and respective communities. In other words, even though they're part of a regional college, the constituent colleges have their own educational autonomy. On a local scale, each constituent college has its own programs of study as well as cultural and sporting activities for students. The facilities of each constituent college address the needs of the regional community. Constituent colleges Cégep régional de Lanaudière à Joliette The Cégep régional de Lanaudière à Joliette is a public institution of higher education offering 23 programs, including Arts and Humanities, Information Technology, Administration, Agriculture, and Environmental Studies. The Cégep's education is recognized by the Commission d'évaluation de l'enseignement collégial (or CEEC; eng: the Evaluation Commission of College-level Education). The Cégep also offers a wide range of student services. Located in downtown Joliette, the Cégep is close to the Assomption River and various parks. The current director of the Joliette constituent college is Chantale Perreault, who has held this position since 2012. Sports and recreation Intercollegiate program The intercollegiate program is for students who are interested in being part of a competitive sports team. Intercollegiate activities for the 2013–2014 academic year are: Women's Flag Football Men's Ball Hockey Women's Indoor soccer Men's Indoor Soccer Co-ed Taekwondo Co-ed Volleyball Cheerleading Football Swimming Kin-Ball Intramural program The intramural program offers many recreational activities during lunch breaks. Participation is optional and the majority of activities (badminton, soccer, etc.) are free for students. Cégep régional de Lanaudière à L'Assomption Located in the downtown core, this constituent college offers 11 programs, including Arts and Humanities, Administration, Design and Education. These technical and pre-university programs lead to dîplômes d'études collégiales (or DEC; eng: Diploma of College Studies (DCS)) while the continuing education programs lead to attestations d'études collégiales (or AEC; eng: Attestation of College Studies (ACS)) in continuing education. The current director of the L'Assomption constituent college is Gabrielle Théroux, who has held this position since 2007. Cégep expansion At a press conference held on January 24, 2014, the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology) confirmed the expansion of the Cégep régional de Lanaudière à l'Assomption and the implementation of a new Opticianry program. The objective of this expansion is to provide staff and students with adequate study and work space. Moreover, the college plans to build a clinic-school for students in the Opticianry program. This school will provide students enrolled in the program with a place to do