Council of Ontario Universities Conseil des universités de l’Ontario

Vol. 9 No. 1 March 2007

ncil for 2006- Cou 20 of 07 rs be em See m COU honours former

e h t pecial t s e e upplementide For the M s ins Premier Bill Davis with Lifetime Achievement Award

n December 7, 2006, relative newcomer to provin- the man whom Premier cial politics, was assigned the Dalton McGuinty and challenging education portfo- Oformer Premiers of Ontario refer to lio and, two years later, was as “Mr. Premier” – the Honourable appointed Minister of Univer- William (Bill) G. Davis – was present- sity Affairs. Holding the dual ed with the Lifetime Achievement ministerial roles until 1971, Award by the Council of Ontario Mr. Davis promoted education Universities (COU). Mr. Davis, who as the road to prosperity for served as Premier of Ontario from a rapidly expanding popula- 1971 to 1985, was recognized for his tion and, in doing so, ushered vision, leadership and lifelong com- RECORDin an extraordinary period of mitment to postsecondary education RECORDchange for Ontario. and for achieving the most significant He set up new public advances in postsecondary education schools, often in centralized in the history of the province. locations, to accommodate Close to 120 invited guests, larger numbers of students; including family members and a consolidated and revamped wide Ontario’s inefficient and array of unwieldy school board sys- leaders tem, instilling a new attitude Presentation of COU Lifetime Achievement Award to Bill Davis (left) by Bob Rae from the that schools should be co- univer- operative, not competitive; and sities, ­created the TVOntario educational tutions and, in particular, its educa- the Gov- colleges television network for classrooms tional system. Most recently, he was a ernment and gov- and living rooms across the province. ­member of the Advisory Panel to the of Canada ernment, Mr. Davis also established sev- government-commissioned Postsec- will attended eral new universities throughout ondary Review, led by Mr. Rae. in fact the gala Ontario that continue to flourish Mr. Rae, who presented COU’s undertake Premier McGuinty called dinner and grow today and – by champion- inaugural award to Mr. Davis, to supply Mr. Davis “an education held ing legislation that would “meet the described him as “the finest public the uni- trail-blazer.” in Mr. relevant needs of all adults within servant of our generation” and noted versities Davis’s honour. In attendance a community, at all socio-economic that he “had a vision of education as of Canada were former Premiers Bob Rae and levels, of all kinds of interests and being at the core of our life” and that, David Peterson was on with suf- David Peterson and former educa- aptitudes during a time of great expansion and hand to toast “a great ficient tion ministers Dave Cooke, Dianne and at all change, he “understood what needed leader.” funds at Cunningham, Janet Ecker and Bette stages of to be done.” least for ­Stephenson. And those who could education In accepting the Lifetime capital purposes….’” not attend – Premier McGuinty achieve- Achievement Award, Mr. Davis In closing, Brampton’s staunchest and former Premiers Mike Harris ment” – ever the consummate politician and advocate and proudest son also made and Ernie Eves – sent congratula- – put in orator – seized the occasion to speak a pitch to the members of Council to tory messages. In taped remarks, place the directly to the representatives of gov- carry on with its ongoing advocacy Premier McGuinty referred to Mr. ­structure of ernment in attendance. He said that efforts. “You can actually help the Davis as “an education trail-blazer” Ontario’s he “would like to see introduced a governments by being constructively because “he believed in the power of colleges motion into the House of Commons critical as they assess their priorities… education and made a lasting impact He handled difficult of applied that said: ‘where postsecondary edu- it’s fundamental. It’s necessary.” decisions with “grace and on the quality of our schools and arts and cation is essential to the economic Mr. Davis’s words echoed wisdom,” said Mike Harris. ­universities.” technol- well-being of Canada; where the Premier McGuinty’s commitment Mr. Davis’s indelible legacy to ogy which has ultimately resulted in institutions are no longer provincial expressed earlier in his taped remarks the province began when he served the creation of 24 public colleges. but are national in fact; whereas it – that his government will continue as Ontario’s first and longest-serving In the years that have followed is important to the economic and working with organizations such minister responsible for colleges and Mr. Davis’s retirement from office, the social well-being of the future as COU “to build on Bill’s work, to universities. It was the 1960s – a time he has continued to take not only a of Canada; and whereas it is funda- make our colleges and our universi- of tremendous social and technologi- strong interest but also an active role mental that we do more to support ties the best that they can be, to make cal transformation – and Mr. Davis, a in the life of Ontario’s public insti- education throughout this country, Ontario a place where everyone cont’d on pg.2

