January 20, 2010
In a budget update sent to faculty and staff, University of New Brunswick president Eddy Campbell states that while funding provided in the provincial government's latest
budget has improved the school's near-term budget position, UNB's "ongoing structural deficit continues to pose a significant challenge." As outlined in a 3-year budget framework, in 2010-11, the university plans to reduce expenses by $2.5 million at its Fredericton campus, and by $400,000 at its Saint John campus. If left unchecked, UNB's annual operating structural shortfall could amount to approximately $4 million in 2011-12, and over $8 million in 2012-13.
Update on UNB's 2010-11 Budget |
UNB Budget Q&AIn its response to the Ontario government's proposed Northern Ontario Growth Plan, the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation suggests the province establish targets and incentives to double or triple post-secondary enrolment to be distributed equally across northern Ontario institutions over the next 25 years. The corporation notes that directing southern Ontario post-secondary student demand northwards would be helpful in building student populations in the north. The corporation also recommends that distance education be driven through a strategy that would support regional and remote satellite campuses.
Sault Star |
Read the SSMEDC reportFanshawe College is requesting financial support from Norfolk County Council towards significant upgrades to facilities and programs at the school's James N. Allan campus in Simcoe, Ontario. Fanshawe is investing $1 million in the upgrades, and is seeking a $250,000 grant from the county to support the college. The chair of the Simcoe campus notes that demand for spots continues to grow at the campus, which has doubled its student population in recent years.
Fanshawe News Release |
Simcoe Reformer The University of Saskatchewan's College of Education has given its entrance interview a one-year hiatus while a committee researches a new method of evaluating applicants' interpersonal skills and life experiences. The number of students applying to the college has dropped significantly in the past 8 years, while resources needed to conduct hundreds of in-person interviews has increased. Admission for students hoping to get into the mainstream education program will be based solely on grades for the 2010-11 school year. The committee is expected to report to the college this spring.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix Simon Fraser University announced yesterday that Andrew Petter has been chosen as the institution's ninth president and vice-chancellor. Petter will assume his new position on September 1, when current president Michael Stevenson concludes his second 5-year term. Petter is a past dean of the University of Victoria's law faculty and a former BC attorney general.
SFU News ReleaseThe University of Victoria and the Pauquachin First Nation have signed an agreement that gives the latter the exclusive right to negotiate the purchase of Dunsmuir Lodge, once used by uVic as an executive training and conference centre. Under the agreement, the university agrees to not sell Dunsmuir to any other party for the term of the agreement, which runs until May 2011.
uVic closed Dunsmuir last March because the lodge was not sustainable in the long term. Immediate neighbours to the property, the Pauquachin First Nation expressed strong interest in the lands and discussions over the summer and fall led to the exclusivity agreement.
uVic News ReleaseA group of students at St. Francis Xavier University would like the university to end its policy of automatically appointing the bishop of the Antigonish diocese as its chancellor, with contention based on issues of merit, gender equality, and religious representation. The university's student union is collecting feedback from students on the matter through an online forum and poll, and responses have been divided. The student union will bring up the issue at the next board of governors meeting in March. The bishop and chancellor positions have been empty since September following the child pornography scandal involving then-bishop Raymond Lahey. A new bishop will be introduced Monday.
UNewsYesterday the Ontario government announced it has created a bursary program to help Aboriginal students with financial need attend university, college, or Aboriginal post-secondary institutions in the province. The government is also funding a number of Aboriginal student support services, such as career counselling, mentoring, and Elders in residence. For 2009-10, Ontario is investing over $26 million in Aboriginal PSE.
Ontario News ReleaseThe Prince Edward Island government is funding a program called Trade HERizons that is designed to encourage more female residents of the province to enter trades-training programs. Administered by Women's Network PEI, the program will provide training for 36 women over 3 years. Participants will complete a 14-week college-readiness program from February to May, and later enrol in a trades-training program of their choice in the fall. Trade HERizons will also help participants find work after their training is complete.
PEI News ReleaseStudents in India are protesting the country's decision to strip 44 post-secondary institutions of their official university status. The move stems from a review which found the schools were unable to provide proper educational facilities. India's government says it will take measures to ensure its decision does not jeopardize the future of nearly 200,000 students currently enrolled at the affected universities.
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