A Reappraisal of University Access and Affordability 2009

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University_Affordability.pdf (1.54 MB)

Date

2009-03

Authors

Gingrich, Paul

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA)

Abstract

This report is based on the premise that there should be equal opportunity for all Canadians to obtain access to universities and colleges. While there are many ways that people can participate in post-secondary education — attending a local college or university, relocating to a city with a university, correspondence or distance education — access to these may be blocked by background and experiences, family situation, educational achievement, geographic location, and limited finances. Not all may choose to enrol in a postsecondary educational institution, but it is our position that access to universities and colleges should be provided in a way that parallels the access Canadians have to health care and to primary and secondary education. The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) defines accessibility as “post-secondary education must be open to all qualified persons on uniform terms and conditions” (CAUT, 2002). Financial barriers should be removed for all those willing to participate in post-secondary education.

Description

The present report provides updated information on impediments to participation and extends the analysis on financial barriers faced by those attending or hoping to attend a university in Saskatchewan. As with Improving Access, this report provides recommendations concerning policies and actions that the provincial and federal governments, universities, and individuals might take. It is the hope that Saskatchewan residents, students, administrators, and policy-makers will find the analysis and recommendations useful in their deliberations. Educational policy and structures in Canada can be improved by adopting these recommendations and greater equality of access will result. As many have argued, Canada needs more individuals with post-secondary education and training, not just to fill productive jobs, but to create a well educated and informed populace.

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Citation

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/10294/12154

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Paul Gingrich