October 27, 2005
Statistics Show Reduction in Plagiarism Cases at U of S
Posted October 27, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Oct. 27, 2005
2005-10-16-OTHER
Statistics Show Reduction in Plagiarism Cases at U of S
Today, the University of Saskatchewan released its annual set of statistics
on cheating, showing that for the third consecutive year, the number of
cases has dropped.
University Secretary Lea Pennock announced that between July 2004 and June
2005, the University had 52 cases of academic dishonesty heard by college
and university panels. Of these, 47 students were found to be guilty (one
student was suspended for a term, none were expelled, and the remainder were
penalized with either failure in the class or with a grade reduction in the
class).
"The reduction in cases this year appears to be due primarily to fewer
charges of plagiarism, in contrast to other types of academic dishonesty,"
said Pennock. "Last year there were 45 plagiarism cases while this year
there were fewer than 30."
This is the third year that the University has released its academic
dishonesty statistics. In 2002-03, there were 79 cases heard, of which 67
were found to be guilty, while in 2003-04, there were 73 cases heard, of
which 60 were found to be guilty.
"The U of S takes a proactive approach in educating students about honesty
and integrity so that their degrees are earned honestly and are respected by
their future employers," added Pennock. "The University has focused
particular attention on plagiarism issues over the last three years and I am
very pleased to see that our hard work is paying off."
Faculty discuss plagiarism issues in class, and information about plagiarism
and cheating is included in class outlines. The University Secretary's
Office began a campaign in 2002 using the catchphrase "Writing It Right" to
educate students about plagiarism and provide resources so that students
could cite sources correctly when writing essays.
Another improvement made at the U of S last year deals with the problem of
copying laboratory assignments. A new procedure developed by computer
science professor Mark Eramian, was used in computer science classes to
educate students about the importance of doing their own software
assignments.
The computer science department uses one of two software detection programs
to identify similarities in software writing assignments in computing and
computer science courses. A departmental panel, which includes a student
representative, then determines whether a warning letter should be sent to
alert the student that they should not be sharing software writing with
other students. Last year, 105 warning letters were sent; only two students
became repeat offenders who were then charged with plagiarism.
Monday, Oct. 31 marks the beginning of the University's third annual Writing
It Right Week, where lunchtime sessions educate students and faculty about
the importance of honesty and integrity.
Award-winning educator Brian Thwaits presents "Train Your Brain" to kick off
the week on Monday October 31 at 12:30 p.m. in Room 241 in the Arts
Building. Using the latest research on cognition and memory, this
entertaining and educational presentation helps students improve their
memory, and write exams and essays with confidence.
Writing it Right Week activities run daily through to Nov. 4. Additional
information can be found at www.usask.ca/honesty/week.shtml
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For more information, please contact:
Lea Pennock
University Secretary
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-4632
www.usask.ca/honesty
Dr. Mark G. Eramian
Dept. of Computer Science
College of Arts and Science
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-4028
October 24, 2005
U of S Health Researchers Awarded Funding Through Regional Partnership Program
Posted October 24, 2005
The following news release was issued by the Saskatchewan Health
Research Foundation.
Saskatchewan Health Researchers Awarded $2.4 Million Through Regional
Partnership Program
SASKATOON (October 24, 2005) - Health research in Saskatchewan just received
a major boost with the injection of $2.4 million through the Regional
Partnership Program (RPP), a program funded by the governments of Canada and
Saskatchewan.
For more information, refer to the official news release:
http://www.shrf.ca/Default.aspx?DN=1345,958,26,2,Documents
October 20, 2005
U of S Scientist Wins Prix Galien Canada Research Award
Posted October 20, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Thursday, October 20th, 2005 2005-10-14-VIDO
U of S Scientist Wins Prix Galien Canada Research Award
Lorne Babiuk, director of the University of Saskatchewan's Vaccine and
Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), has been named the 2005 recipient of
the Prix Galien Canada Research Award which honors a leading researcher
judged to have made the most significant contribution to pharmaceutical
research in the country.
The award, judged by an eight-person jury of leading university and
industrial scientists in the pharmaceutical field across Canada, recognizes
outstanding research in the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of diseases.
The Prix Galien gold medal and plaque will be presented to Babiuk at a gala
ceremony November16th in Montreal.
