April 26, 2002
New AVP to transform student services at the University of Saskatchewan
Posted April 26, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 26, 2002 2002-04-19-OTHER
New AVP to transform student services at the
University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan's new Associate Vice-President of Student
Affairs, David Hannah, arrived on campus this week, prepared to transform
the way this university meets the non-academic needs of students.
His first order of business will be to oversee the creation of one division
responsible for a continuum of services over the lifecycle of the student.
Dubbed the ROSS project, the process to bring together the Registrar's
Office and Student Affairs and Services began in September 2001 with
extensive research and consultation.
"Universities haven't had a particularly good record of service from the
point of view of students," said Hannah. "The old system of service had
evolved such that students were required to serve the processes of the
university as opposed to having processes that serve students. This
university is taking serious steps to reverse that trend and ensure students
have the most positive experience possible."
Much of the groundwork has already been laid. The eight-member project team
that spent the last seven months looking at how to merge and realign the
many functions of the Registrar's and Student Services Offices did a
tremendous amount of consultation and information gathering with a broad
range of campus stakeholders, and also looked outside the University to find
ideas and initiatives that have been successfully implemented elsewhere.
The work done so far has identified a number of student needs:
* Accurate, timely, and easy to use information
* Quick turnaround time
* Informed help in decision-making
* Service available on-line
* "One-stop shopping"
"With the new model that is emerging, there is no question that once fully
implemented, the University of Saskatchewan will be at the forefront of best
practices in the area of student services, while still maintaining a strong
commitment to high academic standards."
David Hannah was appointed as the Associate Vice-President of Student
Affairs in February 2002 after a national search. He holds a B.Ed in
Secondary Education from the University of Calgary; an M.Ed in Counselling
Psychology from the University of Alberta; and a Ph.D. in Educational
Administration and Supervision from Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
Prior to coming to the University of Saskatchewan, he was working as the
founding Director, Registrarial Services and Registrar at the Technical
University of British Columbia.
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For more information, please contact:
Dr. David Hannah
AVP Student Services
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-8710
david.hannah@usask.ca
Diploma in Agriculture Graduation Ceremony to be held April 26
Posted April 26, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 26, 2002 2002-04-20-AG
Diploma in Agriculture Graduation Ceremony to be held April 26
Saskatoon, SK - Today, the University of Saskatchewan will confer 52
diplomas at its annual graduation ceremony for the diploma in agriculture
program.
The graduation ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. in Place Riel Theatre in the
Arts Building.
College of Agriculture Associate Dean Graham Scoles will present the
graduands with University of Saskatchewan Chancellor Tom Molloy conferring
the diplomas. Following, University of Saskatchewan President Peter
MacKinnon will present student prizes and awards.
Student awards include:
- Scott Owens from Maidstone, Saskatchewan will receive the University Gold
Medal as the top graduating student.
- Mark Howe from Foam Lake, Saskatchewan will receive the Scott Prize for
leadership and academic performance.
- Chris Hradecki from Meath Park, Saskatchewan, will receive the Fred Fulton
Prize for farm business management.
- Terry Johnson from Peebles, Saskatchewan will receive the SAGA Public
Speaking Award from the Saskatchewan Agricultural Graduates' Association.
After the award presentations, guest speaker and U of S alumnus John Spencer
will address the graduates. Spencer is an agricultural entrepreneur from
Clavet, Saskatchewan. Geoffrey Bedard from Melfort, Saskatchewan will give
the valedictory address.
A reception for graduates and their guests will follow the ceremonies in the
Exeter Room of Marquis Hall, beginning at about 2:45 p.m.
Since 1915, the University of Saskatchewan College of Agriculture has
conferred 4075 diplomas in agriculture.
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For more information contact:
Chris Maloney
Communications Manager
College of Agriculture
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-8618
or
Karen Hughes
Student Services Coordinator
College of Agriculture
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-4062
Weaning Calves in Two Steps Reduces Stress
Posted April 26, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Friday, April 26, 2002 2002-04-21-WCVM
Weaning Calves in Two Steps Reduces Stress
Recent findings by University of Saskatchewan veterinary scientists could
revolutionize the way beef calves are weaned.
Traditionally, cows and calves are separated abruptly at weaning time,
thereby denying the calves not only the milk, but also physical and social
contact with their mothers. The result is that distressed cows and their
calves engage in incessant calling for four to five days after weaning. They
walk around aimlessly and spend less time eating, ruminating and resting,
which reduces weight gain. Some calves actually become ill and have to be
treated with antibiotics, contributing to public concern about antibiotic
resistance.
Now Derek Haley, a PhD student in large animal clinical sciences at the
Western College of Veterinary Medicine, has come up with a two-step weaning
technique that essentially eliminates weaning stress and results in more
humane treatment of livestock.
Haley has found that calves weaned in two steps -- first denying them milk
for a few days by use of an anti-sucking device, and then separating them
from their mothers -- were less disturbed by weaning than calves weaned by
conventional methods. Weaning in two steps is also easier on the cows.
The key is a small, inexpensive piece of plastic, designed like a bread
clip, that clips onto the partition between the animal's nostrils to prevent
access to the teat at weaning time. The calf can still drink water and graze
normally.
With funding from the Saskatchewan Agricultural Development Fund, Haley and
his supervisor Joseph Stookey tested the weaning device on half of a group
of calves, preventing them from sucking but still allowing them to graze and
be close to their mothers. After separation, the cows that were prepared for
separation in this way called out 85 per cent less often, walked 80 per cent
less, and spent 25 per cent more time eating compared to calves weaned the
traditional way.
