A few months ago, many observers no longer even believed in the emergence of the University of French Ontario (UOF). It is true that the course of this university of a new kind took place in zigzag: steps for decades; announcement of its creation; decline of the Ontario government in 2018; then, finally, a decisive federal-provincial agreement for its funding ($126 million over eight years, or 93 million euros). Pandemic obliges, the study permits were then slow to arrive, but today, it is done: this project materialized in September 2021!
Located in Toronto, at the water’s edge and surrounded by imposing skyscrapers, the UOF deviates from the traditional models. The courses are offered in face-to-face and virtual mode at the same time. And two teachers are present at all class sessions. “This establishment is also innovative by its very existence, jubilant the rector, Pierre Ouellette. There was no French-language university in Toronto, the largest city in the country, while the French-speaking population there is both high and growing.”
Two-thirds of foreign students
In the early days, the UOF virtually hosted around 90 students, two-thirds of whom came from abroad. A surprising proportion since the university had not launched any international recruitment campaign. Some of them, like Gradora Molaire, a 24-year-old student of Haitian origin, learned about it by accidentally clicking on the university’s Instagram page. “The echo was much greater internationally than at the national level, recognizes Paulin Mulatris, vice-rector for studies and research. Fieldwork must be carried out with Francophone communities in Ontario and Canada.”
Because, in the first place, this project was aimed at young Ontarians. Over the years, studies and other expert committee reports had shown that Francophones in the center-southwest of the province had, compared to Anglophones, “extremely limited access” to college and university programs in French. . A nice understatement since the rates were between… 0 and 3%. However, some 38% of the region’s Francophones live in this territory which includes Toronto, London, Guelph and other municipalities. But many attend reputable English-speaking universities, which offer a wide variety of programs.
Awareness of fake news
To stand out, the Université de l’Ontario français has therefore launched four centers of study, one of which is practically unique. The “digital cultures pole” dissects the issues related to the Internet and social networks: misinformation, the consequences on private life, cyberaddiction… Teachers seek above all to raise awareness among young people and make them understand ” that a medium is never neutral and that Facebook, for example, is driven by an algorithm”, as noted by the head of this program, Hela Zahar. “Here, we are taught to inform ourselves well and not to give in to infox”, confirms Gradora Molaire.
To impose itself, the UOF will however have to convince young French-speakers of the “relevance” of the university and its programs. “It will take years, but we expect it,” said Pierre Ouellette. “The creation of a new education program in September could, however, change the situation,” says Paulin Mulatris. Because, in fact, Ontario still lacks French-speaking teachers today. Quite a symbol.