Harlow Campus Closure a Loss, But Study Abroad Programs Persist, Says Dean

Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) is set to sell its Harlow campus in the United Kingdom as part of efforts to mitigate a significant financial deficit exceeding $24 million. This decision, announced by MUN President Janet Morrison, also involves divesting multiple properties in St. John’s and the U.K.

Campus Closure: A Disappointment for Many

Gerard Curtis, a visual arts professor with three decades at MUN, expressed sorrow over the closure. He highlighted that the Harlow campus has served as an essential entry point for many students from rural areas. For many, it marks the first experience of international travel. “A lot of the students that go come from outport or smaller communities. It’s their first time travelling,” Curtis explained.

• Harlow campus has a rich history linked to a charitable donation from Lord Taylor.
• The initiative aimed to symbolize a connection between the oldest city in the new world and the newest in the old world.

Study Abroad Programs to Continue

Despite the closure of the Harlow campus, the dean of the fine arts program, Peter Ride, assured that study abroad opportunities will persist. “Our programs are going to keep on going,” Ride stated. While students may no longer stay in Harlow, they will still have a chance to experience international education.

MUN is actively seeking alternatives for student trips, with Ride noting existing partnerships with institutions in Germany and Hong Kong. “I’ve identified other places that students can go to, and we’ll keep working on university partnerships,” he mentioned.

Financial Relief from Property Sales

The decision to sell the Harlow campus is part of a broader strategy to save at least $3 million annually in operational costs. The board of regents has approved recommendations that also include the sale of the Signal Hill campus and the Johnson Geo Centre, expected to generate significant financial relief.

The last group of students is scheduled to travel to Harlow in the spring. As MUN transitions away from this historic campus, the institution aims to focus on its core missions while still facilitating valuable study abroad experiences.