At a time when high-tech employers in the province want workers, Mount Saint Vincent University has stopped accepting applications for its information technology program due to a lack of students

The move signals a possible phase-out of the program that offers a bachelor of applied arts degree in information technology and also diplomas and certificates in the field.

"It is frustrating because our graduates have gone on to very successful careers, as will those students currently enrolled in the program," university spokeswoman Robyn McIsaac said Wednesday.

"The problem is we cannot attract enough students to con-tinue to make the program viable."

She said the decision to stop accepting applications for the upcoming university year was a difficult one for the post-secondary institution, especially in light of strong demand for employees from the IT sector.

Only six graduates will receive information technology degrees at convocation ceremonies today, while a lone certificate and a single diploma will also be awarded.

Declining numbers tell the story. About 27 students signed up for the IT program in 2006 and that number was down to just 10 in 2007.

Only five students had completed the application process for upcoming school year when the decision was made to stop accepting students for the program.

Declining enrolments in IT programs are a problem for many universities across the country when the sector is clamouring for staff.

"There are a lack of students for IT programs, in general, and a lack of women in particular," said Ms. McIsaac.

The university has also stopped accepting students for its family studies and gerontology program due to a lack of students, but will continue to offer a master’s degree dedicated to the field...

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