Babiuk, who holds a Canada Research Chair in Vaccinology and Biotechnology,
is being honoured for his visionary research into the mechanisms by which
infectious organisms cause disease and mammals respond to infection. By
understanding these mechanisms, researchers can speed development of new
ways to treat and prevent disease.
"Dr. Babiuk has been described by his colleagues as a research visionary,"
says Jacques Gagne, president of Prix Galien Canada. "He has been a pioneer
in bringing the importance of veterinary medicine and the link between
animal diseases and human diseases to the forefront in Canada. His
discoveries and impact on society have been significant."
U of S president Peter MacKinnon noted that Babiuk's ground-breaking
research has greatly advanced the unique life sciences cluster of research
facilities on campus. "Not only has he expanded our understanding of
biology, he has ensured through industry advancement that his findings
benefit health. He is highly deserving of this prestigious award," he said.
Babiuk, a professor of veterinary medicine with the Western College of
Veterinary Medicine, is interested in "natural" immunity and its potential
to improve vaccine efficiency and complement or replace antibiotics.
"The impact of his research ranges from the development of vaccines and
technologies with potential to save thousands of human lives to those that
contribute indirectly to human health by protecting the livestock upon which
humans depend," said Jim Blackburn, executive-director of the Canadian
Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs, a U of S professor emeritus,
and a member of the Prix Galien jury.
When few believed that biotechnology could fight infectious disease in the
animal-health industry, Babiuk assembled and mentored a team of researchers
that developed the world's first genetically engineered vaccines for any
animal species. Under his leadership, VIDO researchers have developed a
growing library of patented technologies, including five "world firsts" in
vaccine development.
"This award is an exceptional honour and a testament to the tremendous
researchers working at VIDO that have made our teamwork model so
successful," said Babiuk.
Babiuk was the recipient of the first Natural Sciences and Engineering
Research Canada (NSERC) Industrial Research Chair in Biotechnology. He
serves on several scientific advisory boards and boards of directors
including the CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity, the Canada
Foundation for Innovation, Genome Canada, and the International Centre for
Infectious Diseases.
The Prix Galien caps an exciting year for Babiuk and VIDO. In March, the
federal government awarded $24 million towards a new International Vaccine
Centre to be built adjacent to VIDO by 2009. In June, Babiuk and his team
were awarded $6.9 million by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to develop vaccines for
newborns. In August, Babiuk was named an Officer of the Order of Canada.
The Prix Galien was created in 1969 by French pharmacist Roland Mehl. It was
named after Roman philosopher and teacher Claudius Galenus, said to be the
most distinguished physician of antiquity after Hippocrates. Countries
currently awarding the prize include Belgium, Canada, Germany, Italy,
Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, The Netherlands, the U.S.A. and The United
Kingdom.
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For more information, contact:
Tess Laidlaw
Communications Officer, VIDO
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-1506
tess.laidlaw@usask.ca
www.vido.org
Kathryn Warden
Research Communications Director
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
www.usask.ca
October 19, 2005
U of S Announces Fall Convocation Award Recipients
Posted October 19, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 19, 2005
2005-10-12-OTHER
U of S Announces Fall Convocation Award Recipients
Today, the University of Saskatchewan announced several award recipients who
will be honoured at Fall Convocation ceremonies on Saturday, October 22,
2005.
Alumni Award of Achievement - Bryan Harvey's ground-breaking research on
malting barley breeding irrevocably changed malting and brewing around the
world and attracted 100's of millions of dollars to the industry in Canada.
A dedicated scientist and researcher, Dr. Harvey is also a prominent figure
in his community, serving as President of the Saskatoon Nutana Rotary Club,
as a board member of the Granite Curling Club, and as the Charter President
of the Saskatoon Chapter of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada.
(This award is presented in recognition of outstanding contributions to the
profession, community, and University of Saskatchewan.)
Distinguished Researcher Award - Lingyun (Lily) Wu's research focuses on the
causes and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Her recent work focuses on
insulin resistance syndrome, including diabetes and high blood pressure. She
has won numerous national and international awards, including the Canadian
Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) New Investigator Award. Named one of
Canada's rising stars, Dr. Wu also holds a New Investigator Award from the
Canadian Hypertension Society and a Merck-Frosst Junior Scientist Award from
the Pharmacological society of Canada. (This award was established to
emphasize the importance of research at the University.)
