President's Newsletter - Sept 2019
LCFA President's Newsletter
Septermber Newsletter
I hope this newsletter finds you settled into the routine you are comfortable with. Hopefully the changes and turmoil those changes create are behind us and we can look forward to dealing with new challenges as we go forward.
Please plan to attend the information session this Thursday September 26th at 4:20 in IB1103 concerning the proposed contract. Mike has sent out information around the contract language and Kerry and members of the committee will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. The ratification vote will occur at the general meeting September 30th.
The big news around the province of course is the MacKinnon report and the implications to post-secondary education. The report seems to suggest there are potentially too many institutions in the province and our spending per Full Time Equivalent Student is higher than comparable provinces. In addition the report singles out high administration costs in the province compared to BC and Ontario. The end result is every institution in the province is looking at how they compare to other institutions and preparing to defend their position in the province. Casual conversations with Lethbridge College Administration suggest they are comfortable with the fiscal restraint we have demonstrated and the understanding of how our unique programming fits in the province. I was able to speak briefly with Minister Nicholaides Executive Assistant during their visit and he seemed to echo those sentiments saying “we appreciate that Lethbridge College gets it, we don’t need 18 universities in the province”. ACIFA is promoting a letter writing campaign aimed at providing a faculty position on several issues important to us, we can supply you with the ACIFA talking points if you wish. The LCFA executive council have elected to attempt to speak with our local MLA’s directly if possible. We are inviting them to visit with representatives of AUPE, the Students Association and the Faculty Association to discuss the issues each thinks may impact future decisions in our area. I have also reached out to the College administration and asked if we could develop our strategies moving forward together.
Please see a report on the web site concerning a meeting both Cheryl and I attended July 31st with Minister Nicholaides. Minister Nicholaides wrapped up that meeting by sharing the Governments key priorities.
#1 Transformative change to perception to encourage skilled trades and apprenticeship. The government is concerned retirements of a large number of an identifiable generation will result in a serious shortage of skilled trades. They do want to look at the apprenticeship model for efficiencies including more training at the high school level, and expanding the apprenticeship principles to other areas.
#2 Connection to labor market needs and demands, tied to job placement.
#3 International students. The government sees international students as an opportunity to attract the best and brightest from all over the world to Alberta. They see international students as responsive to labor market needs by leading to citizenship. Minister Nicholaides pointed out Alberta is way behind other jurisdictions in terms of numbers of international students.
I will be happy to answer questions around that meeting at the general meeting September 30th.
One portion of the minister’s statements at that meeting referred to the International students in the province. The province sees a great opportunity in international students. They see the best and brightest attending our institutions and finding homes in our province to follow. As faculty we understand there are concerns around increasing numbers, Lethbridge College has been trying very hard to address the concerns and put appropriate supports in place for students and faculty. We have invited Catherine Wilde to speak at the general meeting on the college efforts in this area.
The Ron MacDonald fund is strong, Thank You to Linda Sprinkle for her management of the fund in support of students in need. There will be fund raising in support of the fund including a used book sale December 12th. Please contact Mike in the Faculty office if you have books to donate and watch for more details as the date approaches.
See you at the Information session Thursday September 26th in IB1103 at 4:20
And again
At The General Meeting Monday September 30th in IB1103 at 4:15
Please visit www.lcfa.ca for the latest news and updates from the LCFA office.
Kevin Wiber
President, Lethbridge College Faculty Association
Instructor Center for Trades
Automotive Service Technician / Heavy Equipment Technician
403-320-3202 ext. 3264 or 3219
3000 College Drive S., Lethbridge, AB T1K 1L6