President Trotter acknowledges the challenges ahead and outlines plans to protect programs and restructure for sustainability.
Note: This message is presented as it was originally shared with the college community and may no longer reflect the most current information. For the latest updates and details, please visit Camosun’s Future.
Special CamNews
Whether you’re a faculty member, instructor, assist students, work with college partners, or help keep campuses running smoothly, you represent the excellence of the Camosun Advantage. I sincerely appreciate the incredible work you do to support students on their educational path.
However, it is important to acknowledge that the college is facing budget pressures and, unfortunately, employees are feeling the pressure and stress. I truly wish we were in a different situation but we have been left with no further options.
Changes by the federal government
Reforms by the federal government to the international student program are deeply unfair to colleges as well as employees and students. In particular, the unfair removal of post-graduation work permit eligibility for college programs has created considerable uncertainty for students and employees alike.
The impact of fewer budgeted international students on campus is being felt at colleges throughout British Columbia and across Canada. 91 is not alone. BC Colleges and Colleges and Institutes Canada have been advocating on our behalf as has the 91 Faculty Association, the 91 Student Society and other groups.
Restructuring for future success
Reorganizing the existing leadership and changing the reporting structure will position us for future success once we get to the other side. Educational program delivery will remain intact.
In anticipation of the budget reductions in the next couple of years, the objective is to group similar programming together to take better advantage of synergies and efficiencies in operations as well as promote greater collaboration between related disciplines. The structure will also allow us to balance out the administrative load more evenly.
Budget savings will come from being able to run the more balanced portfolios with fewer administrators and from opportunities to improve efficiencies.
Another thing we will be doing is re-envisioning our strategy for international student recruitment.
Focus on educational services
We all pulled together in the fall immediately upon seeing the number of budgeted international students drop. We expect the number of international students to continue to decline in 2025/26. To what extent, we don’t yet know.
Our focus remains on ensuring that every student continues to receive excellent educational services, while we responsibly manage our budget.
Navigating change
I sincerely apologize for the uncertainly this is causing, especially as we approach the holiday season.
The college is committed to being compassionate and is working with the unions and exempt colleagues throughout this process. We are closely monitoring enrolment numbers and will continue to look for solutions and advocate for resources. Layoffs are always a very difficult last resort and we hope to minimize their impact as much as possible. We will also continue to explore other options. Despite our best efforts, these changes will impact all our colleagues, not just those who are directly affected by these difficult decisions. Please remember to show kindness and understanding during this time.
Amid everything we are doing in response to the changes, we are mindful about ensuring our long-term sustainability. We need to continue to deliver outstanding educational services to thousands of students and position ourselves to emerge stronger than before.
Camosun's Future
Find out how Camosun is protecting programs and keeping student supports strong while responsibly managing its budget.
Contact information
Rodney Porter
Executive Director, Communications and Marketing