Institutional dynamics and the changing student population in francophone contexts
Mar 5, 2025 — All day
The Observatoire sur l'éducation en contexte linguistique minoritaire in collaboration with the Collège des chaires de recherche sur le monde francophone and the CIRCEM (Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Citizenship and Minorities), invites you to attend this event on March 5 at the Alex Trebek Alumni Hall.
Description
The student body in higher education in Ontario, as in other Canadian provinces, is diversifying, particularly at French-language institutions and those offering programs in French. This growing heterogeneity of student populations manifests in various forms, ranging from older, first-generation students who have benefited from assistance and adaptation measures at lower academic levels, to those who express themselves in French that deviates from the predominant norm at their new institution. Some students have previously attended school in another province or territory, or abroad, and often juggle studies with work, family responsibilities, and community involvement. Faced with this growing diversification, school and educational program managers are rethinking how to welcome and support these new student populations.
This symposium offers an occasion to explore the issues and expand our understanding of practical solutions that involve faculty, students as well as the community, political and employment sectors.
Program
| Time | Description |
| 10:00am - 10:15am | Welcome and opening remarks |
| 10:15am - 12pm | Panel 1: Killing two birds with one stone: An examination of the debates and issues surrounding the issue of international francophone students in a minority context |
| This panel will address the motivations and experiences of international francophone students, their interest in Canada and the challenges they face, as well as the interest of institutions in recruiting them, the challenges involved and the support services offered. The crucial role of these students for francophone communities, the impact of changing immigration policies and recommendations for the various players involved will also be discussed. | |
| 12pm - 1pm | Lunch break and buffet |
| 1pm - 2:30pm | Panel 2 - Diversifying the student population and adapting post-secondary institutions |
| This panel will examine the motivations of new student populations for post-secondary education, and the influence of their experiences on their academic careers. It will also examine the impact of demographic transformations on institutions offering programs in French, the constraints encountered in meeting the needs of this diverse population, and the adaptations made to programs and services. | |
| 2:30pm - 3pm | Health break |
| 3pm - 4pm | Panel 3 - The changing role of educational institutions in minority language contexts |
| This roundtable will bring together key stakeholders to discuss how post-secondary institutions can fulfill their community mission in a minority context, in the face of diversifying student populations. The evolution of French-language institutions, the question of institutional completeness, the management of diverse mandates and funding issues will be addressed. Small-group workshops will follow to deepen reflections; findings will be shared in plenary. | |
| 4:30pm - 5pm | Closing session followed by a networking cocktail reception |
