Addressing administrative bloat rather than cutting programs will balance Capilano University's budget

VANCOUVER, June 5, 2013 /CNW/ - Concerned Capilano University faculty and students are calling on the governing senate and board to adopt their alternate budget solutions produced in order to balance a $1.3 million dollar deficit without any program cuts.

The previous May 14 governing board meeting concluded with a motion for the senate budget committee "to attempt to balance the budget without any program cuts", leading to an exhaustive review of the past 5 years of university budgets.

With the same number of faculty since 2009 now teaching over 1000 additional fulltime equivalent students, revenues are growing substantially faster than direct program delivery costs, suggesting significant operational efficiencies exist in program delivery.

In the same 4 year period, Capilano University's administrative costs have expanded by over 40%, suggesting the proposal to pay for administrative bloat through cutting 7% of the University's programs, will only eliminate unique and acclaimed programs, reduce opportunities for students, and shrink University revenues.

The British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education is confident Capilano University "can manage its current budgetary pressure and continue to offer the same programs it has offered in the past." Returning administrative overhead and expense spending to pre-2012 levels, would easily cover the current shortfall and allow continuation of the current program mix. The faculty working group is also providing a range of short and long term revenue generating suggestions through the Senate Budget Sub-Committee, leading up to important University Senate and Board meetings occurring on June 10 and 11 respectively.

SOURCE: Capilano University Faculty Association

Brent Calvert 604.318.2943