The College of New Caledonia is reducing its faculty payroll, based on anticipated student demand for the upcoming academic year. CNC has seen a 33 per cent increase in full-time faculty positions in the past four years due to the introduction of new programs and demand in existing offerings.
However, as per the collective agreement with the Faculty Association of CNC, the College has provided layoff notices to three faculty members. The process lays out that once notices are given, discussions will begin on how affected faculty members could be accommodated in other roles. Seven others have accepted early retirements or voluntary severance. In its December quarterly report (the most recent available), the college employed 256 full-time faculty members.
“While we regret having to issue any layoff notices, we are committed to working with the affected individuals and the Faculty Association to determine what options may be available,” said Dr. Chad Thompson, vice president: academic, in a news release.
The adjustments are due to on-going monitoring of program enrolments, with declines predating the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent years, CNC has added positions in accounting and finance, business management, tourism and hotel management, human resource management, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, and civil engineering technology while filling new ongoing faculty positions.
“We constantly review programs and service to ensure our students needs will be met. We will continue to work with the faculty association through this on-going process,” added Thompson.