Abby SchenkIf you thought getting a response from your professor was hard before, just wait — the University of Alberta’s hiring freeze might turn office hours into a mythical concept.
The U of A’s hiring freeze, which started on January 1 with no set end date, is causing concern among students and staff. The hiring freeze does allow for the university to hire new staff, but makes the process more difficult by requiring more steps. While the university argues that financial constraints make this decision necessary, it threatens the quality of education and student services. Both the Association of Academic Staff at the U of A (AASUA) and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA) have criticized the move, warning that it will strain current employees and reduce student support.
For students, the impact is significant. Larger class sizes, fewer course options, and limited mentorship opportunities could result if vacant faculty positions remain unfilled. This would make it harder to access academic support and could lower the value of a U of A degree. Professors, already managing heavy workloads, may have even less time to engage with students. The hiring freeze also affects teaching assistants (TA), who provide essential grading and instructional support. Without new TAs, students could experience longer feedback times and fewer chances for one-on-one help. Specialized programs needing expert faculty may also suffer, forcing students to either accept reduced learning opportunities or transfer elsewhere.
Beyond academics, student services will also feel the strain. Mental health counselling, academic advising, and career support could see longer wait times or reduced availability. Many of these services were under pressure even before the freeze. Without new hires, students may struggle to get timely assistance. The university experience is more than just coursework — it depends on reliable support services. Residence staff, IT support, and library personnel may also face shortages, leading to slower response times and limited student assistance.
This hiring freeze raises questions about the university’s priorities. While financial challenges exist, a university’s main commitment should be to its students and staff. Cutting hiring rather than exploring alternative financial solutions suggests an approach that treats education as a business rather than an investment in the next generation. If the freeze continues indefinitely, it could damage the institution’s reputation. Moreover, it could make it less appealing to future students and faculty. A university that cannot properly support students or retain skilled educators will struggle to maintain its status. Additionally, overworked staff may experience burnout, leading to resignations that could worsen the situation.
The concerns voiced by AASUA and NASA go beyond job security — they focus on the future of education at the U of A. Students, faculty, and staff must push for transparency from the administration and demand a clear timeline for ending the freeze. If the university values academic excellence and student success, it must find solutions that do not compromise the learning experience. The longer this freeze lasts, the greater the risk that students will suffer for financial decisions beyond their control. The administration must be held accountable to ensure budget cuts do not come at the cost of student learning and well-being.
