Pan-Canadian CSL Symposium

Keynote By

Rhonda Lenton

Associate VP Academic

York University

October 9th, 2009

How we present ourselves

• Images from community service-learning program websites across Canada

University of Toronto Centre for Community Partnerships

University of Toronto – Service Projects in the Community

Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières - PICOM  

UBC Learning Exchange

York University Community Engagement Centre

Queen’s University

University of Saskatchewan

Wilfrid Laurier University

Simon Fraser University

Driving and Restraining ForcesSenior academic administrators

• Target group - Senior academic administration• Driving forces - 1) accountability framework (KM,

UUDLEs); 2) expanding role to contribute to the public good; 3) student satisfaction surveys eg., NSSE; 4) reputational issues; 5) dependence on strategic partnerships

• Restraining forces - 1) competing priorities such as research intensification; 2) threat of tiering and corporatization – being seen as an “undergraduate teaching university” rather than a “research university;” 3) lack of resources

Driving ForcesFaculty Members

• Target group- Faculty members• Driving forces - 1)core values and overarching principles of

teaching and learning:-a culture that values teaching and learning-a commitment to reflective and evolving approaches to T and L-integration of theory and practice-attention to the development of transferable critical thinking skills in recognition of the evolutionary nature of subject knowledge-the promotion of individualized, self-directed learning-social experience with a social conscience-fostering inclusivity

Restraining Forces Faculty Members

1)Lack of recognition for exemplary teaching,

T and P procedures that fail to adequately reward teaching

2)Lack of opportunity to talk about teaching

3)Inadequate support including education, mentors, workshops, and resources

4) aging workforce (elimination of mandatory retirement)

5) challenges supporting a large PT faculty

Funding Opportunities

• Fund raising eg., York U – TD CEC

• Foundation grants eg., State Farm

• Operating and/or strategic funds Eg., Osgoode CLASP, Parkdale, and Mediation Clinic

• Charging Fees – Ancillary fees

Q and A

• In short, there is tremendous potential and on a national level, the Canadian universities might think of forming a consortium of engaged universities

• Q and A