Athabasca to undergo third-party review to determine sustainability

Athabasca University will reportedly undergo an independent third-party review to determine its long-term sustainability in light of a budget deficit and increasing financial pressures. CBC cites an internal report from 2015 suggesting that union contracts, provincial funding changes, and the remote location of the university’s headquarters would lead to insolvency within two years. The Edmonton Journal further points to the increasing costs related to upgrading Athabasca’s information technology. “My report is not designed to shut (the university) down,” said external reviewer and University of Saskatchewan Professor Ken Coates. “Athabasca University has a chance to re-invent itself and expand its current operations and model to do some really, truly exciting things.” CBC | Edmonton Journal