Articles

Don’t play the name and shame game

The timing and speed of the TransformUS process may not have allowed for thorough involvement of everyone in an academic unit in completing the TransformUS templates and, in some units, it meant the responsibility fell to one person. The unfortunate side-effect of this means that programs may not have been portrayed appropriately or completely. Now… Continue reading Don’t play the name and shame game

The Black Hole of Pension Solvency

In 2010-11, a University wide austerity exercise saw reductions in unit budgets in order to free up $10,000,000 of base budget money to cover off pension solvency costs and reduced investment income. The University had a financial crisis and it needed to be addressed immediately!! Looking over the financial statements since 2010-11, investment income has… Continue reading The Black Hole of Pension Solvency

Speaking of TransformUS…

Following is a link to an issue of Collectively Speaking that discusses the projected $44.5 million structural deficit in relation to TransformUS. A hard copy of this issue is on its way to you. https://staging.usaskfaculty.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/13-12-20-speaking-of-transformus-final.pdf The USFA will continue to work on a more complete understanding of the financial status of the University and we… Continue reading Speaking of TransformUS…

Speaking of TransformUS…

On December 9, the TransformUS Task Force reports were released, but the process is not yet complete. Between now and February there will be consultation and opportunities to provide feedback. From February to April the President’s Committee on Integrated Planning (PCIP) will review the feedback and develop an implementation plan, which will be shared in… Continue reading Speaking of TransformUS…

Incentive Plan for Retirement

As you are aware, the deadline to withdraw applications for the Incentive Plan for Retirement has passed. This communication is to advise you that the total number of applications is seventy-seven (77). In accordance with the agreement, decisions will be made as to any deferrals by December 31, 2013 and notification will be provided to… Continue reading Incentive Plan for Retirement

Will TransformUS DeformUS?

When the University of Saskatchewan was created in 1907 it was called the People’s University. It was created not merely to educate students in attendance but to extend knowledge to the province as a whole, and to act as a tool in the advancement of society. In 1931, then Premier Anderson reiterated this sentiment when… Continue reading Will TransformUS DeformUS?

Reminder: USFA Member Social Tuesday, December 17th

Don’t forget that on Tuesday, December 17th at 4:00, we have a member social planned.  Stop by the Windows Room on the main floor of the University Club for some holiday cheer. It will be a chance to connect with other USFA members from across campus and to speak with Executive members about the TransformUS… Continue reading Reminder: USFA Member Social Tuesday, December 17th

Are cuts necessary?

Yesterday the President provided the reports of the TransformUS Task Forces to the campus community. Between now and February there will be opportunities for consultation and to provide feedback on these reports. It’s very important to remember that the process for prioritizing programs was chosen by the Board of Governors and Senior Administrators and, while… Continue reading Are cuts necessary?

December 6 – National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

On this day in 1989 fourteen women lost their lives at École Polytechique in Montreal because they were women. The anniversary of this tragic event has become our day to remember not only these 14 murdered women but all women who are victims of violence and to remind ourselves of the need to continue to… Continue reading December 6 – National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women