November 30, 2007
University of Saskatchewan Appoints Provost and Vice-President Academic
Posted November 30, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 30, 2007
2007-11-22-OTHER
The University of Saskatchewan (U of S) has announced the appointment of Dr. Brett Fairbairn as Provost and Vice-President Academic effective July 1, 2008.
Fairbairn, who will assume the role from Acting Provost and Vice-President Academic Dr. Ernie Barber, is a U of S alumnus and currently a professor and Department Head of History at the U of S. He is a Rhodes Scholar and has published extensively in cooperatives, German history and higher education.
"Brett brings to this position an exceptional level of familiarity with the University of Saskatchewan gained over the years, starting with his time as a student and continuing through his stellar academic career," said U of S President Peter MacKinnon. "His current positions as head of the Department of History as well as Chair of University Council contribute, I think, to the kind of perspective that will ensure his success as provost. I look forward to working closely with Brett as this University moves into its second Integrated Planning cycle, and beyond."
In his role as Provost and Vice-President Academic, Fairbairn will be the senior academic, planning, and budget officer at the University of Saskatchewan.
A native of Winnipeg and the son of journalists, Fairbairn grew up in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. He earned a BA in History from the U of S in 1981, serving as president of the U of S Students' Union during his studies. Oxford University awarded him a BA Honours in Modern History in 1984 and a D.Phil., also in Modern History, in 1988. Fairbairn has published extensively on co-operatives, German history and higher education and, as a strong believer in the duty of citizens to participate in volunteer organizations, has held many leadership roles in Saskatoon and Saskatchewan.
Located in the heart of Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan is one of the leading medical doctoral universities in Canada. With 58 degrees, diplomas and certificates in over 100 areas of study, the University is uniquely positioned in the areas of human, animal and plant studies. World-class research facilities, renowned faculty and award winning students make the U of S a leader in post-secondary education.
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For additional information, contact:
Patty Martin, Community and Media Relations Specialist
University Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Telephone (306) 966-6919
November 27, 2007
CUPE 1975 Says No to Universities' Offer
Posted November 27, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 27, 2007
2007-11-20-OTHER
In a secret ballot held on Monday in Regina and Tuesday in Saskatoon, CUPE 1975 has rejected the University of Saskatchewan/University of Regina offer.
“We are disappointed, as the strike by our employees who are CUPE 1975 members will continue,” said University of Saskatchewan President, Peter MacKinnon. “On Friday, the Universities will meet with the conciliator to discuss next steps. We will continue to do our best to mitigate the impact of the strike on students and others who rely on University services.”
The University is reviewing its longer-term contingency plan for implementation. Decisions will be made available in the near future about how operations will continue.
Details of the offer are available at http://www.usask.ca/hrd/memos/docs/cupe1975_final_offer_cba_nov21_2007.pdf
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For additional information contact:
Lori Auchstaetter
Human Resources
University of Saskatchewan
Telephone (306) 966-6278 or (306) 291-7274
November 22, 2007
Universities Increase Offer to CUPE 1975 by over One Million Dollars
Posted November 22, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 22, 2007
2007-11-15-OTHER
After two days of conciliation, the Union has agreed to the University of Saskatchewan and University of Regina's request to take our 'Final Offer' to the membership for a vote. The Universities' offer has been increased by over one million dollars in one-time payments and included compromises on the two outstanding issues.
"We are pleased with this progress and believe that our CUPE employees should have the opportunity to consider the Universities' offer," said Barb Daigle, Associate Vice President, Human Resources University of Saskatchewan. "We want a Collective Agreement. We want to have our employees back at work. We want to ensure the continuation of our students' academic programming. We were faced with two choices: non-binding mediation or a vote by the members. We chose the democratic process of taking this to the members for a vote because mediation has the potential to continue indefinitely and does not meet our goal of reaching an agreement as quickly as possible."
The offer is an overall increase to the average CUPE member of 16.5% plus one-time money. The difference from the first offer (17%) is in the 0.5% of payroll offered to the benefits funding if the Union committed to discussions about benefit plan design. The Union would not agree to those discussions. As a compromise the Universities have offered unique solutions for each university. At the U of S the offer includes adding $100,000 in one-time benefits money to the existing plan surplus.
