June 23, 2007

The University of Northern British Columbia’s Board of Governors hasapproved a $57.5 million operating budget for the 2007-08 fiscal year,which officially began in April. The budget is balanced and includes a2% tuition fee increase, achievement of cost-saving goals for thefiscal year, and the allocation of funds to support strategicopportunities for the University.

“Budget planning has consumed much of the Board’s attention for thepast several months and we’re impressed with how everyone at theUniversity has responded to the challenge,” says Board Chair DonaldRix. “We’ve all been guided by simple objectives: minimize disruptionsto students and make UNBC better tomorrow than it is today. The Boardis confident that this has been achieved.”

In 2007/08, UNBC is starting a three-year comprehensive budget processto strengthen the sustainability of the University into the future.Through restructuring and identifying internal efficiencies, theUniversity has realized a cost saving of $3.4 million for 2007-08. $2million of these savings are being allocated to the base operatingbudget to bring revenues and expenditures into alignment. The remaining$1.4 million is being used to create a strategic investment fund, whichis being used to support the priorities identified in the University’sstrategic plan. These priorities include strengthening externalrelations, enrolment growth, implementing the academic vision,expanding research connections with communities and industries,regional programming, and athletics and wellness.

“Investing in the future is key to this budget and the planning processthat has been implemented,” says Dr. Rix. “Much of UNBC’s success todate can be attributed to the fact that it has been responsive toopportunities that have made the University stronger and moreattractive to students. We’re all looking forward to a successfulacademic year in 2007-08.”

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