The University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada, is facing a budget deficit of up to $42 million CAD, with more than $30 million coming from the sudden drop in international student tuition revenue.

Although the school has not cut scholarships or major student programs, many people are already feeling the pressure.

Gillian Heisz, Vice President and Head of Financial Operations at the University of Windsor, said that other rising expenses have also pushed the overall deficit to $42 million CAD.

Source: Google

She pointed out: "We have eliminated vacant positions and made some difficult decisions that affect existing employees. Over the past few months, we have frozen recruitment and had to carry out partial layoffs."

The university has reduced the number of part-time teachers and temporary lecturers, saving $11.2 million through staff reductions. However, the total number of layoffs remains unclear.

Heisz added: "Since last fall, we have helped about 50 to 55 employees close to retirement by offering them compensation to leave early. This is beneficial for both the university's financial situation and the employees themselves."

Pierre Boulos, President of the University of Windsor Faculty Association, expressed concern: "If we lose too many teachers, will it affect our ability to maintain course programs?"

Source: Google

The administration emphasized that they prefer "pausing admissions" rather than "canceling programs."

Boulos noted that the initial $30 million deficit announced at the end of last year was based on estimates, and "if you look at the audited financial reports released by the university every October, they have been profitable in recent years."

In addition, government funding has helped reduce the university's budget deficit to around $4.4 million, which accounts for only 1.5% of the operating budget.

Boulos said: "The atmosphere on campus is tense, emotions are divided, and there are complex personnel adjustment issues. The university's human resources department is already overwhelmed."

Due to a 25% reduction in international students, the university expects next year's total enrollment to fall below 15,000.

Boulos said: "Ideally, the actual enrollment numbers next year will be higher than expected. If not, we will continue to find ways to cut costs."

Source link:

  • https://www.ctvnews.ca/windsor/article/we-made-some-difficult-decisions-university-trying-to-shed-budget-deficit/

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7497241849778717211/

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