Keeping Busy
Since my last entry the job has become increasingly more and more busy. While I have been keeping myself occupied, I think the additional tasks I have been able to take on can be attributed to the comfort level I have found within the position. I have been keeping myself busy with such things as meeting the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) President designate, Ilene Busch-Vishniac, in the newly renovated space at Louis’. We discussed a number of different issues including the U of S’s forthcoming debt, student engagement, and Aboriginal initiatives. I had met with her on one prior occasion, and in my two encounters with her I feel as if she is going to do very well in her new role ad U of S President. She is very well spoken and also brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from her many academic positions, which most recently include the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) position at McMaster University in Hamilton Ontario.
As your USSU President, I have been involved with a number of different initiatives. I have been attending the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre steering committee meetings and I am happy to say that the project is coming along very nicely. I have begun preliminary talks with the Art Department about the prospects of student art in areas of Place Riel and the North Concourse. I am also looking into setting up diversity training for the Executive so we can be well equipped to address the diverse needs of U of S students. I also had an opportunity to speak to Pricilla Settee’s Native Studies 107 class about the U of S’s Integrated Plan. I spoke for close to an hour and while I was nervous, I hope all of the students were able to get something out of my story and interpretation of the University’s plan.
VP Academic Ruvimbo Kanyemba and I were able to attend a reception to honour faculty members being promoted to the level of Professor. It was not until I attended this event did I realize the depth and wealth of knowledge and experience the educators at the University of Saskatchewan possess. World-renowned researchers, Olympic trainers, and Health Experts working in some of the most impoverished places in the world have professorships here at the University of Saskatchewan.
Lastly, I would like to mention the University of Saskatchewan Annual Graduation Powwow taking place in the Bowl tomorrow (May 30th), which will be an all day event and encourage everyone to try and get out and witness this great event on campus.
See you there!
Jared Brown
