Students upset after ‘popular’ studies program is cut at UofT
Students and former faculty of a psychology program at the University of Toronto (UofT) are fighting to save it from ending. Three years ago, UofT announced it will no longer be enrolling students in Buddhism Psychology and Mental Health (BPMH), which offered a minor degree program. “BPMH is the only program of its kind in the […]
Students and former faculty at the University of Toronto are rallying to save a unique psychology program that has been canceled. The Buddhism Psychology and Mental Health (BPMH) program offered a minor degree, focusing on the intersection of Buddhist traditions and psychology from around the world. Director Frances Garrett described BPMH as "the only program of its kind in the country."
The program was highly popular, with classes often filled to capacity and waitlists. Despite current students able to finish, the program's future remains uncertain. Recent grad Maridula Sathyanarayanan, who used her BPMH studies in her work, is actively campaigning to restore the program, while graduate student Kayla Bowland criticized the university's lack of transparency and frustration at cutting a popular program without input.
UofT's spokesperson stated the decision aligned with an academic process and aimed to benefit students, offering alternatives in other fields. However, former students and faculty argue the BPMH program was unique in its non-Eurocentric approach to mental health and religious studies, and hope their efforts will result in the program's revival.
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