October 30, 1998
New University of Saskatchewan President to be named
Posted October 30, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 30, 1998
98-10-23-OTHER
New University of Saskatchewan President
named
Mr. Hal Wyatt, Chair of the University of Saskatchewan's Board of
Governors, will announce the appointment of a new president for the
University of Saskatchewan at a news conference today.
The news conference will take place at 2:30 p.m. in the Atrium of the
Agriculture Building (ground floor).
The new president will be on hand to speak to members of the news
media.
For more information please contact:
Heather Magotiaux
Director of Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6614
New University of Saskatchewan President named
Posted October 30, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 30, 1998
98-10-24-OTHER
New University of Saskatchewan President named
Mr. Hal Wyatt, Chair of the University of Saskatchewan's Board of Governors,
today announced the appointment of Peter MacKinnon, Q.C. as the University
of Saskatchewan's new president. MacKinnon's appointment will take place
effective July 1, 1999.
Peter MacKinnon first joined the College of Law at the U of S in 1975 as
Assistant Professor. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 1978, and to
a full professorship in 1983. He served as Assistant Dean of Law from 1979
to 1981. MacKinnon went on to serve as Dean of the College from July 1, 1988
to June 30, 1998. He also served as Acting Vice-President (Academic) from
August 1996 to July 1997.
A native of Prince Edward Island and a graduate of Dalhousie, Queen's, and
the University of Saskatchewan, MacKinnon was admitted to the Bar of Ontario
in 1974, and to the Bar of Saskatchewan in 1979. He was admitted to Queen's
Counsel in 1990. He has served as president of the Council of Canadian Law
Deans, president of the Canadian Association of Law Teachers, member of the
Executive Committee of the Law Society of Saskatchewan, member of the Board
for the Law Foundation of Saskatchewan, member of the National Judicial
Institute Study Leave Committee, member of the Advisory Committee on Ethics
for the Regional Psychiatric Centre, and member of the Meewasin Valley
Appeal Board.
MacKinnon received a University of Saskatchewan Students Union Excellence in
Teaching Award in 1992-93. He has co-edited two books with colleagues John
Courtney and David Smith (both in Political Studies), titled Drawing
Boundaries: Legislatures, Courts and Electoral Values (1992) and After Meech
Lake (1991). He has also published several articles in the areas of criminal
law, evidence, and law and medicine.
MacKinnon is married to the Honourable Janice MacKinnon, Minister of
Economic and Co-operative Development for the Government of Saskatchewan.
MacKinnon will be the University of Saskatchewan's eighth president,
replacing George Ivany who has served as University of Saskatchewan
president since November 1, 1989.
For more information please contact:
Heather Magotiaux
Director of Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6614
October 29, 1998
President Ivany optimistic synchrotron project will go ahead
Posted October 29, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 28, 1998
98-10-22-OTHER
President Ivany optimistic
synchrotron project will go ahead
Proponents of the $178.2-million Canadian Light Source
(CLS) synchrotron are optimistic the project will go
ahead, despite a recent Canada Foundation for
Innovation (CFI) ruling on ?in-kind? matching funding
that could leave the proposal with a $12-million
shortfall.
University of Saskatchewan president George Ivany said
he plans to continue to press the case with the CFI that
the Saskatchewan Accelerator Laboratory (SAL) is a
reasonable in-kind contribution. SAL is valued in the CLS
application at $32.6 million, which would generate a
$12-million (40 percent) CFI matching contribution. If
that discussion fails, Ivany said he?s confident the
project now has enough momentum to carry it through.
?We?re optimistic we can obtain this funding from our
partners in industry and government because of the
enormous benefit this project will bring to the province
and the nation,? he said. ?With the kind of work we?re
getting from our Collaborative Committee, we?re
confident we can overcome the shortfall or at least
redesign the project to meet any new financial
parameters.?
Ivany stressed the CFI ruling this week was not an
unexpected development.
?In earlier discussions with CFI officials, they indicated
specific issues and exceptional circumstances such as
ours would be reviewed after the full application had
been filed,? he said. ?Now that we?re into the final
stage of assessment, the CFI has informed us of the
need to re-examine our plans to include the SAL as an
in-kind contribution.?
Under the CFI funding agreement with the federal
government, property which belongs to an institution at
the time of application cannot be counted as a
contribution eligible for matching CFI funds.
To enable the $32.6-million SAL to be counted as an in-
kind contribution, it was proposed that SAL be
transferred to a new not-for-profit corporation,
Canadian Light Source Inc., which then would donate the
laboratory to the project. The CFI has now informed the
U of S that this arrangement does not meet CFI rules.
The university?s position is that the SAL facility is crucial
to the project and that unlike other types of existing
infrastructure such as hospitals, SAL won?t continue to
exist if the CLS project doesn?t go ahead. ?When we
succeeded in taking our proposal to the NSERC peer
review panel, they recognized the SAL was an in-kind
part of the project that made the whole synchrotron
project possible,? he said.
The CFI has informed the university it plans to strike an
ad hoc committee to review technological and economic
aspects of the project. Ivany said he?s confident the
project will pass this review given that it has already
undergone thorough scrutiny by the 1996 international
peer review sponsored by NSERC, Canada?s leading
scientific granting agency.
He noted it?s a significant achievement for the project
to advance this far in the competition given that only
half the proposals submitted were invited to do so.
?Given that this is potentially the biggest scientific
project in Canada, this is a very significant hurdle to
have gotten over,? he said.
The CFI is being asked to supply the final $71.3-million
piece in the funding puzzle. Another $42.8 million is
committed from public sector partners, there?s the $32.6
million in-kind contribution of the SAL site, and $31.5
million is anticipated from corporations.
A final decision is expected from the CFI by March 30,
1999.
The synchrotron, which would produce light a million
times more intense than medical X-rays, is considered
an indispensable high-tech tool for both basic and
applied research in universities and industry. It would
be used to probe the structure of matter, develop new
drugs, design new microchips for more powerful
computers, manufacture tiny biomedical implants, and
create new materials.
For more information, please contact:
Dr. J. W. George Ivany
President
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-6612
or
Kathryn Warden
Research Communications Officer
Ofice of the Vice-President (Research)
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-2506
October 27, 1998
Canadians say politicians can lie to protect privacy
Posted October 27, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 23, 1998
98-10-19-OTHER
CANADIANS SAY POLITICIANS CAN LIE
TO PROTECT PRIVACY
Most Canadians believe it is acceptable for a politician
to lie to protect his or her privacy but will not tolerate
lying about public matters, says a recently published
book on ethics.
In A Question of Ethics: Canadians Speak Out (Oxford
University Press), Maureen Mancuso and her four co-
authors, including U of S Vice-President (Academic)
Michael Atkinson, note that the most important factor
for public acceptability is the context of the lie.