1 Applications to Ontario universities up by over 5% from last year Good news story on “access” – story on “quality” yet to be written

s of January 11, 2007 – the aspiration and commitment to uni- the universities anticipated that the Although the Reaching Higher plan deadline for submission versity education is a good news increased investment would fund has committed funds for graduate Aof university applications story for Ontario – not surprising improvements in quality on cam- enrolment expansion and quality – 79,568 secondary school students since university graduates contrib- pus, including better student- improvements, these funds cannot had applied for first-year admis- ute immensely to Ontario’s social faculty ratios to enhance the student be diverted to fund these additional sion to Ontario universities for fall and economic development, to the experience. However, as docu- students – which are, in effect, a 2007. This was an increase of 3,908 health and well-being of its citizens, mented in COU’s November 2006 new cost that needs to be covered applicants or 5.2% over 2006 for and to its competitive position in paper, Progress Report: University by government – especially in light the same period, and an increase of the global knowledge economy. Access, Accountability and Quality of the fact that universities are still 9.0% and 11.7%, over 2005 and 2004 This positive trend in applica- in the Reaching Higher Plan, higher- waiting for the province to flow levels, respectively. This signifi- tions can be attributed in no small than-anticipated enrolments have funding for the additional growth cant growth comes on top of major part to the province’s Reaching constrained the universities’ capac- experienced in 2006-07. increases in applications in recent Higher plan, which was introduced ity to make these improvements. Ontario universities want the years, even after the double cohort in the 2005 budget and allocated The report shows that these applicants for September 2007 to had been accommodated. (The cur- $2.8 billion over five years in new enrolments – which are 14,000 have at least the same prospect of rent 2006-07 enrolment of 357,300 funding to Ontario universities to higher in 2006-07 than planned for acceptance as previous years’ appli- students represents an increase of enhance quality, accountability and in the Reaching Higher projections cants, but they cannot do it without over 40% since 2000-01.) accessibility. – have created a funding shortfall the province’s help in funding the Once again, the number of But the increased demand also of about $100 million for this year, enrolment growth. This year, each applicants exceeded projections, poses significant challenges for the a figure that will grow to at least of Ontario’s universities entered as it had in 2006 and 2005. This university sector. The province and $300 million annually by 2009-10. into a multi-year accountability agreement with the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universi- Ensuring that Funding Realities Are Better Understood ties, binding that institution to make substantial improvements on hrough a co-ordinated, province-wide effort leading • Nonetheless, from their high points, it would require campus. But these quality improve- Tup to the provincial budget, Ontario universities are $800 million to close the gap relative to the provincial ments – sought by both government ensuring that the funding realities of higher education are budget and $1.3 billion to close the gap relative to and universities – will be at risk if being presented to Ministers, MPPs, mayors, local and the GDP. the province does not commit new regional councillors, community groups, local Chambers …Relative to Other Provinces funds to meet the demands of these of Commerce and the media through a series of meet- • On a funding per-capita basis, Ontario has been 10th out additional students. ings, consultations, outreach activities, letters and editorial of 10 provinces for over 10 years. ­pieces. These numbers make a compelling case for signifi- Premier McGuinty acknowl- • While the gap has narrowed as a result of the Reaching cant increases in investment to fund larger-than-expected edges that Ontario has “the lowest Higher plan, it is estimated that it would still require enrolment numbers and much-needed quality improve- levels of funding for our colleges $950 million to reach the funding level of the other nine ments on campus. and our universities” and is in fact provinces as of 2004-05. stepping up a campaign to get a Ontario’s Investment in Universities… …Relative to the United States commitment of a larger share of …Relative to the Ontario Budget and Provincial GDP • In 2000, COU developed a method to create a set of 170 federal funds in the upcoming peer American institutions selected according to their • Relative to the size of the Ontario provincial budget and federal budget to redress the fiscal similarity with Ontario universities in terms of size, to its GDP, the Ontario government has committed more imbalance in this and other public resources to the university sector over the last few years. degree profile and program mix. • On a per-student basis, total revenue for the U.S. peer set service areas. COU President Ian • Operating grants as a percentage of the total budget had Clark and other leaders represent- declined from 4.5% in 1987-88 to 2.6% in 2001-02 and was nearly one-third higher for the U.S. institutions com- ing various sectors across the prov- have improved to an estimated 3.2% by 2006-07. pared to Ontario universities. ince have also lent their support • Funding as a percentage of GDP had declined from 0.7% to the provincial government by in 1992-93 to 0.38% in 2001-02 and is projected to rise to 0.49% in 2006-07. signing an open letter to Minister Flaherty requesting that Ontario receive its fair share of federal transfer payments. However, much more needs to cont’d from pg.1 be done on the part of the province. But Dr. Clark remains confident through the power of education and committed: “We look forward gets a fair shot at success and the to working with the government on chance to help build an even these funding issues to ensure that stronger province.” the province’s success in improv- Well said, Premier McGuinty. ing access to quality postsecondary Well done, Mr. Davis. education can be sustained.” Video and photo highlights of the Every Ontario university is in gala dinner are available on COU’s web a different position to respond to site (www.cou.on.ca) these enrolment pressures, but all have expressed their desire to see the increased demand met without compromising their institution’s commitment to quality. For detailed (left to right) COU Chair institutional figures, visit the Ross Paul; Kathleen and Ontario Universities’ Application Bill Davis; and COU Centre web site (www.ouac.on.ca). ­President Ian Clark

