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UNB's priority is its students

Re: Oct. 31 editorial called Gains made are now in jeopardy

I would like to provide additional context to the editorial in question.

Our government has invested in our students in many ways, most significantly through a two-year tuition freeze.

The government also invested in post-secondary education infrastructure, including the co-location of new college buildings on the University of New Brunswick's two campuses.

These multi-million dollar initiatives have significantly advanced our cause.

Post-secondary education institutions everywhere are challenged by changing demographics and the recession. We must manage through these challenges with the right priorities in mind.

At UNB, the priority continues to be the wellbeing of our students. When presented with hard budget decisions last year, we decided to protect student services, scholarships and student financial aid. Our donors have made new funds available for scholarships.

I am thankful for all of these efforts.

The impact of the recession here is real. Jobs have been lost, businesses are struggling and governments have lost revenues. The province was not able to increase our operating grant in April.

As a result, UNB is doing its best to preserve and enhance the quality of programs, while seeking to manage a significant structural deficit. This requires a focus on revenue growth and expense management.

The argument for additional investment in post-secondary education is strong. New Brunswick has a goal to increase its population by more than 5,000 people per year until 2026.

Today, more than 1,000 international students are here participating in UNB programs, and many have brought their families.

We believe we can grow this number.

There are many other ways post-secondary education supports the self-sufficiency agenda, from growth in innovation, to the provision of an educated workforce, to the nurturing of cultural diversity.

UNB will continue to work closely with people throughout the province, in government and post-secondary education to attract more students.

Eddy Campbell

President, UNB