ASPA Updates

Grievance Updates

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Written by Darcy Hryn-Bird, ASPA Member Services

Our Member Services Officer, Darcy Hryn-Bird, is currently handling twenty-one (21) active grievances.  Unsure  what a grievance is or how to file one?  For more information go here.grievance 2

Most of the outstanding grievances are related to the employer failing to deduct Association dues from several positions across campus.  ASPA has been raising this issue with the Employer for the last number of years and started to file grievances when it became clear that our message was not being heard.  The grieved positions are currently in the “Research” group and are not in the scope of any bargaining unit.   We believe that these positions are similar to what our members are currently doing.  The reason that ASPA is pursuing these grievances is not to get more dues or increase our membership, but to ensure that employees of the University have been appropriately placed in a bargaining unit. We have made some progress on a few of the grievances in this area, but the movement is slow going.   Continue reading “Grievance Updates” →

President's Message

President’s Message

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November 2019

We are now into November and it feels more like January.  As I write this, the forecast PB 2019 - Curt and Johnnext week looks more seasonal and I’m hopeful that we all get to enjoy a little more fall weather before we must go into hibernation mode. The holiday season will be here before we know it and even though this is a season to be happy and socialize with family and friends, it can also be a season for more stress and demands on our time. Please remember to take time for yourselves to recharge your batteries every so often and take advantage of the Employee and Family Assistance Program if the need arises. Remember that all ASPA employees have time off between December 25 and January 1, 2019 and you do not need to make up this time for that. Continue reading “President’s Message” →

Member Highlights

ASPA Member Highlight – Heather Mandeville, Manager of Admission & Recruitment, WCVM

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Written by Karen E. Mosier

Heather Mandeville took three years of classes at the University of Saskatchewan from 1991-1994. In 1996, she completed her Medical Administrative Assistant course throughHeather 1 the Saskatoon Business College. She started working on campus in July, 1996 in a 3-month CUPE term position in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine.  In the fall, 1996, she moved to the College of Medicine where she worked in the Admissions Office initially as a clerical assistant for 8 years before moving to ASPA in November 2004.  Heather remained in the College of Medicine until November 2010 when she accepted her current position as Manager of Admissions & Recruitment in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Continue reading “ASPA Member Highlight – Heather Mandeville, Manager of Admission & Recruitment, WCVM” →

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How to Show Respect in the Workplace

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Written by Karen E. Mosier

How to Show Respect in the Workplace

Respect is a key factor to have a healthy work environment. From professional interactions and good communication to giving others credit for their work and working as a team to get things done, we can demonstrate respect in the workplace. A respectful workplace creates a healthy work environment where staff are valued and recognized for their ideas and their role within the organization. Respect in the workplace promotes teamwork and increases productivity.

When we respect others, we respect ourselves.

Here are some ways to demonstrate respect in the workplace: Continue reading “How to Show Respect in the Workplace” →

Did You Know?

What to Do When You are Victim of a Data Breach

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Article by Frank M. Schlesinger

We occasionally receive panic calls from clients whose computers have been breached.

If this has happened to you, you will want to know what to do to protect yourself in such a circumstance.

Depending upon your understanding of the information that was hacked, it would be wise to do the following:

  1. Change all of your passwords;
  2. Call the issuers of your credit cards in order to put a hold on or change your credit cards;
  3. Call your bank or financial institution, speak to the security officer, advise him/her data-breach-word-cloud-concept-60193316of what happened and ask him what steps should be taken with your accounts;
  4. Contact Equifax (1-800-465-7166) and TransUnion (1-800-663-9980) in order to put a credit freeze on your accounts in order that no new loans or credit cards may be issued to a fraudster using your personal information;
  5. File a police report with the local authorities;
  6. If you have credit card or other type of credit insurance or insurance for data breaches, contact your insurance company and follow their instructions;
  7. For a reasonable period of time after the breach, check constantly your various accounts to determine whether any unauthorized charges have been placed on your accounts and if so, immediately notify the relevant financial institutions.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.