The calves weaned in two steps were also onto their feed quicker, avoiding
the yo-yo feeding habits of traditionally weaned calves that can stunt
growth.
Big cattle producers have taken notice. Since the team's findings were
published in BEEF Magazine, the researchers have received more than 100
calls and e-mails.
"Anti-sucking devices have been around for years to prevent dairy calves
from sucking on other calves, but no one had really considered anti-sucking
devices as a practical way to wean beef calves from their mothers," says
Stookey.
He says this simple two-step method might also be adapted for weaning other
livestock.
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For more information, contact:
Derek Haley
Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences
Western College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-7056
Prof. Joseph Stookey
Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences
Western College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-7154
Kathryn Warden
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
April 25, 2002
U of S and Wanuskewin Heritage Park sign historic MOU
Posted April 25, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 25, 2002 2002-04-16-OTHER
U of S and Wanuskewin Heritage Park sign historic MOU
SASKATOON SK -- University of Saskatchewan president, Peter MacKinnon and
Sheila Gamble, Chief Executive Officer, Wanuskewin Heritage Park today
signed a memorandum of understanding, creating a unique partnership that is
unduplicated among Canadian universities.
This agreement will serve as a foundation for a dynamic, productive and
evolving relationship between the two parties in the service of First Nation
awareness and education. The MOU provides a framework for the two
organizations to develop joint initiatives in areas including cultural
programming, research activities and Aboriginal awareness education.
The Wanuskewin-University partnership will provide opportunities to link the
cultural significance of Wanuskewin to the University, thereby enriching
educational opportunities for First Nation and non-First Nation students and
staff at the University.
"First Nations people are playing an ever increasing role in the future of
Saskatchewan," said Sheila Gamble. "A strong partnership with the
University of Saskatchewan will enable both institutions to achieve their
goals as contributors to the success of this vital
group."
"The University of Saskatchewan is a strong presence in Aboriginal
education. With over 2,000 students currently enrolled, we are committed to
strengthening our academic and support programs," said Peter MacKinnon.
"Our partnership with Wanuskewin will play an integral role in helping to
make our campus a welcoming and supportive environment for all students."
Wanuskewin Heritage Park is a 6,000 year old gathering site for First
Nations people. The Park's mandate is to create awareness, sensitivity, and
knowledge of First Nations culture for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
people on a domestic and international basis.
The University of Saskatchewan has established a strong track record of
responding to the needs of First Nations people through its academic
programs. Recently, in its quest to maintain a high standard of
achievement, the University has identified Indigenous knowledge and justice
as a priority area.
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Michael Atkinson
VP (Academic) and Provost
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-8484
Sheila Gamble
Chief Executive Officer
Wanuskewin Heritage Park
(306) 931-6767
U of S Engineer Awarded $605,000 to Study Clearing of Land Mines
Posted April 25, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 25, 2002 2002-04-18-ENG
U of S Engineer Awarded $605,000 to Study Clearing of Land Mines
How do you clear buried landmines without hurting anyone? And how can you
tell when it's safe for certain types of military equipment to travel over
war-torn lands without setting off these deadly hidden explosives?
Finding answers to these questions could save untold numbers of lives in
war-ravaged countries - nearly 26,000 people are maimed and killed every
year by landmines. Now a University of Saskatchewan engineering professor is
closing in on the answers and his efforts could make U of S a national
centre for landmine clearing research.
Professor Lal Kushwaha of the department of agricultural and bioresource
engineering will receive a total of $605,000 over five years from NSERC and
the federal Department of National Defence (DND) to develop efficient and
cost-effective machines for clearing landmines.
Kushwaha will also develop a computer model to analyze the risk to various
kinds of military vehicles that travel where landmines have been planted.
The model assesses the level of pressure required to trigger mines at
various depths in the soil.
Pressure-activated landmines are considered a very real threat to the
movement of Canadian Force personnel and vehicles. As well, landmines are a
major impediment to re-settlement and economic reconstruction in many
countries.
At present, landmines have to be cleared manually which is a slow,
labor-intensive, high-risk and expensive process. A few prototype machines
have been designed elsewhere but they're complicated to build and therefore
prohibitively expensive.
An expert in soil-machine interaction, Kushwaha was approached two years ago
by DND to investigate pressure required to activate landmines and to design
a de-mining machine. Under this contract, he has developed a prototype of a
remote-controlled machine that moves across the soil detonating any
landmines that it encounters, yet not undergoing damage itself.
The machine will be tested on simulated landmines at the CFB Suffield
research and training base in Alberta this summer, he said. If tests prove
successful, the machine could be manufactured for use in countries such as
Afghanistan, Bosnia and Cambodia.
"Every country is working on this but I think this machine will be ahead of
the pack," said Kushwaha. "We now want to develop new designs that are
simpler and more adept at dealing with different types of landmines."
The work will be done in consultation with Vikram Shankhla of the
Neutralization Protection Group, Defence RandD Canada - Suffield.
NSERC(www.nserc.ca) will provide $405,000, while DND (http://www.forces.ca/)
will provide $200,000. This funding will support up to eight graduate
students over the five years, he said.
The U of S could become a national centre for testing of de-mining machines.
The engineering college already has a "soil bin" and related special
equipment for testing agricultural machines. DND has agreed to spend another
$150,000 to move its "terra-mechanics rig" from CFB Suffield to U of S and
install and upgrade the equipment, provided that space can be found on
campus to house the two testing facilities together.
"Our soil bin would complement the Suffield facility because theirs tests
larger machines and ours tests smaller ones," Kushwaha said. "The U of S
would become a centre for landmine clearing study and other countries will
come here to do their research as well."
