Board Approves Future Strategy for UNBC
January 29, 2007
The UNBC Board of Governors has approved a multi-year budget planning
process that will enhance the university’s ability to respond to the
educational needs of students, the community, and the northern region.
“The university has enjoyed incredible success and we are committed to ensuring that our budget plan enables UNBC to be a better university tomorrow than it is today,” says UNBC Board Chair, Dr. Donald Rix. “Think of what has been achieved over the past five years; the creation of the Northern Medical Program, new programs to train nurse practitioners and school teachers, and the start of a sport facility that will make UNBC more attractive to students.”
Nevertheless, despite the popularity of new programs, the university has experienced relatively flat enrolment over the past five years. This has resulted in an imbalance between revenues (primarily determined by student numbers) and expenses.
“This imbalance is structural and will only worsen in the years ahead if we do nothing. We’re not in the midst of a budget crisis, but we feel that action is necessary now to ensure that we can continue to invest in program expansion, services for students, and regional delivery,” says Dr. Rix. “We’re exploring options for non-salary savings and increasing revenues but some strategic restructuring will be necessary. Unfortunately, this means that we will be cutting up to 25 faculty and 25 staff positions over the next three years, though the actual number of lay-offs will be reduced through normal attrition or not filling vacant positions.”
The university is currently forecasting a $2 million shortfall for the 2007-08 fiscal year. Based on current projections, this will grow to $6 million per year by 2010 if nothing is done.
“The Board has provided clear policy direction to the university administration and we will be proceeding to fully develop and implement our management plan over the next few weeks,” says UNBC President, Dr. Don Cozzetto. “This is truly a magnificent campus with a dedicated and exceptional faculty and staff. Although this is a difficult challenge for all of us, we will emerge stronger and even more responsive to students, the community, and our region.”
“The university has enjoyed incredible success and we are committed to ensuring that our budget plan enables UNBC to be a better university tomorrow than it is today,” says UNBC Board Chair, Dr. Donald Rix. “Think of what has been achieved over the past five years; the creation of the Northern Medical Program, new programs to train nurse practitioners and school teachers, and the start of a sport facility that will make UNBC more attractive to students.”
Nevertheless, despite the popularity of new programs, the university has experienced relatively flat enrolment over the past five years. This has resulted in an imbalance between revenues (primarily determined by student numbers) and expenses.
“This imbalance is structural and will only worsen in the years ahead if we do nothing. We’re not in the midst of a budget crisis, but we feel that action is necessary now to ensure that we can continue to invest in program expansion, services for students, and regional delivery,” says Dr. Rix. “We’re exploring options for non-salary savings and increasing revenues but some strategic restructuring will be necessary. Unfortunately, this means that we will be cutting up to 25 faculty and 25 staff positions over the next three years, though the actual number of lay-offs will be reduced through normal attrition or not filling vacant positions.”
The university is currently forecasting a $2 million shortfall for the 2007-08 fiscal year. Based on current projections, this will grow to $6 million per year by 2010 if nothing is done.
“The Board has provided clear policy direction to the university administration and we will be proceeding to fully develop and implement our management plan over the next few weeks,” says UNBC President, Dr. Don Cozzetto. “This is truly a magnificent campus with a dedicated and exceptional faculty and staff. Although this is a difficult challenge for all of us, we will emerge stronger and even more responsive to students, the community, and our region.”
Contact:
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC – 250.960.5622
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC – 250.960.5622
