U of G Begins Prioritization Process
September 12, 2012 - News Release
The University of Guelph will assess all of its academic and non-academic programs and services as part of a University-wide initiative to identify and focus on U of G’s strengths.
The Program Prioritization Process (PPP) is part of the assessment component of the University’s Integrated Plan. Its purpose is to help the University ensure its limited resources are directed toward services and programs that are “mission-critical,” said Maureen Mancuso, provost and vice-president (academic).
“We are living and working in an era of scarce resources and significant financial difficulties,” said Mancuso, who will lead the prioritization effort and serve as its spokesperson.
“We face the challenge of continuing to maintain and enhance quality with limited revenues, so we must make decisions that are evidence-based.”
Although U of G has reallocated $46 million within its MTCU operating budget during the past four years to balance the budget, planning assumptions for the next four years show a continuing, widening gap between revenues and expenses, Mancuso said.
The PPP is intended to help the University address a projected funding gap of $32 million over the next four years.
The process will involve all academic and non-academic programs and services, and ultimately result in enrichment, reduction, reorganization or elimination of services and programs, she said.
“We need to ask ourselves, ‘What are we doing well, what can we stop doing, and where can we take on more?’ At times, it will demand a radical rethinking of entrenched assumptions about how the University operates. But we must identify our leadership strengths in education and innovation so that we can face future challenges and ensure our continued success."
Faculty, staff and students will be involved in the PPP through a Program Prioritization Task Force. There will be a call for nominations for faculty and staff to serve on the task force, which will be charged with reviewing and ranking program information submitted by units.
Senior management will use the results of the PPP assessments to make more informed decisions on resource allocations.
The president and provost will answer questions about the PPP during a Sept. 17 Rumour Mill at noon in Room 103 of the University Centre. A special town hall on the topic will also take place in November.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, 519-824-4120, Ext. 53338, or lhunt@uoguelph.ca, or Shiona Mackenzie, Ext. 56982, or shiona@uoguelph.ca.
