Minister seeks full analysis on future role of Sir Wilfred Grenfell College

A feasibility study to examine the various degrees of autonomy for Sir Wilfred Grenfell College in Corner Brook has been commissioned by the Department of Education.

"I am pleased to announce today that consultants have been appointed to complete an in-depth analysis that will consider a range of options for the college, up to and including full university status," said Joan Burke, Minister of Education. "The feasibility study will provide the department with the information needed to make an informed decision on the future governance of the college, with the aim of increasing Grenfell�s autonomy."

To ensure an independent analysis, the department has engaged Professor John Kelly, professor emeritus and executive director of the Ireland Canada University Foundation, and Professor John L. Davies, dean of the Graduate School at Anglia Ruskin University in the UK, to conduct the study. "Both professors Kelly and Davies have extensive professional backgrounds in higher education management and evaluation. They are well-equipped to provide a thorough, arms-length analysis of potential reporting structures for Sir Wilfred Grenfell College," said the minister.

The study will involve a benefit analysis, including infrastructure and student services, potential impacts on such aspects as programming and recruitment, and any educational, social and economic impacts on the region and province. The consultants will review all options for Grenfell College, including the possibility of an autonomous, independent university for Corner Brook. This concept has not been explored in previous reviews.

The scope of the study also includes an analysis of university structures in Canada and internationally where appropriate. It will be conducted over a three-month period beginning immediately, and will build on recent reviews carried out on the reporting structure of Grenfell College, such as the Ivany Report.

"It is critical that we have a strong university presence on the west coast which will support development in the region well into the future. This is certainly recognized by all levels of the college and university administration. All parties have been working together and with the department to address areas of concern, always with the goal of providing programming excellence in our province. The study will provide detailed, well-researched information to ensure any future changes offer the maximum benefit for all students, faculty and staff. I look forward to seeing the report for government�s consideration in the spring of the new year."

Media contact: Jacquelyn Howard, Communications, (709) 729-0048, 689-2624

John Davies
Professor John L. Davies is recognized as a pioneer nationally and internationally in establishing higher education management as a field of study in the UK and Europe. His career has focused on senior institutional management and international research, consultancy, and teaching in the field of higher education policy and management. He is currently dean of the Graduate School at Anglia Polytechnic University, and is professor of Higher Education Management both at Anglia and in a fractional capacity at the International Centre for Higher Education Management at Bath University (1999-2003). Professor Davies has undertaken numerous consultancy projects in higher education and is very active internationally as a leader in strategic audits/reviews of universities. His research and consultancy work focus primarily on institutional evaluation and university strategic planning. His is past director of the UNESCO sponsored project, Agendas for Institutional Change for Universities in the 21^st Century.

John Kelly
Dr. Kelly is emeritus professor and former registrar of University College Dublin, and is currently executive director of the Ireland Canada University Foundation. Professor Kelly has authored over 100 technical reports, and was principal author and editor of numerous reports on international cooperation in higher education projects. An engineer by training, he is the founding editor of the journal Industry and Higher Education. He is a member of the European University Institutional Evaluation Group Steering Committee, and past chair of the Higher Education for Development Co-operation.

2005 12 21                              2:55 p.m.