A shocking announcement has left students at Saskatchewan Polytechnic with a difficult choice: uproot their lives or abandon their studies. In a recent email, the polytechnic revealed plans to relocate certain programs to different campuses, citing a need for "operating more efficiently" and creating space for innovation-focused centers.
One such program, the Electronic Systems Engineering Technology (ESET) program, is set to move from Saskatoon to Regina, leaving first-year student Alex Loewen in a bind. Loewen, who is married with a home and a settled life in Saskatoon, was expecting to complete his two-year program in the city. Now, he faces the prospect of either disrupting his family life or discontinuing his education.
But here's where it gets controversial: the decision was made abruptly, with an email sent to ESET students in late January. Not only that, but the polytechnic has also suspended intake for the program this fall. Brenda Suru, dean of the faculty of technology and skilled trades, justified the move as a way to enhance learning opportunities for future students.
However, the impact on current students is significant. Loewen and his fellow first-year classmates, including Timothy Carlow, are now faced with the daunting task of either moving across the province or giving up on their studies. Carlow points out that some students rely on living with family in Saskatoon to attend classes, making the decision to relocate even more challenging.
And this is the part most people miss: it's not just the ESET program that's affected. The instrumentation engineering technology program, with 75 students, is also being shifted from the Moose Jaw campus to Saskatoon.
The provincial NDP Opposition has criticized the decision, with Kim Breckner stating, "This is not normal. It's not right." The Opposition believes the changes are a result of the provincial government's policies and has called for the province to intervene.
The number of programs being relocated remains unclear, with Sask Polytech declining to provide details out of respect for employees. However, the institution has assured affected students of comprehensive support during this transition.
Sask Polytech has been facing financial difficulties, attributed to a decline in international student enrollment. In response, the polytechnic has closed bookstores at some campuses and laid off faculty and staff.
So, what do you think? Is this a necessary move to ensure the institution's long-term viability, or is it a shortsighted decision that fails to consider the impact on students and their families? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
