Forging Ahead to Find a Local Solution for Kemptville College
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News Release May 8, 2014 Forging ahead to find a local solution for Kemptville College North Grenville, ON – Nearly two months after the announcement that the University of Guelph’s Kemptville and Alfred Campuses would close, provincial facilitators have finally been appointed. However, the provincially-appointed facilitators are unable to work with stakeholders on a solution for Kemptville College until after the June 12th election. Rather than allowing further delays that put the future of the campus at risk, The Kemptville College Renewal Task Force is busy finding new life for the College during this period. “We are seeking formal Expressions of Interest from potential partners interested in providing post-secondary education and research services at Kemptville College,” said Brian Carré, Chair of the Kemptville College Renewal Task Force. “A number of public and private sector groups have already come forward with proposals.” The Task Force is focused on local solutions for Kemptville College that respond to the needs of the agriculture and agri-food industries along with skilled trades while providing reasonable access to relevant and affordable post-secondary education for the people of Eastern Ontario. “We want to hear from potential partners interested in operating the campus and delivering educational services and a research program aligned with the Task Force Mission Statement,” continued Carré. “We’re also looking for innovative programming – such as international education and research, training certification, private and public sector use of facilities, corporate and community partnerships – to ensure the long-term success of a renewed Kemptville College.” The Task Force will be receiving Expressions of Interest until May 28th. Proponents will be invited on a campus tour May 20th. Successful proponents will be invited to present their proposals for discussion at a Town Hall Meeting on June 14th. About the Task Force The Kemptville College Renewal Task Force was established following the University of Guelph’s announcement to close the Kemptville Campus. Members of the Task Force include representatives from the Kemptville College Foundation, alumni, agricultural community and municipal governments. - 30 – For more information: Brian J. Carré, Chairman 613-258-9569 ext. 155 [email protected] May 8, 2014 Request for Expressions of Interest (“RFEI”) The Kemptville College Renewal Task Force is seeking expressions of interest from interested parties for the provision of post-secondary education and research services. The primary purpose of this RFEI is to determine whether there is sufficient market interest to continue providing these and other innovative programs, aligned with the Mission Statement of the Task Force and the mandate of the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario, at the Kemptville Campus of the University of Guelph. A number of groups (public and private sector) have expressed an interest in developing new programs for the campus. In the event there is sufficient interest in this requirement, the Task Force may, but is not obligated to, enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with one or more parties. Task Force Mission Statement It is our mission to renew Kemptville College by way of a community/stakeholder engagement process that seeks out, supports and facilitates local solutions in the form of educational affiliations and/or private sector partnerships, ensuring the long term sustainability and viability of the teaching and research capacity of the campus in North Grenville. The Task Force recognizes that a transformed Kemptville College must respond to the needs of the agriculture and agri-food industries along with skilled trades while providing reasonable access to relevant and affordable post-secondary education for the people of Eastern Ontario. Background Kemptville College was originally established in 1917 to support and strengthen farming in Eastern Ontario. In 1997, an agreement was established for the University of Guelph to manage the research and education programs. The campus facilities are owned by the Agriculture Research Institute of Ontarioi. Kemptville College has a long and rich history in delivering quality agriculture and agri-food education in Eastern Ontario. The park-like setting is located in close proximity to Canada’s National Capital and has exceptional potential for an Agricultural Centre of Excellence. Significant opportunities exist for international agreements and student exchange programs due to the many embassies and consulates located in Ottawa, a 30 minute drive from the campus. The current annual enrolment is 650 students with the capacity to expand. Some 85% of the student body originates from an area extending from Eastern Ontario to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Modern classrooms, a capacity for 265 students in the campus residences, a recently renovated cafeteria along with a well-equipped gymnasium and recreational facilities offer all the amenities for student life. Kemptville College was the first research campus in Canada to have an automated dairy barn, equipped with a Lely robotic milking machine. The facilities for equine education are class-leading with a modern indoor riding arena and stable facilities are readily available to students. More recent programs in the areas of agronomy and bio-mass have gained popularity as well as in the field of horticulture. On March 12, 2014, the University of Guelph announced the closure of all academic programs delivered at the Kemptville Campus by the end of winter 2015 semester. Previously the University of Guelph provided various degree, diploma and certificate programming in the areas of agriculture, horticulture, equine, food, technical trades, plus various workshops and short courses for industry-related training at the Kemptville Campus. A campus syllabus is provided for reference. On April 22, 2014 the Ontario Minister of Training, Colleges and Universitiesii announced that the province would provide a $2 million subsidy to the University of Guelph to allow ten trades programs to continue for the 2014/15 academic year (see attached reference table). About the Task Force The Kemptville College Renewal Task Force was established following the University of Guelph’s announcement to close the Kemptville Campus. Members of the Task Force include representatives from the Kemptville College Foundation, alumni, agricultural community and municipal govern- ments. The Task Force has no legal affiliation with the University of Guelph, the Government of Ontario or the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario. Additional information can be found on the Task Force website at www.kemptvillerenewal.ca. Submission Process Interested parties are invited to respond to this RFEI by submitting a letter to the Task Force that includes a brief statement of the nature of their interest in the Task Force’s requirement. The letter should describe the vision the proponent may have in operating the campus and delivering educational services and a research program aligned with the Mission Statement above. Consideration should also be given to innovative programming – such as international education and research, training certification, private and public sector use of facilities, corporate and community partnerships – to ensure the long-term success of a renewed Kemptville College. Responses should include a statement of qualifications, past experience and relevant case studies, references, and a statement of financial capability. There may be a selection of proponent(s) as a result of this RFEI for recommendation by the Task Force to the owner of the Kemptville campus, the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario. One or more proponents may be asked to present their proposal(s) to a town hall meeting. The community at large, as represented by the Task Force, is willing to work with a successful proponent to implement their plan to renew Kemptville College. Responses should be delivered by email to [email protected] before 12:00 noon on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. A tour of the campus for interested proponents will take place on May 20, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Please contact Brian Carré at [email protected] no later than 12:00 noon on May 16, 2014 to reserve your space. Attachments: 1. Ontario Agricultural College Update 2. Kemptville Campus “Viewbook” Syllabus 3. 2014/15 Course Offerings References: i http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/research/ario/institute.htm ii http://news.ontario.ca/tcu/en/2014/04/maintaining-access-to-agricultural-skills-training- in-eastern-ontario.html Ontario Agricultural College: Update OAC Budget Challenges • Managed a >$10M ‘base budget’ reduction in 2008 of a UoG’s $45 M deficit (MYP1) – ≈40 less OAC faculty (at Guelph Campus) • Annual OMAF-RA and MTCU inflationary challenges – ~$800 K/y (base) in OAC • Minor capital for next decade (supported through ARIO) – Kemptville ~$1.75 M/y; Alfred ~$1 M/y; Ridgetown ~$1.63 M/y • OAC $2 M base budget Cut - UoG’s $30 M deficit for 2014-16 (MYP2) Regional Campus Funding Support MTCU=Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities OMAF-RA=Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food – Rural Affairs • Fixed $4.5 M for all ‘associate diploma’ programs MTCU 104 • Has not changed since 2007 • Fixed funding for all regional campuses (base) OMAF-RA 110 • Intended for research support Tuition Revenue • Tuition × enrollment • Campus Services and Conferencing • Business Development Centres including Trades Other Revenue Programs at