Media Release - May 16, 2008

Douglas College
PO Box 2503, New Westminster BC
Contact: Jan Lindsay
Phone: 604-527-5491

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Douglas College Board saves two programs

The Douglas College Board decided at a meeting Thursday night to maintain funding in the 2008/09 year for the Customer Service and Cashier Training Program and the Transitions Pilot Project.

Both programs are for students with disabilities and had been considered for cancellation as the College grapples with a $2.3-million funding deficit. The Transitions Program helps high school students bridge into College programs and job opportunities.

Following delegations from community groups, the Board instructed the College to use emergency funds to pay for these programs in the coming year.

"The proposed reductions were not something we wanted to do and we are pleased that the Board has provided us with the means to continue these programs while we look for other sources of funding as well as efficiencies across the College," Acting President Jan Lindsay said.

Douglas College, along with most advanced education institutions in BC, has attempted to deal with a funding shortfall by reducing programs with low demand and low enrollment.

"Although the two programs were under-enrolled, the Board feels that these programs serve a vulnerable population and are essential to the community," Lindsay said. "Douglas has a longstanding reputation for providing programs and services for students with disabilities."

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