Simonne Horwitz wants her students to experience the country she calls home, so she designed the program for History 399.6: South Africa, Politics and Society, as a way to introduce students to the history, politics, and pastimes of South Africa.

According to a recent study, University of Saskatchewan students involved in Learning Communities, a program to help first-year students make the transition into university life, earned grades that were on average 10 per cent higher than those of non-Learning Community students.

They were adopted back in 2002, and since then, the University of Saskatchewan’s strategic directions have served the institution well. For Peter MacKinnon, they are still an inspiration and guide.

The College of Arts and Science will give students the option of taking minors in Catholic studies, Canadian literature, and Jewish and Christian origins if the proposed additions are approved by Council in the spring.

Norm lies quietly on a gurney in a rather sterile examination room, until Debbie Briere boots up his computer and switches on his compressor. Then, Norm comes to life, emitting breath and bowel sounds, displaying a pulse in all the right places, ready for IVs, medications, intubations, a chest tube, even a tracheotomy.

The College of Arts and Science is exploring new program options for first-year students in an effort to address the priorities of recruitment and retention.

by Colleen MacPherson

Having taken into account both its own budget adjustments and the current economic uncertainty in Saskatchewan, the University of Saskatchewan is making a request to the province for a 5.2 per cent, or $13.2 million, increase in its base operating grant for 2010-11.

By Colleen MacPherson

The College of Medicine’s strong partnerships in recruitment, education and community engagement, its leadership in social accountability, and its “exceptionally supportive” services for students and residents in Regina were among its strengths described in the report announcing the continuation of the college’s accreditation for another eight years.

When Lisa Jewell was looking at her options for graduate studies, she found the University of Saskatchewan had just what she was looking for.

As a Master of Science student in agriculture and bioresource engineering, Ryan Roberge is already meeting his future colleagues.

Serene Smyth is currently pursuing her master’s degree in kinesiology, and she chose the University of Saskatchewan for graduate studies partially because of the variety of disciplines offered.

While Brett Trost was working toward his master’s degree, he was given a strong sign that he was on the right path.

The University of Saskatchewan scored B+ in student satisfaction in the 2010 Canadian University Report released by The Globe and Mail Oct. 22.

By Mark Ferguson

Enrolment is up across the country, and for the first time since 2003, more students are attending the University of Saskatchewan this year than the previous year - a positive sign considering the decrease in the high school student population in the province and increased competition from other post-secondary institutions.

story by Teri Rosenfelt

Rahatjan Judge is not the stereotypical graduate student.

Judge will graduate this fall with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with high honours, and she is now working on her master’s degree.

story and photo by Teri Rosenfelt

For Matt Mazurik, his connection to the University of Saskatchewan began before he was born.

story and photo by Teri Rosenfelt

The path to completing her master’s degree was not a straightforward one for Angie Tysseland.

There are days when Hayley Hesseln forgets which time zone she is in.

Having just returned from meetings in Iceland, Hesseln, dean of undergraduate studies for the University of the Arctic (UArctic), is catching her breathe in her office in the Agriculture Building. In the past year alone, she has been to Sweden, Alaska, Norway, Finland and several different cities in Canada. She won’t be home long before heading out to Denmark, Russia, and back to Finland. Scotland is the only participating country she won’t see this year.

On Sept. 1, Robert Buckingham began a five-year term as the first executive director of the university’s School of Public Health. Buckingham, whose previous position was professor at New Mexico State University, helped open the first hospice in the US and has since developed 81 hospices in seven countries worldwide. On Campus News sat down recently with Buckingham to ask him some questions about moving to Canada and his plans for the School of Public Health.

The School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS) has announced the appointment of its very first executive director, Karsten Liber, for a two year appointment starting Oct. 1, 2009.

Buhr assumed the role of dean of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources this summer after spending 21 years at the University of Guelph, the last part as interim dean of the Ontario Agriculture College. Barely into her first term, Buhr has already been struck by the sharp contrast in how agriculture is perceived in the two provinces.

For the first time in the university's history, the fine arts could soon have a home of their own in a new state-of-the-art facility.

Bringing together the Departments of Art and Art History, Drama and Music under one roof is the mandate of the Clarion Project, and according to those involved, the project will make a huge difference to the creative landscape of the campus.

The budget adjustment plans by academic and administrative units have been drawn up and, according to the provost, “overall they present a good picture” of how the university will trim $10 million from its operating budget over the next two years.

“For the most part, units did a solid job,” said Brett Fairbairn. “They took a variety of different approaches, which is what you would expect at a university, and largely identified the $10 million the university is looking for.”

