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NSCAD University approves 2022-23 budget and sets priorities for the year

At its May 5 meeting, NSCAD University’s Board of Governors approved the proposed budget for the university for 2022-2023. The budgeted revenue for the year is $19.4 million and budgeted expense is $20.5 million (a decrease of 9% and 3% respectively from the 2020-2021 budget).

This represents a deficit operating budget of $1.1 million — a result of reduced enrolment due to the pandemic and a reduction in government grants. The retirement of the mortgage also resulted in the end of a provincial facility grant, leaving annual facility costs of $719,000 unfunded in the 2022-23 fiscal year.

Additional key points from the budget include:

  • Three per cent increase to tuition for all students, as well as to the facility, technology and student services fees
  • Investment of $176,000 in new scholarships and mental health supports for students
  • Revenue increases in donations, commercial rental income, and ancillary operations
  • Additional resources for the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Targeted Action Plan, as well as the NSCAD Accessibility Plan to 2030, to ensure their priority and progress are maintained for students, faculty and staff
  • The addition of an Indigenous Elder on campus and African Nova Scotian resources for students
  • Continued investment in IT needs, including computer hardware, software and cybersecurity initiatives

During the height of the pandemic’s financial impact in 2020-2021, NSCAD held tuition fees to existing levels and employed strict cost controls. However, such measures are only viable for short-term and emergency funding requirements; they cannot be sustained year over year within a structural deficit. The tuition increase was an unavoidable necessity to reduce the funding gap for 2022-23. In most cases, this is an approximate increase of $55-$140 per semester.

The NSCAD budget sets out spending priorities for 2022-23. It is voted upon by members of the Budget Advisory Committee and Board of Governors, which include student, staff and faculty representation. The Committee and NSCAD’s senior leadership team remain committed to working together to identify efficiencies and support student success.