Memorial University Harlow Campus Sale: Professors Debate Loss of Study Abroad Opportunities

Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), Canada's largest university in Atlantic Canada, has made headlines with its recent decision to sell its longstanding Harlow Campus in the United Kingdom. This move, part of a broader strategy to address mounting financial pressures, has ignited a passionate debate among professors over the potential loss of a cherished study abroad opportunity. For decades, the Harlow Campus has served as a gateway for thousands of MUN students to immerse themselves in international education, fostering cultural exchange and personal growth. Now, as the university prioritizes fiscal sustainability, stakeholders are weighing the irreplaceable value of this unique asset against the need for cost-cutting measures. 72 70

📜 A Storied History of the Harlow Campus

The Harlow Campus, located in Old Harlow, Essex, England, traces its roots back to 1966 when it was established through a visionary charitable donation by Lord Taylor of Harlow. This gift symbolized a profound connection between the 'oldest city in the New World'—St. John's, Newfoundland—and the 'newest city in the Old World'—Harlow, a post-war planned community. Over nearly six decades, it has hosted generations of MUN students, primarily from disciplines like visual arts, theatre, business, and environmental studies, offering semester-long or short-term programs that blend academic rigor with real-world cultural immersion.

Historically, Harlow has been more than a study site; it's a hub for transformative experiences. Students live in a supportive campus environment reminiscent of home while exploring Europe. Enrollment at Harlow has fluctuated, but it consistently drew 50-100 students annually pre-pandemic, peaking during collaborative programs with UK partners. The campus features modern facilities, including lecture halls, residences, and recreational spaces, all maintained amid rising costs exacerbated by Brexit-related UK immigration rules that now restrict Canadian faculty from full-semester teaching visas. 70

MUN's Financial Crossroads

Memorial University's decision stems from a perfect storm of fiscal challenges. In fall 2025, total enrollment dropped 4.6% to 17,056 students, with international enrollment plummeting 23.5%, slashing tuition revenue by approximately $5 million. This compounds a $25 million operating shortfall, driven by stagnant provincial funding, inflation, and post-pandemic recovery lags. Earlier in 2025, MUN announced a $20.85 million base expenditure cut, including executive restructuring from seven to three vice-presidents and limited hiring. 69

The divestment portfolio—Harlow Campus, Signal Hill Campus, Johnson Geo Centre, Ingstad Building, and Printing Services—is projected to yield at least $3 million in annual operating savings and eliminate $20 million in deferred maintenance liabilities. No immediate layoffs are planned, but seven UK staff at Harlow face uncertainty post-August 2026. Provincial tuition freezes until fall 2026 further strain budgets, prompting critics like the Canadian Federation of Students Newfoundland and Labrador to warn of larger classes and reduced services. 72

Professors Voice Strong Opposition

At the forefront of the debate is Professor Gerard Curtis from MUN's Grenfell Campus visual arts program, who has led Harlow trips for 30 years. 'Harlow is a gem in the crown that should be promoted, not sold off,' Curtis argues, emphasizing its role for rural Newfoundland students: 'A lot come from outport or smaller communities. It’s their first time travelling—every trip, I’ve got two or three who’ve never flown before.' He views the sale as irreversible, stripping a unique, institution-owned study abroad option. 70

Similarly, business professor Jamie Skidmore describes Harlow as offering 'an experience like no other,' with current students gaining unparalleled group cohesion abroad. Faculty association president-elect Erika Merschrod echoes concerns: 'There's no plan. The only vision seems a smaller Memorial, which doesn't serve the province.' 71

For professors navigating these changes, resources like Rate My Professor and career advice at Higher Ed Career Advice can provide insights into adapting amid institutional shifts.

Photo by Changbok Ko on Unsplash

The Dean's Counterpoint and Alternatives

Not all faculty agree. Peter Ride, dean of MUN's fine arts program, counters that 'our programs are going to keep on going. Students from visual arts and theatre will continue to go to the U.K., they just won’t be sleeping at Harlow.' He highlights existing partnerships in Germany and Hong Kong and plans for new UK collaborations: 'I’ve identified other places... we’ll keep working on university partnerships.'

This perspective aligns with MUN President Dr. Janet Morrison's vision: reinvest Harlow sale proceeds into an endowment for equitable global learning access. 'By reducing investment in non-core assets, we can protect academic delivery,' states Board Chair Justin Ladha. 72

Explore faculty opportunities across Canada via Higher Ed Faculty Jobs.

Student Impacts: Beyond Academics

Students at Harlow currently praise the immersive environment. 'We learn more than academics—it's about deep connections and global passion,' says one. MUNSU's Nathan Gillingham laments: 'When we get rid of this asset, there's no getting it back... student experience will look fundamentally different.' 71

• Loss of group housing fosters independence but risks isolation in private UK rentals.
• First-time travelers from rural areas lose a structured, supportive entry to abroad study.
• Broader enrollment declines amplify competition for remaining study abroad spots.

For students eyeing international options, check scholarships and university jobs for funding paths.

Reinvestment Strategy for Global Mobility

MUN commits net proceeds to expand study abroad for more students, prioritizing Newfoundland and Labrador residents. This could fund scholarships, partnerships, or virtual exchanges—addressing equity gaps where only select disciplines accessed Harlow. A 2024 operational review (unloaded but referenced) highlighted low revenues versus high costs, justifying the pivot. 72

In Canada, study abroad participation lags peers; only 10-15% of students engage annually amid intl enrollment caps. MUN's endowment could set a model. 68

Learn more in the official MUN Gazette announcement. 72

Canadian Higher Education in Flux

MUN's plight mirrors national trends: intl student caps post-2024, provincial austerity, and 5-10% enrollment dips across Atlantic Canada. Universities like Dalhousie and UNB face similar divestments. Yet, study abroad rebounds, with 2026 projections showing growth via diversified destinations. 69

Administrators seeking roles? Visit Administration Jobs.

Photo by International Student Navigator Australia on Unsplash

Timeline and Next Steps

1. Jan 28, 2026: Board approves divestment.
2. Aug 31, 2026: Harlow programming ends.
3. April 2027: Full closure if unsold.
4. Ongoing: Partnership development, endowment setup.

Stakeholder consultations continue amid calls for shared governance.

Read CBC coverage: Professor vs. Dean Debate. 70

Outlook and Actionable Insights

While Harlow's sale marks an era's end, it opens doors for innovative global education. Professors urge transparency; students seek assurances. For higher ed professionals, this underscores adaptability—consider Higher Ed Jobs for resilient careers or career advice on navigating cuts. MUN's model could inspire endowments province-wide, ensuring study abroad endures.

Engage via Rate My Professor or explore Post a Job in conclusion.