Capital concepts

Fanshawe College's Board of Governors recently approved the school's 2011/12 Strategic Plan, a detailed annual account of the projects, spending and expansion of the school over a period of five years.

Traditionally included in the Strategic Plan are charts outlining the growth of the school, trends in registration and projects both drafted and underway. For students, the approval of the Plan represents a continued investment of funding intended to directly benefit their opportunities on campus and off.

Much of the college's budget - approximately $185.6 million for the coming year — will be allocated to general operations. Of particular interest are the details outlined in the capital projects plan, an account of the approximately $34.8 million the college has to spend on improvements and construction around the school.

In the Strategic Plan, a capital project is defined as one of considerable expense, involving acquiring land, the construction of a new building or the renovation or renewal of an existing one. The completion of the new Centre for Applied Transportation Technologies marks the end of one such capital project, and the decommissioning and imminent demolition of the current C Building represents such a project in the future.

Additionally, the capital funds will continue to be used to enhance learning spaces and methods for students by way of renovating classrooms and labs, upgrading food services and keeping some cash free in order for the college to be able to jump on potential property opportunities for the proposed new campus in downtown London.

Further, there are plans outlined involving the continued development of online portals for college employees and students alike, with a focus on enabling content to be created and shared entirely online. The plan is to lead the way in developments and set an example for all colleges in the province and across the country.

"Our mission is to prepare students for success in jobs that are available in our regional economy," said Dr. Howard Rundle, President of Fanshawe College. "Despite the recent economic situation, Ontario's looming skills shortage is a reality. Our new programs and capital projects are aimed at addressing that shortage, and making sure every student who wants a college education has an opportunity to achieve one."