At Vancouver Island University, we are committed to delivering high-quality academic programs that reflect the evolving needs of our region and support student transition into the labour market. Today, we want to speak openly with you about a series of proposed changes to our academic offerings. Changes are difficult but necessary as we navigate a time of transition and renewal.
Two packages outlining a series of academic program suspensions and cancellations have been submitted to the Planning and Priorities Committee (PnP) of Senate for review at their May 12 meeting.
These proposed changes are an important step in shaping the next best version of VIU, aligned with our 2021–26 Strategic Plan, People, Place, Potential, which emphasizes academic excellence, financial sustainability, and an enhanced student experience.
We know that news like this can be unsettling. These proposed changes are not made lightly. They reflect the difficult and necessary actions required as part of our broader Deficit Mitigation Plan (DMP). While the DMP is the immediate catalyst, the need for academic change has been discussed within the VIU community for many years, such as during the 2020 Summative Program Assessment (SPA), and has been reinforced by enrolment trends and evolving regional and national workforce demands.
To support this transformation, the 2024–29 Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) Plan will be updated to reflect our renewed academic vision. These updates will guide targeted investments in recruitment, retention, and student success.
We understand that change can create uncertainty, and we want to assure you these proposed decisions were made with great care – guided by evidence, aligned with our academic priorities, and carried out through a rigorous bi-cameral governance process as outlined in the BC Universities Act and VIU’s internal policies.
Below you will find the proposed program changes.
Program Cancellations
Effective Fall 2025:
Graduate Programs:
- Graduate Certificate in Business
- Graduate Diploma in Project Management
- Graduate Diploma in Hospitality Management
- Graduate Diploma in International Trade
- Master of Arts in Sustainable Leisure Management
- Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Leisure Management
- Master of Community Planning
Undergraduate Programs:
- Digital Media: Minor
- Post Degree Diploma in Language and Culture: Romance Languages
Effective Fall 2026:
Graduate Programs:
- Inclusive Education Graduate Diploma
- Literacy, Language and Learning Graduate Diploma
- Teacher Leadership Graduate Diploma
Undergraduate Programs:
- Dental Assistant
Program Suspensions
Effective Fall 2025 (unless otherwise noted):
- Arts One: First Nations Certificate
- Bachelor of Arts: Liberal Studies (Major and Minor)
- Bachelor of Arts: Philosophy (Hons, Major and Minor)
- Bachelor of Arts: Global Studies (Major and Minor)
- Horticulture Technician Foundation Certificate (Spring 2026)
- Information and Technology Applied Systems Diploma in Web and Mobile Development
Please note: Some additional intake suspensions will occur within certain programs, but the programs themselves are not being cancelled.
We want to be clear: students currently enrolled in programs that are cancelled or suspended will receive academic support to complete their studies and graduate. Where necessary, VIU will work individually with students to identify a suitable pathway to program completion. Current students impacted by these proposed changes will be contacted directly once the proper governance processes are followed (as outlined below).
Decanal reorganization
We are proposing a decanal reorganization, which means we are restructuring how our deans – the senior academic leaders of each faculty – are organized, as part of our long-term vision to create a more integrated and sustainable academic structure.
This change will enhance our ability to collaborate across disciplines, better support students, and improve operational efficiency, including cost savings through streamlined administrative leadership. While the number of academic deans will be reduced from eight to four, each academic area will benefit from associate dean leadership, and no changes are planned to administrative staffing within faculty offices.
These changes will be completed by Fall 2026.
This reorganization will strengthen our capacity to deliver high-quality education in a cohesive manner, ensuring we remain aligned with the mission and values of the university.
Governance process overview
VIU follows a bi-cameral governance model. Proposed program changes and reorganizations undergo a structured review process to ensure academic integrity and institutional accountability. This includes evaluation by Senate, which may recommend approval or rejection. Senate’s recommendation is then submitted to the Board of Governors for a final decision. The governance timeline is as follows:
May 12 – Planning and Priorities Committee (PnP) Review
- The PnP Committee of Senate will review the proposed program changes and the 2025–26 budget.
May 21 – Special Meeting of Senate
- If endorsed by PnP, the proposals will proceed to a special Senate meeting.
- The submission deadline for presentation requests is 12 pm on May 13.
- The 2025–26 budget will also be presented to Senate at this meeting.
June 3 – Board of Governors Decision
- The Board will consider the proposed program changes. If approved, affected programs will be suspended or cancelled, and the university will no longer accept new applications for admission to the program. If not approved, the programs will continue.
- The submission deadline for presentation requests is 12 pm on May 22, subject to the Board Chair’s discretion. If the Board Chair determines presentations are permitted, the time allocated is up to five minutes. Depending on the time required for the June 3 Board business, the Board Chair may not approve presentations and will provide an option for written submissions instead.
- The Board will also provide final approval on the 2025-26 budget.
Further updates will be shared with the university community following the May 12 PnP meeting.
Building the future of VIU
We understand that many of you may be asking: Why now? The reality is, we no longer have the luxury of time. We are acting now – deliberately and decisively – to stabilize and position VIU for a stronger, more sustainable future.
We are pursuing a two-phased approach to ensure that future. Phase one is already underway, focusing on program review and expenditure management to meet our DMP obligations. Phase two will involve deeper institutional integration. We are committed to keeping you informed along the way.
Thank you for the continued dedication and care each of you brings to this community. Your work is essential to our future, and we are confident that the actions we are taking now will lay the foundation for a responsive, more resilient VIU – one that will continue to serve our students and communities for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Emily Huner, CPA, CMA, MBA (she/her)
Acting President
Claire Grogan, PhD (she/her)
Acting Provost and Vice-President, Academic
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