Response to Recent Queen’s University Budget Allegations

Early this December, the AMS was made aware of leaked memos and documents pertaining to the Faculty of Arts and Science and proposed cuts to Queen’s University by the Queen’s Coalition Against Austerity (QCAA). This information was very much a surprise to us. We learned about these announcements in real time alongside the student population.   

As the AMS, we want most of all to support our students and advocate for their best interests moving forward. Harmful policies that compromise the education and experience of Queen’s students will never be something we can stand by. The student experience is a priority at the AMS, and policies such as cutting small enrollment programs and decreasing teaching staff directly affect students and their education. We wish to support the best interests of our students, their right to advocate for their academic pursuits, and for transparency from the University regarding the educational impacts on future and current Queen’s students that these measures will have. We will be actively engaged in pursuing transparency from the University regarding these topics through our advocacy to better inform the student population on this topic.   

Moving forward, transparent communication must be delivered to the student body, and dialogue must be engaged in. We invite the Provost to come speak to students directly on January 23rd, 2024, at the AMS Assembly, an open forum that should be utilized moving forward for the Provost to engage directly with the student population and hear their concerns. Queen’s University has a vibrant and engaged student population who deserve their voices to be heard on matters so integral to their education.