"Politicians will find their reputations surprisingly
resilient to lies and evasions that have to do strictly
with their private life, but lying about public affairs is a
very dangerous game."
The public appears to evaluate the private lies of public
officials in much the same way as they evaluate lying in
their own lives, says Mancuso, a political science
professor at the University of Guelph. She and her
colleagues at universities across Canada found a
majority of respondents -- slightly more than 50 per
cent -- think a politician should say "It's none of your
business" when asked by media if the politician is seeing
a marriage counsellor. A quarter of the respondents
favour an evasive answer while the remainder suggest
being upfront about the issue.
To gather their data, the researchers compiled a survey
of more than 80 questions, asking the public ethical
questions ranging from patronage and lying to conflict
of interest and accepting gifts. A random group of 1,400
respondents across the country participated in the
phone survey.
The public resents the media's attempts to pry into the
private lives of politicians, the authors found. Eighty per
cent of respondents believe there is too much coverage
in this area. "Reporters who are more interested in
private lives than public issues need to be more
careful," says co-author Neil Nevitte, a political science
professor at the University of Toronto. "The media who
cite public curiosity as justification for their focus on
private affairs are rationalizing."
The authors found Canadian women to be less tolerant
than men about ethical breaches in general but more
inclined than men to support the notion of political lying
to protect private lives. However, they discovered the
greatest division among respondents on ethical issues is
generational. "The stereotypes like the persnickety
senior and the permissive youth turn out to have a
significant basis in reality." Older Canadians have strong
feelings about right and wrong, Generation Xers fall to
the opposite extreme and Baby Boomers are the most
wishy-washy.
Canadians tend to hold politicians to a higher standard
than themselves in the conduct of business, the authors
note. "While most seem willing to let friendship and
connections influence their own private transactions,
they object to politicians doing the same in the conduct
of public business."
The book points to a clear need for political leadership in
the area of conflict-of-interest guidelines. "Our findings
demonstrate that in this area the public is not entirely
sure where the boundaries ought to be. What is needed
is a well-constructed framework that gives the
politicians the guidance they want and the public the
benchmarks it needs."
It also notes politicians have an image problem "worse
than that of the most pampered celebrity or the most
prima donna pro athlete." Canadians view politicians as
having lower ethical standards than journalists and civil
servants -- members of the Senate ranking even lower
than members of parliament. Quebec residents are the
greatest political cynics in the country followed by
those living in the Atlantic provinces.
Funding for the project was provided by the Social
Sciences and Humanities Research Council and the
University of Guelph.
For further information, please contact:
Maureen Mancuso
University of Guelph
work: (519) 824-4120 x6503
home: (519) 763-4638
Michael Atkinson
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-8484
Andr頂lais
Universit頤e Montr顬
(514) 343-7349
Ian Greene
York University
(416) 736-2100
Neil Nevitte
University of Toronto
(416) 978-6298
Commercial Saskatoon berry-production Workshop
Posted October 27, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 26, 1998
98-10-20-EXT
Commercial saskatoon berry-
production workshop planned
A two-day workshop for producers of saskatoon berries
and individuals interested in starting a commercial
orchard will take place at the Ramada Hotel (1st
Avenue/22nd Street), November 20-21, 1998.
Research scientists, marketing specialists, food
processors, food scientists, and producers from across
the prairies will make presentations on issues including
the establishment of an orchard, site and cultivar
selection, agronomic practices, pest control, harvesting
and storage, processing, and marketing.
Fee for the workshop, which is being co-sponsored by
the Saskatchewan Fruit Growers Association and the U of
S, is $80. The fee includes all sessions, one lunch,
refreshment breaks, Friday evening reception, and
handout materials.
For more information call:
Clarence Peters
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Phone: (306) 787-4666
e-mail: CPeters@agr.sk.ca
or
Grant Wood
Extension Division
Phone: (306) 966-5586
e-mail: Grant.Wood@usask.ca
Sask Beef '98 Symposium
Posted October 27, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 26, 1998
98-10-21-EXT
Sask Beef ?98 symposium to focus on beef
research at U of S
A two-day symposium focusing on beef research at the University of
Saskatchewan will be held at the Travelodge Hotel, Saskatoon,
November 17-18, 1998.
To be held in conjunction with the Saskatoon Fall Fair and
Mexabition, the symposium will feature speakers from across
Western Canada as well as two producer panels on cattle feeding.
Producers, industry representatives, and researchers will discuss
topics of interest to beef producers, including: diseases, forages, cattle
feeding, backgrounding and wintering programs, and reproduction.
Registration fee for Sask Beef ?98 is $80 if received on or before
November 10, $100 otherwise. The fee includes all sessions, two
lunches, refreshment breaks, proceedings, and a one-day admission
to the Saskatoon Fall Fair and Mexabition.
Sask Beef ?98 is sponsored by Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food,
Department of Animal and Poultry Science, Reinhold Termuende
Trust, Extension Division, Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association,
Western Beef Development Centre, Saskatchewan Stock Growers
Association, and the Western College of Veterinary Medicine.
For more information call:
John McKinnon
Poultry Science
(306) 966-4137
e-mail: McKinnon~usask.ca
or
Grant Wood
Extension Division
(306) 966-5586
e-mail: Grant.Wood~usask.ca
Holmlund receives honorary doctorate at fall convocation
Posted October 27, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 23, 1998
98-10-10-OTHER
Former U of S professor/administrator to receive
honorary doctorate
The University of Saskatchewan will award an honorary doctor of
laws degree to Blaine Holmlund,vice-president emeritus of planning
and development (1956-1993) at its fall convocation on October 24,
1998. In June 1992, he completed 35 years of service to the
University of Saskatchewan, as lecturer, professor, and administrator.
Professor Holmlund was born in Strongfield, Saskatchewan, in 1930.
He received his Bachelor of Engineering degree, with great
distinction, in 1955 and his MSc in electrical engineering in 1961,
both from the U of S. That same year, he was appointed director of
the Biomedical Engineering Program, a new and collaborative
program between the Colleges of Engineering and Medicine. From
1966 to 1968, he was named director of the Hospital Systems Study
Group. It offered consultative services to Saskatchewan hospitals in
such areas as operations research, management engineering,
computer systems, and nursing organization.
In 1967, he was appointed head of the Department of Computational
Science. From 1974 to 1978 he was made director of the University
Studies Group, which was responsible for undertaking the evaluation,
review, forecasting, and other special policy and analytical studies
for the University.
Dr. Holmlund was a vice-president first of special projects, then of
planning and development. From June to November 1989, he served
as acting president.
