YearReviewYear inYear Reviewin in Review Review youDid know? you know?the President Did you know? AUCC’s website attracts almost 54,000 unique visitors a month, President Didwho view some 500,000 web pages.you Among the most popular pages: a searchable database of more than 10,000 university programs; University Affairs’ career advertisements; and the section describing our member universities.

AUCC’s Technical Cooperation division manages three major projects in Russia that create opportunities for Canadian university faculty engagement, while at the same time improving Russia’s juvenile justice, its approach to federalism, and its northern ?socio-economic development strategies.

AUCC awards about $11 million in scholarships annually to about 3,500 worthy recipients on behalf of approximately 150 Canadian companies.

Each year, AUCC responds to nearly 6,000 inquiries from students and their parents about higher education in Canada, mostly from international students. Almost three-quarters of them are looking for information about university scholarships, programs and admission requirements.

Of AUCC’s 89 members, almost 70 percent attended AUCC membership meetings over the past year, and more than half are engaged in the Association’s Board of Directors or committees.

With a joint investment of $323 million from the federal government and Canadian universities, the University Partnerships in Cooperation and Development program has strengthened the expertise of higher education institutions around the world through 142 partnerships in 70 countries since 1994. Did you know?theletter fromPresident the pres you know? Letter from the President

hose new to the Association of Universities Over the next year, we will continue to make the Did youPresidentand Colleges of Canada are often surprised case forcefully for higher education and university Tby the wide range of what we do. From research on behalf of our members. We will find advocacy at the federal level to the management new opportunities and venues to get the higher of scholarship programs for Canadian companies, education and research message out to Canadians from research and policy analysis on trends across the country. In meetings with ministers, in higher education to the administration of Members of Parliament, senior officials, and knowledge partnerships between Canadian opinion leaders – and through our briefs, speeches universities and higher education organizations and discussions – we will stress the need to invest in developing countries, AUCC’s work spans the in higher education and research in order to build a country and around the world. strong foundation for Canada’s economic future.

This Year in Review report aims to provide Our advocacy on behalf of our members is ? our members and others interested in the steadfast, and remains the most important and Association’s progress with a snapshot of our central service that we provide for our 89 member activities and programs. Appropriately, for an universities and university degree-level colleges education-related association, the report follows across the country. Through AUCC, Canada’s an academic year, covering the period September universities have a strong, united and forceful 2005 to September 2006. voice at the federal level, allowing all of our members to speak collectively and persuasively Throughout the year, our activities have been about the importance of higher education and united by a central thread: at their heart is a research to the future of Canada and Canadians. commitment to the support of our member institutions and to the value of higher education and university research.

AUCC – and our member institutions – know that higher education is crucial to the future of our country. We know that investments in university research and higher education will help to ensure Claire M. Morris our competitiveness, and are key drivers for President and CEO Canada’s future prosperity. And we know that, in Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada today’s global knowledge society, these issues are more important than ever before. Highlights

September 2005 More than 55 Canadian universities Highlightsoffer help to students and Highlights 2005-2006 institutions devastated by Hurricane Katrina, in an outpouring of support coordinated by AUCC. 2005-2006October 2005 AUCC launches Momentum: The 2005 Report on University Research and Knowledge Transfer, our first-ever report on the collective Highlightsvalue of university research. Some 160 Parliamentarians, senior federal officials, and community and business leaders gather during the AUCC membership meetings to celebrate the launch. Complementing the report, AUCC produces a companion website, video, and national magazine inserts.

Also at the October meetings, AUCC launches a new section of its website on quality assurance, providing a comprehensive picture of the ways that Canadian universities ensure the quality and integrity of their academic programs. November 2005 AUCC’s election strategy committee, made up of executive heads across the country, provides advice and reviews messages and activities in the lead-up to the federal election and throughout the campaign. December 2005 AUCC asks the four main political parties to outline their views on higher education and research. Full results from the questionnaires are posted on AUCC’s special election website, and AUCC urges voters to carefully examine each party’s platform before casting their ballots. January 2006 Ads in the Globe and Mail and La Presse draw public attention to the importance of higher education and university research during the federal election campaign. The ads urge Canadians to show their support for the country’s future by discussing university funding with their local candidates.

 Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada – Year in Review March 2006 HighlightsHighlightsUniversity 2005-2006 leaders make up a strong and influential contingent, with 30 AUCC members and the Association’s President among the 300 stakeholders invited to attend the Postsecondary Education and Skills Summit. In opening the meeting, convened in by the Council of the Federation, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and Quebec Premier 2005-2006Jean Charest stress the critical importance of postsecondary education in today’s economy. April 2006 HighlightsAUCC’s spring membership meetings are moved to Ottawa to coincide with the opening of the new Parliament. A reception – held just hours after the Speech from the Throne – attracts a wide range of high-level attendees, with Members of Parliament, Senators, deputy ministers and other senior federal officials taking the opportunity to discuss higher education issues with AUCC members. May 2006 AUCC staff review the implications of the May 2nd federal budget for Canada’s universities, send a comprehensive analysis to all AUCC members on budget night and issue a news release welcoming those budget measures targeted at postsecondary education and university research. June 2006 Supported by “talking points” and fact sheets developed by the Association, AUCC members launch a coordinated effort to bring MPs and Cabinet ministers to campuses across the country to see first-hand how university research matters in their local communities. July-August 2006 AUCC members and staff provide expert input on a variety of government consultations on higher education and research, including discussions with senior government officials on governance of federal research support programs and the measurement of results; analytical work examining research support in the U.S., U.K. and Australia; and advice on a national strategy for S&T investments in Canada. September 2006 AUCC submits a brief to a number of government departments on the roles and responsibilities of the federal government in higher education and research, as well as a pre-budget brief, and appears before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance. The pre-budget brief focuses on the opportunities created by university research for individual Canadians and their communities and argues that investing in university research is key to making Canada’s economy more productive and competitive.

Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada – Year in Review  mp’s on campusesuniversity AUCC strategy connects MPs to university campuses

hen the University of Northern British in their own constituencies, and could appreciate campusesColumbia staff in Prince George how important it is for the federal government to W invited Jay Hill, Conservative Member continue its support of Canadian university research. of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River, to tour the university’s research facilities, university AUCC Board Chair and Trent University President officials knew it would be a unique opportunity Bonnie Patterson emphasized that such a strategy for the politician to see the value and application requires ongoing effort. of research. But they didn’t anticipate just how profound the impact would be.

During the tour, led by then UNBC President Charles Jago, a student’s impromptu demonstration of how high-performance computer technology is helping researchers understand pine-beetle infestations (currently a devastating problem for western forests) was “a big hit,” said Max Blouw, the university’s vice-president of research. “Within a couple of hours during the tour, Mr. Hill (who is also Chief Government Whip) became highly engaged with UNBC and was clearly impressed MP Carol Skelton and Saskatchewan’s Industry and Resources Minister and enthusiastic about what he saw and learned,” Eric Cline (left) get a demonstration of the latest technology at the Dr. Blouw added. University of Regina’s International Test Centre for CO2 Capture – part of the university’s leading-edge research into energy and the environment. With a new cast of members of Parliament in place after the January 2006 federal election, “As you look at the last decade of success that AUCC’s Board of Directors agreed in April to we’ve experienced in our sector, for example, develop a coordinated strategy to communicate the Canada Foundation for Innovation, Indirect to Parliamentarians the value of investments Costs program, and the Canada Research Chairs in university research. To launch the program, program, it is the combined efforts of AUCC AUCC staff contacted a cross-section of member leadership, individual executive heads, and a universities, asking them to invite local MPs onto well-coordinated effort that communicates the their campuses before the fall session of Parliament. same messages that will make the case for the AUCC armed members with key messages and facts importance of higher education and research demonstrating the value of university research in the government’s priorities,” Prof. Patterson to the future health of Canada’s economy and our said. “It will take a strong and sustained international competitiveness. The goal was to bring engagement by executive heads to ensure the MPs face-to-face with researchers and students preparedness of every MP in this country to engaged in groundbreaking work, so that MPs could support investment in universities as an integral see for themselves the kinds of research being done part of Canada’s future prosperity.”

 Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada – Year in Review university The value of this personalized approach has been In meanwhile, local MPs James Rajotte, evident throughout the visits this summer. “I was , Ken Epp, Mike Lake and Laurie very impressed by the excellent work I saw being Hawn celebrated the awarding of two new Canada mp’s on campusesdone,” said Carol Skelton, Minister of National Research Chairs at the University of , Revenue and Minister for Western Economic one in surface engineering, the second in heart Diversification, after touring the Greenhouse Gas disease and metabolism. “The investment we are and Technology Centre at the University of Regina making today will make a difference in the lives in May. “We need to keep our researchers here. of all Canadians tomorrow,” said Rahim Jaffer, I really appreciate how committed to Canada our MP for Edmonton-Strathcona. “It is through campusesuniversities are,” added Ms. Skelton, who is MP for advancements in science and technology that we Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar. She had particular will continue to grow and prosper. Our researchers praise for the growing number of research networks have made Edmonton proud, Alberta proud, and between institutions, especially in the western indeed Canada proud.” provinces. “I’m hoping to see more universities working together,” she noted.

The goal was to bring MPs face-to-face with researchers and students engaged in groundbreaking work.

