Memorial University’s Senior Administration hosted an employee town hall on Monday, May 26, following the approval of its 2025–26 operating budget. With over 400 employees in attendance, many hoped the session would bring clarity on how a permanent $20.85 million cut to the base operating budget would affect academic units, staffing, and programs.
Instead, Academic Staff Members left with growing uncertainty and concern.
Senior administrators confirmed that Deans were informed about budget allocations last week. No details on allocations to individual faculties or schools were provided in the session and it may be several more weeks before units learn what specific reductions they will face. Questions about the scope of cuts, the future of programs, and the impact on jobs went largely unanswered.
MUNFA is aware that the absence of clear information is creating an increasingly distressing situation for our members. Programs, diplomas, and certificates are actively under review and decisions about permanent reductions in funding allocation have been undertaken without meaningfully consulting or informing those who deliver the academic mandate.
This lack of transparency is deeply troubling. Memorial University did not release a full, detailed public budget, a practice that is common to many other Canadian universities. As a public institution, Memorial University is accountable not only to their employees and students, but to the people of this province. Taxpayers deserve to know how public funds are used, especially when major decisions are being made behind closed doors.
If Memorial is truly committed to transformation, it must start with transparency and accountability.
We want to hear from you. If you’ve received any information in your unit about budget targets, program reviews, staffing impacts, or consultations please share it with MUNFA. Your insight can help us advocate more effectively for Academic Staff Members and for the future of public post-secondary education in Newfoundland and Labrador.
You can reach us at munfa@mun.ca.
