Capilano University students protest program cuts

Samineh Afrough says students are covering their art with black cloth
as a sign of sadness at the loss of the program. (CBC)

April 27: Students and faculty at Capilano University's studio art program are using today's graduation to protest the university's decision to cut the program.

“This program is so amazing... teachers, everyone they encourage you, they push you through stuff, they push you to go beyond your limits,” said student Samineh Afrough.

At the graduation showcase, students covered their art with black shrouds and gathered several hundred signatures at the popular Go Craft fair.

On Friday, Capilano University announced that it is cutting several programs as the school faces an estimated $1.3 million shortfall in its upcoming budget.

The school would not specify which departments are being cut, but said it amounted to about 200 courses from about 10 programs, including the Studio Art, Textiles, Software Design, Computer Science and Commerce.

Under the proposed budget, students half-way through their programs will have the chance to finish. But after they graduate, the programs will be cut.

- CBC News