HALIFAX – Students, staff, and faculty are concerned that the government is not consulting them in advance of the expiration of the current funding agreement between universities and the government, when, according to a recently conducted public opinion poll, a large majority of Nova Scotians trust staff, faculty and most to develop standards in post-secondary education. "It is the front-line staff, faculty and students who really know what is taking place in our universities," said Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU) President Joan Jessome. "We hope that the current negotiations will include a front-line perspective."When asked who they trusted most to develop standards in post-secondary education, 50 percent of respondents chose professors and support staff and 19 percent chose students, while only 11 percent expressed confidence in university presidents. Even fewer Nova Scotians chose the provincial government, with only 9 percent declaring that they trusted the government the most. The poll, conducted by Opinion Search Research, for the Nova Scotia Post-Secondary Education Coalition, asked Nova Scotians about a variety of issues regarding post-secondary education. The bulk of the results of the poll were released at a press conference last week.

"The public clearly have confidence in faculty, staff, and students to advise on policy on post-secondary education," said Chris Ferns, President of the Association of Nova Scotia University Teachers (ANSUT). "Yet our requests to the government that we be involved in discussions of a new funding agreement have so far been ignored."

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between university presidents and the Department of Education, which secures funding for universities and the tuition fee freeze expires March 31, 2011. The government is currently considering recommendations for the university system that could include massive hikes in tuition fees, increases to student debt, and policy changes that could threaten academic freedom on campuses.

"Students and our families, along with staff and faculty, have been vocal about how funding cuts and tuition fee increases will impact our campuses and Nova Scotia as a whole," said Gabe Hoogers, National Executive Representative of the Canadian Federation of Students – Nova Scotia. "It's unfortunate that the Dexter government is continuing to shut Nova Scotians out of important decisions that will impact our future."Negotiations for the last MOU included student representation, but neither staff nor faculty were represented. In response to a questionnaire in advance of the 2009 provincial election, the NDP stated, "The NDP will engage pose-secondary education partners – students, teachers, and support staff – to help define Nova Scotia's goals for higher education." As of now, the government has not indicated when or if a new memorandum will be negotiated with the universities, or who would be participating in that process.