He stresses that land mines are an enormous problem worldwide. It's
estimated that roughly 100 million landmines are scattered over more than 60
countries.
"Even if no more land mines were laid anywhere in the world, it would take
100 years just to clear up all the land mines that have been laid so far,"
he said.
There are an estimated more than 350 different kinds of anti-personnel
mines. Kushwaha notes that certain types of land mines can be set off by
human motion, others by military vehicles carrying soldiers, and still
others by heavy tanks.
Last December, Kushwaha travelled to Bangkok to learn first-hand what some
of the problems are in clearing landmines.
Canada was the first of 124 countries to sign the 1997 Ottawa Convention, a
treaty that bans anti-personnel landmines. Canada pledged $100 million over
five years to a global effort to rid the world of buried landmines.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Prof. Lal Kushwaha
College of Engineering
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-5313
Kathryn Warden
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-2506
April 24, 2002
U of S Board Announces New Dean of Graduate Studies and Research
Posted April 24, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 24, 2002 2002-04-18-GS
U of S Board Announces
New Dean of Graduate Studies and Research
After a national search, the University of Saskatchewan Board of Governors
approved the appointment of Dr. Tom Wishart as Dean, College of Graduate
Studies and Research and Associate Vice-President Research, effective July
1, 2002. The appointment is for a five-year renewable term.
This appointment was the result of an extensive, open search for candidates
both nationally and internationally.
Peter MacKinnon, University President and Chair of the Search Committee,
said: "Dr. Wishart has a distinguished history in teaching and scholarship
as well as excellent leaderships skills. He will be a great asset to the
College of Graduate Studies and Research and the University of
Saskatchewan."
Dr. Wishart holds three degrees in Psychology: a B.Sc. from McMaster
University, and an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Western Ontario.
He is currently Professor of Psychology and has been the Acting Dean,
College of Graduate Studies and Research at the University of Saskatchewan
since August 2001.
Since his first appointment at the university in 1971, Dr. Wishart has
served in many administrative and senior administrative positions, including
Head of the Department of Psychology (1980-86), Associate Dean (Social
Sciences) in the College of Arts and Science (1987-90), Acting Dean in the
College of Arts and Science (1990-91 and 1998-2000), Acting Associate Dean
in the College of Graduate Studies and Research (1991-92), and Acting
Associate Vice-President Academic (1997).
Dr. Wishart also has considerable expertise in the areas of animal models of
stroke (recovery of function), physiological psychology (brain stimulation,
brain mechanisms of reward and motivation), and neuropsychopharmacology
(mode of action of neuroleptics and anti-depressants).
-30-
For further information, contact:
Dr. Michael Atkinson
Vice-President Academic and Provost
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-8484
Peter MacKinnon
President
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6612
Dr. Tom Wishart
Acting Dean
College of Graduate Studies and Research
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-5759
April 23, 2002
The Certificate in Agriculture Program to Graduate 28 Students
Posted April 23, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 23, 2002 2002-04-14-AG
The Certificate in Agriculture Program to Graduate 28 Students
Saskatoon, SK - Certificates in Agriculture will be presented to 22 students
in Crop Production and six students in Farm Management at the College of
Agriculture's annual Diploma and Certificates Convocation on April 26, 2002.
As well, students with the highest academic standing in each certificate
stream will be recognized through awards sponsored by the Saskatchewan Wheat
Pool and Farm Credit Corporation.
"The Certificates in Agriculture Program (CAP) meet a demand from Western
Canadian residents for post-secondary education in applied agricultural
science," says CAP Coordinator Corey Loessin. "Students are appreciative of
the opportunity to study at a distance and continue with their farm,
business and family responsibilities at the same time."
In the past, the Certificates in Agriculture Program received the
Distinguished Credit Program Award from the Association for Continuing
Higher Education. The program also received the Outstanding Program Award
from the Canadian Association for University Continuing Higher Education.
Receiving these awards is a tribute to the success and high completion rate
of students in this program.
The CAP graduates of 2002 are the tenth group to complete the requirements
of this successful program. There are now 290 graduates since the program
began in the fall of 1990.
CAP continues to attract new students as there is over 300 course
registrations from across the Prairie Provinces this year. This program is
recognized within the agriculture industry as a credible post-secondary
source of agricultural education and is offered cooperatively through
University of Saskatchewan's College of Agriculture and the Extension
Division.
-30-
For more information please contact:
Corey Loessin, P. AG
CAP Coordinator
Extension Division
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-4049
Dr. Ernie Barber
Dean
College of Agriculture
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-4062
Prairie Horticulture Certificate Students Graduate at the U of S
Posted April 23, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 23, 2002 2002-04-15-AG
Prairie Horticulture Certificate Students Graduate at the U of S
Saskatoon, SK - The College of Agriculture will award certificates to 19
graduates of the Prairie Horticulture Certificate (PHC) program at the
annual Diploma and Certificates Convocation on April 26, 2002 in Place Riel
Theatre at the University of Saskatchewan.
Modeled after the award winning Certificates in Agriculture Program, the PHC
program meets the demand from prairie residents for post-secondary education
in horticulture science. The developed program is specific to the prairie
climate and adaptable to the growing horticulture industry across the
Prairie Provinces.
"It is anticipated that demand for the program from gardeners and industry
will continue to be strong well into the next decade," says PHC Coordinator
Corey Loessin. "Students appreciate the opportunity to study at a distance
and continue with their farm, business and family responsibilities all at
the same time."
