November 30, 2000
Close to $1 million awarded to U of S Heart and Stroke Researchers
Posted November 30, 2000
FOR RELEASE NOVEMBER 28, 2000 2000-11-19-OTHER
Saskatoon (Nov. 28, 2000) - Heart and stroke researchers at the University
of Saskatchewan received a big boost with the announcement today of research
grants totaling more than $971,000 from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of
Saskatchewan.
"The generosity of the Saskatchewan people has meant that we have been able
to provide funding for 20 research projects at the University of
Saskatchewan," says Mary MacDonald, President of the Heart and Stroke
Foundation of Saskatchewan.
These projects cover a diverse range of topics, from preventing stroke in
newborns to developing new ways to make heart surgery safer. The projects
involve researchers from U of S colleges of medicine, kinesiology and
veterinary medicine.
The announcement today brings the 10-year total for research funding from
the Foundation to more than $10.3 million, and represents a cornerstone for
medical research in the province, helping to keep key researchers here.
"It helps shut the tap on the brain drain from Saskatchewan," adds
MacDonald, "and people throughout our province may benefit."
Many of these highly rated researchers are also teachers at the University
or doctors at our hospitals, so keeping them in Saskatchewan makes good
sense from many perspectives.
"The University is very grateful to the Heart and Stroke Foundation and its
many donors for continuing to fund nationally competitive researchers," said
Bruce Waygood, U of S Co-ordinator of Health Research. "The Foundation is
one of the major sources of health research funding in Saskatchewan, and we
look forward to working together in the future to build a stronger health
research community in the province."
MacDonald notes that the quality of research being done here is excellent.
"Many people don't know that some of the best researchers into heart disease
and stroke are right here in Saskatchewan," she says. "As Canadians, we tend
to be humble about our accomplishments, and Canadian heart and stroke
researchers are no different. We have many achievements of which we can be
proud."
In fact, Canadian cardiovascular specialists have gained worldwide
recognition for their careful and rigorous evaluation of and participation
in clinical trials and health services research, and Canada is credited with
such breakthroughs as the pacemaker, heart by-pass surgery and human heart
valve replacements.
"We know that treating people once they are ill from heart disease or stroke
is an immensely expensive process," she notes. "That is why we are pleased
that so many of these research projects are looking at ways of preventing
heart disease and stroke, and at ways of reducing the damage once it
happens. The ultimate goal is better prevention and better treatment."
Currently heart disease and stroke are the number one causes of death in
Canada, and are the most expensive category of diseases to treat, costing
the Canadian economy an estimated $19.7 billion for medical and related
expenses each year.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Rhae Ann Bromley, Director of Communications,
Heart and Stroke Foundation of SK
1-306-693-0350
bromleyra@hsf.sk.ca
www.heartandstroke.ca
Kathryn Warden
Research Communications Officer,
Office of the Vice-President (Research)
University of Saskatchewan
Telephone: (306) 966-2506
wardenk@duke.usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research
November 27, 2000
U of S Grads Excel Again in National Accounting Exam
Posted November 27, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 24, 2000 2000-11-18-CO
U of S Graduates Excel Again in National Accounting Exam
University of Saskatchewan graduates have excelled once again on a national
exam, winning gold and silver medals in the province and cracking the
national honour list. Students from the Masters of Professional Accounting
(MPAcc) program scored above the national average on the uniform final exam
administered by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA).
While the national pass rate for the CICA exam was 68%, graduates from the U
of S program had a notable 74% pass rate. This is the second year in a row
that the program graduates have outpaced their peers in the country. Over
the two years in which the program has been in existence, 85% of MPAcc
graduates have passed the exam compared to a national pass rate in the same
period of 66%.
"We?re very proud of our graduates? success," says Professor Fred Phillips,
MPAcc Program Director. "What?s truly remarkable about their achievement is
that the MPAcc program was not designed to merely prepare students for the
CICA exam. Rather, the program developed many skills that are required of
business professionals and explored a variety of topics that are outside
the scope of the CICA exam."
The University?s MPAcc program began in August 1998, graduating 17 students.
