Some time ago, as part of the UnivRS project, the University undertook to convert curricula vitae of faculty members to a standard format. The process of conversion has not proceeded as quickly as anticipated, and many faculty members have shared concerns with us about errors in the data entry process, limitations with the software, and… Continue reading Concerns about UnivRS CVs addressed
Author: usaskfaculty
Discussions Proceeding on Total Rewards Website
Your Benefits Committee and the Grievance Committee raised serious concerns about the issues associated with members gaining access to and possible privacy of information violations on the Total Rewards Website. On September 14, 2017, we sent out an e-Letter explaining our concerns about the scope of rights you were being asked to waive to gain… Continue reading Discussions Proceeding on Total Rewards Website
Upcoming Changes to U of S Computer Security
Members of the Executive of the Faculty Association, including our Senior Grievance Officer, Patricia Farnese, had an opportunity to discuss forthcoming changes to computer security with senior ICT staff, including Associate Vice-President of Information and Communication Technology, Shari Baraniuk. The plan includes increasing the security around sensitive institutional information, but also requirements for more security… Continue reading Upcoming Changes to U of S Computer Security
Excessive Workload Assignments
The issue of excessive workload assignments has been raised by members in at least one unit who feel the burden of the institution’s financial concerns are being shifted onto the backs of members. More than a decade ago, USFA negotiated an article entitled Guidelines for Assignment of Duties (article 11.5 in the Collective Agreement). The… Continue reading Excessive Workload Assignments
A Competitive Compensation Package
Those reading Academica’s Top Ten, especially in combination with local messaging, may have noticed mixed messages as regards attitudes towards faculty compensation. Recently, Academica’s Top Ten cited a Star-Phoenix report that “Despite its recent fiscal challenges and what a recent report described as the erosion of Canada’s research competitiveness, the University of Saskatchewan is ‘punching… Continue reading A Competitive Compensation Package
URGENT NOTICE, BEWARE: “MY TOTAL REWARDS” PROGRAM
The University has contracted with a third party to communicate information about benefits with faculty without notice or explanation to the USFA. Access to the “My Total Rewards” program is available through the employee tab on PAWS. The Association is concerned about the scope of rights members are being asked to waive to gain access… Continue reading URGENT NOTICE, BEWARE: “MY TOTAL REWARDS” PROGRAM
CORRECTION: USFA Modified Reduced Appointment Retirement Plan
The memo that went out to USFA members from Human Resources yesterday about the MRARP contains several errors. The Detailed Plan Information page linked from the memo references an “Application Process” and provides a link to an “Application” form, which specifies that “your Dean will provide decisions (approvals and deferrals) to you no later than Sept. 30, 2018.” In… Continue reading CORRECTION: USFA Modified Reduced Appointment Retirement Plan
Information regarding management of short-term disability benefits by a private contractor
Effective May 1, 2017, the University contracted a private corporation called Lifemark Health Group to manage our short-term disability benefit. Part of our Salary Continuance Plan provides that the employer will pay faculty members their full salary for the first 90 days of an illness or disability. Members who remain ill or disabled beyond this… Continue reading Information regarding management of short-term disability benefits by a private contractor
Reminder: USFA Scholarship: Online applications close 11:59 p.m. Thursday, June 1, 2017
The USFA Scholarship Program is open to students who are immediate family members of USFA members. Immediate family includes spouse/partner, sons, daughters or children whom USFA members have served as legal guardians. The application form for the 2016-2017 USFA Scholarship Fund Program is now available exclusively online at: paws.usask.ca/go/awards. Students can apply online through their… Continue reading Reminder: USFA Scholarship: Online applications close 11:59 p.m. Thursday, June 1, 2017
Introducing our New Executive Committee
We are delighted to welcome newly elected members to the USFA Executive Committee: Erika Dyck (History), Mark Meyers (History), Anne Springer (Nursing), and Jesse Stewart (Linguistics). We welcome back for another term Doug Chivers (Biology), and Eric Neufeld (Computer Science). We thank our outgoing members, Patricia Farnese (Law), Len Findlay (English), and John Moraros (Public… Continue reading Introducing our New Executive Committee