Cutting university and college programs ‘not a black and white’ issue, minister says - SARAH O'DONNELL, EDMONTON JOURNA

As Alberta colleges and universities reveal how they plan to cut millions of dollars from their budgets, the Advanced Education minister says he will consider enrolment rates and whether similar programs are offered elsewhere before he approves any program closure. Post-secondary institutions are grappling with difficult choices since the government delivered its 2013-14 budget in March. That budget cut $147 million from the operating grants of Alberta’s 26 colleges, universities and technical institutions. In response, schools have announced they will cut more than 1,000 student spaces, lay off staff and eliminate some programs. For example, officials at Mount Royal University in Calgary said they will end three diploma programs and four certificate programs. In northern Alberta, the Vermilion-based Lakeland College plans to eliminate half a dozen programs, including a two-year practical nursing course at the Lloydminster campus. Norquest College announced last week it will trim student enrolment by 500 spaces and pull staff from three satellite campuses. http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Cutting+university+college+programs+black+white+issue/8441517/story.html