Currently, 23 students are enrolled in the program, including graduates
from undergraduate programs at the U of S and three other western Canadian
universities- Simon Fraser, University of Alberta, and University of
Manitoba.
"With the exceptional success of its graduates, the MPAcc program continues
to gain an even greater presence throughout the region," says Phillips.
More information about the program is available on its web site:
http://www.commerce.usask.ca/grad/mpacc
For more information please contact:
Fred Phillips, Ph.D., C.A., Associate Professor and Director
Masters of Professional Accounting Program
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-8401
Fax: (306) 966-2514
Dr. Trevor Hancock to give lectures
Posted November 27, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 27, 2000 2000-11-20-OTHER
Are environmental abuses equal to child abuse? Dr. Trevor Hancock will be
presenting a lecture on this topic.
The lecture, entitled "Are we committing environmental child abuse?
Ecosystem health and child health", will be held on Nov. 29 at 7:00 p.m. at
the J.S. Wood Library. Dr. Hancock will discuss the view that environmental
abuses such as air pollution and global warming are the same as child
abuse.
Dr. Hancock has been described as one of the ten best health futurists in
the world. He is a public health physician and health promotion consultant
who works for local, provincial and national governments, as well as the
World Health Organization. Dr. Hancock was also the first leader of the
Green Party in Canada.
Dr. Hancock will also be presenting a lecture at 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 29 in
the Theatre Mall, Royal University Hospital. The lecture is entitled
"Healthy People in Healthy Communities in a Healthy World: The Science, Art
and Politics of Public Health in the 21st Century".
Both lectures are free and open to the public. Media are invited to attend.
Those who are unable to attend may have a private interview with Dr.
Hancock. To arrange an interview, please contact Leslie at 966-2250.
For more information please contact:
Leslie MacDonald-Hicks
Saskatchewan Population Health & Evaluation Research Unit, Inc.
Tel: 966-2250
E-mail: macdonaldh@sask.usask.ca
November 24, 2000
Book on Native Rights Launched
Posted November 24, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 23, 2000 2000-11-16-AR
Book on Native Rights Launched
Dr. Ken Coates, new Dean of Arts & Science at the University of
Saskatchewan, launched his latest book at McNally Robinson yesterday.
The Marshall Decision and Native Rights examines the cross-cultural, legal
and political implications of the recent Supreme Court decision on the
Donald Marshall case. It describes the events, personalities, and conflicts
that brought the Maritimes to the brink of a major confrontation between
Mi?kmaq and non-Mi?kmaq fishers in the fall of 1999. Dr. Coates details the
bungling by federal departments and the lack of police preparedness.
Although a controversial issue, his book has received praise for its
thought-provoking analysis.
"Ken Coates? book offers an historical perspective which enables us to
comprehend the dispute," says Thomas Berger, former justice minister of the
Supreme Court of British Columbia. " At the same time he has made it clear
why First Nations? claims to resources cannot be ignored by Maritimers or
other Canadians."
Dr. Coates is an award-winning Canadian historian, including an Award of
Merit from the Yukon Museum and Historical Association. He has particular
interest in the history of relations between aboriginal peoples and
non-native peoples. Dr. Coates begins his new term as Dean of Arts &
Science in January/2001.
For more information please contact:
Shari Chudy
Communications Assistant
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6204
Fax: (306) 966-6815
E-mail: shari.chudy@usask.ca
November 22, 2000
New Generation Co-operatives Foster Development of Value Added Agri-Food Sector
Posted November 22, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ? November 21, 2000 2000-11-11-OTHER
New Generation Co-operatives Foster Development of
Value Added Agri-Food Sector
The Centre for the Study of Co-operatives, University of Saskatchewan, has
been retained by the Canadian Co-operative Association and Le Conseil
Canadien de la Coop鲡tion to manage a pilot project on new generation
co-operatives (NGCs) in the provinces of Saskatchewan and southwest
Manitoba. The project will determine, implement, and assess methods and
approaches to strengthening the agriculture and agri-food sector through
application of the new generation co-operative model. NGCs are value-added
operations owned and operated by farmers for the purpose of processing and
marketing agricultural products.
