THE ACPQ GRANTS ITS 2019 INNOVATION AWARD TO MARIANOPOLIS COLLEGE  Montreal, May 29, 2019 – The Association of Private Colleges of Quebec (ACPQ) is proudto present this year’s Innovation Award to Marianopolis College for creating Horizonsimaginaires, a platform for students in the college network to discover, create and discussFrench-language science fiction. Under the guidance of Marianopolis Modern Languages Professor Mathieu Lauzon-Dicso,this innovative project brought about the creation of an online community and anintercollegiate literary prize, awarded by a jury comprised of students. The ACPQ selection committee noted the project’s collaborative nature and its engagementof both students and faculty. Each year, the award celebrates the innovative achievements of a person or group within aninstitution or the college network who has made a positive impact on private education’sreputation, quality of education, academic success, recruitment and regional economy. As part of the prestigious award, Marianopolis received a sculpture by Quebec artist DenisGagnon, entitled The Quest and evoking an ascension to magical horizons. The association represents 21 of the accredited private colleges in the province. Theseinstitutions offer pre-university and technical programs and services to a diverse studentclientele, leading to a Diploma of College Studies or an Attestation of Collegial Studies. - 30 - For more information Kathryn Haralambous Communications Manager Marianopolis College (514) 931-8792, ext. 204 Sherbrooke, September 26, 2018 - L’Association des collèges privés du Québec (ACPQ) is proud to announce the election of Christian Corno, Director General of Marianopolis College, as President of the ACPQ for a two-year term. He succeeds Michel April, who successfully completed four years at the helm of the Association. During their Annual General Meeting at Séminaire de Sherbrooke on September 24 and 25, ACPQ members expressed gratitude for the commitment Mr. April showed during his mandates. Sherbrooke, September 26, 2018 - L’Association des collèges privés du Québec (ACPQ) is proud to announce the election of Christian Corno, Director General of Marianopolis College, as President of the ACPQ for a two-year term. He succeeds Michel April, who successfully completed four years at the helm of the Association. During their Annual General Meeting at Séminaire de Sherbrooke on September 24 and 25, ACPQ members expressed gratitude for the commitment Mr. April showed during his mandates. The ACPQ General Council is now composed of: President: Christian Corno, Director General of Marianopolis College 1st Vice-President: Luc Pellerin, Director General of Collège Laflèche 2nd Vice-President: Patrick Caron, Director General of Collège André-Grasset Directors: Monique Bergeron, Director General of Institut Teccart; Jean-Bertin Gingras, Director General of Collège O’Sullivan de Québec; Yves Petit, General Director Director General of École de musique Vincent-d’Indy; Luc Thifault, Director General of Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf; and Robert Poulin, external member and retired Ministry of Education and Higher Education official. The General Council also includes: Marie-France Tassé, Academic Dean at LaSalle College, as President of the Commission des directions des études; Lucian Popa, Director of Financial Services at LaSalle College, President of the Commission des directions des services financiers; and Alain Turcotte, Director of Student services and Community Life at Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf, President of la Commission des Services aux étudiants. ACPQ Director General Patrick Bérubé is also a member of the General Council. About the ACPQ The Association represents 21 accredited private colleges in Montreal, Quebec City, Estrie, Mauricie and Outaouais, offering pre-university and technical programs and services to a diverse student clientele. Rooted in a tradition of excellence, these private colleges welcomed some 17,000 students in their programs in the 2017-2018 academic year, leading to a Diploma of College Studies or an Attestation of Collegial Studies. At the heart of the Association’s actions is the success of every student in the private colleges’ network. For information: Manon Bouchard, acpq@acpq.net Montreal, March 27, 2018 — L’Association des collèges privés du Québec (ACPQ) welcome the 2018-2019 budget. This budget positions education as a priority which will have a positive impact of the sustainable development of Quebec society.   Montreal, March 27, 2018 — L’Association des collèges privés du Québec (ACPQ) welcome the 2018-2019 budget. This budget positions education as a priority which will have a positive impact of the sustainable development of Quebec society. The Association salutes the continued investment in higher education that was implemented in 2017 and applauds the improvements announced for some of these investments, which are always in the interest of students. With the goal of increasing educational success, these additions include the pursuit of innovation, the training of the workforce and the implementation of the Digital Action Plan. In addition, $60 million has been allocated to the latter investment in higher education. The Quebec subsidized private colleges will actively contribute to the implementation of technological accessibility strategies.  More specifically in regard to training the workforce, the $10 million investment in the college network is a testamentto the government’s willingness to facilitate access to continuing education while offering the necessary flexibility to respond quickly to the needs of the labour market.  Consistent with the priorities given to education and higher education, the government has been open and has positioned itself as a current partner by integrating the modernization of funding for higher education institutions by investing $32 million in 2018–2019.  