New Advisory Board on Colleges and Universities Created

EDUCATION--New Advisory Board on Colleges and Universities Created

A Nova Scotia Advisory Board on Colleges and Universities is being created to help the province's post-secondary education system be more responsive to the needs of students and the economy.

The new board will replace the Nova Scotia Council on Higher Education which was responsible for the province's universities. The board will continue the council's work with universities and take on new responsibilities for community colleges and student assistance.

"This new advisory board is designed to encourage a more co- ordinated approach to post-secondary education in Nova Scotia," said Education Minister Jane Purves. "We want Nova Scotia students to have access to the best possible programs and services, now and in the future."

The board will aim to ensure that students can move more freely between community colleges and universities. It will help to build the province's capacity to train Nova Scotians for the changing job market. The board will also enhance accountability for present and future expenditures in post-secondary education. Budgets for the community colleges and universities will remain separate.

Universities and community colleges will continue to respond to future labour market needs and help prevent significant skill shortages. Both will contribute even more to the growth of our innovation systems through research, commercialization and adoption of technologies.

"This new structure will allow government to respond more quickly to the education and training needs of Nova Scotians," said Ms. Purves. "It will be composed of accomplished Nova Scotians ready to contribute to the shaping of our future post-secondary education sector."

In the weeks ahead, the minister will be seeking applications for membership on the board from Nova Scotians of considerable stature with a strong policy interest in education and training. The new 18-member board will include two university and two community college students.

"We are very pleased with the minister's decision to create a body that can give more comprehensive advice on a rapidly changing post-secondary education system," said Bob Shaw, chair of the Nova Scotia Council on Higher Education. "Greater collaboration between the universities and community colleges is in the public interest. Now, we have a board capable of planning a system that is responsive to future education and economic trends."

Mr. Shaw will also chair the new advisory board.