Brandon University’s Failed $5 Million Project Sparks Oversight Review

Brandon University’s $5 million Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) project has been officially halted, leading to a critical review intended to strengthen future oversight in post-secondary initiatives. Manitoba’s Advanced Education Minister, Renée Cable, emphasized the importance of this review, calling it a learning opportunity for both the university and the broader educational sector.

The ERP project, launched in 2020 under the “Renew BU” initiative, aimed to modernize outdated administrative systems that dated back to 1978. However, after four years and substantial financial investment, the project was officially terminated in early 2024. According to a consultant’s report from BDO Canada, the project failed due to flawed software selection, inadequate vendor assessment, and weak governance structures.

Despite the project’s collapse, the provincial government will not intervene directly in Brandon University’s operations. Cable stated, “From day one, we’ve respected the autonomy of our institutions.” She highlighted the necessity of engaging third-party reviews, which would not only guide Brandon University but also benefit the post-secondary education sector more broadly.

The minister expressed her expectations for improved management of future large-scale projects, stating, “Every Manitoban has the right to expect that with public institutions and public dollars, projects move forward in the best way possible and that they’re managed properly.” She pointed out that the ERP project, which initiated under the previous Progressive Conservative government, “was never really set up for success.”

Future Oversight and Student Fees

As the university grapples with the implications of the failed ERP project, students continue to pay the “Renew BU fee” of $35.70 for the upcoming academic year. This fee was intended to help fund the project, which ultimately did not deliver the expected results. According to Grant Hamilton, a spokesperson for Brandon University, the decision to maintain this fee was made by the university’s board of governors.

“There are a couple of misconceptions,” Hamilton clarified. “Firstly, students do not pay secret fees. The ‘Renew BU’ fee has always been public since its inception in January 2020, and all students pay the fee.” He noted that the fee contributes to ongoing operating costs and other expenses related to the ERP project.

Despite the project’s shortcomings, Hamilton acknowledged some progress: “Thanks to hard work by ITS staff at BU, we have seen some welcome technology upgrades, including new software in some areas and significant updates to stabilize our legacy system.” He added that it is common for students to contribute to fees that fund future improvements, referencing successful projects like the Knowles-Douglas Centre.

The president of the Brandon University Students’ Union, Charles Adamu, was unavailable for comment on the situation.

Looking Ahead

Minister Cable expressed optimism about the future of Brandon University, particularly under the leadership of incoming president Christine Cnossen, who is expected to begin her tenure this month. “It’s an exciting time for Brandon University and for students in Westman,” she remarked.

As the province continues to focus on enhancing oversight and collaboration with educational institutions, the lessons learned from the ERP project may pave the way for more successful initiatives in the future. With ongoing investments in infrastructure, including renovations at the Brodie Science Centre and expansions at Assiniboine College, the government aims to foster a more resilient educational environment.

The review and its implications serve as a reminder of the importance of effective governance and accountability in public institutions. As Cable noted, the experience gained from this project will inform future strategies and ensure that public funds are managed in a manner that best serves the students and residents of Manitoba.