The end of the 2025 calendar year is approaching, and it’s a good time to review your benefits. Remember, some of your benefits are “use it or lose it” and reset in January, while some unused benefits stack year-to-year. See the quick overview below:
Continue reading “Did You Know? Year End Benefits”ASPA News
President’s Message: December 2025
Holiday greetings to all ASPA members! My name is Rob Procyk, and I am the new president of ASPA. I joined the ASPA Executive as a vice-president in May 2025, and I assumed the role of president in November after our former president, Adi Manek, stepped down from the role after obtaining a new position at the university. I would like to personally thank Adi for his exemplary work ethic and enthusiasm as president.
His strength, wisdom, and innate kindness are the hallmarks of a great president, and we wish him the best in his new position. Luckily, Adi will remain as a member of the ASPA Executive, and I look forward to continuing working with him this year!
Continue reading “President’s Message: December 2025”National Day of Remberance & Action on Violence again Women
On December 6, we pause to remember the 14 women whose lives were violently taken at École Polytechnique in Montréal in 1989.
This act of callous misogyny shook our country and led Parliament to designate this day National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Thirty-six years later, it continues to serve as a solemn reminder of the devastating impact of gender-based violence and the ongoing need for collective action.
Continue reading “National Day of Remberance & Action on Violence again Women”Day of Recognition: Persons with Dissabilities
Each year on December 3, the United Nations marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities—a global observance dedicated to advancing the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities across all dimensions of society.
At ASPA, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering equitable workplaces where accessibility, respect, and opportunity are not just ideals but everyday realities. We recognize that true inclusion requires ongoing effort to dismantle barriers—both visible and invisible—and to challenge stigma and systemic discrimination.
As part of the broader labour movement, ASPA continues to advocate for environments where all workers, regardless of ability, are empowered to thrive. We stand in unity with persons with disabilities and pledge to uphold their voices, rights, and contributions in our professional communities and beyond.
In solidarity,
ASPA Executive Committee
Lunch & Learn: Bargaining Process
The previous bargaining co-lead, Alexis Dahl, and former bargaining team member, Ken Glover, were more than informative when providing ASPA with their bargaining process Lunch & Learn. This session was held October 28, 2025.
Did You Know? Do You Know Your Status?
Brought to you by your friendly neighbourhood MSO, Shayne Meggs
In my short time here, I’ve already come across a few members who discovered that the employment status they thought they had didn’t match what the university had on record—for example, thinking they were permanent when the university had them listed as term.
If you’re unsure or believe your status might be incorrect, I encourage you to check. You can verify your employment status by:
Continue reading “Did You Know? Do You Know Your Status?”ASPA Member Services Officer – Reflection
Abstract
Shayne Meggs, ASPA’s Member Services Officer, shares highlights from his first few months in the role, supporting members through workplace challenges, labour relations issues, and collective bargaining preparations. His work includes attending meetings with the employer, participating in joint committees, and negotiating settlements on behalf of members and the union.
My First Few Months at ASPA
By Shayne Meggs, Member Services Officer
It’s been an amazing start to my time at ASPA. The Presidents, Executive, and members have all been incredibly welcoming and supportive. I want to extend a special thank you to Angeline, our Financial and Administrative Assistant, who has been instrumental in onboarding me to ASPA and helping me navigate the university more broadly.
Continue reading “ASPA Member Services Officer – Reflection”ASPA Member Highlight – Andrea Eccleston, Operations Manager, International Officer
Andrea Eccleston works as the Operations Manager in the International Office. She has been a dedicated member of ASPA for over 18 years. In addition to her professional role, Andrea has volunteered with Huskie Football for 26 seasons as Team Manager.
Her longstanding commitment to amateur football in Saskatchewan was recently recognized with the Roughrider Recognition Award, honouring her outstanding contributions and dedication to the sport.
Continue reading “ASPA Member Highlight – Andrea Eccleston, Operations Manager, International Officer”National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025
On September 30th, we pause to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—a time to reflect on the enduring impact of residential schools and to honour the strength and resilience of Indigenous survivors, families, and communities.
This day calls on all of us to listen, learn, and act. As members of ASPA living and working across Saskatchewan—including on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 territories and the Homeland of the Métis—we recognize our shared responsibility to walk the path of reconciliation with humility and respect.
We remember the children who never returned home and stand in solidarity with those who carry the weight of that loss.
Let this be a time not only of remembrance, but of renewed commitment to justice, healing, and meaningful change.
We encourage you to participate in events in Treaty 4 and 6, such as those at Wanuskewin Heritage Park, a keynote speech by Indigenous journalist Nelson Bird in Regina, or by picking up a book dedicated to Truth and Reconciliation. You can also further your learning by visiting the Government of Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation webpage. And remember to wear orange!
While September 30th is recognized as a statutory holiday by federally-regulated workplaces, and by many educational institutions in Saskatchewan, most workers in this province are still required to work on this day. Last year, a petition from ASPA members calling for this to change was presented in the Saskatchewan Legislature. Today, ASPA continues to advocate for September 30 to be recognized as a statutory holiday in Saskatchewan.
In unity and reflection,
Your ASPA Executive Committee
Common Grounds Update
Thank you to everyone who participated in our first Common Grounds coffee gathering of the year. This event served as a pilot to gauge member interest—and we’re thrilled that the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive!
We welcomed 29 members to Louis’ Loft during the morning session, who stayed to connect and engage with one another while enjoying a beverage and pastry. Another 28 members joined us for the afternoon session, with many taking the opportunity to ask insightful questions of our Member Services Officer (Shayne Meggs).
“I really appreciate this opportunity to engage with ASPA in person and get some quick answers to my professional development questions on the spot,” said one ASPA member. “I also enjoyed making a new acquaintance from another unit, whom I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. Thank you, ASPA, for putting this on.”
Based on this encouraging response, we are planning to host another Common Grounds event in November. Stay tuned for more information and help us spread the word by sharing with your fellow ASPA members.
On behalf of the Engagment Committee