Here are some of the questions we hear most often.
Workforce
Questions about staffing changes, savings targets, and timelines.
Misconception: 90 people are going to be laid off.
The facts: While approximately 90 positions across the college will be affected, this is a reduction in positions, not 90 individuals. This number includes unfilled vacancies, early retirements, voluntary severance, successful canvassing, reduced term contracts, and where absolutely necessary, layoffs.
What is the timeline for the remaining workforce adjustments?
Workforce adjustments are expected to conclude by the end of August 2025, although this estimate may be adjusted
What is canvassing?
Canvassing is a voluntary process that invites staff in selected units to consider options like job-sharing, early retirement, or severance.
How are vacant positions being handled?
Most vacant positions have been permanently removed from budgets, while a small number are being held as potential landing spots for staff displaced elsewhere, thereby minimizing layoffs.
Why were some canvassing proposals not accepted?
All proposals are reviewed and a number of qualifying proposals are already in progress. Proposals may not be accepted if they dont meet salary savings targets, align with timelines, or support broader operational and planning considerations.
How much money will workforce reductions save?
79% of our expenses are tied to salaries and benefits, making workforce adjustments necessary to balance the budget. The projected savings from the planned workforce adjustments total $11.1 million.
Budget and finance
Questions about the approved budget, financial pressures, and the college's long-term plans. For more information, visit the budget泭梯硃眶梗.泭
Misconception: We can just run a deficit.
The facts: Camosun cannot choose to run an openended deficit. Section31 of the B.C. College and Institute Act permits shortterm deficits only with the approval of two provincial ministers. We have that approval for 2024/25 and 2025/26 while we carry out a deficitmitigation plan. After that, balanced budgets are mandatory. Learn more.泭泭泭
Whats included in the 2025/26 budget?
The Board of Governors has approved a balanced 2025/26 budget, with revenues and expenses each set at $171.96 million. The budget includes lower international enrolment targets and a realistic expense reduction plan designed to preserve programs and student supports while aligning with reduced revenues.
Whats driving the financial pressure?
The sharp decline in international student enrolments, driven by federal policy changes, has reduced a major revenue source for the college. At the same time, operating costs, such as salaries, benefits, utilities, and insurance, continue to rise. These combined pressures are affecting colleges across the country.
What other revenue ideas are on the table?
To support long-term sustainability, the college is pursuing several initiatives, including the student housing project, expanding continuing education (ProSIT, which is now part of Trades, Industry, and Professional Studies), industry partnerships, and enhancing ancillary services.
Will exempt staff forego performance-based increases?
All exempt salaries, including those of the executive team, are governed by the Post-Secondary Employers' Association (PSEA) under provincial oversight. Given the current fiscal uncertainty, all B.C. public-sector employers, including Camosun, will pause in-range, performance-based increases for exempt employees until further notice.
Are capital projects on hold due to the budget?
No. Essential capital projects with dedicated funding are proceeding as planned. This includes the 400+ bed Lansdowne Student Housing project and the Mechanical/Civil Engineering Relocation project. Both projects are funded by the provincial government under its capital infrastructure program.
Programs and services
Questions about program continuity and the services students rely on. Learn more about how we are putting students first on thestudent success 梯硃眶梗.泭
Misconception: Student services are being cut.
The facts: Core supports, including advising, tutoring, counselling, Centre for Accessible Learning, library services, and the IT Help Desk, remain available. Service usage is reviewed regularly so we can shift resources where demand is highest. Learn more.
Are any programs being cancelled?
No programs are being cancelled; students will still be able to complete their credentials, though some courses may run fewer sections based on demand.
Will student supports change?
Student supports will remain available, though some departments may adjust staffing or hours; the commitment is to keep core services accessible and timely.
Why were Indigenous Peoples in Trades Training (IPTT) and Women in Trades Training (WITT) suspended? Will they return?
SkilledTradesBC discontinued its contract funding for both programs on March 31, 2024. Camosun continued to deliver IPTT and WITT using internal funds for an additional nine months. However, without a stable external funding source, the programs were temporarily paused. Thanks to the generosity of donors and support from community partners, Camosun has been able to restructure and resume delivery of some of these important training opportunities.
Advocacy
Questions about how we are working with government and partners.
Misconception: "Camosun isnt doing enough to push for support."
The facts: The college is actively advocating through BC Colleges, national organizations, and direct engagement with provincial and federal representatives to highlight the financial pressures facing post-secondary institutions.
Is the college raising concerns with government?
Yes. Camosun has been actively engaging with the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, the Ministry of Finance, local MLAs and MPs, and other government officials to raise awareness of the financial pressures facing colleges, especially the impacts of sudden changes to international student policy.
What are the key messages being shared?
Our advocacy has focused on:
- The scale and speed of international enrolment decline and its financial impact
- The importance of continued investment in public post-secondary education
- The need for flexibility and support to stabilize enrolment and operations
- The value of Camosuns programs and their contribution to the local economy
Are other colleges experiencing the same challenges?
Yes. Camosun is collaborating with other institutions through BC Colleges and Colleges and Institutes Canada to present a unified voice. Post-secondary institutions across the country are dealing with similar drops in international enrolment and increasing cost pressures.
Has government offered additional support?
Not at this time. While Ministry staff are engaged and supportive, there is currently no new provincial funding. Our focus remains on managing the situation responsibly and continuing to advocate for policy changes that support students and institutional sustainability.
How can community partners help?
We welcome the support of our community in amplifying these messages and advocating for a strong, accessible post-secondary system. Whether through partnership, referrals, or shared messaging, your support helps demonstrate the value of Camosun to the region and beyond.
Enrolment and planning
Questions about enrolment trends and how data guides capacity decisions.
Misconception:"Camosun should have seen the enrolment drop coming and planned sooner."
The facts: The speed and scale of federal policy changes, 13 significant reforms over 10 months, caught post-secondary institutions across Canada off guard. Camosun responded quickly with spending controls in fall 2024 and has been adjusting planning and capacity week by week based on updated enrolment data.
What is the outlook for international student enrolment?
The outlook for international students is approximately 1,200 enrolments in September 2025, a decline from 2,200 the previous year. Enrolment numbers are reviewed regularly to refine forecasts in the current year.
How is enrolment data guiding course cuts or additions?
College staff review weekly dashboards that track applications, visa approvals, and section fill rates. This data helps inform decisions about where to reduce or add course sections. For example, the School of Business cut summer sections by 20% where demand fell, while other schools are planning to add sections where student interest is growing.
Restructuring and strategic priorities
Questions about the new school structure and administrative savings.
Misconception: "The restructuring was just about cutting costs."
The facts: While it generates savings, the new school structure also reduces duplication, balances workload, and aligns with the colleges strategic priorities.
How does the new school structure save money?
The new school structure saves money by merging faculties and reducing administrative positions, resulting in approximately $1 million in annual savings while distributing workload more evenly across the schools and centre.
When did the new school structure take effect?
The colleges new academic structure took effect on March 31, 2025.
What are the new school names?
Academic activities are now organized into the following schools and centre: