Province, Students Work on Vision for University Education

Students are sharing their vision for university education that prepares them for good jobs and a bright future at a roundtable meeting with the province today, Jan. 31.

"Today's world is vastly different than it was even 10 years ago," Labour and Advanced Education Minister Marilyn More said. "Together, we must recognize and respond to these changes in ways that build on the collective strengths of our universities, and focus on excellence, innovation and the needs of our students."

Ms. More highlighted changes in technology, jobs and job requirements, international competition and demographics. One change is that enrolment increases are expected to shift to enrolment declines, with fewer Canadians having children and other countries building their own university systems. China, for example, is building a new university every month.

"Students are the key stakeholders in our post-secondary education system and we are determined to work as partners with the province and our institutions to find innovative solutions and move Nova Scotia forward," said Jonathan Williams, executive director of Students Nova Scotia, an organization that represents 87 per cent of Nova Scotia university students.

"Students recognize that, considering the economic and demographic challenges Nova Scotia faces, we can't afford not to get the most from our post-secondary system and we need to do things differently."

Nova Scotia universities must work more closely together to deliver quality education that can be sustained and can compete with other provinces and countries with more co-ordinated or streamlined systems.

Round table meetings allow students to share their ideas and issues with the province at least quarterly. Additional meetings, like the one taking place today are held to discuss specific topics.

In February, the group will discuss ways to make university education more accessible and ensure funding is used in ways that deliver the greatest value to students. University presidents will also take part in a special meeting in April to help shape the new vision for the future of higher education.

"Individual universities and student groups will always have specific concerns and priorities," said Ms. More. "Right now, for instance, students at NSCAD are concerned about the future of their school. Issues like these present even more reason for us to get together and have honest and respectful discussions on how to move forward together."

Based on advice from students, the province capped tuition increases, and is making historic investments in student assistance to lower debt levels and make post-secondary education more accessible.

The province also created a $25-million innovation fund to help universities respond to change and work together to create a more sustainable and innovative post-secondary education system.