The following letter was sent by Paul Ramsey, Minister of Education, Skills and Training, to Robert Clift, Executive Director of CUFA/BC, on July 8, 1997. It is in response to Clift's letter to the minister of July 3, 1997.
Our Ref. MIN97-01046
July 8, 1997
Robert Clift, Executive Director
Confederation of University Faculty
Association of British Columbia
138 - 515 West Hastings St.
Vancouver BC V6B 5K3
Dear Robert Clift:
I am writing in response to your letter of July 3, 1997, in which you express concern on behalf of the Confederation of University Faculty Association of British Columbia (CUFA-BC) regarding Bill 30, the Technical University of British Columbia Act. Specifically, you refer to Bill 30's provision for a University Council and Program Advisory Committees rather than a senate. I must say to you that I am concerned and disappointed by the content of your letter and the actions which you are apparently advocating. I had hoped for, and expected, a more forward-thinking response.
As you know, the societal expectations and requirements for post-secondary education have changed and continue to change at a rapid rate. In the early 1960's, British Columbia received post-secondary education from only one university, an affiliated college and a handful of vocational institutions. A major change occurred when our community college system was established which included academic, vocational and career programs being delivered at multiple sites throughout British Columbia. At that time, some educators expressed concern over whether a high quality post-secondary education program, particularly in academic areas, could be delivered through the college model. Experience tells us that British Columbians now benefit from the consistently high standards of the finest college system in Canada. Subsequently, the establishment of the Open Learning Institute and its successor, the Open Learning Agency (OLA), have enriched our post-secondary system. The Open University component of OLA adds a unique degree granting capacity to our system. More recently, the transformation of five of our colleges into University Colleges has further strengthened and diversified post-secondary education for British Columbia. Each of these models has been developed in response to the changing needs and expectations of the people of our province. They have all succeeded in expanding access and enhancing the reputation of our post-secondary system.
These unique British Columbia models have been developed in a manner consistent with our major commitment to supporting the important role played by traditional, research universities. Since the time when UBC was our only university, British Columbia has established the University of Victoria, Simon Fraser University and the University of Northern British Columbia. The role of these universities is central to meeting the economic and social needs of the province and their mandate extends to national and international arenas. The people of British Columbia are justifiably proud of the high quality of teaching and research which is characteristic of our universities.
However, no single type of institution can meet all of society's diverse and changing needs. Consequently, the Ministry has developed a policy of diversification within our post-secondary needs. The Technical University of British Columbia (Tech BC) will be unique because it is intended to play a unique role in our system.
I share your view on the vital importance of academic freedom at all universities regardless of their particular focus or mandate. It is for this reason that Bill 30 includes Section 48 of the University Act which prohibits interference by the Minister of Education, Skills and Training in the formulation and adoption of academic policies and standards, the establishment of standards for admission and graduation, and the selection and appointment of staff.
Establishing a University Council and Program Advisory Committees instead of a traditional senate at Tech BC is critical if the new University is to become highly responsive to the needs of the labour market and to encourage partnerships with public and private sector employees. Tech BC is to be an economic development and job creation tool as well as an educational institution, which is why its mandate is focused on applied research. This applied research is expected in large part to be funded from non-governmental sources.
You mention the possibility of large corporations having undue influence on the University Council and the direction of research at Tech BC. The University Council will have representatives from faculty, students and employees of the University, as outlined in Bill 30, which will provide a balanced perspective on research issues. In addition, I will ensure that Tech BC has a rigorous conflict of interest policy.
I have every confidence that Tech BC degrees will be regarded as credible with its credentials recognized nationally and internationally. Tech BC's programs and credentials will be required to meet not only a rigorous internal process, but also external reviews through the Degree Program Review Committee to ensure that they meet the high standards of existing post-secondary institutions in British Columbia. I urge you to reserve judgment on the value of Tech BC programs until you have the benefit of examining the programs and the curriculum. To draw conclusions at this stage of development is to do so without the benefit of data and evidence.
The proposed governance structure is considered the best option to enable Tech BC to meet the special challenges of its unique mandate. Bill 30 provides more flexibility to work with business and industry than the University Act. Your assessment of where this flexibility will lead the new University is speculative and I believe your concerns can be addressed in other than the traditional ways.
Yours sincerely,
Paul Ramsey
Minister
pc: Don Avison, Deputy Minister
Ministry of Education, Skills and Training
Jim Soles, Director
Universities and Institutes Branch
Ministry of Education, Skills and Training
Ron Dickson, Chair, Interim Governing Board
Technical University of British Columbia
Dr. Bernard Sheehan, President
Technical University of British Columbia
Dean Goard, Secretary to Council
The University Presidents' Council of British Columbia
Tony Sheppard, President pro-tem
Confederation of University Faculty Associations of British Columbia
Bill Bruneau, President
Canadian Association of University Teachers
Ed Lavalle, President
College Institute Educators' Association of B.C.
Robert Blake, President
University of British Columbia Faculty Association
Jean Koepke, President
Simon Fraser University Faculty Association
Clare Porac, President
University of Victoria Faculty Association
Todd Whitcombe, Vice-President
University of Northern British Columbia Faculty Association