Understanding Ontario College Moratorium: Key Facts About the Ban on New International Programs
Ontario College Moratorium termed as a major step is just passed on colleges and universities from entering into new contracts or agreements for the delivery of post-secondary programs offshore. The directive by the province’s outgoing Minister of Colleges and Universities, Jill Dunlop, underlined a shift in focus to the strengthening of local education and the long-term viability of the post-secondary education system in Ontario.
Ontario Halts Overseas Expansion
The memo from Jill Dunlop stressed that Ontario colleges need to go back to doing what is core: providing quality education and training to Ontarians. Against this backdrop, the halting of new international programs would help stabilise the post-secondary education sector in the province. This move comes as part of a broader review of the Entrepreneurial Activities Minister’s Binding Policy Directive, adopted in 2003 to guide the entrepreneurial activities of colleges in the province, including international activities.
Areas Principally Affected by the Moratorium
Its key impact areas would be foreign branch campuses, new partnerships, and curriculum licensing agreements that Ontario colleges and universities cannot open under the moratorium, nor can they develop new curriculum arrangements outside Canada. The corporate training contracts and new subsidiary incorporations are also frozen. On the bright side, student recruitment and research partnerships are not affected by this moratorium; existing international activities can continue business as usual without expansion.
Implications for Ontario's Post-Secondary Education
This is a strategic decision to pause new international programs and further enhance the post-secondary education system of the province. While mandating the colleges to focus on quality education at home, it determines them to be important contributors to the economic and social development of the communities of Ontario. This will also require a review process so current policies are in line with changing student and institution needs.
Conclusion
Instatement of a Moratorium on International College Programs The province implemented a moratorium for new international college programs. It was fully initiated, except in cases where the implementation of international programs has already begun. However, there are some activities that have to be realigned so that the quality of education in Ontario can be optimized. The pause was equal to an opportunity to review and strengthen the fundamental framework of the post-secondary education system in Ontario, while there was a comprehensive review of entrepreneurial activities the ministry undertook.
