First Franco-Ontarian flag raising at the University of Windsor with the francophone community on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024. (Courtesy EMMANUELLE RICHEZ/ University of Windsor)
The University of Windsor is leading a new initiative to improve the transferability of Francophone courses across Ontario universities.
Funded by the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT) and developed in partnership with the University of Ottawa, the project is piloting administrative processes that allow students to receive transfer credit for online courses taught in French in different disciplines (example: History, Nursing, Law, etc.) offered by the University of Ottawa.
This model could be expanded to other Universities, improving access and reducing barriers for learners across the province.
The announcement comes as Nolan Quinn, minister of colleges, universities, research excellence and innovation, revealed Tuesday that ONCAT is awarding $1.94 million to support 27 projects at publicly assisted postsecondary colleges, universities and Indigenous institutes across Ontario.
“In the face of economic uncertainty, our colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes are key to building one of the most innovative workforces in the G7,” Quinn said in a news release.
“Through our investments into ONCAT, our government is ensuring that future graduates have access to postsecondary education pathways that get them into the workforce faster and drive Ontario’s key sectors.”
ONCAT is a government-funded, non-profit organization that works to reduce barriers for students transferring between postsecondary institutions in Ontario, advancing learner mobility and helping learners earn credentials and transition more easily to the labour market.
Projects funded through ONCAT directly support learner mobility by improving prior learning assessment and recognition, creating transfer pathways between institutions, increasing access to programs aligned with in-demand industries and implementing technical upgrades that make credit transfer easier — helping students save both time and money.
“ONCAT brings together colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes to drive collaboration and harness efficiencies that make it easier for learners to navigate and succeed in Ontario’s postsecondary system,” said Adrienne Galway, president and CEO of ONCAT.
“These projects will develop effective practices that can be replicated across postsecondary institutions, rapidly expanding the options for learners to earn postsecondary credentials, pivot career directions and transition to the labour market.”
In addition to the Francophone course project, UWindsor is partnering with York University and Queen’s University, with Queen’s leading a pilot initiative to create bridging pathways between engineering technology and accredited engineering programs.
By working with multiple institutions and developing a framework to track student outcomes, the project aims to increase the number of graduates who hold both engineering technology and accredited engineering credentials in high-demand fields.
Together, these projects demonstrate UWindsor’s commitment to inclusive, student-centred education while supporting regional and provincial impact through collaboration, innovation and pathways that help learners succeed.