UOIT awarded membership in Canada's top university association
November 13, 2006
OSHAWA, Ont. - The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) has been granted membership in Canada's most influential university association, another significant milestone for UOIT's growing reputation as a postsecondary leader.
The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) announced recently that it has approved UOIT's membership following a year-long application process. Without a specific national governing body dedicated to accrediting universities, membership in the AUCC is considered the highest possible affirmation of a university's operations.
"Membership of our university within the AUCC is a tremendous achievement," said Dr. Ron Bordessa, president of UOIT. "This further demonstrates to the academic and broader communities UOIT's commitment to delivering innovative postsecondary education and providing students with an outstanding educational experience."
The application process featured an extensive amount of background work and preparation by UOIT, and included a visit to the school's Oshawa campus in January from a panel of three AUCC member presidents. While on campus the presidents met with a cross-section of groups and individuals, ranging from students to members of the administration.
Although UOIT is now in its fourth year of studies, last fall was the first opportunity to apply for AUCC membership. Universities must be in operation for two years with a minimum of 500 students before beginning the application process.
"AUCC membership is widely seen as a form of accreditation for Canadian universities and the application process is quite demanding," said Donald Wallace, associate provost, Academic and Strategic Planning at UOIT. "This development extends full recognition to UOIT and allows us to take our place in the national university community."
Wallace added that the AUCC membership brings with it a number of advantages for UOIT. It will help remove obstacles during the grant and program application processes; allow UOIT to work with other Canadian universities as a collective in negotiating financial discounts or savings on items such as insurance; and allow UOIT to join other AUCC members in advocacy efforts at the national level.
"We are pleased to welcome UOIT as a new member of our association," said AUCC president Claire Morris. "We look forward to the input from President Bordessa who will help strengthen AUCC's voice as it shapes the development of public policy on higher education and university research."
Since opening its doors in 2003 with just over 900 students, UOIT has quickly grown to a campus of 4,300 students enrolled in more than 30 undergraduate and graduate programs. The university has one of the highest rates of professors with doctoral degrees among Canadian universities who bring with them world-class research expertise. As Ontario's only laptop-based university, students have the opportunity to connect with their professors and peers any time, anywhere turning bold and innovative ideas into real solutions that benefit society.
UOIT has also opened three academic buildings - Business and Information Technology, Science, and Engineering - featuring state-of-the-art lecture theatres, classrooms, labs, and academic offices. In addition, students have access to on-campus residences, a Campus Library that has earned North American architectural awards, Campus Ice and Tennis centres, and will soon celebrate the opening of a 72,000-square-foot athletic centre expansion.
In 2008, the university will open the Automotive Centre of Excellence, a partnership with the provincial government, General Motors of Canada and the private sector that will make UOIT home to the country's premier automotive research and development centre.
About UOIT
As an innovative university, UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. UOIT's 4,300 students are taught by professors who are experts in their fields from around the world. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, UOIT offers more than 30 challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of Business and Information Technology, Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Sciences. UOIT's commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including several Canada Research Chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.
About AUCC
The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada is the voice of Canada's universities. It represents 91 Canadian public and private not-for-profit universities and university-degree level colleges. Its mandate is to facilitate the development of public policy on higher education and to encourage cooperation among universities and governments, industry, communities, and institutions in other countries.
The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) announced recently that it has approved UOIT's membership following a year-long application process. Without a specific national governing body dedicated to accrediting universities, membership in the AUCC is considered the highest possible affirmation of a university's operations.
"Membership of our university within the AUCC is a tremendous achievement," said Dr. Ron Bordessa, president of UOIT. "This further demonstrates to the academic and broader communities UOIT's commitment to delivering innovative postsecondary education and providing students with an outstanding educational experience."
The application process featured an extensive amount of background work and preparation by UOIT, and included a visit to the school's Oshawa campus in January from a panel of three AUCC member presidents. While on campus the presidents met with a cross-section of groups and individuals, ranging from students to members of the administration.
Although UOIT is now in its fourth year of studies, last fall was the first opportunity to apply for AUCC membership. Universities must be in operation for two years with a minimum of 500 students before beginning the application process.
"AUCC membership is widely seen as a form of accreditation for Canadian universities and the application process is quite demanding," said Donald Wallace, associate provost, Academic and Strategic Planning at UOIT. "This development extends full recognition to UOIT and allows us to take our place in the national university community."
Wallace added that the AUCC membership brings with it a number of advantages for UOIT. It will help remove obstacles during the grant and program application processes; allow UOIT to work with other Canadian universities as a collective in negotiating financial discounts or savings on items such as insurance; and allow UOIT to join other AUCC members in advocacy efforts at the national level.
"We are pleased to welcome UOIT as a new member of our association," said AUCC president Claire Morris. "We look forward to the input from President Bordessa who will help strengthen AUCC's voice as it shapes the development of public policy on higher education and university research."
Since opening its doors in 2003 with just over 900 students, UOIT has quickly grown to a campus of 4,300 students enrolled in more than 30 undergraduate and graduate programs. The university has one of the highest rates of professors with doctoral degrees among Canadian universities who bring with them world-class research expertise. As Ontario's only laptop-based university, students have the opportunity to connect with their professors and peers any time, anywhere turning bold and innovative ideas into real solutions that benefit society.
UOIT has also opened three academic buildings - Business and Information Technology, Science, and Engineering - featuring state-of-the-art lecture theatres, classrooms, labs, and academic offices. In addition, students have access to on-campus residences, a Campus Library that has earned North American architectural awards, Campus Ice and Tennis centres, and will soon celebrate the opening of a 72,000-square-foot athletic centre expansion.
In 2008, the university will open the Automotive Centre of Excellence, a partnership with the provincial government, General Motors of Canada and the private sector that will make UOIT home to the country's premier automotive research and development centre.
About UOIT
As an innovative university, UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. UOIT's 4,300 students are taught by professors who are experts in their fields from around the world. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, UOIT offers more than 30 challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of Business and Information Technology, Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Sciences. UOIT's commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including several Canada Research Chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.
About AUCC
The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada is the voice of Canada's universities. It represents 91 Canadian public and private not-for-profit universities and university-degree level colleges. Its mandate is to facilitate the development of public policy on higher education and to encourage cooperation among universities and governments, industry, communities, and institutions in other countries.
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
Heather Middleton
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.3111 ext. 2197
heather.middleton@uoit.ca