Holmlund has served on no fewer than 16 external committees and
boards. He served, too, as chair of the newly formed company Ag-
West Biotech, when the decision was made to hire a full-time
director. This decision had much to do with the rapid growth of the
biotechnology sector at Innovation Place.
Dr. Holmlund served on the board of the Saskatchewan Indian
Federated College from 1982 to 1993, serving as acting president of
the College in November 1990, until a new president was appointed
in June of the following year.
Holmlund is the author or co-author of 43 papers and major reports.
Since his retirement in 1990, he has played a very active role in
Habitat for Humanity, Saskatoon.
For more information, please contact:
Iain MacLean
University Secretary
(306) 966-4632
Earned Doctor of Science awarded to Madan Gupta
Posted October 27, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 23, 1998
98-10-11-OTHER
Earned Doctor of Science degree to go to
renowned U of S engineering professor
The University will award Dr. Madan Gupta, of the College of
Engineering, an Earned Doctor of Science degree, in recognition of
his cutting-edge research in the field of fuzzy logic, an area of
mathematics dealing with approximate (or ?fuzzy?), as distinct from
precise, reasoning.
Dr. Gupta was born in Lansdowne, India. He earned his first degree,
a BSc, from the University of Allahabad in 1957. Four years later he
received the BE (Hons.) degree in electronics and communication
engineering from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, and
was the recipient of that Institute?s gold medal. In 1962, he
received the ME degree from this same Institute and went on to earn
a PhD from the University of Warwick (1967) for his research in the
field of adaptive control systems.
Dr. Gupta joined the U of S in 1967 as a lecturer. He was promoted to
assistant professor in 1968, associate professor in 1971, and full
professor in 1978.
In the early 1970s, he extended his research to fuzzy logic and fuzzy
control systems. His work in this area led to the co-authorship of
two textbooks on the topic. The significance of these textbooks can
be measured by the fact that both were quickly translated into
Japanese.
In the mid-?80s, Dr. Gupta turned some of his efforts to the area of
neural systems, particularly neuro-vision systems and neuro-control
systems. He has been not only a prolific researcher in these areas,
but in others as well. Two examples, both stemming from his early
work on dynamic sensitivity methods, are incipient failure detection
in cyclic machines and the early diagnosis of ischemic heart diseases.
During this illustrious career, he has supervised or co-supervised 36
PhD and MSc students; co-authored two textbooks; been editor or co-
editor of 17 books, a nine-volume Encyclopedia on Control Systems,
and the author or co-author of more than 600 research publications.
Dr. Gupta is a founding member of a number of national and
international associations, including the North American Fuzzy
Systems Association, the International Fuzzy Systems Association,
and the Canadian Society for Fuzzy Information and Neural Systems.
He has been a keynote speaker at many conferences around the
world, and is also an honorary member of the Japanese, Korean,
Chinese, and Indian Fuzzy Information Processing Societies.
For his contributions to the theory of fuzzy sets and adaptive control
systems, Dr. Gupta was elected Fellow of the Institute of Electrical
and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in 1990, and Fellow of the
International Society for Optical Engineering in 1993, in recognition
of his contributions to neuro-vision, neuro-control, and fuzzy neural
systems.
In 1991 he was the co-recipient of the Institution of Electrical
Engineers Kelvin Premium. He has also served as a special advisor
to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization in the
area of industrial automation.
In 1998, he was awarded the highly prestigious Kaufmann Prize Gold
Medal for Research into Fuzzy Logic, which was presented to him in
Spain.
Through his research, education of postgraduate students and
postdoctoral fellows, and leadership in his chosen fields of research,
Dr. Gupta has contributed to society and brought honor to himself
and the University of Saskatchewan.
For more information, please contact:
Iain MacLean
University Secretary
(306) 966-4632
Wendy Bates receives President's Service Award
Posted October 27, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 23, 1998
98-10-12-OTHER
President?s Service Award to Wendy Bates
The second 1998 winner of the President?s Service Award?
established four years ago to ?recognize staff members who have
made outstanding contributions to the learning and working
environments of the University,? is Wendy Bates, a coordinator in the
Alumni and Development Office with particular responsibilities for
alumni reunions and branch activities.
The Award, which carries a $1,000 prize and includes a
commemorative ring or pin, will be presented during the University?s
Fall Convocation.
In proposing Bates for the Award, her nominators and supporters
cite numerous qualities that eminently qualify her for the honor.
Chancellor Emeritus Ted Turner speaks of her ?unassuming but
remarkable performance of her duties? and of being impressed with
her ?pleasant personality and friendliness? over a decade of knowing
and working with her on the Agriculture Building Campaign. Her
selection, he adds, ?will bring great honor to the Award itself.?
In describing Bates, many mention such traits as courtesy,
commitment, warmth, dedication, efficiency, sincerity, and
professionalism. But beyond those attributes, says Lyle Hislop, of
Planned Giving, ?she has a clear understanding that public relations
is not a department but an attitude,? and adds that Bates ?places
others before herself to ensure their enjoyment and satisfaction.?
More than one of her many supporters state that she is an excellent
ambassador of the University whom alumni from around the world
seek out when they want information or opinion about a reunion or
are in Saskatoon for such a function. A number of nominators also
express the idea that her qualities would place her at the top of any
employee group, using any comparative criteria.
Bates first came to the U of S in 1975, as secretary to the director of
Alumni Affairs. After working at a number of other jobs in 1978
and 1979, she returned to the U of S, moving into the University?s
middle-management ranks in 1988, when she was named
coordinator of alumni projects.
She?s served on the board of directors of the Hub City Curling Club,
where she has also been director of its youth curling program. She
says that she enjoys accompanying her son to taekwon-do, track
meets, and softball tournaments as well as a range of sports and
social activities.
For more information, please contact:
Maureen Gammell
Executive Assistant to the President
(306) 966-6620
Master Teacher Award to Gary Davis
Posted October 27, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 23, 1998
98-10-13-OTHER
Physics and Engineering Physics professor
wins master teacher award
The University?s Master Teacher Award will be presented to
Professor
Gary Davis, of the Department of Physics and Engineering Physics at
Fall convocation. The Award, which is made twice a year and carries
a $1,000 prize, underscores the importance the University places on
teaching.
It is evident from the generous testimony that his nominators have
supplied that Dr. Davis, who is also a respected researcher in his field
of atmospheric and space physics, is a worthy recipient of this
Award.
?Dr. Davis is the best teacher I have ever taken a course from,?
declares a former student, who recalls his ?thorough preparation for
each lecture? and his ?meticulous mathematical presentations...and
creative approach to technical problems.? She also mentions the
?wonderful clarity? of his lectures and his talent for supplying
examples and analogies from everyday experience.
