DETROIT – Wayne County Community College District students who were looking forward to progressing on their path to become a veterinary technician are upset that their program was cut without warning.
The veterinary technology program was a two-year educational program offered by the community college district.
WCCCD said it was a Wayne State University program.
WSU said it didn't decide to cancel the program and was surprised it was ended abruptly by WCCCD after 40 years.
Kimberly Johnston spent hundreds of dollars on scrubs, textbooks and equipment. Hours before her first class, she was told the program was canceled.
"I'm flabbergasted and stressed out," said Johnston.
In a statement, WCCCD said:
"The Wayne State University Veterinary Technology Program was offered to WCCCD students through a contract arrangement. WSU has complete responsibility for the program-which includes hiring the faculty, hiring the dean, providing the facilities, handling all administrative responsibilities, as well as maintaining accreditation. This is a WSU program. WCCCD contracted with WSU to provide our students the ability to participate in the program."
WSU released this statement:
"Under a contract with WCCCD, Wayne State provides the curriculum, personnel, equipment and facilities for the program… In light of the undisputed success of the VetTech program, Wayne State was shocked when on Tuesday WCCCD informed us that it was unilaterally terminating the program for the incoming class. Wayne State faculty were ready to teach this fall. This news came without warning and one day before student orientation… WSU played no part in WCCCD's decision to cancel the program or first-year classes. In fact, the parties' agreement specifically provides that if WCCCD terminates the program, it must continue to allow all enrolled students to finish their degree. Even after that obligation was pointed out to WCCCD, the community college stuck to its decision. Wayne State feels terrible for the students affected by WCCCD's decision, and the university has already begun to assist displaced students in finding other programs, and will continue to do so in the days and weeks ahead."
Many students are now rushing to find other opportunities for the fall and get their money back.
"I'm enrolled in Wayne County," Johnston said. "Wayne County has my money and they're saying, 'talk to somebody else.'"
Students can call 313-577-1156 to reach Wayne State, which says it will do its best to direct them to other vet tech programs that are starting later this fall.