Post secondary education law on the Internet.

• Author: Footz, Valerie

The challenges facing traditional post secondary institutions in North America are daunting. Increased competition from private institutions, alternative delivery mechanisms like the World Wide Web, and fewer resources have made it necessary for a reexamination of the way education is provided. The government is still looked to for direction although their role has lessened. The courts have had to step in occasionally to decide the legality of some of the changes. Finding Canadian sources for legal information about post secondary institutions is surprisingly difficult; the following sites are useful for obtaining a complete picture about the fundamental shifts.

In Alberta, the best place to find a complete listing of statutes and regulations regarding post secondary institutions is Alberta Learning's Legislation site www.aecd.gov.ab.ca/learning/legislation.htm. The main statutes, including the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act, Colleges Act, Technical Institutes Act, and Universities Act, are available for consultation. These acts detail the boundaries within which these institutions must operate. In addition, a link to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act is provided.

Alberta Learning has also posted supporting documents which impact the post secondary environment. Specifically, under the Publications and Policies section www.aecd.gov.ab.ca/learning/publications.html, the Tuition Fee Policy and Campus Alberta project are available.

The Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board www.tradesecrets.org provides basic information about apprentices in Alberta. "The Library" has several useful link, within it including trade and occupational information, forms, and news releases. The Apprenticeship and Industry Training Amendment Act, 2000 www.tradesecrets.org/library/vision.htm explains the changes which are pending to the existing system. The Frequently Asked Questions section serves as an overview to apprenticeship in Alberta.

The Alberta Transfer Guide www.aecd.gov.ab.ca/acat is produced by the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer. It delineates the transfer agreements for courses among post secondary institutions. The Council is responsible for setting the policies and procedures for transfers.

The Special Senate Committee on Post Secondary Education's Final Report " (1997) www.parl.gc.ca/36/1/parlbus/commbus/ senate/com-e/post-e/rep-e/repfinaldec97-e.htm examines issues including students in minorities...