Co-ordinator to implement education equity programs appointed

Posted May 08, 1997


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
97-05-01-OTHER

University appoints coordinator to
implement education equity programs

Saskatoon SK, May 8, 1997 -- U of S president, George
Ivany has announced the appointment of Dr. Susan Vincent
as the education equity course and symposia coordinator
for the university. The position was created for a one year
term on the recommendation of a committee charged with
advancing education equity issues on campus.

The committee was struck to address one of the key
recommendations in a report on the development of a
comprehensive education equity program for the University
of Saskatchewan submitted by an ad hoc subcommittee of
Council. That key recommendation was to have the
university president sponsor a major symposium to raise
the awareness level of education equity.

Dr. Vincent will be responsible for the development and
coordination of a variety of initiatives to promote
education equity including a credit course for students and
several symposia for the campus community and the city.
Both projects are intended to raise awareness and
engender debate surrounding the implementation of
education equity.

Those who have established successful programs
elsewhere are consistent in urging others to take seriously
the need to prepare faculty, staff and students alike for
the real changes and challenges which ensue when
education equity is formally adopted, said Dr. Ivany.

There are significant challenges, both structural and
cultural. A lack of resources at the university leaves people
with little time to develop new teaching method and
course content, said Dr. Vincent. There is also the
apprehension of some that they will be blamed for
oppressing others, when they may never have perceived
their status as being particularly powerful. There is a need
for education of the university community about these
issues.

Dr. Vincent is currently a sessional lecturer in the
department of anthropology and archaeology.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Susan Vincent
(306) 966-4191

or

President George Ivany
(306) 966-6612