The project will identify and address knowledge gaps within the professional
infrastructure required for NGC development. Specifically, it will survey
the legal, accounting, and business-development sectors for their
understanding of the NGC business model, and provide resources and
professional development opportunities to address any gaps that are
identified.
Researchers will be also working closely with a select number of
agricultural producer groups on pilot projects, with the intention of
helping those groups develop value added agri-food ventures using the NGC
model.
The six-month project, with a total contract amount of $105,000, is slated
for completion by 31 March 2001. This project is part of a larger initiative
(see www.coopcca.com/agricoops) designed to help co-operatives adapt to
changes occurring in agriculture. Funding is provided by the Canadian
Adaptation for Rural Development (CARD) Program of the Rural Secretariat,
Department of Agriculture, Government of Canada.
A website devoted to New Generation Co-operatives can be found at:
http://www.coop_studies.usask.ca/NGC/NGC.html
For further information contact:
Roger Herman?Co-ordinator
New Generation Co-operatives Pilot Project
Centre for the Study of Co-operatives
University of Saskatchewan
Ph: (306) 966?8506
e-mail: Roger.Herman@usask.ca
or
Murray Fulton?Principal Researcher
Professor and Head,
Department of Agricultural Economics
College of Agriculture
University of Saskatchewan
Ph: (306) 966?8507
e-mail:
Wascana Energy Awards Presented
Posted November 22, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 22, 2000 2000-11-14-OTHER
Reception Held for Award Winners
The University of Saskatchewan and Wascana Energy Inc., a wholly owned
subsidiary of Nexen Inc., hosted a reception Nov. 21 at 7:00 p.m. in Marquis
Hall, where several scholarship and bursary awards were presented to Arts &
Science and Commerce students.
Over the past five years Wascana Energy has donated $500,000 to the Colleges
of Arts & Science and Commerce. The donation was made in response to the
First & Best National Campaign launched by the University in 1995, which
raised over $52 million. Wascana Energy Inc.?s donation is the largest
First & Best donation made to the College of Arts & Science.
Two Arts & Science students received scholarships. The scholarships are
awarded to Aboriginal students pursuing studies in Business Economics,
Environmental Earth Sciences, Land Use and Environmental Studies or Public
Administration.
"We?re thrilled to be able to present these scholarships," said Wayne
Skrapek, Associate Dean in the College of Arts & Science. "It?s wonderful
to work in partnership with Wascana Energy Inc. to attract Aboriginal
students into non-traditional careers."
As well, four Commerce students received bursaries. The bursaries are
awarded to Aboriginal students in both undergraduate and graduate programs.
"Wascana Energy Inc. has supported the MBA with a specialization in
Aboriginal Business program from the beginning," said Lynne Pearson, Dean in
the College of Commerce. "These bursaries are a continuation of their
dedication to this program and its students."
Students selected to participate in the International Opportunities Program
were introduced. The program, supported by Wascana?s partnership, is an
initiative of the Centre for International Business and Studies, which
allows students to participate in work exchange programs in Japan, Malaysia
and the Ukraine.
For more information please contact:
Wayne Skrapek
College of Arts & Science
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-4236
or
Lynne Pearson
College of Commerce
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-4786
or
Tom Hunter
Manager, Aboriginal Partnerships
Wascana Energy Inc.
1777 Victoria Avenue
P.O. Box 1550
Regina, SK
S4P 3C6 Tel: (306) 781-8582
November 21, 2000
Colleges Commit to Common Vision
Posted November 21, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ? November 20, 2000 2000-11-10-OTHER
Colleges Commit to Common Vision
SASKATOON, SK - The Anglican College of Emmanuel and St. Chad, the Lutheran
Theological Seminary Saskatoon (ELCIC) and The United Church of Canada's St.
Andrew's College have agreed to form a partnership for ecumenical
theological education.
At a joint meeting on November 3, 2000, the individual boards of each
institution voted to put into action a Vision Statement that calls for a
partnership that will prepare "men and women for effective ministry in an
ecumenical context through shared curriculum, faculty and resources."
The partnership is seeking a common facility on the University of
Saskatchewan campus. The exact location will be decided upon in conjunction
with the University Facilities department over the next twelve months.