Master Teacher Award - Karen Chad, a professor in the College of Kinesiology
has taught courses ranging from introductory undergraduate to advanced
graduate classes. Students praise Dr. Chad's subject mastery, her contagious
enthusiasm, and her genuine concern for their educational well-being. They
say the atmosphere in her class is different from other university classes
because of her boundless enthusiasm, passion and ability to apply content to
one's everyday life. She possesses a unique devotion to teaching and
scholarship. (This award was established to recognize faculty members who
make outstanding contributions to the learning and working environments of
the University and to emphasize the importance of good teaching.)
Distinguished Graduate Supervisor - Jim Greer is a professor in the
Department of Computer Science. He has been an innovative and highly
successful graduate supervisor, devoting considerable time and energy to
various tasks that enhance his graduate student's academic as well as
personal experience. Several honours have been conferred upon Dr. Greer in
his academic career including four best paper awards at international
conferences, all four of which were co-authored with graduate students.
(This award was established to honour faculty members who excel in the
supervision of graduate students.)
J. W. George Ivany Internationalization Award - Dr. Jeremy (Jerry) Haigh a
professor at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) began at the
University of Saskatchewan in 1975. He has developed, and helped to sustain,
a course entitled "Uganda Wildlife Rotation," which allows students from the
WCVM to undertake a rare educational opportunity abroad. Dr. Haigh's
activities in other parts of the world have included work with deer on four
continents making sure that best practices in animal care and herd
management are shared across borders and between communities. (This award
recognizes outstanding contributions by a member of the University's
academic or administrative staff in furthering the process of
internationalization at the U of S. It is named after President George
Ivany, during whose tenure of presidency the University formalized its
commitment to internationalization.)
Outreach and Public Service Award - Ernest (Ernie) Walker is a professor of
archaeology and biological anthropology at the U of S. Dr. Walker's research
interests in the Great Plains and its people led him to be a strong
proponent for the establishment of Wanuskewin Heritage Park. He has been
involved at the Park since its inception and he has also been a committed
spokesperson for aboriginal interests in archaeological sites across the
province. As an RCMP Special Constable, he also works to help find clues
critical to solving crimes. (This award recognizes a faculty member who has
made an outstanding effort to further the University of Saskatchewan's
extension and public service mission, thereby extending the University's
expertise to the wider community.)
President's Service Award - For all but her first two years of service,
Norma McBain has held a key position as Administrative Assistant in the
University Secretary's Office co-ordinating activities for the senior
governance bodies of the University - dealing closely with the Chancellor,
Board of Governors, Senate, University Council, and student government
representatives. She has been known across campus as a solid, dependable
authority who has a vast amount of corporate memory about the University,
its traditions and its official policies and procedures. (This award was
established to recognize exceptional contributions by non-academic staff at
the University of Saskatchewan.)
Full citations, biographical notes and photographs are also available at
www.usask.ca/communications/awards
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For more information, please contact:
Erin Taman
University Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6919
Email: erin.taman@usask.ca
Website: www.usask.ca/communications
October 18, 2005
U of S Team Develops New Method to Predict Adult Height in Children
Posted October 18, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Tuesday, October 18, 2005 2005-10-11-KIN
U of S Team Develops New Method to Predict Adult Height in Children
Have you ever wondered how tall your child is going to be? University of
Saskatchewan kinesiology researchers have developed a new method to predict
the adult height of healthy children.
Research group leader Adam Baxter-Jones, Lauren Sherar, and Bob Mirwald
presented their novel, non-intrusive, inexpensive method of predicting the
adult height of healthy children between the ages of eight and 16 in this
month's issue of the Journal of Pediatrics.
"Everyone has always been interested in how tall a child is going to grow,"
says Baxter-Jones. "This was curiosity-driven science for curiosity-driven
parents."
To predict a child's adult height, their age, height, sitting height and
weight are entered into the group's formula. A simple online tool for this
purpose is on the web at http://www.usask.ca/kinesiology/research_index.php.
The prediction method is the first to take into account the child's stage of
growth. Their formula is based on the height measurements of 224 boys and
120 girls. Individuals were classified as early, average or late maturers
depending on the age they reached their adolescent growth spurt or peak
height velocity.
The team sees an abundance of real world applications for the prediction
method. Although Baxter-Jones says curious parents will be the most likely
to use the tool, as a kinesiologist, he hopes coaches and other health
professionals working with children will be able to take advantage of the
method for talent identification in their athletes.
