Preliminary MTCU Budget Approved Amid Protest
The April 6 meeting of Board of Governors , where the University's 2005/2006 MTCU preliminary operating budget was being discussed and debated, was disrupted by a group of protesters.
The board proceeded to discuss the budget for more than two hours after president Alastair Summerlee admitted the protesters to the meeting. Comments were received from students, staff and employee group representatives who were attending on behalf of their respective organizations.
The budget was approved by the board, as was the operating budget for the University Centre and ancillary budgets (Hospitality Services, Parking and Student Housing). When the board chair tried to proceed with other items on the agenda, the protesters once again became agitated and disruptive.
After trying to restore order several times, the chair adjourned the meeting, and the remaining agenda items were approved later by the executive subcommittee, including the preliminary Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF) budget. The University will continue to restructure programs and services offered under the OMAF contract to achieve a balanced budget and position the partnership for the future.
The executive also approved the appointment of Prof. Alan Shepard, director of the School of English and Theatre Studies, as associate vice-president (academic).
