Sheridan College laying off staff, suspending 40 programs over international student cap

What’s happening at Sheridan College?

Sheridan College is suspending 40 programs and laying off an unspecified number of staff. The moves, announced on the college’s website, comes in response to a projected 30% drop in student enrolment next year, which is expected to result in a $112-million revenue loss.

• An additional 27 programs will undergo an “efficiency review,” according to college president Janet Morrison.
• Students currently enrolled in the suspended programs will still be able to graduate.

Official statements and context

Morrison outlined the rationale for these significant changes: “These changes are required for Sheridan to remain a financially sustainable and vibrant community in response to chronic underfunding, changing government policies, and social, technological, and economic disruption.”

The programs affected span several faculties:

• 13 in Applied Science and Technology.
• 13 in Business.
• 6 in Animation, Arts, and Design.
• 5 in Applied Health and Community Studies.
• 3 in Humanities and Social Sciences.

A list of affected programs is currently on Sheridan’s website. Despite the restructuring, Morrison emphasized that Sheridan’s commitment to learning, discovery, and engagement remains unchanged.

Sheridan faculty work at the college’s campuses in Brampton, Mississauga and Oakville, and are represented by OPSEU Local 244.

The impact of government policy changes

Sheridan College is among many Ontario institutions, including Mohawk College, grappling with the consequences of federal and provincial policy shifts:

• International Student Visa Cap: The federal government plans to issue 35% fewer undergraduate study permits in 2024 compared to 2023. Ontario colleges are expected to bear the brunt of this reduction, with $3.1 billion in lost revenue over the next two years.
• Tuition Freeze: Since 2019, the Ontario government has maintained a freeze on domestic tuition fees, further limiting revenue growth for colleges.

These policies compound existing challenges, including shrinking domestic enrolment and historically low provincial funding. Ontario currently funds only 16% of post-secondary costs per student, compared to 70% in the 1980s.

How does this impact Non-Unionized Employees?

If you’re a non-unionized employee and have been laid off or are facing termination, here’s what you should know:

• You Are Likely Owed Severance: You are entitled to full Ontario severance pay under the province’s employment laws.
• What Severance Includes: Severance packages can cover salary, bonuses, commissions, benefits, and more.
• Rights Don’t Change: Even in times of economic issues and restructuring, your rights as an employee remain protected.

Key severance facts for Sheridan College employees

If you’ve lost your job due to the layoffs, here’s what you need to know about general severance rights in Canada:

• Severance Pay: Can be up to 24 months’ pay, depending on your role, age, length of service, and ability to find similar work.
• Deadlines: You have up to two years from your termination date to pursue a claim for severance.
• Misclassified Employees: Contractors may also be eligible for severance if misclassified as independent contractors.
• Wrongful Dismissal: You have been wrongfully dismissed if your employer terminates your employment, and fails to give you the proper amount of severance pay.

Use our Ontario Severance Pay Calculator to estimate what you’re owed.

Steps to take if you’ve been laid off

1. Don’t Sign Anything Yet: Before accepting any severance offer, have it reviewed by an employment lawyer to ensure it’s fair.
2. Understand Your Rights: Learn about severance pay and employment standards through our blog and resources.
3. Contact Us for Help: Book a consultation with our team for a detailed review of your severance package and employment contract.

Talk to an employment lawyer

If you’ve been affected by layoffs at Sheridan College, it’s critical to understand your rights and secure the compensation you’re owed. Contact us today for expert legal advice and a free consultation.

Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. have successfully represented tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals. In addition to severance package negotiations, we can assist you on a broad range of employment matters, including:

Call 1-855-821-5900 or complete a quick form to get started.