SUDBURY -- The president of Laurentian University announced the school is terminating its agreement with three federated universities located on the Sudbury campus as of May 1.

"As part of the CCAA process, Laurentian terminated its federation agreement with Huntington University, Thorneloe University and the University of Sudbury on April 1, 2021, which termination will become effective on May 1, 2021," reads the letter from the president, Robert Haché.

Laurentian began the creditor protection process on Feb. 1 and was formally declared insolvent after revealing more than $300 million in debt.

A final long-term restructuring plan is expected by the end of April.

"Termination of the federation agreements was necessary in order to ensure that millions of dollars paid by Laurentian to the federated universities each year relating to the delivery of programs and courses will remain within Laurentian, as part of its path to future financial sustainability," the president's letter reads. "Laurentian has the capacity and the faculty required to teach all students in a more efficient delivery model. These steps allow Laurentian to focus its resources on programs and courses that students have demonstrated they are interested in taking."

The statement said the termination will only affect the delivery of academic programs and courses.

"Each of the federated universities will continue to own and operate their own buildings and facilities, including residences," Laurentian said. "Laurentian is committed to ensuring that students enrolled in programs at any of the federated universities will be offered a place within Laurentian in a similar or alternative program, and assistance will be available to help students navigate those choices."

Any students currently attending Laurentian who have questions are encouraged to contact the dean of their faculty.

Anyone who has applied for a program at one of the three federated universities is asked to reach out to Liaison Services through email at info@laurentian.ca

On Twitter, the reaction to the news of the agreement termination was swift.