U of G registrar Ray Darling talked to national media about Saudi Arabia’s withdrawal of educational support programs for students studying in Canada.

Darling appeared on CBC News and in two Global News stories on Aug. 8 discussing the cancellation of educational exchange programs with Saudi Arabia, as well as the withdrawal of scholarships for Saudi students.

CBC reported that there are about 20,000 Saudi students in Canada, including about 35 students based at the University of Guelph.

Darling told Global News that the withdrawals will affect U of G’s diversity and activities, including the loss of teaching assistants and research support for University projects.

He said U of G staff have reached out to Saudi students to offer support.

In his 27 years in university enrolment, Darling said, he’s never seen a situation quite like this.