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Algoma U Board of Governors Approves 2019-20 Budget

Press Release

Local Firm Hired to Lead Development of Campus Master Plan & Renovation Projects

Yesterday evening, Algoma University’s Board of Governors approved a $38 million operating budget for the 2019-20 fiscal year. The outcomes-based budget projects a small surplus and aligns with the new tuition framework introduced by the provincial government in January. Targeted investments address key strategic priorities identified by the Board and Senate while building upon the momentum generated by enrolment growth in 2018-19 which is anticipated to continue during the upcoming academic year.

“The Board of Governors is pleased to support the 2019-20 budget as presented by the Administration of the University,” said Mark Nogalo, Chair of the Board of Governors. “We are pleased to see a budget that continues to be both growth-oriented and student-centred while investing in projects that support the university’s identified strategic priorities.”

The budget aligns with key objectives in Algoma’s Strategic Plan as well as four primary institutional priorities established during the past academic year: enhancing student life, expanding student experiential learning opportunities, support for the University’s special mission, and continued enrolment growth through enhanced strategic enrolment management practices. The budget is based on enrolment growth of approximately 20%. Early indicators, including a record spring intake, secondary school application increases of 33.5% for the fall term, an increase in diploma to degree applications and strong international application data suggest the university is on track to meet its enrolment target.

“The 2019-20 Algoma University budget reinforces our commitment to being a student-centred University while moving forward our transformational vision for continued enrolment growth and institutional development into the immediate future,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Asima Vezina. “The budget demonstrates the University’s ongoing focus on enhancing the student experience while supporting teaching, learning and research excellence and innovation. It will also support our continued commitment to being a leader in truth, reconciliation, and healing in Canada.”

Algoma will continue to enhance the overall student experience through strategic short- and long-term investments in improved campus spaces. David Ellis Architect Inc. (DEA), a Sault Ste. Marie based firm, will oversee the creation of a Campus Master Plan for Algoma’s Sault Ste. Marie and Brampton sites, including the development of conceptual designs for a National Training Centre to support Algoma’s mandate and mission for cross-cultural teaching, education and awareness. DEA will be supported by the IBI Group, a firm that oversaw campus master planning exercises at a number of post-secondary institutions including York University, and the University of Guelph. DEA will also be supported by Brian Porter of Two Row Architects, an Indigenous architect from the Oneida Nation. Porter’s work includes Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig’s Anishinabek Discovery Centre currently being built adjacent to Algoma University along the shores of the St. Mary’s River. Trina Cooper-Bolam will provide historical guidance on Indigenous design-elements for the project.

DEA will also take the lead on a range of campus improvement projects including enhancements to Student Success Central, the SpeakEasy, Algoma University Student Union Offices, computer labs and the campus bookstore, among others. Student space and classroom enhancements to support enrolment growth in the School of Business and Economics are also under development at Algoma’s campus in Brampton. Two local Engineering firms, NorMech Engineering and STEM Engineering, will support DEA’s design work.

The budget supports Algoma’s ongoing commitment to providing a transformative undergraduate education while supporting economic and social development activity within the communities it serves.

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