News Archive
Don’t play the name and shame game
January 14, 2014 | All News
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 …
The Black Hole of Pension Solvency
January 7, 2014 | All News
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 …
Speaking of TransformUS…
December 20, 2013 | All News
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 …
Speaking of TransformUS…
December 20, 2013 | All News
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 …
Incentive Plan for Retirement
December 19, 2013 | All News
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 …
Will TransformUS DeformUS?
December 17, 2013 | All News
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 …
Reminder: USFA Member Social Tuesday, December 17th
December 11, 2013 | All News
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 …
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Are cuts necessary?
December 10, 2013 | All News
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 …
USFA Member Social Tuesday, December 17th 4:00 pm
December 9, 2013 | All News
Please join us for our next social in the Windows Room on the main floor of the University Club on Tuesday, December 17th at 4:00 PM. Stop by for some holiday cheer and a chance to chat with other USFA members from across campus. All USFA members are welcome to attend. Please contact Tammy Stieb …
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December 6 – National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
December 6, 2013 | All News
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 …
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Facts Not Fear
December 4, 2013 | All News
The USFA does not accept the projected structural deficit of 44.5 million dollars. Our analyses indicate that any supposed structural deficit is significantly smaller and that the Employer has adopted assumptions that compound any financial problems that may exist. Once again, the strategy of creating a crisis to soften resistance is being employed. We suspect …
It’s Winter, no time for cherry picking
November 26, 2013 | All News
The USFA has asked for assurances from Senior Administrators that there will be no involuntary job loss for faculty as the University navigates its way through the current financial “crisis.” To date this assurance has not been given. Senior Administrators and the Board of Governors have projected a $44.5 million operating budget deficit by 2015-16 …
Nominations are Now Open: Peter C. Dooley Legacy Award and Peter T. Millard Award
November 20, 2013 | All News
Peter C. Dooley Legacy Award On April 12, 2013 the first Peter C. Dooley Legacy Award was presented. The Dooley Award is intended to recognize and celebrate champions of collegial self-governance and to ensure that the role Peter Dooley played as such a champion in making the USFA what it is today is not forgotten. …
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December 31 Deadline for Flexible Spending Program
November 18, 2013 | All News
It’s important to regularly check on the balance in your Health Spending and/or Personal Spending Accounts under the Flexible Spending Program and note when available funds “expire.” Unspent funds can only be carried forward for one year and funds you do not spend after two years revert to the employer. You can find account balances …
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The Emperor Isn’t Wearing Any Clothes: Intellectually Bankrupt Academic Prioritization
November 15, 2013 | All News
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 …
Let’s set the record straight
November 12, 2013 | All News
Statements being made by Senior Administrators are leading to the unfortunate conclusion that the ‘dire straits’ in which the College of Medicine finds itself is the fault of lazy faculty not willing to fulfill their duties. Let us set the record straight. Reliance on the expertise of clinical faculty to deliver clinical service has impacted …
Is there really a $44.5 million deficit?
November 5, 2013 | All News
Senior Administrators and the Board of Governors have budgeted an operating deficit of $44.5 million by 2015-16. This budgeted deficit is very different than having a deficit in the audited financial statements, and is based on a number of questionable assumptions that can fluctuate from year to year and have a significant impact on the …
Incentive Plan for Retirement – application deadline and FAQs
October 22, 2013 | All News
USFA members who have a combined age and years of service equal to or greater than 85 are eligible to apply for the Incentive Plan for Retirement (IPR). The application deadline is October 31, 2013. See http://www.usask.ca/vpacademic/collegial/index.php for application form and additional information. Members are reminded that they may withdraw an application for the IPR …
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Checking Out of The Bates Motel: Thoughts From a Recent Retiree on the Changing Face of the U Of S
October 22, 2013 | All News
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 …
Get science right
October 15, 2013 | All News
Get Science R!ght is a CAUT campaign to raise awareness about the way the federal government policy and funding decisions are threatening Canada’s future in science and research. We have a limited number of posters from this campaign which we are distributing to FARs so they can be posted in prominent locations. Go to www.getscienceright.ca …