The Transformation of Three Colleges to Institutes of Technology and Advanced Learning

The Transformation of Three Colleges to Institutes of Technology and Advanced Learning Gina Marie Antonacci University of Toronto, Canada This qualitative, exploratory study focuses on the transformation of three of Ontario’s public colleges as they became Institutes of Technology and Advanced Learning (ITALs) with the capacity to offer up to 15 percent of their programming as baccalaureate degrees. The data were gathered through interviews with past and present policy and institutional leaders, as well as current ITAL administrators and faculty. In addition, a document analysis provided insight into the manner in which the transformation was reflected through publications and documents. This study found that as the ITALs transformed incrementally, there was a shift in their institutional identities. As they began to offer degrees, in addition to their traditional credentials, the ITALs changed. They introduced new regulations, policies and processes, resulting in a change to the manner in which the institutions operated on a daily basis. As they transformed, the ITALs experienced challenges as the new rules, regulations and responsibilities of degree offering were introduced and layered on to their traditional program offerings. At the same time, the transformation provided meaningful opportunities for the ITALs as their mandate evolved. This study addresses the transformed mandate of the ITALs and contemplates the possibility of an alternate post-secondary system design in Ontario. CONTACT Gina Marie Antonacci gina.antonacci@humber.ca Degree and year: PhD, 2020 Supervisor: Professor Leesa Wheelahan, University of Toronto, Canada JOURNAL OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING 2021, VOL. 73, NO. 4, 609 https://doi.org/10.1080/13636820.2021.1995653 © 2021 The Vocational Aspect of Education Ltd