Financial Sustainability

Starting next week, UFV will be sharing a weekly post on this page every Tuesday (with adjustments for holidays). These updates will provide a concise overview of key dates, planning progress, and ongoing conversations that are part of our financial sustainability work.

We know this is a difficult time for many, and that uncertainty can add stress as planning unfolds. Our leadership team understands this and remains committed to open communication and a careful process that prioritizes students while supporting employees through each step.

At a Glance: Key Dates

• Dec 12 – Monthly Labour and Management Meeting
• Dec 15 (10 am–12 pm) – FSA Coffee & Cookie Chat (Abbotsford, B133)
• Dec 16 – UFV–FSA monthly budget meeting
• Dec 16 (4 pm) – Deadline for Voluntary Departure Program (VDP) applications
• Jan 12 – Provost Cabinet
• Jan 13 – UFV-FSA monthly budget meeting
• Jan 23 – Hybrid Budget Town Hall at 2pm (link to register will be posted shortly)
• Mid-January 2026 – SRAC VDP decisions communicated to employees
• Late January 2026 – VDP agreements finalized

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Budget Planning Progress

Budget packages from each Vice-President were submitted on November 28 as part of UFV’s financial sustainability planning process.

• The Senior Resource Allocation Committee (SRAC) met last week for an initial review of these submissions.
• Evaluation work continues this week and next, with SRAC meeting twice per week to assess proposals and recommendations.
• Budget conversations have also taken place at Admin Co and Provost Cabinet, supporting leadership planning for next steps.

Updates from SRAC will continue as progress is made.

Voluntary Departure Program (VDP)

Expressions of interest continue to be submitted as employees review the program details.

• As of December 10, UFV has received 40 applications.
• Applications are being submitted daily.
• The deadline to apply is December 16 at 4 pm.

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Weekly Budget Update

• Decisions will be communicated to employees in mid-January, followed by individualized agreements for those approved.

More information about the VDP, including eligibility and entitlements, is available in the Employee VDP Information & FAQ.

Employee and Labour Engagement

UFV continues to engage in regular conversations with employee and union groups as part of our financial sustainability planning process.

• The Monthly Labour and Management Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 11.
• UFV and the Faculty and Staff Association (FSA) also meet monthly to discuss budget planning. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for the week of December 15-18 (TBD).
• The FSA is also hosting member drop-in sessions, beginning with a Coffee and Cookie Chat on December 15 in Abbotsford. Similar sessions are planned for early January at other campuses. These sessions are organized independently by the FSA to offer space for members to ask questions and receive support.

Additional leadership and governance meetings relevant to the budget cycle (Admin Co, Provost Cabinet, APPC, Senate, Board of Governors) will be listed in updates early in the new year once dates are confirmed.

Staying Informed

UFV is committed to providing timely, transparent updates as we work through this complex budget cycle together. Weekly updates like this will continue to be posted on the Financial Sustainability & Budgets page: 👉 https://www.ufv.ca/budgets/financial-sustainability/

If you have questions, please reach out to your supervisor or HR Advisor for guidance.

The Province is launching an independent review to strengthen the public post-secondary education system and ensure it is sustainable and well-positioned to support people in British Columbia and B.C.’s economic growth. Read more here

Please see the signed Memorandum of Agreement for Voluntary Departure Program (VDP) for further details. 

Section 54 is part of the Labour Relations Code and is provided when an employer is contemplating significant changes that could impact employees. The notice serves as a structure for parties to a collective agreement to discuss adjustments and mitigation strategies. UFV continues to engage the FSA in dialogue around what mitigation options are available. The efforts, including the VDP are the kinds of initiatives contemplated under Section 54. Please read November 25: Section 54 Notice UFV-FSA for more information. 

Dear colleagues: 

I am pleased to share information with you regarding the launch of a Voluntary Departure Program. 

As part of UFV’s institutional response to our current budget challenges, UFV is taking proactive steps to help reduce involuntary workforce reductions.  The program provides eligible employees who may be considering retirement or resignation an opportunity to do so under enhanced financial and benefit provisions. 

UFV is making available a Voluntary Departure Program (VDP) for: 

• Type A and Type B employees on a continuing appointment. 
• Permanent exempt employees on a continuing appointment. 

Eligibility and Entitlements under the VDP are the same for unionized and exempt employees.  

The program is designed to recognize and honour the years of service and dedication of our employees, provide financial incentives and benefit options for those choosing early retirement or early resignation, and to help align our staffing levels with current and future business needs, minimizing the impact of layoffs as much as possible.  Details regarding the Voluntary Departure Program including application process, conditions, and timelines can be found here

Employee VDP Information & FAQ 

Please note, applications to express interest in the program must be received through the application form submission on or before 4pm PST on December 16, 2025. Once applications close, you will still have time to seek financial advice and obtain pension estimates. We anticipate communicating decisions mid-January 2026.  If approved, a personalized agreement document will be presented to you. You will have 10 calendar days from the date of receiving the personalized agreement to consider and confirm your decision.  Confirmations are not revocable. 

We understand that these decisions are deeply personal and significant and encourage anyone considering participation to review the materials carefully, consult with family and/or financial advisors, Homewood, and with Human Resources to help answer questions.   

We remain dedicated to managing this transition responsibly and with respect for the people and community that define UFV. 

Thank you for your continued commitment and contributions to the University of the Fraser Valley. 

Sincerely, 

Kevin Jeske
AVP,HR
University of the Fraser Valley

British Columbia is boosting skilled-trades training throughout the province so people can secure family-supporting jobs created through major projects. Read more here. 

