Article contentSafeguarding the student experience, Lokash added, is really “what they are there for.”Article contentWill the changes impact students?Article contentWhen asked if the changes would save students money, Lokash said not directly. But she pointed out that the provincial government helped students last year by covering a $500 campus renewal fee. She said it’s not clear if that will happen again.Article content“We are really determined to approach this in a way that minimizes the impacts to students as much as possible,” said Lokash.Article contentLooking ahead, Lokash said Memorial is planning to move to a new type of budget system that will be more transparent. She added that the university has used the same model for decades. Article contentArticle content“It’s time for change, and I think we’re already making moves in that area,” said Lokash. Article contentPart of the shift, Lokash said, means figuring out how best to respond to the interest and needs of students and how to be a good partner with the government and respond to the demands in the labour market. She believes there will be future changes at the institution. Article content“And we’re really looking towards a more stable future, and likely slightly smaller in operation.” Article content Nathan Gillingham, executive director of external affairs for Memorial’s students’ union, believes that the cuts to Memorial’s budget are detrimental to the student experience. Photo by Cameron Kilfoy/The TelegramArticle contentNo consultation with the student unionArticle contentNathan Gillingham, executive director of external affairs for Memorial’s students’ union, better known as MUNSU, questions how the university can “safeguard the student experience” when no consultation with the union took place before cuts were made.Article contentGillingham said seeing the Harris Centre’s operating budget cut is particularly concerning from a student and community perspective.Article contentArticle contentThe Harris Centre has provided skill-building initiatives and networking opportunities, he said, and their annual Vital Signs report has also provided insight into the quality of life in NL.Article content“They have truly contributed very meaningfully to this province,” said Gillingham. “And considering that Memorial University has a legislated obligation to serve this province, this cut is very much not in the spirit of that.”Article content‘Should be willing to assess own administration’Article contentGillingham also has issues with the 20 positions that have been cut. Article content“It’s really concerning to see that valued positions seem to be mostly on the chopping block,” he said.Article contentIf budget cuts are necessary, he believes the university should be willing to assess its own administration.Article content“The university isn’t willing to critically assess its own bloated administrative positions,” said Gillingham. “As they are eliminating around 20 positions, they are adding a vice-president position and those salaries are well over $200,000.”Article contentSeeing an assessment of the university’s administration is something MUNSU will be advocating for moving forward.Article contentGillingham believes that the cuts are detrimental to the student experience and said that Memorial’s incoming president, Dr. Janet Morrison, needs to take the opportunity to reflect on whether the school’s obligation is being fulfilled.Article content“She has the opportunity and position to change course, and we look forward to working with her on this,” said Gillingham.Article content
Memorial University cuts millions from its budget, eliminates more than 20 jobs
