Loyalist College cuts 36 faculty positions amid financial pressures

The reductions stem from earlier program suspensions announced in January.

As post-secondary students begin another school year, Loyalist College has announced 36 full-time faculty positions will be cut following program suspensions and other cost-saving measures. 

The college informed the Local OPSEU President and College Employment Stability Committee of the affected positions on August 19.

The reductions stem from earlier program suspensions announced in January 2025, aimed at maintaining program sustainability. While no new program suspensions have been declared, some intakes may be paused at specific locations or semesters.

College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick said financial challenges in Ontario’s post-secondary sector, including federal changes to the International Student Program and an outdated funding formula, required careful cost-cutting. Measures included streamlining programs, reducing staff, cancelling future capital projects, and limiting discretionary spending.

The college’s audited financial statements, reflecting the status as of March 31, 2025, do not include all measures already taken to strengthen finances.

Loyalist remains confident in its future and continues to receive support from the Ontario Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research, Excellence and Innovation.

Story by Bob Perreault