BC Government Grant Up 7.7% Compared to Last Year

March 28, 2009

The Board of Governors for the University of Northern British Columbia has approved a $65 million operating budget for the University that balances projected revenues with expenditures.

The budget includes an increase in provincial government funding of 7.7% compared to last year, bringing the total provincial grant to $46.1 million. This funding includes the provision to increase seats in the Nursing program as well as an increase in the number of students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees at the University. Federal funding, directed through the indirect costs of research program, has also increased by $200,000 in recognition of UNBC’s research performance.  

“Our approach to developing the UNBC budget this year has been guided by a desire for stability and avoiding cutbacks and we feel that this budget accomplishes these objectives while providing some limited opportunities for investing in research, graduate students, and expanded regional delivery of courses,” says UNBC Interim President, Charles Jago.  “Finances overall remain tight and the University was only able to fund about one-quarter of the $4 million in critical needs that were identified by departments during budget planning.”

There will be a 2% increase in tuition fees starting in September, 2009. A full-time student taking five courses per semester for two semesters will now be paying $4,449. Fees for parking and the student residence are also rising. Monthly parking permits are being increased by $10 per month and fees for residence are rising by 3%. The entire parking fee increase – the first parking fee increase since the opening of the Prince George campus in 1994 – will fund green initiatives at the University.

“Development of the budget is always challenging and requires choices to be made, but the Board is satisfied that this budget provides a solid foundation for the University’s immediate future,” says Dawn Martin of Terrace, Chair of the UNBC Board of Governors.

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