December 23, 1997

Faculty Club Presents Meet the Chefs Fund-Raiser

Posted December 23, 1997

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 22, 1997
97-12-07-OTHER

Saskatoon s finest Chefs cooking to raise funds

Saskatoon s finest Chefs will be cooking, mingling and answering
questions during the Meet the Chefs fund-raiser at the University of
Saskatchewan's Faculty club on Sunday, January 18, from 3:00 - 5:00
p.m.

The event is a fund-raiser presented by the Faculty Club and the
Saskatoon and District Chefs Association. It provides an opportunity for
participants to sample the signature dish of each Chef.

Wine merchants will also be on hand to talk about their products and
wine sampling tickets will be available.

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet some of Saskatoon s finest Chefs
face to face, and to sample some really outstanding food, said Donna
Cram, Manager of the Faculty Club. You will also be helping the
Friendship Inn and contributing to the Chef s Association Scholarship
fund at the same time.

Proceeds from Meet the Chef will be divided between the Friendship
Inn and the Chef s Association Scholarship Fund.

Tickets are $20.00 per person (plus GST), and can be reserved by
calling 966-7777.

For more information please contact:

Donna Cram, Manager
University of Saskatchewan Faculty Club
(306) 966-7774

December 22, 1997

U of S, U of R, SaskTel Partnership Agreement Signed

Posted December 22, 1997

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 19, 1997

U of S, U of R, and SaskTel sign partnership
agreement

The University of Saskatchewan, the University of Regina, and
SaskTel have signed a partnership agreement, designed to benefit
students both on and off campus.

Off-campus students will benefit from the use of the most recent
technologies to deliver courseware and lectures. On-campus students
will benefit from enhanced Internet access and related services.

A key feature of the agreement is a dedicated digital network link
between the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina,
which will be used by the Universities to enable collaborative and
cooperative initiatives in a variety of administrative and academic
areas.

The two Colleges of Engineering have been among the first to activate
the link, sharing expertise and credit classes. Between January and
April, for example, Professor Ron Bolton, U of S, and Andrew Kostiuk,
U of R, will bring together the best of two courses in Electrical
Engineering from each University. They?re team-teaching U of S
course EE 451 - VLSI Circuit Design and U of R course ENEL 489 -
Integrated Circuit Design to a total of 70 students at both campuses.
The two professors will be using all the potential of the high-speed link,
which allows them and their students to interact via two-way, full-
motion color video combined with interactive, digital transmission of
computer-based information and graphics.

President George Ivany welcomes the agreement, noting that it
constitutes a substantial step toward the University?s goal of creating
an environment where our students, faculty and staff can use
technological resources to become fully productive and competitive in
the new world order.

University of Regina President Donald Wells says technology
partnerships such as this one enhance the ability of the Universities to
collaborate on research, teaching and administrative activities, and
make the resources of the University more readily available to the
people of Saskatchewan, whether they?re in Regina, Saskatoon, La
Ronge or Buffalo Narrows.

SaskTel has been a partner in many University initiatives in the past.
For example, the corporation has provided sponsorship for Huskie and
Cougar athletics, student and alumni activities, and conferences.

Don Ching, SaskTel president and CEO, says the corporation enjoys a
solid relationship with both Universities and these agreements will
strengthen both relationships for years to come.

He goes on to say that SaskTel is committed to further developing our
province?s education system, and we?re pleased to be able to provide
both Universities with advanced telecommunications technology and
infrastructure.

In addition to the network link, this partnership allows SaskTel to work
towards future business opportunities with Saskatchewan?s two
universities. SaskTel is a strong supporter of the U of S and the U of
R, and their efforts in developing fully-interactive distance education.

SaskTel and the Universities are also interested in exploring future
opportunities, such as SmartCard applications, management training
programs for SaskTel employees, scholarships, and work experience
programs for students.

SaskTel is the leading full-service communications company in
Saskatchewan, providing voice, data, Internet, text and messaging
services over a digital network, as well as cellular, paging, and
FleetNet 800 service through its SaskTel Mobility division.

For more information please contact:

Dr. Robert Kavanagh or Tim Kydd
Associate Vice-President SaskTel Corporate Affairs
(Information Technology Services) (306) 777-5638
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6623

or

Dr. David Barnard
Vice-President (Administration)
University of Regina
(306) 585-4386