According to the Presidents and Principals of the Colleges, "It's a new era
today. It's the ability to work together to make the Gospel live what we
need, not to stay pure in smaller and smaller groups. Increasing numbers of
congregations are using shared ministries, and we need to train people for
this reality." A sign of this movement is the decision by the Anglican
Church of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada to recognize
each others' ministries. That decision is expected to be ratified next
July.
All three Colleges trace their roots back to the beginning of the last
century or longer. Emmanuel College of the Anglican Church began in 1879.
It moved from Prince Albert to its present location in Saskatoon in 1907.
It joined with St. Chad's College in 1964. The Lutheran Theological
Seminary was formed in 1965 out of the merger of two older Lutheran
institutions: Lutheran College and Seminary which was started in 1913 and
Luther Theological Seminary which began in 1939. The new institution moved
onto the University of Saskatchewan campus after the merger. St. Andrew's
College began in 1912 as the Presbyterian Theological College; it became St.
Andrew's after the formation of The United Church of Canada in 1925. On
July 1, 2000, St. Andrew's amalgamated with St. Stephen's College, a United
Church-sponsored College in Edmonton.
Under the name Saskatoon Theological Union (STU) the three Colleges began
cooperating in 1969 on a graduate program of studies at the master's level.
In 1981 the libraries of the three schools began to co-ordinate their
purchase of books and periodicals as well as sharing technical services and
a unified catalogue with a total of about 100,000 volumes. Since 1985 the
STU has published a common academic calendar. The last decade has seen the
sharing of worship once a week, more team-taught courses among the three
schools, and a common web-site, - www.usask.ca/stu
For more information contact:
Rev. Bill Christensen, Principal, College of Emmanuel & St. Chad
(306) 975-1555
Rev. Dr. Faith Rohrbough, President, Lutheran Theological Seminary
(306) 966-7863
Dr. Christopher Lind, President, St. Andrew?s College & St. Stephen?s
College
(306) 966-8975
November 16, 2000
Agricultural Policy Candidate Debate
Posted November 16, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 14, 2000 2000-11-08-AG
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
The Agricultural Economics Students? Club, in conjunction with the
Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Saskatchewan, is
arranging a debate on agricultural policy. A representative from each major
political party will be invited to attend.
The debate will be held in Room 2E25 of the Agricultural Building at 3:30
p.m. on November 17, 2000.
Chairperson Hartley Furtan will introduce the panel members and each member
will be given 5 minutes to make introductory remarks. This will be followed
by a question period, where agriculture students will ask 4 questions
relating to the following areas: the CWB, Farm Safety Nets, GMOs, and the
rural economy. Each member will be given 3 minutes to respond to a given
question. After question period, the floor will be opened for audience
questions.
All media and interested public are invited to attend.
For more information please contact:
Shon Ferguson
smf317@mail.usask.ca
(306) 343-1093
Sixth floor of Agriculture Building officially opens
Posted November 16, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ? November 15, 2000 2000-11-09-AG
Sixth floor of agriculture building officially opens
Today, University President Peter MacKinnon and Clay Serby, Minister of
Agriculture, officially opened the sixth floor of the Agriculture Building.
Glenn Hagel, Minister of Post-Secondary Education also took part in the
ceremony.
The expansion, which cost approximately $10 million, will improve and extend
the research and teaching capabilities of the College of Agriculture.
"The new facilities will enable the College of Agriculture to continue its
tradition of excellence in research and training," said MacKinnon. "This
much-needed expansion will create opportunities for new and vital research
that will help the U of S to remain a world leader in agricultural science."
The sixth floor comprises 16 research labs, 30 staff offices, 2 conference
rooms and space for 40 graduate students.
Construction on the 2000 square metre addition was completed this Fall.
The majority of funds for the project were derived from the original
building trust. In addition, about $1.3 million worth of
biotechnology-related equipment on the sixth floor was purchased from a
federally-operated Canada Fund for Innovation grant.
"The sixth floor opening represents the completion of the original building
plans. The new floor has not dramatically altered the appearance of the
building, but it has changed our capability in a very significant way," said
Agriculture Dean Ernie Barber.