Similar research tours have taken place at AUCC will highlight such campus visits on its universities across the country. Earlier this year, research website (www.aucc.ca/momentum) and Intergovernmental Affairs and Sports Minister will continue to keep members involved. Through and local MP liaison between universities and federal politicians toured the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical (as well as community and business leaders who Physics and viewed a demonstration in the recognize their stake in a strong university research University of Waterloo’s Photonic Entaglement sector), AUCC and its members are showing Laboratory, part of UW’s Institute for Quantum the federal government first-hand the value of Computing. In August, six MPs toured the university research to Canada’s future. University of Western Ontario’s Centre for Brain and Mind, one of the top brain-imaging research And politicians are hearing the message – facilities in North America. one visit at a time.

Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada – Year in Review  development ts forStudents Development for development

f an educational program’s success can be of their overseas work when they return home. measured by its ability to transform the lives It comprises two streams: 103 internships for Studentsof its participants, then the recently launched senior-level students, from third- and fourth-year I Students for Development program (formerly the undergraduate to PhD, working in a developing Canada Corps University Partnership Program) is country with universities, civil organizations, as good as it gets. Over the past year, the number or government agencies; and 10 team projects, of university students who have described their in which a total of 40 students and 10 faculty international experience in the program as “life- mentors took part. AUCC member interest in the changing” has been remarkable. competition was high, with more than 60 percent submitting proposals to the program’s internships, Marjorie Henderson, a political science student and 34 percent to the team projects. Almost half (44 at the University of Alberta, described her time percent) of the internships took place in Africa and in Sierra Leone as “a priceless cross-cultural the Middle East, 29 percent in Latin America and experience.” Ms. Henderson said she had the Caribbean, 19 percent in Asia and eight percent previously understood poverty as a “quantifiable in Eastern Europe. measure of human development,” but her experience “put a human face” to that poverty.

Economics major Ashley White of McMaster University said she had an “eyes-wide-open, head-first immersion” in a very poor province of India. And Daniel Grace, a student of social justice and peace studies at the King’s University College at the University of Western Ontario, who also spent time in India, said he was profoundly moved by the courageous women he met, who were trying to improve their life through micro-credit Tavis Beaubier, from Royal Roads University, with opportunities and self-help groups. “Sitting with children in a refugee camp in Uganda. women in their homes or under trees, I received the education of my life. A lesson in what grassroots organizing really looks like.” The program makes an impressive contribution to CIDA’s international development governance The $2-million program, funded by the goals. These goals help to reduce poverty, protect Canadian International Development Agency human rights and ensure greater gender equity, and administered by AUCC, involves students and are an excellent fit for Canadian university in development work that brings Canadian students and faculty, who can leverage their existing perspectives and skills to issues of governance, international partnerships in many useful ways. For to raise international awareness among Canada’s developing countries, it means gaining access to the young people and to allow them – our future leaders expertise and enthusiasm of senior-level students, – to engage the Canadian public with presentations who are keen to share their knowledge and at the

 Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada – Year in Review same time keep their minds open, expanding their It isn’t surprising then that, upon returning to understanding in a new, unfamiliar environment. Canada, program participants were eager to share development their often profound experiences in other cultures Projects have included an impressive range of with Canadians. Altogether, the 10 teams spoke ts for Developmentactivities and approaches, in more than 50 countries. to at least 1,200 people face-to-face, through A University of Saskatchewan team collected data on public presentations of their work. Students in the cooperatives in Mongolia, to be used to determine internship program reached 7,500 people through the training needs for developing sustainable their outreach activities, from public appearances, regional economies. In Cambodia, Université du blogs, websites, and even films of their projects. Québec à Montréal students studied the role of a More than 200,000 Canadians have been exposed to Students human-rights NGO in strengthening democracy news of the program through media outreach. and the rule of law. Students from the University of Toronto completed a policy paper and statute to AUCC has been happy to offer CIDA its govern a new student government at the University management expertise to the Students for of Prishtina in Kosovo. A McGill University team Development program. Our ability to reach collected historical and legal documents to help a a network of universities, in both languages, Maasai community in Kenya resolve long-standing quickly and efficiently, and the support we offer conflicts over land rights and resources. A team from (technical, administrative, communications) Wilfrid Laurier University spent time at a policy has been ideal for this liaison role. Universities institute in Siberia, engaging students in discussions leverage their own networks and partners abroad, of how they themselves might influence the future including other universities, local and national of governance in their country. “Whatever direction governments and civil-society organizations. Russia does move in, I think it’s very important for Russians that they understand it as a Russian solution,” said Canadian participant Christina Woolner, an undergraduate student at Laurier majoring in global studies and religion and culture. “Sitting with women in Université de Moncton political science student their homes or under Marc Robichaud had the opportunity to compare and contrast democratic election practices, as an observer of Burkina Faso’s presidential election in trees, I received the November 2005. “People there are very politicized, not only about what’s going on in their own country education of my life.” but in the rest of the world as well,” he said. He and his colleagues were able to analyze the dynamics of government in a country where traditional chiefs And for the students who took part, the learning often carry more political power than the elected and commitment they’ve gained will last a lifetime. government. The learning curve carried on, when “I had studied political science for five years. . . but two students from Burkina Faso came to Canada, and nothing prepared me for this experience,” noted offered their unique insights at the time of our own Ms. Henderson of her time in Sierra Leone. The federal election. internship “changed my life and understanding of global poverty, and prepared me for a career in “Students are natural ambassadors for international international development.” development,” said Isabelle Légaré, AUCC’s manager of international initiatives and exchanges.

Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada – Year in Review  Building relations buildingBuilding relations inrelations Ottawa

t’s been a year of transition for the federal Parliamentary committees have long provided the government, and AUCC has geared its advocacy formal forum for our advocacy. On October 27, 2005, Iactivities to reflect that reality. The challenge AUCC President Claire Morris and Board Chair of exposing a wide range of newly elected Members Bonnie Patterson appeared in front of the House Ottawaof Parliament, and in particular the new Cabinet, to of Commons Standing Committee on Finance to the importance of higher education and university present our pre-budget brief that focused on higher research led to an updated advocacy kit used in a series education as the cornerstone of productivity. Also of meetings over the course of the year with new MPs. on October 27th, Wade MacLauchlan, president of the University of Prince Edward Island and chair of “Our purpose was to familiarize the new government AUCC’s standing advisory committee on international with our issues, and to urge them to continue investing relations, and Karen McBride, AUCC’s vice-president in higher education and university research,” said for international affairs, presented a submission Gary Evans, AUCC’s director of government relations to the House of Commons Standing Committee on and public affairs. Foreign Affairs and International Trade, detailing the importance of knowledge partnerships as building Key documents in our advocacy kits are a series blocks for international relations. of fact sheets on university research and higher education issues. These fact sheets are available on Our advocacy activities were intense throughout our website and are provided to our members for use the year, but never more than in the summer of in their own advocacy. 2006, when the government launched a series of consultations and sought our advice, particularly The spring AUCC membership meetings in April on research-related issues, and on the roles and 2006 were relocated from Saskatoon to Ottawa to responsibilities of the federal government on coincide with the opening of the new Parliament and higher education. the Speech from the Throne, and to take full advantage of the opportunities for interaction with the federal As Parliament reconvened in the fall of 2006, further government. The opening reception attracted many opportunities were available to make our case for attendees from all parties, including MPs, Senators, investments in university research. Appearing deputy ministers and other senior federal officials and before the House of Commons Standing Committee political staff. on Finance in late September, AUCC President Claire Morris emphasized that investments made Throughout the year, high-level meetings with in recent years by successive federal and provincial both AUCC members and senior staff served to governments and by universities themselves have build bridges to Parliamentarians and government turned Canada into a “research success story”. officials and to make the case for higher education and research. The Association has also been engaged “Canada is among the world leaders in university in policy advice and development on issues ranging research, but our position is fragile,” Ms. Morris told from research integrity, to copyright reform and the committee. “Investments in higher education and international research collaboration. research will be a key driver for future productivity gains in Canada.”

10 Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada – Year in Review Building relationsMomentum reports on research success Momentum, AUCC’s 2005 report on the progress Momentum has since garnered attention in dozens Canada has made in university research and of publications. The Globe and Mail columnist knowledge transfer, has enjoyed remarkable Jeffrey Simpson wrote favourably about the report building relationssuccess and wide public exposure since its in November 2005, making the point that Canada release, in October 2005, at a high-profile must substantially increase its support of university launch during AUCC’s membership meetings. research if it is to remain strong and competitive. AUCC invited partner organizations – the federal The report has also been featured internationally, granting agencies, the Canada Foundation for in the Chronicle of Higher Education and on the web Innovation and Genome Canada – to version of the New York Times. Ottawa engage attendees with displays and information about research successes Since the launch, AUCC has distributed on campuses across the country. The several thousand copies of the report. presentation to Parliamentarians, The bulk of the distribution has business and community leaders and been targeted to federal politicians other stakeholders also included the and officials, provincial ministers of first-ever airing of an AUCC video education and research, federal funding highlighting the value of university agencies, faculty and student association research through testimonials groups, and AUCC member institutions, from people who have benefited. many of whom utilize the comprehensive Following the event, Eliot Phillipson, analysis of investments and stories of president of the Canada Foundation research successes to make the case for for Innovation, praised AUCC on the continued research investments when event and on the report itself, saying, “Momentum speaking to decision-makers. The report has also been is a superb document that catalogues, analyzes, downloaded 20,000 times from its website (http:// and interprets the data, and in so doing, makes a www.aucc.ca/momentum/en/index.html), which not compelling case for the importance of research and only facilitates broader distribution of the report, but knowledge transfer.” He added that AUCC is “to be showcases hundreds of additional research success commended for delivering on the commitment in stories. The website is also used regularly to update such a convincing way.” our members and stakeholders on AUCC’s advocacy in support of research.

