March 26, 2001 For Immediate Release

The Board of Governors for the University of Northern British Columbia has approved the University's $38.9 million operating budget for the 2001-02 fiscal year. The fiscal year starts April 1.

The operating budget includes an overall increase of 5.3% ($1.4 million) in the University's funding allocation from the BC Government and a one-time contribution of $1 million for the indirect costs of research. Nevertheless, the planning for a balanced budget has been made difficult by a number of factors. "The sheer pressure of inflation and rising costs is making it difficult for us to maintain our current level of operations," says UNBC President Charles Jago. "We're seeing rising costs in energy prices, software licensing, labour, and in upgrading the technology that is so heavily used by students, faculty, and staff. In addition, the competitive labour market nationwide contributes to higher costs for recruiting new staff and faculty."

The University is allocating $800 000 to replace capital equipment, nearly $1.3 million to new library acquisitions, $200 000 for graduate student scholarships, and about $40 000 to double the UNBC Scholars program for top high school grads. There will also be new academic and staff positions allocated to growing programs: three lab instructors, staff support for the International Centre, and two additional librarians.

"To provide additional support to growing areas, the University is cutting two extra academic positions that are currently vacant, but we have protected the core faculty complement for every program" says Dr Jago.