Robert Buckingham has been appointed the executive director of the School of Public Health, effective Sept. 1.

Students involved in Drama 285.3 (Theatre Studies in London) had the opportunity to take part in workshops and lectures at the Royal Court Theatre and the Haymarket Theatre in London in May.

Human dimensions of environmental changes will be addressed with the appointment of Douglas A. Clark, renowned conservation policy scientist, as Centennial Chair in the School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS) at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S).

Situated on the shores of Emma Lake within boreal forest, the University of Saskatchewan’s Emma Lake Kenderdine Campus does more than just create a scenic destination. The unique combination of natural environments enables the Kenderdine Campus to offer a diverse range of classes across a variety of subject areas.

Paul Trottier, left, Kenderdine Campus director, and Ken Van Rees, chair of the campus board

Robert Buckingham, a professor at New Mexico State University Department of Health Science, has been named executive director of the University of Saskatchewan School of Public Health.

Buckingham

The University of Saskatchewan Board of Governors has approved a budget for 2009-10 that includes tuition increases in virtually every program, and is accompanied by a plan to cut $10 million from the institution's operations over the next two years.

After two successful pilot studies, the university is dramatically expanding its learning communities program, part of an ongoing effort to recruit and retain undergraduate students.

For students in Dr. Rani Kanthan's pathology classes, playing games in school is serious business.

To meet a growing demand, the province, the U of S, the University of Regina and the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) are partnering in a process of restructuring the way nursing education is delivered in Saskatchewan, and those changes could be in place as early as 2011.

David Hill, the executive director of the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs, will be joining the University of Saskatchewan Aug. 1 as dean of the College of Pharmacy of Nutrition.

The University of Saskatchewan continues to build its presence in graduate education with a recent funding announcement that brings investment from the Academic Priorities Fund (APF) in its three interdisciplinary graduate schools to $1.78 million.

Students are invited to attend a town hall discussion and question period Tuesday, Feb. 24 focused on the impact of the current world financial downturn on the operations of the U of S.

Anyone on campus who studies, teaches or simply works for the university is invited to share their best stories about learning.

With construction underway on D Wing, the university is moving toward a call for bids on the next phase of the Academic Health Sciences project, a building that will connect to the College of Dentistry and Royal University Hospital.

The E Wing portion of the Academic Health Sciences project seen from College Avenue.
Rendering provided by Kindrashuk Agrey Architects

A proposed governance structure for the Academic Health Sciences (AHS) project is wending its way through the consultation process as the university prepares to enter a new era of interprofessional and interdisciplinary education and research in the health sciences.

Although the number is very small, an overall decline in enrolment this fall at the University of Saskatchewan points to the arrival of the long-predicted shortage of high school graduates in this province, according to the associate vice-president of student and enrolment services.

At fall convocation Oct. 25, Angela Ward will be presented with the university's Master Teacher Award, recognition of her special qualities in the classroom.

Master Teacher Angela Ward

The university's largest college, which encompasses the humanities, social sciences, fine arts and natural sciences, is embarking on a comprehensive discussion of its governance structure, and an examination of whether changes to that structure might be warranted.

Brett Fairbairn, provost and vice-president academic, said the College of Arts and Science was asked as part of the second integrated planning process to confirm its structure by the end of this calendar year. With the recent announcement that Dean Jo-Anne Dillon's term will end June 30, 2009, and with efforts to recruit a new dean just getting underway, Fairbairn believes there is an opportunity to consider whether the college's current combination of academic divisions is the right one for the college, and for the university.

For the complete story in On Campus News, click here

The lowly milk goat is at the centre of a new initiative undertaken by U of S faculty members that holds great hope for AIDS-orphaned children in Uganda, but also creates important opportunities for the institution and its students.

Dr. Claire Card, foreground, and Carol Henry of the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, standing centre, participate in the passing on of milk goats to rural Ugandan women.
Photos supplied by Adil Nazarali

James Pepler is in the middle between U of S students and the institution's administration, but that is exactly where he is supposed to be.

James Pepler, student initiatives and special projects co-ordinator
Photo by Colleen MacPherson

The university has taken a big step in implementing its second integrated plan by naming the people who will lead each of the 20 initiatives identified in that plan.

There are not enough physicians in the province, a concern the College of Medicine takes very seriously. To try to keep graduates practicing in Saskatchewan, a career development officer position was created.

If you’re smart enough to study here, and if you’re smart enough to work here, then you’re smart enough to CITE.

