The insolvency process at Laurentian University is moving swiftly and will conclude mid-April. Without intervention, this closed-door process—intended for private sector corporations—will determine the future of this public institution, key employer, and cultural hub in the region. The federal government needs to work with the government of Ontario and provide emergency funding to save Laurentian… Continue reading Important Event: Laurentian University Phone Bank
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Laurentian University – an Update
From CAUT President Brenda Austin-Smith: “Today, lay-off notices were issued to tenured and contract academic staff members of Laurentian University Faculty Association (LUFA). Although the details of the mediation agreement at Laurentian University remain confidential, Radio-Canada has reported that more than 60 programs are being cut. We also know that LUFA worked tirelessly under enormous… Continue reading Laurentian University – an Update
Important update: APEFs
Last week’s communication from the Employer regarding the option for faculty to make a one-time request for an allowance of up to one year’s APEF allocation to offset expenses related to setting up a remote workspace contained a link that does not work. The correct link is: https://paws5.usask.ca/workingremotely#workremotely. Please note that there is no requirement to… Continue reading Important update: APEFs
One-time taxable allocation from APEFs available to USFA members
USFA members now have the option to request a one-time allowance from their accountable professional expense funds to help defray expenses associated with establishing a home office/remote workspace to conduct teaching, research, and related professional activities. The maximum amount you can request is $2200 and is dependent on the balance of your APEF. The request may… Continue reading One-time taxable allocation from APEFs available to USFA members
March 30, 2021 Deadline to Submit Expense Claims to Sun Life for Health, Dental and Flexible Spending Benefit Plans
Claims for reimbursement for any expenses from any of the benefit plans must be submitted to and received by Sun Life within 90 days of the end of the calendar year in which the expense is incurred. This means that the deadline for submitting claims incurred between January 1 and December 31, 2020 is March 30, 2021. Claims must be received by… Continue reading March 30, 2021 Deadline to Submit Expense Claims to Sun Life for Health, Dental and Flexible Spending Benefit Plans
International Women’s Day 2021
Today, March 8, is International Women’s Day (IWD). For more than a century IWD has been observed around the world to raise awareness of issues affecting women. It is a global day to recognize and celebrate advancements while reminding us of the need for continued vigilance and action. The UN, noting “from challenge comes change,”… Continue reading International Women’s Day 2021
CORRECTION NOTICE : 2021 USFA Executive Elections: Call for Nominations
This a correction notice to advise that the call for nominations that was sent last week had an error in the vacancies. Please note the following: This is a call for nominations in the election to fill nine vacancies on the USFA Executive Committee commencing July 1, 2021: Category A: two vacancies (one is a 1… Continue reading CORRECTION NOTICE : 2021 USFA Executive Elections: Call for Nominations
Pre-approved IT Hardware Purchases for faculty
A list of pre-approved hardware has been finalized by IT Acquisitions in an effort to have purchases and approvals proceed more smoothly. This list itemizes hardware purchases or reimbursements that should not be denied by ConnectionPoint, but it is not comprehensive and if you find your request is denied, you should reach out to IT Acquisitions (it_acquisitions@usask.ca). … Continue reading Pre-approved IT Hardware Purchases for faculty
March 30, 2021 Deadline to Submit Expense Claims to Sun Life for Health, Dental and Flexible Spending Benefit
Claims for reimbursement for any expenses from any of the benefit plans must be submitted to and received by Sun Life within 90 days of the end of the calendar year in which the expense is incurred. This means that the deadline for submitting claims incurred between January 1 and December 31, 2020 is March 30, 2021. Claims must be received by… Continue reading March 30, 2021 Deadline to Submit Expense Claims to Sun Life for Health, Dental and Flexible Spending Benefit
What’s wrong with doing less with less?
In this edition of Vox, an article submitted by three USFA members focuses on faculty workload expectations in the current U of S system for funding academic units. The article addresses the fact that few faculty have changed how they approach their work in response to chronic underfunding and an erosion of supports for faculty… Continue reading What’s wrong with doing less with less?