"As always, the College of Agriculture has relied upon strong support from
the University, governments, industry and alumni both for the building
project and for the College in general," said Barber.
A new art collection, donated to the University by Saskatoon lawyers and U
of S alumni Henry and Cheryl Kloppenburg, was also unveiled. The collection
contains pieces by several well-known Saskatchewan artists including Joe
Fafard, Wynona Mulcaster and Allen Sapp.
For more information, contact:
Tina Merrifield
Office of Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2213
November 14, 2000
Maclean's Rankings Do Not Reflect High Quality of U of S Graduates
Posted November 14, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ? NOVEMBER 13, 2000 2000-11-05-OTHER
Maclean?s Rankings Do Not Reflect
High Quality of U of S Graduates
University of Saskatchewan President, Peter MacKinnon responded to the
Maclean's university rankings released today by maintaining that the U of S
is ranked as it is because the University?s institutional objectives are
different from those which Maclean?s values.
"This does not undermine the importance and impact of the survey," added
President MacKinnon. "It simply means that the U of S measures its
achievements using a different set of criteria than those used by
Maclean?s."
Maclean?s survey measures inputs: the size of the operating grant, numbers
of out-of-province students, the proportion of alumni who contribute to the
university, numbers of faculty who have a Ph.D., library holdings etc. The
survey does not measure outputs.
"The U of S does assess outputs and these outputs are its graduates, and we
know they are excellent," explained President MacKinnon. "We know this
because they always do very well in national examinations, particularly
those in medicine and accounting. They are accepted into the top graduate
schools and achieve high-ranking positions in government and in business
around the globe."
MacKinnon went on to say that a major institutional objective for the U of S
is to be accessible to as many students as possible from Saskatchewan.
"Service to the people of Saskatchewan continues to be a central part of the
University mandate," he said.
In contrast, Maclean?s ranks universities based on the number of students
they admit from outside their home province. This enables institutions in
close proximity to other provinces, like Dalhousie, to gain the most points
on this indicator leaving the U of S at a disadvantage. Maclean?s also does
not value the amount of tuition charged to students, so the U of S, again,
does not derive any benefits from low tuition rates in the rankings.
Another measure of accessibility, is the grade point average required for
admission. Currently, the average high school student entering the U of S
has a grade point average of 82%. This is very close to the mean across
Canada, which is 82.4%. The U of S could jump two places in the rankings if
it increased this grade point average to 85%. But, this would undermine an
important institutional goal.
"While we know that our position in the rankings does not accurately reflect
the high quality of this institution, we are concerned about the effect of
the rankings on our reputation across the whole of Canada and
internationally,? added President MacKinnon.
"As a consequence, we know that we must find a way to preserve the values of
accessibility to the U of S, while initiating measures to improve our
national and international competitiveness."
For example, the University is working to ensure that its faculty and
students take full advantage of the research opportunities of the Canadian
Light Source synchrotron ? the largest scientific project in Canada in the
last 30 years.
The University is also undertaking on many fronts to build research success
at the U of S. A Co-ordinator of Health Research was hired in July to ensure
that full advantage is taken of new federal health research opportunities.
The Co-ordinator encourages applications, promotes research collaborations,
and lobbies the provincial and federal governments to ensure adequate
support for health research in Saskatchewan. A Health Research Development
Officer was hired to assist in a new process of internal grant review to
help improve the University?s grant success rate.
In addition, a Grants Officer is now in place to review all University grant
applications for research funding. This will ensure that every application
is appropriate, timely, accurate and can be supported on an on-going basis
by University facilities. As well, the University is in the process of
hiring a financial analyst and an Administrative Officer to assist with
Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) funding and Canada Research Chairs.
An experienced consultant has also been hired to assist with all
applications for CFI funding.
"We fully expect these initiatives to have a measurable impact on our
ability to compete successfully for national research funding,? added
President MacKinnon.
In other cases, such as increasing U of S scholarship and bursary offerings,
President MacKinnon admits that more work is needed.
