The Board of Governors for the University of Northern British Columbia has approved a $52.4 million operating budget for the 2005-06 fiscal year. The budget includes a 2% tuition fee increase, consistent with proposed BC Government legislation to limit tuition increases to the rate of inflation. As a result, a typical tuition fee for a full-time student enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program will increase $80 to $4110 per year.

“Our primary budget objectives for this year include measures to improve student services and to attract new students to UNBC in an increasingly competitive post-secondary environment,” says UNBC President Charles Jago. Resources are being allocated to expanding student academic advising, increasing support for growing programs such as the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program, and offering the proposed new Family Nurse Practitioner program.

 “UNBC still faces substantial inflationary pressures,” says Dr. Jago. “In the past, these pressures have been offset by tuition increases and internal cuts. This year, we’ve continued to identify spending cuts and fund re-allocations to achieve our objectives, but we have been greatly assisted by a welcome increase in our BC Government grant.” Compared to the 2003-04 fiscal year, the Government base operating grant for 2005-06 is increasing from $34.6 million to $36.5 million.

Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC – 250.960.5622