The Sun
VOLUME 13* _
ISSUE I
SEPT'17 1981
ARCHIVES U.P.E.l.
8 PAGES
By} Terry Palmer' :
The formula by which post—secondary education is funded, called Estab- lished Programs Financing (E.P.F.) , is in danger of being cut» by approximately 1 1/2 billion dollars.
The reason that these cuts are being proposed lies in the fact that provincial governments are taking money which is supposed to be used for Universities (which, by the way, is provided by . the federal government) and spending it elsewhere.
In 1980-81 the federal government sent down $15,842,000.00 to the Province, who in turn gave $12,800.00 to the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission (M.P.H.E.C.) who then splits it up between the different Maritime universities. The . difference between what the federal government
“ happen on the political
and what the provincial government spent amounts to $3,042,000.00. This money was spent in areas other that post—secondary education such as p‘avin Island roads. ' The latest event to
scene regarding E.P.F. an other federal—provincial fiscal matters is the report released in late August from the Parliamenatary Task Force on Federal—Provincial Fiscal Arrangements called "Fiscal Federalism in Canada". This task force I was operational through- ' out the summer, receiving 5 reports and submissions from parties having connections with social programs funded through the E.P.F. arrangements. As it turns out, the task force makes recommendations that fall in line with what the universities have been saying regarding the
cutbacks .
task force are: the post—secondary and
Some specific recommendations of the
1) that
Engineering. Question- '
by Frankie Smits
There really is no ques— '
tion. The Engineering De- partment at UPEI is stan- ding firm to their commit-
ment to a three year dip- -
loma program at UPEI.
The problem that has arisen with Nova Scotia is one that UPEI will not be drawn into. The Tech- nical University of Nova Scotia" ('I'UNS) has accepted a 2+3 system, where an Engineering student would take two years of courses , at UPEI and three at ’IUNS. Since UPEI has tradition- ally been affiliated with TUNS, the desire is now to phase the Engineering program in with the Degree program at UNB and, there- fore, avoid a 2+3 system. A student would be able to continue in a three year program here and then finish with a two year program at U.N.B.
The option is still
Open at 'IUNS , though it will involve taking fihaddiéionalyear of
courses. Many students do take six'years to finish the program so it may not be a great Setback.
The 2+3 system is rejected because it creates deficiences in arts,sciences and math courses. The existing program has proven itself to be excellent. It provides a sound all-round education and a better sequencing of courSes by offering three years of preparation here. Removing a year could remove the spirit and presence of the program Also,should a student require an extra year in Nova Scotia,he will acquire the extra expense of living in Nova Scotia.
The chairman of the Engineering department, Don MacEwen,brought the
situation to the attention
of the students,who Were
so much in favour of
retaining the three year program that they sent a petitidri of one hundred signatures to the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commision (MPHEC),who make the recommendations to the P,E.I. government.
Whether or not the MPHE‘C approves the 3+2 system is irrelevant. It is the system existing now and it will remain.
Professor MacEwen has revised the program, brpadening electives for courses at another uni— versity. The program fits nicely with that of,UNB. UNB is anxious for course equivalency and the agree- ment is no»; at the UNB Senate.
UPEI has an Engineering program that it can be proud of. It is a quali— ty system that functions for the immediate and ultimate benefit of the student. That is what is most important and is
,what must remain.
,v.‘
EPF =Cuts Continue
health portions of the EPF arrangements be separated and that once allocated, Federal E.P.F. financing
be considered earmarked for each program area and
not meant for other purposes. This, in effect, would promote account— ability of provincial spending to the federal government. 2) The task force recognizes "the need for general base funding for the post- secondary, to permit adults of all ages- not just the traditional 18— 24 age group— to pursue spiritual and intellectual goals, to polish their critical faculties and to expand their general base of knowledge on which more specific skills may be built." What the Student Unions have been saying all along is that there is an increased accessability for students of all ages, so here again the task forcevhas f0und the truth. . Overall, the task force makes recommendations which fall in line with what student organiations have been advocating. HOwever, the effect that the report will have on the decision whether or not to cutback E.P.F. funding is not known at this time.
I would like to announce that we (the Student Union) are planning an Atlantic March to oppose the 'cutbacks and to bring our case before the public to receive some support from them. The date for the March is Wednesday, September 30, 1981. Keep your eye out for further information on this march and keep on fighting the cuts!
Meeting
a ATTENTION TO ALL UPEI STUDENTS:
General meeting on September 29th, Tuesday,
.‘3 at 12:30 in the Robertson Library Lounge. Raise your beefs to your student union! Be there.
~(iq:«..