"I am dedicated to ensuring that the U of S is able to compete with any
university in the country. But, I am also dedicated to ensuring that we are
competitive in areas that make sense for this University and for this
province," he concluded.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKinnon, President
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6612
Survey shows high employment, satisfaction levels for U of S Grads
Posted November 14, 2000
| For Immediate Release - November 13, 2000 | 2000-11-06-OTHER |
Survey shows high employment, satisfaction levels for U of S grads
SASKATOON -- A recent survey of the University of Saskatchewan Class of 1994 shows that over 90% of graduates were employed five years after graduation, and of the 9.8% who were not, a significant number were pursuing further education. In addition, over 90% of graduates said they were satisfied with the education they received from the University of Saskatchewan, and 80% said they would recommend the U of S to family and friends.
The survey, conducted by the Social Research Unit, Department of Sociology in conjunction with Anderson/Fast Associates, also challenges the conventional wisdom that young people must leave Saskatchewan to find work. Of the 1,653 graduates surveyed, 1,245 continue to live in Saskatchewan. These graduates found work as quickly and as successfully as those who moved outside the province. Over 95% of all graduates were satisfied with their occupations, and Saskatchewan residents were as satisfied with their jobs as non-Saskatchewan residents. While graduates who moved outside the province earned more than those who stayed in Saskatchewan, the survey did not explore the relative costs of living in or out of the province.
Incomes varied greatly depending on college, with the majority of graduates earning between $30,000 and $60,000. Dental graduates earn significantly more than any other graduates; 50% earn more than $70,000. The survey revealed some labour market inequities, with Aboriginal graduates earning significantly less than non-Aboriginal graduates and women less than men.
The survey showed wide ranges of satisfaction levels among students from different colleges, with graduates from colleges with high teacher:student ratios expressing higher satisfaction than those from colleges with fewer faculty per student. Students generally believed their professors were available to them outside the classroom, and they felt their professors treated them with respect. However, many students wanted more opportunities to provide their professors with feedback on their teaching skills.
Commissioned by the University of Saskatchewan's Planning Committee of Council, the survey was designed to evaluate graduates' satisfaction with their education experience, as well as post-graduation education and employment. In addition to exploring occupational and educational attainment and income, the survey looked at reasons for attending university, financial resources, quality of teaching, courses and programs, laboratories and libraries, and non-academic issues such as housing, recreation, parking and daycare. The survey also studied satisfaction levels among designated minority groups such as Aboriginal students and students with learning or physical disabilities. In total, 1,653 graduates (from a class of 3,315) were surveyed for the study.
The information gathered in the survey will be used to inform decision-making at the University of Saskatchewan. Subsequent surveys are anticipated to show the effect on satisfaction levels of recent initiatives, such as the establishment of a Teaching & Learning Centre to improve the quality of teaching on campus, and the establishment of an Office of Services for Students With Disabilities that includes services for students with learning disabilities.
For the full text of the survey report, please visit our web site at http://www.usask.ca/unviersity_council/planning/.
For more information contact:
Bernard Schissel
Dept. of Sociology
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6934
or
Caroline Davis
University Studies Group
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-5757
or
Harley Dickinson
Dept. of Sociology
University of Saskatchwan
(306) 966-6930
U of S and Provincial Government Unveil Electronic Atlas of Saskatchewan
Posted November 14, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 13, 2000 2000-11-07-OTHER
U of S and Provincial Government Unveil
Electronic Atlas of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan and the Province of Saskatchewan proudly
unveiled the new CD-ROM edition of the Atlas of Saskatchewan today.
Using state-of-the-art mapping technology, the new CD-ROM Atlas conveys
geographical information about the province in a new, interactive,
multi-media environment. It portrays the province's heritage and history,
physical environment, wildlife, natural resources, population, native
peoples, economy, and major cities. It uses animation and sound to
communicate Atlas information and allows users to interact with that
information in ways not possible with books.
The Province of Saskatchewan worked with the U of S to ensure the unique
information tool reaches as many people as possible. The Province
contributed $100,000 to the project to ensure each school and each library
in Saskatchewan has a copy of CD-ROM.
University President, Peter MacKinnon said: "I am pleased our institution
has played a major role in what is sure to become a legacy for the people of
this province. I hope it will be used widely by its citizens and throughout
the school systems."