Since the program's beginning in the fall of 1994, there are 47 graduates
and approximately 200 active participants at various stages of completion in
the PHC distance delivery program.
PHC was developed and is delivered by a consortium including the University
of Manitoba, Assiniboine Community College, Olds College and the University
of Saskatchewan. This program is offered cooperatively by the College of
Agriculture and the Extension Division at the U of S.
-30-
For more information please contact:
Corey Loessin, P. AG
CAP Coordinator
Extension Division
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-4049
Dr. Ernie Barber
Dean
College of Agriculture
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-4062
April 22, 2002
Study reveals alarming increase in obesity rates
Posted April 22, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 22, 2002 2002-04-12-KIN
Study reveals alarming increase in obesity rates
Saskatoon, SK -- A study led by University of Saskatchewan Kinesiology
Dean, Mark Tremblay, confirms an alarming increase in the proportion of
overweight and obese children between 1981 and 1996.
"Childhood obesity is not a new problem, but a growing one," said Tremblay.
Dr. Tremblay's study, funded by the Canadian Population Health Initiative
(CPHI), indicates dramatic increases in the prevalence of both overweight
and obesity in Canada - particularly among children. It reveals that the
number of overweight boys has increased from 11% to 33% while the proportion
of overweight girls rose from 13% to 27%. Obesity rates also increased: boys
from 2% to 10% and girls from 2% to 9%.
Although the study also determined an increase in the proportion of
overweight and obesity in men and women, the rate of change was markedly
greater in children than in adults.
"The results of this study have significant implications for Canada's
healthcare system," said Tremblay. "Obese children are more likely to become
obese adults and obese adults are more vulnerable to an assortment of
serious health problems such as heart disease and diabetes."
International comparisons suggest that the prevalence of childhood
overweight and obesity in Canada exceed that in other developed countries
such as Britain and Spain.
The study will be published today in the International Journal of Obesity.
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Mark Tremblay
Dean, College of Kinesiology
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6465
April 18, 2002
U of S Health Researchers Awarded $5.6M
Posted April 18, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 18, 2002
U of S Health Researchers Awarded $5.6M
SASKATCHEWAN (April 18, 2002) The Government of Canada today announced
that $5.6 million will go to support 12 research projects at the University
of Saskatchewan. The announcement was made by Ralph Goodale, Government
House Leader, and Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) President
Dr. Alan Bernstein, on behalf of Health Minister the Honourable Anne
McLellan. This funding is part of the $180 million CIHR investment in
health research announced by Minister McLellan in Alberta on April 3, 2002.
"Thanks to Government of Canada investments the University of Saskatchewan
has quickly become a major player on the health research front," said
Minister Goodale. "Combined with other federal investments such as the
Canadian Light Source synchrotron project, Canada Foundation for Innovation
contributions and the recently announced support for indirect costs, the U
of S has a solid research foundation on which to build."
The grants provide a further boost to Saskatchewan's health research
community. Over the last two years, CIHR funding to the University of
Saskatchewan has increased by over 65%, from $2.6 million in 1999-2000 to
over $4.3 million in 2001-2002. As well, the number of funded researchers
has grown from 46 to 67 over the same time period.
"The cadre of talented health researchers at the University of Saskatchewan
is growing at an encouraging rate," said Dr. Bernstein. "I am proud that
increasing CIHR investments are playing a major role in expanding
Saskatchewan's health research capacity."
"The University of Saskatchewan has doubled its applications, doubled its
success rate and more than tripled its total funding," said U of S President
Peter MacKinnon. "Our faculty are building research success that will
improve the health of Canadians, bring new insights and cutting-edge
knowledge to the classroom experience, and help create a critical mass of
health research expertise in Saskatchewan."
The research projects will be carried out over periods of from one to five
years and range across the full spectrum of health research. Projects funded
through today's announcement include:
- Michael Corcoran's work on assessing the anti-epileptic effects of a new
generation of cannabis-like compounds;
- Luis Melo's study of how the activity of a particular protein his team
discovered is regulated in heart attacks with the hopes of designing a safe
and efficient gene therapy strategy for protecting the heart from damage due
to heart attack;
- John Gordon's study of how to reduce or eliminate symptoms and illnesses
arising from allergic asthma, ideally by inducing 'tolerance' to the
allergen;
- Philip Griebel's look into a new approach to inducing protective immunity
in newborn infants, work that could improve vaccine delivery and better
protect newborns against infectious disease, a major cause of death in
newborns;
- Wei Xiao's investigation of how defects in several genes become cancer
risk factors. The results could improve diagnosis and treatment for a
variety of cancers;
- Peter Bretscher's study of how the immune system decides whether or not to
fight foreign invaders and how it chooses to fight them;
- Robert McNeill's continuing work on the discovery that two hormones
interact in a unique way to increase blood pressure with the aim of
developing new drug treatments;
- Jonathan Dimmock's work to develop new anti-cancer drugs that are toxic to
cancer cells but spare the normal tissue;
- Henry Tabel's investigation of why our immune system is compromised or
rendered; ineffective when attacked by blood parasites such as African
trypanosomiasis or malaria;
- Venkat Gopalakrishnan's investigation of mechanisms that may contribute to
high blood pressure;
- Rui Wang's study of ion channels in blood vessels to better understand how
these channels act as a biological switch to relax blood vessels, with the
aim of preventing and treating high blood pressure; and
- Lorne Babiuk's research on improving vaccination rates among children
through new and innovative methods. His team aims to develop vaccines for
children and young animals that are easy to deliver such as using
needle-free methods. By improving compliance and the level of protection,
the team hopes to reduce the cost of disease burden on society and to
Canada's health care system. This $1.9 million grant will be funded through
CIHR's Institute of Infection and Immunity's Health Research Programs of
Excellence Program.
