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SLCC’s cosmetology program axed, costing college money

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SALT LAKE CITY -- Salt Lake Community College has decided to stop offering its popular barbering, cosmetology and esthetics program.

While students who are currently enrolled will have a chance to finish their education, some are still upset with the school's decision.

“I feel like this is a loss not only to us, to the community to the students, and I feel like we were blindsided,” says adjunct instructor Brenda Matern.

Instructors and students met at the school Tuesday to talk about the future of the program with college administration.

"The principle reasons for wanting to cut this program, ultimately, are financial,” said SLCC’s academic chief Christopher Picard.

Picard says the program brings the school about $800,000 a year, which does not cover the cost of running classes.

Picard says to run the program, the school pays out almost a million and a half dollars annually. That is a financial gap the school feels it can no longer fill. But some of the students feel the administration is giving up too easily.

“They didn't come to us, they didn't come to the community, they made the decision without talking to anybody,” said student Michelle Bell.

According to Picard, the program will no longer accept new students. But for those already enrolled, curriculum will continue for the next two years.