"Knowing the height of a child is going to help with sport placement," says
Baxter-Jones. "I don't want to say this is absolute because I don't want to
predict that someone's going to be 6'2" and they end up being 5'8" and they
put all their eggs in one basket and join volleyball. But it has the
potential to give the coach a broad indication of where the child is going
to end up and therefore, for talent identification, it could be extremely
useful."
The most common prediction technique, which measures skeletal age through
wrist X-rays, is expensive and incurs radiation exposure. Another method,
which uses a measure of parental height, is susceptible to error and cannot
be used when one of the parents is not available.
"Although the previous methods did predict adult height, ours is much more
applicable and easier to use," says Sherar, who wrote the paper as a
master's student under Baxter-Jones.
The U of S method can predict adult height within + 5.35 centimetres 95 per
cent of the time in boys and + 6.81 centimetres 95 per cent of the time in
girls.
But the group cautions that to obtain this degree of accuracy, correct
protocols of measuring sitting height, standing height and weight need to be
followed. The study is also meant for healthy children, free of any
growth-limiting diseases.
In addition, the U of S prediction method has been developed and validated
on primarily Caucasian boys and girls. Future work will validate this method
using data from other ethnic populations.
The work draws on more than 40 years of data collected by the Saskatchewan
Childhood Growth and Development (SCGD) research group at the College of
Kinesiology. The SCGD has undertaken two longitudinal studies of growth,
dating back to 1964. Data from these two studies was used to develop
equations that predict a child's biological maturity and, from this, their
adult height.
Baxter-Jones' study is a part of his work with the U of S obesity human
health research group. These groups have been established through a funding
partnership between the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation and the
University of Saskatchewan.
The research is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research
(CIHR) and the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF).
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Adam Baxter-Jones
Associate Professor
College of Kinesiology
University of Saskatchewan
baxter.jones@usask.ca
(306) 966-1078
http://www.usask.ca/kinesiology/faculty_index.php?id=2
David Hutton
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6490
Dave.Hutton@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research
October 14, 2005
Honorary and Earned Degree Recipients Announced at U of S
Posted October 14, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 14, 2005 2005-10-10-OTHER
Honorary and Earned Degree Recipients Announced at U of S
Today, the University of Saskatchewan announced the latest recipients of
honorary and earned degrees. They will be presented at Fall Convocation on
October 22, 2005 in Saskatoon.
An honorary degree will be awarded to Martha Piper, President of the
University of British Columbia.
Dr. Piper is an inspiring speaker and outstanding role model. She was
appointed President of the University of British Columbia in 1997, a
position she currently holds. At her appointment to a second term as
president in 2002, the UBC Chair noted that "Martha Piper has provided
unprecedented leadership that extends throughout our campuses, our
community, our province and our country... In particular, she has forcefully
advocated for such path-breaking national programs as the Canada Research
Chair. At the same time, her advocacy for increased federal support of the
social sciences has raised awareness that a knowledge economy can only
thrive with support from the pillars of civil society." She is a nationally
respected voice on higher education.
"Dr. Piper is a president whose vision is global and whose influence has
benefited higher education in Canada as a whole," said U of S President,
Peter MacKinnon. "Dr. Piper has certainly created an increased awareness of
the benefits of the knowledge economy and the need for increased support for
post-secondary programs across Canada."
Dr. Piper will receive an honorary doctor of laws on October 22 at 9:00 a.m.
at the Centennial Auditorium, Saskatoon.
An earned degree will be presented to professor of chemical engineering,
Ding-Yu Peng.
Dr. Peng is the co-developer of the Peng-Robinson equation of state, which
is used worldwide by the petroleum industry and is featured in most chemical
engineering thermodynamics textbooks. He became a faculty member in Chemical
Engineering at the U of S in 1984 and achieved full professorship in 1988.
His research focuses on the development of environmentally friendly
processes and improved products for the oil and gas industry.
"Dr. Peng's expertise is noted around the globe and he has a solid
reputation because of his outstanding research and work ethic," said
MacKinnon. "Professor Peng is very devoted to his research but also to his
teaching career and his students - making him an excellent choice for an
earned degree."
Dr. Peng will receive an earned doctor of science on October 22 at 9:00 a.m.
at the Centennial Auditorium, Saskatoon.
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For complete biographies and pictures, please contact University
Communications at (306) 966-6607.
