NLIS 2
July 7, 2005
(Education)
Commitments being kept
to strengthen public post-secondary education
Tom Hedderson, Minister of Education,
today released the White Paper on Public Post-Secondary Education.
The White Paper was highlighted in the 2004 Speech from the Throne
and was commissioned as part of the Government of Newfoundland and
Labrador�s continued commitment to provide affordable and accessible
post-secondary education opportunities.
An extraordinary level of input is reflected in this policy
document. The commissioner, Dr. Wayne Ludlow, and advisor, Cyril
Farrell, conducted extensive consultations with 21 key stakeholders,
including Memorial University, College of the North Atlantic and
student groups. Additionally, over 100 written submissions were
received from individuals, organizations and educational groups.
"These consultations were very productive," Minister Hedderson said.
"They were instrumental in confirming the direction government is
moving with reforms that build a strong and responsive
post-secondary system."
Minister Hedderson said the White Paper deserves high marks for
delivering stronger educational opportunities. "It shows our
continued commitment to quality public post-secondary education.
Even with the Atlantic Accord money, we are faced with limited
resources and have to make strategic decisions. We need an educated
workforce with the knowledge and skills to lead us into the future.
That�s why we�re building such a solid post-secondary foundation. It
is also why we are investing $89.75 million in new money over the
next three years in our post-secondary system."
The policy review examined all aspects of the province�s public
post-secondary system. A key recommendation includes a three-year
tuition freeze at Memorial University and College of the North
Atlantic. "We want to see more students availing of post-secondary
opportunities," said the minister. "We have made sizeable spending
commitments to education in our budgets. Earlier this year, we
announced a tuition freeze to provide students some stability when
they make education choices. Just last month, we announced
improvements to the student loan program, such as an increase in
maximum student loan limits."
The minister added that government�s priorities are to maintain
stable funding to Memorial University and the College, promote
further integration of services and increase accountability and
planning. "We are also providing funding to expand research
capacity, support improvements to building infrastructure and ensure
our valued post-secondary institutions keep pace with technology
advances," he said.
Over the next three years, government will invest nearly $90 million
to implement White Paper strategies. Key investments include:
- $25.6 million to offset the
three-year tuition freeze;
- $9 million to support an
infrastructure fund-raising campaign;
- $22.5 million in a research
fund;
- $3 million to Sir Wilfred
Grenfell for new programming;
- and $22.7 million for increased
grants-in-aid to MUN and the college.
"It is important to note that funding
commitments in the White Paper stretch beyond this year and are
consistent with government�s approach to long-term planning,
accountability and sound infrastructure planning," Minister
Hedderson said.
The White Paper speaks to the importance of the post-secondary
system for the social and economic development of the province. The
minister noted that the government is striving for greater
institutional links to economic development. "The White Paper is
about partnerships � between institutions, and between institutions
and the communities they serve. We also recognize the importance of
linking regional economic development with labour market needs. As
such, we are investing additional resources in Sir Wilfred Grenfell
and the public college system. We want to see rural Newfoundland and
Labrador grow, and we will continue to make strategic investments to
see that happen," said Minister Hedderson.
The White Paper recognizes, and government is responding to, the
needs of students who face more barriers than most in accessing a
post-secondary education. New funding in the student loan program
will make it easier for students to afford to live in other regions
to attend school. As well, the province is developing an adult
learning campaign, a new Adult Basic Education (ABE) program
delivery model and a new General Educational Development (GED)
preparation program.
There is also an emphasis on extending the post-secondary
involvement of Aboriginal students. "One area of our province that
is experiencing growth is our Aboriginal communities. We must
continue to ensure Aboriginal participation in post-secondary
training and we will persist in securing access to federal programs
for members of these communities. We will also budget $250,000 to
assess facility requirements at the college in Happy Valley-Goose
Bay to accommodate growth in Aboriginal enrolment," said Minister
Hedderson.
Consultation participants relayed that Newfoundlanders and
Labradorians not only place a high value on our post-secondary
system, but are extremely proud of our university and college.
