Last Updated: Friday - 09/24/2010
Week of June 16, 2008
Funding crunch leads Newman to cut 3 faculty positions
Special to the WCR
Edmonton
Program restructuring at Newman Theological College has resulted in the loss of three faculty positions, a decision college president Bryn Kulmatycki describes as painful but necessary for the institution to continue its vital mission.
The restructuring follows a board of governors decision earlier this year to phase out the bachelor of theology and certificate programs.
"Newman is the only accredited Roman Catholic theology college in Western Canada and as such has a vital mission," college president Bryn Kulmatycki said in a statement to staff.
"It is equally important that the board of governors and administration act as responsible stewards of our resources. The changes we've made are aimed at ensuring the college and seminary are here for many years to come."
The college will now concentrate its focus on graduate programs, both for the laity and for seminarians.
"These are excellent, internationally accredited programs," Kulmatycki said. "A measure of the respect they command in the community is the fact that students from other denominations study here as well."
The undergraduate programs being discontinued are not accredited and have had low enrolments, making them expensive to operate, Kulmatycki explained.
Alternate arrangements have been made for all students currently enrolled in Newman's undergraduate programs to complete their studies.
Newman Theological College is supported by a charitable foundation and receives no government funding. However, rising costs have diminished the resources available, forcing the college to increase its borrowing from the Archdiocese of Edmonton.
Kulmatycki acknowledged that the restructuring has been "painful for everyone," but said it is aimed at putting the college on sound financial footing in preparation for its relocation along with St. Joseph Seminary to the Edmonton Pastoral Centre site.
Letter to the Editor - 06/30/08
Letter to the Editor - 06/30/08
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