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The Vice-Rector for Academic and International Affairs at Laval University stated that she sees ample opportunities for joint work between Canadian institutions and the CRUCH universities.
As part of the joint work between the CALDO group of Canada and the Council of Rectors (CRUCH), we present a series of interviews with representatives of the Canadian delegation.
In this publication, we talk to Nicole Lacasse, Vice-Rector for Academic and International Affairs at Laval University.
-Based on the work developed in this workshop, how do you envision future collaboration with the Cruch?
We had a good exchange between both groups, and I think we can do a lot together. Because we have so many possibilities, we need to define exactly where we begin. We've seen that we already have some joint activities, but they're individual. I'm leaving with a good impression of this workshop; it shows we can continue working together and that it wasn't just a meeting and nothing more.
-What might be a good starting point for collaboration?
Joint supervision could be a good starting point, since the purpose of this meeting was doctoral training and internationalization options in this field. Joint supervision would be a good step toward improving our collaboration, but it's just the beginning. We also need to discuss student and researcher exchanges, joint seminars for faculty at the research level, and other related topics.
-From Laval, what are the areas in which you would be interested in working with Chile?
We already collaborate with Chilean universities in some areas. We have a mining engineering program, and we also work on forestry and environmental issues with Chilean universities, but here I discovered that we could develop the area of anthropology, because we have good programs and research centers where we seek to investigate and work with our native peoples; that would be a good area to develop.
I was surprised that no one at the workshop mentioned the need to work in the area of general education, since we could collaborate in that area, given that it's an area that's currently awaiting major reform in Chile. For me, it's an important issue.
-You mentioned in your presentation that more than a problem of resources, the biggest problem is the recognition of courses by universities, why does this happen?
This is because the professors responsible for recognizing courses taken abroad are looking for them to be exactly the same as the courses taken at the home university. But we have to understand that if you're going to study abroad, you shouldn't expect them to do the same thing; it's necessary to understand that the added value comes from the difference.
For example, we run a dual-degree master's program with France in Environmental Law. This was interesting because we were very familiar with American law and they with European legislation, so the students learn both legal systems and ultimately you have a better-trained Environmental Law professional.
-How can we work on this issue with academics?
At Laval, 15 years ago, if we asked them to recognize the equivalency of a course, we'd send them the syllabus and they'd tell us it wasn't equivalent. Now we work with the program director, telling them they're in charge of mobility and course recognition. We also ask them to choose which institutions to collaborate with; while we help and support, the project belongs to them. So now, when they evaluate a course that isn't exactly the same as the one they offer, but that can add significant value, they validate it. Something positive happens when you put people in charge.
-How to choose the institutions with which to collaborate?
There are two alternatives. We have strategic partners, and in that category we are thinking of a large university, the same size as us, because for a general relationship we need to have several faculties to generate relationships between them and it has to be a meaningful alliance for both.
Another alternative is to support researchers already working together. A small university with a specific area of excellence can be a good partner in this approach. In this case, an institutional commitment isn't required; it often comes down to a personal commitment from the academics. We let them work and provide the necessary support. Generally, when working with small universities, we use this system: having a concrete project proposal. If it's realistic, we support it and carry it out.
Interview with Alain Boutet, Director of International Relations, Dalhousie University
Interview with Gary Slater, Vice President for Student Affairs, University of Ottawa
Photograph: U. de Laval
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