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When powerful entities make decisions that affect hundreds of everyday people, we must ask: whose interests do they really serve?

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In March, Vancouver Island University (VIU) announced they were canceling or suspending a number of programs, including their flagship bachelor of music and jazz diploma programs and the integrated engineering technologist diploma (IETD). 

While the university maintains that cuts are necessary, we heard from students, professors, and local businesses who feel things could have been done differently.

In our reporting, we learned that VIU’s statements about low enrolment run counter to previous presentations delivered to members of the affected departments. 

The university has been in a deficit the 2018/2019 year, which is in part why these program cuts were made. But at the same time, we explored how VIU charges international students tuition at five times the rate of domestic students. 

A VIU spokesperson said that the higher tuition fees are necessary “to recover costs of educational delivery,” but as one international student puts it: “What costs are they bearing for me? How can I be at five times the cost of a domestic student?”

Despite these challenges, students are rallying together to be a voice for their peers. They’re advocating for more transparency and communication from the university, and fair tuition fees for all.

We’re proud to be the outlet reporting on these questions, efforts and concerns. If you want more of this local investigative journalism, please consider becoming a monthly supporter today.