USask financial structure

The university has a wide breadth of activities. Revenues and expenses related to these activities are classified into fund types for budgeting, financial management, and reporting.

These fund types are further classified as unrestricted or restricted.

Unrestricted Funds

Are flexible funds that can be used for any purpose aligned with the university’s mission. USask has two unrestricted funds operating and ancillary.



Operating

Activities in the operating fund cover core academic and administrative functions of the university.
Examples include: teaching and learning, academic and administrative support, and community outreach.



Ancillary

Ancillary activities support university life through the sale of goods and services to the university community.
Examples include: residences, bookstores, food services, parking, the sale of utilities for external organizations, and real estate development.

 

Restricted Funds

Funds earmarked for specific purposes where no cross-use or redirection on use is permitted.

 

Student Financial Aid

These funds are for direct student financial assistance. Examples include scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid.

 

Capital

These activities relate to the investments in long-term infrastructure, including the acquisition of capital assets, including land, buildings, and equipment.

Research

Research funding supports the generation and discovery of knowledge. Examples include funded research projects awarded from any federal, provincial, industry or donors.

Endowment

Maintains donor funds with perpetual restrictions, using earned income for defined activities. Examples include named scholarships and named research chairs.

Revenue

USask's revenue sources

  • Federal grants and contracts: Funding primarily supporting research activities, including capital and university overhead support.
  • Provincial grants and contracts: Public funding for operations, capital, and research. Funding for operations includes targeted funding for specific programs linked to provincial priorities, such as health human resources.
  • Student fees: Tuition and related fees.
  • Sales services/products: Income from campus-based services
  • Donations: Contributions from donors
  • Investment income: Returns from university investments within the non-endowed investment pool or bank.
  • Other revenues : Miscellaneous income streams.

Expenditures

USask's expenditures

  • Salaries and benefits: Compensation for employees
  • Supplies and contracts: Materials and third-party services
  • Travel: Expenses related to university travel
  • Utilities: Electricity, water, heating, etc.
  • Maintenance and rental: Upkeep and rental of facilities
  • Renovations: Campus improvement projects
  • Amortization: Accounting for annual use of long-term assets
  • Other expenses: miscellaneous expenses

 

Planning and budget town halls

More information on USask’s Planning and budget town halls, including insights into the university’s approach to financial sustainability.