Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s government is inviting current post-secondary students and recent graduates to take part in a focus group as it reviews recommendations concerning funding, competitiveness and the student experience at publicly funded institutions.
The initiative will gather perspectives from students on issues including campus learning environments, freedom of expression, institutional neutrality and student conduct procedures.
Students will have an opportunity to discuss whether they feel comfortable raising questions and expressing different viewpoints in classrooms and during academic activities. The sessions will also explore students’ exposure to a variety of ideas and perspectives across courses and campus communities.
Another area of discussion will be students’ confidence in how institutions handle lawful expression, academic freedom, campus events and differing viewpoints.
The focus group will also seek feedback on student conduct processes, including whether students find them clear, timely and fair, as well as whether appropriate support is available throughout those processes.
Who can participate?
The consultation is open to people currently enrolled at a publicly funded post-secondary institution in Alberta, as well as individuals who graduated from one of those institutions in 2016 or later.
The discussions are being organized as the government considers recommendations from the Expert Panel on Post-Secondary Institution Funding and Alberta’s Competitiveness. Feedback from the student sessions will be considered alongside input from post-secondary institutions, faculty representatives, elected student leaders and other stakeholders.
Students and recent graduates have until September 30 to submit an expression of interest. The focus groups are expected to take place between October 1 and October 8.
Submitting an expression of interest does not guarantee a place, as participation will depend on the number of applicants and available capacity. Selected participants will receive further details by email.
