FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28, 1997
The College Institute Educators' Association (CIEA) today reiterated its request that the provincial government appoint an independent reviewer to assess the need for the Technical University of British Columbia. The recommendation is supported by the Advanced Education Council of B.C., Confederation of University Faculty Associations of British Columbia, Canadian Association of University Teachers, and the Canadian Federation of Students.
CIEA fears that a new institution will place an unacceptable burden on resources for post-secondary education in British Columbia, resources that are already stretched to the maximum. The $2.8 million recently announced funding for the Technical University could have supported 450 to 500 full-time equivalent students in our current post-secondary education system.
CIEA Secretary-Treasurer Maureen Shaw suggests that the new institution appears to be duplicating programs that are already being offered by other colleges. "Post-secondary institutions in the Lower Mainland already offer diploma and degree programs in business and management," she pointed out. "Further, so-called 'non-traditional' courses via the Internet are already available via the Open Learning Agency and other universities, colleges and institutes."
CIEA feels strongly that the proposed university will not meet the needs of local communities. "Bridging and upgrading programs are what is needed to get students in the Fraser Valley involved in post-secondary institutes," commented Shaw. "Partnerships with already existing facilities can provide a much more efficient alternative than a new university."
CIEA is also concerned about the structure of the Technical University. It is set up in such a way that a board of governors will be making detailed decisions with respect to its educational and research programs. Currently, colleges and universities are structured so that faculty make these decisions via academic senates and education councils, allowing the professionals with the expertise to be involved in quality control of the curriculum.
"An independent reviewer who is knowledgeable about post-secondary issues in British Columbia would be able to quickly assess whether or not the Technical University will be meeting the needs of learners," Shaw said. "We strongly recommend that the government appoint such a person as soon as possible before passing the legislation that will create the Technical University."
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The College Institute Educators' Association of B C- represents the professional and labour relations interests of close to 7, 000 faculty and staff in B. C post-secondary institutions.
For further information, contact:
Maureen Shaw, CIEA Secretary Treasurer at 438-7639 after 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 1997.