President’s Report Highlights ¢ Lloyd Morin

Student Exchanges

Fourteen students from the College de
Bois-de-Boulogne in Montreal have
attended a semester here, but we have not
yet reciprocated. Our agreement with that
institution provides an opportunity for
French-speaking students registered at
Douglas College to live with a French-
speaking family while pursuing transfer
credits at College-de Bois-de-Boulogne.
We believe the program might be of
particular interest to secondary school
graduates of French immersion programs,
and have initiated discussions about it
with some school district officials.

College President’s Network

The Association of Canadian
Community Colleges provides a College
Presidents’ Network, which met in
Vancouver January 24 — 25 on the theme
of “The Entrepreneurial College.” Across
Canada, colleges are facing the stresses of
an increasing diversity of demand for
service to the community — including
those of business and industry — and of
increasing pressures on government
funding. New partnerships are needed
among institutions in the public sector and
the private sector. These new ways of
relating can provide enhanced
opportunities for our clients, but often
require changes in our traditional
structures and procedures at both
institutional and provincial levels.

Council of Chief Executive Officers

The Council of Chief Executive
Officers’ (CCEO) regular meeting was
held February 5S. Discussion topics
included how we might deal with
anticipated budget shortfalls in light of the
restrictions placed on flexibility and
alternative funding sources. There appears
to be an increasing perception of college
“micro-management” at the provincial
level, and an increasing number of
provincial agencies which impact upon
college practices.

1997/98 Budgets

During the CCEO meeting, there was
also considerable discussion on budgets
for the new fiscal year. Douglas College’s
projected funding shortfall of $1.25
million to maintain current services is
proportionately consistent with every
other institution. The aggregate shortfall
projection for the system (excluding
universities) is between $25 — 30 million,
or roughly four percent.

During this discussion it became clear
that many institutions were behind normal
timelines for budget development
activities. Much of this delay was the
result of the lack of system directions. For
example, the parameters and forms for the
normal October Program Profile
Submissions have not yet been received.
However, clear, concise budget
information and performance expectations
are now being disseminated by Ministry
officials and all colleges are now actively
addressing next year’s budget.

The Douglas College Budget Process
Working Group is meeting regularly. The
group is focussing on both the short term
(1997/98) and long term (future years)
budget processes. It is expected that 1997/
98 budget principles, assumptions and
guidelines will be distributed within the
College community in the next few
weeks. The overall budget situation facing
the College is consistent with that
discussed at the December I 1 College
Management Forum, with all department
heads and representatives of the College
constituency groups in attendance.
Departments are now active in planning
for the challenges we face.

Adult Basic Education

For many years, both the secondary
school system and community colleges
have offered basic education for adults
(ABE). Traditionally, school districts have
not charged tuition fees for these services,
but the government has moved to create a
“level playing field” in this area. Those 21
years of age and over who attend ABE

offered by school districts will now be
required to pay tuition fees, expected to
be equivalent to those charged by
colleges. Following this, colleges are
anticipating the equivalent of a five
percent reduction per FTE in government
grants for ABE. The likely implications of
these changes are being reviewed within
both the secondary and post-secondary
systems.

School District Liaison

Mia Gordon and I met with the
Burnaby School District, completing a
series of meetings with all school
superintendents in the College region.
Further discussions on areas of mutual
interest are now being planned between
the Douglas College Board and all five
regional school districts.

British Columbia Open University

A meeting was held with the CEOs of
Langara, Capilano, and Douglas College,
the CEO and other officials from the
Open Learning Agency, and Shell Harvey,
Ministry ADM. While the meeting was
positive, the group is awaiting indications
of Ministry interest before proceeding
with detailed development of a proposal.

Quote of the Month:

“The trouble with the
rat race is that even if
you win, you’re still a
rat.”

 

Lily Tomlin