AUCC manages Francophonie program AUCC now administers the high-profile Assistance. Its aim is to help young people in Canadian Francophonie Scholarships program, those countries benefit from the expertise after being selected as executing agency for two available within the network of Canada’s years beginning July 2006, by the Canadian universities and colleges. International Development Agency. Since the program began, more than 1,500 The program, created almost 20 years ago, provides scholarships have been awarded, and AUCC expects scholarships at the university and college level to provide another 80 new awards each year over the to students in the 37 member countries of La course of its mandate. Francophonie eligible for Official Development

Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada – Year in Review 11 recognizing foreign credentialsRecognizing foreign credentials

o universities have a role to play in address key issues: language skills, Canadian improving the recognition of the foreign work experience and professional licensing or foreigncredentials of new immigrants to Canada, certification requirements. D and if so, what should that role be? AUCC has been listening to its members and gathering information “The workshop was very useful,” said Richard to help shed light on what universities are already Lobdell, vice-president academic and provost at doing in this field, and what they can do to develop the University of Manitoba. “It’s easy to lose track programs and partnerships – with industry-sector of what is being done in other parts of the country councils and associations, governmental and non- that might be appropriate to your institution as governmental agencies – that will help immigrants. well.” The University of Manitoba offers a one-year It’s clear that internationally educated professionals qualifying program to foreign-trained engineers, will play a significant role in the growth of Canada’s including a four-month cooperative program to help economy. Recognizing their foreign credentials, these students gain Canadian work experience. and allowing these immigrants to receive further Canadian training is essential. Employers are keen to hire foreign-trained professionals who take these qualifying-year Last year, AUCC submitted a proposal to the courses, added Dr. Lobdell. Other professions at the Foreign Credential Program of Human Resources U of M, such as medicine, nursing and pharmacy, are and Social Development Canada, outlining three developing their own training and education models. phases of an initiative to establish a knowledge base and strategy for addressing Canadian university Dr. Lobdell found the case studies from other engagement, as well as the key issues related to institutions presented at the workshop helpful. (Case foreign-credential recognition. studies included École Polytechnique de Montréal, McMaster University and .) He The initiative included a survey of AUCC members also stressed that bridging or transition programs at to create an inventory of services universities the university level must be flexible and respond to are offering, such as bridging programs to allow the needs of the local community or region: one size immigrants to integrate into their field in a does not fit all. Canadian context; a series of case studies giving greater detail on particular programs now available That reality is a challenge when developing a at various institutions; and, this past June, a national-level policy, but universities, along with workshop that brought together 50 university their partners in government, sector organizations representatives and other stakeholders from across and industry recognize the need to develop more the country to discuss the case studies and share transition programs, so they can capitalize on the knowledge and experience. training and skills of new immigrants to Canada.

Workshop participants heard about the variety AUCC plans to produce a report highlighting the key of Canadian university programs to support findings from the survey and case studies, as well as immigrants. They agreed that effective programs, outcomes, lessons learned and recommendations on regardless of where they are offered, must next steps that emerged from the workshop.

12 Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada – Year in Review Canada and Mexico partner for academic links recognizing A new Spanish-language publication outlining the Association of Canadian Community Colleges held benefits and quality of higher education in Canada a workshop with Mexico’s university association to and a web guide that highlights the academic, provide information on Canadian postsecondary foreign credentials research and professional exchange opportunities education and to promote partnership opportunities; available to Canadian and Mexican students a second part of that meeting focused on building and faculty are among the first results of a new better understanding of each country’s research partnership between Canada and Mexico. funding systems and priorities. foreign The partnership was signed by the two countries in Already, the Spanish version of AUCC’s Canadian October 2004, and led to the establishment of a series Universities publication for international students has of thematic working groups. AUCC President Claire been distributed widely in Mexico and to Canadian Morris was asked to serve as Canadian co-chair of the embassies in Latin America. The web guide that human capital working group together with a senior highlights mechanisms for academic and research federal government official. (The two Mexican co- collaboration between Canada and Mexico will be chairs head Mexico’s science and technology council available on AUCC’s website this fall (www.aucc. and the national university association.) ca/canada-mexico). The possibility of a roundtable involving Canadian and Mexican university presidents Meetings were held between the Canadian and is also being explored as a means of further deepening Mexican partners to enhance cooperation in areas the bilateral partnership. like student mobility, academic partnerships and research collaboration. In March, AUCC and the

