By: Graham Walker
RRC Polytech announced changes to several existing programs and the discontinuation of several others as the Polytech responds to major external factors challenging post-secondary institutions across Canada.
These factors, such as caps on the enrolment of international students, have already forced the closure of the Manitoba Institute for Trades and Technology.
Programs being discontinued by RRC Polytech include: Professional Sales and Strategic Marketing; Applied Accounting; Hospitality Business Management; CNC Machining and Advanced Technology; Professional Photography; and Full Stack Web Development.
Programs placed on hiatus are: Applied Commerce Education – Integrated; Applied Commerce Education – After‑Degree; Applied Commerce Education; and the Pharmaceutical and Food Manufacturing Certificate.
Programs now with reduced seat capacity are: Application Development and Delivery; English for Academic and Professional Purposes; and the Creative Communications Program.
Students already enrolled in the programs being placed in hiatus or reduced capacities should remain unaffected by the changes.
A press release this afternoon from RRC Polytech stated, “RRC Polytech undertook a comprehensive Academic Planning Process … [that] considered application and enrolment trends, labour market needs, and the cost of delivering programs. It focused on where we are seeing the most demand and need from industry and students, and therefore areas where we must prioritize our program delivery efforts.”
This afternoon’s announcement also included planned staff reductions to stay in line with the reduced number of students that will be admitted next year.
“These decisions are part of RRC Polytech’s responsibility to remain sustainable and aligned with Manitoba’s workforce needs … RRC Polytech has made difficult decisions affecting program delivery,” the press release added.
More information to come…
