Students and former faculty members of a unique psychology program at the University of Toronto (UofT) are rallying to prevent its discontinuation.
Three years back, UofT made the decision to stop accepting new students into the Buddhism Psychology and Mental Health (BPMH) program, which provided a minor degree option.
Former BPMH director, Frances Garrett, emphasized the program’s distinctiveness, stating, “BPMH is unparalleled in the country. It delves into the connections between various Buddhist traditions worldwide and the realms of psychology and mental health.”
Garrett highlighted the program’s popularity, noting that classes were consistently full with waitlists.
The current enrolled students are still permitted to complete their studies; however, the fate of the program post that remains uncertain.
Supporters of the BPMH program, including recent graduate Maridula Sathyanarayanan, are actively campaigning on campus to raise awareness and urge the university to reinstate the program.
Sathyanarayanan expressed her passion for the program, stating, “I want future students to experience what I did. My career revolves around this field. I design mindfulness-based museum tours in Toronto, a path I wouldn’t have chosen without the BPMH program.”
The lack of transparency surrounding the university’s decision has left many, such as graduate student Kayla Bowland, feeling frustrated.
In response, a UofT spokesperson assured that the current BPMH students are being supported, and the decision aligns with rigorous academic processes.
Former students and faculty members argue that the BPMH program’s unique focus on non-Eurocentric mental health and medical traditions sets it apart from other programs.
They are hopeful that their advocacy efforts will succeed in saving the program.
