On Sept. 18, 2013, a “confidential” proposed policy framework for the differentiation of Ontario’s universities was leaked to stakeholder groups and the media . OCUFA is concerned that the policy framework may lead to government intrusion into academic decision making, and could have damaging funding consequences for Ontario’s higher education institutions. The proposed framework suggests that Ontario’s universities should differentiate according to eight “components”: […]
TORONTO – Ontario’s professors and academic librarians are calling for “immediate, strong, and decisive action” to free John Greyson and Tarek Loubani from arbitrary detention in Egpyt. Faculty association leaders made their call in a unanimous motion passed at a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA). […]
OCUFA, as a member of the Ontario University and College Coalition, a coalition of student, staff and faculty organizations, is deeply concerned about the findings of a new report, released today by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, which projects that the average cost of university tuition and other compulsory fees in Ontario will reach […]
The latest Federal Scientific Activities report from Statistics Canada indicates that Canada’s federal government expenditures on science and technology for 2013-14 will decline 3.3 per cent from the previous year. The reduction will not only harm government agencies like Statistics Canada and the National Research Council, but will also reduce funding to research “performers” like universities. If inflation forecasts […]
OCUFA is pleased to announce the winners of its prestigious Teaching and Academic Librarianship Awards. Since 1973, these awards have recognized exceptional contributions made by professors and librarians to the quality of higher education in Ontario. “Every day, Ontario’s professors make incredible things happen in our classrooms and labs,” said OCUFA President Kate Lawson. “This […]
On August 29, 2013, the Association of Professors of the University of Ottawa (APUO) ratified their new collective agreement, with 98 per cent voting in favour of the deal. Following the ratification, the APUO sent this message to their membership: We wish to thank our members for the strong and continued support given to us […]
Support for research and development in Canada has stagnated, due largely to a decrease if federal government support. Ontario continues to do better than most provinces, but mainly by directing more operating funds to research activities. Statistics Canada reports that research and development (R&D) spending by universities and other higher education research institutions rose by 3.4 per cent between 2011-12 and 2012-13. After […]
On August 17, 2013, Dr. Tarek Loubani, an assistant professor at Western, and John Greyson, an associate professor at York, were arrested and imprisoned in Egypt. OCUFA, CAUT, and faculty associations across Canada have taken action to urge the Government of Canada to do everything possible to effect their release. Below, please find the letter […]
On August 26, 2013, OCUFA President Kate Lawson met with Minister of Training, Colleges, and Universities Brad Duguid. The purpose of the meeting was to consult OCUFA on several policy initiatives, including a new credit transfer framework, online education, and the differentiation agenda. The Minister emphasized that the government is still in the process of developing […]
The Association of Professors of the University of Ottawa (APUO) have reached a tentative agreement with the administration of the University of Ottawa. After a difficult round of bargaining, and exceptional mobilization and support of APUO’s membership, the tentative deal was reached on August 4, 2013. The proposed deal contains solid improvements for benefits and salary, […]
A decade ago, Mike Lazaridis highlighted the role of university research in developing the talent needed for success in the wider world of R&D. This is no less true today. Unfortunately, Canada continues to lag in university attainment rates, particularly in advanced degrees. Given the importance of producing research talent, it is no accident that the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development […]
On July 31, 2013, professors and academic librarians at the University of Ottawa authorized the Association of Professors of the University of Ottawa (APUO) to call a strike if necessary. The strike mandate was approved by 82 per cent. The strike mandate was requested by APUO after the administration of the University of Ottawa officially […]
The latest data from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) shows that Ontario continues to lead the pack in university attainment. Overall, Canada’s attainment rate in college and university education amongst 25-64 year olds is the highest amongst OECD member countries. Canada’s ranking is due in large part to college attainment rates. Although three other […]
PLEASE NOTE THAT EFFECTIVE JULY 27, 2013 THE OCUFA OFFICE WILL BE LOCATED AT:
17 ISABELLA STREET
TORONTO, ON M6P 4G4
OUR TELEPHONE, FAX, EMAIL AND WEBSITE INFORMATION WILL REMAIN THE SAME; HOWEVER, THE OFFICE WILL BE DOWN FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND YOU WILL EXPERIENCE ERRORS WITH SOME OF OUR WEB SERVICES.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND COOPERATION AND HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY SUMMER.
If one were to follow the career track of female and male graduate students, to what degree do individuals in each category end up in the higher echelons of the academy, and why? These are questions that have been addressed in a new book, Do Babies Matter? Gender and Family in the Ivory Tower by Mary Ann Mason, Nicholas H. Wolfinger and Marc Goulden of […]
