Creating a Culture of Mobility: Needs of Small Institutions

Authors
Northern College of Applied Arts and Technology
A. Penner
T. Howieson
A. DiTullio
Reference Number
2016-02
Date
Status
Abstract

Student mobility is a critical priority within the Province of Ontario (ONCAT, 2014). With technological advances and a global economy educational needs and opportunities for post-secondary students have greatly increased. Not only are post-secondary institutions focusing on local and domestic student entry but global, as well. Appropriate protocol and partnerships must be in place to assure a full range of student mobility options. These protocols must recognize previous academic achievements, to give credit where credit is due. Students are increasingly interested in completing/furthering their studies in different cities, provinces, and countries. The students of today are more mobile than ever before, and mobility is something they consider a right, not a privilege. Students are aware mobility is an option but do not always know what is available, what a personalized learning path could look like and how to access it. Students are looking for return on investment for their education dollars. Solid credit transfer/articulation agreements between post-secondary institutions guarantees seamless student mobility. Building the post-secondary culture that supports these seamless opportunities is a fundamental part of this process. Examining a culture of mobility to determine needs of small institutions, fosters growth in articulation, pathways and ultimately seamless student mobility for students to and through, those same small institutions.