NSCAD future being examined

A former provincial deputy minister has been named to examine the future direction of NSCAD University, the former Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, to make sure it's financially viable.

The appointment of Howard Windsor was announced by Advanced Education Minister Marilyn More.

Department spokesman Kevin Finch says Windsor will work with the school's board of governors to examine options to help alleviate "financial pressures" at the university, including a possible merger with another institution or a reorganization of course offerings.

Windsor is to report his findings to the minister by the end of November.

The college was one of six universities deemed "at risk" because of looming financial problems in a report released last fall by economist Tim O'Neill.

O'Neill identified the college as one of four potential candidates for a merger with another school.