Board of Governors Approves Fanshawe College Strategic Plan for 2010/2011

Fanshawe College's Board of Governors has approved the College's 2010/2011 Strategic Plan and budget. The plan includes a balanced budget of approximately $171 million, with significant spending allotted for capital projects and new programs.

"We are very happy to have achieved a balanced budget that allows us to proceed with our regular programming and several new initiatives," said Fanshawe president Howard Rundle. "Still, though the economy is showing signs of recovery, we have to be prudent with our spending. This year's budget was another exercise in efficiency, and I want to thank the Fanshawe team for making smart budget decisions across the entire College."

The budget includes $1.5 million drawn from a $3 million one-time-only grant received from the provincial government after the 2008/2009 fiscal year. That money was set aside to offset anticipated shortfalls this year and next year.

New 2010/2011 programs, strategically designed to best align student interest with industry demand, include:

• On-line and Mobile Game Development (diploma)
• Business Banking (certificate)
• Information Security Management (graduate certificate)
• Game Development - Advanced Programming (graduate certificate)
• Small Business/Entrepreneur (certificate)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (graduate certificate)
• Auto Body Techniques (pre-apprenticeship)

Fanshawe is also proceeding with an ambitious capital plan that will add vital learning space and technology over the next five years. In 2009, the Board approved the College's long-term Capital Projects Plan, including approximately $64 million in building and renovation funding.

Key projects now in development include the new Centre for Applied Transportation Technologies at the former Small Business Centre site on Oxford Street in London (to be completed by March 2011 with funding from the Knowledge Infrastructure Program), and a major renovation at the Oxford County Campus in Woodstock. The College is working with the City of Woodstock and other partners to secure $14 million in funding.

Fanshawe is also moving ahead with discussions to establish a School for Applied and Performing Arts in downtown London. The City of London has agreed to invest up to $10 million to help Fanshawe offset the costs of purchasing and renovating buildings for the project.

In addition to those building and renovation projects, Facilities Management continues to upgrade facilities at all campuses with new technology, as well as HVAC systems, roofing, lighting replacements, electrical controls, and other energy-efficiency improvements.

As Fanshawe continues to grow, learning space is becoming an important issue. The College set another Fall enrolment record in 2009, with 13,021 full-time enrolments (up from 11,764 in 2008). The College is working hard to secure new space in response to high local demand, and with an eye on the provincial government's plan to open up 20,000 new spots for post-secondary students across Ontario.

"Our mission is to prepare students for success in jobs that are available in our regional economy," president Rundle said. "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 get one."

In keeping with its six Strategic Directions, Fanshawe will continue to build international partnerships and recruit international students in 2010/2011. It will also continue to support research through the Centre for Applied Research, Innovation & University Partnerships. The Strategic Plan further includes $1.7 million for staff development. On the academic side, the College is completing 26 comprehensive program reviews led by the Centre for Academic Excellence.

The complete 2010/2011 Strategic Plan document may be viewed at /sites/default/files/news_image/plan1011.pdf.