Holland College program cuts disappointing, students say

Some Holland College students say they're disappointed by the school's program cuts, but remain hopeful of a solution. 

Prince Edward Island's biggest community college announced on Friday that eight of its programs will be phased out and three more will be downsized due to a drop in revenue tied to lower enrolment of international students. 

"Any time you see cuts or downsizing, it's a little discouraging," said Zachary Dawkins, a second-year student in the business administration program at Holland College. 

While the announcement wasn't shocking, Dawkins said he was somewhat surprised and disappointed. 

"Architectural design is something that's up-and-coming in my opinion, and marketing is a pretty big program as well," he said, noting that some of his basketball teammates are enrolled in those programs, which are among the eight set to be suspended. 

While the cuts may affect the reputation of the school, making it less attractive to prospective students, Dawkins said he thinks Holland College will find a solution. 

"Holland's a pretty good school, so I'm sure they'll bounce back," he said. 

'We still have a significant financial hill to climb' 

While the school is looking into projects and opportunities to resolve its financial challenges, the next few school years will continue to be affected, said Sandy MacDonald, the president and CEO of Holland College. 

"The financial situation we're experiencing this year will continue into next year," he said. 

"We still have a significant financial hill to climb for the next fiscal year." 

For the three programs being downsized, that means there will be fewer seats available in those classes in the upcoming school year, MacDonald said. 

For the eight programs being suspended, there will be no new students enrolled in the programs, and those who have already begun their studies will be able to complete their second year. 

"The program isn't gone next year," MacDonald said. "It's still in its second year, so that gives us time then if we can get industry interested in telling us that there's more opportunities here." 

Effects on the labour market 

If the industries that employ graduates of one of the suspended programs indicate that there is a need in the labour market for skilled workers in that field, Holland College could bring the program back if there are enough students to fill it, MacDonald said. 

"If we don't get … some feedback that the program is viable, then we'll just keep it in suspension for a period of time," he said. 

MacDonald said the program cuts will cause a loss to the community that's more important than the college's loss in revenue, adding that many students at Holland College work in a variety of industries on the Island. 

"We don't know yet the full impact on the labour market, but it's fair to say it's going to be significant," he said.  

For Alondra Velasco, an international student in her second year of studies in the rehab assistant program, the college's announcement about program cuts was shocking. 

Velasco said she was glad to see that her program isn't on the list of those affected, adding that it's a great program she hopes other students will have the opportunity to experience. 

She said she's heard that international students are not coming to Canada because of government policies related to residency and work permits that make it more difficult for newcomers to work in the country. 

"Staying here as an international student — that's what we want. We want to … work here and be productive to the Canadian community, too," Velasco said.