Budget/Business Plan

Executive Summary

Institutional Context

Over the past several years, the University of Calgary has taken its place among Canada’s major research institutions as evident from its ranking on a number of national and international measures related to program quality, size and research productivity. This success is directly attributable to substantial investments made over the past 45 years to recruit, support and develop highly qualified and skilled personnel and build core programs and infrastructure. The university will continue to derive much of its strength from its role within the Campus Alberta post-secondary system, its location within the City of Calgary and Province of Alberta, and from the over 100 academic programs it offers through its 14 faculties and 53 teaching departments.

Plan Development

This plan is the result of collaborative efforts involving ongoing consultation internally and with fellow universities, colleges, technical institutes, and other educational providers on the development and delivery of joint degrees, the use of transfer and articulation agreements, the offering of degree-completion opportunities to students in rural and urban communities, and collaborative research to stimulate commercialization for the prosperity of the province.

Environmental Scan

The University of Calgary operates in an environment characterized by political, economic, social, technological, and environmental change. Increasing competition, population growth, economic uncertainty, challenges related to student recruitment, retention and engagement, affordable student housing, the growing gap between revenue and expenditure growth, and calls for greater public accountability, among other factors are reshaping the institution’s operating environment. While these offer new opportunities, they also present challenges.

Goals, Priority Initiatives, Expected Outcomes and Performance Measures

The priority initiatives identified in this plan demonstrate leadership in how a public university should deliver its mission in a contemporary, sustainable manner. Central to the University of Calgary’s mandate over the next three years will be: student success; excellence in research, scholarship and creative activity; interdisciplinary education and research; and return to community. Through the initiatives identified, the university will attract the highest quality students, faculty and staff, provide a supportive and safe environment, and ensure that quality educational experiences and scholarship exemplify its commitment to excellence.

Financial and Budget Information

The University of Calgary is budgeting expenditures of $1.09 billion for the 2011-12 fiscal year, which results in a balanced budget.

Resource Implications

Highlighted within this plan are the resource implications of the University of Calgary’s priority access, research, and information technology initiatives. This includes a $188.8 million capital budget for 2011-12.

Download the 2011-2014 comprehensive institutional plan (PDF)