Last week the University announced that it would appeal the decision of Justice Laing, claiming that its intention is to seek clarity on governance of the university. What University administrators now seek is to determine whether the University of Saskatchewan Act supersedes the Collective Agreement. We are perplexed with this decision because the Board just […]

The USFA Executive Committee has been advised that the September 16th Queen’s Bench decision of Justice Laing will be appealed by the University. The decision to appeal was made by Interim U of S President Gordon Barnhart. Chair of the USFA, Doug Chivers, expressed disappointment saying, “We knew, regardless of what happened at the bargaining […]

The U of S Board of Governors has voted in favour of accepting the 2014-2017 Collective Agreement and revoked the delegation to the President of final authority over tenure decisions. A number of issues were addressed in this round of bargaining, the most important being a way to move forward on the “presidential veto.” The […]

The USFA Constitution provides for two general membership meetings per year.  The Fall General meeting is scheduled for Friday, October 17th at 2:30 p.m. in Arts 241, Neatby-Timlin Theatre. Mark your calendar and plan to attend!

USFA Chair Doug Chivers yesterday presented a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to ATU Local 615, the union representing locked out City of Saskatoon Transit Workers. The lockout of transit workers has clearly affected the entire campus community, including many faculty. “The USFA went on strike only one time in our history, and we […]

A central part of CAUT’s new equity structure is the creation of networks designed to provide an opportunity for members of marginalized groups from all associations across the country to participate in providing advice to CAUT on its equity work and to advance equity work in local associations. The four are: Network of Academic Staff […]

A number of members in the College of Arts and Science have contacted the USFA expressing concerns about possible restructuring in their College, particularly with respect to the roles of the Vice Deans. The USFA ascribes to the view that College structure and the roles of Vice-Deans, Associate Deans and Assistant Deans are matters for […]

Many of you will have likely heard about an open letter to the Minister of National Revenue asking her to place a moratorium on political-activity audits of various think tanks that claim charitable status. The letter was drafted after a number of university professors learned that the Canada Revenue Agency is auditing the Canadian Centre […]

The Search and Review Procedures for Senior Administrators has a number of principles to guide all searches, including confidentiality, transparency and consultation. With a search for the next U of S President about to get underway, transparency and consultation—not confidentiality—needs to be front and centre for the Committee searching for our next President. As the […]