This week, Humber Polytechnic has presented a voluntary exit package to its staff, citing “significant” financial difficulties and an increasing pressure on its budget.
“While we are taking every step to minimize impact on our people, the reality is that workforce reductions may be required,” said Humber Polytechnic president Ann Marie Vaughan in a letter to staff on Monday.
This announcement follows just weeks after the province unveiled a $6.4-billion funding model for universities and colleges over the next four years – one that controversially modifies the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) grant structure and ends the tuition freeze.
Although Vaughan expressed gratitude towards the province for this recent funding, she stated that the college continues to grapple with financial challenges caused by limits on international students, rising operational expenses, and years of inadequate funding. This sentiment was reiterated in an email from Humber Polytechnic on Wednesday.
Faculty members at the college are uncertain about whether they should accept the offer or risk being laid off soon, according to Miloš Vasić, president of Humber’s faculty union.
He mentioned that the school has not yet disclosed how much they intend to “shred payroll” or how serious potential layoffs could be.
“Because there’s so much uncertainty, there is no guarantee that [a person] taking a package will save someone else’s job,” he said. “It’s that uncertainty that makes me and everyone uncomfortable.”
WATCH | Ontario boosts college funding, cuts grants to students, lifts tuition freeze:
Ontario lifts tuition freeze, cuts back OSAP for post-secondary students
Ontario is providing colleges and universities billions in new funding while ending a seven-year tuition fee freeze and reducing student assistance grants.
It’s easy for school administrators and the province to point fingers at federal policies regarding international student permits as reasons for financial troubles in colleges. However, Vasić asserts that these issues fundamentally stem from a lack of adequate funding across the sector provided by the province.
“The provincial government by design has been nickel and diming colleges and universities. They can’t do that anymore,” he said. “More spotlight needs to be given in terms of the chronic underfunding that is happening.”
The voluntary exit package has been extended to all full-time Humber staff including faculty members, executives, and support personnel with a deadline set for March 9.
This package includes base salary payments based on years of service completed along with an extra 10 percent bonus as detailed in a follow-up letter from Jennifer O’Brien, vice president at Humber Polytechnic.
“Offering a voluntary option first helps reduce the potential need for future involuntary staffing changes and supports the institution in evolving respectfully and responsibly,” she stated.
Vaughan indicated that after the deadline, they would reassess if “further reductions” might be necessary.
Vasić noted that his union plans to hold online town hall meetings next week aimed at addressing staff questions.
“I wish them all the best. Drive efficiencies; run it like a business; educate our kids for jobs of future,” Ford remarked during an unrelated news conference Wednesday.WATCH | Ford says OSAP recipients expected to choose fields that ‘drive economic growth’:
Sattler echoed sentiments Fraser conveyed urging instead proper allocation funds sector without forcing struggling students into debt burdens which only worsen situations overall outcomes achieved through education systems themselves.”
‘I’m hearing many colleges initial layoffs occurred areas critical aiding student success,’ she continued raising worries remaining workforce suffer burnout following losses experienced.’
Decisions ‘related staffing human resources operations budgeting lie solely each institution,’ commented Bianca Giacoboni spokesperson Colleges Universities Minister Nolan Quinn
. ‘Amid new postsecondary landscape across Canada clear institutions record-setting investments alongside must continue find efficiencies stay focused core mandate equipping next generation highly skilled workers jobs Ontario requires ,’ concluded Giacoboni’s statement released Wednesday.
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Ontario lifts tuition freeze, cuts back OSAP for post-secondary students
Ontario is providing colleges and universities billions in new funding while ending a seven-year tuition fee freeze and reducing student assistance grants.
It’s easy for school administrators and the province to point fingers at federal policies regarding international student permits as reasons for financial troubles in colleges. However, Vasić asserts that these issues fundamentally stem from a lack of adequate funding across the sector provided by the province.
“The provincial government by design has been nickel and diming colleges and universities. They can’t do that anymore,” he said. “More spotlight needs to be given in terms of the chronic underfunding that is happening.”
The voluntary exit package has been extended to all full-time Humber staff including faculty members, executives, and support personnel with a deadline set for March 9.
This package includes base salary payments based on years of service completed along with an extra 10 percent bonus as detailed in a follow-up letter from Jennifer O’Brien, vice president at Humber Polytechnic.
“Offering a voluntary option first helps reduce the potential need for future involuntary staffing changes and supports the institution in evolving respectfully and responsibly,” she stated.
Vaughan indicated that after the deadline, they would reassess if “further reductions” might be necessary.
Vasić noted that his union plans to hold online town hall meetings next week aimed at addressing staff questions.Ford wishes Humber ‘all the best’
If asked about Humbar’s exit package offer Premier Doug Ford mentioned how much investment is being made into post-secondary education.“I wish them all the best. Drive efficiencies; run it like a business; educate our kids for jobs of future,” Ford remarked during an unrelated news conference Wednesday.WATCH | Ford says OSAP recipients expected to choose fields that ‘drive economic growth’:
Taxpayer wants students pick courses will drive ‘growth’: Ford
The Ontario Premier Doug Ford reaffirmed his comments surrounding changes made within OSAP suggesting taxpayers expect students’ choices contribute positively towards economic growth.Citing John Fraser interim leader within Ontario Liberals stating “all superlatives world replace what needs”, which comes down simply needing more educational support.
“Humber likely not alone facing such challenges additionally reflects greater need governments’ assistance schools.”
Peggy Sattler NDP education critic voiced concerns noting previously over 600 essential programs cut along nearly ten thousand personnel let go manage budget issues faced today among institutions.”Sattler echoed sentiments Fraser conveyed urging instead proper allocation funds sector without forcing struggling students into debt burdens which only worsen situations overall outcomes achieved through education systems themselves.”
‘I’m hearing many colleges initial layoffs occurred areas critical aiding student success,’ she continued raising worries remaining workforce suffer burnout following losses experienced.’
Decisions ‘related staffing human resources operations budgeting lie solely each institution,’ commented Bianca Giacoboni spokesperson Colleges Universities Minister Nolan Quinn
. ‘Amid new postsecondary landscape across Canada clear institutions record-setting investments alongside must continue find efficiencies stay focused core mandate equipping next generation highly skilled workers jobs Ontario requires ,’ concluded Giacoboni’s statement released Wednesday.
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