Unanimous vote shows generous support to students

May 26, 2009

WINNIPEG, MB - Faculty at The University of Winnipeg are showing students that they care about them.

On April 6, in a University of Winnipeg Faculty Association general meeting, and in a follow-up meeting on April 8 with the Collegiate, University of Winnipeg Faculty Association members voted unanimously in favour of establishing a fund to address the University’s current shortfall in student scholarships and bursaries, created by the current economic downturn.

That Fund has now been established in cooperation with the University of Winnipeg Foundation. Thanks to the Foundation’s generously waiving their 5% administration fee, 100% of new money pledged toward this Fund will go directly to students.

University administrators and excluded employees have voluntarily raised $250,000. The University of Winnipeg Faculty Association’s goal is to match that figure, and to have the participation of as many of its slightly more than 300 members as possible. The faculty is responding to the needs of students in a time of significant economic difficulty.

Many University of Winnipeg Faculty Association Members have already donated or pledged for specific scholarships or bursaries. More than 75% of University of Winnipeg Faculty Association members are already donors to the University, and over the last five years they have donated more than $375,000, mainly to scholarships and bursaries.

Whatever may happen in these difficult economic times, University of Winnipeg Faculty Association Members have voted with one voice to try to ensure that University of Winnipeg students do not take a disproportionate hit. They are confident of the generous response of Members in supporting the University of Winnipeg Faculty Association Scholarship and Bursary Fund.