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The Douglas College Newsletter

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MAY 7 - 2002

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m New Westminster Campus, David Lam Campus & Thomas Haney Campus

 

Budget forum examines new realities

In an era of restructuring,
BC colleges can no longer
strive to be all things to all
people. Douglas College
President Susan Witter laid
out the new reality for the
province’s post-secondary
sector during opening
remarks at the April 18
forum on the College’s

budget plan.

Witter discussed the
challenges and
opportunities facing BC
institutions, before speakers
raised questions about the

College’s budget plan.

“The changes the colleges
will be making in their
profiles I believe will make
all colleges in British
Columbia less
comprehensive and more
specialized, and move out
ofa lot of long-standing
programs over the next
couple of years,” said
Witter. “That’s the reality.”

Witter noted that the
College is heading into a
year where it has to rework

the strategic plan, citing the
need to respond to new
priorities from the Ministry
of Advanced Education.
“When they [changes] do
shake down in the next six
months we will be moving
forward to develop a
strategic plan for Douglas
College,” she said.

To cope with changes
needed to respond to
Ministry targets, Witter
announced the creation of
two task forces. One task
force on student success
will revisit
recommendations brought
to the Education Council
on admission standards in
arts, sciences, business and
general studies (including
an academic alert policy for
at-risk students). The other
will look at ways to meet
the government's new FTE
requirements.

“T consider the greatest
challenge for this College
and other public
institutions will be to meet
our FTE requirements in

an era of declining resources
and increased FTE
production (targets),” said
Witter.

During open discussion,
employees, students and
graduates voiced their
concerns. A number of
people from the Thomas
Haney Campus spoke
about their disappointment
at the closure of that
campus and concerns about
access to education for
people in Maple Ridge and
Pitt Meadows. Geraldine
Street, Continuing
Education’s Natural Health
and Healing Programmer,
noted that phasing out her
program will impact 20
contract instructors.
Habitat Restoration
Coordinator Mike McPhee
questioned the enrolment
and graduation figures used
as rationale for closing his
program.

Douglas College Faculty
Association Ron Brown also
spoke, noting that generally
there “was a sense of relief

that things weren’t as bad as
they could have been and
as they are in other places.”
At Douglas College, one
administrator, eight faculty
and four staff positions will
be lost (although this
number will be reduced by
early retirement or
voluntary severance).
Numerous part-time
Continuing Education
instructors will also be
affected. Some colleges in
the Lower Mainland are
facing up to 100 layoffs
each.

Witter acknowledged how
difficult it is now, but
looking to future
opportunities, she noted
Douglas College will work
to take advantage of new
legislation giving colleges
degree-granting status in
applied (career) programs.
And, with an increase in
student applications of
1,600 over last year, the
College will also keep
working to build a two-
storey expansion to the

New Westminster Campus.

Legislation allows colleges to grant applied degrees

Douglas College and other BC institutions can now work
towards offering selected degrees following new provincial
legislation unveiled in April.

Akey provision of the new Degree Authorization Act will
allow BC colleges to offer baccalaureate degrees in applied
(career) programs. The act also enables the Ministry of
Advanced Education to establish a quality-assessment
process for establishing which institutions (public and
private) can grant degrees.

“British Columbia's public colleges and institutes welcome

this opportunity to increase student choices,” said Susan
Witter, chair of the Council of Presidents and president of

Event events coming in May

Douglas College. “Our ability to offer applied degree
programs will enable students to attain the necessary

credentials for career entry and enhancement without
leaving their home communities.”

Taking advantage of the new legislation, Witter said
Douglas College’s first priority will be to implementa
Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She expects the
preparation and approval process for the new degree
program will take a year or so to complete.

“It’s an exciting goal, but it’s not something we can do
overnight,” she said.

Event magazine is pleased to announce that three pieces first published in Event have been nominated for this year’s
National Magazine Awards: the Creative Non-Fiction piece Blessings by Michelle Barker (Event 30:2), a selection of
poems by John O'Neill (Event 30:3), and the short story The Royal Conservatory of Music by Barry Webster (Event 30:3).

Event is the only Canadian literary magazine to be nominated in three different categories.

Everyone is invited to attend the 30" Anniversary Celebratory Reading on May 6 from 3-7pm in the Amelia Douglas
Gallery; a cash bar and snacks will be available. There is also a special invitation to attend the 30 Anniversary
retrospective issue launch on May 31, 7-10pm at the Segal Centre in SFU’s Harbour Centre. The evening will feature
readings by Event contributors Tom Wayman, Cynthia Flood, Madeleine Thien, and many others.

And dont forget to reserve your copy of the souvenir 30-year retrospective; call 604-527-5293 for more information.

Unsung Heroines

Each year, the Douglas College Women’s Centre presents
awards to women who have made things better for
women, either in the community or at Douglas College.
The Unsung Heroines Award is open to any women in
the Douglas College community in five categories:
faculty, staff, administration, student and community.
Nominees may have overcome barriers to success or
helped others to do the same, are role models or mentors,
have made the college experience unique or exemplary,
or have created a positive energy in the community.

Eleven women were nominated and the following six
were chosen and received their awards at aa special
dinner in March.

Torinne Johnson,

Douglas College student, work study position at the
First Nations Centre

Torinne was recognized for her efforts to make the
College a better place for the First Nations Women. She
stands out for her enthusiasm, energy and
understanding.

Jessica Hiebert,

Douglas College student, Learning Centre tutor
Jessica worked in the Learning Centre for three years.
During that time she had a great impact on the Learning
Centre with her innovation and commitment to meeting
the needs of students. In the College community her
cheerfulness and dedication are greatly valued.

Cathy Varga,

Douglas College cafeteria staff

Cathy was awarded for her cheerful persona which
brings positive energy to the College. By going the extra
mile to accomodate hungry students and always serving
them with a smile, she improves the atmosphere of the
College and brightens the day for the College
community.

Pat Thomasson,

Facilities Services Manager

Pat has worked for the College for over 25 years. She has
always been proactive when it comes to ensuring safety
and meeting the needs of women students. She has been
key in creating policy that maintains the high levels of
safety that we can rely on at Douglas College.

Mary Francis Smith,

Prison Education Instructor, Burnaby Correctional
Centre for Women

Mary Francis Smith was nominated for the dedication
and integrity she brought to her job. She influenced the
lives of many with her enthusiasm and commitment to
education. With sensitivity and respect she encouraged
and supported her students, always stressing the value of
education.

Cindy Harris,

Beginner women’s soccer team coach, teacher

Cindy is a motivator to women of all ages involved in
sports. Her positive attitude and support were key in
encouraging her team members to learn and acquire new
skills and in turn gain confidence and spirit.

 

 

Quote of the Month

By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he’s wrong.

Charles Wadsworth