September 2009

Provincial Budget

The provincial government released its budget update last week. While the province faces severe revenue shortfalls and is facing a significant budgetary deficit, there were no reductions to our base operating grant apart from a one-time-only reduction in our Annual Capital Allowance (the funding that is used for repair and maintenance of our facilities). On the expenditure side, the increase in MSP (Medical Services Plan) premiums will modestly affect our budget, but this can be handled within our existing financial plan. This is, of course, good news for employees and students as Douglas College will continue to provide the planned programs and services that were in our original budget. We are pleased that the provincial government continues to place a high priority on post-secondary education.

Provincial Post-Secondary Environment

All Colleges are reporting increased enrolment this semester. This is due, in part at least, to the global and local economic situation. While there appear to be some modest signs of recovery, unemployment continues to increase in most areas and people are returning to school to enhance their skills and education. The Colleges are well positioned to be engines that will help to drive the economic recovery. We will have firm enrolment numbers in credit courses in approximately a week.

International Education Update

Promoting international opportunities for faculty members and Canadian students is the new strategic direction for International Education at Douglas College. Faculty members are encouraged to initiate and participate in various international activities. The International Support Fund for Faculty has increased from $15,000 to $25,000 to promote faculty led field schools, student practicum and other international opportunities. The International Scholarships Fund for Canadian students has also increased from $10,000 to $20,000 to promote student exchanges and mobility programs.

International student enrolment numbers for Fall 2009 are around 234 FTEs. This represents an 18% increase over the same semester last year. There are 258 new students this Fall enrolled in our joint programs in China. The total number of students studying the Douglas College four year financial services program in our partner universities in Shanghai and Harbin is 1,068.

Paul Wates, Chair-elect, will represent Douglas College in the Jubilee ceremony of Momoyama Gakuin (St. Andrew’s University in Japan). Momoyama University is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a university, as well as its 125th anniversary as an incorporated school. Douglas College is the oldest partner institute with Momoyama University in Japan, and we have a 27 year history of student and faculty exchange programs.

Strategic Planning

The senior management team has discussed the strategic planning process. We are aiming for the process to be complete in the Spring of 2010. Input will be sought in various forms from all College employees, external stakeholders and students.

The provincial budget deficit is threatening TransLink’s ability to construct the Evergreen Line. Earlier this summer TransLink launched a public campaign designed to demonstrate that it needed to raise an additional $450 million a year over a 10-year period in order to expand public transit in Metro Vancouver and build Evergreen. This option included increasing a number of existing taxes and instituting several new levies. The provincial government has now removed that option from TransLink, leaving it with budget options that either maintain the status quo or allow for a small expansion of service.

Regional mayors will be voting on TransLink’s budget options in October and, at the moment, all scenarios would see the Evergreen Line put on hold. However, the provincial government’s project office in Coquitlam continues to plan the route and has told Hazel Postma, Associate Vice President External Relations, that a series of open houses are scheduled this Fall on environmental and design issues. The project office will also have a booth at the Fall Fair, set for Saturday, Sept. 19th at the David Lam Campus. I will also be re-stating the College’s case for Evergreen when I meet with the MP and MLAs in the Coquitlam area later this month.

New President Introductions

The College Board will be introducing me formally to the College community on Monday, Sept. 28th at the NWC Theatre Foyer and Wednesday, Sept. 30th at the DLC Employee Cafeteria. Both events run from 4 to 6 p.m. and include student musicians and refreshments, as well as a chance to meet and mingle. I am looking forward to the opportunity to outline the strategic planning process, as well as my thoughts on the future directions of Douglas College as an access-based learner pathway institution. There will be plenty of time for questions.

I-Care Program

The I-Care Program hosted a coffee and early celebration of International Literacy Day. One of the program’s graduates has gone on to publish a small book, Marvin’s Millions.

Fall Fair

Douglas College Foundation is hosting the first Fall Fair at the David Lam Campus Green on Saturday, Sept. 19th from 10 a.m. to noon. The event showcases 15 Douglas College programs/departments as well as five community groups, eight vendors, music, face painting, bouncy castle, BBQ and Coquitlam Farmers’ Market. It is designed to announce our presence in the community, promote our programs, partner with community groups, and raise a little money for the Emerging Needs Bursary. Admission is free.

Scott McAlpine,
President