Students at Conestoga College are raising alarms that a recent wave of layoffs targeting instructors is putting their education and future careers at risk. The cuts, which also affected support staff, have left programs like biotechnology in a state of uncertainty just as the academic year progresses.
Student Voices Highlight Program Instability
Biotechnology students Mansi Orjalipoor and Ugochi Taylor, speaking on December 18, 2025, expressed direct concerns about how the loss of experienced faculty will impact their learning. They worry that the reduction in teaching staff will lead to larger class sizes, less individual attention, and a potential dilution of the program's quality and hands-on training, which is critical for their field.
The layoffs are not isolated to faculty; the college has also let go of an unspecified number of support staff. This dual reduction compounds the problem, as students may face challenges accessing academic resources and support services alongside receiving instruction from a diminished teaching roster.
Broader Implications for College Education
This situation at Conestoga College reflects wider tensions in the post-secondary education sector in Ontario, where institutions often face budgetary pressures. The decision to cut instructional positions directly conflicts with the core mission of colleges: to provide practical, career-oriented education supported by knowledgeable professionals.
For students like Orjalipoor and Taylor, the timing is particularly disruptive. Mid-academic year cuts create immediate logistical and pedagogical hurdles, potentially affecting course delivery, lab schedules, and mentorship opportunities essential for mastering complex biotechnological concepts.
Looking Ahead: Quality and Outcomes in Question
The primary fear among the student body is that these cuts will compromise the value of their diplomas. A college's reputation is tightly linked to the quality of its instruction and graduate outcomes. If the reduction in faculty leads to a poorer educational experience, it could negatively impact future employment prospects for all students in affected programs.
As the 2025-2026 academic year continues, the onus is now on Conestoga College's administration to demonstrate how it will maintain program integrity and student support despite having fewer resources. Students, having invested significant time and tuition, are left waiting for assurances that their path to graduation remains secure and valuable.