Professor Wayne Skrapek, associate dean, Arts and Science, speaks
of Davis? ?love of teaching, ability to communicate, positive attitude
toward students and general overall competency.? He notes, too, that
?Dr. Davis? sincere concerns about fairness to students, and about
providing the best possible quality of instruction and education for
students, is obvious.?
As coordinator of the University?s Instructional Development
Program, Professor Gwenna Moss writes that Davis ?is an excellent
example of a faculty member who believes that teaching is
important, who works to improve his own and others? teaching, and
who is involved in working toward constructive change...? that will
benefit students.
It?s noteworthy that Davis won the 1997-98 Department of Physics
and Engineering Physics Teacher of the Year Award?one that is
based on three-year averages of the student evaluations that are
conducted for all instructors in the Department. In 1994, he won a
USSU Teaching Excellence Award.
Such is his reputation as an instructor of Physics 111.6 (General
Physics), in which a total of 500 students are enrolled, that some
students from other sections apparently sneak into his. He also
teaches Physics 223.3 (Mechanics) for honors students and has taken
over a fourth-year laboratory class this year while a colleague is on
sabbatical.
In his area of expertise, Davis has published more than a dozen
papers in refereed journals, has supervised a couple of graduate
students, and has one ground-based and two satellite-based
experimental programs underway. One of the satellite projects was
successfully launched last year and is now gathering data that should
result in a number of papers in the next few years.
Despite a climate of reduced funding by the granting agency NSERC,
his grant this year was doubled to more than $30,000.
For more information, please contact:
Professor Henry S. Caplan
Physics and Engineering Physics
(306) 966-2768
Larry Fowke Receives Distinguished Researcher Award
Posted October 27, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 23, 1998
98-10-14-OTHER
Biology professor to receive Distinguished
Researcher Award
Biology professor Larry Fowke, whose basic research has led to
promising new tools in both forest regeneration and crop
biotechnology, will be presented with the U of S Distinguished
Research Award at the Fall Convocation.
The award, which carries a $1,000 prize, is presented semi-annually
to a U of S faculty member who has made a major contribution to
knowledge or artistic creativity.
?Dr. Fowke is one of the world?s most distinguished plant cell
biologists,? said Dr. Michael Corcoran, U of S vice-President
(Research). ?Throughout his 30-year career, he has had a reputation
for excellent and innovative work in both cell biology and
biotechnology. His research program is recognized worldwide.?
His basic research has advanced the world?s knowledge of how plant
cells divide and how they take in materials. His lab was the first in
the world to isolate a particular plant membrane-bound structure
called a coated vesicle and show how it takes material into cells.
Wilf Keller, research officer with the National Research Council?s
Plant Biotechnology Institute (PBI), said Fowke has ?played a key
role in the establishment and recognition of Saskatoon as an
international centre for agricultural biotechnology.?
Though he did not set out to do applied research, Fowke and a
former research associate pioneered and patented new methods for
propagating coniferous trees, such as spruce, using a tissue culture
technique known as somatic embryogenesis, a type of cloning. One
seed can be used to produce thousands of identical embryos which
can be grown into trees. Moreover, embryos produced at different
times can be dried and stored and then germinated all at once in the
spring to provide cloned plants of uniform size.
University of Saskatchewan Technologies Inc. (UST), the U of S?s
technology transfer company, has licensed the new methods to a
Western Canadian tree nursery company.
Forestry companies around the world are now racing to apply clonal
propagation on a commercial scale. Synthetic production of tree
embryos would be a major boon to Canada?s forest industry, enabling
nurseries to clone trees with desired traits such as fast growth,
improved wood quality and environmental tolerances. Potentially,
selected genes could be introduced into the cloned embryos, leading
to trees with disease and pest resistance.
At present, Fowke?s research focus is on an exciting development
from his team?s work on cell division. In 1997, research associate
Hong Wang isolated a plant gene which produces a protein that
inhibits cell division. Fowke, Wang (who is now with Agriculture and
Agri-Food Canada), and PBI researcher Bill Crosby co-authored an
article on their findings in the prestigious journal Nature.
?This inhibitor gene has the potential to be an important
biotechnology tool to modify growth and development of crop
plants,? Fowke says.
Fowke, who earned his undergraduate degree at the U of S and a
Ph.D. at Carleton University in Ottawa, joined the U of S in 1970. He
has published more than 100 papers in refereed journals, co-edited a
book and written numerous reviews and book chapters, and has
been an invited speaker at many international conferences.
He is quick to credit the ?dedicated, bright young people? who?ve
made major discoveries in his lab. ?It doesn?t seem fair that I get the
credit,? he says modestly.
Colleagues say his willingness to collaborate with other research
agencies on campus and with international researchers is a model for
the science community.
The Canadian government must not lose sight of the fact that basic
research is the fundamental building block of research and
development, he stresses. ?There?s been a real push by the federal
government towards applied research and I think that?s
overemphasized. It?s important to do basic research. You never
know what the spin-offs are going to be,? he said.
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Larry Fowke
Chair of the Biology Department
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-4400
or
Kathryn Warden
Research Communications Officer
Office of the Vice-President (Research)
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
1998 Alumni Award of Achievement to Gwenna Moss
Posted October 27, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 23, 1998
98-10-15-OTHER
Moss to receive 1998 Alumni Award of
Achievement
Professor Gwenna Moss, BSHEc?59, MSc (WIS)?68, PhD (WIS)?70 is
the winner of the 1998 Alumni Award of Achievement, presented
each fall to a graduate of the University in recognition of outstanding
contributions to profession, community, and/or the University of
Saskatchewan.
Moss, who has served the U of S in administrative as well as
academic capacities since first joining the faculty in 1971, has shaped
the policies and practices of teaching adults for more than 30 years.
She began her career in Extension at the U of S following earlier work
with the Saskatchewan 4-H program, developing leadership training
events and coordinating camps for farm girls. After several years,
she took the first of what was to be several study and work leaves.
In 1966, she decided to take advanced studies in the field of adult
education. Since no Canadian university offered a graduate program
in the area, she went to the University of Wisconsin, where she
earned her masters and PhD degrees in extension and adult
education.
In 1971, she returned to the Extension Division at the U of S, where
she specialized in the evaluation of extension programs.
From 1975 to 1977 Gwenna took leave to go to Ghana, where she
taught students in an agricultural extension program that focused on
teaching women in rural areas basic skills in nutrition, child care, and
hygiene.
In 1979, she also joined the College of Education faculty, being made
responsible for teaching graduate students in continuing education.
At that time, her professional skills were in demand both within and
outside the university community. She conducted numerous studies,
assisted organizations, and consulted on many projects.
