In the wake of an announcement by Thorneloe University earlier this month that its books are in the red and it is cutting two programs, the other two federated universities on the Laurentian University campus say they’re also facing some financial challenges.
Greater Sudbury is home to three federated universities that are part of the Laurentian federation — Thorneloe University, the University of Sudbury and Huntington University.
Each of these federated universities contributes unique academic programs and residential accommodations, but students at these schools are all Laurentian students and are issued Laurentian degrees.
Earlier this month, Thorneloe said financial pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic have compounded pre-existing budget issues.
Those include the province mandating a 10-per-cent tuition fee cut and Laurentian changing its funding formula for federated universities.
This led Thorneloe to announce May 1 its theatre arts and motion picture arts will no longer operate after the end of this school year.
Laurentian University also announced last month its deficit could be $6 million this year, rising to $15 million potentially by the end of 2020-2021, due to the pandemic and provincial cuts.
Sudbury.com recently requested interviews with representatives of both the University of Sudbury and Huntington University to see how they’re faring.
Both post-secondary institutions declined interviews in favour of providing us with a written statement or press release.
The University of Sudbury said in a brief written statement that as is the case for many post-secondary institutions, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, as well as the prior provincial reduction in tuition fees, is significant.
The change in the funding formula within the Laurentian federation is another factor that has had a financial impact for the University of Sudbury, said the statement.
“We understand why Thorneloe University would have had to make such a difficult decision in these unprecedented times,” said the statement from Father John Meehan, president of the University of Sudbury.
“We are undoubtedly experiencing difficult financial challenges of our own, and will continue to explore all possible avenues and identify those approaches which will allow us to continue offering quality programming and services. The welfare of our students continues to be our priority.”
A press release from Huntington University refers to the impact of COVID-19 on its finances, as well as the “changes in various funding streams” to post-secondary institutions in general.
The statement does not specifically address Laurentian’s changes to its funding formula for federated universities, nor does it reference the recent cuts at its fellow federated university, Thorneloe.
“As one of four universities in the Laurentian federation, we have been working collaboratively with our federated partners over the past weeks, under the guidance of public health authorities, to ensure our COVID-19 preparedness and protocols are aligned,” the statement reads.
“The current and unprecedented pandemic is impacting all post-secondary institutions.”
Huntington said at the local level, it continues to work in creative ways to respond to the constantly shifting landscape.
Navigating the pandemic coincides with a time when institutions at the post-secondary level are also being impacted by changes in various funding streams, the statement said.
“We recognize the challenges of the current climate, and are working creatively, collegially and diligently to implement strategies that will continue to provide for long-term viability,” said Mary-Liz Warwick, who chairs the Huntington University board of regents, in the press release.
“We also remain committed to working alongside partners such as the Ontario government, and our colleagues within the Laurentian Federation, to maintain quality of service and academic excellence.”
The press release describes the arrival of COVID-19 in Greater Sudbury in March as unexpected and said the necessary response led to financial challenges in areas such as the residence and ancillary services.
However the spring session, through online and distance learning, is currently underway at Huntington University.
Despite challenges presented by the pandemic over the past weeks, Huntington University is experiencing a positive increase, with spring/summer enrolment up 40 per cent over last year.
“We are truly proud of our inspirational faculty and staff, who have demonstrated dedication and innovative leadership, especially during these challenging times, in delivering the quality education and accommodations students seek when studying at Huntington,” said Huntington president Kevin McCormick, in the press release.
“Our institution is a university of choice for students seeking programs of excellence in Communication Studies, Gerontology and Religious Studies. As an institution we are looking forward to the day when we can get back to working face-to-face with students, staff and faculty. We also remain committed to working to support the activities of our federated partners.”
