Grad funding reinstated

Provincial budget helps fellowship funding, lessens stress for Golfman

By Chelsea Howard

Funding for graduate studies at Memorial did not look promising as of two weeks ago, with a projected shortfall of $2-million.

It was expected that prospective graduate students at MUN would bear the brunt of this budgetary crisis. However, this week’s provincial budget will spare them that crisis.

“We are doing this in order to make sure that we don’t get into a deeper deficit, and that all departments and academic programs can manage their budgets more efficiently in the future,” said Noreen Golfman, dean of Graduate Studies at Memorial, weeks before the budget was announced.

“We know that this change is temporary.”

According to the release of the latest provincial budget dated March 29, the provincial government announced a $2-million increase in funding for graduate student fellowships. Daniel Smith, Newfoundland’s chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS), responded to the announcement.

“The graduate students at Memorial University are the engines of research for the province and we need to make sure that we are not getting left behind in the dust in terms of research around the country.”

“To see that money put in place was very welcomed,” said Smith.

The proposed increase is an investment in the research interests of graduate students, according to a report released regarding the budgetary provisions.

“[The investment] will not only enable Memorial University of Newfoundland to recruit and retain the best students from around the world, but will also make Memorial a key destination for quality post-secondary graduate education,” stated the report.

Golfman says she is pleased with the budget as well.

“We are very happy that the Government of Newfoundland has recognized the need and the benefits graduate students bring to Memorial, to the growth of research, and the province as a whole.”

“This money will give us much more flexibility in going forward with fellowship offers in the coming year and help us plan to attract the best students to come study and live here.”

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