2 Ontario universities create CUDO New online information tool for students, parents and the public

n 2006, Ontario’s 18 universi- ing on campus and activities offered; that, with this new tool, “people are able and governments to meet their obli- ties and the Ontario College of student satisfaction; first-year tuition to assess key data in a fair manner.” gations for accountability, such as IArt & Design worked together and ancillary fees by program; num- This information includes reports submitted annually to the to use data already available to the ber of teaching faculty; undergradu- student-focused activities such as Ministry of Training, Colleges and public and compile and present the ate class size by year level; research prospective student web sites and Universities (MTCU) on operating information in a consistent fashion. awards granted; and graduation rates recruitment publications; eINFO mag- and capital funds; research spend- The result: the creation of the new and employment rates by program. azine, which is available online and ing reports submitted to federal and online tool, Common University The data on CUDO will be used by guidance counsellors and provincial governments or agencies Data Ontario (CUDO), that allows updated on a regular basis, and feed- students alike; the Ontario Universi- on how research funds are spent; students, parents and the public to back from the users of this online tool ties’ Fair, a one-stop event in Toronto accountability and performance access – and, if they wish, to compare – which is linked to the web sites of that offers students an opportunity reports submitted to key stakeholders – information gathered on a consis- COU (www.cou.on.ca) and the Ontario to speak with representatives from on strategic, academic and business tent basis. Universities’ Application Centre universities across the province; and planning activities and deliberations With CUDO, users can assess one, (www.ouac.on.ca) – will help determine the co-ordinated University Informa- of governing boards; and the posting two or all of Ontario’s universities on areas for expansion or enhancement. tion Program, which offers informa- of graduation and employment rates the basis of several key benchmarks: Jamie Mackay, COU’s Vice-President, tion sessions to high school students and OSAP (Ontario Student Assis- number of degrees awarded, student Policy and Analysis, explained that throughout Ontario. tance Program) information via the enrolment and entering averages – all CUDO “complements the significant Ontario universities also provide web sites of MTCU and individual by program; number of students liv- information we already provide” and extensive information to the public institutions. Ontario universities participate in key student surveys to ensure COU meets with new quality learning experience Higher Education Quality s part of Ontario universities’ indeed a vital link – between process Council of Ontario concerted effort to improve and direct measures of academic Athe quality of teaching, in ­success. OU has begun to meet regularly with representatives of the 2006 Ontario universities partici- There is also considerable interest Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO). The pated in a key initiative, the National in the quality of graduate education Cindependent Crown agency, which was established in 2006 to Survey of Student Engagement and, consequently, with graduate ensure the continued improvement of the postsecondary education (NSSE). NSSE helps assess student student engagement, which is why system in Ontario, now has its leadership in place: the Honourable engagement at the undergraduate Ontario universities will be partici- Frank Iacobucci as Chair of the new Council; past University of level on the basis of five statistical pating in the Canadian Graduate Waterloo President James Downey as its first CEO and President; and benchmarks that research on learn- and Professional Student Survey McMaster’s former Provost and Academic Vice-President Ken Norrie ing environments has shown make (CGPSS) in 2007. It is hoped that the as its first Vice-President, Research. undergraduate education effective: results from participation in CGPSS Initial discussions have focused on how HEQCO would engage the level of academic challenge; the will help Ontario universities to stakeholders in its work and differentiate itself from the good work opportunities for active and collab- enhance the quality of the graduate already being done by existing organizations such as COU, Colleges orative learning; the intensity of the student experience. Ontario (formerly known as the Association of Colleges of Applied student-faculty interaction; the rich- Also in 2006, all Ontario universi- Arts and Technology of Ontario), the College-University Council ness of the educational experience; ties participated in the Consortium Consortium and the Task Force on Competitiveness, Productivity and and the extent of support offered by for Student Retention Data Exchange Economic Progress, while at the same time recognizing that ensuring the campus environment. (CSRDE). CSRDE supports decision- substantial improvements in postsecondary education in the province While NSSE does not directly makers by gathering comparative will require significant investment on the part of government. assess learning outcomes, it focuses retention and graduation data and Areas of focus for HEQCO include examining quality issues at on areas that enhance learning and producing reports to support reten- the program as well as the institutional level; monitoring the Student on how students become engaged tion efforts, providing information Access Guarantee; encouraging inter-institutional transfer; and ensur- ­intellectually and participate in that is timely, comprehensive and ing access for underrepresented groups. The Council also hopes to active and collaborative learning. unavailable through public sources. provide useful advice on system planning and on inter-jurisdictional However, ongoing work on the part Institutions will also be able to review competitiveness. of NSSE staff and researchers in best practices in retention and iden- validating the survey’s benchmarks tify effective retention strategies using are helping to establish that there is evidence-based research.

