KPU Senate reviews policy changes, highlights lost international student revenue in submission to House of Commons

The Kwantlen Polytechnic University Senate discussed policy changes to two proposed policies on academic title awards and micro-credentials during a meeting on Dec. 16. 

The AC16 policy on academic title awards and AC15 on micro-credentials will be reposted on KPU’s policy blog in January following consultation phases. A policy is often reposted if there are significant changes to a proposed policy following feedback and suggestions from the blog. 

“I think the [AC16] policy is going to be more representative of KPU than when we began the consultations,” KPU President Alan Davis said. “This is a policy about awards and about celebration and about recognizing excellence in the diverse roles that faculty play, and it’s completely voluntary.”

Three new asynchronous brewing continuing and professional studies (CPS) courses will be offered in the spring semester: Essentials of Beer Tasting and Serving, Recipe Design for Beer Enthusiasts, and A Taste of Wort Production.

A written submission from KPU to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration about recent reforms to international students in post-secondary institutions across Canada was also included in the meeting’s agenda. 

“[The submission] succinctly states KPU’s position on the recent reforms to the international student program,” Davis said. 

The submission outlined the impact of reduced enrolment at KPU, which was 46 per cent in the summer 2024 semester and rose to 53 per cent this fall. A reduction of at least 45 per cent is expected for the upcoming spring semester. The submission noted that the impact on “lost revenue” will be higher in 2025. 

The changes will also have a significant impact on domestic students at KPU, who will have fewer choices and reduced flexibility. There will be limited availability for some courses, and the number of times a course is delivered will also be reduced to lower instructional costs.

“International and domestic students combined provide economies of scale that [allow] us to provide more support for all students than funding from domestic students alone would permit,” the submission read. 

The submission also included recommendations to improve the reforms, which include stabilizing the international student program, repairing the “damaging” reputation of Canadian institutions, and ensuring existing international students are safeguarded from the changing reforms, among others. 

In his report, Davis also said that he attended former B.C. premier John Horgan’s memorial service on Dec. 15 in Colwood, B.C. 

“It was an incredibly moving experience — [with] amazing recollections of his life and work — and useful to meet a lot of people who are there for the right reasons from all sectors of the political spectrum.”

The Senate Standing Committee on Curriculum proposed course revisions for three political science, one psychology, and one sociology course. Four new fine arts courses — Advanced Drawing II, Advanced Painting Studio II, Advanced Print Media, and Advanced Sculpture — now have different course numbers, and one new education assistant course — Supporting Students with Complex Communication Needs — was approved by the Senate. 

Revisions for the minor in counselling program were approved after feedback from students, organizations, and external reviewers, which will come into effect in September 2025. 

The next Senate meeting is scheduled for Jan. 27 at 4:00 pm via Microsoft Teams. To learn more about the Senate, visit www.kpu.ca/senate.