North Island College is suspending 15 programs after its board approved recommendations from an expedited program review.
Board of Governors chair Nancy Arsenault said the decision balanced community input with budget pressures and provincial directives.
“This was a careful and considered decision by the Board,” said Arsenault. “In reaching it, the Board considered information gathered through NIC’s EPIA process, including enrolment data, financial efficiency, employment outcomes and alignment with the college’s provincial mandate.”
The college said the suspensions are not cancellations. Instead, each program will be reviewed over the next two years, while current students will be supported through completion plans.
NIC cited declining international enrolment and a provincial push to align programs with labour market demand as key factors in the decision.
A statement from the college said plans will be developed for each suspended program to revise, reimagine or re-evaluate its future.
“Supporting affected students is a priority for NIC,” reads a statement from the college. “The college is committed to helping those impacted understand their options, while also assisting them in completing their studies.”
The following programs are affected:
Continuing Education and Training
Adventure Guiding Certificate
Hospital Unit Clerk Certificate
Arts, Science and Management
Bachelor of Business Administration – Marketing
Global Business Management Postgraduate Diploma
Digital Design and Development Postgraduate Certificate
Digital Design and Development Postgraduate Diploma
Web and Mobile Application Development Diploma
Web Design Fundamentals Certificate
Advanced Digital Design and Development Diploma
Android Application Development Certificate
Fine Arts Diploma
Trades and Technology
Coastal Forestry Diploma
Coastal Forestry Certificate
Furniture Design and Joinery Certificate
Health and Human Services
Human Services Diploma
“We reflected on the many community voices and weighed our responsibility to balance the budget,” said Arsenault. “We also worked to meet the directives of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, to whom the Board is accountable.”
NIC said it will develop completion plans to ensure all current students can finish their programs.
The college added that under Policy 3-20, “suspension” means intake of new students is halted and the program is removed from the academic calendar for up to two years.
