News Articles
Board of Governors
Board endorses multi-year plan to address structural deficit
Strategic planning for U of G's future was the topic of the day at the June 5 Board of Governors meeting.
The board endorsed a multi-year plan to address the structural deficit as part of Guelph's preliminary 2008/09 Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities operating budget, accepted a proposal to renovate the Richards Building to support student growth in engineering programs, and approved preliminary 2008/09 operating budgets for the University of Guelph-Humber and for U of G's partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
President Alastair Summerlee told B of G the University is taking a thoughtful strategic approach to addressing its future, both in terms of financing and in terms of academic programming. All of it must be done in the context of limited government support and changes in the way funds are allocated, especially the growing prevalence of one-time funding, he said. “It has had a devastating impact on the way we can plan.”
Some governors expressed reservations about approving an operating budget that includes a deficit and budget assumptions for government revenues that are uncertain. But it was ultimately acknowledged that a multi-year plan is the only way to address the situation. (See full budget story)
Governors offered congratulations on the continuing progress of Guelph-Humber, now in its sixth year with 2,300 students. Its total revenues are expected to exceed costs by $8.6 million in 2007/08 and by $3.6 million in 2008/2009. As a result, there is now capacity within the Guelph-Humber budget to provide resources to continue with quality investments and program development while enhancing the revenue provided to both parent institutions in recognition of ongoing infrastructure costs.
B of G also gave the go-ahead for Guelph to engage consultants to produce detailed design drawings for reuse of the Richards Building to accommodate a planned increase in engineering students. The School of Engineering expects to boost its numbers significantly over the next five years.
In a fundraising update, the board learned that Alumni Affairs and Development has achieved a 25-per-cent increase in new gifts and pledges. A total of more than $20 million was raised in 2007/08, exceeding the goal set at this time last year.
Prof. Maureen Mancuso, provost and vice-president (academic), provided an update on the integrated planning process. The priorities identified in the plan were instrumental in framing the multi-year approach to addressing the structural deficit, she said.
Guelph Mayor Karen Farbridge and officials from Guelph Hydro informed the board about the community energy plan. U of G has been involved in developing the plan, and there are opportunities for the city, Guelph Hydro and the University to work closely on implementing it. It would involve the crafting of a detailed proposal that would look at U of G's water and waste management and infrastructure, and help identify ways to reduce costs and energy use.