Province adds more student spaces

The provincial government has announced it will fund an additional 1,900 student spaces at UVic between 2004 and 2010.

The March 26 announcement came after UVic's 2004-05 budget framework was drafted and any ongoing impacts will be incorporated into future budgets. A total of 4,000 new seats was announced for Vancouver Island's five postsecondary institutions. UVic was allocated its new seats as follows: 432 in 2004-05; 417 in 2005-06; 243 in 2006-07; 269 in 2007-08; 269 in 2008-09; and 270 in 2009-10.

The 1,900 new spaces are in addition to the 24 new seats per year that will be added over the next four years as part of the new Island Medical Program.

"It's crucial that we increase the capacity of postsecondary institutions throughout the province so students have more access," said Shirley Bond, Minister of Advanced Education.

"These additional seats will help government meet its commitment to make university programs accessible to students who earn a B average."

UVic will determine where the seats will be added while honouring a commitment to add seats in nursing, electrical and computer engineering.