Loyalist College Interim President Dianne Spencer conducts the October 13th Board of Governors meeting at the College. Photo Brock Ormond, Quinte News.
Loyalist enrollment down
At Thursday night’s Loyalist College Board of Governors meeting, Interim President Dianne Spencer and Senior Vice-President of Finance and Corporate Services Cathy Rushton noted that enrollment was down slightly for the month of September compared to last year, at about two percent.
They did say, however, that college revenue is largely what they projected it to be, despite there being a slightly lesser number of students on campus.
Dean of Applied Sciences, Skills and Technology Ann Drennan says what she feels is the main reason for the drop in enrollment.
Spencer also added that positive trends for a good future with regards to student enrollment is that there is a higher intake of international students, as well as an expected boost in new students, both domestically and internationally in January.
Pine introduced as new board member
Also at Thursday night’s meeting, President Spencer and Chair June Hagerman introduced Governor Jim Pine as the newest member of the board. Pine is the CAO of Hastings County, where is responsible for all business affairs and services, including emergency, long-term care and community services. He also graduated from Queen’s University with a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree.
President Spencer says Governor Pine brings a wealth of experience to the board at Loyalist.
Spencer added that Governor Pine is very involved in the community and with municipal government and also has a great understanding of what is happening in the region.
Pine will serve as a member of the Finance, Corporate Services and Governance Committee.
2017-18 Budget talks starting
Even though the 2016-17 school year is only over a month old, talks have already started for the 2017-18 budget for the college.
In fact, Senior Vice-President Rushton mentioned that preliminary budget parameters discussion happened in early September, around the time of move-in for most students.
The biggest reason for the early talks, Senior VP Rushton said, was due to last year’s adjustment of the budget process in order to engage a broader level of the college community during consultation.
Rushton says there are two facets to the budget process after initial talks.
President Spencer added that the budget reflects strategic business planning and the college’s academic and enrollment priorities moving forward.
Other notes
President Spencer and Chair Hagerman revealed a $3.2 million investment to the 3rd floor Northumberland Wing renovations inside the college. $2.4 million came from the government, with the Federal government helping out with $1.6 million and the Provincial government pitching in with $1.8 million. Loyalist College themselves added in $0.8 million to the funds.
Joe Roberts will be visiting Belleville and specifically his old alma mater Loyalist College on his Push for Change campaign. The Board said that Roberts will be speaking in Alumni Hall next Monday (Oct. 17) at 3 p.m. Roberts escaped homelessness and addiction issues in Vancouver and wound up in Belleville, where he was guided to enroll at Loyalist. He graduated from Marketing and Sales after four years with honours.
There are three big events happening at the College in the coming weeks. First up is the annual United Way Breakfast on Oct. 27, which kicks off a month-long campaign in November. Then, the undergrad awards will take place at Loyalist on Nov. 3. Finally, the Loyalist Dining Hall will be hosting a special Festival of Native Arts event on Nov. 5.
