March 31, 2009
U of S Prof Co-Authored Book Shortlisted for Prestigious Donner Prize
Posted March 31, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 31, 2009
2009-03-10-OTHER
A provocative new book on Canada’s Arctic sovereignty challenges – co-authored by University of Saskatchewan political scientist Greg Poelzer – has been selected as one of five finalists for the prestigious Donner Prize for best book on Canadian public policy in 2008/09.
The five finalists from among the 69 submissions were announced today in Toronto by Allan Gotlieb, chair of the Donner Canadian Foundation. The winner will be announced at the 11th annual awards ceremony in Toronto on Thursday, April 30. The winner will receive $35,000, with $5,000 awarded to the other finalists.
“The Donner Prize annually rewards excellence and innovation in Canadian public policy writing, inspiring lively debate on public policy issues and rewarding provocative and excellent work that speaks to an informed readership and an open exchange of ideas and public debate,” said Gotlieb, in announcing the shortlist which also includes books on the islamic state, Canada Pension Plan, cities, and aboriginal cultural preservation.
U of S President Peter MacKinnon said, “Reaching the shortlist for the Donner Prize is a great achievement and it reflects the outstanding public policy work that is undertaken at the U of S on issues that Canadians think and care about.”
Poelzer and three other of Canada's leading Northern specialists – including former U of S dean of arts and science Ken Coates – have joined forces to write Arctic Front: Defending Canada in the Far North.
The book calls on Canadian leaders to take urgent action toward nation-building in the fragile, vital arctic region. The authors argue that Canadians and successive Canadian governments have been the least pro-active of all the circumpolar countries to establish an Arctic claim to off-shore resources, despite possessing exceptional claims for doing so.
“If Canada fails to capitalize on the human and economic resources of this vast region, we will be forced to defend this area from a position of grave weakness,” Poelzer says.
"With the polar ice cap melting at a rate faster than anyone had anticipated and with international interest in the rich resources of the Arctic basin waxing, the question of Arctic sovereignty will emerge as one of the most important policy problems facing our nation for the next generation."
Poelzer teaches political studies and native studies in the College of Arts and Science, served as founding dean of undergraduate studies for the virtual University of the Arctic, and now, as interim director of the new U of S International Centre for Governance and Development, is developing a research program on governance and development issues in the circumpolar North. He is also a member of the new Johnson-Shoyama School of Public Policy.
The three other co-authors are Ken Coates, Dean of Arts, University of Waterloo; Whitney Lackenbauer, assistant professor of history, University of Waterloo; and William Morrison, professor of history, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George. The book is published by Thomas Allen Publishers.
For a complete list and descriptions of the shortlisted books, visit: www.donnerbookprize.com
To read more about Poelzer’s thinking on Arctic sovereignty, visit U of S Explore magazine at: http://www.usask.ca/research/communications/explore/vol2no1/arctic-sovereignty-from-crisis-to-opportunity.php
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For further information, please contact:
Greg Poelzer
Associate Professor of Political Studies
College of Arts and Science
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-1607
greg.poelzer@usask.ca
Kathryn Warden
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
Debby De Groot (for the Donner Canadian Foundation)
Meisner, de Groot & Associates
(416) 363-1448
debby@mdgassociates.com
March 30, 2009
U of S Board Announces New Dean of Pharmacy and Nutrition
Posted March 30, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 30, 2009
2009-03-09-PH
The University of Saskatchewan Board of Governors has approved the appointment of Dr. David Hill as dean of the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition effective August 1, 2009.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Hill to the University of Saskatchewan,” said Brett Fairbairn, provost and vice-president academic. “He has demonstrated a clear commitment to teaching and research, and has played a key leadership role with respect to the pharmacy profession in Canada. His experience will be an asset to both the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition and the University of Saskatchewan.”
Dr. Hill, who is currently the executive director of the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs, earned a BSc in pharmacy, an MSc in clinical pharmacy and an MBA in business administration, all from the University of British Columbia. He went on receive an EdD in educational leadership from Brigham Young University.
The new dean was an assistant professor at UBC from 1980 to 1996 when he became an associate professor. He also served as that university’s associate dean of professional programs from 1994 to 2002. In 2002, Dr. Hill moved to the School of Pharmacy at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center to work as an associate professor and associate dean of administrative and clinical affairs, a position he held until 2006. During this period, he also worked as a faculty associate in the university’s Center for Bioethics and Humanities.
In addition to his current position with the body governing pharmacy program accreditation in Canada, Dr. Hill is the chair of the Blueprint for Pharmacy: Vision for Pharmacy task force, which created a strategic action plan for the future of the pharmacy profession in Canada.
The College of Pharmacy and Nutrition offers undergraduate and graduate programs in both disciplines. The joining of these two health science disciplines - pharmacy and nutrition - is unique in Canada, and provides opportunities for collaborations in teaching, research and service.