Preparing students for the world Sixty senior academic leaders from universities • offering a Canadian culture overview to across the country met in fall 2005 in Ottawa for international students, and asking them to do a two-day workshop aimed at finding new ways the same for Canadian students; to add an international dimension to students’ • recognizing students’ international experience university experiences. on transcripts; • including internationalization in the The workshop featured the four winners of institution’s fundraising priorities; the 2004-05 Scotiabank-AUCC Awards for • working toward hiring, tenure and reward Excellence in Internationalization, which processes that include recognition of recognized innovative, high-quality university internationalization work; initiatives that prepare students for a more • reviewing the curriculum to ensure that every interconnected world. Increasingly, universities program includes an international component; aim to integrate that international dimension • developing services to support faculty members and link it to their academic objectives, workshop involved in internationalization. participants heard. This year’s Scotiabank-AUCC Awards for Among the strategies suggested by workshop Excellence in Internationalization will be participants to better integrate international announced at the AUCC membership meetings in experiences into universities’ teaching, research October 2006. and community outreach were:

Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada – Year in Review 13 dreams come true AUCC AUCCprogram program helps helps education dreams come true

or more than 40 years, the Association The objective and independent selection process that of Universities and Colleges of Canada’s AUCC provides is one of the big reasons Bell Canada educationscholarship management services have has worked with HES for 30 years. Bell’s employee F helped companies across the country put in place scholarship program now totals $450,000 annually. scholarship programs – and in the process aided Ruth Foster, Bell’s associate director of community thousands of university students in achieving their investments, insists no other organization has the higher education goals. expertise, knowledge, and resources to compete with AUCC when it comes to scholarships. McMaster University student Steven Hoffman knows first-hand how important such support is to his academic future. Staff at the AUCC made the application process easier for this top-acheiving health sciences student.

“The staff was very helpful and ready to do everything possible to make things happen,” said the winner of an AUCC-administered Fessenden- Trott Scholarship, valued at $9,000 annually for three years.

The young McMaster student had only praise for Extraordinary involvement in extracurricular activities won McMaster student Steven Hoffman a prestigious scholarship. AUCC’s Higher Education Scholarships (or HES) division. And Mr. Hoffman is not alone: Dozens of “I think the fact that we have had this relationship note cards from satisfied clients and students fill a for so long speaks volumes,” said Ms. Foster. “Our HES bulletin board every year. experience with HES is that they are the Canadian experts when it comes to higher education While AUCC awards about $11 million in scholarships scholarships, and there isn’t anyone better.” annually to about 3,500 worthy recipients on behalf of approximately 150 Canadian companies, the selection The scholarships administered by AUCC range from process also means it must disappoint thousands those restricted to the children of the sponsoring of students who don’t make the grade. About 8,000 company’s employees to those open to all students. students apply for scholarships each year, and more Some target high school students heading to than half don’t get the answer they wanted. university, while others require completion of some “It’s really difficult sometimes to tell a student that university studies. they were not selected even though they have an Among the largest programs administered by average in the 90s — the competition is incredibly AUCC are scholarships for employees’ dependents fierce,” said HES manager Luc Poulin. “But I think at Imperial Oil Limited, for members of the that both students and clients are confident that the Foresters, and the TD Canada Trust Scholarship for process is fair.” Community Leadership.

14 Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada – Year in Review “Companies come to AUCC when they are looking for “AUCC went way beyond the call of our normal highly qualified education professionals to determine relationship to help us design this from scratch. dreamsAUCC program come helps truetheir scholarship winners,” said Mr. Poulin. It was just terrific,” Ms. Foster said. AUCC’s programs benefit from its close “They were invaluable in helping us understand relationship with its member institutions. The how to reach people in a way that we had never done ability to assemble a panel of education experts before and in developing a program that was really from its university members and to guarantee unique and well-received.” that every applicant receives equal consideration is critical. “It really makes a difference in the And, the effects of scholarships often filter indirectly educationlives of these students and we are able to say to through the community in unexpected ways. For our employees that no one from Bell sits on this example, Mr. Hoffman is also president of the selection committee,” Ms. Foster stressed. National Health Science Student Association, he’s involved with student government at McMaster, “We can ensure that the awards are vetted by and he spends much of his spare time working with highly qualified, skilled individuals from across children with special needs. the country, which brings credibility to the whole process — we simply don’t have those kinds of relationship and contacts,” she added. “Companies come to AUCC Companies signing up with HES are also looking for attention to detail, which ensures when they are looking for all applicants have an equal shot at the prize, Mr. Poulin pointed out. That’s why HES employs highly qualified education a team of helpful staff who ensure that all professionals to determine applications have the required information. their scholarship winners.” “Every effort is made to ensure that no qualified candidate is screened out because of a simple oversight,” Mr. Poulin said, adding that “those who “The scholarship has really allowed me to spend do not complete the form properly or leave out an time on volunteering and extracurricular activities important detail are called for the missing pieces.” in my community which would otherwise have been In the last few years, AUCC has invested in new impossible,” he said. technologies to create an online application and “I’ve been lucky to be able to maintain my tracking process, making management of the involvement within my community. Like I said, programs more efficient, and helping to make I have no complaints.” the scholarship application experience easier for students, their parents and the companies.

