Laurentian's restructuring plan goes before court-appointed mediator today

Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ont., is at a critical point today as it goes before a judge, hoping to win approval of its efforts to address its financial problems and plan for the future.

Laurentian needs ajudge's approval to obtain another $10 million to keep operating until the end of August.

The university's plan, as part of the restructuring process, also includes its decision to end contracts with its federated universities Huntington, Sudbury and Thorneloe.

But thosecontracts were supposed to be permanent, saysGuy Chamberland a professor of Ancient Studies at Thorneloe.

"This was a partnership, even though we are a small player in this whole federation, we claim that they cannot just terminate this federation on their own," he said.

Thorneloehas filed a court challenge, alsoscheduled to be heard today. Chamberlandsaidthe school isunsure what to make of having the hearing scheduled so quickly.

"The process is still going on with the CCAA, so we are wondering if this is good or bad."

Chamberland is referring to theCompanies' Creditors Arrangement Act, which has allowed Laurentian to operate while dealing with its dire financial situation. The university hasmade deep cuts to its programs and staffing, raising uproar among students, faculty and supporters.

The court-appointed monitor, Ernst and Young, approves of Laurentian's plan, but says for the universityto have a reasonable opportunity to successfully restructure, it must sever ties with the federated universities