More than 10 programs are being suspended at SLC’s Brockville campus. Why is this happening and what does it mean for students and the community?
The news that St. Lawrence College (SLC) is suspending 40 per cent of its programs beginning in the spring came as a blow to many across Eastern Ontario, particularly to the communities of Kingston, Brockville and Cornwall where the college’s main campuses are located.
Brockvilleist reached to SLC to break down exactly why this is happening, and what it means for current and prospective students, as well as the community at large.
The following information is taken from answers provided by SLC President and CEO Glenn Vollebregt.
What programs will be suspended at the Brockville campus?
- Business Fundamentals
- General Arts and Science
- General Arts and Science Diploma
- Hairstyling
- Media Arts Fundamentals
- Mental Wellness and Addictions Worker
- Music Theatre – Performance
- Music Theatre – Performance (Queen’s)
- Office Administration – General
- Office Administration – Health Services
- Police Foundations
- Visual and Creative Arts – Fine Arts
What does this mean for students currently enrolled in these programs?
All current students will be able to complete their programs.
“We are ensuring our current students enrolled in programs that are being suspended know that their studies can continue as planned – nothing will change,” Vollebregt said. “For people who were interested in, or who had applied to programs that are being suspended, we are helping them evaluate their options so their academic journey can continue.”
How did you determine what programs would be suspended?
Programs that are projected to have drastically reduced enrolment, do not directly map to labour market needs, and that are not financially viable are being suspended, Vollebregt explained to Brockvilleist.
Why is this happening?
According to Vollebregt, it’s due to changes first announced by the federal government in January 2024 that impacted international students’ access to study in Canada.
“The reduced number of study permits being granted, the confusion and uncertainty caused by adding steps and increasing the complexity for students to come to Canada, and the restricted eligibility for post-graduate work permits for many SLC programs has drastically reduced the number of students able to study with us,” Vollebregt told Brockvilleist.
What percentage of SLC’s students were international in the past compared to now?
One year ago, SLC ‘s student body hosted just over 50 per cent international students, and projected fall enrollment for this year is just over 20 per cent.
“For fall 2024, just over 2,500 international students were enrolled at SLC’s main campuses in Kingston, Brockville, and Cornwall, a reduction of approximately 1,000 students compared to the prior year,” Vollebregt explains. “When you consider that SLC’s affiliate partner Alpha College is winding down as a result of mandated government policy, SLC has experienced a further reduction of another 1,000 international students overall.”
Will any employees be laid off or suspended as a result of these changes?
Vollebregt said that information about possible layoffs is not available at this time.
“As next steps, we will look at what this means for our college and community and any decisions we make will be guided by ensuring our strategic plan, operational needs, and financial realities are aligned. We do want to confirm that current programs being suspended for future intakes will continue, and some have 18 to 24 months or more of programming to offer, to ensure our students can complete their studies.”
How will the college move forward from here?
“We remain hopeful the Ontario government will see colleges are willing partners in helping the province to grow and thrive,” Vollebregt said.
He explained that in the past 12 months, SLC has “navigated repeated government policy decisions that limit our ability to serve our communities.
“We are committed to reimagining our college to ensure we remain financially sustainable, and so we can continue to deliver programming that meets labour market needs while providing access to high-quality, practical education for students as we have done for almost sixty years.”
He added that “colleges have been underfunded for over a decade, and Ontario colleges have the lowest tuition and funding support in Canada. Across the sector, colleges are reducing operations and program offerings to become more sustainable, yet post-secondary education is an incredibly valuable investment for any government, when you consider that highly trained and motivated graduates drive industry and help grow the economy.”