Media

OTTAWA, June 2, 2011  —  The University of Ottawa has once again managed to present a balanced budget. The 2011-2012 budget, totalling more than $900 million, shows responsible fiscal management aimed primarily at maintaining a high quality of student life and positioning the University as a leader in research and development.

The budgetary discipline required by the Board of Governors has allowed our university to maintain its financial health despite the economic realities facing many Canadian postsecondary institutions. Indeed, the extensive resource optimization exercise launched by the University in May 2009 allowed uOttawa to avoid a deficit last year, in addition to reducing expenditures for the coming years.

The University of Ottawa has not only managed to balance its budget without cutting services, but is in a position to make both new service and capital investments.

“While many other institutions must deal with major cuts, our prudence in recent years has allowed us to stay focused on our strategic goals, such as continuing to offer an enriching student experience and promoting research excellence,” stated Allan Rock, University of Ottawa president.

The University of Ottawa will invest $2.5 million in the following key areas affecting the student experience and service infrastructure:

- support for graduate studies and research
- hiring of faculty and classroom support
- services for students

It should also be emphasized that the University continues to make significant investments in its scholarship and financial aid programs, with an increase of 4.6%, enabling it to maintain its position as a national leader in this area.

For the coming years, the University of Ottawa is committed to offering a rich student experience and to promoting research excellence, while remaining in good financial health. Investments will be necessary to expand and modernize campus facilities and infrastructure, as well as to ensure follow-up on the Vision 2020 strategic planning initiatives. Finally, the University will have to re-examine its pension plan, so as to ensure its continuity.