University of Manitoba - Budget Planning - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ will answer the questions below. Click on the question to jump to its answers.

  1. Why are we changing budget models?
  2. How does the new budget model work?
  3. What are the Academic Units?
  4. What are the Ancillary Units?
  5. What are the Central Support Units?
  6. How will the new model generate more revenue?
  7. What is meant by incent revenue growth? What are Academic Units expected to do in this new model that is different than what we are doing now?
  8. How will this model recognize the value of all Academic Units and ensure that those who attract less outside funding are still able to fulfill their mandate?
  9. How will this model recognize the value of Central Support Units and the programs/services they provide?
  10. What is the University Fund?
  11. What can I do if I have more questions?

1. Why are we changing budget models?

The guiding principles of the Budget Model Redesign Initiative include:

  • Align resource management, planning, and allocation with the University’s mission and strategic priorities;
  • Enhance collaboration between and within academic support units;
  • Incent creativity, innovation and the pursuit of revenue opportunities to position the University for a strong, sustainable future;
  • Promote fiscal understanding, responsibility, and accountability throughout the University;
  • Be straight forward and transparent.

The incremental model was not sufficiently focused on these principles.

2. How does the new budget model work?

The University’s main sources of revenue include tuition, provincial operating grant, and other select sources of revenue. The majority of these revenues are allocated to Academic Units using various drivers. Central Support Unit net operating costs are allocated to Academic Units using a set of allocation variables. The Academic Unit budgets are derived by taking allocated and direct revenues (i.e., targeted fees such as laboratory fees and sport/recreation fees) and then subtracting direct salary and operating expenses and Central Support Unit costs. Ancillary Units are financially self-supporting units and are not directly impacted by the new model.

3. What are the academic units?

  • Agriculture and Food Sciences
  • Architechture
  • Art (School of)
  • Arts
  • Business
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Environment, Earth and Resources
  • Extended Education
  • Health Sciences
  • Kinesiology & Recreation Management
  • Law
  • Music
  • Science
  • Social Work

4. What are the Ancillary Units?

  • Bookstore
  • Food Services
  • Parking Services
  • Pharmacy
  • Post Office
  • Residences
  • Smartpark

5. What are the Central Support Units?

Academic

  • Academic Programs/Planning
  • Academic Affairs
  • CATL
  • Graduate Studies
  • Indigenous Engagement
  • Institutional Analysis
  • Provost & VP (Academic)
  • St. John's College
  • St. Paul's College
  • University College
  • University of Manitoba Press

Administration

  • Audit Services
  • Campus Planning Office
  • Fair Practice and Legal Affairs
  • Financial Services
  • Human Resources
  • Risk Management & Security
  • Sustainability Office
  • Treasury Services
  • VP (Administration) Sub-Units

President's Office & External Relations

  • Advancement Services
  • Alumni Relations
  • Convocation & Special Events
  • Donor Relations
  • Government & Community Engagement
  • Marketing Communications Office
  • President’s Office
  • University Secretary
  • VP External

Facilities

  • Administrative Services
  • Architectural & Engineering Services
  • Facilities Operations & Maintenance
  • Physical Plant Utilities

General University

  • General University-placeholder for university-wide revenues, expenses, and fund transfers that are not attributable to one unit.

Information Technology

  • AV & Classroom Tech
  • Client Services
  • Enterprise Systems
  • IST CIO Office
  • IST Help & Solution Centre
  • IST Planning & Governance
  • Telecom

Libraries

  • Libraries
  • Libraries Acquisitions

Research

  • Animal Care
  • Centre for Human Rights
  • Centre on Aging
  • Human Ethics
  • International Student Centre
  • Manitoba Institute of Materials
  • Mosaic
  • National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation
  • Office of Research Services
  • Patents & Licensing
  • PDHA
  • Research Data Centre
  • Research Developments
  • Research Quality Management
  • RESOLVE
  • Technology Transfer Office

Student Services

  • Academic Learning Centre
  • Admissions
  • Career Services
  • English Language Centre
  • Enrollment
  • Financial Aid & Awards
  • Health Services
  • Recruitment
  • Registrar’s Office
  • Student Accessibility
  • Student Counselling
  • Student Engagement
  • Student Support
  • University 1

6. How will the new model generate more revenue?

The model alone will not generate more revenue but the goal is to incent revenue growth by providing a direct budgetary benefit to Academic Units that undertake activities which result in an increase to the University’s net financial results.

7. What is meant by incent revenue growth? What are Academic Units expected to do in this new model that is different than what we are doing now?

One frustration with the current model is that there is no direct connection between what Academic Units do and the funds received. Right now, in the current incremental model resources do not always flow with growth. This is a significant problem.

The intention of this model is to connect funding received more closely with the work that is being done. The incentive is not meant to imply people are not working hard enough; it is to connect growth and funding. It is clear that faculty and staff are working very hard and doing excellent work. This incentive is intended to reward that work.

8. How will this model recognize the value of all Academic Units and ensure that those who attract less outside funding are still able to fulfill their mandate?

The new budget model offers a diverse range of access to funds for Academic Units which include tuition and other fees, provincial grant, and other direct revenues. We recognize that some units may consume more resources than they generate; as they do under our current model. The University Fund will be used to smooth out these differences.

9. How will this model recognize the value of Central Support Units and the programs/services they provide?

Central Support Units will present their annual budget requirements to the Central Unit Allocation Committee (CUAC) and be provided with the opportunity to discuss service area needs and opportunities for new programs and services. The CUAC will consider these requests and provide recommendations to the Executive Budget Committee. As describe above, once approved, Central Unit operating costs will be to Academic Units using a set of allocation variables (see q2).

10. What is the University Fund?

The University Fund is one of the most critical elements of our decentralized budget model. This Fund will address mission-critical subsidies and University strategic priorities. The Fund is generated in the model by applying a participation rate (i.e., tax) calculated on the tuition (undergraduate, graduate, distance), differential fees, and provincial operating grant revenue allocated to Academic Units. The University’s operating investment income and the Ancillary overhead charge also contribute to this Fund.

11. What can I do if I have more questions?

You can submit a question to budgetredesign@umanitoba.ca.