In conclusion, the 2018–2019 budget will allow subsidized private colleges to continue their educational mission and their role as leaders in the economic development of Quebec. On November 21, 2017, the ACPQ presented a memoir to the Commission de la culture et de l’éducation during the special consultations on Bill 151, An Act to prevent and combat sexual violence in higher education institutions. To read the document, you can click on the following link: bill 151 (text in French).On November 21, 2017, the ACPQ presented a memoir to the Commission de la culture et de l’éducation during the special consultations on Bill 151, An Act to prevent and combat sexual violence in higher education institutions. To read the document, you can click on the following link: bill 151 (text in French).Montreal, November 3, 2017 - L’Association des collèges privés du Québec (ACPQ) welcomes the bill to prevent and fight sexual violence in higher education institutions.  This bill was tabled November 1st by the Minister responsible for higher education. Indeed, private colleges already demonstrate their desire to be safe study and work places, free from sexual violence and where everyone’s dignity and physical integrity are respected. Montreal, November 3, 2017 - L’Association des collèges privés du Québec (ACPQ) welcomes the bill to prevent and fight sexual violence in higher education institutions.  This bill was tabled November 1st by the Minister responsible for higher education. Indeed, private colleges already demonstrate their desire to be safe study and work places, free from sexual violence and where everyone’s dignity and physical integrity are respected. The Association also applauds the fact that this bill and the strategy stand out by taking into account all those who attend higher education institutions, and that they consider, in particular, students with disabilities, sexual gender minorities and members of first nations communities. The ACPQ’s participation in the consultation process last August, has led to the Intervention strategy to prevent and fight sexual violence in higher education 2017–2022,  and is an example of the importance that subsidized private colleges give to this subject. Even before the introduction of this law, a consultation table, which will take place on November 16th, had already been organized knowing the importance of the situation. This exchange and reflection committee was set up to evaluate the different scenarios for implementing the future institutional policy provided by this bill. Although the ACPQ agrees with this bill and that several guidelines were needed to prevent and fight sexual violence, we are concerned about the implementation of a policy that would meet the needs and which would consider the specific realities of institutions. To implement such a policy, colleges must have the necessary resources, for example, to set up a complaint process and everything that this involves (reception, referral, support and accompanying victims). In this regard, the ACPQ hopes that the legislator will consider the capacity of institutions, particularly for the smallest colleges, when it will approve the list of prescriptive elements of the Act. In fact, more than fifty percent of subsidized private colleges have fewer than 500 students. The ACPQ will advocate for itself at the parliamentary commission on the precise content of the bill and will work to ensure that subsidized private institutions continue to implement all relevant means to fight sexual violence. About the ACPQ L’Association des collèges privés du Québec (ACPQ) represents 21 accredited private colleges in Montreal, Quebec City, Estrie, Mauricie, Monteregie, Centre-du-Québec and Outaouais, offering diverse pre-university and technical programs with a tradition of excellence, these private colleges welcomed some 17 000 students in their programs, leading to a Diploma of College Studies (DEC) or an Attestation d’études collégiales (AEC), in 2016–2017. At the heart of the Association’s actions is the success of its students. For more information, contact : Isabelle Quirion at acpq@acpq.net L’Association des Collèges privés du Québec (ACPQ) is proud to announce that it granted this year’s Prix des bâtisseurs to two centenary family-run colleges, Bart College and O’Sullivan College of Montreal during its Annual General Meeting, held at l’École nationale de cirque. “The Bart family and the Rousseau family have built colleges where the constant development of new training activities is at the root of their DNA,” said ACPQ Director General Pierre L’Heureux. L’Association des Collèges privés du Québec (ACPQ) is proud to announce that it granted this year’s Prix des bâtisseurs to two centenary family-run colleges, Bart College and O’Sullivan College of Montreal during its Annual General Meeting, held at l’École nationale de cirque. “The Bart family and the Rousseau family have built colleges where the constant development of new training activities is at the root of their DNA,” said ACPQ Director General Pierre L’Heureux. Each year, the ACPQ grants the award to a person or group who has made a significant impact on the recognition of Quebec’s private subsidized colleges, on the development of the network or on the quality of college education, in terms of ideas, organization or promotion. These are « les bâtisseurs », the builders, the men and women of the private college network who continue the strong tradition of offering quality education.This translates into an unprecedented level of academic and educational achievement for students who in the private-colleges network. These builders convey fundamental values such as honesty, responsibility and social commitment. They create an inspirational legacy. This year’s two winning colleges received a sculpture by Quebec artist Denis Gagnon. The sculpture is composed of an assembly of four glass plates mounted in superposition one above the other by means of glass beads. Each plate has a square of different colours, to represent the knowledge which is passed down from generation to generation, which will be polished by unique teaching of each subject.   