For more information, please contact:
Lea Pennock
University Secretary
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-4635
Erin Taman
University Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6919
Email: erin.taman@usask.ca
October 13, 2005
U of S Research Suggests Marijuana Analogue Stimulates Brain Cell Growth
Posted October 13, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Thursday, October 13, 2005
2005-10-07-ME
U of S Research Suggests Marijuana Analogue Stimulates Brain Cell Growth
A synthetic substance similar to ones found in marijuana stimulates cell
growth in regions of the brain associated with anxiety and depression,
pointing the way for new treatments for these diseases, according to
University of Saskatchewan medical research published today in The Journal
of Clinical Investigation.
Xia Zhang, an associate professor in the U of S neuropsychiatry research
unit, led the team that tested the effects of HU-210, a potent synthetic
cannabinoid similar to a group of compounds found in marijuana. The
synthetic version is about 100 times as powerful as THC, the compound
responsible for the high experienced by recreational users.
The team found that rats treated with HU-210 on a regular basis showed
neurogenesis - the growth of new brain cells in the hippocampus. This region
of the brain is associated with learning and memory, as well as anxiety and
depression.
The effect is the opposite of most legal and illicit drugs such as alcohol,
nicotine, heroin, and cocaine.
"Most 'drugs of abuse' suppress neurogenesis," Zhang says. "Only marijuana
promotes neurogenesis."
Current theory states that depression may be sparked when too few new brain
cells are grown in the hippocampus. It is unclear whether anxiety is part of
this process, but if true, HU-210 could offer a treatment for both mood
disorders by stimulating the growth of new brain cells.
But Zhang cautions that HU-210 is only one of many cannabinoids. His
previous work with marijuana shows that while the plant may contain
medicinal compounds, they come in the same package as those that cause
symptoms such as acute memory impairment, addiction, and withdrawal. Also,
the HU-210 used in the study is highly purified.
"This is a very potent cannabinoid oil," Zhang says. "It's not something
that would be available on the street."
Marijuana has been used for recreational and medicinal purposes for
centuries, evoking public interest and controversy along the way. As a
medicine, the plant is used to ease pain in multiple sclerosis patients,
combat nausea in cancer patients, and stimulate appetite in people afflicted
with AIDS. It has also been used to treat epilepsy and stroke.
Zhang's work is the latest product of the U of S Neural Systems and
Plasticity Research Group (http://www.usask.ca/neuralsystems/group.htm), a
multidisciplinary effort by researchers from the Colleges of Arts and
Science, Engineering, Kinesiology, Medicine, Pharmacy and Nutrition, and
Veterinary Medicine. The group collaborates to study the function of neural
systems, from nerves to brain, in living organisms. In particular, they look
at how these systems change over time with experience.
Zhang's research is supported by a grant from the Canadian Institutes of
Health Research (CIHR), and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan
as well as a CIHR New Investigator Award. The Saskatchewan Health Research
Foundation provided funding support to establish the Neural Systems and
Plasticity Research Group, as well as post-doctoral fellowship awards to
research team members Wen Jiang and Shao-Ping Ji.
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For more information, contact:
Michael Robin
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2427
michael.robin@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research
Xia Zhang
Neuropsychiatry Research Unit
Department of Psychiatry
College of Medicine
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2288
zhangxia@duke.usask.ca
Lisa Kalynchuk
Member, Neural Systems and Plasticity Research Group
Canada Research Chair in Behavioural Neuroscience
Department of Psychology
College of Arts and Science
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2920
lisa.kalynchuk@usask.ca
Members of U of S Community Receive Saskatchewan Order of Merit
Posted October 13, 2005
Lieutenant Governor Dr. Lynda Haverstock announced the names of 12
recipients of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit on October 11. Six recipients
have strong ties to the University of Saskatchewan as alumni and several are
also faculty members.
They are: Freda Ahenakew, Maria Campbell, Dr. James Dosman, Dr. Bryan
Harvey, John (Frank) Roy, and Dr. Aruna (Annu) Thakur.
For more information, refer to the official news release:
http://www.gov.sk.ca/newsrel/releases/2005/10/11-918.html
October 12, 2005
U of S Researchers Receive New Health Research Grants
Posted October 12, 2005
The following news release was issued by the Government of Canada.Government of Canada Highlights The Recipients of 21 New Health Research Grants Worth $4.1 Million For Saskatchewan
SASKATOON (October 12, 2005) - The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Ujjal Dosanjh, Minister of Health, highlighted today along with Dr. Alan Bernstein, President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the recipients of an investment of more than $4.1 million to fund health research in Saskatchewan.
