Sudbury, Ontario, May 15, 2020 — Laurentian University has supported Thorneloe University students recently affected by the closure of the federated university’s Theatre Arts and Motion Picture Arts programs. The University is providing affected students with courses at partner universities and colleges, as well as through the support of Laurentian’s own French-language Théâtre program.
“We know how difficult it would have been for Thorneloe to make the decision to close these programs, and how stressful it has been for the affected students. We are ensuring that all affected active students can get the courses and experiences they need to meet their academic and career aspirations,” said Dr. Robert Haché, President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University.
“We have developed creative solutions to support these students’ ambitions,” said Dr. Serge Demers, Interim Vice President, Academic and Provost. “We are grateful to the Faculty of Arts, whose leadership in providing students with exciting and inspired offerings has been unparalleled.”
Options for the affected students include equivalent courses in other departments; letters of permission to take equivalent courses in other institutions; the addition of some courses where equivalents couldn’t be found; new innovative partnerships with local theatre and arts organizations; and the availability of existing French courses which will exceptionally be offered bilingually.
“We are providing our students with every possible opportunity to earn a Laurentian degree,” concludes Dr. Robert Haché. “We look forward to seeing our students thrive in their new courses, and contribute to our community’s vibrant artistic and cultural scene.”