In 1982, her appointment as dean of Home Economics marked the
beginning of a series of high-ranking administrative positions at the
University.
In 1986 she was named associate vice-president (academic), and in
1990 Gwenna served as acting vice-president (academic), after which
she took administrative leave in Australia and New Zealand. At the
Queensland University of Technology she initially focused her
attention on distance education, but became increasingly interested
and involved in the area of instructional development for university
instructors?i.e., the design of programs that support and assist the
teaching function. In recent years, she has spent a third of her time
developing and coordinating programs in this area.
Presently, not only is she the administrator of the masters program
in agricultural extension, she also teaches, supervises graduate
students, and coordinates thesis committees.
In 1996, Dr. Moss was the recipient of the prestigious Roby Kidd
Award, presented by the Saskatchewan Association for Lifelong
Learning (SALL) for outstanding contributions to the field of adult
education in Saskatchewan. For the 1998 Alumni Award of
Achievement, Dr. Moss was nominated by the faculty and staff of the
Extension Division, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to
her profession, community, and the University.
For more information, please call:
Sue Hicks
Alumni and Development Office
(306) 966-5600
Christensen receives J.W. George Ivany Internationalization Award
Posted October 27, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 23, 1998
98-10-16-OTHER
J.W. George Ivany Internationalization Award
Professor David Christensen, of Animal and Poultry Science, is the
first winner of the new J. W. George Ivany Internationalization
Award. The award has been established by University of
Saskatchewan International to recognize outstanding contributions
by a member of the University?s academic or administrative staff in
furthering the process of internationalization at the U of S.
It is named after President George Ivany, during whose tenure of
presidency the University has forrnalized its commitment to
internationalization and who has provided significant personal
leadership in fulfilment of this commitment.
Dr. Christensen has been chosen in recognition of his outstanding
commitment to international development activities and continuing
initiatives to integrate international development into the teaching
and research functions of the Department of Animal and Poultry
Science. His early interest in international development was
stimulated by a 1970-72 secondment to the Makerere University,
Uganda, to help develop their teaching and research program in
animal science.
Since then, he has continued his involvement in international
development, participating in and leading development projects in
more than 20 countries, including Uganda, Swaziland, Indonesia,
Thailand, China, and Korea. His involvements in international
development projects have led to the initiation of new overseas field
research opportunities for Saskatchewan students, thus enriching
their global vision.
Christensen?s sustained commitments to internationalization have
many dimensions. These include the implementation of international
development projects, linking international development projects to
the students? academic programs, disseminating the value of
international development to the community at large, and working
with the Canadian agribusiness sector in transferring Canadian
technology in animal production and feed utilization throughout the
world.
Within the University community, he has been a strong supporter of
internationalization and has served on the International Committee
of the College of Graduate Studies and Research. His international
initiatives have been recognized by the Agricultural Institute of
Canada and the World Association of Animal Production with special
awards.
In the words of John Stewart, dean of Agriculture, ?David
Christensen?s contribution to international development is
outstanding under any criteria. Whether one judges him from the
contribution he has made to teaching and research?and specifically
to the international development aspects of his work, as a consultant
and promoter of Canadian industries overseas, or as a promoter of
awareness of international issues on campus, he has had a full and
colorful career.?
Dr. Christensen says he plans to use the award money to fund new
student field research opportunities in Guyana and to strengthen
existing linkages in Korea, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and China.
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Asit Sarkar
Director, University of Saskatchewan International
Tel: (306) 966-5904
Fax: (306) 966-8597
Outstanding U of S Grads Honoured at Fall Convocation
Posted October 27, 1998
OCTOBER 24, 1998
98-10-17-OTHER
U of S Honours Outstanding Graduates
During Fall Convocation, the University?s most outstanding graduates
are recognized with numerous awards and prizes. The most
prestigious of these is the President?s Medal, which will be awarded
to Geethan Janan Chandran of Saskatoon. Chandran, who will receive
a Bachelor of Science Three-Year degree With Great Distinction, is
also being awarded the Fall Convocation Three-Year Degree Medal.
Several other outstanding graduates will also be recognized for their
academic achievements. They are (in order of presentation during
Convocation):
Geethan Janan Chandran of Saskatoon (B.Sc. 3yr with Great
Distinction) - Fall Convocation Three-Year Degree Medal;
Ulla Kristen Hovestad of Saskatoon (B.Mus. wih Great Distinction) -
University Medal in Fine Arts;
Corina Lynn Laura Getz of Lancer (B.Sc. 4yr with Great Distinction) -
University Medal in Science;
Roger Bristol of Saskatoon (Honours Certificate in Arts, High Honours
in Political Studies) - University Medal in Social Sciences;
Brendan Charles Cook of Saskatoon (B.A. Honours, High Honours in
History) - Rose Litman Medal in Humanities and Dean?s Medal in Arts
and Science;
Jennifer Lynn Anderson of Saskatoon, (B.Comm. with Great
Distinction) - The Goodspeed Prize in Commerce;
Marlene Gladys Cottam of Fort Good Hope, NWT (B.Ed. with
Distinction) - J. Victoria Miner?s Prize;
Lynn Irene Sander of Saskatoon (B.Ed. with Great Distinction) -
Saskatchewan Teacher?s Federation Prize;
Linda Myrtle Law of Moose Jaw (B.S.N. with Great Distinction) -
University Prize in Nursing;
Terra Jean Isherwood of Watrous (B.S.P.E. with Great Distinction) -
Dairy Producers Fitness Foundation Prize In Physical Education.
For more information, please contact:
Annetta Gellner
Office of the Registrar
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6728
October 22, 1998
For Whom the Flag Flies at Half-Mast
Posted October 22, 1998
For Whom the Flag Flies at Half-Mast
The passing of Fred Mitchell occurred on October 17, 1998. The
funeral service was held on October 22, 1998.
The flag atop the Thorvaldson Building will fly at half-mast today in
memory of Mr. Mitchell.
He was a former Board member of the University of Saskatchewan.
October 21, 1998
Proposed Synchrotron project heads into final funding review
Posted October 21, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 20, 1998
98-10-18-OTHER
Proposed synchrotron project heads into final funding review
The University of Saskatchewan-led synchrotron project and three other
proposed research projects will advance to the final stage of review in the
Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) funding competition.
The CFI announced Monday that its board of directors has decided to send
four U of S-based projects, including the $178.2 million Canadian Light
Source (CLS) synchrotron project, on to the second round of review which
entails more detailed assessment.
?We?re delighted that we?ve passed this hurdle with the CLS and we?re now in
the home stretch,? said University of Saskatchewan president George Ivany.
