We are pleased that the announcement from the Board of Governors about the change in leadership stated “in the strongest possible terms, that the University of Saskatchewan is committed to the principles of academic freedom and freedom of expression. It would also like to stress that it believes that tenure is a sacrosanct principle within… Continue reading Actions not words
Tag: TransformUS
Silence of the Board
The fact that the Board of Governors remains silent on their decision to delegate veto power over tenure and promotion decisions to the President is a sign of failed leadership. Two of our members have received a positive recommendation for tenure by the appropriate collegial bodies on campus and are awaiting a tenure decision by… Continue reading Silence of the Board
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
A Message from USFA Chair Doug Chivers
A pdf is available here. Dear Members: There is much discussion with respect to opinions being expressed about TransformUS and the action, or inaction, of the USFA. Based on the many emails I have been receiving from members, I think it is clear that there are a few misconceptions. First let me say that the… Continue reading A Message from USFA Chair Doug Chivers
STOP THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND POLITICAL INTRUSION INTO ACADEMIA! (Part Two)
We have had a bounty of submissions this year to VOX and we hope that it continues. It is important for all of us to be actively involved in dialogue about issues of relevance to the U of S. While at times it takes courage to put our views in writing, we have a responsibility… Continue reading STOP THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND POLITICAL INTRUSION INTO ACADEMIA! (Part Two)
STOP THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND POLITICAL INTRUSION INTO THE ARTS AND SCIENCES! (Part One)
Whether public or private, the single most important defining characteristic of a university is its faculty. Faculty transform both the university and the generations of students they teach by means of the advancement and dissemination of shared knowledge. As is the case at many universities, some faculty at the U of S were educated here,… Continue reading STOP THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND POLITICAL INTRUSION INTO THE ARTS AND SCIENCES! (Part One)
Open letter to the President of the University of Saskatchewan
Many people are concerned about the TransformUS process as a means of academic decision making at the University of Saskatchewan. The model on which TransformUS is based is being implemented, or being considered for implementation, at several Canadian Universities and many at those institutions are likewise concerned (http://ocufa.on.ca/wordpress/assets/Dickeson-Right-for-Ontario-Craig-Heron.pdf, http://www.academicmatters.ca/2014/01/doing-the-ppp-a-skeptical-perspective/). At the U of S the… Continue reading Open letter to the President of the University of Saskatchewan
TransformUS: Even Worse Than Predicted
Happy New Year!! 2013 came to a close with bitter cold and concerns about future of many academic programs at the U of S. This issue of VOX is another submission from Professor Eric Howe. It follows-up what he previously wrote and presents his thoughts on TransformUS now that the task forces have released their… Continue reading TransformUS: Even Worse Than Predicted
Speaking of TransformUS…
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… Continue reading Speaking of TransformUS…