The Government of Saskatchewan announced an additional $100 million in funding for the Academic Health Sciences project.

The Department of Computer Science is preparing students for careers in the lucrative video game and IT industry, after introducing a joint initiative with the Saskatchewan Interactive Media Association (SaskInteractive).

Mary M. Buhr, currently the interim dean of the Ontario Agriculture College at the University of Guelph, has been appointed dean of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan.

Buhr

Students in two colleges have new options when it comes to picking a major.

In a decision to help strengthen academic programs in the College of Arts and Science, three departments will undergo name changes for the 2008-09 school year, including the return of Anthropology to the Department of Archaeology.

Students in the College of Engineering and the College of Agriculture and Bioresources have new options when it comes to picking a major.

After an extensive search that attracted candidates from around the world, the newly appointed dean of dentistry was right in the University backyard all along.

Dr. Gerry Uswak
Photo by Mark Ferguson

Brett Fairbairn, former president of the USSU, historian, Oxford graduate, soccer player and head of the Department of HIstory is about to embark on a significant career change when he steps into one of the University's top positions, that of provost and vice-president academic, on July 1.

Incoming Provost Brett Fairbairn
OCN Photo

The new Johnson-Shoyama School of Public Policy is accepting students, hiring faculty and ready to offer a Master of Public Administration (MPA) starting this fall, but not all of the ducks are in a row quite yet, according to Acting Director Peter Phillips.

Scholars and artists with a common goal will combine their efforts at an upcoming conference and festival on oral media in Saskatoon.

When he became the University of Saskatchewan’s eighth president in July 1999, Peter MacKinnon said his priorities would be improving the research capacity and performance of the institution and ensuring its success in the competitive world of post-secondary education in Canada.

Peter MacKinnon speaks to the media after his appointment was announced.
Photo by Mark Ferguson

The University of Saskatchewan has mapped out where it will focus its efforts and resources over the next four years in its second integrated plan entitled Towards an Engaged University.

The first draft of a new foundational document suggests that while the University of Saskatchewan is doing a good job of teaching and learning, “improvements can and should be made.”

The new dean of the University of the Arctic’s Office of Undergraduate Studies will be focusing on extending the virtual institution’s base at the U of S, as well as expanding UArctic’s undergraduate curriculum once her term begins July 1.

Hayley Hesselin

Students took full advantage of the opportunity offered by a recent U of S Board of Governors meeting with the public to ask questions about the president's salary, spending and residence fees.

If the University’s first integrated plan was about building capacity, the second, recently released in draft form, details how that capacity should be put to use to advance the institution’s strategic goals.

Lisa Lix, an assistant professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba, director of that institution’s Biostatistical Consulting Unit and associate director of the Repository at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, is the first Centennial Chair appointed at the University of Saskatchewan.

Lisa Lix

Students from the U of S have launched a unique entrepreneurial program with aboriginal high school students that promises to produce beneficial results for all involved.

The team has been dedicating much of their extracurricular time teaching local aboriginal high school students the importance of financial literacy as part of their “Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Program.” The U of S students started this project through their involvement with Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), a program operated by ACE (Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship) that encourages students to create economic opportunities in their communities.

As part of the students’ involvement in this program as well as the HSBC SIFE Financial Education Challenge, the U of S team will present the results of their project at a regional competition, the 2008 ACE Regional Exposition, in Calgary on Feb. 29. If they advance through the regional event, the team will present their project at the national competition later this year.

Through the Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Program, the U of S team meets regularly with aboriginal high school students at the White Buffalo Youth Lodge in Saskatoon to teach them how to finance a business. The program is hoped to provide these high school students with financial skills they can utilize in their own lives and pass on to other in the aboriginal community.

The Board of Governors second annual Public Meeting will be held on March 7, 2008, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Convocation Hall, College Building.

To recognize the interruption in normal campus services available to students during the November strike by CUPE 1975 support staff, the University of Saskatchewan is offering a $25 retail credit to all students who were enrolled in a credit program on campus in the fall semester.

The Dean of Education will remain a familiar face on campus after being reappointed to a second five-year renewable term.

Cecilia Reynolds

All members of the campus community, including students, are being invited to assess the more than 80 new initiatives proposed for the University’s next Integrated Plan, part of a consultation process to gauge both interest and support.

Brett Fairbairn, head of the History Department and chair of University Council, has been named to the position of provost and vice-president academic.

