Beginning this fall, Fanshawe College will suspend 40 programs following a significant drop in international student enrollment and a projected $95 million cumulative deficit by March 2026. Five additional programs will also move from regional campuses in Woodstock, St. Thomas and Simcoe to London, but as of right now, there are no plans to close any regional campuses.

“It’s a difficult day today,” said Fanshawe President Peter Devlin. “As we announce the suspension of 40 programs that underwent a comprehensive, data-driven, evidence-based review based on declining enrollment, postgraduate work permit eligibility, labour market demands and financial viability.”

The college has spent the last several months engaging with a third-party firm to conduct a comprehensive enterprise-wide review of its program offerings, organizational structure, and leased space portfolio.

“[The review] wrapped up on Monday and was presented to our Board, and that would have included the 40 suspensions,” Devlin said. “There were a number of recommendations in that review, a review that was strategic, thoughtful, deliberate, and driven by data.”

The college is anticipating 64 per cent fewer international students next year, as well as a 36 per cent decrease in full-time enrollment overall in the next two years.

Meetings were held April 1 informing staff and faculty of the cuts, with the official announcement coming the morning of April 2. A full list of the suspended programs can be viewed at fanshawec.ca/admissions-finance/program-suspensions.

Any prospective students who applied for affected programs will receive an email notifying them of the program suspension and potential alternative program options. Students currently enrolled in affected programs will still have the opportunity to complete and graduate from their program.

Right now, there are no immediate plans to relaunch any of the suspended programs, and the college said none of its decisions would be overturned.

Plans to “right-size” staffing

In March, the college sent out details of its Early Retirement Incentive plan as part of its broader plans to “right-size” its staffing.

“Faculty and staff all would have got their own personal note because of the eligibility of the people involved, how long they've worked at the college, how many years of service they have, pension eligibility. So it is unique for every single employee at the college.”

While the program cuts are expected to impact jobs, Devlin said at a Town Hall last month that there may be options to move staff and faculty into appropriate vacant positions, following a hiring freeze implemented by the college in February.

New programs coming this fall

In spite of the suspensions, the college announced the introduction of new programs at its Spring Open House on March 29, including new veterinary programs and new Information Technology (IT) programs. Devlin said the decision to cut certain programs while adding others is in an effort to keep up with industry demands and financial viability.

“At Fanshawe, we have an ongoing review of programs and their health,” Devlin explained. “All programs are attached to a Program Advisory Council that helps keep those programs relevant because those are industry leaders that help us there.”

Devlin emphasized that Fanshawe’s focus is on adhering to its mission of creating pathways to success for students.

“We are laser-focused on supporting students achieving their dreams on their pathway to success, and we're equally laser-focused on meeting labour-market needs, particularly in our region here,” he said. “And that's what drives us and that has all been part of the review as well.”