Enrolment down

Board of Governors meet for the first time in ’07

VERONICA CARR STAFF

The first Board of Governors meeting of 2007 was held Tuesday, Jan. 30, and while some topics turned into heated debates, all motions put forth were passed while other aspects of the university were celebrated.

U of M Press presentation

The meeting commenced with a presentation from the University of Manitoba Press by director David Carr in celebration of their 40th anniversary.

The U of M Press was the first western university press established in Canada and has published more than 125 books to date. Among the books published are some of Canada’s bestsellers, which include Winnipeg 1912 by Jim Blanchard and Night Spirits by Ila Bussidor and Üstün Bilgen-Reinart.

“I’m one of the big fans of Night Spirits,” commented Emöke Szathmàry, president of the U of M. “If you haven’t read it then you should. It really is a tragedy tale and the human resilience depicted is wonderful.”

Search for new chancellor

Next on the agenda was the deadline for nominations for the next university chancellor, which was approved to be March 15. The committee of elections is set to meet April 4, 2007, to elect a chancellor.

The chancellor is the titular head of the university. He or she is responsible for conferring all degrees and is a member of the Board of Governors and the senate. Also, the chancellor assists with the advancement of the university when appropriate, and acts as an ambassador of the university.

The committee of elections is a body that comprises all members of university senate and all members of the Board of Governors, meeting once every three years to elect a chancellor for the U of M.

Bill Norrie is the current chancellor and although he is about to complete his second term, he can still be reelected.

Report of the president

Important issues mentioned by the president included the present decline in enrolment.

Every year universities report enrolment numbers as of Nov. 1 to Statistics Canada. This year the U of M had a decrease in overall credit hours by 1.6 per cent and a total student enrolment decrease of 1.7 per cent (a decrease of 500 students, including 18 international students).

Anticipating a one per cent increase in student enrolment, the budget now suffers from a 2.6 per cent decrease — about a total of $2.6 million in fee revenue.

“Our undergraduate international students pay 180 per cent more than Canadian students so their decrease in enrolment hits us a little harder, however our goal is to have 10 per cent of the student body international and right now it’s sitting at 9.7 per cent, so we aren’t doing too bad,” commented Szathmáry.

Report of the UMSU president

Gary Sran, UMSU president, first made note that students registered in the Health and Dental plan are now being properly insured and made clear that it was not UMSU’s mistake. “After much frustration, the accurate, complete list of registered health plan students is in and things are back on track.”

Sran went on to announce the biodegradable containers now available at Degrees restaurant. Styrofoam containers and plastic cutlery will no longer be used. Instead, Degrees will provide organic products at a cost of 25 cents to the consumer.

“So far it’s just been positive feedback about the program. We’re proud to be taking a step towards environmental responsibility on campus,” said Amanda Jonson, UMSU vice-president (internal).

* * *

The minutes of the Nov. 21, 2006 meeting were passed, and it was noted that they have been significantly compacted for a shorter, easier read. This will be the format from now on.

The board is the corporate governing body of the university and is responsible for overseeing the administrative and business affairs at the U of M. This includes approving the annual budget as well as appointing and monitoring the performance of the president and vice-chancellor, currently Szathmáry.

It is composed of 23 members: the chancellor, the president, 12 members appointed by the Lieutenant- Governor, three members elected by the graduates of the university, three members elected by the university senate and three members appointed by UMSU.

The Board of Governors will next meet on March 20, 2007.





Volume 94 Issue 20	The Official University of Manitoba Students' Newspaper Website	Febuary 07, 2007

Home About Us Advertise Contact Staff Current Issue PDF Employment Letters to the Editor Meet the Staff Online Archives Personals Volunteer	Font Size Respond Email Print-Friendly Enrolment down Board of Governors meet for the first time in ’07 VERONICA CARR STAFF The first Board of Governors meeting of 2007 was held Tuesday, Jan. 30, and while some topics turned into heated debates, all motions put forth were passed while other aspects of the university were celebrated. U of M Press presentation The meeting commenced with a presentation from the University of Manitoba Press by director David Carr in celebration of their 40th anniversary. The U of M Press was the first western university press established in Canada and has published more than 125 books to date. Among the books published are some of Canada’s bestsellers, which include Winnipeg 1912 by Jim Blanchard and Night Spirits by Ila Bussidor and Üstün Bilgen-Reinart. “I’m one of the big fans of Night Spirits,” commented Emöke Szathmàry, president of the U of M. “If you haven’t read it then you should. It really is a tragedy tale and the human resilience depicted is wonderful.” Search for new chancellor Next on the agenda was the deadline for nominations for the next university chancellor, which was approved to be March 15. The committee of elections is set to meet April 4, 2007, to elect a chancellor. The chancellor is the titular head of the university. He or she is responsible for conferring all degrees and is a member of the Board of Governors and the senate. Also, the chancellor assists with the advancement of the university when appropriate, and acts as an ambassador of the university. The committee of elections is a body that comprises all members of university senate and all members of the Board of Governors, meeting once every three years to elect a chancellor for the U of M. Bill Norrie is the current chancellor and although he is about to complete his second term, he can still be reelected. Report of the president Important issues mentioned by the president included the present decline in enrolment. Every year universities report enrolment numbers as of Nov. 1 to Statistics Canada. This year the U of M had a decrease in overall credit hours by 1.6 per cent and a total student enrolment decrease of 1.7 per cent (a decrease of 500 students, including 18 international students). Anticipating a one per cent increase in student enrolment, the budget now suffers from a 2.6 per cent decrease — about a total of $2.6 million in fee revenue. “Our undergraduate international students pay 180 per cent more than Canadian students so their decrease in enrolment hits us a little harder, however our goal is to have 10 per cent of the student body international and right now it’s sitting at 9.7 per cent, so we aren’t doing too bad,” commented Szathmáry. Report of the UMSU president Gary Sran, UMSU president, first made note that students registered in the Health and Dental plan are now being properly insured and made clear that it was not UMSU’s mistake. “After much frustration, the accurate, complete list of registered health plan students is in and things are back on track.” Sran went on to announce the biodegradable containers now available at Degrees restaurant. Styrofoam containers and plastic cutlery will no longer be used. Instead, Degrees will provide organic products at a cost of 25 cents to the consumer. “So far it’s just been positive feedback about the program. We’re proud to be taking a step towards environmental responsibility on campus,” said Amanda Jonson, UMSU vice-president (internal). * * * The minutes of the Nov. 21, 2006 meeting were passed, and it was noted that they have been significantly compacted for a shorter, easier read. This will be the format from now on. The board is the corporate governing body of the university and is responsible for overseeing the administrative and business affairs at the U of M. This includes approving the annual budget as well as appointing and monitoring the performance of the president and vice-chancellor, currently Szathmáry. It is composed of 23 members: the chancellor, the president, 12 members appointed by the Lieutenant- Governor, three members elected by the graduates of the university, three members elected by the university senate and three members appointed by UMSU. The Board of Governors will next meet on March 20, 2007.


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