Background and Origin

The Council on Higher Education was created as a result of a directive outlined in Foundation for Success – the White Paper on Public Post-Secondary Education released in July 2005.  The White Paper set the course for furthering the strategic directives of the Provincial public post-secondary education sector.  Twenty-eight directives were outlined in the document as a result of thorough consultation and research, including one for a reconfigured Council on Higher Education recognized in legislation, and corresponding amendments to the legislations governing Memorial University and College of the North Atlantic.   

The legislation enables the Council to function as the mechanism for cooperation among its members in joint planning and coordination of common activities within the public education system.  The legislation also requires the institutions to demonstrate greater connectedness with each other and strong accountability to the public. Furthermore, the legislation facilitates the institutions in establishing new operational alignments in support of an integrated approach where all parts of the education system work closely together.  

The Council on Higher Education Act was introduced during the Spring 2006 session of the House of Assembly and received Royal Assent on May 26, 2006 .

Organization of Council  

Membership of the Council is composed of:

1)                   The Minister of Education

2)                   Deputy Minister of Education

3)                   Chairperson of Memorial University ’s Board of Regents

4)                   Chairperson of the College of the North Atlantic ’s Board of Governors

5)                   President of Memorial University

6)                   President of the College of the North Atlantic

7)                   Student Representative – Memorial University

8)                   Student Representative – College of the North Atlantic

Committees of Council

The Council may appoint one or more committees as needed to carry out its mandate and to assist in its purposes.  There is currently one standing committee, the Articulation, Transfer and Admissions Committee – ATAC.  ATAC is mandated by Council to coordinate the articulation process embracing schools, the College of the North Atlantic and Memorial University , to optimize student accessibility and to enhance student mobility through transfer of credits.  The Committee also addresses province-wide issues pertaining to transfer, admissions and articulation practices.       

Council Secretariat

The Secretariat is appointed by Council to execute directives and provide executive and analytical support for the initiatives undertaken by Council.  The Secretariat is located on the fourth floor, West Block, Confederation Building .  For more information, please access the Council homepage at www.edu.gov.nl.ca/council.