The OLIP Interns had the opportunity to meet with Jenny Ahn from the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA). Considering that we have all attended university where faculty members were instrumental to our academic growth, we were excited to learn about the unique concerns that OCUFA champions.
Ms. Ahn explained how the perception of post-secondary education has changed over the years. The rise of contract faculty positions in lieu of full-time positions has changed the dynamics of post-secondary education. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged faculty members across the province to teach and provide quality educational experiences through a virtual format, but this has also posed a new set of challenges and limitations to instructional ability. These are issues affecting members at OCUFA - obstacles for which they hope to find adequate solutions.
At the same time, Ms. Ahn reiterated that much of her job revolves around reminding all of us of the importance and value that post-secondary institutions and their faculty members bring to our communities. Beginning with the cutting-edge research that is ongoing in various universities to the analytical and critical thinking skills that students can develop through a university education. These are all the reasons why universities continue to be an integral part of our society.
We would like to sincerely thank Ms. Ahn for meeting with us and we extend our gratitude to the entire team at OCUFA for their ongoing support of the programme!