News

Thorneloe University’s Theatre Arts and Motion Picture Arts Programs will close at the end of the 2019-2020 academic year. The Board of Governors approved the closure at its meeting on April 23, 2020 to align expenditures with revenue.

“It is with deep regret that we share this news with the community,” said Thorneloe University President Dr. John Gibaut. “Both programs are highly valued and this decision was not taken lightly. It is the result of significant financial pressures which have necessitated a review of our operating budget.”

A new Laurentian University federation funding formula in 2019 has resulted in a significant loss of revenue for Thorneloe. The impact was further compounded by the 10 per cent reduction in tuition fees mandated by the provincial government. Thorneloe University was forced to approve a budget with an unprecedented deficit for the current fiscal year.

“Closing these programs will bring us closer to a balanced budget for 2020-2021, but it will not enable us to fully align our expenditures with our revenue,” said Dr. Gibaut. “Guided by our vision, mission and values, we will continue to work towards sustainability, with respect for our students and our staff, and in partnership with members of the Laurentian federation.”

He added: “Theatre Arts and Motion Picture Arts have been an important part of the humanities at Thorneloe University. We are proud of our students and staff, both past and present, and the rich legacy they have created.”

Discussions are ongoing with Laurentian University to see how students who are currently enrolled in Theatre Arts and Motion Picture Arts will be able to complete a Laurentian degree. Impacted students should contact the Dean of the Faculty of Arts for more information at jdickinson@laurentian.ca.

As a founding member of the Laurentian University Federation, on the campus of Laurentian University in Sudbury, Thorneloe University has offered academic programming in the arts and humanities for more than 50 years.

For more information about Thorneloe University, visit www.thorneloe.ca.

Media Contact:
Dr. John Gibaut, President
president@thorneloe.ca

PDF version of this release