usfa@usaskfaculty.ca

Denial, Deflection and Distraction – Who is running our university?

Every day more troubling information comes to light underscoring the disarray of U of S leadership and the need to know who is ultimately responsible for decision-making. On the heels of the former President and Provost denying responsibility for critical decisions, more examples of mysterious decision-makers are brought to light. The University has launched an […]

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The Continuing Leadership Crisis at the U of S

USFA e-Letter: The Continuing Leadership Crisis at the U of S There have been more remarkable developments in the ongoing saga at the U of S. At the end of last week in a communication labelled “Confidential – Not for Distribution,” former Provost Brett Fairbairn wrote that no university leader had asked about “who was […]

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Update on Presidential Veto Power of Tenure Recommendations

We are pleased to report that tenure has now been granted to all faculty members recommended by collegial bodies for the 2013-2014 academic year. However, the fact that the Board of Governors has not formally reconsidered its original motion and that it is still fighting the case for a presidential veto is a cause for […]

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Actions not words

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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Academic Freedom includes the right to criticize the University

Many of you will already know that the employment of Dr. Robert Buckingham, Executive Director of the School of Public Health, was terminated this morning. His termination letter, which can be found on the CBC News Saskatoon website, states that he irreparably damaged his relationship with the U of S and breached his employment contract, […]

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Association Wins Important Arbitration Award

We are very pleased to report that our legal challenges concerning the University President’s alleged powers under The University Act to overturn a decision of the Renewal and Tenure Appeal Committee has resulted in an important victory for the Association. Previously we had reported to Association members that President MacKinnon had refused to forward to […]

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