Ontario Faculty Supports Student Call for More University Funding

TORONTO , Feb. 3 /CNW/ - The Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Association (OCUFA) endorses recommendations made by the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) to increase public funding to universities and hire more professors.

"Students understand that the quality of their learning experience depends on well-funded universities and access to full-time faculty," said Professor Mark Langer , President of OCUFA. "The CFS recommendations chart a clear path for improving the quality of higher education in Ontario."

In a new report released today, the CFS calls for an increase in per-student public postsecondary funding to above the Canadian national average. This investment is essential to preserving and expanding learning quality at Ontario's universities. They also recommend the hiring of 5,000 new full-time faculty members to improve the province's deteriorating student-to-faculty ratio. OCUFA has long highlighted the urgent need for more professors to ensure a meaningful educational experience for every student.

"Students and faculty are united in their desire for a high quality and accessible university system," said Professor Langer . "Given the vital social and economic roles played by our universities, Ontario can ill-afford to under-fund higher education and compromise the success of our students."

Founded in 1964, OCUFA represents 15,000 faculty and academic librarians in 25 faculty associations across Ontario. For more information, please visit the OCUFA website at http://www.ocufa.on.ca.

For further information: Graeme Stewart, [phone] x232, [email protected]