Queen’s review of its university-wide budget model has moved into its next stage, following summer consultations and an assessment of how the current model works.

Led by the Office of the Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic), with support from Deloitte, the review is examining how the budget model could better align with Queen’s strategic priorities and support the Bicentennial Vision, including the university’s research performance and global standing.

Deloitte held more than 35 consultation sessions involving over 90 people from across the university. Participants included academic and administrative leaders and staff, department representatives, and members of the Alma Mater Society.

Discussions covered the model’s performance and challenges, its effects on decision-making and resource allocation, how well it is understood, and opportunities for a future approach.

“The consultations provided an important opportunity to hear from those who work within the budget model and to understand how it operates across the university,” says Matthew Evans, Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic). “I appreciate the time participants committed to the process and the perspectives they shared. Their input will inform our assessment of options for a model that better supports institutional decision-making and Queen’s academic and research priorities.”

The assessment identified that the model distributes enrolment revenue effectively, but is less suited to advancing strategic priorities, recognizing research activity, enabling collaboration across units, and providing greater transparency into how and why resources are allocated. Its incentives, well suited to a period of growth, are now under strain after years of financial constraint.

The Budget Model Review Steering Committee is now analyzing Deloitte’s findings. In the coming months, options for a future budget model will be developed and assessed before recommendations are brought forward to the steering committee, and then to the provost for a final decision. Further information will be shared as the review progresses.

Following approval, work will focus on the model’s detailed design and an implementation plan, with both expected by the end of the year.