Amid financial and program uncertainty, Fanshawe College open house draws thousands

Are students worrying about college deficits? CTV London's Brent Lale talks to college hopefuls at Fanshawe's open house.

With program cuts and layoffs potentially on the table, Fanshawe College was packed Saturday for their annual spring open house.

“Today is an exciting day with 8,000 people expected to hit the halls at Fanshawe,” said Dave Schwartz, executive director of reputation and brand management at Fanshawe.

It was just last month when the college’s President Peter Devin said mass program cuts are on the table – along with layoffs.

In a town hall address to staff, he said the school faces a $35 million deficit this year and $60 million in 2026 because of the federal government’s cap on international students.

The college cut programs for its winter semester but announced the creation of others at the open house.

“We have over 200 programs, and yes we are going to forecast a deficit, but we have plans that actually decrease that,” said Schwartz.

“We have a new vet (veterinary) program, we have never offered that before. New IT programs, so we’re constantly evolving.”

As students and parents flooded the halls, classrooms, and the gymnasium, most remained optimistic.

“I toured a lot of the schools around here, and this one was my favourite,” said Isabella Ethimiou from Simcoe, Ont., who just confirmed her entrance into the pre-health program.

“It has a lot of lab work involved, which I find easiest to learn. I’m really excited and not worried at all.”

Matthew Brand from Bayfield, Ont., was asking about the stability of the Broadcast Journalism program, just a day after Humber College suspended the radio program after five decades.

“I’m deciding between Conestoga and here,” said Brand.

“I asked that question, and it was nice to have other people reinforcing about this being one of the best programs in the country. I’m excited.”

In the School of Information Technology, Associate Dean Dev Sainani said his program is what is called “a priority area of focus within the college and the country.”

He said while enrollment is down in both Fanshawe and his program, they are maintaining strong enrollment and students are excited.

“They’re understanding that this is the area to get into, and we’re happy to be able to support them with some great capabilities and skills. There is some insecurity, so they are trying to understand what is going to happen to them,” he said.

“In our planning process, we are planning for what the students will look like and need to be two or three years down the road.”

Parent James Court understands that in the current climate, there are no guarantees with colleges and universities, but is confident his child’s program will not be in danger of any potential cuts.

“My oldest has chosen is construction management, so here’s always going to be a need for something like that in Ontario,” said Court.