CIHR is Canada's premier agency for health research. Its objective is to
excel, according to internationally accepted standards of scientific
excellence, in the creation of new knowledge and its translation into
improved health for Canadians, more effective health services and products,
and a strengthened health care system.
- 30 -
For more information, please contact:
Janet Weichel
CIHR, Communications
(613) 941-4563
Kathryn Warden
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
Farah Mohamed
Office of the Honourable Anne McLellan
(613) 957-0200
U of S Commerce Students Take 2nd Place at International Business Competition
Posted April 18, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 18, 2002 2002-04-10-CO
U of S Commerce Students Take 2nd Place at International Business
Competition
Saskatoon, SK - The College of Commerce continues its success at business
competitions by placing second among 30 student teams from Canada, United
States and Mexico at the 38th Annual International Collegiate Business
Strategy Competition hosted by the University of San Diego, April 12-14,
2002.
The U of S student team included Mitchell Stewart, Natalie Phillips, Shane
Zimmer, Kondelenia Arvinitis, Jennifer Ringrose and Bonnie Boechler, with
Professor Ayten Archer as the team's faculty advisor. The competition
required each student team to compete in a computer-based simulation of a
business environment, running a fictitious company in a consumer product
industry.
Every week from January to April 2002, the U of S's fictitious company,
OMNIA, made strategic quarterly decisions in the areas of finance,
sales-force management, marketing and production. These business decisions
were then sent to San Diego via computer. Once the team was in San Diego,
they competed in an accelerated version of the business simulation.
"The competition was fast paced and stressful," says team member Natalie
Phillips. "It taught us that determination and commitment are required to
successfully run an international business."
Aside from their excellent overall placing, the U of S team was declared the
winner of the "Strategic Communications Category" for the production of an
"outstanding" Annual Report and Business Plan for OMNIA.
The U of S team received a standing ovation at the awards ceremony when the
Canadian national anthem played in celebration of their placement as first
runner-up in the competition.
The winning team came from the University of California in Fresno.
-30-
For more information please contact:
Prof. Ayten Archer
College of Commerce
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-8424
Prof. Colin Boyd
Dept. Head of Management and Marketing
College of Commerce
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-8436
Prof. Robin Murphy
School of Business
University of San Diego
Phone: (619) 260-7774
Email: murphy@sandiego.edu
U of S Announces Latest Outcome of Program Reviews
Posted April 18, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 18, 2002 2002-04-11-OTHER
U of S Announces Latest Outcome of Program Reviews
Today the University of Saskatchewan announced the latest outcomes of
Systematic Program Review (SPR) *, a major six-year review cycle that is
improving the quality of education delivered to students.
Established by the University Council in 1999, SPR is designed to encourage
program improvement and innovation, demonstrate accountability, and provide
information to guide decisions about programs and resources. Each review
includes a self-study by the program, a site visit and report by external
reviewers, responses from Deans and program heads, decisions on outcome
categories, and action-plans to implement the recommendations.
In 2000-01, SPR looked at graduate programs in Education, all programs in
Law and Nursing, and two undergraduate interdisciplinary programs in the
College of Arts and Science. Programs were evaluated according to quality
(of curriculum, faculty, learning environment, infrastructure and outcomes),
demand, efficiency in the use of resources and relevance to the province.
There are four possible outcome categories: A (outstanding programs; few, if
any, changes required); B (some improvements needed; program will be
sustained); C (fundamental changes required; concrete action plan must be
developed to address deficiencies); and D (requirement to consider
termination). **
Of the programs reviewed in 2000-2001, 8 were rated B and 3 were rated C.
"We can take pride in the good, solid Bs we achieved this year and we're
already working together to address the issues raised by the Cs," said
University Vice-President Academic and Provost, Michael Atkinson.
"Most universities carry out reviews of this sort in order to maintain
academic quality," he added. "The standards the U of S has set for itself
are quite ambitious. We've had external reviewers recruited from some of the
best universities in North America and abroad-including one from Australia
last year-and they've told us many of our programs are in a league with the
strongest post-secondary institutions in North America."
Recommendations from the 2000-01 reviews are already leading to
improvements. For example, the College of Arts and Science has established a
new Office of Interdisciplinary Studies to provide support and a 'home' for
interdisciplinary programs.
And Beth Horsburgh, Dean of Nursing, is excited about recruiting eight new
faculty members for the Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS) -
positions supported by the results of SPR.
"Our SPR national reviewers reported that NEPS was "cutting edge" and
referred to the students as "brilliant". They noted that the NEPS is one of
only a few Canadian BSN programs based upon the principles of primary health
care. The findings of the SPR team have lent great support to the College's
need for more faculty to accommodate increased student enrollment in the
NEPS."
The 1999-2000 reviews are also yielding results. Major program revisions and
mergers are underway, as well as initiatives to enhance the student
experience and encourage research. Ernie Barber, Dean of Agriculture, said:
"We learned a lot from the SPR process. Students entering our undergraduate
and graduate programs in 2002 will benefit from several significant
improvements in areas of strategic importance that will help us to be a
preferred place in Canada for agricultural education."
Reviews are currently underway for engineering and natural sciences, and
preparation has begun for next year's reviews in education, music, commerce
and the social sciences.
