Austerity, Higher Education Reform and the Year of Living Dangerously Glen A. Jones Ontario Research Chair in Postsecondary Education Policy and Measurement

Outline Government Funding, Austerity and the Ontario Context 2011/12 as the “Year of Living Dangerously” for Ontario higher education Austerity, Reform and Moving Forward

Funding Ontario Higher Education The Canadian (and Ontario) story is quite different than the story of reform in the UK, Australia, and southern Europe. There is no Canadian “system,” and there are major differences in policy direction by province (e.g. Quebec, Alberta, Ontario) Common policy themes: High access, efficient use of funds, research/innovation

Ontario funding … Ontario per-student government funding for Universities is the lowest in Canada. Ontario higher education has been treated quite well by the current provincial and federal governments (operating, research and capital funding) Major financial challenges associated with 2007/8 downturn were related to the market (endowments, pensions) not government.

Ontario funding … The 2011 Ontario budget did not suggest austerity for higher education, instead it promised: –Funded enrolment growth –3 new campuses (enrolment demand) –On-line institute –Improvements to credit transfer –Expansion of international students

Ontario funding … One major elements of the Liberal election platform was new investments in student financial assistance (tuition rebate). … but then …

The Year of Living Dangerously Glen Murray appointed Minister of MTCU in October of Promises “Big” “Fast” Reform and initiates a whirlwind of activity

On the table … Shift from 4 to 3-year degrees On-line learning to play a major role in undergraduate education Year-round education Learning outcomes Entrepreneurial education Experiential learning Strategic mandate agreements (differentiation and efficiency)

Beyond MTCU Drummond Report arguing for differentiation and major changes to the college sector Wage restraint legislation Possible pension reform

And then … Premier resigns Minister resigns to run for leadership Many within the higher education sector breath a huge sigh of relief. Government shifts to maintenance mode. General sense that there has been a useful discussion of some good ideas – but that most of this activity has been a waste of time.

Moving Forward The government is already taking steps to reduce expenditures in other areas, and higher education will not be spared Government wants to maintain/increase access to PSE while reducing expenditures It believes that part of the solution can be found in wage restraint

Moving Forward We need a plan –Requires strengthening our capacity for policy development in government (expertise, data) –Requires a consultative process that would build confidence and legitimacy We need implementation –Will require some difficult decisions

Thank you