Capilano University's Board of Governors Approves 2013-2014 Operating Budget

NORTH VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Jun 12, 2013) - Capilano University's Board of Governors approved the revised annual operating budget at its June 11 board meeting held at the University's North Vancouver campus.

The decision, originally slated to occur at the May 14 Board meeting, had been delayed based on a recommendation from University President Kris Bulcroft, to allow Senate additional time for consultation and to review the budget. The original motion put forward was amended to request "that Senate attempt to balance the 2013-2014 budget without cuts to programs and sections in order to allow the next year for consultation."

In April, the University's executive was directed by the Board of Governors to present a balanced budget as required under the University Act. Overcoming the deficit necessitated suspending intake of some programs and courses.

During the annual budget cycle for 2013-2014, a shortfall of $3.5 million was originally indicated and was subsequently reduced to $1.2 million through cuts to maintenance, no increase to services, staffing and equipment and the suspension of some capital projects. This was after a number of cost-saving measures were implemented in previous years, including not filling or eliminating a number of administrative positions.

Since the May 14 motion, the Senate Budget Advisory Committee (SBAC), comprised of representatives from across the campus community including faculty, staff, administration and students, conducted a review of the budget with the goal of identifying options with the least impact on students, programs and the University as a whole. The campus community was invited to provide input on cost-saving and revenue-generating options.

This process resulted in recommendations regarding the budget brought forward by the SBAC to Senate at its June 10 meeting, including areas for cost savings and additional revenue. In its submission, the SBAC provided the following summary:

"The Senate Budget Committee has completed its review of the 2013-14 Budget and developed recommendations which we feel reflect the best interests of students, faculty, and staff. The SBAC finds it regrettable that we are unable to solve the budget problem without cuts to programs and sections."

Senate passed the Senate Budget Advisory Committee's motion that, "the Senate recommend to the Board of Governors the revised proposed budget plan as at June 7, which includes the following list of budget adjustments:

• Parking increase: $18,000

• Suspend BC CEOs membership: $8,000

• Increase in seat max: $20,000

• Sections given from Faculty of Health, Education & Human Development: 2 sections"

The Senate Budget Advisory Committee's submission to Senate, meeting highlights and support material can be viewed online.

The revised proposed 2013-2014 operating budget, reflecting the SBAC's recommended adjustments, was presented to the Board by President Bulcroft. The 15-member Board, including student representatives, faculty and non-faculty staff, passed the motion to accept and approve the budget with a vote count of 11 in favour; two opposed; one abstention and one spoiled ballot.

"The Board is satisfied the revised budget, including the SBAC recommendations, is prudent and realistic in light of our current fiscal challenges and those being experienced by other universities, and allows us to meet our statutory obligation of submitting a balanced budget," says Robin Brayne, chair of Capilano University's Board of Governors.

He continued, "On behalf of the Board I would like to commend the work done by everyone involved in this complex process which has resulted in some difficult, but necessary decisions being made."

"I fully understand how difficult this process has been to our campus community and some of our external stakeholders," says Kris Bulcroft. "At the core of Capilano University's values has been a commitment to serving our students and this budget ensures that we can continue to offer quality learning experiences and support for our current and future students."

"We are looking forward to working with the newly appointed Minister Virk and his staff," Bulcroft added.

Capilano University is a learner-centred university with campuses in North Vancouver, Squamish and Sechelt, British Columbia. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), the University currently offers bachelor degrees as well as associate degrees and a range of diplomas, certificates and statements of completion. More than 7,500 students are enrolled in credit programs each term, with an additional 7,000 people taking non-credit courses annually. Capilano University has earned an international reputation for quality teaching, programs and services, instilling the knowledge, skills, motivation and attitudes that will enable students to become independent thinkers and learners, and to contribute effectively in a rapidly changing world. More information can be found at www.capilanou.ca.

Please see the 2013-2014 budget information page for additional background including a list of affected programs and courses.