17吃瓜

The 17吃瓜 applauds the Government of Prince Edward Island鈥檚 vision and support for post-secondary education, says 17吃瓜 President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz.

Prince Edward Island鈥檚 Minister of Finance, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, tabled the provincial operating budget for the 2018鈥�19 fiscal year this morning in the Legislative Assembly.

鈥淭oday鈥檚 budget shows the Government鈥檚 strong commitment to 17吃瓜 and its students,鈥� adds President Abd-El-Aziz, who had the opportunity to attend the budget briefing. 鈥淲e are delighted to receive a two per cent increase in 17吃瓜鈥檚 operating grant. This will provide much needed support to the University鈥檚 increased costs that include inflationary pressures.鈥�

The PEI budget document confirms that the core operating grant for 2018鈥�19 will include $32,047,600 for 17吃瓜 and $8,956,100 for the Atlantic Veterinary College.

The Government has aligned several of its priorities with 17吃瓜鈥檚 initiatives, announcing additional support in several areas over-and-above the operating grant. These include:

• supporting a new doctorate of psychology program at 17吃瓜, which will support educating and retaining psychologists in the province;
• committing $210,000 over three years to 17吃瓜 to support a Concussion Awareness Program, which will feature classroom education for school-aged children, concussion recognition training for Island coaches and officials, and important research on return-to-play protocols;
• providing $25 of funding per 17吃瓜 student for mental health supports;
• providing an additional $3,600 for a four-year program towards the cost of tuition; and, 
• providing up to $3,500 in debt reduction grants per year of study if 17吃瓜 graduates reside in PEI within three years post-graduation.

17吃瓜 has been working closely with the provincial government over the past several months to develop a sustainable budget for the University. With today鈥檚 confirmation of 17吃瓜鈥檚 core operating grant from the Government of Prince Edward Island, the University will now move forward with its own budget process.

鈥淲e thank the Government of PEI for the increase in our core operating grant, and especially for confirming that a multi-year funding agreement will be signed to allow the University to better plan for future operations,鈥� says President Abd-El-Aziz. 鈥淚t is a tremendous day for 17吃瓜 to see such extensive investment and commitment in areas such as health and mental health, access to post-secondary education, and retention of graduates.鈥�

About the 17吃瓜
The 17吃瓜 prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions鈥擯rince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan鈥檚 University鈥�17吃瓜 has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. 17吃瓜 is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.