Sheridan College’s recent decision to suspend its Creative Writing and Publishing (CW&P) program has ignited a passionate response from students, faculty, and industry professionals. The suspension is part of a broader move affecting 40 programs across various faculties, including Animation, Arts & Design, Applied Health & Community Studies, Humanities & Social Sciences, Applied Science & Technology, and the Pilon School of Business.
The college cites anticipated declines in enrollment due to federal caps on international student permits as a primary reason for these suspensions. This policy shift is expected to result in a 30% reduction in student numbers, leading to a projected loss of approximately $112 million in revenue for the upcoming fiscal year.
The CW&P program, launched in 2017, is unique in Canada for offering formal undergraduate education that integrates creative writing with publishing industry skills. Dr. Owen Percy, the program’s coordinator, emphasized its distinctiveness, stating, “Our program is entirely unique in terms of creative writing and publishing industry skills.”
In response to the suspension, students have initiated a campaign titled Save Creative Writing and Publishing, gathering testimonials from notable figures in Canada’s literary community, including authors Michael Ondaatje and Elyse Friedman. Third-year student Ariane Subala highlighted the program’s significance, noting, “It’s a small community but very much like a family. The professors care about us and get resources that benefit us so we can prepare for the workforce.”
The Association of Canadian Publishers (ACP) has also expressed concern, stating that suspending the CW&P program threatens to undermine a critical pathway for training future professionals in Canada’s publishing and literary arts sectors. The ACP emphasized the program’s role in fostering diversity within the industry, noting that it attracts students from various racial, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Sheridan College has acknowledged the community’s concerns and is reportedly in ongoing discussions regarding the program’s future. However, the administration has indicated that program suspensions have become unavoidable due to financial constraints and policy changes.
As the campaign to save the CW&P program gains momentum, supporters hope that the administration will reconsider the suspension, recognizing the program’s unique contributions to Canada’s cultural and literary landscape.