Art Dumont, Chair of the Board of Governors, also announced the appointment of Peter MacKinnon to a third five-year term as President. MacKinnon is currently in his ninth year as president. "We have completed, as required, an extensive review of the President's leadership," said Dumont, "and are confident he has both the vision and the skills to continue to move the University of Saskatchewan towards its strategic goals."

The balanced 2008-09 budget projects $335.9 million in operating revenue, with just over $230 million of that total coming through the University's operating grant from the provincial government. Tuition makes up about 23 per cent of total operating revenue. Total revenue for the coming year is projected at approximately $675 million, which includes targeted research funding and donations.

The budget contains good news for students, said MacKinnon. "The Board of Governors has also today approved a recommendation from administration that 2008-09 tuition be held at 2004-05 levels," he said. "As for tuition levels into 2009-10 and beyond we will be working very closely with the province on the development of a new tuition management strategy based on a commitment to enhancing the student experience."

Operating budget highlights include:
* $2.8 million for the University's Academic Priorities Fund, which will be used for institutional priorities
* an additional half-million dollars for student recruitment and retention initiatives
* $225,000 directed to improving practices in institutional reporting, internal controls as well as system enhancements
* a projected increase of 4.5 percent in salaries and benefits over 2007-2008 due to normal salary progressions and negotiated union settlements

Acting Provost Ernie Barber provided an overview of the University's four-year integrated plan and multi-year budget framework. "The University's Second Integrated Plan for 2008-09 through 2011-12 focuses on specific commitments for action. Our three priority areas include: improving the student experience both inside and outside the classroom; enhancing the profile of research, scholarly and artistic work; and improving the ways we work together both within the University community and beyond our borders," said Barber.

This second plan follows on the heels of the first, which guided the University's decisions from 2003-07. During 2008, a transition year between plans, incoming Provost Brett Fairbairn will be responsible for a detailed implementation strategy that will outline what can be expected from colleges and units in terms of action, measurement and reporting.

Barber noted deliberate attention will be placed on engaging Aboriginal peoples, linking local issues globally, and being innovative as items imperative to the success of the University.

Highlights of budget framework for the second plan include a balanced budget each year through to 2011-12.

"The University of Saskatchewan's vision is to be an engaged University - a place where faculty, staff, and students engage each other, where research embraces critical issues of importance to society, and where partnerships on campus and beyond are visible and meaningful," concluded Barber.

Located in the heart of Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan is one of the leading medical doctoral universities in Canada. With 58 degrees, diplomas and certificates in over 100 areas of study, the University is uniquely positioned in the areas of human, animal and plant studies. World-class research facilities, renowned faculty and award winning students make the U of S a leader in post-secondary education.

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For more information, contact:

Patty Martin
Community and Media Relations Specialist
University Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Telephone (306) 966-6919