University announces layoffs and elimination of vacant positions

News Release Release Date: May 23, 2017 4:00 p.m.

On Tuesday, May 23, 2017, the University announced layoffs as a result of the cuts to funding from the Government of Saskatchewan. Details announced today include:

•    Eight layoffs;
•    Elimination of 11 vacant positions; and
•    Reduction of hours for three vacant positions.

These are in addition to the 13 University-supported positions at the University Club that received layoff notices in April. In total, 35 positions have been affected by budget reductions, including those at the University Club.

“We are losing some very important members of our University family – people whose services to our students and our community will be missed,” said Dr. Vianne Timmons, President and Vice-Chancellor. “Without adequate government funding, our ability to support student success, produce innovative research and contribute to the economic health of our province will be eroded.”

Since November 2016, the Government of Saskatchewan has announced nearly $7 million in cuts to the University of Regina. In addition, changes to the provincial sales tax are expected to add $500,000 in annual operating costs to the University.  

These cuts were made despite the fact that the University directly contributes more than $542 million in gross domestic product annually to the provincial economy. The University also has the best employment outcomes among all post-secondary institutions in Saskatchewan, supporting economic growth through the increased lifetime earning power and lower unemployment rates of its graduates.

BACKGROUNDER:

The following is a list of the faculty and administrative units at the University affected by the reductions to encumbered and vacant positions announced May 23, 2017:

•    Faculty of Arts
•    Faculty of Science
•    Human Resources
•    Faculty of Education
•    Library
•    Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative
•    Faculty of Nursing
•    Facilities Management
•    Faculty of Media, Art and Performance
•    Faculty of Social Work