Policy Advice

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The Council has been asked by the Ontario government to provide leadership in creating a quality framework for the postsecondary education sector; to monitor and report on accessibility to the government and Ontarians; to encourage inter-institutional transfer; and to advise on system planning and inter-jurisdictional competitiveness.

We will make recommendations on the steps which should be taken to improve the quality of, and accessibility to, postsecondary education programs. We will advise the government on targets that should be set to improve postsecondary education and the timeframes for achieving those targets. We will also provide the minister with recommendations on performance measures that can be used to evaluate the sector.

The Council has developed an inclusive approach in the creation of its policy advice to the Minister, taking into account a full range of perspectives. Research garnered from its publications, events, consultations with its stakeholders will all be considered.

The Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario will publish its advice to the Minister on its website in due course.

Policy Advice

Advice on whether to establish polytechnic institutions and on system design
February 2, 2009

The Council was asked by the Minister during the Spring of 2008 to provide him with policy advice on whether to create polytechnic institutions in Ontario. The Council undertook several research projects and consulted with stakeholders on the issue.

At its December 2008 meeting, the Council’s Board of Directors considered several options that emerged in the course of conducting research. The Board determined that the issue of polytechnics in Ontario should be considered as part of a full review of the design of Ontario’s postsecondary education system. The aim of this review should be to ensure that students have access to a full range of learning opportunities that would prepare them for the next generation of jobs. The Board thus recommended that the Minister conduct a full review of the PSE system’s design and over the short term take steps to promote better collaboration among colleges and universities.

A policy approved by the HEQCO Board requires the Council’s advice to be provided in confidence to the Minister, followed by a four month embargo period during which the Minister may consider the advice. After this period, the advice will be made public by HEQCO.

Letter to the Minister