Fiscal Realities

The University Act requires all universities in British Columbia to balance their budgets.

Stagnant government funding for the past several years, coupled with cuts in operating dollars, has left many B.C. public post-secondary institutions, including Capilano University, having to find ways to trim costs and increase revenues.

Decreasing government funding, escalating costs, increased student demand for services and access, and the impact of labour negotiations, have resulted in universities across Canada cutting programs, raising tuition and eliminating faculty and staff positions to achieve balanced budgets.

Capilano University has been coping with budget shortfalls for the past ten years. Unlike other new universities in B.C., Capilano's operating grant was never adjusted to reflects its new status as a university. Cap receives the lowest grant per student (full-time equivalent (FTE)) among all universities in the province, and the third-lowest grant per FTE among all the post-secondary institutions in B.C.

To maintain a balanced budget, many administrative efficiencies have been implemented (e.g.vacancies unfilled, positions eliminated, credit cards no longer accepted for payments, etc.). It has become increasingly clear that administrative reductions and efficiencies can no longer address the ongoing budget pressures.

• Collective Bargaining with the Faculty Association – The University has tabled a comprehensive settlement package that includes four 1% increases for faculty, consistent with the post-secondary sector settlements that have concluded at our peer universities and colleges across the province. The primary outstanding issue in the bargaining process is faculty retiree benefits (article 9.4.2.3 of the collective agreement). Unless a mutual resolution relating to faculty retiree benefits can be reached, over time, more and more of the University's operating budget will need to be set aside to fund faculty retiree benefits. Capilano University will not enter into an agreement that will jeopardize the future financial viability of the University.
• $50 million cut to post-secondary funding – The B.C. Government announced a $50 million cut to post-secondary funding in the 2012 Provincial Budget. As a result, we anticipate a further reduction in our operating grant for 2014-15. Once again Cap will be faced with difficult reduction decisions.

• Capilano University will continue to follow the budget process outlined in the University Act and adhere to Board policies governing the budget process, including consultation with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• As a government-funded institution, Capilano University is subject to an external audit. KPMG, a leading international accounting firm, has conducted Capilano’s audits and has consistently stated that the consolidated financial statements present fairly the financial position of the University.
• Capilano University is committed to providing a quality learning experience that supports innovative and engaging learning opportunities.
• We will continue to work with government to ensure our students receive the education they deserve.