The Capilano University Faculty Association says the sustainability of the Sechelt campus is in question because of an “incremental erosion of programming.”
Association president Brent Calvert and Colin Gilker, an adult basic education (ABE) instructor at the Sechelt campus, made the comments during a presentation at Sechelt council’s Dec. 16 meeting.
Calvert told councillors the association is planning to launch a campaign early in the new year they’re calling Open the Doors. He said they want to highlight the impact on access to education from several policies, but it’s one in particular that’s affecting the Sechelt campus – charging tuition on ABE courses.
The provincial government gave post-secondary institutions the option of charging tuition for the courses, which used to be free to all, starting Jan. 1, 2015.
At the time the Ministry of Advanced Education said it was necessary to keep the ABE program viable, and that it would continue to subsidize ABE through the annual operating grants. For the 2015-16 academic year it also offered one-time funding of $6.9 million to help post-secondary institutions move to a tuition-based model.
Gilker, though, said charging tuition has led to a dramatic drop in ABE enrolment at the Sechelt campus.
“Enrolments have dropped 20 per cent in North Vancouver since the implementation of tuition [for ABE] at Capilano University,” he said. “And 70 per cent at the Sechelt campus, so it’s quite dramatic.”
Gilker and Calvert pointed out that Sechelt has already lost some tourism programs, and they said losing the ABE program in Squamish two years ago was one of the reasons that campus has been downsized.
Coun. Darren Inkster said he worries past dreams for Capilano are fading.
“I remember a number of years ago when we were talking about looking for land in Sechelt to expand your campus … We were looking at quite a large expansion, of Capilano, that was when it was a college, before it became CapU, so you could see what the future we were hoping would be bright for Capilano.”
Calvert told council that with the Open the Doors campaign they’re taking an “unconventional step as a faculty association to go directly to municipal and district partners in our catchment area.”
He said what they’re hoping for is advocacy from councillors, access to council for further meetings, and Sechelt’s participation in wider discussions involving the other local governments in Capilano University’s catchment area.
Coun. Alice Lutes was all for that.
“I’m one who very strongly believes that local government needs to advocate for the community, outside of just local government,” she said.
Mayor Bruce Milne said he’d welcome the chance to hear from the faculty association again once the campaign launches, and suggested they appear at an upcoming committee of the whole meeting.
In an emailed statement, Capilano University noted the Sunshine Coast campus has operated since 1977, “adapting and changing along with the region.” During that time, the campus has offered trades programs, fisheries sciences and a broad range of Continuing Studies courses.
“Capilano University continues to invest in, and offer, relevant programming on the Sunshine Coast that responds to the needs and interests of the community,” the statement said. “Two examples of new programs offered through the Sunshine Coast Campus include the Health Care Assistant program and the Sechelt Language and Culture Certificate, which launched this past year.”
According to the university’s website, tuition for ABE courses is approximately $320 per course (two classes) plus some incidental fees. The website also says most students would qualify for grants.