?This national research facility is now a very good bet to go ahead. This
is heartening news for our researchers and for those at the 17 major
Canadian universities that have endorsed our proposal.?
Saskatchewan Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Janice MacKinnon
said, ?We?re pleased to see the synchrotron moving to another stage in its
approval process, and are confident in the results from this due diligence
the CFI is performing. The synchrotron is a major project for our research
community and will create many research and construction jobs in the
provincial economy. We look forward to a lot of innovative research and
economic benefits from the
synchrotron, not only for Saskatchewan, but for the rest of the nation as
well.?
As expected, the CFI review panel wants more detail on specific aspects of
the proposal. However, the questions the CFI wants answered won?t be known
until the CFI informs the university later this week.
The final CFI decision on the synchrotron project may not be known until
March.
The proposed synchrotron, if successful in securing the final $71.3 million
from the CFI, would be the biggest scientific project ever built in Canada.
It could be under construction on the U of S campus as early as next April.
Of the $106.9 million that?s already in place, $42.8 million is committed
from public sector partners, there?s an in-kind contribution of $32.6
million (the Saskatchewan Accelerator Laboratory site and beamline
contributions from the University of Western Ontario), and $31.5 million is
anticipated from corporations.
The CFI has also invited three other proposed U of S projects to undergo
further review. These are:
-Saskatchewan Structural Sciences Center - a centre for studying the
structure of matter using state-of-the-art instruments such as X-ray
equipment, microscopes and lasers.
Total cost: $7.75 million, with $3.1 million requested from the CFI and the
rest to come from provincial and federal agency partners.
-Infrastructure for Applied Animal, Plant and Microbial
Biotechnology - a sixth-floor addition to the College of Agriculture
building for applied biotechnology research in animal, poultry and food
science. It would include a food science research and development pilot
plant.
Total cost: $14.89 million, with $3.96 million requested from the CFI and
the rest from industry and private donations.
-Regional Site Licenses for Full-Test and Database Research Information
Services - purchase of Western Canadian-wide licenses for full-test digital
scientific and technical journals.
Total cost: $11 million, with $4.4 million requested from the CFI and $6.6
million to come from all Western Canadian university libraries.
The CFI is an independent, federally funded foundation with an $800 million
endowment to spend on boosting Canada?s national research infrastructure.
The four U of S projects are among 159 nationally that will advance for
further consideration.
Dr. Dennis Skopik, director of the Saskatchewan Accelerator Laboratory,
stressed the CLS is critical to Canada?s ability to maintain its scientific
and industrial competitiveness. Canada is the only G7 country without one.
At present, Canadian academic researchers spend more than $1 million a year
using foreign synchrotron facilities.
The synchrotron would produce light a million times more intense than
medical X-rays by using strong magnets to accelerate elections. It?s an
indispensable high-tech tool for both pure and applied research by
university and industry researchers.
It would be used to probe the structure of matter, develop new drugs, design
new microchips for more powerful computers, manufacture tiny biomedical
implants, and create new materials.
A 1996 peer review sponsored by Canada?s leading scientific granting agency
has urged that Canada construct a synchrotron and that the national facility
should be located at the site of the accelerator laboratory on the U of S
campus.
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Michael Corcoran
Vice-President (Research)
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-8514
or
Kathryn Warden
Research Communications Officer
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-2506
October 19, 1998
U of S to confer 630 degrees at Fall Convocation
Posted October 19, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 16, 1998
98-10-09-OTHER
U of S to confer 630 degrees at Fall Convocation
The University of Saskatchewan expects to confer 630 degrees, diplomas and
certificates on students at its annual fall convocation October 24, 1998.
Chancellor Peggy McKercher will preside over the ceremony which will be held
in the Centennial Auditorium, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Professor David Christensen of Animal and Poultry Science will be the first
recipient of the J.W. George Ivany Internationalization Award which
recognizes outstanding contribution by a member of the University's academic
or administrative staff in furthering the process of internationalization at
the U of S.
An honorary doctoral degree will be conferred on Blaine Holmlund,
vice-president emeritus of planning and development (1956-1993), in
reconition of his outstanding service to the University.
Dr. Gwenna Moss will receive the Alumni Award of Achievement presented each
fall to a graduate of the University in recognition of outstanding
contributions to the institution, society, and the welfare of others.
An earned doctor of science degree will be given to Dr. Madan Gupta, of the
College of Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan.
Other awards include the Master Teacher award, which will be given to
Physics and Engineering Physics professor Gary Davis; the President's
Service award, which will be given to Development and Alumni coordinator
Wendy Bates, and the distinguished researcher award, which will be given to
Larry Fowke of Biology.
The Convocation Address will be presented by Blaine Holmlund. Dr. J.W.
George Ivany will deliver the President's Statement to the Graduands.
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Annetta Gellner
Office of the Registrar
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6728
October 14, 1998
Public Service Announcement: Steven Shrybman to Present LawLecture
Posted October 14, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 15, 1998
98-10-07-LA
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Steven Shrybman to Present Law Lecture
On Monday, October 19th, Steven Shrybman, Executive Director of the West
Coast Environmental Law Association, will deliver a lecture entitled "The
Rule of Law and Other Impediments to the MAI". The lecture will take place
in the Law Library, College of Law, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Everyone is
welcome to attend.
- 30 -
For more information, please contact:
Sharon Wandzura-Fehr
Guest Speakers? Secretary
College of Law
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-5873
U of S "cautiously supportive" of new funding formula
Posted October 14, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 14, 1998
98-10-08-OTHER
U of S "cautiously supportive" of new funding formula
SASKATOON -- Officials at the University of Saskatchewan say they are
"cautiously supportive" of the results of the Saskatchewan Universities
Funding Review. "We support the notion that our operating grants from
government should reflect the real costs associated with the educational
programs we provide," explains President George Ivany. "At the same time, we
are concerned that the final report of Edward DesRosiers and Associates
leaves many questions unanswered."
Preliminary calculations suggest that the funding formula proposed by
DesRosiers would result in an increase to the University of Saskatchewan's
operating grant, a move that would ultimately benefit students at the U of
S. This increase would largely be the result of a new recognition within the
funding formula of the costs associated with offering higher cost programs
like Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine.
The University of Saskatchewan also strongly supports the initiatives
proposed in DesRosiers' report for addressing the critical issue of capital
funding to maintain and repair existing buildings on campus.
The University of Saskatchewan objects, however, to the conclusion that the
two universities are adequately funded. "Adequacy of funding relates
directly to the mandate of the institutions. Mr. DesRosiers is comparing
Saskatchewan's universities to those in other parts of the country, like
Ontario, where the sheer number of institutions might allow for some
specialization. While we have been working with the University of Regina to
share resources and develop complementary programs, we are still in the
position of having to offer a broad range of programs, at the undergraduate
and graduate levels," said President Ivany. "That has historically been our
mandate as a provincial university, and I do not foresee that changing."