Dear colleagues,  

 Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share questions, concerns, and thoughtful ideas since our Budget Town Hall in early October. We want to provide an update on the work that has been underway, and where we are heading next.  

 What’s been happening  
Budget discussions have continued in several places across UFV — from Administrative Council and Senate to Faculty Councils and Provost Cabinet. The Senior Resource Allocation Committee (SRAC) has also been meeting regularly to look for ways to address our funding gap.  

 In practical terms, this means:  

• Pausing some new non-essential projects and travel;  

• Tightening discretionary spending in operational budgets;  

• Reviewing contracts and subscriptions for potential savings;  

• Aligning recruitment efforts with budgetary and operational considerations;   

• Exploring new and expanded revenue opportunities.  

Wherever possible, we are prioritizing opportunities for operational efficiencies before position reductions.  

How we’re working together  

We have begun monthly meetings with the FSA Executive to share updates, hear perspectives, and discuss ideas collaboratively. We are grateful for the thoughtful, candid feedback that faculty and staff have provided since the Town Hall. We have compiled responses to some of the most common questions and themes, which you can read here.  

Next steps include budget development packages moving to vice-presidents on November 7, followed by SRAC’s review of all proposals in December. We will share an overview of the outcomes and next steps for the 2026/27 budget cycle once that work is complete.  

Why it matters  

We recognize that this is a challenging process, and we are approaching it with care. Our focus is on protecting and strengthening the things that matter most to UFV — excellent teaching and learning, impactful research, and deep community connections. The steps we take together now will help ensure that we remain sustainable and student-ready into the future.  

 Staying informed  

• For more detailed responses to questions raised during and after the Budget Town Hall, please see the Budget Feedback and Response summary now available on the Budget webpage.  

• You are also welcome to share questions or feedback at any time through the Budget Feedback Form.  

 Thank you for your continued engagement, collaboration, and commitment to UFV and our students.  

Nicole Adams  

Chief Financial Officer 

Watch the Budget Townhall video to see the presentation by President and Vice Chancellor, Dr. James Mandigo. The presentation was followed by a Q&A session with panelists Jackie Hogan, Vice-President Administration; Nicole Adams, Chief Financial Officer; Dr. Tracy Ryder Glass, Acting Provost and Vice-President Academic; Dr. Alisa Webb, Vice-President Students; and Susan Mide Kiss, Vice-President Community Engagement, who were available to address questions. 

Dear Members of the University Community, 
 
First, I want to acknowledge the incredible dedication each of you brings to UFV every day. Messages like this are not easy to share, and I recognize that the uncertainty can feel heavy. I am writing in the spirit of openness and honesty, because we can only navigate this challenge by working together. 
 
As many of you are aware, post-secondary institutions across Canada are facing significant challenges related to international student enrolment. UFV is no exception. Over the past academic year, we have experienced a marked decline in the number of new international students joining UFV. 
 
This trend has serious implications for our financial outlook. Based on current projections, we are anticipating a deficit position for the 2025/26 fiscal year. Without a meaningful recovery in new international student enrolments or positive changes by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to Canada’s International policies, we expect these financial pressures to extend into the 2026/27 fiscal year and beyond. 
 
To support the requirement of a balanced operating budget for 2026/27 and reinforce our long-term financial sustainability, UFV must reassess current financial practices and strengthen institutional controls. This will mean tighter centralized oversight of expenditures for the remainder of 2025/26, alongside carefully designed mitigation strategies. While these steps are necessary, they will always be guided by our budget principles and our shared commitment to our people and students. 
 
We recognize the importance of every member of our university community. As we navigate financial constraints, we are carefully evaluating workforce structures to support long-term viability while minimizing disruption wherever possible. 
 
As we build the 2026/27 budget, our focus will be on prioritizing core academic and student support functions, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and ensuring that every dollar spent contributes meaningfully to our institutional mission. 
 
Mitigation Strategies 
Several mitigation strategies are already underway to help stabilize our financial position for the 2025/26 year-end and include: 

• Discretionary spending: Discretionary spending and related accounts may be subject to temporary freezes.  Advising to exercise caution in committing funds and to prioritize essential expenditures. 

• Vacancy Management: Current and new vacancies will be reviewed and approved centrally, aligned with strategic priorities and principles.  Budgets for vacant and new positions not going ahead will be centralized. Centralizing budgets for these positions will provide a greater level of oversight and control, resulting in more accurate forecasting of expenses to revenues. 

• Operational Efficiencies: We are undertaking a strategic review of administrative workflows and resource distribution to enhance institutional effectiveness and ensure responsible stewardship of our financial and human resources. 

In alignment with our institutional budget principles, we are currently reviewing a range of additional mitigation strategies to address the continuing financial pressures. 
 
Looking Ahead 
We are approaching our current environment with both realism and resolve. Our goal is not only to weather current financial pressures but to emerge more resilient, innovative, and aligned with the evolving needs of our students and community. 
 
On October 7, 2025, we’ll be hosting a town hall at Abbotsford campus, in Building B, room B101 at 11:00 am, to update you on key developments and hear your thoughts (more information on the town hall coming soon). Your insights and ideas are vital, and your voices will help shape our way forward. 
 
To provide further context, we have prepared a UFV Financial Sustainability FAQs that answers common questions about accumulated surpluses, budget principles, and mitigation strategies. 
 
Thank you for your continued care, creativity, and commitment to our mission of engaging learners, transforming lives, and building community. 
 
With respect, 
Dr. James Mandigo 
President and Vice-Chancellor