Okanagan College has reportedly cut its Modern Languages Department and laid off staff in preparation for the upcoming semester. According to Vernon Matters, four teaching positions will be eliminated and approximately 20 other roles will be affected. The decision to lay off staff was reportedly made in response to a projected loss of 600-700 international students. The Modern Languages Department closure will mean that the college will no longer offer French and Spanish classes. Okanagan College Faculty Association President Caroline Gilchrist expressed concerns about how the closure will impact students. The faculty association also reportedly announced that in a recent vote, 175 of 211 faculty members expressed that they have no confidence in the college president’s leadership.
