Conestoga College Layoffs Spark Student Concerns Over Learning

Students at Conestoga College are speaking out following the recent layoffs of 181 full-time faculty members, a decision announced just days before Christmas. While most affected instructors were based in Kitchener, the layoffs also impacted campuses in Waterloo, Cambridge, Brantford, and Guelph. Students express deep concern that these cuts jeopardize their education and future career prospects.

Mansi Orjalipoor, a biotechnology student, noted that her academic performance has already suffered. “I always try to keep my grades A-plus. But this semester, they dropped because I couldn’t focus on my studying,” she explained. Orjalipoor, along with her classmate Ugochi Taylor, described feelings of shock and confusion upon hearing the news of the layoffs. Taylor, who created a petition to support her professor, Reza Roushan, emphasized the importance of their instructors in shaping their educational experience. “He’s like a pillar in this program. When I’m gone from the program, I don’t want to look back and then be it doesn’t exist anymore,” she stated.

The students’ concerns extend beyond individual instructors. “I feel it’s destroying my future because I have planned to continue my education here for a Bachelor of Biotechnology,” Orjalipoor added. She reflected on the college’s reputation, suggesting, “The name of Conestoga College has no value for the future because most people now know Conestoga College doesn’t care about education.”

Faculty Voices and College Response

Among those affected is James Siew, a professor of global business management, who voiced concerns about the broader implications of such cuts. He pointed out that this is not an isolated incident; in April, 180 support staff were also laid off. Siew warned of potential reputational damage for the institution, saying, “The college is going to suffer serious reputational damage.” He highlighted that some courses might not be taught by full-time faculty in the upcoming winter semester due to cost-saving measures.

In a statement to CTV News, Conestoga College attributed the layoffs to ongoing fiscal challenges and a significant decline in international student enrollment. “At Conestoga, international enrolment dropped nearly 80 percent in 2025, compared to 2023,” the college noted. Projections for winter 2026 indicate total enrollment will be just over 15,000 students, a steep drop from nearly 29,000 in winter 2025 and approximately 43,000 in 2024. The college acknowledged that the situation continues to evolve as external factors impacting international enrollment remain outside their control.

The institution described the decisions as difficult yet necessary, aimed at aligning resources with the goal of ensuring long-term sustainability. The layoffs are set to take effect on March 16, 2026. According to Leopold Koff, president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) Local 237, laid-off employees will retain benefits for 90 days and could be recalled, unless they opt for available severance packages, which would forfeit their recall rights for two years.

Conestoga College confirmed that it is adhering to the layoff procedures outlined in the union’s collective agreement. As students rally in support of their instructors, the future of both the faculty and the educational programs remains uncertain, underscoring the broader impact of these recent decisions.