In Memoriam: Eleanor Cheng t the end of April 2006, Eleanor Cheng retired from COU after 15 years of steadfast service. Eleanor had come to COU from Montreal after working in marketing research for various organizations including McGill University, Awhere she also earned her MBA. Once at COU, Eleanor quickly and rightly established a reputation for her professionalism and attention to detail in her duties as an analyst. For many years, Eleanor produced the annual COFO (Council of Finance Officers) reports – tirelessly prodding university representatives to get their financial information in on time and gently alerting them of any errors that might have crept into their submissions. But what set Eleanor apart was not as simple as her professionalism. Eleanor possessed a positive outlook and cheery disposition, an innate kindness and compassion, and an almost patent refusal to seeing the negative side of a per- son. She was never too busy for a kind word or a thoughtful gesture, and many of us at COU were recipients of unsolic- ited “gifts” of compassion when we needed it most. On July 5, 2006, Eleanor, who was still involved in some consultative work with COU in what should have been her retirement days, died suddenly. She was a quiet, gentle soul with a big heart. Eleanor is missed by family, friends and colleagues.

3 COUNCIL NOTES

Jack Lightstone assumes Ron Bordessa takes office as presidency of Brock University President of UOIT On July 1, 2006, Jack N. Lightstone assumed the role Ronald Bordessa took office as President and Vice- of President and Vice-Chancellor of Brock University, Chancellor of the University of Ontario Institute of in addition to his appointment as Professor of Technology (UOIT) on July 1, 2006. Prior to joining History in Brock’s Faculty of Humanities. UOIT, he served as Vice-President, Academic, and Prior to joining Brock, Dr. Lightstone spent 30 Provost at Royal Roads University in Victoria, B.C. years at Concordia University in Montreal. A longtime Dr. Bordessa’s postsecondary career began at York Professor of Religion at Concordia, he chaired the department from 1979 to University’s Atkinson College, where he taught at both the undergraduate 1985 and served as Graduate Program Director for the MA in Judaic Studies and graduate levels in the Department of Geography. The next 30 years he and PhD in Religion. From 1989 to 1992, he served as Associate Vice-Rector, spent in service to York in progressively responsible academic administrative Academic (Research). He was Provost and Vice-Rector from 1995 to 2004, and positions that included Program Co-ordinator, Urban Studies; Chair of Geog- led the academic sector through an extensive, ongoing academic planning raphy and Social Work; and Associate Dean and Dean of Atkinson College, process and a difficult period of budget restrictions. renamed Atkinson Faculty of Liberal and Professional Studies. Dr. Lightstone received his BA from Carleton University, and his MA Dr. Bordessa was a Visiting Professor of Geography at the University of and PhD from Brown University in Rhode Island. He was a Visiting Research Western Australia in Perth and at Helsinki University in Finland, and con- Graduate Fellow at Hebrew University in Jerusalem in 1974-75. tinues to hold the position and title of Docent at the University of Joensuu An expert on ancient and contemporary North American Judaism, Dr. in Finland. He has published nationally and internationally, and his research Lightstone has written and lectured extensively, and remains an active scholar interests include the social life in urban areas, literary studies and environ- funded by external peer-reviewed grants. He is the author of six books and is mental issues. widely published in scholarly and professional journals. Born in Wales, Dr. Bordessa received his BA in Geography from the Uni- Dr. Lightstone succeeds Dr. Terry Boak, who served as Acting President versity of Wales at Swansea and a PhD in Geography from Liverpool Univer- for one year. sity. Dr. Bordessa succeeds Dr. Gary Polonsky, who retired from office.