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For further information, contact:
General information:
Michael Atkinson
Vice-President Academic and Provost
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-8484
Information from Deans taking part in the 2000-2001 SPRs:
Beth Horsburgh
Dean, College of Nursing
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6223
Ken Coates
Dean, College of Arts and Science
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-4232
Beth Bilson (after April 22)
Dean, College of Law
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-5910
Ken Jacknicke
Dean, College of Education
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-7647
Information from Deans taking part in the 1999-2000 SPRs:
Ernie Barber
Dean, College of Agriculture
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-4050
Lynne Pearson
Dean, College of Commerce
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-4786
Dennis Gorecki
Dean, College of Pharmacy and Nutrition
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6328
Information on Council decision:
Jene Porter
Chair, Planning Committee of Council
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-5218
**Outcomes of programs reviewed in 2000-2001
PROGRAMS CATEGORY
ARTS and SCIENCE (Interdisciplinary)
Land Use and Environmental Studies (LUEST)
BA, BSc C
Regional and Urban Development (RUD)
BA B
EDUCATION
Educational Administration
GRAD PGD, MEd, PhD B
Educational Foundations
GRAD PGD, MEd (three strands) B
MCEd B
Curriculum Studies
GRAD PGD, MEd C
LAW
LLB B
GRAD LLM C
NURSING
BSN (NEPS) B
BSN (post-registration) B
GRAD MN B
*Systematic Program Review
The Systematic Program Review (SPR) process was approved by Council in
principle in 1994 and in detail in February 1999. It maps out an ongoing,
six-year cyclical schedule for the review of all U of S undergraduate and
graduate programs.
Colleges and departments under review complete self-study reports on their
programs, and teams of internal and external reviewers visit the campus,
taking an in-depth look at program offerings and facilities, and
interviewing students, professors, deans, department heads, administrators
and others involved.
All stages of the SPR process - college and department self studies, site
visits and reports by reviewers, responses by the colleges and departments
involved, final
assessment by the Vice-President Academic, Dean of Graduate Studies and
Research, and their committees, and action-plans for the programs - are
aimed at improving instructional programs, encouraging program innovation,
demonstrating university accountability, and helping the U of S plan program
revisions, program deletions and resource allocation.
Recommendations from the reviewers have already begun to be implemented.
Description of Categories
Category A: The program is supported by evidence of academic vitality in
teaching and scholarly/artistic work and extension/public service sustained
over a significant period of time. It has achieved at least a national
reputation, and might be expected to develop as a centre of excellence. Few,
if any, fundamental changes are required. There will be a commitment to at
least sustain the program at existing levels and provide additional
resources where justified.
Category B: The program is supported by evidence of academic vitality in
teaching and scholarly/artistic work and extension/public service sustained
over a period of time but has some weaknesses. Some fundamental changes
should be made. Modifications may include program changes (e.g. curriculum
revisions), internal redirection of faculty resources, additional resource
allocations, (both faculty and non-faculty), and, measures to improve
student satisfaction/quality of experience in the program. There will be a
commitment to sustain the program at approximately the current level and to
consider additional resource needs in the context of regular university
resource allocation processes.
Category C: The program is supported by some evidence of academic vitality
in teaching and scholarly/artistic work and extension/public service but has
identifiable deficiencies which should be rectified in a given timeframe. It
is characterized by
sufficient demand, and/or may be essential to the service requirements of
other units. Several fundamental changes must be made to achieve adequacy
and provide a credible program. Deficiencies may be identified as program
(e.g., curricular), faculty/scholarly activity (e.g. quality and quantity of
scholarship or breadth of expertise of faculty), and non-faculty resources.
There will be a requirement for development of a concrete and realistic
action plan by the unit/College to address deficiencies within an
identifiable time frame.
Category D: The program, over a period of years, has shown little evidence
of academic vitality in teaching or scholarly/artistic work or
extension/public service. Such a program may suffer from additional
liabilities including low quality to cost ratio, low student demand, and
lack of provision of an important service component to other programs. The
academic quality of the program area is unlikely to improve without
significant additional resources. Many fundamental changes are required.
There will be a requirement to consider initiation of approved Council
procedures for program termination.
April 16, 2002
Hindu Society donates $20,000 for lecture series at U of S
Posted April 16, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 16, 2002 2002-04-08-OTHER
Hindu Society donates $20,000 for lecture series at U of S
The Saskatoon branch of the Hindu Society of Saskatchewan recently donated
$20,000 to the University of Saskatchewan to create a lecture fund that will
allow faculty, students, as well as the wider community the chance to
broaden their knowledge and understanding of one of the oldest religious
traditions in the world.
The Vedanta Endowment Lecture Fund (Vedanta is a term derived from ancient
Hindu scripture and describes the idea of the unity of the divine) will
enable the U of S to bring to campus the best national and international
scholars of Hinduism. Dr. Braj Sinha, a professor in the Department of
Religious Studies and chair of the Hindu Society trustees, said the gift
"will not only enrich the understanding of Hindu history and tradition, but
also of contemporary issues and challenges. This is extremely important for
young minds and for the whole of society."
At the presentation ceremony, Dr. Ken Coates, Dean of the College of Arts
and Science, announced the U of S would augment the fund with a $5,000
contribution.
"We believe strongly that the Vedanta Fund offers us a unique opportunity to
enrich the experience of our students," said Dr. Coates. "Visiting scholars
contribute a great deal toward building bridges of understanding in our
multi-ethnic and religiously diverse society."
