The success of our institutions for higher education is key to our economic future.
Yet changes in universities’ funding are jeopardizing them, and that may revolutionize this sector. The astronomical increase in tuition and related charges are threatening these organizations.
In Ontario for instance, since 1990 tuition fees have soared 220.2 per cent; that compares with an inflation of 46.% in that interval. Except for Quebec, which limits increases in fees, other jurisdictions in Canada are facing similar hurdles.
What are the explanations for these rising costs?
It is widely acknowledged that it is crucial that as many as possible attend a post-secondary institution; something that is essential for our economic progress. Yet escalating charges may endanger the opportunities for our young people.
Universities in Canada are facing serious financial problems. According to the latest data, funds from tuition unexpectedly lagged behind total expenses. Applications for admission to universities are climbing from those with different perspectives nowadays. International students pay higher fees as they seek the prestige from attending our universities and colleges.
Unlike previous enrolees, applicants are seeking dissimilar objectives. As a generalization their main purpose is to facilitate their search for good jobs. It is their hope that universities will provide a significant step towards that objective.
Serge Demarais, vice president for academic affairs at the University of Guelph, has stated that, in response to changes, the mission of these institutions has been revamped from educating a relatively select few, the elite, to instructing the masses who have different objectives nowadays.
They primarily want help in meeting job market demands, and less attention to cultural background material. Hitherto the latter was the main plan of liberal arts institutions. It follows then that this calls for altered methods of teaching and a new course curriculum.
Hence, the pathways between colleges and universities will have to be adjusted.
All of this will be costly and will entail more computer-delivered courses and online, new experimental teaching methods, extra use of modern technology, and less reliance on big lecture meetings.
Universities will have to accommodate the new goals, but there should be assurances that this will take place without sacrificing the broad education that produces an enlightened citizenry.