USFA e-Letter Archives

E-Letters

An important reminder concerning the Assignment of Duties

As the Assignment of Duties process comes toward a conclusion, we send this reminder that Department Heads must complete assignments by March 31 and Deans must approve them by April 30 for the 2026–7 Academic year). In departmentalized colleges, final authority to assign duties does not rest with the dean/executive directors. The University of Saskatchewan… Continue reading An important reminder concerning the Assignment of Duties

USFA IDEA Committee Wants to Hear from You!

The new USFA Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee is comprised of USFA members from the four designated groups: racialized individuals, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and women and gender equity-seeking groups. The purpose of this committee includes: identifying issues of concern for USask faculty regarding IDEA and working to address them through information,… Continue reading USFA IDEA Committee Wants to Hear from You!

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 everyone who is a victim of gender-based violence. The day serves as a solemn reminder of the… Continue reading National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

New Article 11.2.7 Changes to assigned teaching

11.2.7 Changes to assigned teaching. Changes to an employee’s assigned teaching after the annual assignment of duties (Article 11.1) are permitted only after consultation between the Department Head or Dean and the employee. If the proposed change occurs within the period six weeks prior to, or after the start date of the assigned teaching, the… Continue reading New Article 11.2.7 Changes to assigned teaching

Arbitration Award – Limitation on Appointments of Instructors and Lecturers

This is to advise you of an important arbitration decision in favour of the USFA concerning new appointments of without term Instructors and Lecturers. The limit of 30 new appointments (Article 13.3.4.3) has been exceeded. All future appointments will require JCMA approval. History In May 2023, the USFA filed a grievance against the University of… Continue reading Arbitration Award – Limitation on Appointments of Instructors and Lecturers

Solidarity with AMPL

In the last few weeks, solidarity with striking Association of McGill Professors of Law (AMPL) members has been tangible as various academic bodies altered plans for this year’s Congress, June 12 to 21, 2024, hosted by McGill University. Organized by the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, Congress is the largest academic gathering in… Continue reading Solidarity with AMPL

STF Job Action – How you can support STF members

As part of its ongoing efforts to reach a new collective agreement that holds the provincial government accountable for fixing the problems in schools, the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) has announced it is implementing rotating strikes. The USFA stands in solidarity with STF’s efforts to reach a settlement that includes provisions to address critical issues… Continue reading STF Job Action – How you can support STF members

Campus Safety – Did you know…?

U of S has a campus safety app. The USafe App is available for Android and iPhone, and gives you direct access to Protective Services and other important safety tools and information, including: USask Alerts: Notifies you of USask Alerts in active and urgent situations (you will have enable notifications in the app). Safewalk/Friend Walk: Provides live… Continue reading Campus Safety – Did you know…?

Prescription vaccinations covered by benefit plan

Are you planning on a hot holiday this winter, worried about getting shingles, or susceptible to respiratory viruses? Our benefits provider, Sun Life, covers the cost of some prescribed vaccines that aren’t covered by the Saskatchewan Drug Plan including RSV vaccines, Shingrix, and Twinrix to name a few. To be eligible a doctor must prescribe… Continue reading Prescription vaccinations covered by benefit plan

USFA 2022-23 Member Update: check your campus mailbox

USFA wants to reach more members with information about our efforts and the contributions of members to support the important work you do. As a result, you should have received a member update sent to you by mail at the end of December. The update provides information about USFA committee activities, bargaining, the Joint Workload… Continue reading USFA 2022-23 Member Update: check your campus mailbox