Alberta Students support institutional accountability through outcome based funding, remain committed to improving affordability of post-secondary education

January 20, 2020

For Immediate Release

Edmonton, AB – Today, the Alberta Students’ Executive Council (ASEC) is satisfied to see the government prioritize accountability through the introduction of an outcome based post-secondary funding model, but remains committed to improving the affordability of education.

The new funding model will tie up to 40% of institutional funding to the achievement of key performance indicators, which will be developed in consultation with institutions, students, and faculty.

“We are pleased that the government committed to thorough stakeholder consultation and promised to include a student-developed performance indicator,” said Garett Koehler, Chair of ASEC and Vice-President External of the SAIT Students’ Association. “It is critical that these performance indicators are achievable for institutions and prioritize the delivery of affordable and high-quality education for students.”

The performance indicators will be weighted differently across institutions, and each post-secondary institution will have the opportunity to develop their own unique indicator personalized to their circumstances.

“Alberta’s students deserve a funding model that is both modern and evidence-based,” said Jonathan Bilodeau, ASEC Executive Director. “We look forward to working with the government to ensure the new funding model creates accountability for institutions while ensuring post-secondary education remains affordable for students.”

-30-

ASEC represents more than 100,000 college, polytechnic, and university students across Alberta and looks forward to working with the government on the development of the new funding model.

For more information, contact:

Emmanauel Barker, Director of Government Relations and Advocacy
advocacy@albertastudents.ca / 306-292-5771