The board of governors at the University College of Cape Breton voted April 26 to reject the proposed budget presented to them by university president Jacquelyn Scott by a vote of 15-13.

The rejection followed concerted efforts by students and staff members to raise awareness about the budget, which would have eliminated 48 positions and raised tuition by almost 6 per cent.

Although the budget had been tabled March 15, it was presented with virtually no changes at the April board meeting, said Allen Britten, president of UCCB's faculty association.

According to the Cape Breton Post, some board members hastened to declare their rejection of the budget was not a vote of "non-confidence in senior administration." Nonetheless, such a vote is unusual.

"Boards rarely reject a president's budget," remarked CAUT executive director James Turk. "We are delighted the board listened to faculty and student concerns."

Britten said the administration has now met with the budget advisory committee, which includes faculty members and students, in an attempt to find a solution to the impasse.

"I'm hoping they will come back with a budget that has more emphasis on teaching," Britten added.