University offices will be closed on the following days during the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s season:
Monday, Dec. 24
Tuesday, Dec. 25
Wednesday, Dec.26
Thursday, Dec. 27
Friday, Dec. 28
Monday, Dec. 31
Tuesday, Jan.1, 2008

Assured by the chair of the Planning and Priorities Committee that “no students will be stranded as a result of this action,” University Council unanimously approved the disestablishment of the Virtual College of Biotechnology (VCB).

Enrolment at the University of Saskatchewan is up by 42 students this fall, thanks to an increase in graduate students, those in a special program for international medical graduates and the inclusion of English as a Second Language (ESL) students in this year’s numbers.

The class of 2011 at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine received their white coats in a ceremony Sept. 28.

Photo by Bill Gray

In the wake of the release of the province’s final recommendations on how to deal with affordability and accessibility issues in post-secondary education, the University of Saskatchewan has reminded the government the institution has the lawful right to manage its own tuition levels.

Whether or not you’re guilty, it’s a fact that cheating affects everyone.

More than 1,000 students at the University will be using clickers in their classes this year, an interactive technology that is proving increasingly popular with faculty.

Talking about ancient artifacts and viewing pictures in a textbook is all well and good, but a professor and nine University students who travelled to Rome this summer agree the real thing is much more inspiring.

The History 298.3 class at St. Peter's in Rome.
Photo provided by Angela Kalinowski

While it looks like the end is near for the Virtual College of Biotechnology (VCB), its manager says students will be largely unaffected by the move.

The Colleges of Nursing and Engineering have new deans who join the University of Saskatchewan with fresh perspectives on their colleges and the future.

The University Learning Centre (ULC) has launched a new website designed for students as well as faculty and instructors.

To Vera Pezer, holding the position of U of S chancellor seems like a perfect fit.

U of S Chancellor Vera Pezer
Submitted Photo

Message from Dean Isaac: In 2007, the Centennial Year of the University of Saskatchewan, I am very pleased to introduce the N. Murray Edwards School of Business, marking a new era and name change for the University of Saskatchewan's College of Commerce.

Dean Grant Isaac in front of the N. Murray Edwards Market Watch.
Photo by Colleen MacPherson, On Campus News

The U of S is home to three new schools that aim to solidify the University’s expertise in public health, public policy, and environment and sustainability while promoting graduate studies, research, and outreach.

Two-thirds of a Smithsonian-curated travelling exhibit on a vital geological discovery –the Burgess Shale – will find a permanent home on the U of S campus.

Teresa Carlson, acting director of the Diefenbaker Canada Centre
Photo by Silas Polkinghorne

Eric Woods has a unique perspective on life inside a Ukrainian university.

The College of Commerce has a new name.

Dean Grant Isaac
OCN Photo by Colleen MacPherson

Ernie Barber, dean of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources, will serve as Acting Provost while the search continues for Michael Atkinson’s permanent replacement.

Ernie Barber

The oils sands development at Fort McMurray, Alta., an abandoned mineral mine and a boat on the Peace River seem unlikely places to find senior veterinary medicine students – unless they were part of a unique course offering designed to broaden their view of the world and their role in it.

Effective May 1, graduate students who work in a variety capacities at the University of Saskatchewan will see a 4.5 per cent increase in their pay.

“For the first time in a long time, math is not the lowest mark in Engineering.”

A new centre that will focus on teaching and research in the field of communication has recently opened in the College of Engineering.

Lawrence Martz, currently associate dean of social sciences in the College of Arts and Science, will take up the post of dean of the College of Graduate Studies and Research on January 1, 2008.

Lawrence Martz, new dean of Graduate Studies and Research
Photo by Silas Polkinghorne

The University Learning Centre (ULC) is ready to help.

Collective bargaining between the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Saskatchewan Faculty Association is continuing, and on March 2, an update on the University’s positions was provided.

The College of Education is 80 years old this year and looking forward to continuing to be a leader in aboriginal teacher training.

Janusz Kozinski, a former McGill University associate professor who now holds an international research chair position in bioenergy in France, has been appointed dean of the College of Engineering for a five-year renewable term.

McGill University Photo

The U of S, along with other Saskatchewan post-secondary institutions, has made a submission to the provincial government’s McCall Review on Post-Secondary Accessibility and Affordability.

Recent coverage related to the University of Saskatchewan's bargaining with the U of S Faculty Association has generated some questions from students.

The new University Learning Centre (ULC) was officially opened Jan. 15 in the main library, marking the start of a new phase in teaching and learning excellence at the U of S.

