Tag: academic freedom

Tenure and Academic Freedom

There is a continuous misunderstanding at university campuses, amongst some tenured faculty and staff of the university administration but also in the public at large, about the meaning, purpose, and scope of tenure and academic freedom. In our collective agreement they are defined in article 6 Academic Freedom, and article 15.2 Purpose of Tenure.  As academics, we… Continue reading Tenure and Academic Freedom

Academic Freedom and Freedom from Sexual Assault

For ten years now, the USFA has sponsored an annual Academic Freedom Event. This year, Dr. Dianne Miller, a historian and sociologist of education, raised the question of whether women can inquire in a manner free from institutional restraints where they are victims of sexual predation and violence. Read what she had to say in… Continue reading Academic Freedom and Freedom from Sexual Assault

The Crisis of Confidence in University Boards Across Canada

Voting is underway for the faculty representative on the U of S Board of Governors, with ballots closing on May 25th. If you have not yet voted, consider participating in the process to determine who will take the seat of the faculty member on our Board of Governors. As recent events across Canada have shown,… Continue reading The Crisis of Confidence in University Boards Across Canada

The Politics of Austerity and Academic Freedom: An Inevitable Collision?

“The Politics of Austerity and Academic Freedom: An Inevitable Collision?” April 7, 4:00 to 5:45 p.m. Neatby-Timlin Theatre (241 Arts) Keynote: Dr. Root Gorelick, Carleton University “Academic Freedom in University Governance: Blogging and Gagging” Last November, just months after the University of Saskatchewan agreed to a one-time holdback of $20 million to help the provincial… Continue reading The Politics of Austerity and Academic Freedom: An Inevitable Collision?

2015 USFA Award Recipients

With pleasure, we announce the 2015 recipients of the Peter C. Dooley Legacy Award, the USFA Academic Freedom Award and the Peter T. Millard Award. Thank you to the multiple nominators for making the selection committee’s task challenging. The 2015 Peter C. Dooley Legacy Award goes to Joan Sawatzky, Professor Emeritus, College of Nursing, University… Continue reading 2015 USFA Award Recipients

Academic Freedom, the Presidential Veto and Collective Bargaining

Throughout the upheaval of the past six months, the USFA Executive directed considerable efforts toward reaching a settlement at the negotiating table. We reached a tentative three-year agreement on July 30 and ratified it on September 2. We anticipate the Board of Governors will vote on the agreement at their meeting in early October. We… Continue reading Academic Freedom, the Presidential Veto and Collective Bargaining

Make no mistake, Academic Freedom and Tenure are Under Attack at the University of Saskatchewan

Notwithstanding the very public and powerful words last week from President Ilene Busch-Vishniac about the importance of tenure and academic freedom after reversing the decision to strip Professor Robert Buckingham of his tenure, there are clear indications that the tenure process at the University of Saskatchewan is under full attack. Despite assurances by the President… Continue reading Make no mistake, Academic Freedom and Tenure are Under Attack at the University of Saskatchewan

The Mismatch: The Council and Our Fate! and Watch Us Shrink into Greatness

Important changes are facing all of us as members of the University. TransformUs, in particular, has been the lightning rod for critical comment by colleagues not only in the pages of VOX but in other print media. Nor should it surprise us that the “Dickeson model” guiding TransformUS has been rejected by universities and colleges… Continue reading The Mismatch: The Council and Our Fate! and Watch Us Shrink into Greatness

No tenure in Saskatchewan Law

If you have ever wondered why faculty might choose to unionize, read the University of Saskatchewan Act and the University of Regina Act. Neither piece of legislation contains the word “tenure”. It does appear in the Collective Agreement, where it is defined as “the appointment of an employee to a permanent position on the academic… Continue reading No tenure in Saskatchewan Law