A group of people with a stake in Capilano University's future are trying to steer the school out of having another painful budget crisis and resulting cuts to programs.
In April, the university cut several non-degree granting programs to cover a $1.3 million budget shortfall.
Critics of the decision have been vocal since then.
With another budget shortfall on the horizon, a group calling itself the Blue Ribbon Committee is holding a meeting next Wednesday to address the matter.
"We really don't want the administration to commit the same mistake and we want them to consult with the community and all the different groups inside the university who are affected," said Laurel Whitney, a Capilano instructor and organizer with the committee.
The only consultation that happened last time cuts were made came at the 11th hour and only after an uproar of protest from the affected faculties and their allies, Whitney said.
She added none of that did anything the sway Capilano's leadership from their positions.
Whitney said she fears the same could happen this year.
"Again, there's no academic plan," she said, adding the university doesn't have criteria for which programs could be cut and which ones will be spared.
"There's no vision that's shared," she said.
The worry is that if Capilano continues to be steered from the administration without any guidance from prospective students or employers, it could soon end up no longer serving the needs of the community, said Whitney.
Most of Capilano's students come from North Vancouver and West Vancouver secondary schools, Whitney noted.
"Do they know we don't have computer science anymore? Do they know we don't have digital web design anymore? Do they know we don't have commerce anymore?" Whitney asked.
The institution's troubles are drawing lobbying efforts from farther up the Sea to Sky Highway.
"Capilano is really important to Squamish. You hear people talk about it and they have a real affection for it. We are trying to make sure we have a voice," said Chris Pettingill, Squamish Chamber of Commerce chairman.
Pettingill has also had sit-downs with some of the North Shore's MLAs to let them know how the university's identity crisis has affected local communities. Those meetings, he said, have been productive.
"The MLAs that I've spoken to have been really receptive and willing to listen. It's a pretty complicated issue. I don't think they can snap their fingers and have a solution but my perception is they have really listened to us and somewhat behind the scenes are trying to see what they can do to make sure there is some sort of discussion," he said.
Wednesday's meeting takes place Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles hall on West 3rd Street in North Vancouver.
Bulcroft did not return phone calls from the North Shore News.
North Shore MLAs Ralph Sultan and Jane Thornthwaite could not be reached before press time.