HES works closely with each company when a scholarship program is established and makes a concerted effort to ensure that the awards continue to reflect the organization’s goals over time.

When Bell wanted to create a one-time, $125,000 master’s and PhD scholarship program to help celebrate the company’s 125th anniversary last year, it turned to HES to help determine the criteria and to select the 10 winners.

Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada – Year in Review 15 AUCCinventory builds inventory of AUCCAboriginal builds programs inven

In 1969, just 100 Aboriginal students in Canada The largest and broadest range of programs for were attending university. Today the number is Aboriginal students is offered by universities in estimated at 30,000. Still, despite this improvement the four western provinces, which have the largest in attracting First Nations students to university, just Aboriginal populations. By its nature, the inventory Aborigieight percent of Aboriginals of working age (25 to 64) is a snapshot in time, since programs are added, and hold a university degree today, versus 23 percent for dropped, all the time. Canada’s working-age population as a whole.

Against a backdrop of a rapidly growing Aboriginal population of university age and educational attainment levels well below those of non-Aboriginal Canadians, the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada developed an inventory of programs, both academic and support, that target Aboriginal students at its member universities. The study was funded by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

Redressing the Balance: Canadian University Programs An innovative science program at the University of Cape Breton in Support of Aboriginal Students is meant to provide integrates Aboriginal spirituality and holistic concepts into science. background material to inform policy-making in the area of Aboriginal postsecondary education, Kali Storm, director of the Aboriginal Student said its author, David Holmes, a retired senior Centre at the University of Manitoba, said she will administrator from . find the resource and contact information helpful, and will use it as a reference. “Particularly if I want The document contains a 50-page overview that to try a new program, I would probably see who else includes historical background and analysis of the had tried it and call, because not all programs work state of education for Canada’s Aboriginal students, in all areas.” and a 175-page program inventory, based on a questionnaire sent to AUCC member institutions Dr. Holmes said that the data show the most and supplemented with web research and direct successful programs in retaining and graduating follow-up with many institutions. The inventory Aboriginal students are “bridging programs” that lists programs, institution by institution, with some try to help Aboriginal students move from a small analysis for the system as a whole. Aboriginal school to a large university. Also, since many Aboriginal students are female, older than The range of services offered by Canadian the average student and have children, university universities includes programs that introduce programs that address the needs of those groups Aboriginal high school students to university, tend to be more successful with Aboriginal students. targeted recruitment programs, retention and support programs, Aboriginal student centres, Aboriginal studies programs, language programs and many others.

16 Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada – Year in Review Board of Directors AUCC inventory 2005-2006 Senior staff AUCC builds inven Claire M. Morris Chair* Ex-officio directors Bonnie Patterson President and CEO President Association of Atlantic Trent University Universities Robert Best Chairman Vice-president, National Affairs Past-Chair* Axel Meisen * Peter MacKinnon Karen McBride President Vice-president, International Affairs President Memorial University of University of Saskatchewan Newfoundland Rosemary Cavan Corporate Secretary Aborigi President and CEO* Conference of Rectors Claire M. Morris and Principals of Quebec Margaux Béland Universities Director, Partnership Programs Directors until 2006 Representative David Turpin Roch Denis Monique DesLauriers President Recteur Director, Human Resources University of Victoria Université du Québec à Montréal Gary Evans Paul Davenport Director, Government Relations and President Public Affairs The University of Council of Ontario Universities Western Ontario Chairman Joanne Lalonde Ross Paul Director, Corporate Services and Heather Munroe-Blum President Scholarships Principal University of Windsor McGill University Walid Madhoun Council of Western Canadian Director, Technical Cooperation Sean Riley University Presidents President Chairman Herb O’Heron St. Francis Xavier University Robert Hawkins Senior Advisor, National Affairs President University of Regina Éric Robitaille Sheila Brown Acting Director, Research and Policy President Analysis Mount Saint Vincent (Michelle Gauthier, Director) University * Executive Committee Christine Tausig Ford Director until 2007 Director, Publications and Michel Belley * Communications Recteur Université du Québec Alana Yuill à Chicoutimi Acting Director, International Relations (Pari Johnston, Director)

Finance Committee 2005-2006

Members Institution

Michel Belley Université du Québec à Chicoutimi Peter MacKinnon University of Saskatchewan Axel Meisen Memorial University of Newfoundland Claire M. Morris President and CEO, AUCC Bonnie Patterson Trent University Gilles Patry University of Ottawa (Chair)

Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada – Year in Review 17 Committees & Members committeesStanding Advisory Committee & on members the Act and By-Laws (SACAB) Membership 2005-06

Members Institution Harvey Weingarten University of Calgary (Chair) William Cade University of Lethbridge Peter MacKinnon University of Saskatchewan Paul Davenport The University of Western Ontario MichaelAUCC Higgins St. Jerome’s University Gerry Killan Kings’ University College Yves Beauchamp École de technologie supérieure Pierre Moreau Université du Québec Yvon Fontaine Université de Moncton Gail Dinter-Gottlieb Acadia University Axel Meisen Memorial University of Newfoundland Rosemary Cavan Corporate Secretary, AUCC (Secretary)

Standing Advisory Committee on Educational Issues and Funding (SACEIF) Membership 2005-06 Members Institution Michael Stevenson Simon Fraser University (Chair) Roger Barnsley Thompson Rivers University Lloyd Axworthy The University of Winnipeg Peter George McMaster University Robert Rosehart Wilfrid Laurier University Judith Woodsworth Laurentian University of Sudbury Robert Poupart Bishop’s University Michel Pigeon Université Laval Luc Vinet Université de Montréal William Barker University of King’s College Sheila Brown Mount Saint Vincent University Colin Dodds Saint Mary’s University Gary Evans Director, Government Relations and Public Affairs, AUCC (Secretary)

18 Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada – Year in Review Committees & Members Standing Advisory Committee on International Relations (SACIR) Membership 2005-06 Members Institution Wade MacLauchlan University of Prince Edward Island (Chair) David Turpin University of Victoria Richard Kraemer Concordia University College of Alberta Em ke Szathmáry University of Manitoba AUCC Sheldon Levy Ryerson University Ramona Lumpkin Huron University College David Naylor University of Toronto Alastair Summerlee University of Pierre Lapointe Institut national de recherche scientifique Marcel Proulx École nationale d’administration publique Jean-Marie Toulouse École des Hautes Études Commerciales de Montréal John Harker Cape Breton University Sean Riley St. Francis Xavier University

Pari Johnston Director, International Relations, AUCC (Secretary)

Standing Advisory Committee on University Research (SACUR) Membership 2005-06

Members Institution Heather Munroe-Blum McGill University (Chair) Martha Piper University of British Columbia (Past-Chair) Charles Jago University of Northern British Columbia Fred Gilbert Lakehead University Karen Hitchcock Queen’s University at Kingston Gilles Patry University of Ottawa Michel Belley Université du Québec à Chicoutimi Roch Denis Université du Québec à Montréal Robert Papineau École Polytechnique de Montréal Philip Hicks Nova Scotia Agricultural College Tom Traves Dalhousie University

Éric Robitaille Acting Director, Research and Policy Analysis, AUCC (Secretary)

Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada – Year in Review 19 members institutions memberAUCC member institutions institutions Acadia University Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD University) University of Alberta University of Ottawa École Polytechnique de Montréal Bishop’s University University of Prince Edward Island Brandon University Université du Québec Brescia University College Université du Québec à Montréal The University of British Columbia Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières Brock University Université du Québec à Chicoutimi University of Calgary Université du Québec à Rimouski Campion College Université du Québec en Outaouais Cape Breton University Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue AUCCCarleton University Institut national de la recherche scientifique Concordia University École nationale d’administration publique Concordia University College of Alberta École de technologie supérieure Dalhousie University Queen’s University at Kingston (Queen’s University) Dominican College of Philosophy and Theology Redeemer University College (Dominican University College) The University of Regina Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design Royal Military College of Canada First Nations University of Canada Royal Roads University University College of the Fraser Valley Ryerson University Université Sainte-Anne École des Hautes Études Commerciales Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface de Montréal (HEC Montréal) St. Francis Xavier University Huron University College St. Jerome’s University King’s University College (King’s University Saint Mary’s University College at The University of Western Ontario) University of St. Michael’s College The King’s University College Saint Paul University University of King’s College St. Thomas University Lakehead University St. Thomas More College Laurentian University of Sudbury University of Saskatchewan Université Laval Université de Sherbrooke The University of Lethbridge Simon Fraser University Luther College University of Sudbury Malaspina University-College Thompson Rivers University University of Manitoba University of Toronto McGill University Trent University McMaster University University of Trinity College Memorial University of Newfoundland Trinity Western University Université de Moncton University of Victoria Université de Montréal Victoria University Mount Allison University University of Waterloo Mount Saint Vincent University The University of Western Ontario University of New Brunswick Wilfrid Laurier University Nipissing University University of Windsor University of Northern British Columbia The University of Winnipeg Nova Scotia Agricultural College York University

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