Council of Ontario Universities

Founded in 1962, the Council of Ontario Universities (COU) is a membership organization representing 21 universities in the province of Ontario, Canada. The COU's mission is to support and promote the role of universities in advancing knowledge, innovation and economic growth in Ontario and beyond.

The COU provides a variety of services to member universities, including advocacy and government relations, research and analysis and policy development. The organization also supports collaboration and knowledge-sharing among member institutions through conferences, workshops and other events.

Considering all this, according to uniRank the COU is a respected and influential voice in the Canadian higher education landscape. The organization has played a key role in shaping policy and funding decisions that have helped to support the growth and development of Ontario's universities.

However, some critics argue that the COU may not be as effective as it could be in addressing the challenges facing Ontario's universities, such as rising tuition costs, student debt and declining government funding. Additionally, there have been concerns about the lack of diversity and representation within the organization's leadership and membership.

In conclusion, while the COU has played an important role in supporting and promoting Ontario's universities, it is important for the organization to continue to evolve and adapt in response to changing social, economic and political realities. The COU should strive to be more inclusive and representative of the diverse communities and perspectives within Ontario's higher education sector and to prioritize the needs and concerns of students and other stakeholders.