This is proving to be a busy fall for VOX and we welcome it. We have received a number of comments in response to our last two issues, both directly and indirectly. Thank you for those. As stated clearly in each issue of VOX, this occasional publication is “a forum for the expression of opinions… Continue reading The Emperor Isn’t Wearing Any Clothes: Intellectually Bankrupt Academic Prioritization
Category: VOX
VOX is a publication sponsored by the USFA and is published by an independent Editorial Board. It is a forum for the expression of opinions of USFA members. Materials published in VOX do not necessarily express USFA policy, the views of the USFA Executive or the Editorial Board
Checking Out of The Bates Motel: Thoughts From a Recent Retiree on the Changing Face of the U Of S
By Terry Matheson Emeritus Professor (Department of English) University of Saskatchewan In a recent article, literary critic Stanley Fish wrote about the fears he was experiencing when contemplating his own impending retirement. He asked a former colleague who had recently retired what his thoughts were: did he feel dread of the future, regret the abandonment… Continue reading Checking Out of The Bates Motel: Thoughts From a Recent Retiree on the Changing Face of the U Of S
From The Editors September 2013
The U of S feels as if it is in crisis mode. A prediction has been made that there will be a hefty shortfall, over 10%, in the annual base operating grant from the provincial government. What’s to do? Well, the flock of sheep is gone, dispersed to more appreciative pastures. The Kenderdine facility has… Continue reading From The Editors September 2013
Whither University of Saskatchewan? Corporate Agenda, Lack of Accountability, and Sidelining of Main Stakeholders
By Satya P. Sharma Associate Professor of Anthropology Department of Religion and Culture University of Saskatchewan I came to the University of Saskatchewan in July 1970 and have taught anthropology all these years. Fresh out of graduate school, coming to a beautiful campus and a University, which was true to its mandate and characterized by… Continue reading Whither University of Saskatchewan? Corporate Agenda, Lack of Accountability, and Sidelining of Main Stakeholders
Lockheed Martin and the take-over of the Academy by the corporations: How far should we go?
By: Luis A. Buatois & M. Gabriela Mángano, Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan A total $147 million budget cut for the three councils is under way. In particular, the situation of NSERC has been addressed in a recent news article published by the journal Nature (http://www.nature.com/news/canadian-budget-hits-basic-science-1.10366), where it reads “Canada’s latest budget will… Continue reading Lockheed Martin and the take-over of the Academy by the corporations: How far should we go?
From the Editors. . .
It is heartening to see the January 2012 issue of VOX emerge. We have articles about our past (Millard reprint), the realizations of a newcomer (Springer), thoughts on research agenda (Pratt) and a rumoured institute (Muri). VOX is your voice. What are your thoughts on issues such as: TABBS (Transparent, Activity-Based Budget System): www.usask.ca/tabbs/about? Policy… Continue reading From the Editors. . .
Confucius Institute at the University of Saskatchewan?
By: Allison Muri, Associate Professor, Department of English, University of Saskatchewan Rumour has it that an agreement has already been signed to establish a Confucius Institute at the University of Saskatchewan, affiliated with the College of Arts & Science. There are over 300 such institutes, which are established to promote Chinese language and culture, in… Continue reading Confucius Institute at the University of Saskatchewan?
Then & Now
Vox, Issue #12, March 1993 featured an interview with Peter Millard, past Head of the Department of English, member of the Executive of the Faculty Association, and Chair of the Association in 1987-88. Millard retired two decades ago on December 31, 1991, and passed away ten years ago in December 2001. (The full Issue #12… Continue reading Then & Now
Academic Freedom and Targeted Research
By: Brian Pratt, Professor, Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan I am biting my nails in anticipation of my NSERC-Discovery Grant application, just like the hundreds of other academic scientists applying for renewal or their first grant. Will I be able to hire summer undergraduate student assistants? Will I have enough for us to… Continue reading Academic Freedom and Targeted Research
Suppressing the Ideals of ‘The University’: A troubling realization for a new academic
By: R. Anne Springer, Assistant Professor College of Nursing University of Saskatchewan As a relative newcomer to the academy, only two years in, I am deeply troubled by the seeming suppression of the ideals of ‘the university’ as a place of intellectual freedom and critical inquiry. Regrettably, the reality as experienced by the author is… Continue reading Suppressing the Ideals of ‘The University’: A troubling realization for a new academic