With no way to raise money besides making cuts, selling buildings, Memorial University's hands are tied, writes Pam Frampton

Memorial University came into being just over 100 years ago, in September 1925, with only 57 students but big dreams that would change the very trajectory of Newfoundland and Labrador.

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In 100 years, I’d say MUN has delivered, big time.

From advances in genetic research to leaps and bounds in underwater engineering to inspiring generations of Newfoundland and Labrador artists, the province’s university has changed who we are for the better.

But MUN has fallen on difficult financial times and is limping along after more than a decade of government budget cuts.

Some of its buildings are badly in need of repair after years of deferred maintenance.

The January 2025 auditor general’s performance audit of MUN’s facilities management paints a bleak picture of crumbling infrastructure, under-used facilities and even a lack of information about just how much space the university is responsible for.

“We found Memorial University does not effectively or efficiently manage its capital portfolio,” the AG’s report concluded, based on the period Jan. 1, 2022, to March 31, 2024.

“From a weak policy environment to poor space management practices to a questionable deferred maintenance procedure, it appears........

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