Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
November 21, 2003
U of G, Alfred College exploring new directions
The University of Guelph and the Le Conseil communautaire du Collège d’Alfred today launched a strategic planning process that will include expanding the range of post-secondary programs available in French.
“This ambitious project will build on the strengths of the French-language campus of the University of Guelph, especially the community linkages developed by Alfred College since its creation in 1980,” said Maureen Mancuso, acting provost and vice-president (academic).
The strategic plan will explore expanding existing diplomas in agricultural technology, food and nutrition, environment and international development into the field of bioresource management, including the possibility of offering degree courses. “Our goal is to create a campus that teaches and models the use of bioresources in our everyday lives, while reducing the impact humans are having on the environment,” said Craig Pearson, dean of the university’s Ontario Agricultural College (OAC).
Le Collège d’Alfred director Gilbert Héroux added that the new directions will broaden the college’s appeal and increase the student population. “We also have the potential to serve an increasing number of students through distance education in those fields of study.”
The new courses reflect the strategic direction developed by Le Conseil communautaire du Collège d’Alfred for an expansion of the traditional programming in agriculture and food to include new areas of interest to society, he added.
In putting forward the new joint vision for its Alfred campus, the university has three fundamental goals:
• Maintaining and enhancing the francophone character of the campus and establishing new and creative partnerships with other French-language institutions.
• Developing a distinctive post-secondary program with an academic focus on teaching skills that embrace a more holistic, nature-centred approach to resource management education.
• Promoting the national and international appeal of the campus through this new vision of bioresources education and research.
Enrolment projections at Alfred will depend on the range of specific programs available, but the university is planning to serve up to 1,000 students in the next five to seven years.
The strategic planning process will also include analysis and assessment, programming reviews, market studies and consultation, as well as considerations of facilities and location, staffing, budgeting and financing. The process will culminate with the release of a report in the spring of 2004.
“As part of the planning process, we are suggesting adding elements of programming that reflect the interest and expertise of the University and OAC,” said Alan Wildeman, vice-president (research). “At the same time, we want to highlight the many ways in which activities at Alfred can contribute to our university’s long-standing mission of faculty, staff and students to transform discoveries into value.”
For more information, please contact Craig Pearson, Dean, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph, (519) 824-4120, Ext. 52285, or Gilbert Héroux, director, Collège d’Alfred de l’Université de Guelph, Alfred, Ontario, (613) 679-2218, Ext. 301.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53338, or Rachelle Cooper, (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982.
