Christian Higher Education Canada - networks schools

Thirty-three Christian institutions of post-secondary education belong to Christian Higher Education Canada (CHEC).

Options spoke to Justin Cooper - chair of CHEC and president of Redeemer University College, in Ancaster, Ontario. Cooper is enthusiastic about CHEC's future role in developing collaborative opportunities in several areas, including professional development, marketing research, along with joint public relations and promotional campaigns.

"We want to raise the overall level of professionalism and collaboration between colleges," he said.

Asked what he sees ahead for this network of higher education institutions, he responded, "Firstly, we have engaged Ipsos Reid to conduct a $150,000 survey in order to find out how Christian schools are thought of by potential students, parents and others, and better assess what it is they are looking for in educational needs."

He said results from the study will be forthcoming this spring, and will be helpful for schools in planning for the 2008 academic year.

"Secondly, we are planning a significant national forum that will include academic officers, deans of students and other leaders involved in Christian higher education throughout Canada, for the fall of 2008.

"Thirdly, we are beginning to network establishments to get a better fix on outcome assessments."