Not only does the college focus on teaching, with over 360 pharmacy and dietetics professionals serving as clinical instructors, but it also provides a wide range of research opportunities and professional services. The College of Pharmacy and Nutrition currently houses the Saskatchewan Drug Information Service, the Nutrition Resource and Volunteer Centre, the Continuing Professional Development for Pharmacists unit and the Pharmacy EduLab Program.
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For more information contact:
Patty Martin, Community and Media Relations Specialist
University Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Telephone: (306) 966-6919
Email: patty.martin@usask.ca
March 27, 2009
Province Awards $1.1 M for U of S Healthy River Ecosystem Research
Posted March 27, 2009
March 27, 2009 - A University of Saskatchewan project led by Canada Research Chair Monique Dubé will receive $1.142 million from the Saskatchewan government's Go Green Fund. The project known as THREATS (The Healthy River Ecosystem AssessmenT System) will create a database of information to track changes in and help manage Canadian watersheds, including those in Saskatchewan.
To view the complete release: http://www.gov.sk.ca/news?newsId=63279120-7164-49ad-ac4e-4e032a57498f
Additional information on the THREATS research group is available at: http://threats.usask.ca
March 19, 2009
University of Saskatchewan Crop Development Centre Researcher Honoured
Posted March 19, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 19, 2009
2009-03-07-AG
University of Saskatchewan agriculture professor Pierre Hucl is the new recipient of the W.J. White Professorship in the Department of Plant Sciences. Dr. Hucl, who succeeds Dr. D. Brian Fowler, will occupy the chair for a three-year term.
The W.J. White Professorship enables the holder to further his or her own research in plant sciences. Selection guidelines are based on excellence in research and contributions to Canadian and Saskatchewan agriculture. Full professors of the Department of Plant Sciences/Crop Development Centre (CDC) in the university’s College of Agriculture and Bioresources are eligible for the appointment.
Hucl was selected for the professorship based on his career as a spring wheat and canaryseed breeder with the CDC.
As a research scientist and professor with the CDC since 1990, Hucl has released 14 spring wheat varieties and three canaryseed varieties, and has acted as the co-developer on 18 various pulse, and spring wheat varieties. Among some of his releases are CDC Go and CDC Osler red spring wheat, and CDC Bastia and CDC Togo canaryseed.
In addition to his research activities, Hucl has been active in extension activities including industry meetings, telephone and radio interviews, field days and tours. He has also acted as supervisor, co-supervisor or committee member for more than 35 postgraduate students and undergraduate students.
He was honoured by the Saskatchewan Seed Growers Association with an honorary life membership in 2005.
The W.J. White Professorship was established in 1986 to honour William James White, former head of the Department of Field Husbandry (now the Department of Plant Sciences) and dean emeritus of the College of Agriculture.
White was well known for his early work with forage crops and sunflower breeding. He developed the first sunflower hybrid that was grown in both Manitoba and Texas, a variety that was one of the best in Texas for many years.
White was also instrumental in introducing rapeseed to Canadian farmers, the crop that is today known as canola. White was the first rapeseed breeder in North America, and is credited with having the foresight and skill for laying the groundwork for what is now one of Canada’s most valuable grain crops.
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, to request photos and to arrange interviews, contact:
Gloria Gingera, Communications Assistant
Department of Plant Sciences and Crop Development Centre
College of Agriculture and Bioresources
University of Saskatchewan
Telephone: (306) 966-4958
Email: gloria.gingera@usask.ca
March 17, 2009
U of S, Saskatoon Health Region and Royal University Hospital Unveil Children's Art Gallery in Pediatric Outpatient Department
Posted March 17, 2009
(March 17, 2009), Saskatoon – The Pediatrics Outpatient Department at Saskatoon’s Royal University Hospital has a new look. The Department, University of Saskatchewan and Saskatoon Health Region unveiled a new children’s art gallery in the department today.
For more information: http://www.saskatoonhealthregion.ca/news_you_need/media_centre/media/2009/news_031709.htm
USSU and University of Saskatchewan Announce Place Riel Renovation Project is Officially Underway
Posted March 17, 2009
(March 16, 2009) The front door to the University of Saskatchewan is about to get a major facelift.
The University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union (USSU) and the University of Saskatchewan are pleased to announce that a proposed $28.5 million renovation and expansion of the Place Riel Student Centre has received final approval by the University of Saskatchewan Board of Governors.
Work on the $28 million project, $22 million of which will be funded by the USSU, and $6 by the University of Saskatchewan, is scheduled to begin almost immediately.
“This is an exciting day not only for the USSU, but also for students who attend the University of Saskatchewan,” said Josie Steeves, USSU President. “This announcement marks the culmination of work that’s been going on for many years to have the Student Centre expanded and improved.”
‘There’s no way this could have happened without the hard work of many individuals and organizations who have partnered with the USSU,” said Steeves. “What’s most important is that the big winners from the project will be the University’s students, who can look forward to even better services in a state-of-the-art student facility.”
“The University of Saskatchewan wholeheartedly supports the USSU in this Place Riel renovation project,” said University of Saskatchewan Vice-President Finance and Resources Richard Florizone. “The USSU and the U of S share the common goal of enhancing the learning experience for all students.”
