A recent grievance arbitration has resulted in a decision in favour of the USFA. The grievance leading to the arbitration came about because a USFA member, very active on social media in relation to the importance of science in COVID-19 policy-setting, received a letter of direction from the President, the Provost, and the member’s Dean,… Continue reading Successful grievance arbitration concerning disciplinary letter sent to member
Author: Abbie
Ongoing Challenges in the College of Nursing
On June 7, the USFA Executive requested a meeting with the President, the Vice-President of Finance and Resources, and the Provost regarding the College of Nursing to work toward tangible solutions that can be clearly stated and achieved. The request was reiterated multiple times and a date for the meeting was finally set late last… Continue reading Ongoing Challenges in the College of Nursing
Update: Reimbursement of Airfare
There appears to have been some developments in recent months regarding airfare reimbursement. While we are waiting for confirmation from the Employer, based on changes to the Airfare section of Expense Guidelines, our understanding is approved travel can be booked through any service provider. There is no longer a statement in the Guidelines that Concur or… Continue reading Update: Reimbursement of Airfare
USFA Executive Committee report
The USFA Executive Committee, which meets every two weeks during Fall and Winter terms of the academic year, has held its first meeting for the fall of 2022. It is apparent already that this will be a busy year for the mix of returning and new committee members. Bargaining is on the horizon. Events for… Continue reading USFA Executive Committee report
Administrative Processes – Concur/Direct Travel Update
In June 2020, we sent to faculty the USFA survey report on administrative practices at USask, which included faculty experiences with CONCUR, UNIVRS, Connection Point, IT and computer services, and Pcards. The response rate was high with nearly half the USFA membership responding. The report and a summary of the results can be found here. In… Continue reading Administrative Processes – Concur/Direct Travel Update
Accommodation requests with a “return to normal”
With communications from senior administration about an expected “return to work,” we know that our members face different circumstances. We are aware that there is a general expectation from administration that students be taught face-to-face and that other necessary collegial and academic work take place on campus as the expectation of “returning to normal” is… Continue reading Accommodation requests with a “return to normal”
Nursing Update
Months ago, College of Nursing faculty members requested to meet with President Stoicheff. Last week, rather than receive a petition signed by faculty members from across the university demanding he meet with Nursing faculty members, the President held meetings with Nursing faculty members. While we recognize the efforts that have been made by President Stoicheff… Continue reading Nursing Update
U of S Administration needs to pursue just and respectful relations with Indigenous faculty
The USFA Executive Committee remains dumbfounded at how Senior Administration at USask continues to embarrass our University Community in relation to Indigenous issues. For the latest, please see the following CBC article: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/real-carriere-rejected-university-saskatchewan-documentation-1.6482089 The USFA encourages members to continue to share their concerns with the Provost and Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement (copied to usfa@usaskfaculty.ca) to push the university… Continue reading U of S Administration needs to pursue just and respectful relations with Indigenous faculty
National Indigenous History Month
June is National Indigenous History Month. During this month, celebrate the cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Metis Peoples across Canada, and in Saskatchewan. This is an opportunity to learn and celebrate the rich history, heritage, resilience, diversity and contributions of Indigenous Peoples to our country and province. It is also a time to acknowledge… Continue reading National Indigenous History Month
National Nursing Week: Thank a Nurse
This is National Nursing Week in Canada and May 12, the birthday of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, is International Nurses Day. National Nursing Week is a week that draws attention to nurses, increasing the awareness of the public, policy-makers and governments of the many contributions of nursing to the well-being of Canadians. The theme this year is #WeAnswerTheCall to showcase… Continue reading National Nursing Week: Thank a Nurse