Differentiation framework threatens quality, access

TORONTO, Nov. 29, 2013 /CNW/ - Students are concerned that the government's recently released Differentiation Policy Framework does little to address the real problems of declining quality and increasing financial barriers, results of chronic underfunding of colleges and universities by the provincial government.

"Differentiation does not solve the real crisis facing colleges and universities in the province," says Alastair Woods, Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario. "Though the government touts these proposals as innovative and forward thinking, they are simply asking institutions to provide more with less."

The framework ties funding to a set of metrics including employment outcomes for graduates. This approach will force institutions to rely heavily on private sectors partners to secure funding, and develop academic programs that cater to short-term labour market trends.

"The provincial government is pursuing short-sighted solutions to long standing problems," said Woods. "Students firmly believe that the solution to this crisis is to increase public funding, reduce tuition fees and improve quality at all colleges and universities in the province."

Students in Ontario currently pay the highest tuition fees in Canada and per-student funding is the lowest of all 10 provinces.

The Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario is the largest student organization in the province, representing more than 300,000 college, undergraduate and graduate students in all regions of the province.

SOURCE: Canadian Federation of Students - Ontario

Alastair Woods, Chairperson: 647-378-8942 or [email protected]
Kaley Kennedy, Communications and Government Relations Coordinator: 647-302-3891 or [email protected]