"We also have a history of offering a strong Extension program, an outreach
that I believe is only proper for a province like Saskatchewan, yet
DesRosiers suggests in his report that such a role is unnecessary and that
we should spend that money elsewhere. Such a move would be a radical
departure from our traditional mandate of serving all of Saskatchewan."
President Ivany says the University of Saskatchewan will continue to
cooperate fully with the Department of Post-Secondary Education and Skills
Training, the federated colleges, and the University of Regina in finding
answers to the many questions raised in the DesRosiers report.
- 30 -
For more information, please contact:
Dr. A. J. (Tony) Whitworth
Vice-President (Finance & Administration)
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6631
BACKGROUNDER
University of Saskatchewan Reaction to the Proposed Funding Mechanism
Saskatchewan University Funding Review by Edward DesRosiers and Associates
Over the past year, the University of Saskatchewan has collaborated with the
University of Regina, the Federated Colleges and the Provincial Department
of Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training to provide support for the
Saskatchewan Universities Funding Review conducted by Edward DesRosiers and
Associates. Throughout this process, the President has sought the advice of
the President's Analysis Group, a working group formed specifically for this
task, consisting of the three vice-presidents and chairs of the major
University Council Committees and supported by the President's Office,
Financial Services and University Studies Group. The proposed funding
mechanism described in the interim reports was also considered by several
University Council committees and discussed by the President's Advisory
Council, Deans' Council and Administrative Council. With their input,
formal responses were developed by the University to Interim Reports 1/2 and
5/6.
U of S Supports Cost-based Allocations
The University supports, in principle, DesRosiers' proposed move from the
historical 'fixed share' approach to a 'cost-based, activity-driven' funding
mechanism for allocation of the provincial operating grant among the
Province's university-level institutions. However, a number of concerns
remain, and several issues require clarification. Adequacy of provincial
funding must be assessed within the context of institutional mandates; there
needs to be further development of the funding model's mechanism for
recognition of the research function; and a number of important technical
details of the funding mechanism itself require clarification.
Mandates Need Clarification
In the final report, DesRosiers comments on a number of broad policy issues
which he considered beyond the scope of his mandate. Foremost among these
is clarification of the mandate of the Province's two universities. The
University supports this initiative and believes it is fundamental to a
better understanding of the need for adequate provincial funding, especially
at this University. The university sector in this Province is charged with
a broader range of expectations than is typical of larger provincial
systems, and provincial support for a strong sector is critical to the
maintenance and improvement of educational opportunities for the people of
Saskatchewan.
More Equitable Funding Possible
The University believes that the proposed funding mechanism, if
appropriately implemented, has the potential to allocate provincial funding
on an equitable basis. The mechanism will recognize the distinct role of
the University of Saskatchewan in providing access for Saskatchewan's
students to higher cost academic programs such as Medicine, Dentistry and
Veterinary Medicine. Combined with recognition of our programs and research
in areas of particular importance, such as Agriculture and Extension, and
our world class research in a variety of areas, this would support the
University Revitalization agenda initiated by the government following the
MacKay report of 1996.
Universities Inadequately Funded
DesRosiers' assessment of the adequacy of provincial support for
universities suggests that, in relative terms, the Saskatchewan system is
funded at about the national average. From the inception of the University
of Saskatchewan in 1907, access to a university education for the people of
Saskatchewan has been a provincial priority. We therefore agree with
DesRosiers' observation that, "... it may be in the public interest for
universities in the province ... to take on a larger mandate than might be
expected of universities in other jurisdictions. To the extent that this is
the case ... university funding in Saskatchewan might be required at a level
higher than the national average." (P. 4) The University of Saskatchewan
is an important provincial resource which, if adequately supported, will
continue to yield dividends - both societal, through creation of a highly
educated work force, availability of expertise, and benefits of research,
and financial, through innovation and increased economic activity.
Excellent Working Relationship with Federated College
Regarding the federated colleges, DesRosiers identifies a number of
alternatives for funding. Given a choice, the University would support
'Option 2'. This is the approach recommended in the 4th Interim Report,
whereby grant entitlement would flow directly to the federated colleges for
Instruction, Research and Community Service functions but infrastructure
entitlements would flow initially to the universities, with subsequent
reallocation based on a negotiated agreement between the individual
universities and the federated colleges. The University of Saskatchewan and
St. Thomas More College have an excellent working relationship. We are
confident that a new funding arrangement with our federated college can be
agreed to within the context of the proposed funding mechanism.
Physical Plant Renewal and Maintenance Necessary
Both MacKay and DesRosiers noted the significant problem of deferred
maintenance in the University's physical plant, currently valued at over $1
billion. The University strongly supports the initiatives proposed in both
studies, i.e. that physical plant maintenance and renewal be funded through
a provision for both "cyclic renewal" of physical plant and "routine plant
adaptation". We agree with DesRosiers' recommendation to distinguish
funding for "cyclic renewal" from "routine plant adaptation". However, we
favour separate allocations for operating funds, sustaining capital funds
(MacKay term for renewal and replacement), and major project capital funds
instead of rolling 'sustaining capital' into operating fund support as
recommended by DesRosiers. The need, rationale and accountability for each
fund is separate and distinct, and both operating and sustaining capital
funds have ongoing requirements.
Strategic Initiatives in Addition to Core Funding
DesRosiers proposes a strategic initiative envelope comprising up to 5% of
total funding. The University can only support this funding concept if it
is in addition to existing funding levels and if there is some commitment
for additional ongoing operating fund support in cases where an initiative
has proved successful and requires ongoing support.
Active Scholar Unworkable
The work of the proposed standing committee on university funding will be
critical as further development of the funding model is undertaken. The
University has a number of suggestions concerning technical details of the
proposed model. A vital issue, for example, is the calculation of a
research infrastructure component. The University strongly agrees that the
research function must be recognized in the funding mechanism; however, it
is our judgment that the notion of "Active Scholar" as outlined in Interim
Report 5 is unworkable. As originally proposed, this mechanism would be
highly subjective, contentious and expensive to administer. DesRosiers'
later comments on the concept in the final report (P. 7) need clarification.
While it is important that a component of the funding mechanism reflect the
costs associated with research, DesRosiers' suggestion of simply insisting
on overheads for provincially sponsored contracts is not sufficient. This
is an avenue which could be pursued in very specific circumstances, but it
does not offset the basic, ongoing requirement for infrastructure support
for both sponsored and nonsponsored research at the University. A more
desirable method would be a measurement process which is less
subjective. The University proposes an alternative model which supports
scholarly activity for all faculty plus a component of funding based on
externally sponsored research activity. Other aspects of the funding model
requiring further exploration include: recognition of extension activities,
explicit inclusion of computing services, the range of administrative
overhead functions incorporated, and the weighting applied to some higher
cost academic programs.
