, Sheridan, and Dr. Asima Vezina, President and Vice-Chancellor, IBU, sign the Memorandum of Understanding.