News Release Archive
EDUCATION/CULTURE--COMMUNITY COLLEGES-CLOSER TO SELF-GOVERNANCE ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Nova Scotia Community College and College de l'Acadie are another step closer to self-governance. Except for labour provisions, the new Community Colleges Act was proclaimed on April 1, opening the door for the appointment of boards of governors for the colleges. Education and Culture Minister John MacEachern said board governance is a logical and necessary step. "The boards will help the colleges become more competitive, cut through bureaucratic red tape, and provide better quality training to support economic development ... and better training means graduates are more likely to find jobs." The boards will make policy, consistent with the colleges' mandate to meet the province's occupational training needs. However, the colleges will remain accountable to government for matters of public concern, such as the appropriate use of tax dollars, admissions policy and tuition. College presidents, vice-presidents and principals will be responsible for the day-to-day administration. Based on the applications and nominations, between 10 and 14 members of the first boards will be appointed by the minister. College faculty, staff and students will elect additional members. For example, students themselves will elect the two student representatives. Consistent with their mandate, the colleges will be open and accessible in their communities, the minister said. For example, advisory committees, composed of industry and community representatives, will advise the boards on programming issues. The board will also use program advisory committee information to help formulate program policy decisions. Board meetings, with the exception of those dealing with personnel, property or labour relations, will be open to the public. Meeting minutes will also be available at every campus. Applications for the boards are currently being reviewed, with appointments expected this spring. -30- NOTE TO EDITORS: There is an accent grave on the first "e" in College (College de l'Acadie). Contact: Lisa Bugden 902-424-2795 trp Apr. 10, 1996 - 3:02 p.m.