Press Release: Tuesday, April 9, 2024
The votes are in and the Saint Mary’s University Faculty Union (SMUFU), has voted 91.1% in support of a motion of No Confidence in the President of SMU and the Chair of the SMU Board of Governors.
“SMUFU, has made multiple requests to the administration for basic information about the financial condition of the university, but they have refused to be accountable and transparent about the true financial picture at Saint Mary’s,” said SMUFU President Cathy Conrad. “After exhausting all other options, that’s why we undertook a vote of non-confidence.”
The effects of financial mismanagement have resulted in debt, budget cuts, the suspension of the University’s student employment program, and reductions in scholarships.
Faculty members have exhausted internal channels, including working through the Senate and Board of Governors.
SMUFU has secured external financial experts who concluded the University’s deficit is the result of:
• mismanagement of enrollment projections,
• increased spending on administrative salaries, and
• increased spending on external relations and capital projects.
The financial troubles have been ten years in the making, coinciding with the tenure of the current President.
“This vote is a very big deal for our membership, and highlights that faculty, students, and the community need immediate action and new leadership.”
There will be an information and solidarity event on Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 1-2pm at the corner of Inglis St. and Tower Rd.
For further communication please contact: SMUFU President, Cathy Conrad at president@smufu.org
Saint Mary’s University Faculty Union is the certified bargaining agent for approximately 300 full-time professors, librarians, and instructors at Saint Mary’s University and the oldest faculty union in English-speaking Canada. Follow us on Twitter @SMUFacultyUnion, Facebook @SMUFU, Instagram @smufacultyunion for further information and updates.