New school year means new programs and services
The Fanshawe College board of governors has approved the college's strategic plan for the 2010/2011 school year, with a budget of $172.9-million.
The money will be going towards new programs — pending the Ministry of Education's approval of funding include:
- a graduate certificate in information security management,
- a graduate certificate in game development — advanced programming,
- a certificate in small business/ entrepreneur,
- a pre-apprenticeship in auto body techniques,
- a graduate certificate in practical elements of mechanical engineering,
- a diploma program in electromechanical technician.
The college will also be going
ahead with a capital plan aimed
at adding learning space and
technology to facilities over the
next five years. This plan was
approved in 2009 by Fanshawe's
long-term Capital Projects Plan
which included about $49-million
in building and renovation
funding.
As for deficits, the college
anticipates an in-year deficit of
$1.5-million. However, they had
prepared for such a deficit by setting
aside $1.5-million at the end
of the 2008/2009 fiscal year. That
particular funding came from a
one-time only operating grant of
$3-million given to the college
by the provincial government.
The college predicts a similar
deficit in the 2011/2012 year, so
the remaining $1.5-million from
the grant will go towards that.
“It was very prudent on the
part of the board,” said Bernice
Hull, vice-president of administration
for Fanshawe College, of
the decision to allot the money
towards upcoming deficits. The
college didn't know they would
be receiving the $3-million — “a
pleasant surprise,” said Hull —
and had already budgeted for the
2009/2010 year so it was extra
funding.
The plan also calls for the completion
of the new Centre for
Applied Technologies at 1764
Oxford St. in March 2011. There
is also the possible development
of a School for Applied and
Performing Arts in downtown
London — the city agreed to
invest up to $10-million for the
project.
There will also be general renovations
done at all campuses
including heating, ventilation and
air conditioning, roofing, lighting
replacements and more.
With the provincial government's plan to open 20,000 new spots for post-secondary students across Ontario, Fanshawe is preparing for more students, including international ones as they will continue to build partnerships in this area. However, the enrolment for September is anticipated to be significant but not nearly as large as last year's, partially because the college does not have the space, said Hull.
Academically, the college will be looking at ways to partner with other institutions so Fanshawe students can gain further qualifications post-graduation. There will also be various 24/7 and online services created to give students more resources for success in their programs, such as a 24/7 online service for Counselling and Accessibility Services, and for the Career Services Counselling.
The college's overall goals are focused on student success and they feel the strategic plan is the way to ensure that success.
“Every decision we make — the first question is, ‘How will it affect students?'” said Hull, adding that the college aims to do the “best we can with the resources we have.”