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Image Credit: SUBMITTED/TRU
January 30, 2024 - 9:00 AM
Aspiring artists must look elsewhere now that Thompson Rivers University has put an end to its programs.
Students currently enrolled in the Kamloops university's visual arts programs will be the last to graduate and receive their bachelor of fine arts, diploma of visual arts or visual arts studio certificate, according to a TRU news release.
"Every university, including TRU, must change and adapt to what students, the job market and communities need now," board chair Marilyn McLean said in the release. "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."
Enrollment hasn't dropped in the art programs, it's been "perpetually low", McLean 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," she said.
The board voted on Jan. 29 to end the degree and diploma course, but the university says the change will not affect the faculty behind the art classes and students can still enrol as electives.
"Many arts courses will continue and possibly expand," the news release reads.
While the university says it will continue to offer a "wide array" of arts classes, it goes on to say the vote will free up space for classrooms and student services.
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