NU ending academic programming in Muskoka this summer
In an effort to ensure that all students are provided quality student life experiences, Nipissing University is relocating all academic programs and academic support currently offered in Muskoka to the North Bay campus for the 2016-17 academic year.
As of June 30, 2016, the Muskoka campus will be effectively closed and will not be offering any degree-granting programs.
The university announced in June 2015 that it was consolidating the academic programming offered in Muskoka to improve the university’s overall efficiency in order to continue to deliver a high-quality university experience.
There are currently 79 students enrolled in courses at Nipissing’s Muskoka campus. Projected enrolment for September 2016 is 50 students. By December 2016, projected enrolment is 24 students.
Students currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Education program on the Muskoka campus will finish their studies in Bracebridge by December 2016 at an alternate location. Students currently enrolled in Arts and Science courses and Applied and Professional programs have been notified that their program is being moved to the North Bay campus. The university will work with each student affected by the Muskoka campus closure to create an individualized plan to address academic and non-academic needs. Each one of those students will have the opportunity to complete their studies at Nipissing and will continue to be supported.
The university will continue to work with the Town of Bracebridge through the joint Transition Working Group formed by the Town and the University to repurpose the existing buildings.
“We realize that this is a difficult decision for students and families, as well our staff and the Bracebridge community. Enrolment dropped more quickly than anticipated, and the university was concerned about the quality of the student experience for the remaining students in Muskoka,” said Dr. Rick Vanderlee, Dean of the Muskoka campus. “Nipissing will work to ensure that the academic and non-academic needs of our students coming from Muskoka are met and that they are not financially burdened by the decision to move academic programming to North Bay.”
There are three full-time faculty members currently working on the Bracebridge campus whose positions will be maintained. There are also four unionized staff members who will be offered positions in North Bay. There is one administrative position in Muskoka, which becomes redundant.
Nipissing’s Muskoka campus was established in 1996. The campus relocated to its current location, a 26,000 square foot, $6.6 million facility in Jubilee Park, in 2008. A residence complex was completed in 2011.