The University of Regina announced that it would be laying off staff due to a reduced budget.

“Budget reductions are resulting in some workforce adjustments, including a small number of layoffs and non-renewals of short-term contracts,” said University spokesperson Paul Dederick.

“The University has made every effort to mitigate the impact of the reductions on faculty and staff by offering early retirement incentives and eliminating some vacant positions; however, despite these efforts, some encumbered positions are being affected,” he continued.

Dederick added that their current focus is assisting affected employees.

In late April, the University of Regina’s board of governors approved the 2023-24 operating budget, which forecasted a shortfall of $2.5 million and raised tuition by four per cent.

“The University does not take tuition increases lightly and has made every effort to limit them to the level necessary to help cover the rising costs associated with providing quality education while continuing to make post-secondary education affordable and accessible,” the University said in a media release.

In a letter from the Ministry of Advanced Education to Marlene Smadu, the chair of the U of R’s board of governors, said that the Ministry would be spending about $120.6 million, a decrease of around $2.7 million less than the previous year.

About $110.7 million is operating funding, which is a $4.8-million decrease in operation spending on the U of R.