Algonquin College is now set to decide on whether to cut more than 30 programs at a March 2 virtual board of governors meeting.
The
latest round of program cuts
was originally
proposed in late January
, with the board of governors set to decide on Feb. 23. Then, the college
decided to postpone its decision
as it assessed the impact of a new funding announcement from the Ontario government.
In a Feb. 26 email to college staff, Algonquin College president Claude Brulé stated that the college has since received additional information from the province on how funding can be incorporated into the college’s “operational outlook.”
“What remains clear is that financial mitigation efforts must continue to ensure the college’s long-term sustainability,” Brulé wrote.
“This includes aligning programming with enrolment demand, labour market needs, provincial priorities, and financial reality.”
The March 2 meeting will be held virtually “in full alignment with the ministry’s direction and our obligation to conduct a public meeting, ensuring transparency and accessibility for all attendees.”
This round of proposed cuts has sparked outcry in the community, as students and faculty fight to voice the importance of the postsecondary programs in their respective industries. Programs on the chopping block include
journalism
,
concept art
and financial services.
“We recognize these decisions are difficult, but immediate steps are necessary to ensure stability for our learners, employees, and the College’s future,” Brulé wrote.
This is the second round of major cuts for Algonquin. Last year, 37 programs, plus another four “dormant” programs, were cut and the college announced it was
selling its Perth campus
.
