Memorial University announces major budget cuts, 20 layoffs
A statement released by MUN president Jennifer Lokash said those employees have already been notified, and that career transition support is available.
The university has also eliminated the operating budget for the Harris Centre, which served as a hub for research and public policy analysis in St. John's. It was also the home of the annual Newfoundland and Labrador Vital Signs report.
While the operational funding is gone, Lokash stated grant-funded projects at the Harris Centre will continue until the end of each contract.
The Office of Public Engagement in St. John's will close as well.
Lokash wrote that the university is "facing challenges that necessitate new ways of thinking and bold action."
The writing centre on the St. John's campus, which just celebrated its 40th anniversary, will merge its services with others within the Centre for Innovation in Teaching and Learning.
MUN says its budget, which was reduced by $20.85 million in base expenditure, also led them to cut any vacant permanent positions, and it will reduce contract teaching in coming years.
"Achieving this significant and necessary reduction in expenses to align spending with revenue necessitates difficult decisions to ensure the long-term sustainability of our university," Lokash wrote.
The president added in her statement that expenses related to travel and materials will be reduced, as will budgets for internal funding programs.
A one-time payment of $3.9 million was allocated to fund as many as 363 additional course sections.
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CBC
24-07-2025
- CBC
Memorial University announces major budget cuts, 20 layoffs
Twenty permanent and contracted staff have been laid off from Memorial University, the school's president announced Thursday. A statement released by MUN president Jennifer Lokash said those employees have already been notified, and that career transition support is available. The university has also eliminated the operating budget for the Harris Centre, which served as a hub for research and public policy analysis in St. John's. It was also the home of the annual Newfoundland and Labrador Vital Signs report. While the operational funding is gone, Lokash stated grant-funded projects at the Harris Centre will continue until the end of each contract. The Office of Public Engagement in St. John's will close as well. Lokash wrote that the university is "facing challenges that necessitate new ways of thinking and bold action." The writing centre on the St. John's campus, which just celebrated its 40th anniversary, will merge its services with others within the Centre for Innovation in Teaching and Learning. MUN says its budget, which was reduced by $20.85 million in base expenditure, also led them to cut any vacant permanent positions, and it will reduce contract teaching in coming years. "Achieving this significant and necessary reduction in expenses to align spending with revenue necessitates difficult decisions to ensure the long-term sustainability of our university," Lokash wrote. The president added in her statement that expenses related to travel and materials will be reduced, as will budgets for internal funding programs. A one-time payment of $3.9 million was allocated to fund as many as 363 additional course sections.
CTV News
03-07-2025
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Facing budget crunch, Memorial University in N.L. gets advice from students and staff
The University Centre is seen on the campus of Memorial University, Friday, June 23, 2023 in St. John's, N.L. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld ST. JOHN'S — Students and staff at Newfoundland and Labrador's only university are suggesting how to lower costs and boost morale as the administration looks to cut millions in spending. Memorial University in St. John's, N.L., solicited the advice and published it on the school's website earlier this week. There are a range of suggestions including a proposal to open a school-run café, and another suggesting the university rent out facilities for events, meetings and film shoots. There are also suggestions urging officials to reduce or review its senior administration roles, and offer more courses and programs for professional credentials. Officials at the university say they are facing urgent financial pressures that require significant change. In December, the school said it would limit hiring due to a drop in enrolment and its latest budget document says it must reduce spending by more than $20 million in the 2025-26 fiscal year. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 3, 2025. The Canadian Press
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First Sri Lankan woman graduates from MUN engineering
Kushani Sandagiri made history last week when she walked across the stage during a convocation ceremony in St. John's to accept her degree in engineering from Memorial University. Sandagiri is the university's first Sri Lankan woman to graduate from the program. "This is the 100th year anniversary. So, for 100 years, I'm the only Sri Lankan girl who came here to do an engineering degree. I couldn't believe it when I heard it for the first time," she said. Engineering wasn't always a career on Sandagiri's radar. She said engineering is considered a man's job in her home country. "I had this idea about being a journalist one day. Then I had another idea because my parents are involved in banking, so I thought maybe I could be a banker too," Sandagiri said. But a high school math teacher changed her trajectory after noticing her ability to problem solve. He pushed Sandagiri to pursue engineering. "After high school, I did a national diploma in chemical engineering in Sri Lanka," she said. "I worked in the only oil refinery." Her experience in the oil refinery led her to MUN. She said the tuition, the city's culture and the province's proximity to P.E.I. sealed the deal. "I really wanted to be in a beautiful place where I like hiking. I like connecting with nature when I'm stressed," Sandagiri said. "The other fact was I'm a big fan of Anne of Green Gables the novel.… I got to know it's based on P.E.I. Then I realized, oh, it's closer, maybe I can go there for a visit." Sandagiri didn't have an easy road through her degree. She worked to support herself financially while helping her family at home in Sri Lanka. "I remember struggling to pay my tuition on time," she said. "At one point, I was sending groceries and medicine to my family during an economic crisis." Now that she has completed her studies, Sandagiri is looking forward to the future. "I wanted to migrate somewhere and do my higher education and work in oil and gas, not because of the money, but because of the complex experience I can get from that field," she said. Sandagiri has a degree in process engineering. She will continue to work for the oil and gas industry with Suncor in Fort McMurray, Alta. In the meantime, she hopes to inspire other women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math. "There was a handful of people I could look up to, especially women in engineering," Sandagiri said. "I'm one of them now."
