Students back at former MITT campus after rocky transition amid school closure

Students and staff are returning to school on Tuesday at the former Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) campus, which is now home to RRC Polytech. This transition comes after a difficult period following MITT's closure in January due to a 55 per cent decrease in international students. The federal government's announcement of caps on international student enrollment in 2024 led to a significant drop in revenue for post-secondary institutions, as international students pay substantially more tuition than domestic counterparts.

MITT's closure was announced in January after a 55 per cent reduction in international students, leading to a challenging transition for both institutions. Nineteen of MITT's programs were absorbed by RRC Polytech, leaving the former MITT campus on Henlow Bay shared between RRC Polytech and outgoing MITT students.

Lauren Parsons, acting manager of communications and public relations at RRC Polytech, noted that the institution's international student enrollment is down about 27 per cent compared to this time last year. RRC Polytech President and CEO, Fred Meier, explained that the institution's domestic enrolment is up 3 per cent this year, but they still need three times as many international students to offset those leaving.

To ensure a positive start to the academic year, MITT and RRC Polytech have been collaborating closely. Former MITT students will graduate with their original credentials. Currently, 400 new students have been admitted to RRC Polytech's South Winnipeg Campus. The institutions have worked together to support students during this transition, with the former MITT campus now providing a home for both RRC Polytech and MITT students.