The University of Manitoba Senate met on Oct. 5.

In university president David Barnard’s absence, Joanne Keselman, vice-president (academic and provost), chaired the meeting.

The meeting began with presentation from United Way volunteer Douglas Finkbeiner, who reported that last year the U of M donated $516,400 and had 200 individuals volunteer for the non-profit organization.

Finkbeiner explained that this year the United Way’s goal is to raise $19.7 million, and encouraged the university to keep donating and to increase the amounts if possible.

Senate approved candidates for degrees, diplomas and certificates, as well as a report on medals and prizes for the October convocation.

Archie McNicol reported on student appeals that had happened since March, stating there are two student appeals currently open.

Keselman read a few sections of the president’s report on behalf of Barnard.
She read that the university was in the beginning stages of the annual budget process. She explained that the university had incorporated a five per cent provincial grant increase and a 1.5 per cent tuition increase into next year’s budget projections.

She said that these levels would allow the university to maintain the “status quo,” but they wouldn’t be enough for the university to make important investments or address structural deficits.

Keselman said the university also added a request for an incremental base grant allocation and the university’s need for $19.2 million into their response to the Council on Post-Secondary Education.