In a recent essay on the current state of university education in Canada, Ron Srigley wrote: "There is no real education anymore, but I still have to create the impression that education is happening. Students will therefore come to class, but they will not learn. Professors will give lectures, but they will not teach. Students will receive grades, but they will not earn them. Awards and degrees will be granted, but they will exist only on paper. Smiling students will be photographed at graduation, but they will not be happy."

Professor Srigley has been teaching for more than two decades and is currently at the University of Prince Edward Island in the Department of Religious Studies, where he teaches classical philosophy, religion and literature. He talks with Michael about everything from grade inflation, to students who can't read or write, to the burgeoning number of administrators and fund-raisers.

This is the first in a series of interviews we are planning about universities in Canada. If you have ideas for the series, or you would like to contribute a comment, please email us at thesundayedition@cbc.ca.