News Archives: GPRC Submits Balanced Budget
Friday, May 29th, 2015
Alberta’s economic realities in recent months have meant that GPRC has looked carefully at programs and services in order to maximize effectiveness and minimize costs. The balanced budget approved today by the GPRC Board of Governors will reduce spending over the next two years by $5.2 million.
A college-wide committee has worked together to find the necessary reductions with as little negative impact as possible. Each decision has been made keeping the future goals of GPRC firmly in sight, while strengthening the core and foundation of the institution in a way which will best prepare for change and growth.
The programs selected for reductions or suspensions were identified based upon key criteria including institutional mandate, impact on students, enrolment levels, and cost of delivery. Every care has been taken to ensure minimal impact on collaborative programs or other partnerships, and the needs of our region.
Apprenticeship programs as assigned by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) remain at similar levels to previous years.
The Board of Governors unanimously supported these decisions of the College. “It is always painful to cut positions and suspend programs,” commented Pete Merlo, Board Chair. “We appreciate the difficult decisions which GPRC leadership has had to make to achieve this budget, and are confident that the College will remain strong. These are tough decisions, but the current economic situation is a reality. Many businesses and organizations across the province and beyond are taking similar steps, and while it is never easy, it is essential at this time.”
The changes at GPRC include:
- The President and Vice-Presidents will donate the equivalent of 5% of their salaries back to the College.
- The Board of Governors has volunteered to donate 5% of their honoraria back to the College.
- A total of 33 positions have been eliminated across the institution through a process of voluntary severances, early retirement incentives and redundancies.
- Operational efficiency savings and reduction of services have been found in all administrative areas.
- Program suspensions and curtailments include:
- The Office Administration program has been reduced to one year from two. An external review has indicated that the certificate stream meets the needs of employers and students.
- The Trans Vocational Program has been removed and the College is currently in discussion with other institutions to develop an economically sustainable program to meet the needs of these students.
- In consultation with students and the industry, Commercial Beekeeping will now be offered as short courses through Continuing Education.
- Pre-employment Millwright and Pre-employment Welding, programs which have no impact on the Apprenticeship stream, have been suspended. The Apprenticeship programs are all stable and growing.
- The collaborative degree completion option in Computer Science has been undersubscribed for several years. Years 3 and 4 are being suspended.
- An external review of Hospitality & Tourism has recommended a revamp of the curriculum. That revamp is now in progress, and the program has been suspended.
- Under-enrolled options in Interactive Digital Design and Drama are being suspended. Courses essential to completion of degrees such as Bachelor of Education elementary will continue to be offered.
- Fewer option courses will be offered in any given year, reducing the numbers of sessional instructors.
- Marketing and recruitment expenditures will be reduced.
- The Curling Team has been suspended.
- The development contingency fund for West Yellowhead region has been reduced.
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For more information or comment please contact:
Don Gnatiuk, President and CEO
Grande Prairie Regional College
780-539-2024