Ontario university presidents receive expensive perks, such as cars and monthly allowances, along with their six-figure salaries, the Hamilton Spectator reported July 12.
The Spectator had to obtain presidents’ contracts by using the province’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Information Act after many institutions refused to provide them.
Some universities appear to be playing fast and loose with their ethics. McMaster University’s President Peter George will receive an annual payout of $99,999 for two decades after he leaves office, $1 less than the amount that must be publicly shared according to Ontario’s Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act.
Although Queen’s offers comparatively fewer perks than other Ontario universities, former Principal Karen Hitchcock still received an interest-free loan of up to $500,000 for housing in Kingston.
Universities need to remain competitive with corporations in order to attract the best candidates.
Queen’s principal has a huge responsibility and someone who does the job well deserves the salary.
But extra benefits should only be granted if they’re used to contribute to the University.
If it’s true that many deals are made on the golf course, it might be wise for a Queen’s principal to own a golf club membership.
Other perks, like interest-free loans for private residences, are harder to justify.
Queen’s is over budget in building the Queen’s Centre, and academic departments are facing another year of large funding cuts.
Although it’s unlikely the principal’s perks directly affected either of these problems, the discrepancy in the University’s priorities requires an explanation.
It would be too idealistic to believe those involved in education do their jobs simply for the love of learning, not the million-dollar payouts. Job benefits are a necessary evil to lure potential presidents and principals from the private sector where they might receive more attractive benefits.
But instead of catering to those in top administrative positions, universities should focus on their commitment to students.
That would generate another perk: not having angry students outside the principal’s office.
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