Memorial University has ended or paused more than a dozen academic programs over the past year, citing low enrolment as a key factor in many of the decisions.
Program Cuts Affect Multiple Faculties
The cuts span several faculties, including business, nursing, humanities and social sciences, as well as programs at the Marine Institute and Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook. The university is currently addressing significant financial challenges, responding by announcing the sale of several properties and reductions in vice-president positions. A provincial tuition freeze remains in effect until Memorial University stabilizes its finances.
According to a university spokesperson, Chad Pelley, these changes were not driven by budget cuts or cost-saving measures. Instead, decisions were based on enrolment numbers, learning outcomes and the feasibility of completing programs given available faculty and course offerings. However, the dean of humanities and social sciences, Natasha Hurley, acknowledged that tightening budgets played a role, stating, “We just can’t keep doing all the same numbers of things that we’ve been doing while having fewer and fewer resources in the form of faculty members, dollars, etcetera to support those programs.”
Impact on Specific Programs
Six diploma and certificate programs have been cut within the faculty of humanities and social sciences, including Newfoundland and Labrador studies, ancient languages, ancient worlds, food studies, the humanities diploma, and the diploma in environmental humanities. While the Newfoundland and Labrador studies certificate is being discontinued, courses in the subject will continue to be offered. Nathan Gillingham, with MUN’s undergraduate students’ union, expressed concern about the loss of the certificate, questioning where else students might find such a program.
The faculty association has warned that additional programs are at risk due to the university’s financial situation. The accelerated three-year bachelor of nursing program has been suspended, as it was rarely at full capacity. Yvette Coffey, president of the nurses’ union, raised concerns about this decision given the existing nursing shortage in the province, suggesting that efforts should focus on improving recruitment and support for students.
Other programs affected include the master of business administration with a focus on social enterprise and entrepreneurship, the master of arts in religion and culture, and the post-graduate certificate in quality management at the Marine Institute. At Grenfell Campus, the master of fine arts was suspended for re-evaluation, with plans to accept students again in spring 2026, and the applied literary arts program was paused for fall 2026 with a similar plan for future intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is driving these program changes at Memorial University?
Low enrolment is a primary factor, alongside the university’s overall financial challenges. MUN is similarly considering learning outcomes and the feasibility of programs given current resources.
Will students currently enrolled in affected programs be able to complete their studies?
Yes, Chad Pelley stated that all students already in an affected program will be supported to finish it.
Are programs being cut only due to financial constraints?
According to a university spokesperson, the decisions are not solely due to budget cuts, but also consider factors like enrolment and program viability. However, the dean of humanities and social sciences acknowledged that tightening budgets are a factor.
How will these changes impact the future of higher education in Newfoundland and Labrador?
