in the hope they can stop the country’s last publicly funded women’s institution from being absorbed by its larger neighbour.
Dr. Frederking, who was not available for an interview, said in a statement that gaps in education look much different from how they looked at Brescia’s founding. According to the announced plan, which was also approved by Western’s board of governors, Brescia will offer an advanced preparatory program for international and domestic students, including English-language proficiency. The intention is to broaden pathways for students from under-represented groups. Current Brescia students will be able to remain in their programs of study. Western will assume Brescia’s assets and liabilities.
Andrew Chater, president of the faculty association, said most professors were aware that the school needed to boost enrolment, but had no idea full integration was being considered.Prof. Chater said there were a lot of tears at a recent meeting with faculty to discuss the news. There are roughly 37 full-time faculty and a little more than 100 contract faculty at Brescia, and many have questions about their job security, despite the assurances the university has issued.