Program cuts will affect students at college campuses in Oakville, Mississauga, Brampton

Sheridan College is suspending programs, a move that will affect campuses in Oakville, Mississauga and Brampton.

The 40 programs that will be put on hold include Animation, Arts & Design; Applied Science & Technology and Pilon School of Business; Applied Health & Community Studies and several others that will impact the options for students across Ontario and beyond.

“We are suspending some programs and placing others under efficiency reviews. All current students in these programs will have the opportunity to graduate, but we will not be enrolling new first-year students moving forward,” the college announced on its website this afternoon (Nov. 26).

The move comes in response to the reduction in the number of students that will be allowed into the country to study.

The federal government is putting a limit on foreign students following complaints they were taking spots away from Canadians as well as contributing to the housing shortage and causing economic impacts.

Colleges and universities say they rely on foreign students to increase their financial bottom line.

Sheridan said the cuts will see a reduction in the student population by about 30 per cent but also lead to a loss of jobs at the teaching level and in staffing supports. Sheridan currently has student population of 40,000.

Sheridan said it’s not alone when dealing with the impact of the loss of foreign students. It said colleges and universities across Canada are examining how they operate in light of the changes and predicts that many other post-secondary institutions will make similar moves.

While some programs will be cut or suspended, others are being reviewed to determine if they are able to continue.

The college said the moves are meant to streamline operations and adapt to the new realities that have arrived with the changes to government policy.

“Post-secondary education transforms lives, families, and communities. The world demands resilient, adaptable, and innovative thinkers, and we are committed to preparing our students to meet that challenge,” said Janet Morrison, Sheridan’s president and vice-chancellor. “This contraction is about achieving sustainable scale, not compromising quality. We will continue to galvanize our students to shape an ever-changing world.”

A complete list of programs that are suspended or will be reviewed can be found here.