The president of the North Island College Faculty Association said Thursday’s decision to suspend 15 programs is a devastating blow to post-secondary access for students in the North Island region.
Background: NIC board approves suspension of 15 programs : My Comox Valley Now
Jen Wrye said there was a sense of resignation and grief at the Courtenay campus Friday as staff and students worked to digest the impact of the decision from the college’s board of governors.
She said she is hopeful the college will work with affected students to ensure they are supported and that staff positions will be reduced only if necessary.
Jen Wrye comments:
“What we want to see is the college ensure that everybody who is enrolled in their programs have an opportunity to finish in a timeline that is reasonable for them,” said Wrye. “We hope that will mean the programs support both full-time and part-time enrolled students.”
A statement from North Island College said supporting affected students is its top priority. The college reaffirmed its commitment to helping those impacted understand their options and assisting them in completing their studies.
Wrye emphasized the decision was a cost-cutting measure and said most of the affected programs had strong enrolment.
Jen Wrye comments:
“Many of the suspended programs have strong enrolment and meet regional education and labour market needs,” said Wrye. “The faculty who teach are passionate about their area and dedicated to student success and learning.”
The suspension of 15 programs at the college will take effect in September.
The following programs will be suspended:
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
