New school year means new programs and services

College anticipating 24/7 online services for students, along with more graduate certificate and diploma programs

The Fanshawe College board of governors has approved the college's strategic plan for the 2010/2011 school year, with a budget of $172.9-million.

The money will be going towards new programs — pending the Ministry of Education's approval of funding include:

- a graduate certificate in information security management,
- a graduate certificate in game development — advanced programming,
- a certificate in small business/ entrepreneur,
- a pre-apprenticeship in auto body techniques,
- a graduate certificate in practical elements of mechanical engineering,
- a diploma program in electromechanical technician.

college studentsThe college will also be going ahead with a capital plan aimed at adding learning space and technology to facilities over the next five years. This plan was approved in 2009 by Fanshawe's long-term Capital Projects Plan which included about $49-million in building and renovation funding.

As for deficits, the college anticipates an in-year deficit of $1.5-million. However, they had prepared for such a deficit by setting aside $1.5-million at the end of the 2008/2009 fiscal year. That particular funding came from a one-time only operating grant of $3-million given to the college by the provincial government.

The college predicts a similar deficit in the 2011/2012 year, so the remaining $1.5-million from the grant will go towards that.

“It was very prudent on the part of the board,” said Bernice Hull, vice-president of administration for Fanshawe College, of the decision to allot the money towards upcoming deficits. The college didn't know they would be receiving the $3-million — “a pleasant surprise,” said Hull — and had already budgeted for the 2009/2010 year so it was extra funding.

The plan also calls for the completion of the new Centre for Applied Technologies at 1764 Oxford St. in March 2011. There is also the possible development of a School for Applied and Performing Arts in downtown London — the city agreed to invest up to $10-million for the project.

There will also be general renovations done at all campuses including heating, ventilation and air conditioning, roofing, lighting replacements and more.

With the growing campus, the college is also predicting a growing student body. In 2009, the campus set another fall enrolment record of 13,021 full-time enrolments up from 11,764 the previous year.

With the provincial government's plan to open 20,000 new spots for post-secondary students across Ontario, Fanshawe is preparing for more students, including international ones as they will continue to build partnerships in this area. However, the enrolment for September is anticipated to be significant but not nearly as large as last year's, partially because the college does not have the space, said Hull.

Academically, the college will be looking at ways to partner with other institutions so Fanshawe students can gain further qualifications post-graduation. There will also be various 24/7 and online services created to give students more resources for success in their programs, such as a 24/7 online service for Counselling and Accessibility Services, and for the Career Services Counselling.

The college's overall goals are focused on student success and they feel the strategic plan is the way to ensure that success.

“Every decision we make — the first question is, ‘How will it affect students?'” said Hull, adding that the college aims to do the “best we can with the resources we have.”