Faculty members’ perspectives on issues stemming from lack of government funding (constrained budgets) and on possible solutions

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to look at the pressure post-secondary institutions are now faced with in having to generate more revenue to make up for the lack of government funding. The question asked in his study was: What are the faculty members’ perspectives on issues stemming from lack of government funding (constrained budgets) and on possible solutions? It was hypothesized that faculty members would suggest a number of concerns, with respect to lack of government funding, the impact on teaching, pressure to provide cost recovery programs and to generate revenue, coupled with the potential of low enrolment. With the shift in purpose the educators are challenged with in higher education, it was also hypothesised that faculty members would be looking to administrators for support and effective leadership, and how faculties themselves could play an important role in effecting change. In November of 2015, Ninety-three members of the Faculty of Trades & Applied Technology at Vancouver Island University were given a survey to complete (Appendix B). Thirty-one surveys were completed and returned. The data collected implies that faculty members want to be part of the process of implementing any potential change, and that it is important to have their voices heard. The results also imply that while there is moderate support for generating additional revenue within the faculty, it can also be seen as having a potential negative impact on students, and that our core values may be at risk.