ASPA News

Written by Karen E. Mosier

Chris O’Grady has a MSc in Biochemistry conferred from the University of Saskatchewan. He has worked at the University of Saskatchewan for the last 12 years. Chris started working on campus in early 2010 as a Research Technician in the biochemistry lab in the Health Sciences building. In April 2015, he transitioned to Lab Manager for the USask Health Sciences, formerly known as the Council of Health Sciences Deans Office. In January 2022, he accepted a position as the Director of Operations for USask Health Sciences.    Continue reading

Written by Jane Onuma

Banjo Olaleye moved to Saskatoon from Nigeria in 2015 for his master’s program at the University of Saskatchewan. He has a BSc honor in English and International studies from Osun State University, Nigeria; a master’s degree in English and is currently completing a PHD in English from the University of Saskatchewan. He has worked at the University for 7 years, starting as a research assistant, becoming a teaching assistant between 2016 and 2017. Between 2017 and 2019 he worked for the International Student and Study Abroad Center (ISSAC) and has also worked as a sectional lecturer for St. Thomas More College (STM) and the English department. Banjo currently works as an academic advisor mentoring students in Arts and Science. Continue reading

Written by Karen E. Mosier

Everyone knows the feeling that comes with making a mistake or failing to meet others’ expectations. These feelings can be heightened when we do not meet our own expectations and judge ourselves too harshly. When failures occur, this relentless self monitoring, behavior correction, negative self-talk and self-criticism can be counterproductive. We need to make room for self-compassion if we want to move beyond our mistakes and toward future successes.   

Here are some key ways to practice self-compassion at work: Continue reading

Hello everyone and happy holidays! Now that we find ourselves at the end of another term of mostly working remotely, I am sure many of you may agree that we are all hoping 2022 brings us closer to something a bit normal – even if that is a new normal. With the new vaccine mandates for campus, extension of the provincial masking policy to the end of January, and compliance requirements here on campus, it is looking as this will be another long and weary winter. And, as we have throughout all of this, we are doing this together – so you are not alone!  Continue reading

Written by Karen E. Mosier

Employees seek autonomy to take action and make decisions within their organization. They want to feel valued and contribute in a meaningful way to the company goals. Empowering employees is a culture. There must be trust and understanding in place ensuring that their actions are in line with their organization’s mission and values. 

Here are some key ways to empower employees: Continue reading

Written by Karen E. Mosier

Sherry Pederson has a BA in Psychology from the University of Regina, and has worked for the University of Saskatchewan for 25 years. She started in a contract position with Student Career & Employment assisting university graduates to find jobs through subsidized 3, 6 and 12 month placements. She managed the government contract, as well as budget and work placements. She then moved for 2 years into SESD to help with first year orientation, followed by a maternity leave position as an Academic Advisor in Kinesiology. When the maternity leave ended, Kinesiology created a position for her enhancing the first year program for Kinesiology. She moved to take a position in the College of Education managing their undergrad program, remaining in that role for 10 years before transitioning to special projects for the Dean in the College of Medicine in February 2, 2015 and now managing the Undergraduate Medical Education program. Continue reading

Written by Karen E. Mosier

Lisa Krol did her Bachelor of Arts at King’s College, Western University in 1992 and her Bachelor of Education through Queens University in 1993. She went on to do her Masters of Education in Special Education at the University of Saskatchewan in 2004. In 2002, Lisa joined the Language Centre and now works as the Bridging Class Coordinator.      Continue reading

Written by Karen E. Mosier

Having a job and pursuing a career are pretty much the same thing except for the difference in mindset. How passionate are you about what you do? Do you take into account the whole spectrum of experiences and life education that comes along with your job?   

Here are some key differences between the mindset of having a job vs a career: Continue reading

If you are an ASPA member in a term or permanent position of one (1) year or greater and at least 0.5 Full Time Equivalent (FTE), did you know that you are eligible for the Salary Continuance Plan? 

ASPA's Salary Continuance Plan, or sick leave, is broken down into three distinct groupings or phases. Continue reading

Written by Karen E. Mosier

Lindsay Dahl obtained a BScN through the University of Saskatchewan in 2007. She graduated from SIAST in 2007. In 2013 Lindsay joined the College of Nursing, worked full-time in a non-union position.  In June 2019 her role was restructured, changing from overseeing the south to overseeing the whole province. Her position is provincial lab manager for the College of Nursing, Regina campus, University of Saskatchewan.     

Lindsay oversees all the distributive nursing labs across the province i.e., Regina, Yorkton, PA, La Ronge, and Ile a la Crosse. She organizes all the equipment, orders supplies for all the sites, and connects with faculty ahead of the start of their course. She has 3 support staff who are the hands on the ground on a day to day basis in the labs located in PA, Regina and Yorkton. The northern labs have people working in the labs who are not from the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Nursing, rather they are hired by the Northlands Community College.   Continue reading