The Government of Ontario is leading a discussion with post-secondary institutions and stakeholders on a policy framework for differentiation. It has indicated that differentiation will be a primary policy driver for the post-secondary system by balancing educational quality and institutional excellence with a sustainable cost structure.

While offering the assurance that the autonomy and expertise of institutions will be respected in the process, the draft framework will be designed to serve the following six government priorities: social and economic development; high quality educational experience; financial sustainability and accountability; access for all qualified learners; world class research and innovation; collaboration and pathways for students. These are priorities we share and readily support.

The proposed differentiation framework presents eight components with associated metrics to permit a picture of institutional differentiation to be drawn. While the components overall – teaching and learning; student population; jobs, innovation and economic development; strategic enrolment; research; program offerings; institutional collaboration; and sustainability – are sufficiently general to allow every institution to define its strength and strategic direction, the metrics once established will create distinctions and influence government decisions.

In terms of the list of components, it is clear that Ryerson figures more prominently in some categories than others, both by institutional design and relative to the system. It is a tribute to the community that Ryerson is so strongly positioned in the coming discussions because we have been consistent in staying true to the academic priorities in Shaping Our Future 2008-13, and the progress on these priorities that will contribute to the development of our new Academic Plan over the coming year. Most of all, together we have ensured that Ryerson is recognized for momentum and leadership.

This is critically important because the differentiation process is purposefully short, on the principle that institutional character is established and agreed with confidence, in particular in view of every institution’s existing SMA. While we do not yet know all the steps, we do know the schedule is very tight. Government will be releasing the final Differentiation Framework by late October, and colleges and universities will have the month of November to update their Strategic Mandate Agreement (SMA) submissions in response. Each institution will have to take into account that the differentiated strength expressed in its SMA will have a direct impact on its revenue, and the distribution of funding throughout the system.

Under these circumstances, our goal is to keep the community informed to the extent possible, in particular the Board of Governors and Senate. Since our published SMA reflects both our academic priorities and government priorities on a number of issues, we are building on a strong position. In the very short window we are being given, we will continue to take every opportunity to maximize our distinction and the funding base of the university. Thank you for the energy and dedication that makes it not only possible, but advantageous, to be Ryerson.
 

Sheldon Levy
President