Officials at VIU continue addressing its extended budget deficit management plan with more proposed program reductions. (VIU)

By NanaimoNewsNOW staff

cuts coming

Cash-strapped VIU eyes deep program cuts

May 6, 2025 | 3:02 PM

NANAIMO — Extensive academic program cancellations and suspensions are on the chopping block for financially strained Vancouver Island University.

A news release on VIU’s website co-authored by the school’s acting president and acting provost outlined proposed cutbacks to take effect next fall.

The proposed changes will be reviewed by VIU’s planning and priorities committee of senate during its Monday, May 12 meeting.

On Tuesday, June 3 VIU’s Board of Governors will decide on the proposed program reductions.

Program Cancellations
Graduate Programs:

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• Graduate Certificate in Business
• Graduate Diploma in Project Management
• Graduate Diploma in Hospitality Management
• Graduate Diploma in International Trade
• Teacher Leadership Graduate Diploma
• Master of Arts in Sustainable Leadership 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
• 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

The proposed cuts reflect VIU’s “difficult and necessary” actions required as part of its broader deficit mitigation plan involving expense reductions and revenue increases.

Initiated in 2023, the deficit mitigation plan features a commitment to secure $18 million to return to a balanced budget by March 2026.

B.C. government regulations stipulate public universities, such as VIU, cannot run deficit budgets.

A longstanding steady decline in student enrolments has plagued VIU, with the school reporting its financial difficulties began in 2018/19.

VIU’s prior beleaguered president and vice-chancellor Dr. Deborah Saucier stepped down in April following six years in the position.

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