Town Hall offered a variety of strong ideas

trevor.kenney — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:30:08 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President Dr. Bill Cade chats about what's happening in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community

I thank those of you who attended the Town Hall meeting last week to discuss the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's 2009-2010 budget and the economic challenges that face post-secondary institutions over the coming years. I am pleased especially that there was such a healthy dialogue about our future because it is essential we have input from all corners of campus as we strive to meet our budgetary goals.

The six per cent increase promised by the provincial government for this year's operating budget (2009-2010) has been approved, however we have been told to expect no increases over the next two years. If that happens, if enrolment levels remain stable and if tuition increases are consistent with recent years, we are still faced with taking $5 million out of the budget next year and an additional $6 million the following year.

There is no way to reach those targets without reducing salary costs. While we have continued to hire staff and do not intend to enact a hiring freeze, replacements that arise out of retirement or through people leaving positions will not be replaced automatically. As well, there is a distinct possibility layoffs will be required to meet budgetary goals.

Keep in mind that all this is based upon a model that could change and one we certainly hope does change for the better.

Despite the challenges, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is fairly well positioned and it is important we do not become preoccupied with these issues and lose sight of the goals established in the Strategic Plan.

In times such as these, it is essential to look at how we may have become inefficient in what we are doing and how we are delivering our services. We have to ask questions of ourselves as we look to restructure our various departments.

Financial downturns happen; they are a fact of life and something we cannot control. What we can control however is how we approach this challenge, and through imaginative thinking and an open, consultative process I am confident we will meet our budget and continue along the path set by the Strategic Plan.

Things will not come to a halt here at the U of L and to find the greatest example of that, simply look out the window to see how we continue to move forward. Markin Hall appears more impressive every day as it takes shape before our eyes. Meanwhile, the new Sports Stadium Complex is nearing completion and will be a wonderful addition to the southern Alberta sports landscape.

The new stadium speaks to the continued development of a university culture that goes beyond ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to include the wellness of the body and the ability to go out and unite as one voice to cheer on our teams as they represent the U of L on the field of play. It is a very impressive facility and serves as yet another example of how the City of Lethbridge, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the provincial government continue to work together to provide services to the people of Alberta.

Some weeks ago the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's Board of Directors held its retreat here at the U of L. Board members spent a night in residence, participated in a fashion show with outfits from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's renowned costume shop and essentially experienced life on campus from the student and staff perspective. It was remarkably successful.

Our directors are extremely dedicated to the institution but at the same time, they rarely have the opportunity to see the U of L as it really is, and this retreat provided that look. I believe it brought home the notion that the many decisions they make at the board level lead to tangible results, such as Markin Hall, new science labs and the Sports Stadium Complex. It was a very valuable and enlightening exercise.

Summer is upon us and I would like to wish personally a wonderful break to everyone in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community. Enjoy the long summer days and I look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and renewed for the fall semester.

Stadium will serve as athletic hub

trevor.kenney — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:47:25 +0000

A touchdown dance is in the offing and chances are it will be a crowded end zone the weekend of Sept. 25-26, when the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's new Sports Stadium Complex is officially, and finally, opened.

Plagued by multiple weather delays over the course of its two-year construction, user groups from throughout southern Alberta are understandably elated that the finish line, or goal line, is now within sight.

"This has been in the works for a lot of years and to finally stand here on a turf field is just spectacular," says Catholic Central High School football coach Mike Nightingale.
"It's going to be just amazing on those Friday nights when the lights are turned on; it will be a spectacular atmosphere."

The 2,000-seat, multi-use facility is the first of its kind in southern Alberta and a major addition to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's athletics program.

Having opened the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness in February 2007, the addition of another elite-level venue further raises the status of Pronghorn Athletics.

The new stadium also strengthens the relationship between the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the southern Alberta community. High school football and minor football will be major tenants in the fall, while the new artificial surface opens the possibility for use by soccer and rugby groups. As well, most major track and field meets will utilize the facility and the introduction of a junior football program to the city remains a possibility now that a suitable venue is in place.

"I see it being used 24/7 for track, rugby, football, soccer, it's going to be an amazing thing," says Craig Brack, Wilson Middle School principal and a longtime figure in local football circles. "It's going to be great for fans to be able to come out and watch a game in the proper way. It's first-class all the way."

Bringing people to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is a key priority for the institution and the stadium will do just that.

"The partnerships between the city and the U of L are very strong in terms of providing quality facilities for both our athletes as well as community members," Manager, Facilities & Services, Deb Marek, says. "It brings people to campus who would not normally come to campus and that's critical for us. There's still that barrier with people coming across the river to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, it can be seen as intimidating, and the more we host these events and bring the community here the better."

The benefits for the community will be widespread but it will be most appreciable in what's available to the city's youth.

"I think you're going to see a lot of events gravitate towards this facility. It will open up a lot of opportunities for our kids," says Nightingale.

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Town Hall offered a variety of strong ideas

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Stadium will serve as athletic hub

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