Hard Fact 7: Turning Future Students Away

A major factor in SMU’s difficult financial situation is the steep decline in international student enrolment during the past several years.  The Language Centre (TLC) was a significant pathway by which international students gained admission to degree programs at SMU.  As a result, it was regarded as a recruitment tool for SMU. 

When enrolment in TLC went into decline, there was no substantial effort to fix things.  Instead, TLC was summarily closed.  The international student recruitment pathway was therefore severed beyond repair. 

Students from abroad who need English language upgrading must now turn to Dalhousie and other private ESL providers who offer such programming.  Some 100 students were expected to register for TLC programs in the current cycle.  Several of these planned to transition from TLC into four-year undergraduate degree programs as international students.  Such students are looking to Dalhousie for solutions.

The TLC decision was made on this President’s watch.

The President has the full support of the Chair of the Board.