Discussion paper on post-secondary review welcomed

The Discussion Paper released by the Postsecondary Review on Friday, October 1st offers UOIT and Durham College an important opportunity to be heard, says President Gary Polonsky.

"While the Paper builds on past reports," Polonsky notes, "it is a document focused on the future, just like our campus. It is especially encouraging to see issues being raised that are a priority for both our college and university."

The President is encouraging members of the campus community to read the Discussion Paper. An open forum will be scheduled in the coming weeks to solicit ideas, and other opportunities to provide comment will also be made available.

As one of a series of consultation events around the province, the Rae Review will be holding a Town Hall meeting in Oshawa this Fall, tentatively scheduled for November 25th from 1-3 p.m. on the Oshawa campus.

In preparation for the broader consultation, President Polonsky acknowledges the importance of the basic framework of the Discussion Paper. "We accept that accessibility, quality, system design, funding, and accountability provide the context for considering options," he says. "Sustainable support for students, institutions, and research is absolutely critical."

In addition, the President adds, "there are a number of issues where DC-UOIT is in a position to provide a distinctive perspective the Rae Review needs to hear. The Discussion Paper contends that changing trends have 'challenged institutions and governments to adjust mandates and accountabilities to meet student and public needs,' and in many ways the DC-UOIT model is a response to those trends."

Members of the community will be invited to share ideas on ways to promote:

• excellence in curricular activities to build a skilled workforce
• greater capacity for collaboration between colleges and universities
• students moving easily along career and learning pathways
• new technologies that are changing learning approaches and student choice
• increasing reliance by the private sector on postsecondary institutions for more research
• market pressures forcing institutions to differentiate and specialize
• helping high school students make the best choices possible, including skills training or apprenticeship
• recognition for previous learning and international qualifications for immigrants
• accountability developed with institutions to find the right measures.

In summing up the importance of the Discussion Paper, Polonsky picks out a key sentence that relates particularly closely to the DC-UOIT mandate. "For students," the Discussion Paper says, "quality can mean things like: the level of academic challenge, active and collaborative learning, student-faculty interaction, enriching educational experiences, a supportive campus environment, and a valued credential."

"The intention of the DC-UOIT response to the Discussion Paper," he says, "will be for our community to help the Rae Review define the highest quality student experience in the best and most sustainable way."

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