Jazz and music programs are at risk of playing their final notes as Vancouver Island University deals with a financial crunch.
The university has grappled with multimillion dollar deficits since 2019-20, due to factors including COVID-19, and faces a $9-million shortfall in 2024-25. A new jazz diploma program, scheduled for a fall launch, has seen fewer than 10 applications, VIU said in an e-mail statement, and the bachelor of music, which has suspended intake, has 14 students currently enrolled.