‘I didn’t expect to be figuring out how to save my university’: Students respond as province considers major cuts to universities

On March 17, the provincial government is set to decide on a proposed $35 million to $50 million reduction in post-secondary education funding in New Brunswick. (Credit: STU Communications)

Students at St. Thomas University are organizing petitions and outreach campaigns to elected officials after reports that the New Brunswick government is considering major reductions to post-secondary education funding. 

These changes could result in higher tuition, fewer services and even a merger between STU and the University of New Brunswick.

The provincial budget, expected on March 17, comes as officials explore ways to address financial pressures. Among the proposals reportedly under discussion are cuts estimated in the tens of millions of dollars across universities and colleges, along with structural changes to institutions.

Ana Lucia Pavon, president of the St. Thomas University Students’ Union (STUSU), said the government has outlined possible measures to offset a projected budget shortfall.

“One of the ideas that’s on the list is to merge both universities,” Pavon said, referring to STU and UNB’s Fredericton campus. “If they were to merge UNB and STU, a lot of things could happen for our students, [such as] rises in tuition, job losses. We could lose programs.”

Although no final decisions have been announced, Pavon said student leaders are tackling the situation and have begun advocacy efforts.

“We reached out to the [Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour] earlier in November. We did speak with [them],” Pavon said. “We are currently making a lot of noise in the media, via Instagram, but also via news channels, so that we can get another meeting with [the department] and with Susan Holt alongside the rest of the student union leaders across the province.”

Services, jobs and affordability at risk

Provincial funding plays a critical role in supporting campus jobs, internships and student services. Pavon said those areas could be among the most affected if funding is reduced.

“One of the biggest things that we rely on is experiential learning,” she said. “Everything from internship programs and campus jobs, we rely heavily on the government for that. So basically everything that helps students with affordability and jobs is a big thing.”

She added that university staff positions could also be at risk.

“Staff is essential to St. Thomas [University]. They are the backbone,” Pavon said. “They are the ones who support students day in and day out. They’re the first point of contact when students are in crisis, so losing staff would be a really huge hit to the institution.”

Kate Haché, a fourth-year student at STU, who is also running for STUSU vice-president administration for the 2026–27 academic year, said potential funding cuts could force universities to make difficult decisions.

She said services such as accessibility accommodations, mental health support and experiential learning opportunities are essential to student success, particularly at a smaller liberal arts institution.

“[STU] also has a large percentage of first-generation students, which means a lot of our students are in need of support,” Haché said.

“These are things that ensure our students are able to continue studying,” she said. “Taking away those opportunities means that we’re taking away the opportunities of all of New Brunswick.”

Students launch petition, awareness campaign

A petition opposing post-secondary education cuts circulated online early this week, gathering approximately 1,500 signatures within its first day, according to student organizers.

Sade London, a first-year sociology and women’s and gender studies at STU, said they began spreading information across campus as soon as rumors of the cuts emerged.

“We started spreading posters around just alerting people of the cuts,” London said. “I spent last night sending the petition… explaining the situation.”

London said many students were initially unaware of the potential changes, despite their possible long-term impact.

“It’s wild that so many people don’t know, when this could severely affect their futures,” they said.

For London, the news was deeply personal, as this is their first year at St. Thomas University.

“I'm still trying to wrap my brain around how university works, how to get here,” they said. “I didn't expect to be figuring out how to save my university.”

“I have been waiting my entire life to come to St. Thomas University. I didn’t apply to any other schools,” they said. “Just the thought that as soon as I arrive, it’s being threatened, it feels like betrayal.”

Student leaders urge community action

Student leaders are encouraging students to contact their MLAs, share information and participate in advocacy efforts.

“We’re currently sending our own emails, but student voices are powerful,” Pavon said. “If students contact their local government, they could really help the cause.”

She said protests may also be considered if necessary.

“If we do protest and go ahead with other student union leaders, we would want support from students,” Pavon said. “This is not an executive problem, this is a campus-wide problem, a province-wide problem.”

Despite the uncertainty, Pavon urged students to remain calm while advocacy continues.

“As your president, I’d say don’t panic,” she said. “We are actively working on this. We are all actively concerned. But we need your help. This is not something that we could do alone. We really need your assistance, and we’re here to look out for you.”

Uncertainty ahead of provincial budget

The provincial government has not yet confirmed whether cuts or structural changes will be implemented. However, students and student leaders say the discussions alone have created uncertainty about the future of post-secondary education in New Brunswick.

Haché said students should be part of decisions that directly affect their education.

“Our government is supposed to look toward our future,” she said. “It is our students who will solve these future problems. Taking away those opportunities means taking away opportunities for the province.”

With the budget announcement approaching, students state they will continue organizing, advocating and watching closely for what comes next.

With files from Fernanda Sanchez