VIU Budget Crisis: Students Left in the Dark
On April 11th, representatives from the VIU Students' Union were invited to a budget town hall meeting, but were unexpectedly asked to leave after taking their seats, causing significant concern about the lack of opportunities for student input in decisions that affect them. Representatives were planning to ask about the impacts of budget cuts on financial aid, student jobs, course offerings but were denied the opportunity to do so. There is a significant cause for concern that there will be cuts to these essential areas, and the potential for punitive new ancillary fees, and tuition fee increases. The fear is that the burden of the University's financial mismanagement will be shifted onto the backs of students.
It is clear that VIU is in crisis. Over this year and next VIU is projecting a $26.2 million dollar deficit, after already posting significant deficits over COVID. The problem is severe enough that an external auditing firm, Deloitte, was brought in - at an unknown cost - just to establish that the situation wasn’t rooted in fraud or corruption. Students are beginning to raise questions about the University's financial management and its ability to make responsible and sustainable decisions that prioritize student success.
Dramatic cuts have already been seen which will heavily impact students, funding for scholarships and bursaries has been reduced by 70% in just two years. Funding is down from $5 million in 2021-22 to only $1.5 million in 2023-24 (see figure).
It is widely assumed that this budget crisis will lead to massive reductions in student jobs, further financially impacting students who rely on these positions to help fund their education. Reports of cuts to course sections are already emerging, which will inevitably result in delayed graduation times and increased student debt. The obvious fear is that there will be further cuts to courses, programs, and essential services like counseling, advising, and other resources on campus all without any input from students.
Students have valid concerns and also deep insight into what will help VIU thrive and must have their voices heard in the decisions that impact them. We have been left in the dark about decisions that have a significant impact on our academic careers and financial futures for too long. In this time of crisis VIUSU is demanding that we be included in the decisions impacting the future of Vancouver Island University.
Click the link below to join us in calling on VIU to do the right thing and meaningfully bring students to the table.
