ASPA Advocate
Welcome to the online home of ASPA at the University of Saskatchewan
ASPA Member Highlight – Beverley Kobelsky, Instructor, Costume Construction & Design, Department of Drama
Written by Karen E. Mosier
Beverley Kobelsky graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1987, with a 
Bachelors in Fine Arts. She moved on to the University of Alberta to do her Masters in Visual Arts but then after only one year, she returned to the University of Saskatchewan do a degree in Drama Design which she completed in 1991.
Beverley started working at the University of Saskatchewan 15 years ago. At that time, she was hired contractually as a sessional lecturer to teach costume construction and design, and part-time as an ASPA employee to design and maintain the Drama department costumes and work with the students. In 2013, her position evolved into a full-time ASPA position as an Administrative Assistant for the Drama department, which includes her teaching duties. Read More
The Benefits of Taking a Leadership Role
By Karen E. Mosier
A leader is defined as someone who directs or guides an individual, situation or team. Good leaders motivate, inspire, and model a good work ethic. They also encourage participation, cooperation and teamwork in various situations that require individuals to work as a team. They are so many ways that an individual can learn and grow by being in a leadership position. Read More
Stand – Private Advanced Screening
This year is the 100th anniversary of the largest and most influential strike in Canadian history. The Winnipeg General Strike started on May 15 and lasted six weeks, with approximately 30,000 workers walking off the job, bringing economic activity to a standstill in what was then Canada’s third largest city.
Winnipeg 1919 is the setting for a movie about the lives of people caught up in the struggles of massive unemployment, poor working conditions, poverty wages, immigration and discrimination. This full-length motion picture is both a love story and a musical.
President’s Message
Fall will soon be upon us and I hope all of you have had a chance over the summer to take some time away from work to reconnect with family and friends and take a break before we are inundated with the work that comes with a new academic term and all of the students returning to classes. I know the two weeks I spent away in August already seem like a long time ago but it was great to just disconnect (as much as you can these days) and focus on something other than work. It is important that all of us remember to use the vacation benefits we have in our collective agreement as it allows us to recharge and maintain our physical and mental health. This is not only benefit to ourselves and our families, but also benefits our employer as we come back from vacations recharged and more productive. Read More
Bargaining Update
Hello ASPA Members,
As the days get shorter and the nights get cooler we can look forward to seeing a new crop of students arrive. I hope you have had a chance to take a break from your work to enjoy some rest and relaxation.
As the Co-lead, with Hugh Wagner, for your bargaining team, my plan is to update you monthly on the status of bargaining, even if there is nothing to report. At the very least you will know that nothing is happening and better yet, you will have a monthly update. Read More
ASPA Member Highlight – Patrick Hauser, Safety and Compliance Coordinator, Safety Resources
Written by Karen E. Mosier
Patrick Hauser graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1996 with a BA in Economics. Pat went on to complete the Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner Certificate in June 2006 from Saskatchewan Polytechnic and then worked at the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association for almost three years.
Patrick started working at the University of Saskatchewan in December 2008 in the Health, Safety and Environmental Management System (HSEMS) team, providing proactive client-focused and relationship-based services to help the campus community develop and implement locally customized and appropriate safety management systems to show local accountability and due diligence. Read More
Benefits of Networking with your Colleagues
Written by Karen E. Mosier
Have you ever thought about the benefits of networking with your colleagues or other
professionals? Networking is very beneficial to ones career. Networking is much more than just connecting with your peers when you are looking for a job. It is more than just shaking hands, making introductions, and handing out business cards to strangers. Networking is about making real connections to people. Read More
ASPA Member Highlight – Graham Wisser, Architectural Designer, Infrastructure, Planning and Land Development
Written by Karen E. Mosier
Graham Wisser studied Architectural Technologies through the Southern Alberta 
Institute of Technology (SAIT) and graduated in 2000. Graham joined the University of Saskatchewan in December 2014 working in the Facilities Management Division, which has been recently restructured so his position now falls under the umbrella of Infrastructure, Planning and Land Development. His work includes drafting for the planners and project managers on campus, as well as signage changes. The bulk of his duties include updating and creating You Are Here maps across campus.
ASPA Member Awards
Written by Karen E. Mosier
We are pleased to announce that Lana Elias, Director of Science Outreach in the College of Arts and Science, and Darrell Solie, a Mechanical Engineer with Infrastructure, 
Planning and Land Development, are the 2019 recipients of the University Staff Excellence Award. This award honours staff members who have provided extraordinary service and who clearly demonstrate the University of Saskatchewan’s principles and values. Along with a certificate, they will receive a $1,000 prize.
Congratulations to our ASPA members for their outstanding contributions to the university community.
https://news.usask.ca/articles/people/2019/science-outreach-director-recognized-for-service.php
