Cuts to Capilano University programs will have "no significant impact on the Sechelt campus," a spokesperson for the university told Coast Reporter.
The CapU board of governors passed its 2013/14 budget on June 11, cutting programs to offset a $1.3-million shortfall.
While the North Vancouver and Squamish campuses bore the brunt of the cuts, funding for the Sechelt campus was also reduced, with $111,650 trimmed from last year's budget.
The Sechelt cuts -most of them to faculty and staff - reduce spending for the satellite campus from $794,500 last year to just under $683,000 for 2013/14.
However, core programming will not be affected, said CapU public affairs manager Jane MacCarthy.
"Every budget year we budget for reserve classes of particular general arts and science courses in the event of high demand, so that we can accommodate students accordingly. We will no longer be doing so," MacCarthy said June 14 in an emailed response.
The adopted budget means the North Vancouver campus will phase out its two-year diploma courses in studio art, textile art and interactive design as well as certificate courses in ceramics and medical assistance training after the current crop of students has graduated.
The main campus will also immediately shut down its programs in computing science, CultureNet, geology, German and kinesiology and cut courses across the arts and sciences faculty.
At CapU's Squamish campus, the budget means an end to adult basic education.
Robin Brayne, chair of CapU's board of governors, called the revised budget "prudent and realistic in light of our current fiscal challenges and those being experienced by other universities." It also "allows us to meet our statutory obligation of submitting a balanced budget," he said.
In the June 11 secret ballot vote, 11 members of the 15-member board of governors voted to pass the budget, drawing jeers of "shame" from the packed gallery. Two board members were opposed, one abstained and there was one spoiled ballot.
The Capilano Faculty Association, which had proposed an alternative budget, estimates the cuts will reduce CapU's intake by between 400 and 700 students.
MacCarthy disputed those numbers, saying between 100 and 125 full-time will be directly affected by the program cuts, while other students may not be able to enrol in a specific course but could take the course in another term.
"We are committed to ensuring all current students are able to complete their programs and graduate," MacCarthy said.
The university website says more than 7,500 students are enrolled in credit programs each term, with another 7,000 people annually taking non-credit courses.
- With files from Brent Richter,
North Shore News
