In Alberta and across Canada, Universities having to make gut wrenching choices as upwards of 10% comes off their budgets

Jen Gerson:

Mount Royal University says it simply can't afford to teach theatre anymore. Facing a 10% cut in its spending, the program is on the chopping block, along with music performance, disability studies and certificate programs in forensics, aging studies, perinatal care and journalism.

The school, which is in Alberta premier Alison Redford's own riding, has lamented the prospect of losing the disciplines.

"I was sick by the time I talked to people," the school's provost Manuel Mertin told the Calgary Herald.

"I never imagined I would have to do this."

Mr. Mertin is likely not going to be the last provost in Canada to cut offerings in the face of fiscal reality. As government coffers are squeezed by a slow economy, demographics, and increasing healthcare costs, there are signs that bean counters and reformers across the country are ready to take the red pen to post-secondary education programs.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at April 25, 2013 2:38 AM
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