Loyalist College’s President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick gave an update on the strike involving support staff as well as operations at the college itself during a board of governors meeting on Thursday.
Speaking at in the president’s boardroom at Loyalist, Kirkpatrick first started his statement by acknowledging the beginning of the strike of OPSEU Local 421, along with support staff members across all of Ontario’s community colleges.
He referred to a statement released Thursday afternoon by the college, saying they respect the bargaining process and will keep employees and students updated as negotiations continue.
Kirkpatrick said he would not comment on OPSEU members entering the college last week, referring to media reports.
After talking about the opening of the college school year, the status of Loyalist College’s operations was then brought up.
A town hall meeting with staff is scheduled to take place later this month, with Kirkpatrick saying that a Q&A has been provided to staff in the building.
Questions include the future of the college, if there are more suspensions of programs incoming, layoffs and more.
There was no mention of whether or not Loyalist College had accepted a $25 million emergency loan from the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.
Kirkpatrick was not available to speak with media following the meeting.
Quinte News was provided the portion of the staff Q&A section that was referenced during the Board of Governors meeting which can be read below:
What factors lead to program suspensions?
Program changes are based on a combination of factors, including enrolment performance, labour market demand, and financial viability. While a program may be performing well in one area, challenges in another area can still lead to suspension. Our focus is on strengthening programs that provide strong career outcomes and community impact.
Are any new permanent program suspensions planned for fall 2026?
No new permanent program suspensions are planned at this time. As always, the college may adjust certain intakes (by location, semester, or for a limited term) based on enrolment numbers and program sustainability.
Does the notice to the Local OPSEU 420 President and College Employment Stability Committee regarding 36 full-time faculty positions represent new information or direction?
No. This notice is connected to the permanent program suspensions announced in January 2025. The 36 full-time faculty positions are tied to those changes and to ongoing program sustainability.
When are the full-time faculty layoffs associated with this notice expected to take effect?
Loyalist will prioritize full-time faculty to complete the teach-out of all impacted programs. We expect individuals to remain in their positions through the 2025–26 academic year.
With faculty positions being reduced, will permanent administrative staff now outnumber faculty?
No. Even after the current faculty layoffs and restructuring changes are completed, permanent administrative staff will not outnumber faculty. The college has had to make difficult workforce reductions across all employee groups, including administrative, support staff, and faculty.
Are the announced faculty layoffs the sign of a second round of layoffs that will impact other employee groups?
No. This announcement is a continuation of the process that began with the January program suspensions and is tied to program sustainability.
Will Loyalist College be here in the long term?
Yes. Loyalist College has been a cornerstone of this community for decades, and we are committed to serving our students and community well into the future.
What can we do to support the college and help ensure its continued success?
Significant and difficult decisions have been, and continue to be, necessary to bring expenses to a sustainable level. At the same time, our long-term success depends on retaining and growing the number of domestic students enrolled. Together, by sharing our pride in Loyalist and highlighting the value the college brings to our communities, we can strengthen confidence in our institution and support student recruitment. Every interaction – with students, colleagues, or community members – is an opportunity to reinforce our reputation and demonstrate why Loyalist is a place of choice. By working collectively, we can help ensure a strong and successful future for the college.
What did the audited financial statements and the auditor’s commentary mean?
The year-end independent audit is a point-in-time exercise reflecting the college’s financial position as of March 31, 2025. As noted previously, the audited financial statements provide a historical snapshot. They do not capture the significant measures already implemented to strengthen the college’s financial position, nor do they account for future actions to address concerns. As with all audit notes, these will be reviewed again in the 2025–26 fiscal year audit. Loyalist College remains confident in both its near- and long-term future and has taken meaningful steps to ensure sustainability.
Will the college be closing any of its locations?
While Belleville remains our primary hub for administration, academic programming, apprenticeship delivery, and student services, our regional footprint will continue to be leveraged strategically with an ongoing presence in Tyendinaga, Bancroft and Port Hope.
How will recent changes at the college affect students?
Our top priority remains supporting students and their success. While some programs and services may be delivered in new ways, students will continue to have access to the learning opportunities and supports they need to achieve their goals.
