Credit transfer saves Ontario's postsecondary students time and money

TORONTO, Nov. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Students who transfer among Ontario's 44 publicly funded colleges and universities save an average of $11,000 in tuition, plus more than a year of full-time study (student majoring in business), according to new data released today by the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT).

"With more than 21,500 students transferring each year in a variety of programs, it's clear that many students view access to different postsecondary experiences as useful to their success in the workforce," said Glenn Craney, Executive Director of ONCAT. "Credit transfer allows students to take advantage of a range of opportunities while saving time and money. By extension, this also translates into a $7,500 per student average savings to the taxpayer."

The Ontario government recognizes the potential of an efficient and effective transfer system, and, in 2011, established ONCAT as a means to promote student mobility among Ontario's publicly assisted postsecondary institutions. As part of a 5-year, $73.7 million commitment from the province, ONCAT is tasked with supporting institutions and government to develop the infrastructure required to promote student mobility, facilitate credit transfer innovation, and create a fully fledged accountability framework.

To date, there are over 600 pathways involving multiple institutional partners, and ONCAT has recently funded the development of about 65 more. These arrangements have created over 35,000 transfer opportunities for students. Most of these pathways are in programs in the highest demand by both students and employers, including business, health, social science, engineering, and liberal arts/general arts.

"The continued commitment of all 44 publicly funded college and university members is key to ONCAT's success," said Craney. "This collaborative approach has led to the establishment of a solid foundation on which to expand the network of transfer options for students."

That collaborative approach is exemplified by the fact that ONCAT is governed by a board of directors comprised of representatives from its membership, and is co-chaired by a college president (Don Lovisa, Durham College) and a university president (Dominic Giroux, Laurentian University).

"As we build an increasingly efficient and effective transfer system, more students will have the ability to gain the necessary skills and knowledge required to contribute to Ontario's knowledge-based economy," said Craney. "Students work hard to earn their credits, and deserve the opportunity to have them transferred when moving among institutions."

Quick Facts:

• Ontario's credit transfer system comprises Ontario's 44 publicly funded colleges and universities, and the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer.
  
  
• Approximately 21,500 students transfer within Ontario each year.
  
  
• There are more than 600 pathways involving multiple institutional partners. These pathways lead to more than 35,000 transfer opportunities for students.
  
  
• Ontario's top five transfer programs are: business, health, social science, engineering, and liberal arts/general arts.
  
  
• A student majoring in business will save an average of $11,000 in tuition (based on the credit transfer of 1.3 years of full-time study), with an additional $7,500 average savings to the taxpayer.

See the infographic.

Established in 2011, the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT) was created to enhance academic pathways and reduce barriers for students looking to transfer among Ontario's 44 publicly funded colleges and universities. As a member organization, it works with those institutions to develop transfer credit policies and practices to ease student mobility.

Visit www.oncat.ca

ONCAT is funded by the Government of Ontario

Image with caption: "Ontario council on articulation and transfer (CNW Group/Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131121_C9431_PHOTO_EN_33677.jpg

SOURCE: Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer

Lia Quickert
Communications Director
Telephone: [phone] x305
Cell: 416-986-2639
Email: Lia Quickert