For more information, refer to the official news release:
http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/29305.html.
October 11, 2005
U of S Requests Judicial Review of Job Evaluation Decision
Posted October 11, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 11, 2005
2005-10-06-OTHER
U of S Requests Judicial Review of Job Evaluation Decision
Saskatoon, SK... Today the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) initiated an
application for judicial review of the controversial arbitration decision
relating to Job Evaluation (JE). That decision ordered the parties - CUPE
1975 and the U of S - to return to a process underway for over 7 years,
which had reached an impasse in 2003. The U of S believes the arbitrator
erred in concluding that despite the parties reaching an impasse, they must
return to the same process.
The University contends that the process was fundamentally flawed from its
inception and that the objectives are not achievable within the current JE
committee structure. In addition, in paragraph 148 of the Decision, the
arbitrator stated that "the cobbling of ratings, as undertaken by the JESC,
was not something that was within the authority of the JESC and therefore
the U of S was correct in objecting to participate in this exercise".
Subsequent to this ruling, the union has indicated that they will continue
to pursue 'cobbling' and we believe this is not in the best interest of our
employees.
"We are committed to settling this long-standing issue through the
bargaining process," said Barb Daigle, associate vice-president (Human
Resources), U of S, in announcing the application for judicial review of the
decision.
"At the end of the day, the University would be negotiating with the same
people - whether at the bargaining table or the Job Evaluation Steering
Committee - and with the same amount of money available to achieve a new
Collective Agreement that is consistent with our stated strategic goals."
The University is still prepared to spend the planned four per cent on
equity adjustments, and has already spent a considerable amount of it to
bring the most seriously underpaid employees up to appropriate levels.
"Settling this issue at the bargaining table once and for all will ensure
that the remaining funds, and any new money available to support this round
of bargaining is put to the best use - on people, not process," Daigle
added. "In the meantime, bargaining continues, with dates set for October
18, 19, 20 in Saskatoon and October 24, 25 and 26 in Regina, where we hope
to come to a resolution."
The University, in its multi-year integrated plan, has established an
overall strategic plan for the future, which is critical to the
institution's long-term success. In tandem, the Human Resources Division
supports these goals with its plan to align terms and conditions of
employment with the strategic goals of the University, to help meet the
University's changing priorities.
You can read the Integrated Plan: Renewing the Dream at http://www.usask.ca
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For more information, contact:
Kathy M. Hollands, ABC
Communications, Human Resources Division
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 955-4571 or 966-6285
Cell: (306) 270-9631
October 06, 2005
University of Saskatchewan Students Get a Back to School Gift from TD Bank Financial Group
Posted October 06, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 6, 2005 2005-10-03-OTHER
University of Saskatchewan Students Get a Back to School Gift from TD Bank
Financial Group
Saskatoon, SK (October 6, 2005) - The University of Saskatchewan received a
gift of $350,000 today from TD Bank Financial Group (TDBFG) for its Thinking
the World of Our Future campaign. The donation will fund the creation of
the Aboriginal Graduate Scholarship and the TD Bank Financial Group Bursary
in Science.
"TD strongly believes that supporting education is one of the best ways to
make a difference in the lives of young Canadians, here in Saskatoon and
across the country," said Bernie Dorval, Co-Chair TD Canada Trust and
Executive Vice President TD Bank Financial Group. "In recognition of TD's
150th and Saskatchewan's Centennial anniversary, we are pleased to provide a
gift that will assist students in meeting their educational goals and
achieving their fullest potential."
The $350,000 commitment from TDBFG will be used to support undergraduate
students pursing a Bachelor of Science degree, and Aboriginal graduate
students starting a Masters or PhD in Education.
A total of three bursaries will be given out each year, worth $2,300 each,
to upper year undergraduate Science students. The value of the Aboriginal
Graduate Scholarship will be determined on a year-to-year basis according to
the financial need of the applicants.
Heather Magotiaux, University of Saskatchewan Vice President, Advancement,
thanked TD Bank Financial Group for their generous contribution to the
University of Saskatchewan's campaign. "We are delighted TD Bank has
recognized our great strength in a broad range of science studies and in the
area of Aboriginal education. The University of Saskatchewan has more
Aboriginal students than any other university in Canada. Efforts to increase
the number of Aboriginal students pursuing graduate studies are especially
welcomed."
