While today is Canada Day, there will be little reason to celebrate the country’s independence at the University.
Necessary state budget reductions have forced the University to close the Center for Canadian Studies effective Tuesday.
The center, which was funded by the Ohio budget, had a reduction to zero in terms of funding, making it impossible for the facility to operate Interim Provost Mark Gromko announced in an e-mail.
The Canadian Studies minor, scholarships offered to students and history classes revolving around Canada will still be offered according to College of Arts and Sciences Dean Simon Morgan-Russell.
‘I don’t think anybody really wants to cut anything, but we are in a position to make ends meet,’ Morgan-Russell said.
The center not only served the University in terms of class information and resources for research on Canada, but also created an external relationship with the community, Morgan-Russell said.
The center hosted a variety of programs including conferences, conventions and meals centered around a continuing relationship between America and Canada; which involved University faculty, students and the community.
‘For me, it was difficult to have the center close because it was the nerve center of Canadian Studies for outreach and the academic program,’ Assistant Professor in History Rebecca Mancuso said.
Morgan-Russell said there is still a possibility for the center to open again, but would take significant donations from private donors which seems unlikely at this time.
To maintain the program’s longevity, Mancuso has now become the coordinator of the Canadian Studies minor. She will coordinate with history professors teaching subjects on Canada as well as advise students.
Mancuso said even with the center gone, students and community members can still gain access to information on Canada, but not as much as they once could.
‘It’s detriment for students to not have that office to go to anymore, but all the classes will still be offered,’ she said.
For more information on Canadian Studies and classes offered, contact Mancuso at 372-7424.
