VANCOUVER, B.C. - Vancouver Community College (VCC), B.C.’s largest provider of upgrading programs, has announced that 32 faculty layoff notices in the School of Access were rescinded today due to stronger enrolment numbers.
Advanced layoff notices were sent out in August to 39 faculty members as a precautionary measure following a drop in enrolment in VCC’s adult upgrading classes. The decrease occurred after a change in provincial government policy from a tuition-free funding model to offering a provincially funded Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG) to eligible low-income students.
“We are happy we were able to rebuild the enrolment numbers and to withdraw the majority of the layoff notices,” says Dr. Peter Nunoda, VCC president and CEO. “I am proud of the VCC leadership, faculty and employees who rallied together to find creative solutions in all areas of the college to help spread the word that, while tuition is back, there are funding options readily available.”
Nearly all of VCC students who apply for the AUG grant are approved within 48 hours of submitting their application. To date, more than 1,200 students at VCC have successfully applied for these grants.
“Adult upgrading courses are an important step for those seeking to improve their lives or make a career change,” says Dr. Kathryn McNaughton, VCC vice president, students, academic and applied research. “Our students are inspiring and come from all walks of life and they’re ready to take the leap. Some never completed high school, others are recent high school graduates or even military veterans looking for a fresh start.”
Adult upgrading courses are a pathway for students seeking to re-enter the education system or complete prerequisites to enroll in post-secondary programs. VCC offers self-paced or class-based courses from basic skills up to grade 12, including English, math, sciences, humanities and computer classes.
To learn more about VCC’s adult upgrading courses and get assistance with applying for the AUG, attend a free info session. Details at vcc.ca.
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Media can contact:
Karen Wilson
Interim Director, Marketing and Communications
Vancouver Community College
T: 604.871.7000, ext. 7429
E: kwilson@vcc.ca
High resolution photos:
Broadway campus 1
Broadway campus 2
