Board of Governors approves Fanshawe College Strategic Plan for 2011/2012

Fanshawe College's Board of Governors has approved the College's 2011/2012 Strategic Plan. The Plan includes a budget of approximately $185,620 million, with significant spending allotted for investments to support a number of innovative new programs, new and expanded services for students, and equipment acquisition and renewal.

The 2011/2012 budget reflects an in-year deficit of $1.4 million. In anticipation of that shortfall, Fanshawe's Board of Governors previously set aside funding from a one-time-only operating grant of $3 million received from the provincial government after the end of the 2008/2009 fiscal year. Assuming operating grant levels remain relatively flat, the deficit will be offset with $1.4 million from that grant.

"Last year and again this year, we have seen significant challenges related to the economy," said Fanshawe President Howard Rundle. "Within these constraints, we are pleased to have managed our way to a relatively small deficit. Through prudent fiscal management, we were able to make in-year adjustments as necessary, foresee the deficit, and prepare for it by setting money aside rather than spending it."

If resources are fully available, and Ministry funding is approved, the following new programs will be offered in the 2011/2012 academic year. New 2011/2012 programs, strategically designed to best align student interest with industry demand, include:

• Early Childhood Leadership (degree)
• Avionics Technician (diploma)
• 2-D Gaming (graduate certificate)
• Business Administration - Leadership and Management (advanced diploma)
• Business Administration - Human Resources (advanced diploma)
• Human Resources Management (graduate certificate)
• Entrepreneurship (college certificate)
• Renovation Management (graduate certificate)
• SCWI - School Within a College (dual credit)

Fanshawe also continues with an ambitious capital plan that will add and enhance vital learning space and technology over the next five years. In 2009, the Board approved the College's long-term Capital Projects Plan, which includes approximately $34.3 million in building and renovation funding over the next five years.

As part of these plans, both the employee and student portals will enter the second stage of development, giving them the ability to create on-line content directly, to share successes, new initiatives and upcoming events. There will also be enhanced internal communication as part of the Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) process, highlighting outcomes of the College's efforts supporting change and transition, while fostering collaboration and engagement of all Fanshawe stakeholders to keep the College competitive and leading edge not just in Ontario, but Canada and beyond.

A key addition to the Fanshawe landscape is the new Centre for Applied Transportation Technologies at 1764 Oxford Street in London (with funding from the Knowledge Infrastructure Program) which will officially open in May this year.

Fanshawe is continuing to work towards the establishment of a School of Applied and Performance Arts in downtown London. The City of London has agreed to invest up to $20 million to help Fanshawe offset the costs of purchasing and renovating buildings for the project.

In addition to those building and renovation projects the College is continuing to upgrade facilities at all campuses with new technology, and energy-efficiency improvements such as new SmartBoards for classrooms and meeting rooms, upgraded air quality and physics lab equipment, shared lab computer replacements, new motorcycles for CE programs and new and replacement high tech podiums.

As Fanshawe continues to grow, learning space is an important issue. The College set another Fall enrolment record in 2010, with 13,082 full-time enrolments, up slightly from the record enrolment in 2009. The College is working hard to accommodate high local demand, but is also monitoring any changes that may come in government investment or policy decisions following both the May 2 federal election and the provincial election in October.

"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 achieve one."

In keeping with its six Strategic Directions, Fanshawe will continue to build international partnerships and recruit international students in 2011/2012. Fanshawe is also negotiating partnerships with businesses and organizations as part of its commitment to research through the Centre for Applied Research, Innovation & University Partnerships. The College is leveraging a five-year, $2.3 million grant to further develop research projects at its Centre for Sustainable Energy and Environments. Innovative programs are also being further developed in areas like Digital Media and Gaming.

On the academic side, the College remains focused on establishing articulation agreements with universities and other institutions that will allow Fanshawe students to pursue further qualifications after graduation. Emphasis has also been placed on bridging programs to help internationally trained professionals earn provincially recognized credentials, as well as accelerated programs that give students the chance to complete their studies and begin working sooner.

Student success is a major focus for the College. New initiatives are planned to expand services for students to support their success. A number of 24/7 and on-line services will be added to the range of supports available to help students be successful in their chosen program and transition effectively to College.

Fanshawe continues to enjoy excellent graduate employment and employer satisfaction rates. According to the most recent provincial Key Performance Indicator surveys, Fanshawe has marked a five-year upward trend in graduation rates which increased to 69.2% while at the same time 84.8% of Fanshawe graduates find jobs within six months of graduation. The surveys also reveal that 91.3% of employers are satisfied with the preparation and performance of Fanshawe graduates.

The complete 2011/2012 Strategic Plan document may be viewed at: /sites/default/files/news_image/plan1112.pdf.