Last week, Sheridan and OISE (the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education)/ University of Toronto co-hosted an interactive and invigorating two-day conference that had people sharing new ideas and preparing for the future of postsecondary education in Canada.
The “Creating the Future Today” conference took place on May 1 and 2 at the Toronto Marriott Bloor Yorkville Hotel in the city’s downtown core. Dr. Glen Jones of OISE joined President Jeff Zabudsky as the conference’s co-host.
“While keeping postsecondary students at the core of our discussion, this conference focused on developing ways to balance the shifting educational landscape and established traditions, in order to develop the highly qualified personnel needed to drive Canada into a prosperous future,” said President Zabudsky. “We were proud to present this first-of-its-kind event and we look forward to sharing the many creative solutions that will emerge from this conference.”
On the conference’s first day, Sheridan students played a key role; ideas generated during the proceedings were captured in real-time by students in the Bachelor of Illustration program.
While surrounded by the student images, Dr. Gerard Puccio from Buffalo State’s International Center for Studies in Creativity spoke about the importance of creativity in the 21st century. Later in the day, a Memorandum of Understanding between Sheridan and Buffalo State was formalized which will facilitate future collaboration between our two institutions.
“It’s exciting to have had an opportunity to bring my research in creativity to a conference that is considering how to shape the very direction of Canadian higher education,” said Dr. Gerard Puccio. “I am looking forward to the joint educational and research activities that will come out of this Memorandum of Understanding.”
The President’s panel was another conference highlight. More than 150 delegates got to hear how institutions across the country have managed their own successful changes and transitions.
“My own experience with bringing two new universities to life [Nipissing University and Mount Royal University] is that the tweaking of tradition is certainly necessary, but the abandonment of all tradition is neither necessary nor appropriate,” said Dr. Dave Marshall, Past President of Mount Royal University. “Conferences like this are critical to keep momentum in the dialogue about university undergraduate education in Canada today. It is only through this kind of dialogue that we understand and consider responses to this changing context.”
Dr. Ralph Nilson, President and Vice-Chancellor of Vancouver Island University has experienced this change first-hand. While admitting that institutional transitions can be a tense experience, he said there are also rewards in terms of improved educational opportunities for students, as well as increased connections with people both inside and outside of the institution.
“Postsecondary education across Canada is in a time of transition and institutions must look for new models and creative solutions to meet the needs of their students, support faculty and engage with their communities,” said Dr. Nilson. “Conferences such as this allow us to pool our collective knowledge and expertise to chart a new and progressive course to meet the future challenges of our sector.”
Dr. Mark Evered, President and Vice Chancellor, University of the Fraser Valley predicted that thanks to technology and globalization, students could soon be expecting world-wide education ‘on-demand’ through their mobile and computer devices. He believes it’s critical to start proactively planning for the change that is to come.
“There are many barriers to rebuilding our postsecondary system, including current funding models, academic inertia and a general enthrallment with (and often misunderstanding of) the models of the past,” said Dr. Evered. “Surely we can find a way to draw on the best of our educational foundations while exploring new approaches. New institutions, and those in the midst of changes in mandate and scope, have an opportunity to cut new paths for us all.”
On Friday May 2, the conference looked at the role that undergraduate research and creative activities play in contributing to innovation. It also explored best practices for integrating undergraduate research activities into the curriculum in order to develop people with the skills and knowledge needed to drive Canada’s economy and enrich our communities. Well-known Canadian economist Todd Hirsch was Friday’s keynote speaker.
For more highlights from The Creating the Future conference, go to creatingthefuture.ca and be sure to join the conversation on Twitter at #futurePSE.
The president’s panel discusses change and transition for postsecondary institutions. From left to right: Dr. Dave Marshall, Educator and Speaker, Past President of Mount Royal University; Dr. Glen A. Jones, Ontario Research Chair in Postsecondary Education Policy and Measurement, OISE / University of Toronto; Ralph Benmergui, Sheridan’s Executive Advisor to the President; Dr. Mark Evered, President and Vice Chancellor, University of the Fraser Valley; and Dr. Ralph Nilson, President and Vice-Chancellor, Vancouver Island University.
A Bachelor of Illustration student from Sheridan captures ideas from Day 1 of the conference.
A facilitator leads a creative problem-solving session.
Delegates discuss the future of undergraduate research at postsecondary institutions.