The College of New Caledonia’s board of governors passed a balanced budget for the 2019/2020 fiscal year during its regular meeting Friday.
The $72,233,246 budget will see full-time faculty positions added and extended instructional and student supports. This budget also marks the fourth consecutive year CNC has not faced cuts.
“We’re proud to present a balanced budget that makes important investments in educational delivery at CNC,” said CNC President Henry Reiser, in a news release.
The budget comes on the heels of a two per cent domestic tuition increase, approved in November with the caveat that those funds be put directly to the support and development of students.
Supporting that direction, the budget allows for extended hours for a number of service-oriented departments, adds an aboriginal community navigator, creates study abroad subsidies and new entrance scholarships.
The budget also provides the CNC Students’ Union with a $50,000 grant to support the creation of student recreation, mentorship, and ambassador programs at CNC. At a public budget consultation session on Feb. 1, 2019, the students’ union committed to matching funds provided by the college for these initiatives.
“Student life is an essential element of the post-secondary experience,” said Chad Thompson, CNC Vice President Academic. “The CNCSU is enthusiastic about fostering more student life on campus, and we’re very pleased to support this.”
Almost $800,000 has been allocated for the new full-time faculty positions. Last year, CNC added new faculty positions to keep up with student enrolment. Those positions have been continued in CNC’s 2019/2020 budget.
The budget also includes funding for planned rotational trades programming in Fort St. James, Vanderhoof, Burns Lake, and Mackenzie, as well as ongoing regular programs in Quesnel and Prince George.
A multi-year project to improve classroom technology and furniture will also begin in 2019/2020.
“Improving classroom technology and furniture at CNC benefits both the learning experience of students and teaching experience of instructors,” said Tara Szerencsi, CNC Vice President, Finance and Corporate Services. “This budget is reflective of CNC’s commitment to bringing people and potential together.”
What do you think about this story?