Renovations to the Student Centre are expected to begin in early April and continue until the project’s anticipated end date of October, 2010.
"Saunders Evans Plosker Wotherspoon Architects Inc. is extremely pleased that this project will be proceeding to construction following the University of Saskatchewan Board of Governors' approval,” said Project Manager Justin Wotherspoon. “The project approval is the climax of many years of hard work by the students, University stakeholders and the consultant team.”
“Our firm is very proud to now be able to move forward and to assist the students and the University in seeing this important project through to fruition," said Wotherspoon.
Other major highlights of the project include:
- Construction of a four-storey addition to Place Riel, resulting in the creation of approximately 3,200 sq. metres of office and meeting space. It is currently proposed that the top two floors of the new building will be devoted to a new University Health Centre, with space also allocated for student counseling services;
- Expansion of office and retail space to Upper and Lower Place Riel;
- Improvement to the main (south) entry doors into Place Riel, also known as the “University’s Front Door”.
- Addition of new services and businesses within the Place Riel Student Centre;
- Expansion to Upper Place Riel including a new University Student Council meeting chamber, a new USSU information and reception area, increased retail space and a reorganized seating area to enhance walking traffic flows.
- Revamped Lower Place Riel, resulting in an integrated food court, reorganized and expanded seating area, improved walking traffic flows, elimination of escalators, installation of an expanded staircase, and the addition of a new outdoor entry/exit area from Lower Place Riel.
“Construction activities relating to the renovation and addition will be taking place in an area that is recognized as having one of the highest traffic flows on campus,” said Mike Chyzowski, President of Quorex Construction and Place Riel Construction Manager.
“One of our focuses will be to minimize disruption and maintain these flows to the greatest extent possible during the period of construction.” Said Chyzowski.
Jeremy Ring, USSU V.P. Finance and Operations, said that one of the major aims during construction will be to make Place Riel as environmentally friendly as possible.
“Our aim will be to secure the highest possible LEED Certification,” said Ring. LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a green building rating system that provides standards for environmentally sustainable design.
“The focus on constructing a green, sustainable facility fits perfectly with our focus on serving the needs of students for the long term,” said Ring.
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For more information about the Place Riel Renovation project, please visit the project website at www.renewplaceriel.ca. For more information about this media release, please contact:
Josie Steeves
USSU President
University of Saskatchewan
Telephone: 966-6965
Tony Bassett
Communications Manager
University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union
University of Saskatchewan
Telephone: 966-6966
March 09, 2009
Handbook helps health care practitioners deal sensitively with survivors of childhood sexual abuse
Posted March 09, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 9, 2009
2009-03-02-ME
A Canadian research team has developed a handbook to help health care practitioners – from physicians to physical therapists – provide sensitive care for male and female adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Handbook on Sensitive Practice for Health Care Practitioners: Lessons from Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse outlines nine principles of practice that facilitate survivors’ sense of safety during health care encounters. The principles and guidelines are based on collaborative research with health care practitioners and adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Conservative estimates suggest that at least 20 percent of adult women and between five to 10 percent of adult men have a history of childhood sexual abuse. Many live with chronic conditions that bring them into contact with a variety of health care practitioners who have little training about childhood sexual abuse, and who may inadvertently re-traumatize individuals during routine examinations.
"The interactions between health care practitioners and survivors are often fraught with difficulty and discomfort for the survivor," said lead researcher Candice Schachter from the University of Saskatchewan. "Feeling safe in health care encounters is crucial for a survivor due to the violations experienced in the past."
The first edition of the handbook, published in 2001, focused on female survivors of childhood sexual abuse. In the second edition, the handbook expands its scope to include male survivors of child sexual abuse and health care practitioners from 10 disciplines. Survivors, practicing clinicians, students, academics, professional associations and licensing bodies reviewed the handbook to ensure its clinical relevance.
The study was conducted by Candice Schachter from the University of Saskatchewan’s School of Physical Therapy; Eli Teram and Carol Stalker from Wilfrid Laurier University’s Faculty of Social Work; Gerri Lasiuk from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Nursing, and Alanna Danilkewich from the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Medicine.
“The handbook is an essential read for all those in the human service field,” said Rick Goodwin, executive director of The Men’s Project in Ottawa Ontario. “It speaks knowledgeably to the complex issues trauma survivors – both male and female – face and gives the reader confidence to do the right thing.”
“This handbook should be required reading not only for health care practitioners in training, but also for those who have been in the field for years,” said Anne Penniston-Grey, counselor at the Regina Women’s Community Centre and Sexual Assault Line.
The handbook is offered free of charge in English (http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ncfv-cnivf/pdfs/nfntsx-handbook_e.pdf) and French (http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ncfv-cnivf/pdfs/nfntsx-handbook_f.pdf) by the Public Health Agency of Canada’s National Clearinghouse on Family Violence.
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For more information, contact:
Dr. Candice L. Schachter
Adjunct Professor, School of Physical Therapy
University of Saskatchewan
(519) 972-1637 or Candice.schachter@usask.ca
Leanne Nyirfa
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2427
