April 11, 2008
MacKinnon
By Colleen MacPherson
Research, the student body, budget, governance and labour relations were among the markers identified by the University of Saskatchewan president in his annual address to the General Academic Assembly (GAA) as indicators of the institution’s health, progress and direction.
Speaking April 8 to about 100 members of the GAA, some 50 short of the required number for quorum, Peter MacKinnon said he was unable to speak about all aspects of the institution’s diverse life. Instead, in what was billed as the State of the University address, he focused on areas of change and success within what he termed “one of the most complex universities in Canada.”
MacKinnon commented first on the “dynamic curriculum work” that has taken place at the U of S over the last several years, including the establishment of three new interdisciplinary schools. Addressing research as an indicator, he said GAA members “will be familiar with my views on this subject. One of the guiding motivations of my presidency has been to see improvements in the research profile of this University.”
He went on to describe significant increases in funding from major granting agencies. “In short, there has been progress —great progress—but that is as much a comment on how far we had to come as it is on anything else,” adding the U of S remains below the peer university average for Tri-Council research grants.
Speaking about the University’s external relationships, MacKinnon said he supports the thinking that partnerships between universities, governments and private partners are essential to the success of universities, and that these relationships “require focused and persistent relationship-building.” He pointed to the recent $150 million Thinking the World of our Future campaign as an example of U of S success with external engagement and partnerships.
Increases in graduate student numbers and recruitment and retention efforts were two points MacKinnon touched on when discussing another marker— the size and composition of the student body. “Protecting our enrolment numbers is an imperative,” he said.
On the subject of budget and finances, he said the U of S has moved past the “historical approach of asking, waiting and reacting” in dealings with the provincial government to ongoing discussions about the University’s requirements. The resulting grant increases “are an important recognition—a symbolic one to be sure —of confidence in the University’s planning processes.”
MacKinnon went on to say the U of S is in the midst of what may be the most significant capital program in its history—83 projects completed, planned or in progress since 2000 with a total value exceeding $1 billion. The next big push will be for student residences, “something we simply have to do.”
Another marker the president addressed had three parts—governance, collegial management and labour relations. “It is essential,” he said, “to the health of the institution that … the differences between and among them be understood and respected.”
With five public sector unions, the U of S is one of the country’s most unionized universities, said MacKinnon. “You know and I know that we have been particularly tested this year in the area of labour relations.” And although he described the current working relationship between the unions and the University as stable, “it would be naïve to believe that there will not be differences.” The president then discussed his initiative to meet with employees to learn about the work environment. “It has been a very welcome opportunity indeed,” and he said he will comment more once the consultations are complete.
MacKinnon’s final comments were about senior administrators whose caliber and commitment is an asset to the University. He singled out Ernie Barber, former dean of the College of Agriculture and Resources whose term as acting provost and vice-president academic ends June 30, making particular mention of his work advancing the second integrated plan. “Ernie Barber is, quite simply, a terrific guy.”
Following his address, the president was questioned by GAA members on a range of issues, many covered in his report but others that included the need for a printed version of the University calendar, public Board of Governors meetings, the Human Resources Division integrated plan, the fate of small programs like Women and Gender Studies and Anthropology, academic freedom and mandatory teaching evaluations
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