Samy Mahmoud appointed Council also welcomed six new Academic President pro tempore of Carleton ­Colleagues in 2006-07 University Dr. Mary Louise Hill Dr. Brian Campbell Dr. Samy Mahmoud was appointed President and Professor, Depart- Dean of Graduate Vice-Chancellor pro tempore of Carleton University on ment of Geology Studies November 20, 2006. Lakehead University University of Ontario Dr. Mahmoud has held several distinguished Institute of Technology academic and administrative positions at Carleton Uni- versity, including his most recent appointment as Acting Provost and Vice- President, Academic. Previously, he served for eight years as the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Design and 10 years as the Chair of the Depart- Dr. Sylvie Albert Dr. Daniel Lang ment of Systems and Computer Engineering. Professor, School Professor, Senior Known nationally and internationally for his contributions to teaching of Commerce and Policy Advisor to the and research in the engineering field, Dr. Mahmoud is the recipient of several Administration President and international recognition awards for innovations and technology transfer to Laurentian University Co-ordinator of the industry. He is also the author of numerous engineering publications and a Program in Higher Education, OISE major text book on modern telecommunications systems. University of Toronto He is the founder of a number of provincial and national research and development ventures that involved close collaboration with government Dr. Michael McCabe Dr. Mariela Gutiérrez and industry as well as major research facilities at Carleton University that Assistant Professor, Professor, Depart- today house the research programs of a large number of graduate students Mathematics ment of Spanish and faculty members. Education and and Latin American A graduate of Carleton University, Dr. Mahmoud obtained his doctoral Health and Studies degree in Electrical Engineering in 1975. Physical Education University of Waterloo Nipissing University

COU publications available online

2004-05 Compendium of Status of Women in Ontario COU Briefing Notes COU Biennial Report Statistical and Financial Universities The 2006-07 edition of the Council The 2004-06 edition of the Biennial Information The report, Status of Women in of Ontario Universities Briefing Notes Report, which covers the period of The Compendium is a companion Ontario Universities, provides presents an overview of key facts July 1, 2004, to June 30, 2006, high- piece to the three-volume annual ­statistical information that tracks and issues facing Ontario’s univer- lights the activities of the Council of publication, Financial Report of women’s participation at all levels sities. The document is divided into Ontario Universities on the basis of Ontario Universities, which is pre- within the Ontario university three sections: Ontario University the Council’s three core functions: pared annually by the Council of system across a number of impor- Sector Overview; Funding and advocacy, self-management and Finance Officers-Universities of tant variables, including demo- Statistical Information; and Policy advice to government. Ontario (COFO-UO) from submis- graphics, student application rates, and Program Issues. sions from each of Ontario’s publicly student enrolment levels, degrees assisted universities and federated awarded and faculty positions. and affiliated colleges. The 2004-05 The 2006 report was prepared by edition of the Compendium contains COU’s Standing Committee on e supplementary information on Human Rights. Council ofFor Ontario th Universities Ontario universities that helps Suite 1100 put the COFO-UO data in context 180 Dundas Street West Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1Z8 and facilitates interpretation of the Tel. (416) 979-2165 financial reports. Fax (416) 979-8635 RECORDwww.cou.on.ca

4 Printed on recycled paper