A new plan from Prince Edward Island’s provincial government has the University of Prince Edward Island administration upset.
The province would like to introduce a proposal allowing other post-secondary institutions the ability to grant bachelors, master’s, and decorate degrees.
Currently, the only degree-granting institutions within the province are UPEI and the Maritime Christian College.
The province plans on introducing a degree-granting act that would allow for the changes in the fall.
UPEI president Wade MacLauchlan said he first heard about the proposed plan on Nov. 5 when he received a letter and criteria from the Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning.
The letter referred to the proposed changes as a way to “allow for the establishment of new institutions that offer programs of post-secondary study leading to an academic degree.”
MacLauchlan said he wrote a letter back requesting the government not proceed with this matter.
He said he was concerned that there is much at risk through the proposed initiative and that it requires extensive reflection, consultation and study.
Ron Ryder, communications officer for the province’s Ministry of Innovation and Advanced Learning, said he understands the university’s concerns.
“We will look at the specific areas of concerns such as quality, protection of students, proper academic credentials and making sure students paying tuition are getting a proper education,” Ryder said.
“We are more than willing to hear what [MacLauchlan] has to say and address them with the protection he discusses what students need and deserve,” Ryder added.
According to Ryder, the proposal has not yet been approved.
In a letter to the university community, MacLauchlan said, “the initiative goes against our history and the quasi-constitutional status of our post-secondary structures.” MacLauchlan said the province’s plan “jeopardizes UPEI and what we have achieved.”
Tim Cullen, former president of the University of Prince Edward Island Student Union, said, “my main concern about the establishment of a new university is how it will affect the reputation of post-secondary education of Prince Edward Island.”
“I am a very proud graduate and if this new university diminishes the overall quality of post-secondary education in the province, it will surely have a negative effect on my credentials,” Cullen said.
“The government of PEI needs to make appropriate consultations with the public and all partners in the province’s public secondary education community before going ahead with such a drastic change to the framework at UPEI,” Cullen said.
If the proposal is approved, the process of implementing more universities will begin in the near future, according to the ministry release.