April 26, 2011
U of S Professor Awarded AAG Presidential Achievement Award
Posted April 26, 2011
The Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (JSGS) is pleased to announce that Professor Patricia Gober has been awarded the American Association of Geographers’ (AAG) Presidential Achievement Award. The award presentation took place on April 14 at the AAG annual meeting in Seattle. Gober was the first woman to receive the award, which was initiated in 2004.
JSGS Professor Patricia Gober
Prior to joining the JSGS in January 2011, Gober was a professor of sustainability at Arizona State University and co-director of the Decision Centre for a Desert City in Arizona State University’s Global Institute for Sustainability. The award recognizes her extraordinary record of leadership and service to geography including the creation and implementation of an innovative forum, the Decision Centre for a Desert City, in which geographers interact with other specialists and members of the public to address important societal problems. The centre was honored in 2008 with the prestigious Prince Sultan Abdulaziz International Prize for Water.
“I believe that creative solutions to the world’s water problems lie in new collaborations between scientists and social scientists and between the science and the policy communities. I was very lucky to have been able to facilitate these collaborations in Phoenix and honored that my colleagues in geography believe in the importance of this work,” said Gober.
Gober’s current research includes climate change and water management in the Colorado River Basin, urban climate adaptation, vulnerability assessments, urban heat island development in Phoenix, strategies for decision-making under uncertainty, and best practices in science-policy engagement.
Her many contributions to the profession of geography include serving as the AAG vice-president and president (1996-1998), as a member of the Geographical Sciences Committee of the National Academies of Science, as a member and vice-chair of the Population Reference Bureau’s Board of Trustees, and as a member of the Science Advisory Board of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
For further information please contact:
Erica Schindel, Communications and Marketing Specialist
Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy
University of Saskatchewan campus
Tel: (306) 966-2663
Cell: (306) 220-5808
Email: erica.schindel@usask.ca
U of S grad student receives Arctic Fellowship
Posted April 26, 2011
University of Saskatchewan graduate student Stephen Higham was named one of only 10 recipients of the prestigious Arctic Foreign Policy Graduate Fellowship at a national Arctic symposium on March 17th. The fellowships, or bursaries, are worth $5,000 apiece and are intended to recognize outstanding graduate work in the area of Arctic or northern research. The fellowships are presented annually by the International Centre for Northern Governance and Development (ICNGD) on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT).
Stephen Higham
Higham was recognized for his research on Regulatory Challenges in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region of the NWT. He was joined by recipients from across the country as well as Canadian students conducting Arctic research abroad in such locations as Tromsø, Norway. Some of the other graduate research topics included: the implications of shipping in the Arctic, and indigenous issues in Arctic research, education, and sustainability.
“These fellowships are a huge help in allowing students like me to add to a growing body of northern research,” said Higham. “But the bursaries aren’t the only reason this annual symposium is so important. It’s an opportunity for top researchers and graduate students to share ideas, approaches, and policies. I was truly honoured to have my work recognized and to be able to take part in this event.”
The fellowships were awarded at the annual symposium, hosted by the ICNGD, which serves as an opportunity to award the fellowships as well as discuss the latest research and emerging developments in northern issues. Top researchers from across Canada came out for the event, including: Ken Coates, Dean of Arts at the University of Waterloo; Gary Wilson, Chair of Northern Studies at the University of Northern British Columbia; and Thierry Rodon from the University of Laval.
About the Arctic Foreign Policy Graduate Fellowships:
The objectives of the fellowship are to foster innovative research and policy development on a range of issues related to the circumpolar world; encourage and promote research of circumpolar studies by Canadian graduate students; and encourage research in the circumpolar world in the interest of higher education, scholarship, and an informed public.
For more information:
Colleen Cameron, Communications Coordinator
International Centre for Northern Governance & Development
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-1609
Email: colleen.cameron@usask.ca
April 21, 2011
U of S College Quarter plan recognized nationally
Posted April 21, 2011
The University of Saskatchewan has been recognized with the 2011 Canadian Society of Landscape Architects National Honour Award of Excellence for the College Quarter Master Plan, created to aid in the strategy and development of a 59-hectare land area owned by the university located south of the main campus.
Rendering of College Quarter by Brook McIlroy
More photos and renderings of College Quarter in the U of S Flickr gallery
“We are extremely proud of the work that is taking place in the College Quarter, and the recognition of the plan shows the dedication and support that the university, the city, and the community have to make this a place for everyone,” said U of S Vice-President of Finance and Resources Richard Florizone.
The plan is currently under construction in its first phase providing new student residence beds within the mixed-use project. Another key initiative of the plan is the 860-metre long GreenWay - the path along which services, amenities and a myriad of uses congregate allowing a sense of lively animation, 24-hours a day. This tree-lined walkway, extending the entire length of College Quarter, will be lined with active building uses that create a well-lit, sheltered path system that is active, safe and beautiful. The plan also proposes that Cumberland Avenue be utilized as an attractive interface to help integrate the adjacent neighbourhood with College Quarter in a welcoming way.