Electrical Engineering student Patrick Fusick (foreground) studies in the new ULC.
Photo by Silas Polkinghorne

A new provincial Family Day holiday will mean students get an extra day off school in 2007.

A new study shows that students at the University of Saskatchewan feel right at home.

Dr. Lorna Butler of Dalhousie University will take up the post of Dean in the College of Nursing July 1, 2007.

There are no first-year students in the School of Physical Therapy this year, but next year, the school will have its first class of students working toward a Masters.

Graduates who attended fall convocation at the University of Regina Oct. 21 were treated to a convocation address by Peter MacKinnon who talked about his passion for universities and his hopes for their futures.

The University has spent almost two years looking at who attends the U of S, who does well, and who is likely to leave early, the result being a major study on retention and attrition.

Enrolment at the U of S is up one student over this time last year, and that person is likely a graduate student.

The University of Saskatchewan is paying particular attention to teaching and learning this fall as it prepares for the release of what the Provost believes could one of the most influential foundational documents yet produced by the Integrated Planning process.

Having a pet in the house is all fine and good, until it starts to behave badly, and bad behaviour is the most common reason pets are surrendered to shelters or euthanized. For Veterinarian Liz Snead, that fact is frustrating because there is help for troubled pets, and their owners.

Students who wish to register in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources or the College of Arts and Science, as well as those hoping for a entrance scholarship this year now have a little more time to apply.

Student scholarships at the University of Saskatchewan received a significant boost June 16 with the announcement of a $500,000 donation from BMO Financial Group.

Thanks to a Hamilton-based philanthropist, an original copy of one of Métis Leader Louis Riel’s poems has found its way into the University of Saskatchewan’s collection of historic documents.

Over the next 14 months, two new centres will take over many of the functions currently handled by the Extension Division.

The College of Agriculture will be asking that its name be officially changed to the College of Agriculture and Bioresources.

Please join us for the University of Saskatchewan Late Night Safe Study Sessions!

Photo by Matthew Dalzell, CLS

Stephen Urquhart recently posed this question to graduate students taking his Selected Topics in Physical Chemistry class: What makes non-stick aluminum foil, well, non-sticky?

The University is examining how it provides community programming.

University Council, over the past two months, has approved a number of additions to the academic offerings at the U of S, as well as one deletion.

In Canada, the pulpit and the ballot box have traditionally had difficulties sharing the same stage. In India however, the realms of religion and politics have become practically inseparable.

Carol Shepstone, head of Access Services.
Photo by Colleen MacPherson

The Learning Commons in the Main Library has just gotten bigger, now that 20 laptop computers are available for borrowing.

The cloud of probation has been lifted from over the College of Medicine’s undergraduate program.

Monday, March 6th is the first day to register for Spring & Summer Session classes!

Kim Fontaine performing at the 2005 Flatland Music Festival in Regina.
Photo by Ben Chekowy

Nurturing new talent in people with a desire to set their words to music is the aim of two new courses being offered this spring by the U of S Extension Division.

T2202A tax credit forms are now available for download through PAWS.

The College of Education has extended the deadline for admissions.

University Council has approved a new undergraduate degree program in Agribusiness, to be offered by the College of Agriculture starting in September.

Job action, including a potential strike, was averted Jan. 25 when the U of S reached a tentative three-year agreement with the CUPE local representing some 1,600 workers who provide services including clerical, security, food and custodial.

Dean Ernie Barber will discuss the new vision and expanded mission of the College of Agriculture.

Students, faculty and staff are invited to attend U of S Provost and Vice-President Academic Michael Atkinson's address to the campus community on Mon. Feb. 27 at Noon.

The College of Agriculture is planning to change its name.

Students, faculty and staff are invited to attend U of S President Peter MacKinnon's address to the campus community on Mon., Feb. 6 at 12:30 p.m.

A recently created $50,000 annual fund is available to help pay for conferences organized by U of S students, faculty or staff.

You don't need to have “international” in the title of your major or program area to study or learn abroad.

For students wanting to buy their textbooks for term two early, the Bookstore is offering an extended returns period.

From January to April, the U of S will ask students for feedback on a number of topics in an effort to improve the student experience on campus.

Students in Professor Scott Bell's Introducation to Technical Geography class have the advantage of being able to download recorded versions of his lectures to catch up on a missed class, or review material to help their understanding of key concepts and information.

After shaky funding last year, the Saskatchewan Legislative Internship Program (SLIP) is again on solid footing and will offer a seven-month term for four university students in 2006.

The U of S announced Oct. 27 that for the third straight year the number of cases of student cheating and plagiarism have dropped.