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For further information, contact:
Dr. Braj Sinha, Professor
Department of Religious Studies
University of Saskatchewan, and
Chair of Trustees
Hindu Society of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 374-9857
Dr. Lata Prasad
President
Hindu Society of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 477-1493
Innovation Award Finalists Announced
Posted April 16, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 16, 2002 2002-04-09-OTHER
Innovation Award Finalists Announced
Today UST Inc., the University of Saskatchewan's technology transfer arm,
announced three finalists for the first annual Innovation Place/UST "Award
of Innovation."
The $2,500 cash award recognizes the efforts of scientists at the University
of Saskatchewan and encourages them to get involved in developing new
technology into marketable products.
"This year's finalists have contributed a great deal to the University, and
their technologies have the potential to have a significant impact on the
economies of Saskatchewan, Canada, and the world," said UST President Branko
Peterman.
The award will be presented at the "Celebrate Success! Gala" on May 14,
2002, an event hosted by the Saskatoon and District Chamber of Commerce and
Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc.
The finalists are:
* Larry Fowke, Department of Biology, and his former post-doctoral fellow,
Stephen Attree
They've developed a technology called somatic embryogenesis (SE) that makes
it possible to produce multiple embryos from a single natural seed. SE
offers several economic benefits to the forestry industry -- unlimited
production of embryos, speed to market in introducing genetically superior
trees, year-round production of embryos, better tree breeding and long-term
storage of genetic material.
The SE technology has been licensed to a major Canadian biotechnology
company, CellFor Inc., in British Columbia.
* Jeremy Lee, Department of Biochemistry, and his former post doctoral
fellow, Palok Aich
They've developed a completely new and novel conformation of duplex DNA in
which metal ions such as zinc are inserted into every base pair of the DNA
strand. The discovery is called Metal-Containing Nucleic Acids (M-DNA).
Experimental evidence suggests that M-DNA is an effective and efficient
conductor of electrons.
M-DNA can be thought of as a marriage of electronics and molecular biology.
There are many applications for the technology including biosensors and
micro-electronics devices. Commercialization is being supported by
University Medical Discoveries Inc., a division of MDS Capital Corp.
* Jeff Schoenau, Department of Soil Science
He has developed an Ion-Exchange Membrane (Plant Root Simulator Probe), a
fundamental advance in the measurement of biologically important nutrient
supply over time in soil. The probe is a successful tool for assessing the
supply rate of soil nutrients and toxins. The membrane is sensitive to
moisture content, temperature, and other factors that can affect growing
conditions and nutrient content.
The technology has been licensed to Western Ag Innovations, a local company
at Innovation Place.
U of S employees and students are eligible to apply for the award. Selection
criteria include the novelty of the innovation and its potential commercial
impact. The selection committee includes a representative from each of
Innovation Place, UST and the U of S.
In addition to the $2,500, the winner will be recognized with a photo on the
"Award of Innovation" wall in Kirk Hall and a personal trophy.
-30-
For further information, please call:
Branko Peterman
President, UST Inc.
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-7335
Kathryn Warden
Research Communications
Office of the Vice-President Research
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-2506
April 08, 2002
U of S Commerce Students Take First Place at Entrepreneurs' Competition, Again!
Posted April 08, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 8, 2002 2002-04-06-CO
U of S Commerce Students Take First Place at Entrepreneurs' Competition,
Again!
Saskatoon, SK - For the second time in one month Commerce undergraduate
students Dan Murza and Cory Weiss won first place in a business plan
competition for their business idea "Sandow SK Classic", a manufacturer and
online store that features replicated and authentic collectible 1970s hockey
jerseys and accompanying display cases.
They received $3,000 for placing first in the March 21-23 Queen's
Entrepreneurs' Competition, organized by undergraduate students from the
School of Business at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario.
Teams from 20 universities submitted written plans for new businesses to
competition organizers. After an initial screening, students producing the
top eight plans were invited to attend the competition finals in Kingston.
Each team gave an oral presentation to a panel of five judges who comprised
of two venture capital investors, a local entrepreneur, a representative of
the Kingston Economic Development Corporation and an accountant from
Deloitte and Touche.
Murza and Weiss' plan was awarded first place by the judges. A team from
Brock University presented the second place business plan, while the plan
from a combined team from Dartmouth College, Dalhousie University and
Harvard University placed third.
Part of the winnings will help launch "Sandow SK Classic" via the Internet
using eBay as the marketing channel.
On March 3, Murza and Weiss won US$7,500 for placing first in the
International Undergraduate Student Business Plan Competition held in
Lincoln, Nebraska. This press release can be viewed at
http://www.usask.ca/events/news/articles/20020306-1.html
-30-
For more information please contact:
Monica Kreuger
U of S Sessional Instructor and President of Global Infobrokers Inc.
Phone: (306) 955-9006 or (306) 664-0500
global.info@sk.sympatico.ca
Dan Murza
Sandow SK Classic
Phone: (306) 374-6323
info@sandowsk.com
Colin Boyd
Professor and Head
Department of Management and Marketing
College of Commerce, University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-8436
boyd@commerce.usask.ca
Cory Weiss
Sandow SK Classic
allegory19@hotmail.com
April 04, 2002
CTV Donates $180,000 towards High-tech Computer Facility at U of S
Posted April 04, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 4th, 2002
2002-04-04-OTHER
CTV Donates $180,000 towards High-tech
Computer Facility at U of S
Dennis Dunlop, CTV's General Manager for Saskatchewan, presented a donation
of $180,000 to University of Saskatchewan President Peter MacKinnon to
support the construction of a high-tech computer research laboratory.
CTV's donation will make a substantial contribution towards the
infrastructure for the Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing Laboratory, which is
likely to occupy a major portion of the fourth floor of the new Spinks
addition to the Thorvaldson Building on campus. The entire project will cost
$600,000 and is due for completion late in 2003.
