January 29, 2007

The UNBC Board of Governors has approved a multi-year budget planningprocess that will enhance the university’s ability to respond to theeducational needs of students, the community, and the northern region.

“The university has enjoyed incredible success and we are committed toensuring that our budget plan enables UNBC to be a better universitytomorrow than it is today,” says UNBC Board Chair, Dr. Donald Rix.“Think of what has been achieved over the past five years; the creationof the Northern Medical Program, new programs to train nursepractitioners and school teachers, and the start of a sport facilitythat will make UNBC more attractive to students.”

Nevertheless, despite the popularity of new programs, the universityhas experienced relatively flat enrolment over the past fiveyears.  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 aheadif we do nothing. We’re not in the midst of a budget crisis, but wefeel that action is necessary now to ensure that we can continue toinvest in program expansion, services for students, and regionaldelivery,” says Dr. Rix. “We’re exploring options for non-salarysavings and increasing revenues but some strategic restructuring willbe necessary. Unfortunately, this means that we will be cutting up to25 faculty and 25 staff positions over the next three years, though theactual number of lay-offs will be reduced through normal attrition ornot filling vacant positions.”

The university is currently forecasting a $2 million shortfall for the2007-08 fiscal year. Based on current projections, this will grow to $6million per year by 2010 if nothing is done.

“The Board has provided clear policy direction to the universityadministration and we will be proceeding to fully develop and implementour management plan over the next few weeks,” says UNBC President, Dr.Don Cozzetto. “This is truly a magnificent campus with a dedicated andexceptional faculty and staff. Although this is a difficult challengefor all of us, we will emerge stronger and even more responsive tostudents, the community, and our region.”

Click here for an earlier release on this topic, from December 15, 2006.

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