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Students should be encouraged to pick college over university, Tories say
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TORONTO - Ontario students should be encouraged to consider entering the college system rather than promoting endless growth of university enrolment, Ontario Tories say.
A new policy white paper released Tuesday by PC Leader Tim Hudak - "Higher Learning For Better Jobs" - says the post-secondary system should promote careers in skilled trades and applied learning programs.
Colleges would be best suited to deliver applied three-year degrees, and four-year college programs should be limited, the report says.
"Unfettered enrolment growth is eroding quality in our universities as class sizes and reliance on part-time instructors have increased to meet internal budget needs," the report says. "The government must stop mandating growth across the board. Enrolment growth should be tied to meeting or exceeding high retention benchmarks and stronger unemployment outcomes."
Ontario Tories have released a series of discussion papers that have recommended a broad number of changes - everything from booze in the corner store to individualized back-to-work plans for social assistant recipients to allowing workers to opt out of unions.
"Post-secondary education is the great equalizer," Hudak says in a preamble to the white paper. "There is a lot about Ontario's colleges and universities that we can be proud of, but we need to ensure our students are getting the best value for their tuition.
"In Ontario today, we see far too many students graduate with degrees and deep debts who can't find a job."
From: Toronto Sun
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