Volume 26, No. 4 Editor: Mark Langer October, 1995 How bad is bad, and can we make it any better? by Dennis Forcese, - President, CUASA At the General Faculty Board Meeting of September 28, President Farquhar suggested that the University was dealing with manageable financial problems. In response questions, he indicated an accumulated budget debt of approximately $3.3 million on a budget that he characterized as in excess of $200 million annually. Farquhar neglected to mention budget projections for 1996 that model a financial problem of $26.4 million and that the operating budget is actually $148.5 million (95-6). In response to another question from the floor, he referred to the review of non-academic positions in the University, the probability of redundancies, and related recommendations in that regard which would be put before the Board of Governors in October. He declined to be more specific about the redundancies which we have learned will amount to 60 support staff. The President spoke of the need for trust and civility yet he did not remark on the recent meeting of the Board of Governors where the very dire financial projections were presented "confidentially". In his remarks, President Farquhar stated that the Board of Governors was quite prepared to take risks. But we and other employees and the students bear the risks, for the risks are real people, real jobs, real academic programs. We view the problems of the University as extremely serious. We continue to seek political solutions and to meet with influential political and media persons. On campus, open sharing of information, the basis of trust and civility, is imperative. We also believe (as the President noted) that our attention should be directed not just to cutbacks -- especially cutbacks of people, our friends, co-workers and colleagues -- but to affirmative measures to enhance the income of the University. While doing so, "cutbacks" should focus upon those operations least associated with Carleton's basic mission in teaching and research. We believe that academics and support staff could develop marketing strategies and programs that could enhance student recruitment. We believe that employee volunteers could assist in the new fundraising campaign explicitly associated with openly developed program priorities -- programs that would themselves be revenue generating. An example of a familiar idea that could be renewed is that of voluntary and tax- deductible contributions to appropriately designated trust funds specific to priority programs. Similarly, we believe that there are means to effect savings without hurting and wasting valuable human resources and decimating our operations. CUASA has commissioned a project to review the University's budget, including an evaluation of spending commitments, with a view to a possible "alternate budget". In past negotiations, CUASA proposed post-retirement employment with compensation levels that realistically `top-up' pension income and maintain employee services while removing costs from the operating budget. Another area of savings might be a freeze on new administrative tasks. In fact, we expect that the University will engage in a serious re-organization of all services in order to save significant sums of money. Presently, there are three different paid groups of consultants currently on campus. These types of expenses could be reviewed. We will soon be entering a period of difficult negotiations with the employer. We must be very careful about being co-opted into schemes to reduce staffing levels even as there is as yet no confirmation of the precise financial circumstances of the University. CUASA is interested in an open and frank discussion and evaluation of the University's finances -- income and expenditure. We therefore agreed in August to meet with management under the auspices of Article 19. CUASA is also interested in constructive solutions. Please share your ideas regarding political action, revenue generation and tangible savings proposals. Call, write or email us. Now is not too soon! Housing Notices CUASA provides a list of housing notices as a service to its members. Notices must be submitted to the CUASA office in writing, either by mail or by fax. Housing notices will not be accepted over the phone. CUASA cannot guarantee the placement of notices. HOUSE FOR RENT: Centrepointe. Large, brand new three bedroom town home to be completed in November. Main floor family room, double garage, 2 1/2 baths, 4 appliences, deck, patio. Also includes separate, private ground floor bachelor apartment with full bath and kitchenette, suitable for granny suite or sublet. Near Queensway, Transitway, shopping, Nepean Town Center and Public Library, Park. Occupancy to be aranged. $1, 675.00, plus utilities. Will also considering renting units seperately. Telephone: (613) 788-2600, X2026 - day; (613) 723-8677 - eve. e-mail: paul_filotas@library1@carleton.ca BACHELOR APARTMENT FOR RENT: Centrepointe. Ground floor bachelor in brand new home to be completed in November. Completely private, full bath, kitchenette. Furnished or unfurnished. Near Queensway, Transitway, shopping, Nepean Town Center and Public Library, Park. Occupancy to be arranged. $500.00 per month, unfurnished, $520 furnished. Includes utilities and parking. Telephone: (613) 788-2600 X2026 - day; (613) 723-8677 - eve. e-mail: paul_filotas@library1@carleton.ca