Senate Notes

A regular meeting of Senate held May 5, 2006

Budget: President Claude Lajeunesse introduced the operating budget for 2006-07 by calling it difficult but realistic. The Executive Group pegs the deficit for the current year, 2005-06, at $4.3 million, and forecasts a deficit for 2006-07 of $9.5 million.

Chief Financial Officer Larry English presented a detailed overview of the budget (document US-2006-4-D7, at secretariat.concordia.ca/senate/).

In accordance with the academic plan, Moving Ahead, the recruitment of full-time professors continues at the rate of 50 new professors per year (25 net, because some may leave or retire), and Concordia University Research Chairs will increase. The library acquisition budget will increase by $1 million.

Application fees paid by students will rise from $50 to $75 for increased revenue of $1.2 million. The budget takes into account salary increases under new collective agreements, and repayment over 10 years of a major increase in employer benefit costs. Provision is made for reduced government funding of research-related and rental space.

Lajeunesse expects the deficit to be eliminated within two years. Relief is anticipated from the federal government’s promise of renewed fiscal balance with the provinces, and indications are that the Quebec government intends to address the $350-million shortfall of funding to universities.

English reminded Senate that Concordia is incurring a deficit this academic year for the first time in a decade, and is still healthier financially than other Quebec universities.

The budget will be presented to the Board of Governors for approval at its June 22 meeting.

Vice-President, Research and Graduate Studies: Ads for this new position have appeared in national publications.

Next meeting: Monday, May 29.

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