TORONTO, Monday, June 17, 2002 -- Responding to increased funding for universities announced in today’s Ontario Budget, York University President and Vice-Chancellor Lorna R. Marsden expressed satisfaction with the provincial government’s support.

Ontario Treasurer Janet Ecker announced post secondary institutions will receive an additional $75 million to help manage anticipated growth in the system during the next few years, in particular the "double cohort" of high school graduates who will be entering university in 2003.

"We are pleased to see this budget confirms the Ontario government’s commitment to full average funding for all qualified applicants, and also includes a commitment of further SuperBuild funding for the university sector,” said Marsden. “With today’s announcements, York University will be able to accept our full share of the growth in university applicants in the coming year and again in 2003." York represents more than 10 per cent of total enrolment in Ontario universities. York also welcomed the government’s announced increases in research funding and support for students.

York’s plan to manage the growth of the coming 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 classes already includes construction of two new academic buildings for September 2003, the Technology Enhanced Learning Building and the new Schulich School of Business. Both projects are funded in part by contributions from the SuperBuild Fund.

"We have been working closely with Minister of Colleges, Training and Universities Dianne Cunningham, to ensure the financial challenges facing York are fully understood and appreciated," noted Marsden. "I applaud the minister and thank her for her efforts in securing funding which will help York deliver a first-rate educational experience to all our students."

-30-

For more information, contact:

Cim Nunn
Director, Media Relations
York University
416-736-2100, ext. 22087
cimnunn@yorku.ca

YU/063/02
YU/063/02