St. Thomas University is working on partnerships with the private sector that could lead to more “experiential” learning initiatives on campus.
“The university has been working (on a number of) partnerships arrangements; there are a number of them now where we do work placements,” said Jeffrey Carleton, the communication director for St. Thomas. “We hope to be in a position soon to make some announcements that we think will be very positive for students.”
He said the university already does private sector partnerships, especially within the journalism and communication departments, but not under one larger office or program.
“You’re seeing other universities – and St. Thomas will be one of them – that are reaching out with partners to see if there are any complementary relationships.”
The Aquinian wrote a story two weeks ago about St. Thomas University professors being concerned about new commitments from Universities Canada that would encourage links between universities and the private sector.
One concerns raised by Jean Sauvageau, the president of the New Brunswick Faculty Association and a criminology professor at St. Thomas University, is that more private money in academia would harm academic freedom, and the peer-review system
“We hear that question from time to time,” Carleton said. “Anytime you enter into these relationships you have to make sure you’re building into these relationships, your partners know what your mission is and what your values are. They know you’re not going to risk academic integrity or they know the paramount importance of academic freedom for faculty and what the academic expectations are for our faculty and our students.”
Two years ago when the university conducted its strategic plan review – a review that included members of faculty and the board of governors – Carleton said they wanted to create more opportunities for experiential and applied learning.
