Released on March 26, 1999
Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training Minister Maynard Sonntaghas announced that the government will strengthen its investment in
Saskatchewan students by investing $208 million in universities and
federated colleges this year. This includes $20 million for capital
projects, $3 million for special initiatives and an increase of
$2 million in the universities' operating budget.
The investment of $20 million in university capital spending will
allow the universities to do the required maintenance, design and
construction to continue to offer high quality programs and services.
The approval of specific projects such as the Thorvaldson Building and
a Kinesiology building to replace the gymnasium at the University of
Saskatchewan will be supported by further increases in capital funding
in subsequent years.
"Our universities have made impressive progress in revitalization,"
Sonntag said. "We are supporting them with the resources needed to
continue these efforts."
The universities have completed 12 joint initiative projects and have
17 more underway, all aimed at improving their services. Students are
enjoying improved access and richer course content using learning
technologies and tools such as a high speed fibre optic link between
the two universities. The universities also have long-term plans for
faculty renewal, allowing them to hire new young scholars to support
priority areas.
"Our universities play an essential role in teaching, research and
community services for the people of Saskatchewan," Sonntag said.
"This kind of investment benefits our entire society."
In total, the government has committed $467 million to
post-secondary education and skills training, an increase of
$33 million over last year's budget. In addition, Saskatchewan
Health increased its allocation to the College of Medicine at the
University of Saskatchewan by $2.9 million.
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For more information, contact:
John Biss
University Services
Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-5900
Revitalization Projects
1998-99
Electronic Classrooms
Building and equipping special classrooms at both campuses to enable ready access for two way Areal time interactive teaching.
Co-operative Data Library and Archival Network Information System
Projects to create province wide sharing of resources and information among libraries.
Internet and Electronic Classroom Course Material Development
Selected proposals that allow courses to be developed for and delivered by the Internet.
Implementation of DesRosiers
Identification of the full cost of research, the need to upgrade space inventory data, and the basis for calculating space requirements and for determining the mix of operating grant/tuition fees in funding the universities.
Student Loan Program
Develop an electronic information exchange network to enable students to register for loans faster.
Training in the New Media
This enables the two academic communities to develop and implement a training strategy for the use of the new media in teaching, both on campus and at a distance.
Teaching Development Partnership
This enables the two universities to develop joint initiatives to improve teaching delivery.
Joint Academic Conference
This enables the universities to identify a number of celebrated individuals to visit both campuses to stimulate debate on common issues of academic concern.
1997-98
Renewal of Libraries Automated Infrastructure Enables libraries to introduce a new generation of integrated library systems known as Amillenium@ to enhance the hardware and the cataloguing software.
Research Initiatives and Technology Transfers Funding to increase opportunities in technology transfer.
Learning Needs Implementation Program Gives employees the opportunity to take advantage of lifelong learning opportunities, allowing them to develop the knowledge and skills they need to do their work effectively.
Establish a Job Evaluation and Compensation Program Introduce a new system to manage and deploy staff more effectively.
Education Equity Help ensure that the learning and working environment is free of discriminating policies, procedures and
attitudes.
Career Transition Activity Provides assistance to organizational units to change work practises to most effectively use existing staff.
Prior Learning Assessment A process in which an individual may have his/her knowledge and skills, obtained through formal and non-formal learning experiences, evaluated and accredited towards entrance in a post-secondary education program.
College of Education B Educational Leadership Program
College of Engineering Electronic Classroom
Development of General Service Access System Allows students to use a computer card to access a wide range of university services in a convenient and efficient manner.
Provincial Internet Help Facility Use the technology of the World Wide Web to provide cost-effective advice, help, coaching and mentoring for students in large classes in Computer Science.
Prairie Ecosystem Study Builds on previous work in interdisciplinary research and education on most aspects of the prairie ecosystem
and takes the results to the community at large.
Student Recruitment and Student Records Management A CD-ROM to help in student recruitment and an electronic method for sharing student records.
Project Fund Development
Initiatives at the University of Saskatchewan for future joint benefits
Renovation of building and safety improvements
Enhance information systems
Enhance Research Services and Technology Transfer Services
Undertake feasibility study for increased international access to university programs
Internal University Projects