Policy Research Symposia Series

Policy Research Symposia are a series of events that bring together policymakers, academic researchers and higher education practitioners to share research and discuss key policy issues facing Ontario colleges and universities, and the higher education sector as a whole. The series was initiated in May 2013 as a joint effort between OISE, the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development (MAESD), and the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) by Professor Glen Jones, Senior Director – Research and Programs Richard Wiggers and Research Coordinator Lucia Padure.

The beginning developments of this series, organized by Glen Jones, included the Key Issues in Ontario Higher Education: A Policy Research Symposium, Strengthening Canada:  OECD Symposium, Symposium for Discussion Paper. Since then seven symposia have been organized focusing on differentiation, student success, knowledge mobilization in higher education research, funding reforms, research in colleges, the changing nature of professoriate in the Ontario higher education, and work-integrated learning.

The events take place in the OISE Library, are free and generally attract 120-150 participants, including online. The events are recorded and materials are posted on the OISE website. The symposia continue to be jointly sponsored by MAESD, CIHE at OISE and HEQCO. The Organizing Committee includes Creso Sá and Leesa Wheelahan (CIHE), Greg Moran (HEQCO), and Hillary Arnold and Lucia Padure (MAESD).