Centennial College’s Photography program is being suspended—and possibly cancelled entirely. As current students, we believe this is a short-sighted decision that impacts creativity, culture, and community. We urge Dr. Craig Stephenson and the College leadership to reconsider. See our full letter below.
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Dear Dr. Craig Stephenson,

We, the Fall 2023 and 2024 Photography cohort students, are writing to express our deep concern regarding the decision to suspend and potentially discontinue the Photography program at Centennial College. While we are grateful our cohorts will graduate, we strongly believe this program should continue to benefit future students and the College community as a whole.

Each of us intentionally chose Centennial over other institutions because of its reputation for high-quality, career-focused education. We have received outstanding mentorship from dedicated faculty who bring interdisciplinary real-world experience into the classroom, giving us hands-on training that reflects the demands of the industry. We believe that the education we are receiving is preparing us to thrive as professional image makers and content creators upon graduation.

The positive impact of the Photography program extends far beyond the classroom. Our work supports other departments through collaborative projects and marketing materials. We also represent the College in the broader community by participating in exhibitions and competitions, such as the upcoming CONTACT Photography Festival in May 2025. Our images not only highlight the Photography program, but also showcase the excellence of Centennial College as a whole.

The program also reflects Centennial’s commitment to cultural diversity and global perspectives. Our classmates bring a rich variety of cultural experiences, coming from across Canada and around the world. Eliminating this program not only limits opportunities for domestic students but also undermines the College’s appeal to international learners who seek a vibrant, supportive, and creatively driven education in Canada.

We believe that suspending and potentially fully discontinuing this program is a short-sighted decision that overlooks its creative, cultural, and financial value. Therefore, we respectfully urge Centennial College leadership to reconsider and explore sustainable ways to support and grow the Photography program.

Signatures on this petition include current students, alumni, faculty, professional photographers and community members. We support the continued existence and growth of the Photography program at Centennial College.

Photo credit: Azad Amin, 2nd year Photography student at Centennial College.