CEGEPs Across Quebec See Record Enrollment Numbers This Fall
A surge in student enrollment at Quebec’s 48 CEGEPs has reached an all-time high this fall, with nearly 194,000 students signed up for classes, a report from the Fédération des cégeps reveals.
While this influx of students is deemed as positive news for the province by the federation, it also brings about significant challenges for the institutions. CEGEPs are grappling with constraints like a freeze on staff hiring for non-direct student services, space shortages, and outdated facilities.
Marie Montpetit, President and CEO of the Fédération des cégeps, highlights that the current budget allocated to colleges falls short of meeting their needs, hindering their ability to deliver their full educational mandate.
In response, the federation is actively advocating for increased funding from the Quebec government to adequately support the CEGEPs. A petition calling for a reversal of the budget cuts imposed on the CEGEP network has garnered over 4,000 signatures on the National Assembly’s website.
While the elementary and secondary education levels in Quebec saw budget cuts reversed earlier this year, the CEGEP sector still faces a $151 million reduction in funding. The Fédération des cégeps vows to persist in their efforts to secure the necessary resources for the institutions.
Minister of Higher Education Pascale Déry reassured that CEGEPs, having amassed surpluses in recent years, can tap into these reserves to manage the current period of transition. However, various education associations, including the CSN and CSQ, are urging the government to reconsider the financial cuts burdening CEGEPs.
Keyphrase: CEGEP enrollment surge
