Recap summarizes discussion on enrolment decline and workforce adjustments while reaffirming student success.
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 Camosuns Future.
Special CamNews泭
My sincere thanks to everyone who was able to participate in the town hall. If you were unable to join live, you can .泭
As we discussed, the college is facing a difficult time right now. International student enrolment numbers continue on a downward trend. Were currently projecting around 1,200 international students in September 2025. For context, we had anticipated 2,200 in September 2024.泭
Every year, the college has had to overcome a structural deficit between its expenses, operating grant and domestic tuition. We have done this through the revenue received from international student tuition. With the sharp decline in the number of international students, we have been forced to take action to adjust our costs to match reduced revenues.泭
Were working through this fiscal emergency as best we can to make sure we remain focused on student success and protect those values that we cherish, such as Indigenization and reconciliation, supporting our community and making sure that our programs continue to be relevant, innovative and applied. We have done a lot of good work together. However, given the situation with significantly lower international student enrolment numbers, we need to work to preserve our core educational functions.泭
We are committed to protecting this institution and ensuring a bright future for all students but weve had to make some difficult decisions. While this is not where any of us want to be, the college is required to maintain a balanced budget or have a plan to get out of deficit.泭
We are closely monitoring the situation and tracking enrolment numbers. As well, we continue to advocate with the ministry and others to try and address the situation.泭
Again, thank you very much for your time and your questions.泭
Below are some commonly heard FAQs.泭
Q. How is international student enrolment?泭
- Latest international enrolment numbers show we are now at approximately 1,600 students, compared to 1,829 in September 2024.泭
- Our expectation is that the numbers will continue to soften, and we are projecting around 1,200 international students in September 2025.泭
- We continue to monitor international enrolment numbers.泭
Q. What is the timeline for current and future layoffs?泭
- Despite introducing cost-saving measures, the college has been forced to look at other ways to reduce costs, including through layoffs.泭
- The layoff process started in fall 2024 and is still ongoing. Unfortunately, there is not a firm timeline of when it will end.泭
- The difficulty in answering specific questions arises because each situation is different and can change based on decisions people make and by some of the steps we have already taken. Some of those steps include things like:泭
- Eliminating current vacant positions.泭
- Moving impacted employees into existing vacancies and thus avoiding a layoff.泭
- Accepting an early retirement or voluntary severance.泭
- Unfortunately, for some it may mean exiting the college.泭
- The college is working with each union to try and minimize the impact on employees by following the collective agreements. Layoffs will occur across all four employee groups.泭
- Please know that our objective is to find ways to address the budget shortfall, while minimizing the negative impact on as few people as possible.泭
Q. When will restructuring be complete?泭
- Over the past couple of months, school leaders have been engaging with their teams, seeking feedback on proposed structures and in some cases, the proposed names.泭
- In many cases, the proposed changes aren't creating a lot of change and only the reporting structure is changing.泭
- In some other areas, such as the School of Arts and Science, things are more complex due to the large portfolio and figuring out where to place individual programs and departments. This has required deeper consultation and gathering more feedback into the planning process.泭
- Some of our more complex discussions have been and will continue to be around ensuring the continuity of administrative supports and services as administrative teams move and blend with colleagues from different schools.泭
- This work and the related consultation on that will be ongoing over the next couple months leading up to the intended transition after March 31.泭
Q. Why did the college suspend IPTT and WITT?泭
- Funding for IPTT and WITT programs was discontinued by SkilledTradesBC effective March 31, 2024. We are grateful for their support in the past.泭
- We saw funding for similar programs at other post-secondary institutions come to an end.泭
- The college had been funding these programs for nine months until the loss of revenue created by IRCC reforms to the international student program. The college continues to explore other potential funding sources and delivery opportunities.泭
- We are committed to ensuring the educational success of every learner including Indigenous peoples and women in the trades.泭
- We are currently in the process of restructuring the college for future success. The new structure will ensure every student continues to receive excellent educational services, while we responsibly manage our budget.泭
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Camosun's Future
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Rodney Porter
Executive Director, Communications and Marketing