Broad education essential, chancellors agree

The liberal arts and sciences must continue to be a seminal part of Ontario's higher education, chancellors of Ontario's universities agree.

This is a practical idea as much as a philosophical one, the chancellors said in a statement following their recent meeting at York University. Studies have clearly underlined that a well-rounded, general education - learning to think, to write and to express one's ideas clearly - is as valuable to future employability as technical or technological training.

It was an unprecedented meeting, called by the chancellors, a group of distinguished Canadians from a variety of backgrounds, to share their views and experiences, and reflect on common concerns.

Their statement continued: Higher education is of the utmost importance to the future of Ontario. To prepare the leaders of tomorrow, we need a university system that is characterized by excellence, accessibility, diversity and flexibility.

To meet these goals, the universities need renewed funding. Both government and the private sector (for it is increasingly a shared concern) must join in an effort to see that the needs of tomorrow - for a well-educated workforce and a new generation of leadership - are met.

Whatever new funding mechanisms are developed, they should permit universities themselves to manage enrolment demand and to maintain a diverse and forward-looking curriculum and program of research.

The people of Ontario are, and should be, proud of their universities and what they stand for. They - we - should work together to see that that pride is maintained.

Trent Chancellor Peter Gzowski was a signatory to the statement.

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