ASPA News

President’s Message: January 2026

Greetings ASPA Members,

Welcome to February! The shortest month is upon us, and as the days start to get longer and we get the odd reprieve from the worst of the winter weather, we can feel the promise of spring’s renewal coming right around the corner. This winter has been a busy one for ASPA, and as always, this work could not be done without the challenging work for the ASPA Executive Team and the ASPA Staff.

Thank you to our Vice Presidents Alexis Dahl and Candice Pete Cardoso for their continued challenging work and the expertise they bring to the APSA table, as well as to the Executive members and the ASPA committee members for their collective exemplary work this year. As well, thank you to the backbone of our office, ASPA’s Member Services’ Officer Shayne Meggs and our Financial and Administrative Assistant Angeline Hainstock. We are grateful for the work you do.

ASPA Member Services Officer Update: January 2026

The past six months have gone by quickly since I joined the ASPA team, and the experience has been both energizing and meaningful. Supporting members through difficult situations has shown me, time and again, the resilience, commitment, and strength that define our community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to do this work and have genuinely enjoyed my time so far.

ASPA Member Highlight – Lecia Ellis, Admissions and International Education Officer, (ISSAC), and Transfer Credit Department

This member highlight was written by Mariam Alaverdashvili, ASPA Communications & Public Relations Committee member

Lecia Ellis currently serves as an Admissions and International Education Officer with the International Students and Study Abroad Center (ISSAC) and the Admissions and Transfer Credit Department since October 2023. Her journey is made even more inspiring by the perspective she brings as an international student from the vibrant island of Jamaica and as a PhD candidate in USask’s College of Education, where her studies are expected to conclude in 2026.

Recognition for Lecia has been earned through her thoughtful support of university-wide initiatives designed to encourage and uplift the international student community, including programs that respond to food security concerns. A spirit of welcome and care has been felt by many students, who have affectionately come to know her as “Ma,” reflecting the appreciation for the nurturing presence she offers beyond her official responsibilities.

Did You Know? Year End Benefits

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:

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!

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.

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:

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.