Jeffrey Simpson’s column on undergraduate education

This letter to the editor was submitted to the Globe and Mail.

by Paul Davidson
President, Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada

Jeffrey Simpson’s column of October 21, 2011 points out that there is a need for greater focus on the quality of undergraduate education in Canada. This is a priority area for Canada’s university leaders in 2011 and will remain so in the years ahead. With enrolments climbing, universities are challenged to maintain the high quality of education for which our country is renowned.

University leaders are committed to research-enriched, globally engaged learning experiences in a culture of innovation. This requires us to look for new ways to enhance the links between research and learning, especially at the undergraduate level.

Those links come in many different ways: for example, through community engagement, hands-on research, or international study experiences – all activities that give our graduates the critical skills they need to meet the challenges of our quickly-changing world.

Canada’s universities are producing graduates who are critical thinkers, scientifically and culturally literate, who are able to assess evidence, connect the dots and communicate with clarity. Our continuing efforts to improve the undergraduate experience and address the needs of Canadians is the way forward.