About Bart College and O’Sullivan College of Montreal For more than 100 years, Bart College has been directed by four generations of the Bart family: Jean-Baptiste Bart; Jean-Guy Bart; Marjolaine Bart and Michel Bellerose; and now Dominique Bellerose Bart and Nicolas Bellerose. Since its founding, Bart has distinguished itself through the achievement of expertise that is directly transferable to the labour market in various sectors. This has correlated with the development of the labour market since 1917. At the end of their training, students are ready to meet the challenges of their new employer and to fully live their passion. Staff availability, the free placement assistance service, personalized services and student supervision are services that establish tThe College has established its solid reputation through staff availability, placement assistance, personalized services, student supervision and partnerships with major players in the training sectors. The Rousseau family has been closely linked with O’Sullivan College of Montreal since the school was founded in 1916. After having, respectively worked there as secretary and teacher, Mrs. and Mr. Rousseau were given the mandate to administer the College in 1931 and then acquire it in 1934. In 1961, following the death of Mr. Rousseau , their sons Rodolphe Rousseau joined the college and undertook major changes that transformed the small commercial college into a technical college with structures, an educational mission and development strategies. Today, the third-generation College is led by Joanne Rousseau, after 14 years as Director of Studies; Jacques Rousseau, Board Member; Lisanne Rousseau, Director of Marketing and Admissions and Placement Services; and Pierre Rousseau, who oversees material and physical resources. The College’s philosophy is based on three principles: exceptional quality of training; excellence of thought; and complete training of the person. O’Sullivan College of Montreal has maintained its leadership position in the development of quality programs where professors have a solid workplace experience that transforms theory into practice. O’Sullivan College of Montreal is recognized for its leadership and ability to think outside the box, including innovative models for programs. Montreal, September 11, 2017 - L’Association des collèges privés du Québec (ACPQ) expresses its concern about the position taken by the Parti Québécois at its recent congress on English colleges and the funding of private schools. According to Mr. Pierre L’Heureux, General direction of the ACPQ, the Association has always positioned the importance of freedom of choice as an invaluable right to the Quebec education system in regards to the language of instruction and the school network. This freedom of choice opens up a wide variety of institutions and programs, thus facilitating access to college studies that respond to the needs of students and which creates healthy competition between institutions.Montreal, September 11, 2017 - L’Association des collèges privés du Québec (ACPQ) expresses its concern about the position taken by the Parti Québécois at its recent congress on English colleges and the funding of private schools. According to Mr. Pierre L’Heureux, General direction of the ACPQ, the Association has always positioned the importance of freedom of choice as an invaluable right to the Quebec education system in regards to the language of instruction and the school network. This freedom of choice opens up a wide variety of institutions and programs, thus facilitating access to college studies that respond to the needs of students and which creates healthy competition between institutions. Moreover, ACPQ is proud of the innovative projects implemented in colleges where teams passionately work to develop students’ language skills. Language proficiency is a constant concern for teachers and leaders of the colleges, and this, in unity with their environment. A unified framework would limit the ability to offer multilingual experiences that are subsequently demanded, notably by the labour market. Another fact, the economic study by Pierre Fortin and Marc Van Audenrode, conducted in 2013, shows that the existence of the subsidized private college system saves the State up to $24 million annually (scenarios taking into account private college students to CEGEP, while the government would assume the total bill rather than just 60%). This observation was notably taken up by the Chair of la Commission de la révision permanente des programmes in the Report Cap sur la performance. Moreover, the efficiency of the private network (graduation rates) contributes to the annual income of the Quebec people, which can be as high as $400 million. For the ACPQ, Quebec’s priority remains access and success at the college level, taking into account the importance of language proficiency for students.Montreal, June 7, 2017 - The Association of Private Colleges of Quebec (ACPQ) is proud to present this year’s Innovation Award to Marianopolis College for its Pollinator Project and Green Classroom. Under the guidance of Biology Professor Michèle Saumier, this innovative project brought together the Marianopolis community in concrete terms around environmental issues. Each year, the ACPQ’s Innovation Award celebrates the innovative achievements of a person or group of people in an institution or the college network who have made a positive impact on private education’s reputation, quality of education, academic success, recruitment and regional economy. The ACPQ jury noted the project’s collaborative nature, focus on partnerships and support of sustainable development. Professor Saumier and her students created a bee garden, enriched the College’s butterfly garden and built a motel for insects, thus raising the Marianopolis community’s awareness of the important role that pollination plays in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. It was important for Professor Saumier to use a practical pedagogical approach to her students’ acquisition of skills. For example, students carried out extensive research to select plants that could attract bees, worked as a team and recruited volunteers to ensure the maintenance of the gardens. The benefits of the project were greater than expected. The entire Marianopolis community can now study, learn and relax in a peaceful green space. Marianopolis students pursuing an Environmental