UNBC Limits Effects of Budget Reductions
February 22, 2007
The University of Northern British Columbia is continuing to implement
measures that will strengthen the University’s offerings and enable it
to better respond to the demands both of students and the communities
of northern BC.
As part of a three-year process to streamline UNBC’s operations, the University is offering voluntary buy-out packages to eleven faculty (3% of the total number of full and part-time faculty) in a small number of designated programs. These programs either have low enrolments or have opportunities to work with faculty from other programs to deliver these degrees.
For this fall, UNBC is temporarily suspending new admissions into the bachelor’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 despite the fact they generally teach a large number of students.
“The decision to temporarily suspend new admissions and to offer buy-outs for faculty in designated programs is no reflection on the academic quality of these programs. They have all produced some very successful graduates over the years,” says UNBC President, Don Cozzetto. “We have been guided by commitments to be strategic and minimize the effects on students. These measures are directly affecting very few people and very few degrees. It has been a tough process but one that is essential if we are to be able to invest in growing programs.” UNBC currently offers two diplomas, ten certificates, 60 bachelor’s degree majors and joint majors, and 24 graduate degree programs.
“Even though new students won’t be admitted into these majors this fall, UNBC will continue to offer degree-completion opportunities for the students currently enrolled in these majors,” says Dr. Cozzetto. “Courses in these subjects will still be taught. After all, courses in Economics and Physics are vital for other degree programs and the courses on northern and women’s issues are now well integrated throughout the University.”
The University is reducing positions over the next three years and many will be realized through attrition. The 2007-08 budget will be presented 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
As part of a three-year process to streamline UNBC’s operations, the University is offering voluntary buy-out packages to eleven faculty (3% of the total number of full and part-time faculty) in a small number of designated programs. These programs either have low enrolments or have opportunities to work with faculty from other programs to deliver these degrees.
For this fall, UNBC is temporarily suspending new admissions into the bachelor’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 despite the fact they generally teach a large number of students.
“The decision to temporarily suspend new admissions and to offer buy-outs for faculty in designated programs is no reflection on the academic quality of these programs. They have all produced some very successful graduates over the years,” says UNBC President, Don Cozzetto. “We have been guided by commitments to be strategic and minimize the effects on students. These measures are directly affecting very few people and very few degrees. It has been a tough process but one that is essential if we are to be able to invest in growing programs.” UNBC currently offers two diplomas, ten certificates, 60 bachelor’s degree majors and joint majors, and 24 graduate degree programs.
“Even though new students won’t be admitted into these majors this fall, UNBC will continue to offer degree-completion opportunities for the students currently enrolled in these majors,” says Dr. Cozzetto. “Courses in these subjects will still be taught. After all, courses in Economics and Physics are vital for other degree programs and the courses on northern and women’s issues are now well integrated throughout the University.”
The University is reducing positions over the next three years and many will be realized through attrition. The 2007-08 budget will be presented 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