Adopted in 2009, the plan was successful in attracting provincial, city and sponsor funding. As a result, a two-phase, 800-bed undergraduate student residence complex is now under construction and a new graduate student residence is anticipated to commence construction this year.
“In contrast to the traditional university model which congregates all university facilities into an exclusive campus area, College Quarter utilizes a dynamic open space and pedestrian framework to concentrate an eclectic mix of university and community uses: shops, student residences, condominiums, offices, classrooms, theatres and recreation uses built as an extension of the surrounding community,” said Cal Brook, Principal of Brook McIlroy.
The Toronto-based design firm Brook McIlroy prepared the plan through a two-year process in consultation with the university, the City of Saskatoon and area residents. Brook McIlroy is an award-winning architecture, landscape architecture, urban design and planning studio with offices in Toronto and Thunder Bay with a portfolio of 25 campus master plans for universities across North America in the past decade.
To view the College Quarter Master Plan, visit www.usask.ca/collegequarter/
April 18, 2011
Blakeney, U of S scholar and alumnus, leaves legacy
Posted April 18, 2011
Allan Blakeney, former Premier of Saskatchewan and visiting scholar in the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan, died April 16 in Saskatoon. He was 85.
A native of Bridgewater, N.S., Blakeney earned degrees from Dalhousie University and Oxford and acquired honorary doctorates from a number of institutions during his legal and political career including Mount Allison, York, Western, Regina and the U of S. He joined the public service in Saskatchewan in 1950 and was first elected to the Saskatchewan Legislature in 1960. While in government, Blakeney served as Minister of Education, Provincial Treasurer, Minister of Public Health, Leader of the Opposition, and as Premier of Saskatchewan from 1971-82. He retired from politics in 1988.
“The University of Saskatchewan was privileged to have had a scholar of Mr. Blakeney’s stature as part of our community to enrich the experience of students and colleagues alike,” said Peter MacKinnon, president of the U of S. “His formidable intellect, his gentle manner and his sense of humour endeared him to everyone he met.”
Blakeney joined the U of S College of Law in 1991 as the inaugural occupant of the Law Foundation Chair and continued to serve the college and the wider university community in the role of visiting scholar.
In 2008, Blakeney published an autobiography chronicling his life politics entitled An Honourable Calling and was co-author, with Sandford Borins, of Political Management in Canada. He published extensively in journals and academic texts, and his speeches continue to be featured in many publications.
Find out more about Allan Blakeney's contributions to the University of Saskatchewan in a 2008 story from On Campus News.
On March 17, he shared his perspectives on the creation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Watch the video on the College of Law website.
Homepage image of Allan Blakeney by Colleen MacPherson for On Campus News.
More photos of Allan Blakeney are available in the U of S Flickr gallery.
April 14, 2011
U of S announces 2011-12 tuition rates
Posted April 14, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 14, 2011
2011-04-05-gen
The University of Saskatchewan’s Board of Governors has approved an overall tuition rate increase of 3.2 per cent for the 2011-12 academic year, revenue from which will be directed toward both central operations and improvements in college programs and services.
Students in the walkway between the Agriculture and Geology Buildings
Photo by Liam Richards
More photos in the U of S Flickr gallery
“The Board of Governors carefully considered a number of options related to tuition, always keeping in mind the principles of comparability to other institutions, affordability and accessibility for students, and the need to maintain quality programming,” said Board of Governors Chair Nancy Hopkins. “Decisions around tuition are always carefully considered and we believe the increases we have set for the coming year are consistent with the university’s strategic goals, including enhancing the student experience.”
Most programs will see increases of 3.2 per cent or lower. (See attachment for detailed rate increases).
Tuition revenue (a combination of the new rates and projected enrolment increases) is projected at $6.1 million in 2011-12. About $2.4 million of the overall tuition revenue increase will be directed to existing operations of the colleges and the university, while the remaining $3.7 million will fund enhancements to programs and services.
“This new arrangement will work to the benefit of students in programs seeing higher than average increases,” explained Brett Fairbairn, provost and vice-president academic. “The increase in resources will allow colleges to address supports for students such as financial aid, student advising, curriculum innovation, increased research activity and, in some cases, hiring professors to achieve competitive student/faculty ratios.”
The University of Saskatchewan has been increasing financial assistance to graduate and undergraduate students, and spent $27 million in 2009 on scholarships, fellowships, and bursaries for students.
Tuition revenue comprises about 22 per cent of the university’s operating budget. The Province of Saskatchewan provides about 70 per cent of the university’s operating budget and has provided the university consistent increases in recent years. Remaining revenues include interprovincial funding, investment and other income. The university’s 2011-12 operating budget will be announced in mid-May.
For more information on tuition at the U of S, including a factsheet and the 2011-12 rates, visit
http://www.usask.ca/tuition
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For more information, contact:
Mark Ferguson, Media Relations Co ordinator
University Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-1851
Email: m.ferguson@usask.ca
April 13, 2011
U of S crop, vaccine, and fuel researchers vie for award
Posted April 13, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 13, 2011
2011-04-05-other
University of Saskatchewan researchers behind groundbreaking fuel technology, a poultry vaccine and advanced crop development were announced as finalists for the Award of Innovation at the SABEX “Celebrate Success!” reception yesterday evening.
