Statement from Georgian College regarding the provincial government’s announcement about lower tuition, ancillary fees and OSAP changes.

There were a number of measures announced today that Georgian will need to assess in detail as information is made available. There are many technical pieces to this announcement that will become more clear in the weeks ahead.

Post secondary education should be accessible to everyone. This is why Georgian works so hard to offer high quality apprenticeships, certificates, diplomas and degrees at an excellent value.

The college realizes that the Government of Ontario has a difficult job and these are challenging times.

It was reassuring that the Minister announced college operating grants will be maintained. Georgian will work with the Ministry regarding the funding for our special purpose grants, needed to operate our college and provide quality education.

The government has also opened up the potential for smaller, northern campuses. We will work with the government to secure additional funding for our campuses in Owen Sound and Muskoka to ensure they are sustainable.

“My first priority will be to support our students,” said MaryLynn West-Moynes, President and CEO, Georgian College. “Both incoming and current students will have many questions about how these changes will affect them in both the short and medium term.”

The announced changes giving students the ability to opt-out of certain ancillary fees may have an impact on the amount of services and quality provided to our students. Georgian’s student government leads the internal ancillary approval process before it goes to the Board of Governors for approval. Georgian will work closely with our student leaders and support them as they work to understand the changing expectations.

Colleges are fundamental to the economic prosperity of our communities, it’s essential we manage this policy change efficiently and effectively.

source: media release, Georgian College