A $1.3 million budgetary shortfall has forced Capilano University to cut its adult-based learning at the Squamish campus, a move that has left students like Tammy George in the lurch.
Everybody has to go to North Vancouver to take the classes, she said, noting many students don't have vehicles or work hours that allow for the commute. A lot of people can't get to Vancouver.
The current class includes students from throughout the Sea to Sky Corridor, George said. Many of the pupils previously worked in trades that have seen a decline or don't exist in Squamish the logging and pulp industries and were enrolled in the course to re-educate themselves, she noted.
This is really important, George said. We need this for various reasons.
The budgetary shortfall is forcing the post-secondary institution to make some tough decisions, said Bill Gibson, Cap U's vice-president and academic provost. Operating costs continue to face inflationary pressures. The transition from a college to a university in 2008 has resulted in increased expenses, while the institution's provincial operating grant remains flat, he said, noting it makes up for 42 per cent of Cap U's budget.
As a result, officials are eyeing intake reductions to maintain the service levels, Gibson said. Officials estimate the university will ultimately be forced to cut up to 220 classes. The proposed budget also axes multiple departments, including Applied Business, Computing Science and Kinesiology.
In the university's School of Art and Design, various two-year diploma programs have been suspended. But the second year of any two-year program will continue to be offered in the 2013-'14 academic year, Gibson noted.
They will be taught out, he said.
Squamish's Adult Basic Education program wasn't producing the desired results, Gibson said. Only 14 per cent of its students entered into the university stream, compared to the provincial average of 33 per cent and the North Shore average of 54 per cent, he said, noting the classes were also smaller than anticipated.
Besides the Adult Basic Education course suspension at the Squamish campus, the campus will also have adjustments made in community development and outreach initiatives.
Gibson said he doesn't see the campus closing altogether. It's an important economic driver in the corridor, he said.
I think there is an obligation to providing some post-secondary education in the corridor, Gibson said.
Many colleges and universities are facing similar budgetary challenges, as the provincial grants affect all of them, Gibson said. At the same time, the Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology regulates tuition increases this year the jump was limited to two per cent.
The university's board of governors is scheduled to vote on the budget recommendations on Tuesday, May 14.
View video -