121 Research Dr. at Innovation Place, the U of S research park just north of the main campus
Photo by Mark Ferguson
More photos in the U of S Flickr Gallery
“The technologies developed by these researchers are enriching our lives through improvements in livestock health, the creation of new and better food crops and the reduction in greenhouse gases,” said Glen Schuler, managing director of the U of S Industry Liaison Office (ILO). “Our city and our province has and will continue to, benefit for many years to come due to investment this research brings.” Co-sponsored by Innovation Place and the University’s Industry Liaison Office, the Award of Innovation honours U of S researchers who are commercializing their technologies.
“We’re excited by this year’s group of finalists,” said Austin Beggs, vice-president for corporate relations at Innovation Place. “Many of the enterprises at Innovation Place are built on ideas that began at the U of S and many of the highly qualified people that work here are U of S graduates. We’re proud to celebrate the successes that help bring novel products and processes to the marketplace.”
The award finalists are:
Hui Wang, Ajay Dalai and Jianguo (Jack) Zhang from the U of S College of Engineering have created advanced catalysts used to transform carbon dioxide and methane - both potent greenhouse gases - into synthesis gas, or syngas, a basic feedstock for producing gasoline and other fuels. California-based Carbon Sciences, the company that has licensed the technology, calls it a “game changer” for the oil and gas industry, allowing fuels to be produced near greenhouse and natural gas sites and aiding the drive to global energy independence.
Susantha Gomis from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and Suresh Tikoo from the School of Public Health and Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac) have developed a hepatitis vaccine for broiler chickens. The vaccine was co-invented with Davor Ojkic from the University of Guelph. Inclusion body hepatitis is a serious problem for the poultry industry, killing between 10 and 30 per cent of infected flocks. The new vaccine is administered to the parent birds, who then transfer their immunity to the disease to their chicks. The ILO is working to license this technology to several companies for use in Canada and the United States.
Brian Rossnagel is one of Canada’s best known crop scientists and a world expert in oat and barley genetics. Based at the U of S Crop Development Centre (CDC), he is responsible for more than 90 new cultivars, several of which are the preferred varieties for western Canadian farmers. Sown on millions of acres every year, these varieties have generated more than $3 million in royalties for the CDC to date. Unique varieties include the first hull-less barley, the world’s first high oil, low lignin hull feed oat, and a low-phytate barley which can help reduce environmental impact of high intensity hog operations.
The winner of the Award of Innovation will be announced May 18th at the SABEX “Celebrate Success!” gala, sponsored by the Saskatoon and District Chamber of Commerce. The Award of Innovation is open to U of S employees. Selection criteria include innovation, novelty and potential commercial impact. The selection committee includes representatives from Innovation Place and the U of S. In addition to a cash prize, the winner will be recognized with a photo on the “Award of Innovation” wall at the ILO and a personal trophy.
Innovation Place is one of North America's most successful university-related research parks. For more information on Innovation Place, visit www.innovationplace.com.
The ILO works with inventors to help commercialize innovations developed at the U of S. For more information on the ILO, visit www.usask.ca/research/ilo
For more information on the Award of Innovation, contact:
Glen Schuler
Managing Director
Industry Liaison Office (ILO)
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-4584
Email: glen.schuler@usask.ca
April 01, 2011
U of S law team wins international award
Posted April 01, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 1, 2011
2011-04-01-LAW
The U of S Mediation Advocacy Moot Team, a group of students who compete in simulated legal trials, has won three awards in London, England at the International Academy of Dispute Resolution’s 10th Annual International Law School Mediation Tournament, March 25-26, 2011.
The U of S Mediation Advocacy Moot Team
Six U of S College of Law students and their two coaches won an award for Outstanding New International Mediation Program, given to those selected as the best new programs at the competition. The team is composed of Gillian Gough, John Sanche, Kelly Canham, Luciella Longo, Markel Chernenkoff, Sabina Arulampalam, coach Kathryn Ford, QC, and assistant coach Glen Gardner.
Team members Gough, Sanche and Arulampalam were one of 10 teams to win Overall Outstanding Advocate/Client Team. Arulampalam also won one of 10 Overall Outstanding Individual Mediator awards. A total of 34 law teams from 23 law schools from around the world competed in the tournament, held at BPP Law School in London. Teams compete in groups of three and the U of S was represented by two teams.
These results cap off a successful year for U of S College of Law moot teams. The Jessup Moot Team won the much-coveted Spirit of the Jessup Award in Calgary in early March, distinguishing them as the team that best represents the true spirit of the competition. The Western Canada Moot Team won the national Sopinka Cup in Ottawa earlier this month, after winning the MacIntyre Cup at the western Canada regional level in Edmonton in February.
More information can be found at www.usask.ca/law.
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For more information, contact:
Katherine Blau
U of S College of Law
(306) 966-1062
katherine.blau@usask.ca