December 16, 1997

University's "Hip-Hop" Dance Project in schools a great move

Posted December 16, 1997

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, Dec. 8, 1997

University's "Hip-Hop" Dance Project in schools a great move

SASKATOON -- The gyrating Backstreet Boys, of music-video fame, got
nuthin' on this city's hip-hop dancing school children.
In recent years, thanks to the efforts of hundreds of enthusiastic
education and physical education students from the University of
Saskatchewan, thousands of elementary school students throughout Saskatoon
have had the chance to learn the basics of creative dance, hip-hop and
line-dancing.
And now, midway through its seventh year, Project Move is estimated
to be teaching its 10,000th Saskatoon student -- using the fun and
motivation that dance offers youngsters.
The project's leaders say this professional outreach initiative of
the Colleges of Education and Physical Education has blossomed from
impromptu lessons for a half dozen inner-city kids in 1991.
Brenda Kalyn and Joan Krohn say Project Move is now an extensive
ongoing school activity that provides valuable educational benefits not
just for thousands of youngsters, but also for the dozens of
student-teachers and in-school teachers involved -- and for arts and
physical education as a whole.
"The children are getting exposure to dance as a vehicle for
fitness -- and it's in a way that's relevant to kids today," says Krohn, a
College of Physical Education faculty member.
"We teach to Saskatchewan's physical education and arts education
curriculum. The lessons offer some strength and flexibility development,
creative work, endurance and balance -- all aimed at wellness and healthy
lifestyles for the kids," Krohn says.
"It's also an alternative to competitive sports as a physical
activity in school," adds Kalyn, a faculty member in the College of
Education.
"And Project Move contributes to Quality Daily Physical Education
(QDPE) programming," an important element of schools' programs that is
being promoted across Canada, Kalyn says.
The project leaders say they offer the dance program to schools on
a first-come, first-served basis each year to schools in Saskatoon's public
and Catholic systems. This fall 10 two-student teams gave dance
instruction to about 450 kindergarten to Grade 8 students in St. Anne and
St. Frances Schools. Each class gets three sessions of instruction, spread
over three weeks. Another set of student-teachers will do other Saskatoon
schools next term. More schools ask for Project Move than can be
accommodated.
Kalyn and Krohn say the schools gain a helpful exposure to dance --
which is a good portion of the physical education and arts curriculum, but
which classroom teachers sometimes feel unprepared to teach. This project
provides new curriculum ideas in dance for teachers to apply to their
physical education programs. Hopefully, it also helps teachers feel more
comfortable with teaching dance.
All the participating university students volunteer their time and
get no credit for their Project Move teaching -- but they get invaluable
in-school experience.
"These are very enthusiastic and confident education and physical
education students, and we give them three preparatory sessions on how to
teach the dance lessons," Kalyn says.
"This gives them exposure to students and to the culture of a
school," Krohn adds. "They see what works in dance, and how they can
modify the lessons to suit their own teaching styles," she says.
Kalyn says the Project Move experience sometimes leads a
participating school or class to go on and create a dance production for
presentation to parents.
She and Krohn recall that Project Move began in 1991 when a few
students and the principal from Pleasant Hill School asked for rap-music
and hip-hop lessons they thought would motivate the youngsters to become
more interested in school. The lessons worked so well that the students
choreographed and presented the featured performance at the University
School of Dance annual parents program.
Kalyn notes that, with some funding from Dance Saskatchewan and the
Saskatchewan Physical Education Association, and small honoraria from
participating schools, Project Move is self-supporting.

- 30 -

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Brenda Kalyn, College of Education
Tel: 966-7566

Joan Krohn, College of Physical Education
Tel: 966-6477

First Nations student earns Doctorate from U of S College of Education

Posted December 16, 1997

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, October 24, 1997

First Nations student earns Doctorate from U of S College of Education

SASKATOON -- For the first time in the 70-year history of the
University of Saskatchewan's College of Education, a First Nations student
will be awarded a doctoral degree tomorrow.
Frances Luther will receive her PhD in Educational Administration
during U of S convocation ceremonies in Saskatoon Saturday.
Luther's advisor Dr. Patrick Renihan says the event marks a major
step forward both for the college and for First Nations educational leadership.
"It's an important milestone for our advanced graduate programs," says
Renihan, head of the college's Department of Educational Administration.
"While we've had First Nations students in our masters programs over
the years, Frances is the first aboriginal student to complete the doctoral
program we've been offering for the past decade," Renihan says.
"It's a coming-of-age in terms of equity and providing service to an
increasingly relevant part of our community -- and it's another step in
meeting the First Nations community's significant need to further develop
its own educational leadership," he says.
Luther, raised in rural southern Saskatchewan, earned a Bachelor of
Education (with distinction) from the University of Regina in 1979 and a
Master of Library and Information Studies from the University of Alberta in
1989. In the early 1980s she taught in schools in the province and worked
for the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College at the U of R. In the
late-80s she was acting principal for the Dene Tha Education Authority in
Chateh, Alberta. In the early 1990s Luther was an instructional resources
consultant with Saskatchewan's department of education. Currently, she is
Interim Director of the Master of Education and Professional Development
Programs at the University of Wisconsin (La Crosse).
To complete her doctorate, Luther researched and wrote a dissertation
on the experiences and perceptions of First Nations women
teachers-in-training at the U of S regarding technology. Her study found
that the pre-service teachers believe aboriginal women educators need
technological training in order to exercise leadership, but they face
barriers such as lack of access and exposure to technology, lack of a good
self-image, lack of time, lack of role models, men's intimidation, and
men's negative images of women's technological aptitude. Luther concludes
that First Nations teacher preparation programs, band schools, politicians
and others should increase and improve aboriginal women's access to technology.

