What does COU mean in UNIVERSITIES

The Council of Ontario Universities (COU) is an organization composed of the 21 publicly-funded universities in the province of Ontario. COU works to strengthen and advocate for Ontario's universities, ensuring their place as leading research institutions and vibrant centres of learning that benefit and have an impact on all Ontarians.

The COU facilitates dialogue between its members, government agencies, stakeholders and other organizations on matters related to higher education in the province. Through regular meetings and consultations, the COU illustrates how universities are positive catalysts for economic growth and community development.

The member universities currently include Algoma University, Brock University, Carleton University, Lakehead University, Laurentian University, McMaster University, Nipissing University, OCAD University, Queen's University, Ryerson University, Trent University, Université de Hearst (affiliate member), University of Guelph, University of King's College (affiliate member),University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT),University Of Ottawa/Université d'Ottawa (U Ottawa),University Of Toronto/Université De Toronto (Uoft Canada),University Of Waterloo/Université De Waterloo (UWaterloo), Western University,Wilfrid Laurier University/ Univeristé Wilfrid Laurier (Laurier).

The COU advocates for policies that advance access to a quality university education; fosters collaboration among postsecondary institutions in research collaborations; strengthens university-government relations; enhances public understanding and support for university initiatives; ensures university autonomy; encourages public recognition and supports excellence at schools across the province.

The COU promotes a number of innovative initiatives such as opening up access to higher education through articulation agreements with colleges; providing open educational resources to students free-of-charge; developing student mobility programs that facilitate credit transfer between postsecondary institutions; advocating degrees tailored to meet skills shortages in today’s labour market; supporting Indigenous students through bursary programs and other initiatives.

Yes! Since its formation in 1972, The COU has formed numerous international partnerships with leading education bodies worldwide such as those from Japan and New Zealand which enable mutual exchanges between faculty members or allows students to pursue part or full degree courses abroad. Furthermore, these partnerships ensure strong linkages between participating institutions enabling more opportunities for exchange programs or collaborative research projects.