Ontario Colleges and the Introduction of Degrees: Mission Drift or Sustaining the Mission?

This qualitative, exploratory study focused on the introduction of the bachelor’s degree credential in Ontario colleges and whether or not offering degrees constitutes a change in the mission of Ontario colleges, as outlined in the Basic Documents and according to key college and governmental officials. The data was gathered through interviews with senior leaders at five urban colleges, senior government officials, and was focused on a ten year period (2002-2012). In addition, document analysis and the examination of available statistics were undertaken to ascertain the impact the legislative changes enacted in 2000 and 2002 have had on the college mission in Ontario. This study found that three founding tenets of the colleges – labour market responsiveness, access for students, and an emphasis on the functions of teaching and learning – were generally being adhered to between 2002 and 2012. This study also found that the majority of college and governmental leaders believed that the introduction of degrees was a logical extension of the mission, and the progression of the mission itself was essential if colleges were to be responsive to changing labour and community needs. The leadership of two subject colleges, however, did demonstrate a desire to move beyond the original mission in the service of a perceived need for a more differentiated postsecondary education system in Ontario.Ph.D