"The Atlas CD-ROM is one of the best made-in-Saskatchewan solutions I have
seen to help us understand our past and meet our future with confidence and
pride. It will be an enduring gift to the people of the province, and I
commend everyone involved in the project," said Provincial Secretary Jack
Hillson, Minister Responsible for Anniversaries.
Dr. Lawrence Martz, Department of Geography, U of S, directed the team of
cartographers and multi-media specialists who produced the CD-ROM Atlas.
Using the material first presented by Dr. Ka-iu Fung in the book Atlas and
adding new material from other sources, the CD-ROM Atlas represents the
collaborative effort of nearly 100 Saskatchewan scholars, scientists and
other experts.
The CD-ROM Atlas was designed and produced in Saskatchewan.
The CD-ROM Atlas completes the second phase of a joint project that began
four years ago. The first phase of the project concluded last year with the
release of a book edition of the Atlas to celebrate the millennium. A third
phase - development of an Internet version of the Atlas ? is planned.
The CD-ROM is designed for a broad range of users and will be a valuable
asset for schools, post secondary institutions, libraries, businesses and
industry, government and crown agencies, and the public - not only in the
province and Canada, but world-wide.
As well as creating positions for highly skilled professionals in
Saskatchewan, the CD-ROM project provided support for graduate students to
be trained in leading-edge technologies.
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Lawrence Martz
Director, Atlas of Saskatchewan (CD-ROM Edition)
Professor, Department of Geography
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-5667
or
Dr. Dick Neal
Chair, Atlas Steering Committee
Acting Dean, College of Arts & Science
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-4181
or
Olivia Shumski
Anniversaries Secretariat
Regina, SK
(306) 787-1062
November 08, 2000
15 Community-University Research Projects Awarded $76,000
Posted November 08, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE?1:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 7, 2000 2000-11-02-OTHER
15 Community-University Research Projects Awarded $76,000
Almost $76,000 has been awarded by the Community-University Institute for
Social Research (also referred to as "the Community Institute") for 15
diverse projects that will help improve community health and quality of life
in Saskatoon and other communities throughout Saskatchewan.
The announcement was made today by University of Saskatchewan and
community-based organizations at a news conference held in conjunction with
the Community Institute?s open house at its new offices in the John Mitchell
Building on the U of S campus.
"We?re very pleased to provide a home on our campus for this exciting new
community-university research initiative," said President Peter MacKinnon.
"This new institute is a testament to the long-standing relationship of
mutual learning and collaboration that has existed between the University
and the community. Today?s awards mark an impressive start in building the
capacity of both academic researchers and community-based organizations to
find collaborative solutions to challenging community problems."
The Community Institute is a partnership between community and university
experts that provides critical analysis of issues to enable policy makers to
make more timely decisions. It intends to achieve its goals largely by
funding worthy projects through competitions for graduate student
internships and scholarships, community sabbaticals and teaching release
stipends.
The projects are aimed at shedding new light on pressing social issues such
as child poverty, child sexual abuse by pimps and other perpetrators, and
child absenteeism at our schools (1,000 children aged five to 16 do not
attend school in Saskatoon).
Other projects announced today will study:
- home care needs in rural, remote and Aboriginal populations
- determinants of health for parents of young children living on low incomes
- the impact of a diabetes education program on the health of participants
- the effectiveness of home-based early childhood intervention programs
- the financial costs of homophobia in our society
- the ways in which immigrant Muslim women in the Prairie Provinces
construct their identities
- the role of home-based businesses in rural community economic development
- the economic and social impacts of the Saskatoon Farmer?s Market
The Community Institute undertakes research, education and training, and
knowledge sharing in three areas -- quality of life indicators, health
determinants, and community economic development. Roughly 15 U of S faculty
from a variety of disciplines are involved in the institute. There are also
opportunities for about 45 graduate students through scholarships and paid
internships with community organizations.
The awards announced today include projects that were successful in
competitions held in April and September. In total, nine internships, two
scholarships, three community sabbaticals, and one teaching release stipend
were funded.