Committed to Cooperation
The University of Saskatchewan looks forward to the opportunity of working
with the Department and other members of the provincial university community
in the ongoing development and implementation of the proposed operating and
capital funding mechanisms.
October 09, 1998
University to Hold Conference on Agriculture, Law and the Environment
Posted October 09, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 9, 1998 98-10-05-OTHER
University to Hold Conference on Agriculture, Law and the Environment
The Centre for Studies in Agriculture, Law and the Environment (CSALE) and
the College of Law will be holding a conference from November 5 to 7, 1998
at the University of Saskatchewan.
"Agriculture, Law and the Environment: The Legal Effects of
Internationalization," is an interdisciplinary conference which draws
speakers both from around the globe and here at home. Scientists, lawyers,
researchers, academics, and farmers have been recruited to present.
Through its multidisciplinary approach and the diverse perspectives of
participants, this conference offers a great opportunity to debate emerging
issues such as the protection of agricultural biotechnology; international
agricultural trade and transport; international environmental controls; and
climate change. These issues will have major implications for farmers,
lawyers, researchers and agricultural industries in the near future.
- 30 -
For more information, please contact:
Joanne Kowalski
CSALE
University of Saskatchewan
phone: (306) 966-8893
fax: (306) 966-8894
October 08, 1998
Public Service Announcement: Honourable Justice Arden to Present Law Lecture
Posted October 08, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 6, 1998
98-10-03-LA
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Honourable Justice Arden to Present Law Lecture
On Wednesday, October 14th, Honourable Mrs. Justice Arden, DBE, Chairman,
Law Commission, Conquest House, London, England, will deliver a lecture
entitled "Law Reform in the Common Law World - the UK and Canadian
Experiences Compared". The lecture will take place in the Moot Court Room,
College of Law, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.
- 30 -
For more information, please contact:
Sharon Wandzura-Fehr
Guest Speakers' Secretary
College of Law
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-5873
Centre for Agricultural Medicine Hosts International Symposium
Posted October 08, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 6, 1998
98-10-02-ME
Centre for Agricultural Medicine Hosts International Symposium
The Centre for Agricultural Medicine announced today, that they will be
hosting the fourth international symposium on "Rural Health and Safety in a
Changing World" which will take place from October 18 - 22, 1998.
To date, over 400 registrants from 24 countries have registered for the
symposium which will feature a variety of interesting topics.
Guest speakers include Mrs. Elinor Caplan, Parliamentary Secretary to the
Minister of Health; Dr. Roberta Bondar, the only Canadian woman astronaut;
Joe McGuire, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture in
Agrifood Canada, Dr. Kaj Husman from Finland; and Dr. Szerker Hojlund from
Sweden.
This conference seeks to capture the emerging science of health, safety and
sustainability in agriculture and rural life, and to probe beyond these
issues to address the thriving, and survival issues of the future.
The symposium is being hosted in association with the Colleges of Medicine,
Nursing, Agriculture, Arts and Science, Engineering and the Western College
of Veterinary Medicine; the Prairie Swine Centre Inc., Saskatoon; and the
Canadian Plains Research Centre, University of Regina.
The Canadian Coalition for Agriculture Safety and Rural Health is also
holding its annual meeting at the same time as the symposium.
Topics to be discussed include: rural nursing; children's agricultural
health and safety; environment and health; environmental exposures and human
genetics; occupational medicine and nursing; toxicology and agricultural
health; women in agriculture; economics and health and sustainable rural
communities.
A number of companion conferences will be occurring around the symposium.
They include: First International Congress on Rural Nursing; Canadian
Coalition for Agricultural Safety and Rural Health; Ecosystem Health and
Humanity; Health and Safety Needs of Rural Children; and Industrial Hygiene
and Control Technologies.
This symposium is the culmination of several landmark events hosted by the
University of Saskatchewan in agricultural safety and rural health issues.
The 1985 International Symposium on Health and Safety led to the
establishment of the Centre for Agricultural Medicine at the University of
Saskatchewan. The Third International Symposium, Issues in Health Safety
and Agriculture, held in 1992, led to a Canada wide program in this area.
The Fourth International Symposium, "Rural Health and Safety in a Changing
World" has the goal of placing the agenda of rural health and safety issues
into the real life of rapidly evolving economic issues and health delivery.
- 30 -
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Jim Dosman or Sueli de Freitas
Centre for Agricultural Medicine Centre for Agricultural Medicine
University of Saskatchewan University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-8286 Phone: (306) 966-7888
Dentistry students make guest appearance at American Dental Competition
Posted October 08, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 7, 1998
98-10-04-DE
Dentistry students make guest appearance at American Dental Competition
Two fifth year dentistry students have recently been invited to be the
Canadian representatives at the Student Competition of the American Dental
Association to be held in San Francisco later in October.
James Stephenson and Rosaleen Shavron received the 1998 first place award at
both the U of S Table Clinic Competition and the Canadian Dental
Association/Dentsply International Student Clinician Program in Toronto on
May 7, 1998 for their research topic, "Computer Assisted Learning in
Mandibular Nerve Anesthesia."
Through an anatomical study, the students formed the basis for computer
software which demonstrates four mandibular nerve anesthetic techniques
using animation, text and review questions. It is designed to aid learning
of both the anesthetic technique and the relevant anatomy.
The Mandibular Nerve Anesthesia software is a unit of the University of
Saskatchewan Computer Aided Learning Environment (U-SCALE) project in
clinical gross anatomy.
"Although the Mandibular Nerve Anesthesia software will benefit dental
students in particular, the greater program will bring benefits to both
medical and dental students," says Geoff Guttmann, Department of Anatomy and
Cell Biology, College of Medicine and faculty advisor for the project.
"U-SCALE hopes to give students a greater understanding of the human body
through computer assisted learning."
The student's software will also soon be published in the Journal of British
Society for Computer Assisted Learning in Dentistry. The software will be
distributed as shareware.
Stephenson and Shavron's project was part of their course work for a fourth
year research class.
- 30 -
For more information, please contact:
Geoff Guttmann
Anatomy and Cell Biology
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-4079
October 02, 1998
Correction: Campus Directory
Posted October 02, 1998
The back, outside cover page of the 1998-99 Campus Directory erroneously
reports the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) office number.
The correct number for EAP is 966-4300. Please note the change on your
directory cover. Correction stickers will also be provided.
