The University of Saskatchewan is reviewing budget plans from departments and colleges that were asked to permanently cut operations spending by $10 million over two years. Holy shit... that's a lot of money. The administration is reviewing the submissions to ensure compliance with university policy and collective agreements before releasing a summary on July 27, 2009.
"We'll provide an overview of what's going on across campus at that time," said Brett Fairbairn, U of S provost and vice-president academic. "Cutting budgets is never an easy thing. There are things we were doing last year that we won't be able to do this year."
Some academic and administrative units can spread cuts over those two years or beyond under certain circumstances. The university's board of governors approved the $361-million 2009-10 operating budget in May, while recording a $6-million operating deficit. Wow... it looks it's not limited to just governments. The university's pension fund fell to $300 million from $400 million and the value of endowments dropped 15%. The administration blames the budget shortfall on the faltering economy, which is responsible for declining investment revenue. Oh sure... blame the economy.
Tuition is increasing next year by 3% for most students. Each unit had until June 30 to submit its new annual budget... but several are still working out final details.
"Most (budgets) came in last week," he said. "There are a few stragglers."
Fairbairn wouldn't name which units are late, but said that the major colleges have delivered budgets. The university's consumer services division, which took the biggest budget hit, was asked to cut down its allocation by 50% from last year's $611,000 total. Meanwhile, the College of Dentistry had to find 10% of its budget to cut, while the Colleges of Arts and Science and Law both had to shrink by 4%, or $1.95 million and $168,000 respectively.
Technical questions and new college deans have delayed some budgets, said Fairbairn. Administrators were seeking a 3% average cut in budgets across the university. Whether a department or college is above or below the average depended on its focus on several priorities, said Fairbairn. Administrators looked at student experience, research and innovation agenda, capacity for restructuring and the strategic risks for the university's future.
The University of Saskatchewan is reviewing budget plans from departments and colleges that were asked to permanently cut operations spending by $10 million over two years. Holy shit... that's a lot of money. The administration is reviewing the submissions to ensure compliance with university policy and collective agreements before releasing a summary on July 27, 2009.
Post a Comment