As colleges slash programs, concern grows about less choice for students, and impact to workforce
The recent announcement by Centennial College to halt nearly a third of its programs has sent shockwaves of panic throughout the Toronto-area institution. Vivian Eke, the student association vice-president at Centennial’s Story Arts campus, expressed deep concern over the impact of these drastic cuts. The measures introduced by Ottawa to reduce the number of international students, who have been a significant source of revenue for post-secondary institutions, have added to the uncertainty and upheaval among students.
Eke, who is studying 3D animation, described the situation as “jumping from one bad situation to another.” The higher tuition fees paid by international students have long been a crucial source of funding for colleges, particularly in Ontario. However, with the recent cuts affecting a wide range of programs, colleges are facing unprecedented challenges. The decision to suspend programs has left students like Eke worried about the future of their education and how it will impact their peers who may not have a straightforward path to graduation.
Pari Johnston, president of Colleges and Institutes Canada, emphasized that while it is natural for programs to evolve based on local labor market needs and enrollment trends, the scale of the cuts in Ontario is unprecedented. Several colleges in the province, including St. Lawrence College in Kingston, have suspended a significant number of programs, citing factors such as projected enrollment, financial sustainability, and labor market demand.
Glenn Vollebregt, president of St. Lawrence College, explained that the decisions to suspend programs were not taken lightly and that efforts would be made to support current students through the transition. However, the impact on the wider community is already being felt, with student association president Jon Hauth receiving emails from disappointed incoming students who were looking forward to starting specific programs.
Post-secondary researcher and consultant Alex Usher warned that the overall cuts across Ontario could reach up to 1,000 programs, leading to significant workforce shortages in key sectors. The financial challenges faced by colleges, exacerbated by the reliance on international student revenue, could result in reduced class offerings, fewer electives, and cuts to student services and IT systems.
Johnston expressed concerns about the long-term effects of the cuts on smaller, mid-sized, and remote communities, where colleges play a vital role in providing skilled workers. The changes to postgraduate work permits for international students could further disrupt the flow of graduates into local workforces, impacting sectors such as automotive and electric vehicle technician training.
As colleges across Canada grapple with program reductions, hiring freezes, and shrinking budgets, Johnston warned that the country’s public training capacity is at risk. She stressed the importance of colleges in training essential workers and caregivers that Canadians rely on, emphasizing the need to address the pan-Canadian problem facing the post-secondary education sector.
In conclusion, the impact of the program cuts at Centennial College and other institutions in Ontario and across Canada is significant and far-reaching. Students, faculty, and communities are facing uncertainty and challenges as colleges navigate the financial pressures and changing landscape of post-secondary education. It is essential for policymakers, stakeholders, and institutions to work together to address the broader implications of these cuts and ensure the continued strength and resilience of Canada’s public training capacity.
