Layoffs expected as U of R balances budget, tuition rising

It didn’t come without its challenges, but the University of Regina has successfully balanced its 2017-18 budget.

In March, the provincial government announced a nearly $7 million cut to the U of R.

“As far as I know this is the worst cut the to the University of Regina in its history,” explained President Vianne Timmons, who met with the media Friday afternoon to discuss its budget.

Timmons said the university will see layoffs, although an exact number couldn’t be given.

“I think we’ll see over 10 laid off but we will see probably 40 positions not filled that we had, completely gone forever that we can never fill.”

In a news release, the school identified the ways in which the shortfall was dealt with. It included reductions from one to five per cent across 19 administrative and academic units, including a five per cent reduction to the University’s Executive offices. Also, salary freezes are in place for out-of-scope staff and operations are being suspended at the Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative.

Additionally, increased 2.5 per cent, which the school said is the lowest increase since 2008-09.

“My goal as president was always to keep our tuition in the bottom third in Canada, now we’re in the bottom half,” said Timmons, adding the school is below the national average for English speaking universities.

The news release stated the U of R ranks 21 out of 59 for university affordability in Canada.

The school’s difficult budget comes at a time of significant enrolment growth, with the University experiencing a 25 per cent increase in students since 2009.

The U of R highlighted other key numbers and facts concerning its 2017-18 budget:

• The U of R’s operational budget is $216 million
• Changes to the PST will cost the U of R approximately an additional $500,000 annually plus 3.5 per cent on all new capital projects.
• The U of R ranks second in Canada in student financial support as a percentage of tuition.
• U of R graduates experience the best employment outcomes of all post-secondary graduates in Saskatchewan