The Laurentian University Faculty Association (LUFA) is concerned by the decision to close the Barrie campus and its impact on faculty members and students in Simcoe County.
“Our members are dedicated and make important contributions to their community. We greatly value the dedication and professionalism of all of our faculty colleagues at Barrie, and the importance of the programs they provide to students,” said LUFA President James Ketchen.
The Board of Governors of Laurentian University announced today the closure of the Barrie campus. This decision was based on a report produced for the Ontario Government and will affect more than 70 members of LUFA in that area.
“It is unfortunate that the plan the Ontario Government was seeking to impose for the future of higher education in Simcoe County has led to this announcement by the administration of Laurentian University,” he added. “That plan would have seen unprecedented government interference into the university sector. Universities must have the freedom to determine and decide about the best options for program choice and how these should be delivered.”
“The approach of this government over the last 10 years has been a real fiasco but LUFA is fully committed to upholding the rights and protecting the interests of our members at the Barrie campus.” Ketchen said.
Laurentian had previously applied to have a standalone campus in Barrie under the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities (MTCU) Major Capital Expansion policy framework. Their application was not approved.