"The total one-time money over the life of the agreement is now over $2,000,000," Daigle added. "We hope that our CUPE employees will review the information on our website to understand how the offer affects them on an individual basis and exercise their democratic right to vote."
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Please refer to the HR website for our complete proposals at http://www.usask.ca/hrd/
For more information contact:
Lori Auchstaetter
Human Resources
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 792-7274
November 21, 2007
Perrins Joins School of Public Policy
Posted November 21, 2007
REGINA—Premier-designate Brad Wall today announced that Dan Perrins has been appointed Special Advisor to the Government of Saskatchewan and will also join the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy as an Executive-in-Residence, an appointment confirmed by the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan this past week.
For more information, go to: http://www.skcaucus.com
University of Saskatchewan Professor Receives 2008 National Aboriginal Achievement Award
Posted November 21, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 21, 2007
2007-11-13-ED
Dr. Marie Ann Battiste, scholar and senior tenured professor at the College of Education at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S), has been named a recipient of the 2008 National Aboriginal Achievement Award, for her work in the field of education.
Dr. Battiste, also the Academic Director of the University's Aboriginal Educational Research Centre and co-director of the national Aboriginal Learning and Knowledge Centre, is an acknowledged leader in Indigenous education. Her books, essays and collective works have influenced educational thought and practice, and she is deeply committed to Aboriginal knowledge, learning, and anti-racism.
"The 2008 award recipients have transformed their knowledge and experience into outstanding achievement" said Roberta Jamieson, CEO of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation. "We invite all Canadians and the world to join us in recognizing these extraordinary individuals who have contributed so much to the greater society around them."
Dr. Battiste, along with 13 other winners in various award categories, will be honoured at an event in Toronto's Sony Centre for the Performing Arts on March 7, 2008. The awards will be televised on the Global and APTN television networks. Dr. Battiste is the fifth individual from the University of Saskatchewan to win a National Aboriginal Achievement Award.
Located in the heart of Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan is a leading medical doctoral university in Canada. With 58 degrees, diplomas and certificates in over 100 areas of study, the University is uniquely positioned in the areas of human, animal and plant studies. World-class research facilities, renowned faculty and award winning students make the U of S a leader in post-secondary education.
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For more information, contact:
Yvonne Vizina
Associate Director, Aboriginal Education Research Centre
College of Education
University of Saskatchewan
Telephone (306) 966-1361
November 16, 2007
Conciliation Meetings Scheduled
Posted November 16, 2007
The conciliator has called the University of Saskatchewan and CUPE 1975 back to the bargaining table. Conciliation meetings begin on Tuesday, November 20 and have been scheduled for two days.
For additional information, contact:
Lori Auchstaetter
Human Resources
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 291-7274
November 15, 2007
CUPE Says 'NO' to Discussions
Posted November 15, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 15, 2007
2007-11-11-OTHER
The University of Saskatchewan conducted an exploratory discussion with the conciliator yesterday. Through him the U of S proposed that the Union's negotiator and the Universities' negotiator meet with the conciliator to review the status of the issues and discuss ways to move forward. The conciliator informed us that the Union rejected this suggestion.
"We are concerned about the Union's public statements that they are ready to return to bargaining when they have made no request to do so, have proposed no new ideas, have not asked to resume the conciliation process and refuse to agree to a discussion between negotiators about the status of issues separating CUPE and the Universities," said Barb Daigle, Associate Vice President, Human Resources at the U of S. "The Universities are committed to reaching an agreement with CUPE and putting an end to this dispute."
The University asked the conciliator to attempt to find out from CUPE what ideas they may have for addressing the issues. The University is waiting for the conciliator's advice as to what other options might exist.
"The Union has publicly expressed its interest in resolving the strike and bargaining an agreement," Daigle added. "Its actions do not appear to be consistent with that message. There are two outstanding issues that we need to address. We are confident that a solution exists and we want an opportunity to resume discussions."
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For more information please contact:
Lori Auchstaetter
Human Resources
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 291-7274
November 14, 2007
Lack of Essential Services for Patient Care by CUPE
Posted November 14, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 14, 2007
2007-11-10-OTHER
Hundreds of patients requiring care next week could see service delays and possible postponements as the CUPE strike enters its second week.
