Some members of Sault College’s faculty have grown curious about the status of president David Orazietti.
Orazietti has not been seen on campus in weeks, even amid visits from federal and provincial officials, with the college providing SooToday with few details on what’s taken place.
Recently, SooToday learned Orazietti is off on what the college called a temporary leave, with Sherri Smith, vice-president of academics, innovation, and student services, stepping in as interim president.
At a July 28 staff meeting, one attendee asked for clarification “regarding what's happening with the presidency that we're waiting to hear about.”
“Right now, I do not know what's happening. I'm unable to comment on the situation,” Smith said.
“As soon as we can, we will let everyone know what's happening.”
Smith mentioned Caterina Longo, the college’s vice-president of finance and corporate services, has been off work but will be returning soon.
“Many of you are aware that (Longo) is off, but she is returning shortly, and I make contact with her every single day as we navigate this challenging time,” Smith said.
Dozens of college staff attended the meeting, meant to outline major decisions recently undertaken at the college, share plans for maintaining academic excellence, and field questions from attendees.
Faced with a $5.66-million deficit heading into the new year, Smith laid out the difficult financial situation the college currently faces.
“I don't have to tell you that we're in this situation because of declining international enrolment, not only here at our Sault College campus, but also at our partner college, triOS,” said Smith, referring to international student caps that have caused a financial crunch at numerous colleges and universities.
Students at triOS College will enter their final semester this fall — after which no more will enrol.
“Not only is that devastating for our college and the triOS community, but also significantly impacts our revenue,” Smith said.
Enrolment is broadly trending downward at Sault College as well.
This fall, the college anticipates 2,189 students across all campuses, including 994 international students — 582 of which are enroled at triOS.
The college anticipates 1,545 students on its main campus this fall, with even its best case scenario of 1,700 to 1,800 students, representing a 27 per cent enrolment decline year over year, according to a slide presented to staff at the meeting.
“Our domestic enrolment has been declining over the years, and while we may see a little blip up ... that is still an impact to our college community, not only on our campuses, but in terms of our revenue,” Smith said.
She also said provincial funding models have changed — meaning the college could lose some grant funding.
“What they're saying now is that we have this corridor funding model,” she said.
“Our enrolment has to be somewhere in the middle for us to receive our normal grant funding.
"If we go below the floor, they start subtracting. Unfortunately, that's where we're at — we're under the corridor floor, so we fully expect the government to respond with less grant funding.”
Beyond international student caps, domestic tuition fees have been frozen for the past six years, further adding financial strain for Sault College and other post-secondary institutions.
Smith said there’s been “no indication from the government that they're going to allow us to raise those tuition amounts.”
As a result, the college has suspended 20 low-enrolment, negative-cost programs and programs primarily attended by international students.
The college also chose to not replace 16 personnel who have retired and 12 others who left their roles to help balance its budget.
Meanwhile, Sault College is also considering new programs that could be beneficial.
“We're looking at new programs that can help us refresh, stay current and attract new students,” Smith said.
“Unofficially, some of the programs that we're looking at — paramedic, plumbing techniques — will start in fall 2026.”
The college is examining multiple avenues to tighten its expenses — such as reducing course sections, combining programs, and much more — and strategic planning will take place in the fall.
“I encourage you to tell us what you think,” Smith told staff.
“Where did we get it right? Where did we get it wrong? Where should we go?”
Despite the numerous challenges Sault College faces, Smith told faculty and staff she’s confident the college can pull through.
“I have to tell you, I'm not worried at all about our college,” Smith said.
“What I am worried about is each and every one of you, to make sure that you're OK.
"You know we're going to just keep pushing on and we're going to keep pushing against all these pressures that we face ... we're going to get through this together.”
