Goodbye resort management - the Squamish campus diploma program is the latest to be axed because of Capilano University's tight budget.
For the past six years, the local campus has offered the two-year Destination Resort Management Program. Although it produced some terrific graduates and was run successfully, it's been re-assessed, said Chris Bottrill, the university's Squamish campus dean.
"We think that probably a one-year program is a stronger fit for the [Sea to Sky] corridor," he said. "We will make a decision on that soon."
The university is masking cuts as a realignment, said David Clarkson, a student representative on the board of governors. The latest curriculum drop follows a string of reductions spurred by a lack of government funding, he said, noting the Liberals have frozen the university's operating grant.
Last year, the board cut 40 per cent of the adult basic education (ABE) courses at its Squamish campus. The programs help locals work toward Grade 12 equivalency requirements, prepare for General Education Development (GED) exams and meet course requirements for career and vocational training.
The new loss puts a further strain on students, Clarkson said, adding he is concerned about what this cut means generally to post-secondary education in Squamish.
"It's bad because some people attending these programs can't get to [the North Vancouver campus]," he said, warning if the program isn't replaced quickly he's worried it will drop from the radar.
As with all institutions, Capilano is constantly challenged to run programs that are not at absolute maximum enrolment, Bottrill said. Last year, the resort management course comprised of 16 students.
"That is just the reality of our funding situation for our programs at these post-secondary institutions," he said. "And it is getting tighter."
The potential cut is not a reflection of the Squamish campus or the community, Bottrill noted. The university is constantly adapting its courses to fit with local needs, he said, adding the institution's new business management program is an example of that.
"I really think that is a key area we can service the community well with," he said, noting in the District of Squamish's last economic development survey, 21 per cent of businesses recognized the need to build a stronger employee base.