Studies Certificate will gain hands-on experience by helping to sustain the gardens next year. As part of the award, Marianopolis received a sculpture by Quebec artist Denis Gagnon, entitled The Earth’s gold. The inspiration of this piece is the importance of pollination in sustaining ecosystems. The work of bees is an essential part of the very existence of life on earth and pollen is a valuable substance providing the necessary balance for our presence in the great chain of life. To illustrate this simple and complex point, the artist inserted spaces covered in gold leaves where pollen is naturally found on flowers and insects. The glass engraving offers a gripping and luminous vision.Montreal, June 7, 2017 - The Association of Private Colleges of Quebec (ACPQ) is proud to present this year’s Innovation Award to Marianopolis College for its Pollinator Project and Green Classroom. Under the guidance of Biology Professor Michèle Saumier, this innovative project brought together the Marianopolis community in concrete terms around environmental issues. Each year, the ACPQ’s Innovation Award celebrates the innovative achievements of a person or group of people in an institution or the college network who have made a positive impact on private education’s reputation, quality of education, academic success, recruitment and regional economy. The ACPQ jury noted the project’s collaborative nature, focus on partnerships and support of sustainable development. Professor Saumier and her students created a bee garden, enriched the College’s butterfly garden and built a motel for insects, thus raising the Marianopolis community’s awareness of the important role that pollination plays in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. It was important for Professor Saumier to use a practical pedagogical approach to her students’ acquisition of skills. For example, students carried out extensive research to select plants that could attract bees, worked as a team and recruited volunteers to ensure the maintenance of the gardens. The benefits of the project were greater than expected. The entire Marianopolis community can now study, learn and relax in a peaceful green space. Marianopolis students pursuing an Environmental Studies Certificate will gain hands-on experience by helping to sustain the gardens next year. As part of the award, Marianopolis received a sculpture by Quebec artist Denis Gagnon, entitled The Earth’s gold. The inspiration of this piece is the importance of pollination in sustaining ecosystems. The work of bees is an essential part of the very existence of life on earth and pollen is a valuable substance providing the necessary balance for our presence in the great chain of life. To illustrate this simple and complex point, the artist inserted spaces covered in gold leaves where pollen is naturally found on flowers and insects. The glass engraving offers a gripping and luminous vision.The Association des collèges privés du Québec (ACPQ) was present at the national consultation for a policy on educational success held on December 1st and 2nd. Here are some segments of the president’s interventions, M. Michel April, CEO of Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf.The Association des collèges privés du Québec (ACPQ) was present at the national consultation for a policy on educational success held on December 1st and 2nd. Here are some segments of the president’s interventions, M. Michel April, CEO of Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf. In response to the consultation, the Association des collèges privés du Québec (ACPQ) submitted its memoire to the Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur. On november 11 th, officials of ACPQ showed the fruit of reflections and recommendations to the experts Mrs. Rachel Aubé and gentlemen Guy Demers and Louis Lefebvre.In response to the consultation, the Association des collèges privés du Québec (ACPQ) submitted its memoire to the Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur. On november 11 th, officials of ACPQ showed the fruit of reflections and recommendations to the experts Mrs. Rachel Aubé and gentlemen Guy Demers and Louis Lefebvre. ACPQ memoire about the project of Conseil des collèges du Québec, Commission mixte et propositions de modifications au Règlement sur le régime des études collégialesMontreal, July 12, 2016 - The Association des collèges privés du Québec (ACPQ) supports the formation of a Council of Quebec colleges and a Council of Quebec universities announced by the Minister of Higher Education, Ms. Hélène David . The ACPQ salute the leadership of Ms. David as she will take the initiative to quickly share the recommendations to be issued by Corbo and gentlemen Demers. The Association believes the establishment of a Joint Commission of colleges and universities will promote collaboration and cooperation.Montreal, July 12, 2016 - The Association des collèges privés du Québec (ACPQ) supports the formation of a Council of Quebec colleges and a Council of Quebec universities announced by the Minister of Higher Education, Ms. Hélène David . The ACPQ salute the leadership of Ms. David as she will take the initiative to quickly share the recommendations to be issued by Corbo and gentlemen Demers. The Association believes the establishment of a Joint Commission of colleges and universities will promote collaboration and cooperation. "The ACPQ’s network will participate with interest to the consultations and the work ahead. The development of colleges as leaders is part of morals subsidized private colleges and we believe in the power of network complementarity. The priority for student success is unequivocal and we will keep this value at the heart of our recommendations. "Said the President of ACPQ, Michel April. The ACPQ also guarantee support to Mr. Guy Demers for pursuing its reflection on the revision of the college’s plan. The Association has already ruled in favor of the recommendations included in the site’s report on the college training offers (2013) and the network of subsidized private colleges is ready to implement pilot projects that will enable the emergence of the best practices.