usaskfaculty, Author at USFA

Open letter to the President of the University of Saskatchewan

January 29, 2014

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 […]

TransformUS and the Financial Crisis

January 22, 2014

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“The goal for TransformUS is to obtain $20-25 million in permanent annual savings, or approximately five per cent of the university’s total operating budget. In addition, $5 million will be reallocated to top priority programs and services that would benefit from increased resources.” (Provost and Vice-President Academic Fairburn, report to University Council, January 2014) The […]

Reminder: Millard Award & Dooley Legacy Award

January 20, 2014

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There is less than one month until nominations close for the USFA Peter T. Millard Award and the USFA Peter C. Dooley Legacy Award. Nominations must be in by February 7. The Millard Award is a way for you to acknowledge fellow USFA members for contributions to the USFA and its membership. Who do you […]

TransformUS: Even Worse Than Predicted

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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 […]

Don’t play the name and shame game

January 14, 2014

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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

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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

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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. http://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…

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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

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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

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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 […]