Financial awards for undergraduate and graduate students are top priorities
within the University of Saskatchewan's Thinking the World of our Future
campaign. As of September 1, the campaign total stands at more than
$86-million.
About TD Bank Financial Group Community Giving
Marking 150 years of supporting Canadian communities in 2005, TD Bank
Financial Group's Community Giving program supports education, health and
the environment, with a focus on children and youth. TD sponsors four
flagship community programs - TD Canadian Children's Book Week, TD Canada
Trust Scholarships for Community Leadership, the Children's Miracle Network
and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation - as well as a host of
national, regional and local children's programs across Canada.
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For more information contact:
Susan Burton
Campaign Communications Officer
University of Saskatchewan
(306)966-1851
Jennifer Martin
External Communications
Corporate and Public Affairs,
TD Bank Financial Group
(416)308-6473
U of S Psychology Professor Named Champion of Mental Health
Posted October 06, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Thursday, October 6, 2005
2005-10-04-AR
U of S Psychology Professor Named Champion of Mental Health
University of Saskatchewan medical anthropologist James Waldram has been
named a Champion of Mental Health by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness
and Mental Health (CAMIMH) for his work in understanding Aboriginal mental
health.
The only university-based researcher to be named as a Champion this year,
Waldram shares the podium with fellow Champions federal health minister
Ujjal Dosanjh, TV personality Vicki Gabereau, Senator Romeo Dallaire, mental
health court judge Ted Ormston, and Bill Wilkerson, co-founder and CEO of
the Global and Business Economic Roundtable on Addiction and Mental Health.
"For a researcher working in this field, it is hard to imagine receiving a
more important award," Waldram says. "I'm very appreciative that my work has
been selected for recognition alongside that of such well-known and
politically important figures in Canada."
The award was presented at a ceremony at Ottawa's Chateau Laurier as part of
Mental Illness Awareness Week from October 3-10. It recognizes Waldram's
research and publications in the area of Aboriginal health and his
significant contributions to the understanding of culture in psychiatry,
psychology, and anthropology.
Waldram's work has brought to light historical misunderstanding of
Aboriginal cultures that have had a negative effect on mental health, and
illuminated how mental health within the context of culture can be
understood. He is currently working on sabbatical leave from the U of S at
the University of California - Los Angeles.
"This national award recognizes the outstanding calibre of Professor
Waldram's work as well as the University's commitment to Aboriginal health
research," says Steven Franklin, U of S Vice-President Research. "This
research is particularly important for Saskatchewan, which is home to the
highest Aboriginal population in Canada."
Waldram's scholarly work includes articles on Aboriginal spirituality in
prisons, group therapy among Aboriginal psychiatric patients, and the
effectiveness of traditional medicines. He has written three books in this
area: Revenge of the Windigo, The Way of the Pipe: Aboriginal Spirituality
and Symbolic Healing in Canadian Prisons, and Aboriginal Health in Canada:
Historical, Cultural and Epidemiological Perspectives.
"Waldram's research and the resulting books, articles and lectures, have had
a significant impact on the way in which the mental health of Aboriginal
cultures should be understood and how historically misunderstandings of
these cultures have occurred much to the detriment of their mental health,"
said CAMIMH national director Philip Upshaw.
CAMIMH (www.camimh) is an alliance serving the interests of mental health
organizations, the mentally ill, and their families. Members include the
Canadian Medical Association, Canadian Psychological Association, Canadian
Psychiatric Association, Canadian Mental Health Association, and the
Canadian Native Mental Health Association. The alliance, formed in 1998,
works to ensure mental health issues are placed on the national agenda so
the mentally ill and their families receive access to appropriate care and
support.
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For more information, contact:
Michael Robin
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2427
michael.robin@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research
October 04, 2005
U of S Researcher Receives Over $3 Million to Study Genomics of Cold Tolerance in Cereal Crops
Posted October 04, 2005
The following news release was issued by Genome Canada.Saskatchewan Researcher Receives Over $3 Million to Study Genomics of Cold Tolerance in Cereal Crops
SASKATOON, Saskatchewan - October 4, 2005 - The Government of Canada, through Genome Canada, will contribute more than $3 million toward a $6-million genomics research project at the University of Saskatchewan, announced Ralph Goodale, Minister of Finance.
For more information, refer to the official news release:
http://www.genomecanada.ca/GCmedia/communiquesPresse/indexDetails.asp?id=474&l=e
