A drop in 2,000 international students and the resulting drop in revenues has prompted Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) to lay off 70 staff members.

Federal government changes since December 2023 have prompted a sharp decline in international student enrolment in post-secondary institutions across Canada.

鈥淲hile we kept our promise to maintain regular faculty positions through the current academic year, the reduction in students and revenue is too steep to renew that promise in the next academic year,鈥� said president and vice-chancellor Dr. Alan Davis. 

International student numbers at KPU fell by 2,000 in the current fiscal year and are projected to fall by another 1,500 in fiscal 2026, which starts April 1, 2025. The university鈥檚 international tuition and fees revenue is projected to fall by $49 million in Fiscal 2026.

The decline in international enrolment is so sharp that the university will issue full or partial layoff notices to approximately 70 faculty members later this week. The five-month notice will include a short labour adjustment period, during which the university will work with the Kwantlen Faculty Association to explore ways to minimize the number of layoffs that go into effect. 

KPU, with campuses in 91原创, Cloverdale, Surrey, and Richmond, responded by looking to boost income and reduce expenditures. The university has cut new discretionary spending and implemented a hiring review. 

Kwantlen Faculty Association president Mark Diotte expressed solidarity for the staff affected.

"Right now our response must be twofold: supporting our colleagues 鈥� Those impacted need immediate solidarity and assistance navigating this process鈥� and organizing our response. These layoffs impact all of us. They are a direct attack on faculty job security, academic integrity, and the stability of our university," Diotte said.

He said many are feeling a "mix of shock, anger, sadness, and uncertainty" but that the faculty association plans to challenge the university decision.

"The administration has framed these cuts as unavoidable. We know this is false. Their own budget choices 鈥� millions allocated to administrative expansion and temporary projects 鈥� prove that layoffs were not a necessity. They were a decision," Diotte said.

He encouraged members to show up at the KPU board meeting March 26.

Davis said the search would continue for new sources of income and for savings, including in other employee groups through the hiring review and overtime reductions.

The layoffs are focused in areas where the decline in international students has directly reduced demand for specific courses and programs, and Davis made assurances to current students.

鈥淲e want to assure you the university is committed to providing the courses, services and supports you need to complete your programs,鈥� he said.

KPU said it will be providing support to faculty members affected by the layoff notices and offers support through its Employee and Family Assistance Plan for other employees.