The unions representing faculty and staff at the University of Windsor have asked the school to reevaluate a decision to cut certain programs.
In an open letter addressed to the U of W Board of Governors, representatives of the unions urged the administration to open a dialogue and seek other ways to trim what the university says is a deficit.
Last month, U of W announced plans to shutter the University Players theatre program, and restructure the Entrepreneurship, Practice, and Innovation (EPI) Centre "to integrate and enhance our innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem."
The cuts to those two programs affected ten employees.
The university will also cut the Canadian Centre for Alternatives to Animal Methods.
"To stub out 65 years of theatre history was a particularly callous and ill-conceived idea," read the letter. "Aside from its significance as a community cornerstone the reputation for its unique professional educational opportunity is the entire reason the School of Dramatic Arts and its graduates are so well regarded world-wide."
The unions expressed concern that the cuts will make prospective students reconsider the University of Windsor as their go-to choice for postsecondary education.
"It took years of dedication and hard work to shake off the 'Last Chance U' tagline always associated with University of Windsor," read the letter. "We are climbing in national and global rankings but the cuts presently being announced have and will continue to reinforce the 'Last Chance U' reputation."
The University previously stated that the budget cuts were needed because of external pressures from ongoing domestic tuition freezes, provincial policy and funding impacts, competitive forces, and fluctuating enrolment. The school says these measures have saved $5.6-million ahead of the 2024-25 academic year.
-with files from Maureen Revait
