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Montreal, May 3, 2012 – The Conference of Rectors and Principals of Quebec Universities (CREPUQ) has read the demands made today by the Coalition large de l’Association pour une solidarité syndicale étudiante (CLASSE) and is dismayed to note that, after 12 weeks of the class boycott, CLASSE is proposing something that will weaken our universities and hamper research in particular.

“As we have said so many times, we must reinvest in our universities to ensure a quality education for all students at every level, improve support services for students and intensify research activities. Let us not forget that Quebec universities are already underfunded to the tune of $620 million a year,” said Luce Samoisette, Chair-Elect of the CREPUQ Board of Directors and Rector of Sherbrooke University.

Contrary to what CLASSE spokespersons appear to believe, Quebec universities do not receive one single budget, a portion of which is then allocated to research. Research relies heavily for its funding on independent federal and provincial granting bodies. Research grants are awarded to teacher-researchers through a competitive process based on peer review. How much money is committed to university research is specifically related to how competitive the researchers are. Such grants represent a very significant investment in Quebec’s knowledge economy.

Master’s and doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows benefit greatly from research grants and contracts. The funding many post-graduate students receive to help finance their studies comes from research grants. Researchers hire such students as research assistants and offer them bursaries. Cutting funding to research affects these students directly.

With regard to publicity, universities must disseminate all kinds of information regarding open houses, application deadlines, new programs, etc. They also need to publicize achievements that encourage Quebecers, particularly non-traditional clienteles, to pursue a university education. Publicity, which includes expenditures related to job postings, the promotion of self-financing activities, such as customized programs, and the promotion of sports and cultural activities, accounts for four-tenths of one percent of a university’s operation budget.

It is important to remember that the vast majority (93.6%) of university courses are taught on the main campus, not satellite campuses. Satellites were set up in response to real needs, further to repeated requests from government and the educational milieu. Offering courses at other locations increases access, not costs.

As for compensation, Bill 100, which became Quebec law in 2010, contains specific clauses forbidding bonuses and restricting salary growth. It also governs other conditions pertaining to management and support staff.

“The universities would like to return to normal as soon as possible so that the greatest number of students can complete the semester within a reasonable time. Various scenarios for course completion are being developed as the situation evolves. Education quality and diplomas will not be compromised,” noted Daniel Zizian, Director General of CREPUQ.

CREPUQ includes all 18 Quebec universities. The organization acts as their voice in relations with government and milieus concerned with university education and research. It also fosters coordination and collaboration between universities, is a research centre for university administrations, acts as a centre for coordination and joint service delivery, and is a resource centre and think tank for its members.

Source :
Chantal Pouliot, Director of Communications
Conference of Rectors and Principals of Quebec Universities
514 288-8524, ext. 244
chantal.pouliot@crepuq.qc.ca