The laboratory, once completed, will enable graduate students and faculty
researchers in Computer Science to advance existing knowledge about wireless
access to computers and other 'smart' devices. This will lead to the
creation of the next generation of computer applications which will support
the nomadic users of the future.
"The computing environments of the future will spread everywhere: not only
in desk-top computers and lap-tops, but also on palm-tops, cell phones and
other personal computing and communication devices," explained Jim Greer,
Head of Computer Science. "People will interact with these mobile devices in
all imaginable contexts: in vehicles, in meetings, on public transport,
while shopping, relaxing, eating, cooking and so on. CTV's donation
represents the first step towards realising these possibilities."
University President, Peter MacKinnon, said: "CTV's magnificent gift will go
a very long way in ensuring that our graduates have access to facilities
which will house the most up-to-date technology and greatly enhance our
research capacity and teaching in leading-edge areas."
Dennis Dunlop, Vice- President and General Manager for CTV Saskatchewan
said: "At CTV, we are proud to be building bridges between the University
and the community. Being in a technology-rich industry ourselves, we
recognise the importance of investing in the future, and we're thrilled to
do so here in Saskatchewan. "
CTV Inc. is a leader in conventional and specialty broadcasting with 27
television stations across Canada, interests in 15 specialty channels,
production houses and music publishing. Through its television operations,
CTV offers a wide range of quality news, sports, information and
entertainment programming. CTV Inc., is owned by the multi-media company
Bell Globemedia Inc., which also owns The Globe and Mail and Bell Globemedia
Interactive. More information about CTV Inc. and its properties are on the
company Web site at www.ctv.ca.
-30-
For further information, contact:
Jim Greer
Department Head
Computer Science
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-8655
or
David Fisher
Communications Director
CTV Saskatoon
(306) 229-9192
VIDO leads $26.9 million genome project to fight infectiousdiseases
Posted April 04, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 4th, 2002
VIDO leads $26.9 million genome project to fight infectious diseases
For further information, see the news release posted in the VIDO website at http://www.vido.org/news.html.
April 03, 2002
New 2003 Interns Announced for Saskatchewan Legislature
Posted April 03, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 3, 2002 2002-04-02-OTHER
New 2003 Interns Announced for Saskatchewan Legislature
Saskatoon, SK - Four Saskatchewan university students are named as interns
to the Provincial Legislature as part of the Legislative Internship Program.
- Cameron Baker, University of Saskatchewan - Political Studies
- Bill Cooper, University of Regina - Political Science
- Allison McComas, University of Saskatchewan - Political Studies
- Lee Weiss, University of Regina - Political Science
The internship is both an academic and a practical experience. Students work
with private members on both sides of the house, learning about the
legislative and political processes from the inside. In addition to their
assigned duties in the Legislature, students are required to write a 25-page
research paper and undertake an organizational project.
For the first three months, the interns are assigned to an MLA in either
government or opposition who is not in cabinet or the leader of the
opposition. For the following three months, they work with an MLA on the
opposite side of the Legislature.
The interns will be politically neutral and will keep information in
confidence as they assist the MLA with research, speechwriting, committee
duties and some constituency work. They are not assigned partisan political
tasks such as campaigning or fundraising.
The University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina, in conjunction
with the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, developed this program and
the Legislature's Board of Internal Economy approved it in February 2001.
This group of interns will serve from January - July 2003.
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For more information please contact:
Gordon Barnhart
Academic Director
Legislative Internship Program
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-4632
Gwenn Ronyk
Clerk
Legislative Assembly
(306) 787-2374
April 02, 2002
UST Awarded $300,000 Federal Grant
Posted April 02, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 2, 2002 2002-03-01-OTHER
UST Awarded $300,000 Federal Grant
The University of Saskatchewan has been awarded $300,000 over three years
from the federal government to help move research discoveries from the lab
bench to the marketplace.
University of Saskatchewan Technologies Inc. (UST), the U of S technology
transfer arm, has been awarded the money under the Intellectual Property
Management (IPM) grants program jointly managed by the three federal
granting agencies -- NSERC, CIHR and SSHRC.
"This grant secures UST's future over the next three years," said UST
president Branko Peterman. "It will provide the funds necessary to enhance
UST's intellectual property management activities on campus."
IPM grants are intended to provide funds to strengthen technology transfer
activities at Canadian universities, to attract potential users and to
promote professional development of technology transfer professionals.
This is UST's third IPM grant, the first of which was awarded in 1996. Since
that time, UST has grown from a staff of one to four employees. It now
receives about 40 invention disclosures per year, and there has been a
steady increase in patent cost recovery, licensing revenue, and royalty
revenue.
The latest grant will be used to capitalize on new opportunities arising
from new technology discoveries, as well as increased research activities
due to the presence of the Canadian Light Source synchrotron
(www.cls.usask.ca) on campus. The grant will also be used to organize and
present courses and seminars on intellectual property management, as well as
to focus on company start-ups.
"The U of S and UST will play an active role in the creation and application
of new knowledge," said Peterman. "Saskatchewan directly benefits from
innovation through increased value-added economic activity, economic
diversification, job creation, and increased revenues."
For information on UST Inc., visit: www.usask.ca/ust/index.html NSERC's
latest announcement on Intellectual Property Management grants is available
at: www.nserc.ca/news/2002/p020321.htm
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For more information, contact:
Branko Peterman
President, UST Inc.
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-7335
Kathryn Warden
Research Communications
Office of the Vice-President Research
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
