File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).

By Doug Collins

ONE MAN'S OPINION

COLLINS: Sometimes bureaucrats make decisions that puzzle us all

Aug 15, 2024 | 6:00 AM

I’VE ALWAYS BEEN A SUPPORTER OF TRU, dating back to 1970.

Shortly after I came to Kamloops, I was tasked to attend the official opening ceremonies of Cariboo College. Premier W.A.C Bennett was in attendance and although it was not as splashy an event as we likely would see today, it was a significant moment in our history. It was a start to something that has developed over time into a first-rate facility.

It has developed some unique programs that draw people in who want to be part of a learning experience they might find it hard to get anywhere else. But every step hasn’t been positive.

Recently, for example, the University cut its Bachelor of Fine Arts program, along with three visual arts programs. I was not in favour of seeing them dropped, but the university made the right decision, as there were too many people just taking them as electives with no intention of going into that field.

However, a recent decision to move the Respiratory Therapist program off-campus reduces its value, is shortsighted, and is based on poor logistics in my mind. Respiratory Therapists are a critical part of the health treatment regimen.

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TRU hasn’t cancelled the program and claims it’s alive and well, even expanding to meet provincial demands. But the decision to displace the program from its dedicated campus space in favour of other programs, suggests otherwise.

The reason for the change was a shortage of space. Interior Health had used part of the space to do pulmonary tests, as well as giving students hands-on practice in a low- risk setting. TRU has always promoted its Respiratory Therapist program as one of the leading programs in the province. Now students will have to go to Royal Inland Hospital to do some of that work, which is not the best situation.

And to top it off, the space will now be used as office space for bureaucrats to wear their fancy suits and ties, and chic clothes to an office that will hurt student learning. Consider that we have a Nurse Practitioner program which adds credibility to the Nursing School and then we go and lose that credibility by moving a significant portion of a much-needed program.

Do you think people will choose TRU first in looking for a school? Probably not. This move that, according to several sources, was done with very little consultation, points out that bureaucrats are too concerned with the wrong priorities. This is not the first time, apparently, that consultation has been lacking, and consultation is critical or stupid decisions will continue to be made.

I’m Doug Collins and that’s One Man’s Opinion.

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NOTE: TRU has responded to this column here.

CORRECTION: The original version of this editorial incorrectly stated the Respiratory Therapist program at TRU was cancelled. It has been corrected to state the program has not been cancelled.

Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.