OttawaThe University of Ottawa is suspending its honours program in Greek and Roman studies, a move the department’s head fears could signal the beginning of the end for classical language study at the school.University says decision made in ‘context of low enrolment,’ promises relaunchJayden Dill · CBC News · Posted: Nov 04, 2025 4:00 AM EST | Last Updated: 2 hours agoListen to this articleEstimated 4 minutesThe University of Ottawa sign. (Jean-Sebastien Marier/CBC)The University of Ottawa is suspending its honours program in Greek and Roman studies, a move the department’s head fears could signal the beginning of the end for classical language study at the school.In an email to CBC, a spokesperson for the university confirmed that the Faculty of Arts made the “difficult decision in the Fall of 2025 to temporarily pause admissions” to the honours program, and said it was made in a “context of low enrolment.””The temporary pause in accepting admissions provides an opportunity to reimagine and relaunch the program with the objective of attracting more students to the Honours BA,” the spokesperson said, adding that the move aligns with “a broad process of evaluation and revitalization of its programs to ensure they meet the aspirations of students and continue to respond to the needs of communities.” Students currently enrolled in the honours program can continue their studies and will not be affected by the pause, the spokesperson said.’A state of shock’Dominique Côté, chair of the university’s department of classics and religious studies, said he was told of the decision two weeks ago.”I was really in a state of shock,” he said. “And the reason is that we don’t have enough students, low enrolment. But it’s been like that for the last 20 years.”Only seven students enrolled in the honours program this academic year, in addition to roughly 50 returning students, according to Côté.He said there had been a quid pro quo between the department and the Faculty of Arts whereby professors would teach larger classes in Greek and Roman mythology, and in exchange would be allowed to continue offering the smaller advanced language seminars.”It seems that it’s no longer the case,” Côté said.Mary Sabourin is currently in her fourth year of the Greek and Roman studies program at the University of Ottawa. She had planned to enroll in a master’s program in late antiquities, which was suspended earlier. (Jayden Dill/CBC)He believes the decision portends the slow demise of humanities studies at the university.”I would like the university to have something like a reflection on the place of humanities,” Côté said. “But so far I’ve received no answer from the provost, from the vice-director for the francophonie. All those people are not answering my emails.”The university will continue to offer a major and minor in Greek and Roman studies, but Côté said part-time professors will likely lose work.”They will probably have less courses to teach,” he said.Antiquities program also suspendedA master’s program in late antiquities suspended admissions last year, also due to low enrolment.Bernardo Mingarelli completed that degree in 2017 and has since returned to the University of Ottawa from abroad as a part-time professor. “I brought back all of my skills to make this institution better, and now I’m being told that I can’t do that anymore,” he said. Bernardo Mingarelli completed his Master’s in Late Antiquity at the University of Ottawa in 2017 and now teaches there part-time. (Jayden Dill/CBC)Still, Mingarelli is hopeful the university will reverse course.”We are optimistic that this will not come to pass, that the faculty and the university will see that the history of the classics is part of the heritage of the Franco-Ontarian people,” he said.The University of Ottawa currently offers four undergraduate classes in Latin and four in ancient Greek, all taught in both of Canada’s official languages.Mary Sabourin, currently in her fourth year of the honour program in Greek and Roman studies, had planned to pursue a master’s degree.”I definitely think there should be an effort made to keep the program afloat,” she said. “I understand that finances can be tough, our program is pretty small. I would love to see an effort to attempt to rebrand.”Côté said he’s not convinced the move will save the university money.”They will not save a penny by suspending the [program]. This is not really about budgetary issues,” he said. “It’s more about the vision the Faculty of Arts is trying to define.”Côté added that the cost-cutting trend threatens “the integrity of many disciplines.”The university has offered Latin classes since its founding as the College of Bytown in 1848.ABOUT THE AUTHORJayden Dill is a reporter with CBC Ottawa. Feel free to send him your story ideas and news tips at jayden.dill@cbc.ca
U of O suspends honours program in Greek and Roman studies
