Photo by Cory Aronec © The University Of Winnipeg
Yesterday evening, The University of Winnipeg’s Board of Regents approved a balanced budget of $144 million for 2019-2020. Tuition will increase 3.7% over last year for most programs.
In keeping with the three-year budget strategy that was first adopted in 2016, UWinnipeg is stabilizing its financial position and taking a prudent approach that focuses on achieving the goals outlined in the University’s strategic directions. The Government of Manitoba reduced its operating grant to UWinnipeg by 1% for 2019-20, atop a 0.9% reduction last year.
UWinnipeg continues to prioritize student success, academic excellence, research, and reconciliation — pillars of the institution’s strategic directions. In alignment with these pillars, the 2019-20 budget will see continued focus on student services aimed at better supporting UWinnipeg’s changing student population and improving student academic outcomes:
- An additional $50,000 for bursaries to students with financial need, augmenting the $5.7 million available for UWinnipeg students in scholarships, bursaries, and awards in 2018-2019
- Adding two academic success advisors to proactively connect with students who are at risk of leaving the University early, and providing them with guidance and supports
- Enhanced resources for the International Student Services Centre (ISSC) and relocation of the ISSC to enable better integration and resource sharing between student support units
- Investing in faculty renewal, including maintaining the number of faculty at the University and investing in two positions, with a focus on Indigenous languages
- Enhanced funding for Indigenous cultural events on campus, as well as community outreach and language programs that support UWinnipeg’s commitment to implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls To Action
- Enhanced delivery of professional security services, while making the campus both welcoming and safe
- Support for researchers seeking external funding and increased matching funds supporting external grants
UWinnipeg will increase the tuition and fees of most undergraduate programs by 3.7% from 2018-2019. This represents an increase of $120 for the average student ($168 for a student taking five full courses). Tuition for graduate studies will increase by 2.5% for most programs. UWinnipeg remains one of the most affordable options in Canada for post-secondary education.
UWinnipeg is one of the leanest and most efficient universities in Canada. Its improving financial stability is the result of a strategic three-year budgeting process — along with a series of difficult decisions. Since 2015, restructuring has eliminated 36% of senior administrative management positions at UWinnipeg, as well as 15% of academic adminstratior positions. Several non-senior management roles were also removed. Salaries for all non-unionized staff were frozen for two of the last three years.
“Our job is to grow leaders. We do this by focusing on our core mission of academic excellence,” said Dr. Annette Trimbee, President and Vice-Chancellor. “This budget reflects our priorities and will further support the efforts of our talented faculty and staff who ensure a top quality educational experience for our students.”
Manitoba’s universities and colleges add significant value to the local economy. This is backed up by strong evidence. The University of Winnipeg is a major economic driver with an annual economic impact of $1.5 billion. UWinnipeg graduates are tomorrow’s leaders and innovators.
