Association of Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology of Ontario 2002 Environmental Scan.

This environmental scan is designed to assist Ontario's colleges in their strategic planning processes. Ontario's colleges have supported a 35% increase in enrollment, with a 40% decrease in funding, over the last ten years, while operating costs have risen. In addition, Ontario eliminated the secondary school Ontario Academic Courses (OACs), which often kept high school students in secondary school for an extra year. The first wave of students who are exempted from the OACs are expected to graduate in 2003, the same year as the last class that is not exempted. This class (the double cohort) will create a temporary enrollment increase. Enrollment will also rise due to increased population and participation. Total additional employees required as a result of increased enrollment is estimated at 7,114, including faculty, administration, and staff. The colleges also aim to facilitate economic development, to improve the current 91% graduate employment rate, and to develop new programs that are responsive to local, regional, and provincial needs. The paper reports on enrollment changes by division (Arts, Business, Health, Technology) over the years between 1995-2001. The paper also reports on distance learning, apprenticeship training, adult literacy in Ontario, Ontario's demographics, international students, economy, labor, succession planning, and student retention, among other issues. Includes tables, graphs, and references for each of the seven sections and appendices. (NB)