Member Voices: Proposed ISEP and PELD Closures

Member Voices: Proposed ISEP and PELD Closures

Below, FSA member in the International Student Entry Program (ISEP), Steve Lobo, comments on the proposed cancellation of that program along with that of Professional English Language Development (PELD):

In my view, the proposed cancellations mean the following for BCIT, among other things:

• Many BCIT students will be underprepared for our programs
• Our instructors will see more corresponding language issues, worsening learning and teaching conditions alike
• The cancellation could set a precedent, meaning other programs at BCIT may be cancelled under the banner of fiscal restraint, using Policy 5405 – Program suspension and Cancellation
• Workers in ISEP and PELD were not consulted on the closures
• Low enrollment and BCIT’s financial issues have been cited as the reasons for cancellation. However, efforts are underway within BCIT to bring International Students back. Why would we hinder those efforts by worsening our educational offerings?
• The decision may backfire, as students will choose to attend other schools that offer preadmission language support, exacerbating the very financial problems that the employer believes will be improved by the cancellations
• Elsewhere, in attempting to alter Policy 5401, BCIT has cited student wellness as a primary area of concern. How can BCIT claim to care about student wellness and remove significant student supports?
• BCIT’s proposed cuts would make it more difficult for international students to enter our institute, something BCIT is actively trying to improve by, for example, re-branding Part-time Studies as Flexible Learning. The proposed cancellations, moreover, run counter to BCIT’s stated goals of a more diverse and international friendly school.

At this time, I’m asking interested FSA colleagues to show solidarity with colleagues in ISEP and PELD by forming an advocacy group. Please reach out to me (slobo1@bcit.ca) if you’d like to be a part of this campaign.