"The number one priority for us during this labour dispute is patient safety and care," said Dr. Bill Albritton, Dean of the College of Medicine. "We will continue to work with the Saskatoon Health Region to ensure that patients receive up-to-date information on cancellations or postponements and that they continue to have access to our services on a limited basis," said Albritton.
CUPE members, who are responsible for scheduling patients for cancer treatment and surgical procedures, and providing health services to patients in areas such as family medicine, pediatrics, ophthalmology, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, internal medicine subspecialties and anaesthesia, are off the job. This labour disruption is having a severe impact on the maintenance of services at these facilities.
"The University's efforts to negotiate essential services for patient care have been largely unsuccessful," said Associate Vice President Human Resources, Barb Daigle. "Reduced patient care is the result, and we are hugely disappointed. We continue to work with CUPE to find a resolution to this situation. In the meantime, the College of Medicine is doing everything possible to maintain health services for high risk patients."
149 University of Saskatchewan employees who are members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) work at the Royal University Hospital (RUH), Eye Centre at the Saskatoon City Hospital (SCH), and Westwinds Primary Health Centre.
Patients who have scheduled appointments or procedures for this week should proceed as planned unless contacted by the providing physicians' office. We will continue to monitor the situation.
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For more information please contact:
Lori Auchstaetter
Human Resources
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 291-7274
November 13, 2007
University of Saskatchewan Department of Music To Host High School Band Festival
Posted November 13, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -November 13, 2007
2007-11-08-AR
Unifest, an annual music festival for high school students organized by the Department of Music at the University of Saskatchewan's (U of S) College of Arts and Science, will take place on campus November 15-17. Over 4,000 students and teachers will attend this year's event. Students will perform, attend workshops and clinics, and hear performances by internationally recognized artist-teachers.
Recent U of S music education graduate Paul Suchan, now teaching music at his former high school, will bring his North Battleford Comprehensive band members. "I went to Unifest when I was in grade 10 and it was very motivational," he says. "I heard the jazz band perform, and I thought, that's it, I want to do that."
Unifest provides the U of S Department of Music with an opportunity to share its expertise and love of music with high school students and teachers as well. The Jazz Ensemble will be performing at Unifest on Thursday, November 15 at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. in Quance Theatre (Education building, University of Saskatchewan). The Wind Orchestra and Greystone Singers will perform together on Friday, November 16 at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., also in Quance Theatre.
The U of S Department of Music has launched three new CDs by student ensembles this year: Lilium with the University of Saskatchewan Wind Orchestra under the direction of Glen Gillis; Bumper Crop IV with Jazz Ensemble I under the direction of Dean McNeill and Mark DeJong; and In the Greystone Tradition Vol. 2 with the Greystone Singers under the direction of Gerald Langner. The CDs will be on sale at Unifest and copies are also available from the Department of Music, by calling (306) 966-6171.
"The CD recording projects provide students with a valuable musical learning experience," explains Dean McNeill, head of the U of S Department of Music. "Through the recording process, students' perceptions of what they sound like, as individuals and as an ensemble, are challenged, clarified and ultimately refined."
Located in the heart of Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan is one of the leading medical doctoral universities in Canada. With 58 degrees, diplomas and certificates in over 100 areas of study, the University is uniquely positioned in the areas of human, animal and plant studies. World-class research facilities, renowned faculty and award winning students make the U of S a leader in post-secondary education.
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For more information, contact:
Penny McKinlay
Communications Specialist
College of Arts and Science
University of Saskatchewan
Telephone (306) 966-1982
November 06, 2007
U of S and CUPE 1975 Agree to Provision of Some Essential Services
Posted November 06, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 6, 2007
2007-11-06-OTHER
After an initial meeting and multiple discussions, the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) and CUPE 1975 have succeeded in reaching a limited agreement about the provision of essential services during this labour disruption.
"We wish it were more, but we will work with what has been offered," said Associate Vice President, Barb Daigle. "At the end of the day it's up to CUPE which essential services they will provide."
