Posts from February 2013

Today, OCUFA released new poll findings on public attitudes towards higher education and austerity in Northern Ontario. Presented at a news conference at Laurentian University, the results indicate that residents of the region do not want the government’s deficit-cutting agenda to compromise the quality of university education in the province. Key findings include: 74 per […]

The gap in government funding between Ontario universities and American public universities has narrowed, albeit simply by default. But the gap in provincial funding between Ontario and the rest of Canada is headed in the other direction. At its best in 2006-07, the rate of Ontario government operating, trust and research funding for teaching, research and […]

OCUFA is pleased to announce the nominations for the 2012-13 Teaching and Academic Librarianship Awards (TALA) are now open. Since 1973, the awards have recognized professors who have made an outstanding contribution to student success and the quality of higher education in Ontario. Any member of an OCUFA-affiliated faculty association is eligible to be nominated. Typically, […]

On Wednesday, February 28, 2013, OCUFA will be presenting a town hall discussion on austerity and higher education at Laurentian University. We invite all Sudbury-area students, staff, and faculty to join us for an evening of discussion and analysis. Speakers include: Brian MacLean: Professor, Laurentian University, Department of Economics John Closs: President, Sudbury District Labour […]

The free-fall in US state government support for universities is over. According to data collected by the Grapevine project at the Illinois State University Center of Education Policy, total state support in 2012-13 remains virtually the same as the previous year. That said, it is still 11 per cent lower than it was five years […]

On February 19, 2013, new Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne presented her first Speech from the Throne, outlining the priorities of her government. As expected, the speech contained a heavy focus on deficit reduction, economic growth, and employment. The speech signaled that the government will continue to pursue austerity policies, but reflected a softer approach to […]

Kathleen Wynne was sworn in as Premier of Ontario this afternoon. In addition to a new Premier, the province of Ontario also has a new Cabinet. Brad Duguid has been appointed Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. OCUFA will meet with Minister Duguid in the coming weeks to discuss his vision for the future of […]

Just about everyone agrees that Ontario needs strong universities to drive student success, economic growth, and social vitality. Too bad the Government of Ontario still hasn’t gotten the message. The Council of Finance Officers – Universities of Ontario (COFO) report for 2011-12 indicates that provincial operating funding to Ontario universities increased by two per cent […]

Today, OCUFA released new poll findings on public attitudes towards higher education and austerity in Southwestern Ontario. Presented at a news conference at the University of Western Ontario, the results indicate that residents of the region do not want the government’s deficit-cutting agenda to compromise the quality of university education in the province. Key findings […]

Barry Smit, one of We Teach Ontario’s featured profs, has been named to the Order of Ontario . This honour recognizes Ontarians who have made exceptional contributions to “the arts, law, science, medicine, history, politics, philanthropy and the environment.” Here is Barry’s We Teach Ontario video: Students in Barry’s courses are connected to this research in powerful ways. His graduate students […]

On Wednesday, February 6, 2013, OCUFA will be co-presenting a town hall discussion on austerity and higher education at Western University. We invite all London-area students, staff, and faculty to join us for an evening of discussion and analysis. Speakers include: Jeff Tennant – Associate Professor, Department of French Studies, UWO Alison Hearn – Associate […]