Calgary students, faculty voice provincial mandate concerns

Students and faculty at the University of Calgary fired questionsatthe school's decision makers Wednesdayabout how the province's mandate to overhaul post-secondary education inAlberta will affect their future.

Programs are under review to reduce duplicationin post-secondary institutions across the province, andtodetermine if theyare in demand by employers and meeting enrolment quotas.

Advanced Education Minister Thomas Lukaszuksent out five-page mandate lettersto universities, colleges and technical schools last week.The lettersoutlined the province's expectations of post-secondary schools, andasked them to work together in streamliningadvanced education in Alberta.

U of Cpresident Elizabeth Cannon was on hand at the meeting Wednesday to address concerns.She says changes are necessary and are coming.

"We have to be very careful as we move forward," she said.

The universityhas a list of 55 programs that have consistently had low class enrolment, and it islooking at movingmore courses online and increasing the numberof international students.

Mandate changes accompany budget cuts

The new marching orders come on top of $147 million in post-secondary operating grant cutsannounced earlier this month in the provincial budget, which are also placing financial pressure on institutions across Alberta.

U of C Students' Union president Hardave Birk said students are concerned the university will "cover their deficit on the back of students" with tuition and fee increases.

"In the immediate term it's not quite clear what's going to happen," he said.

"I know our instition has talked a little bit about some savingsby looking atcuttingcertain programs as well aspossible faculty staffingcuts, things like that could all be a possibility at the university."

Birk said the university is currently holding budget town halls, and the school has put up a budget website where students can give feedback and ideas.

"We're definitilyexcited to be involved in these discussions," said Birk.

Alberta's Advanced Education ministerwill meet withall post-secondary presidents to discuss the feedback they have received on April 11.