Participants also emphasized the strength of our one university/one
college system and stressed the need to strengthen ties between
these nationally acclaimed institutions. "We have much to build on,"
said the minister. "Our Marine Institute, for example, has an
international reputation as a leader in marine and ocean technology
and training. We want to build on our strengths and we�re going to
work with our educational partners to see that happen."
The White Paper also supports a vision of the province becoming an
international leader in applied environmental research and
development. Budget 2005 committed $500,000 to a master plan and
feasibility studies for the creation of a Centre for Environmental
Excellence in Corner Brook.
"The White Paper reflects our collective views of the path our
public post-secondary education system must take in the coming
years. The strategies which have already been identified, and the
ones that will be further explored, are designed to ensure we have
an education system that is affordable and accessible. We are
working closely with our post-secondary partners to ensure our
students embrace all the opportunities the future has to offer,"
added Minister Hedderson.
More information on the White Paper and government�s public
post-secondary education policies are available online at
www.gov.nl.ca/edu
Media contact: Alex Marland, Communications, (709) 729-0048,
690-6047
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Backgrounder: White Paper on Public
Post-Secondary Education
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Backgrounder: Summary of Strategies
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Backgrounder: What We Heard: A Report
on The Consultations on Public Post-Secondary Education in
Newfoundland and Labrador
Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQs)
"Foundation for Success: The White Paper on Public Post-Secondary
Education"
White Paper -
Background
Q. What is a "white paper"?
A white paper is the formal term for an official document that
presents policy proposals, sometimes in a technical manner, which
have been endorsed by the government. The term originates from the
British government practice of distinguishing shorter position
papers from lengthier documents that present detailed findings and
prospective legislation.
Q. What was said in the 2004 Speech from the Throne about the
White Paper on Public Post-Secondary Education?
Excerpt from Speech from the Throne delivered on March 18, 2004:
"Higher levels of education mean higher incomes for graduates and
stronger investment opportunities for the economy. My Government
will commission a White Paper on Post-secondary Education to examine
post-secondary concerns, affordability and accessibility and to
identify initiatives that will enhance the employment prospects of
graduates. The White Paper will also examine whether our university
and public college are meeting their potential to attract investment
and generate economic development opportunities in Newfoundland and
Labrador. With their world-class instructors and technological
resources, these public institutions are well-positioned to partner
with industry and the community to conduct a wide range of basic and
applied research that has strong economic development
opportunities."
Q. Who prepared the White Paper?
The 2004 Speech from the Throne committed the province to
commissioning a white paper on post-secondary education. On June 29,
2004, the Minister of Education announced that the White Paper on
Public Post-Secondary Education had been established. The Government
of Newfoundland and Labrador prepared the White Paper based on
research and consultations it commissioned. Wayne Ludlow was
appointed Commissioner and Cyril Farrell served as Advisor.
Q. Where can I get a copy of the Terms of Reference?
There were three primary areas for review: the existing
post-secondary structure, the funding of post-secondary education,
and the impacts of population changes. The White Paper�s terms of
reference are available online at
www.ed.gov.nl.ca
Q. Did the Commissioner listen to the views of stakeholders?
Yes. The Commissioner held consultations with key stakeholders
including Memorial University of Newfoundland, College of the North
Atlantic, student groups, and business and industry representatives.
As well, a Web site dedicated to the White Paper process was
established, and over 100 written submissions were received.
Q. Why did it take nearly a year for the White Paper to be
released?
The consultation phase concluded at the end of 2004 and the
decision-making took another six months. The importance of the White
Paper shaping post-secondary education for the next three years
speaks to the need for careful deliberation of the decisions being
taken.
White Paper - Students
Q. How will students benefit directly from Government's response
to the White Paper?
The White Paper makes some significant policy undertakings for the
way post-secondary education will operate in Newfoundland and
Labrador.
First, there will be a three-year tuition freeze. This will impact
about 25,000 students participating at MUN and CNA.
