UNBC Cuts Contemplated At Weekend Retreat

Saturday, January 27, 2007 04:05 AM

Clouds on the horizon, as numbers get crunched this weekend

Members of UNBC’s Board of Governors are gathering at a weekend retreat to make some tough decisions -- how many jobs will be cut and which programs will be tailored back to deal with an estimated budget shortfall of $2-million dollars. (see previous story)

But word of the Board’s decisions will not be made public until Monday when the University’s President, Don Cozzetto, will hold a news conference.

UNBC’s Director of Public Relations, Rob van Adrichem, says the University owes it to its employees to brief them first. Van Adrichem admits there will be some short-term pain, with an eye to long-term gain, as the University shifts from a "growth" phase to one of sustainability.

In a bid to better meet that goal, UNBC announced in December it would move from preparing an annual budget to a three-year budget process. Van Adrichem says the shift to a multi-year budget will allow the University to strengthen areas where there is strong demand. He points to the Nursing Program as an example, saying demand has been huge.

The University’s financial challenges are not new. They stem from its small size and northern location; the cost of campus expansion and rising construction costs; increases in faculty and staffing levels; and a flat student enrolment rate over the past five years.

The Board of Governors will approve a final operating budget by the end of March.

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Posted on Saturday, January 27, 2007 04:05 AM in News by Michelle Cyr-Whiting

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Comments

Posted by: lunarguy on January 27 2007 6:54 AM

Guess where the retreat is ! Vancouver.

Posted by: REALIST on January 27 2007 9:19 AM

The cost of education has skyrocketed since the BC Liberals came to power. Many who want to go simply can not. This is bad for the University and it is bad for British Columbia. The cost of education is high but, the cost of ignorance will be even higher.

Posted by: thereasonableman on January 27 2007 9:46 AM

Pass the caviar and top up my champagne glass, please. So, what do you guys figure we should cut ?....*munch, munch *sip, sip..

I wish I got a free trip out of town every time I have to make a business decision.

Posted by: jonnypg on January 27 2007 11:21 AM

...and to think this was once one of the best little University�s in Canada!

Posted by: diplomat on January 27 2007 12:09 PM

"The cost of education has skyrocketed since the BC Liberals came to power."

Even the most basic Internet search reveals that the cost of education has not only skyrocketed in British Columbia but all over Canada, the USA and practically every other advanced country in the world.

Sure, any goverment can decide to subsidize institutes of higher learning even more without worrying about the cost by simply borrowing the required money (NDP style) but eventually the taxpayers have to pay for the borrowing by higher taxes, either now or in future generations (how fair is that?).

A university education enables a person to command higher earnings during the remainder of his/her life and that is how one's initial investment in time and tuition pays off in the long run.

UNBC has to learn how to run efficiently without exceeding its financial limits. If that means cutting some of the fat, so be it.

Posted by: travism on January 27 2007 12:29 PM

diplomat I agree with you, my student loans are over 5x average, but it was my choice. Education is the single most profitable investment someone can make. Student loans and a decent summer job pay for it. Then pay the loans over ten years, not a difficult concept. Also you appreciate something you earn.

However UNBC's problem comes from the Federal Government pulling $5 million for the Sports Complex. Good thing we have stood loyally by Hill and Harris all these year. I can't wait for the spring election.

Posted by: travism on January 27 2007 12:37 PM

Posted by: travism on January 27 2007 12:42 PM

Posted by: diplomat on January 27 2007 2:08 PM

travism, your posting is very positive and right on the button, in my opinion! I know you are going to be very successful in the future!

As for the $5 million for the Sports Complex: the University should have made sure that it had a written committment before the construction even began.

Our loyalty hasn't been appreciated, I agree.

Posted by: Gofaster on January 27 2007 3:41 PM

A reatreat...isn't that nice... you claim hardship and yet can afford to go on a holiday somewhere..
you could have stayed here and ordered in pizza and still got the job done...
no symathy from me....
they wil lfind sympathy in the dictionary but I won't way where here...
Suck it up and fire the boss, then the money will be there,,,,maybe!

Posted by: billposer on January 28 2007 2:45 AM

Meeting in Vancouver may not be as unreasonable as it seems. Remember that quite a few members of the Board aren't from Prince George. Some probably live in the Lower Mainland or Victoria. Even people within the UNBC region may find it easier to meet in Vancouver, e.g. someone coming from Terrace.

Posted by: thereasonableman on January 28 2007 8:41 AM

Then why do they call it a "Weekend Retreat". Maybe they should take the "treat" out of it.

Posted by: owl on January 28 2007 9:09 AM

A weekend?

Isn't that the time one is supposed to be at home with family and friends? Go to church, the movies, theatre, shoppping?

I guess they are not only supposed to take the TREAT out of reTREAT, but the END out of weekEND.

Posted by: billposer on January 29 2007 1:33 AM

"retreat" has nothing to do with "treat". In my experience meetings are usually called "retreats" when they are supposed to allow the participants to focus for an extended period and think about something. They're usually held to do long term planning or deal with some major issue.