International Foundations Program (IFP) instructors believe this is an overreaction and unnecessary response. IFP student enrollment has fluctuated around the 200-student mark for some time. Last year, enrolment was 226 and this year it’s around 195. Even in years past when enrollment was lower, the IFP still managed to prevent this many people from losing their jobs.
The IFP is a very lucrative program: tuition is around $53,000, which brings in millions of dollars to New College. IFP Instructor salaries make a tiny portion of their budget. The work IFP instructors do brings in a great deal of money to New College and the University.
These CUPE workers have said enough is enough! They’re asking us to rise in solidarity and demand a stop to these layoffs!