posted on March 21: Investing in Students Task Force releases report
Improved public accountability and service for students are among the key recommendations of “Portals and Pathways“, the report of the Investing in Students Task Force, which was released March 20.
The report to the minister of training, colleges and universities contains 33 recommendations that could help Ontario's post-secondary education system improve accessibility for students, increase accountability to taxpayers and increase effectiveness.
Established in September 2000, the Investing in Students Task Force was given the mandate to study the administrative operations of Ontario's post-secondary institutions and recommend ways to ensure that students continue to have access to affordable, high-quality education in the 21st century.
Recommendations for improved student service included:
* creating a seamless transfer system to allow students to move easily from one form of postsecondary education to another
* developing a single window of information for students considering applying for postsecondary education
* simplifying and co-ordinating student financial assistance policies
* encouraging the collaborative development of e-learning programs
The task force also recommended that colleges and universities promote open and transparent public accountability by publishing an annual report containing information about their mission, key strategies and accomplishments, audited financial statements, and outcomes on performance indicators.