Second, student loan program changes will impact about 7,250 of the
11,500 students who borrow money through the program to finance
their studies. Enhancements include:
-
Increased weekly
loan limit from $110 to $140. We forecast 5,000 of these
students will be eligible for more borrowing, or about 43
percent of the 11,500 currently using this program. This is
extremely important, as today 40 percent of our students are
borrowing at the maximum loan levels, and we have not been able
to give them additional financial help to participate in
post-secondary education;
-
700 students
currently receiving the debt reduction grant will receive higher
amounts of debt reduction grants (reflects those receiving
grants today and they will receive higher grants);
-
An additional 800
new middle- to low-income families will have access to the
student loan program. The program is income-tested, whereby
parental income is used to assess how much a dependant student
can receive. We are moving the income threshold that is allowing
more students with parents who have higher incomes to be
eligible for program; and,
-
An additional 750
students will be eligible for interest relief (i.e., 10 percent
more will be eligible for this program).
Information about
student loans can be found online at
www.edu.gov.nl.ca/studentaid/
Q. Is there anything in the White Paper and government's response
to make it easier for students living in more remote parts of the
province to access public post-secondary education?
There are a number of policy changes that should improve the quality
of post-secondary education opportunities for students from rural
areas. These include:
-
tuition freeze,
enhanced student loan limits, more people qualifying for the
debt reduction grant will help level the paying field for rural
students who have to travel to another town to study and live;
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no campus closures
and an enhanced role for all college campuses;
-
resources to Sir
Wilfred Grenfell in Corner Brook;
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enhanced funding for
distance learning, and the establishment of a distance education
committee;
-
greater
institutional links to regional economic development;
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commitment to
research and innovation to support Innovation Strategy and
Comprehensive Regional Diversification Strategy.
Given that tuition is
only a small percentage of the cost of attending post-secondary
institutions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has long
recognized that students living away from home carry a significant
financial burden. This is true not only for rural students who
attend Memorial University, but also for both rural and urban
students who choose to study at one of the 17 College of the North
Atlantic campuses throughout the Province.
The Debt Reduction Grant Program was designed to level the playing
field and create financial equity for these students. It provides
non-repayable grants to graduates who, because of financial need,
borrowed at the upper limits. If borrowers qualify, arrangements are
made to reduce or eliminate the principal amount of the provincial
loan. Under the Debt Reduction Program, it is possible for most of
the Newfoundland Student Loan debt to be fully paid by the
provincial government, leaving only the debt incurred through the
Canada Student Loan Program to be serviced.
White Paper - Implementation
Q. What are the projected timelines for implementing the White
Paper strategies?
We have identified actions that we will take towards implementing
the White Paper strategies. Most students will see the impact
immediately with the tuition freeze and changes to the student loan
program. Over the next three years, students should also see
improvements to the services provided to them from MUN and CNA as
the improvements in coordination should be fully operational by
then.
Q. Is the Government
of Newfoundland and Labrador committed to implementing all of the
strategies in the White Paper on Public Post-Secondary Education?
Yes. A white paper outlines policy directions that become the
government�s official policy.
White Paper - Costs
Q. How much will it cost to implement the White Paper strategies?
The White Paper strategies will cost an estimated $89.75 million for
three years. The most significant is the cost of implementing a
tuition freeze. This estimate was calculated based on a review of
the financial requirements of the institutions and historical
spending patterns.
Q. How is the money allocated in Budget 2005 being spent on White
Paper strategies?
The provincial budget provided a notional allocation of $10.7
million for White Paper initiatives. This includes $6.9 million in
operating monies ($0.5M for student loan changes, $0.5M for distance
education, $1.0M for Sir Wilfred Grenfell, $3.3M for MUN
grant-in-aid, and $1.6M for College of the North Atlantic GIA) and
$4.0 million in capital investments ($3.0M for infrastructure and
$1.0M for technology fund for College of the North Atlantic).
Q. Where can I find information about the job prospects, salaries
and debt levels of recent post-secondary graduates?
The Department of Education prepares CareerSearch, a biennial
publication that provides information on recent graduates from
public and private post-secondary institutions in Newfoundland and
Labrador. Copies are available online at
https://os.edu.gov.nf.ca/csp/pkgmain.start_css
2005 07 07
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