Co-director Jim Randall, a U of S geography professor, said today is an
important day for community-based research in Saskatchewan. "Not only are we
honoring the students, faculty and community organizations who have won
these awards, but we are also opening a resource room on campus that will
eventually be a focal point for community-based research," he said. "It is
our hope that this room will house one of the best collections of reports
and data files on social issues in Saskatchewan, accessible to the public,
community organizations, faculty and students to conduct their own
research."
Co-director and city councillor Kate Waygood said, "CUISR hopes to advance
the processes of change by uncovering new knowledge and understanding about
what makes us a healthy, stable community and what will keep us that way.
Members of the community and the University now have a place to meet and to
store and discover information that is invaluable to us as a society."
The Community Institute was one of only 22 proposals to be funded across
Canada last year under the new Community-University Research Alliances
(CURA) grants program of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
(SSHRC). SSHRC is Canada's main funding agency for research and graduate
training in the social sciences and humanities. A total of $13.6 million in
new grants over three years will go to the 22 joint research ventures
between universities and community partners.
The Community Institute has a budget of $1.3 million over three years to
enhance health and community development across Saskatchewan. It received
more than $591,000 under the CURA program. The rest of the money comes from
the U of S ($455,800) and community partners ($235,900) through both cash
and in-kind contributions. It is expected that the new institute will be
self-financing after three years.
The Community Institute grew out of the Saskatoon Quality of Life Roundtable
meetings that took place regularly between university and community
representatives over the past couple of
years. Partners of the Community Institute include the City of Saskatoon,
Quint Development Corporation, the Regional Intersectoral Committee on Human
Services, Saskatchewan Research Council, Saskatoon District Health,
Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority and The Saskatoon
Star-Phoenix.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Summaries of specific projects announced today are
available upon request.
For more information contact:
James Randall
Associate Professor and Head of Geography
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-5678
randall@sask.usask.ca
Councillor Kate Waygood
Community Development Worker
Saskatoon District Health
(306) 655-4950
waygoodk@sdh.sk.ca
Kathryn Warden
U of S Research Communications Officer
(306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
U of S Launches CD-ROM on pig production
Posted November 08, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ? October 25, 2000 2000-10-19-AG
Problem-solving pigs: U of S launches CD-ROM on pig production
SASKATOON, October 25, 2000 ? Pig producers, consultants and veterinarians
now have a valuable new resource in the form of an interactive CD-ROM guide
to pig production.
The CD-ROM, called Reproductive management of pigs: guides and problem
solving, had its official Canadian launch today.
U of S animal scientist Phil Thacker, who specializes in swine nutrition and
reproduction, was part of an international panel of experts who contributed
to the project. Thacker says, "The idea behind the CD-ROM was to provide a
practical, producer-focused tool for troubleshooting common swine production
issues and for more broad-based, long-term strategies. Essentially, the CD
takes the approach of interpreting all known information about swine
management and packaging it into one, easily accessible source."
The CD-ROM is the first of its kind for pig producers. It offers a
comprehensive management aid grounded both in scientific research and
practical experience in a user-friendly format that makes use of video
clips, photographs and diagrams. There are over 1400 screens of information
including 400 tables of data showing the scientific basis for many of the
recommendations made.
The CD is divided into two main parts, a "Guides Area" and a "Problem
Solving Area."
The "Guides to Breeding Herd Management" section provides in-depth coverage
of the management of each stage of the life of the sow and boar.
To solve specific problems, users can enter the "Problem Solving Area" which
uses a decision-tree (where current performance is compared with target
figures) in order to identify herd reproductive problems. Lists of likely
causes and solutions are then provided.
The CD has already been enthusiastically received internationally.
In addition to the U of S contribution, the authoring team included eminent
pig reproduction scientists from Australia, Great Britain, The Netherlands
and the USA.
For more information, visit www.susmultimedia.com or contact:
Dr. Phil Thacker
College of Agriculture
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-4159
phil.thacker@usask.ca
November 06, 2000
Saskatchewan Health Researchers Honoured at Awards Reception
Posted November 06, 2000
At an awards reception on November 2, 2000, seventeen University of Saskatchewan scientists received funding from the province's health research granting agency.
For complete information please refer to the following:
