Agreement with provincial government promises a strong future for the University of Ontario Institute of Technology

OSHAWA, Ont. - Students, their parents, and other members of this university community are celebrating today's announcement that a memorandum of agreement has been reached with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) that will ensure a long and successful future for the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). This major agreement is the result of the provincial government, the university and Durham College working together to develop a successful long-term strategy for UOIT and to ensure the continued success of the college.

In reaching this agreement, Dr. Ralph Benson, a former Assistant Deputy Minister of what is now known as MTCU, was asked to provide the government with independent assurance of the viability of UOIT's business plan. One of Dr. Benson's recommendations was that a memorandum of agreement between the parties be developed and signed.

Thomas Coughlan, President of the Student Association, enthusiastically welcomed the announcement, saying that: "The future is now clear for both current and prospective UOIT students. The university is a great learning environment, and now the biggest challenge will be accommodating the number of students who want to come to UOIT."

Dr. Benson's report commended the profound success that UOIT has achieved in its first year of operation, meeting or surpassing major milestones in many areas.

Dr. Gary Polonsky, President of UOIT, stated: "I want to thank Dr. Benson for his fair-minded approach and his recognition of our success to date. I also want to thank Minister (Mary Anne) Chambers and her colleagues for participating in this process and for endorsing this memorandum of agreement, which will maintain UOIT on its strong trajectory to success. With today's announcement, our mission of making a profound contribution to our students, to our research mandate, and to our communities, is firm for decades to come."

Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities Mary Anne Chambers, who made the announcement of the MOA she signed with Durham College and UOIT Board Chair Garry Cubitt, commented: "We are committed to giving more students access to an affordable, high-quality post-secondary system so that they may reach their full potential. UOIT has an important role to play in providing accessible, university-level education to students in Durham Region, Northumberland County and beyond."

About the University of Ontario Institute of Technology

As the province's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology provides a unique combination of academic knowledge, vibrant student life, leading-edge research, and hands-on skills. The university offers career-focused undergraduate degree

programs in the fields of business and information technology, health sciences, social science, applied science, the pure sciences, engineering, and education. It is also developing leading-edge research and graduate programs, and is Ontario's first laptop-based university. Sharing selected services with Durham College, UOIT welcomed its first students in September 2003. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 1.866.844.8648.

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact
John Schofield
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.3111, ext. 2162
john.schofield@uoit.ca