Two reports released by task forces are suggesting ways to trim five per cent from the University of Saskatchewan's budget as part of the restructuring process dubbed TransformUS.
The moves are meant to save the institution from a projected deficit of $44.5 million by 2016, but not everyone agrees with those numbers.
“I think it’s safe to say we seem to have a moving target . . . ending up with a $44-million deficit,” said Doug Chivers chair of the university’s faculty association. “That number doesn't change, but how we get to $44-million seems to change. We continue to get different information."
Chivers said the faculty association is already in contact with university officials discussing the potential cuts.
Saskatchewan students pay the second highest tuition rates in the country. With the province supposedly in a boom, the NDP is questioning why cuts are necessary.
“If the economy's never been better, then great,” said Warren McCall, the NDP’s advanced education critic. “But then how is it that we have an institution like the University of Saskatchewan having to contemplate these kind of decisions? It just doesn't add up."
The provincial government says it has increased funding to the school by 59 per cent since forming government. Still, the U of S reports were designed to find $25 million in annual savings in order to avoid the projected shortfall.
Rob Norris, the minister of advanced education, said this year alone the U of S has received $333 million from the province.
“In fact, the provincial operating share continues to be among the highest of any Canadian institution at 64 per cent,” Norris said.
The recommendations in the U of S task force reports -- which include potentially cutting 98 academic programs -- aren't final, and a committee will spend the next eight weeks consulting with stakeholders.
Consultations with the campus community are beginning immediately and three town halls are planned for January where faculty, staff and students, can give their feedback and hear more about the program.