- 30 -

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Dr. Patrick Renihan, Head, Dep't of Educational Administration
Tel: (306) 966-7620

NOTE: NEWS MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THIS STORY AT THE U
OF S CONVOCATION EXERCISES. FRAN LUTHER WILL BE PRESENT TO RECEIVE HER
DEGREE.

* 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Sat., Oct. 25, 1997. Centennial Auditorium, Saskatoon.

December 11, 1997

Sorrow expressed at death of long-time employee

Posted December 11, 1997

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 11, 1997
97-12-05-OTHER

University expresses sorrow at death
of long-time employee

The University of Saskatchewan wishes to express its deep sorrow over
the death of Glen Makahonuk, and to extend its sincere condolences to
Glen?s family and friends.

An employee with the University since April 1978, Glen served as
president of CUPE 1975 at the University of Saskatchewan from 1988 until
his recent departure on sick leave.

Glen was an active member of the university community for many years.
To recognize in a tangible way his leadership, the University recently
established the Glen Makahonuk Scholarship. The scholarship, which is
available to all members of CUPE 1975 at the University of
Saskatchewan, will provide $1,000 annually for a member of CUPE 1975,
to be chosen by the union, to obtain training and professional
development.

In light of Glen?s efforts on behalf of the members of his union, we
decided it would be most appropriate that our recognition take the form of
something that would directly benefit the members of CUPE 1975, said
Dr. J.W. George Ivany, President of the University of Saskatchewan.

Glen?s dedication and commitment to his colleagues will long be
remembered. He was a valued member of our community and he will be
greatly missed, Dr. Ivany said.

The University?s sincere condolences are extended to Glen?s family and
friends at this sad time.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. J.W. George Ivany
President
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6612

December 09, 1997

Polar bear research by Ramsay to be featured

Posted December 09, 1997

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Tuesday, December 9, 1997
97-12-02-SC

U of S biologist?s polar bear research
to be featured in National Geographic,
NBC-TV, and ABC-TV

University of Saskatchewan polar bear specialist Malcolm
Ramsay will be featured in three major American mediums
in coming days.
- The January issue of National Geographic magazine
includes a 21-page article on Ramsay?s work with polar
bears of northern Canada.
Entitled Polar Bears: Tracking Down the Truth, the article
is one of a millennial series the National Geographic is
doing on specific geographical locations, with the intent of
re-visiting these locations in a number of years to see
whether, for example, there has been ecological
deterioration.
- Beginning at 7 p.m., on Sunday, December 14, NBC?s
Dateline (Cable 5 locally) will be running a feature on
Ramsay?s research efforts with polar bears at Churchill,
MB.
- On Monday, December 15, the ABC television network
(Cable 46 locally), will be presenting World of Discovery, a
one-hour special, beginning at 7 p.m., also on Ramsay?s
work at Churchill.

For more information contact:

Professor Malcolm Ramsay
Biology Department
University of Saskatchewan
(808) 875-1016 (Hawaii) throughout December

Update

Posted December 09, 1997

This lab is only temporary. We are hoping to have a permanent lab set up for the start of January.

Thanks to everyone for their help, especially the Help Desk for donating the space and ethernet connections.

Update

This is a temporary installation until the start of January.

We ask that students and faculty use the door by the photocopier during the lunch hour to access the machines. We do not have any printers networked to these machines - printing has to be collected at the help desk.

Background information available in Dec. 5 news release and Dec. 8 news release.

Tuition waived for Education equity course

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 8, 1997

Update on physical education building


All exams that had been scheduled to take place in Gym One of the
physical education building at the University of Saskatchewan have been
relocated to alternate rooms on campus. 

Details have been posted throughout the University, and are available by
calling the Registrar?s Office at 966-6726 or by visiting the Registrar?s
Office web site at www.usask.ca/registrar/.

University employees worked throughout the weekend to move items out of
the physical education building. All students, faculty and staff who had
items stored in the women?s locker room may pick up these items in Room
1109 Education Building effective 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 9. The
University is asking students, faculty and staff who have items stored in
the men?s locker room to pick up these items from the locker room on or
before Tuesday, December 17. Students, faculty and staff can enter the
men?s locker room by using the back entrance of the physical education
building.


Note: If you have not obtained your belongings by the
dates listed above, please call 966-6500. Arrangements have been made with
the staff in the Physical Education Centre. Individuals can retrieve
items from Monday to Friday.



The College of Physical Education has moved to the RJD Williams Building.
The Dean?s Office is located in Room 401. The telephone and fax numbers
are unchanged; the telephone number is 966-6500 and the fax number is
966-6502. 

University officials have identified alternate locations for Winter Term
classes, which begin January 5, 1998. Details should be available  by the
end of this week by calling U-STAR (938-3900), the Dean?s Office, or by
visiting the Registrar's Office web site. Students? timetables will not
be affected by these changes.

The University wishes to thank its students, faculty and staff for their
patience and cooperation during this difficult time.