February 22, 2007

The University of Northern British Columbia is continuing to implementmeasures that will strengthen the University’s offerings and enable itto better respond to the demands both of students and the communitiesof northern BC.

As part of a three-year process to streamline UNBC’s operations, theUniversity is offering voluntary buy-out packages to eleven faculty (3%of the total number of full and part-time faculty) in a small number ofdesignated programs. These programs either have low enrolments or haveopportunities to work with faculty from other programs to deliver thesedegrees.

For this fall, UNBC is temporarily suspending new admissions into thebachelor’s degree programs in Northern Studies, Women’s Studies,Physics, and Economics. Courses in these subjects will still be taught.Last year, these four majors produced a total of 6 graduates despitethe fact they generally teach a large number of students.

“The decision to temporarily suspend new admissions and to offerbuy-outs for faculty in designated programs is no reflection on theacademic quality of these programs. They have all produced some verysuccessful graduates over the years,” says UNBC President, DonCozzetto. “We have been guided by commitments to be strategic andminimize the effects on students. These measures are directly affectingvery few people and very few degrees. It has been a tough process butone that is essential if we are to be able to invest in growingprograms.” UNBC currently offers two diplomas, ten certificates, 60bachelor’s degree majors and joint majors, and 24 graduate degreeprograms.

“Even though new students won’t be admitted into these majors thisfall, UNBC will continue to offer degree-completion opportunities forthe students currently enrolled in these majors,” says Dr. Cozzetto.“Courses in these subjects will still be taught. After all, courses inEconomics and Physics are vital for other degree programs and thecourses on northern and women’s issues are now well integratedthroughout the University.”

The University is reducing positions over the next three years and manywill be realized through attrition. The 2007-08 budget will bepresented to the Board of Governors for approval on March 30, 2007.

Contact:
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC – 250.960.5622