THE ARTS – University kills four visual arts programs to save ‘public dollars’

Four TRU visual arts degrees and diplomas have been terminated after a special meeting of the university’s board of governors today (Monday, Jan. 29, 2024).

The board voted to axe the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Arts, major), the BA (Visual Arts, minor), the Diploma in Visual Arts, and the Visual Arts Studio Certificate.

The possibility of shutting down the programs has been discussed since last April but the university insisted at the time that a decision wouldn’t be made until there was “consultation with our community and in compliance with TRU’s policy.”

A petition calling on the university to continue the programs garnered almost 3,500 signatures.

In a news release early this evening, TRU announced it will redirect resources to new programs — including the possibility of criminology, counselling, communications design, and Indigenous studies.

Students currently enrolled in these programs will have the opportunity to complete their credentials, it said. Faculty teaching the programs will not be affected, and TRU will “continue to offer a wide array” of visual arts classes for students.

Board Chair Marilyn McLean said the decision wasn’t easy to make but the board has “a duty” to ensure the institution makes the best use of limited resources.

“Every university, including TRU, must change and adapt to what students, the job market, and communities need now. We must also meet the expectations of our primary funding partner — the provincial government. By doing this, TRU is acting responsibly to ensure the best use of public dollars,” she said.

Historically, graduation rates in these specific visual arts programs have always been low, McLean said.

“These programs have not suffered declining enrollment, but perpetually low enrollment,” she said.

“There have been many attempts to envision changes to the programs to ensure its relevance over the years, but without success. It’s time to move in a new direction that provides different kinds of equally valuable opportunities to larger numbers of students.”

The closures will allow the Faculty of Arts to redirect limited — and unchanging —resources to other programs and provide larger numbers of students with meaningful educational opportunities, she said.

According to the news release, the board’s decision follows advice from TRU’s Senate, which voted Jan. 22 to send governors a package of information containing feedback from community stakeholders, faculty, and current and former students; a report from TRU’s Academic Planning and Priorities Committee, and information from the Arts Faculty Council.

McLean acknowledged the debate around the issue has been contentious.

“It’s not easy to make decisions like this. The board understands the passion and connection many in the community have to the arts,” she said.

“We know that TRU has played an important role in developing artists in Kamloops and beyond. We are proud of that legacy, and we will continue to provide opportunities for people to explore artistic endeavours.”

TRU Provost Gillian Balfour said now that the decision has been made, the Faculty of Arts will begin making changes. Current visual arts students will be notified of the decision and provided assistance as they complete their programs.

Balfour said the change doesn’t end visual arts training at TRU. She added that any arts courses will continue and possibly expand, especially ones that have served as popular electives for undergraduate students in other programs.

As well, the space currently used by the visual arts programs will be available now for pressing student services and more classroom space, both of which are “desperately” needed, said Balfour.

She told the board the decision is about strategic planning and resource allocation, and that the high costs of the programs and the significant space requirements make the decision necessary.