The priorities for the U of S remain the health and safety of students, patients, staff, and animals. Essential services refer to such things as keeping the heating plant running for heat, light and water, especially for the hospital; medical research, and the provision of health services.
"In Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences the Union will provide one technician to ensure that any existing cycles can be safely completed," Daigle added. "Other areas include the provision of two technicians to take care of critical needs in the Animal Resource Centre."
About 20 CUPE members have been offered and this is helpful. The University appreciates CUPE's efforts on this issue at the University of Saskatchewan.
The University is working closely with the Saskatoon Health Region to limit the impact of this labour disruption on patients and the provision of health services.
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Additional information can be viewed at www.blogs.usask.ca/updates. An information line has been created at 966-6510.
For additional information contact:
Lori Auchstaetter
Human Resources
University of Saskatchewan
Tel (306) 966-6278 or (306) 291-7274
November 01, 2007
University of Saskatchewan Moves to Stop Harassment by CUPE 1975 in the Workplace
Posted November 01, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 1, 2007
2007-11-03-OTHER
In the past 24 hours, several employees have come forward to express their concern over alleged harassing, bullying and threatening behaviour by some CUPE 1975 employees towards those who do not agree with job action.
"Ensuring a safe and respectful workplace is everyone's responsibility," said Associate Vice President of Human Resources, Barb Daigle. "While we fully recognize and support the rights of our employees to engage in job action, the University has an obligation to provide a safe work environment. We will take complaints received seriously and investigate them fully."
Bullying, harassing and making threats are in violation of the Occupational Health and Safety and Trade Union legislation, University policy and CUPE's own Collective Agreement.
"This behaviour is appalling and will not be tolerated," Barb added. "When members of the Union are told that their failure to participate in job action will result in consequences such as threats of physical harm, dismissal from their employment at the U of S, garnishment of their wages, and so on, we will take steps to put a stop to this."
The University is asking employees who have been subject to harassing behaviour to contact their supervisor who has a legal duty to respond to the complaint, and/or contact Campus Safety at 966-5555; Human Resources at 966-6270; Department of Health, Safety and Environment at 966-8463; Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Services at 966-4936, or Employee Assistance Program at 966-4300.
The University's priorities remain the health and safety of our students, staff, patients and animals. We intend to operate normally as much and as long as possible and minimize any disruptions for our students. In the meantime, CUPE has agreed to meet with the University to discuss the provision of essential services.
For current updates please check blogs.usask.ca/updates or call the information line at 966-6510.
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For additional information contact:
Lori Auchstaetter
Human Resources
University of Saskatchewan
Telephone (306) 966-6278 or (306) 291-7274
U of S Appoints Special Advisor on Aboriginal Initiatives
Posted November 01, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 1, 2007
2007-11-01-OTHER
University of Saskatchewan President Peter MacKinnon today announced the appointment of Joan Greyeyes to the position of Special Advisor on Aboriginal Initiatives.
"Ms. Greyeyes is a University of Saskatchewan alumnus with proven expertise in empowering partnerships for First Nations people to work collaboratively with corporate industry and business alliances," said President MacKinnon. "As a First Nations senior executive, Ms. Greyeyes brings to the University significant experience working with corporate and Aboriginal relations and engaging stakeholders in partnerships that lead to effective co-management relationships."
Ms. Greyeyes earned a Bachelor of Education degree, a Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Administration and a Master of Education degree, all from the University of Saskatchewan. She has most recently worked as a consultant on education, health and governance with the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and as the Director of Education with the Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta. From 1992 to 1995, Ms. Greyeyes was the Director of the Aboriginal Student Centre at the University of Saskatchewan.
The Special Advisor on Aboriginal Initiatives function identifies, initiates and develops University-wide initiatives that support the Conceptual Framework for Aboriginal Initiatives both on and off campus. The position is responsible for communicating the University's core vision on Aboriginal inclusion and for the promotion and delivery of programs and services that support Aboriginals across the University.
Ms. Greyeyes takes up her responsibilities as Special Advisor on Aboriginal Initiatives November 1, 2007.
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For more information, contact:
Susan Bertolo
Assistant to the President
University of Saskatchewan
Telephone: (306) 966-6620
