Bachelor of Fine Arts program not cancelled but under review: TRU

Friday’s letter was distributed to local media “to help set straight misperceptions that have unfortunately emerged regarding the future of visual arts programs at TRU,” according to a communications spokesperson.

Balfour notes TRU leadership will engage in a consultation and review process to determine if “the BFA and similar programs” are sustainable.

“The provincial government — the primary funder of education in B.C. — has given institutions a strong mandate to offer programs that provide students with immediate employment opportunities,” says Balfour.

“Weighing the value of fine arts education against economic reality will be neither pleasant nor easy; however, it is necessary,” she continued. “What is most important to know now is that this decision will only be made following consultation with our community and in compliance with TRU’s policy.”

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Full text of the letter distributed by TRU:

Dear colleagues,

Weyt-kp,

I want to provide an update regarding news about the future of TRU’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program and similar programs at TRU.

Recent stories in our local media have given the perception that decisions about the future of these programs have already been made. That is not the case. The fact is, we are about to engage a process fully set out by TRU’s policy regarding program reductions and eliminations, which can be found here.

In the next while, TRU’s senior executive will indicate to the Faculty of Arts, in writing, that fine arts programs are being considered for elimination or reduction. The letter will set out the rationale for this consideration and invite members of the school to comment. Those comments will be reviewed before the issue moves forward.

TRU’s governing bodies will be fully involved in the process. The Board of Governors will make final decisions after seeking the advice of Senate, which will seek input from both internal and external stakeholders.

The initial question of the future of fine arts education at TRU emerged in a way that suggested that decisions have already been made. That should not have happened, and I want to make it clear that TRU’s senior leadership has always intended to follow the process set out by the policy.

I understand it is upsetting for many people that this step is even being considered. The arts are an important part of our culture, both on campus in the broader community. We appreciate the impact our graduates have had — and will continue to have — on arts and culture in Kamloops and elsewhere. We are proud of this legacy.

The fact is, TRU must look hard at the future of the BFA and similar programs to assess if they are sustainable. At the same time, there is growing demand from students for other programs. The provincial government — the primary funder of education in B.C. — has given institutions a strong mandate to offer programs that provide students with immediate employment opportunities.

Weighing the value of fine arts education against economic reality will be neither pleasant nor easy; however, it is necessary. What is most important to know now is that this decision will only be made following consultation with our community and in compliance with TRU’s policy.

Kukwstsétselp,

Gillian Balfour
Provost and Vice-President Academic

by James Peters

Bachelor of Fine Arts program not cancelled but under review: TRU

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