Hello my fellow ASPA members! Summer greetings to all of you. My name is Adi (Aditya) Manek and the ASPA executive at the May 2024 executive meeting selected me to take on the role of your president for 2024-2025. I am humbled to be able to serve you as your leader. For 2023-2024, I was one of the two Vice-Presidents in my very first year on the ASPA executive. I was able to dive into the responsibilities of the ASPA leadership, make some meaningful connections with the university leadership, and get involved with several committees that work towards the benefit of our ASPA members. I am excited to share that your current Vice-Presidents are Philip Hitchings and Dawn Giesbrecht. We make an amazing team, and I am grateful to have their guidance, and support in the upcoming year. I also would like to thank our former President Paul Jacob for his services as president for 2023-2024. I am a firm believer of open communication and encourage all of you to talk to me or the ASPA office if you are curious about your rights in the workplace or want to discuss any ideas that can help ASPA include positive and meaningful changes in our working conditions. I also want to give a shout out to our ASPA staff Glenn, Angeline (who is currently on maternity leave) and Emily (who is filling in for Angeline) who do all the heavy lifting in our office. Your efforts are appreciated, and I look forward to working with you this year.
The new ASPA executive held a retreat at the wonderful Wanuskewin Heritage Centre on June 14th where we had a meaningful conversation on what all we achieved last year, and we discussed goals for the upcoming year. Some of the key highlights of our discussion revolved around education opportunities for ASPA members and the ASPA staff, planning strategies for the next round of bargaining, and focusing on how we can serve the ASPA membership more effectively. Professional development is crucial for enhancing our skills and awareness. The education committee is working hard to pass on any training opportunities your way. We will keep you periodically informed as opportunities arise.
I would also like to give a shout out to all our ASPA members who are working from our satellite locations in Prince Albert, and Regina. Your involvement is equally important and always appreciated. I look forward to interacting with you in person this year as well.
Finally, I would like to thank the 23 ASPA members who put their name forward for the 6 open positions to join the ASPA executive this year. In the history of ASPA, this is the highest number of nominations we have ever received, and it speaks for the increasing engagement of our super talented members. Additionally, we witnessed an increased number of people who voted for these candidates. For those of you who could not make it in the top 6, please consider putting your name again for the next year. Also, if you are interested in joining any of the ASPA committees as a volunteer, please contact myself (aditya@aspasask.ca) or the ASPA office (aspa@aspasask.ca). We are always looking forward to hearing from you.
Here’s wishing you and your near and dear ones a wonderful summertime. Hopefully, you get to relax and enjoy the company of loved ones for whatever period over the next few months.