Labour Studies Goes High-Tech

Posted February 19, 1999


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 18, 1999
99-02-08-CO
Labour Studies Goes High-Tech

Learning technology is now allowing students at the University of
Regina to attend Labour Studies Classes offered by the University of
Saskatchewan. This pilot project could lead to the possibility of
offering the program in several locations provincially.

The Labour Studies program provides members of the labour
community with the necessary knowledge, abilities, and skills to help
them understand and cope effectively with the current and future
challenges facing the labour community.

The program began at the University of Saskatchewan in 1987. It
was offered, for the first time, via interactive video link in studios in
both Saskatoon and Regina, in September 1998.

?It is obvious that this collaboration could have many benefits for
both universities and the labour communities in Regina and
Saskatoon,? says Larry Haiven, acting chairperson of the Labour
Studies Program. ?With the help of the joint initiatives fund and our
partnership with the U of R, more members of Saskatchewan?s labour
community could be provided with access to this program.?

The details of this interactive collaborative program between the
University of Regina and University of Saskatchewan were discussed
at a joint news conference in Saskatoon last night by Larry Haiven,
acting chairperson of the Labour Studies program and Minister of
Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training Maynard Sonntag.

The funding for this program is being provided through the
Provincial Government Joint Initiatives Fund, which is to be used to
meet proposals that emanate from the 1996 MacKay Report and are
collaborative in nature with the University of Regina.


For more information, please contact:
Larry Haiven
Acting Chairperson of the Labour Studies Program
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966 - 8451

Labour Studies Program Fact Sheet


THE PROGRAM
- The Labour Studies program was developed by the College of
Commerce at the University of Saskatchewan in conjunction with the
Saskatchewan Labour Movement.

- The Labour Studies Program received University Senate approval
in April, 1987.

- In September 1998, for the first time, the Labour Studies Program
offered courses via interactive link in studios in both Saskatoon and
Regina as a pilot project to explore the possibility of offering the
Program in several locations across the province in the future.

- The Labour Studies Program pilot project is being funded by the
Provincial Government Joint Initiatives Fund which is used to meet
proposals that emanate from the 1996 MacKay Report and are
collaborative in nature with the University of Regina.

- The digital network link is provided through a December 1997
partnership agreement between the U of R, U of S and SaskTel.

- To earn a certificate, participants must complete the equivalent of
six 12-week courses. Only one course may be taken at one time,
therefore, the minimum time required to earn the certificate is three
years.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- The admission requirement for this program is normally a Grade 12
pass standing or equivalent. Exceptions to this will be considered on
request to the Director of the Program. Preference for admission is
given to applicants who are currently union members.

REGISTRATION PROCEDURES
- To apply for admission to the Program, contact the Director or the
Secretary by mail or telephone. A registration form, program
information and an information letter indicating the fees, instructor,
textbook list and specific directions about the time and location of
the course will be sent out.

EXAMINATIONS, GRADING, AND ATTENDANCE
- Participants are provided with the option of being examined or not
being examined on course content. When the participant chooses to
be examined, he/she will receive a grade for that course. If the
participant chooses not to be examined, he/she will be issued a
certificate of attendance if their attendance record is satisfactory.

OBJECTIVES AND PHILOSOPHY
- The objectives of the Labour Studies Program are to provide
members of the labour community with the necessary knowledge,
abilities, and skills to help them understand and cope effectively
with the current and future challenges facing the labour community.