Internationalization Award Opportunities

*This message is being sent on behalf of the International Office*

Internationalization Award Opportunities for Faculty, Staff and Students

The International Office is pleased to announce the 2026 Internationalization award opportunities to recognize the achievements of faculty, staff and students who provide outstanding contributions to the internationalization of USask.  There are four awards of recognition and all nomination deadlines are March 31, 2026 by 4 pm CST/SK time.  Please visit internationaloffice.usask.ca/awards for award details and nomination forms. 

J.W. George Ivany Internationalization Award for Faculty

As part of the University of Saskatchewan Blueprint for Action, the International Office announces the J.W. George Ivany Internationalization Award to recognize the achievements of a USask faculty member who provides outstanding contributions to the internationalization of the University of Saskatchewan. Nominate our amazing and deserving USask faculty for a J.W. George Ivany Internationalization Award. Nomination forms and two supporting letters must be included with submissions.

Nomination deadline: March 31, 2026 by 4 pm CST/SK time

Value: $1500

Visit internationaloffice.usask.ca/awards for details. Questions can be directed to international.office@usask.ca.

Global Research Leadership Award for Faculty

As part of the University of Saskatchewan Blueprint for Action, the International Office announces the Global Research Leadership Award to recognize exceptional contributions of a USask faculty member toward strengthening the global profile of the University of Saskatchewan. Nominate our amazing and deserving USask faculty for a Global Research Leadership Award. Nomination forms and two supporting letters must be included with submissions.

Nomination deadline: March 31, 2026 by 4 pm CST/SK time

Value: $1500

Visit internationaloffice.usask.ca/awards for details. Questions can be directed to international.office@usask.ca.

International Engagement Service Award for Staff

As part of the University of Saskatchewan Blueprint for Action, the International Office announces the International Engagement Service Award to recognize the achievements of a USask administrative staff member who provides outstanding contributions to the internationalization of the University of Saskatchewan. Nominate our amazing and deserving USask staff for a International Engagement Service Award. Nomination forms and two supporting letters must be included with submissions.

Nomination deadline: March 31, 2026 by 4 pm CST/SK time

Value: $1500

Visit internationaloffice.usask.ca/awards for details. Questions can be directed to international.office@usask.ca.

Global Research Leadership Award for Students

As part of the University of Saskatchewan Blueprint for Action, the International Office announces the Global Research Leadership Award to recognize exceptional contributions of a USask student, student-led team or postdoctoral fellow who provides outstanding global research leadership. Nominate our amazing and deserving USask students and postdoctoral fellows for a Global Research Leadership Award. Nomination forms and two supporting letters must be included with submissions.

Nomination deadline: March 31, 2026 by 4 pm CST/SK time

Value: $1500

Visit internationaloffice.usask.ca/awards for details. Questions can be directed to international.office@usask.ca.

Tentative Agreement Reached

Tentative Agreement between USask and CUPE 1975

The University of Saskatchewan and CUPE 1975 are pleased to announce that the parties have reached a tentative agreement. This agreement is subject to ratification by the CUPE 1975 membership through a voting process, as well as approval by the University’s Board of Governors.

Once the ratification and Board approval processes are complete, highlights of the tentative agreement will be shared. We expect the approval processes to be concluded by the end of February.

Congratulations to the USask and CUPE 1975 bargaining committees. This tentative agreement reflects the significant time, dedication, and hard work of both committees, and their commitment to reaching a fair and respectful outcome at the bargaining table is sincerely appreciated.

Blue Monday Blues?

Blue Monday got you down? You are not alone. Call the office, come by and have a chat or reach out to access your EAP benefits.

Bargaining Update

January 16, 2026

Dear Members,

Yesterday, we concluded another round of collective bargaining with the employer. The parties have now resolved most outstanding issues and just a few items remain on the table for discussion. Two of these items were surveyed as your top priorities: wages and benefits.

We remain committed to negotiating a meaningful wage increase for all members, including those whose wages have “maxxed out”. These members are unable to receive economic adjustments under Article 11.3 – Increments, and represent roughly 20-25% of the total membership. These members have not seen any increase in their wages since January 1, 2023. This, on top of generational increases to the cost-of-living of 10.5% over 2022/23 and another 4.2% over 2024/25, means all members’ purchasing power has eroded significantly since we last negotiated wages.

We have heard from many of you that you are facing financial challenges and having to make decisions on cutting not just your wants but needs. This is not acceptable.

Yesterday, we provided another comprehensive offer that could resolve collective bargaining. Our offer proposed meaningful wage increases for all that would address immediate financial concerns and be more in line with expected increases to the cost of living over the term of the agreement. We also communicated that we are at our “floor” and proposing any less would be unfair to our members and would likely not be ratified by the membership.

We will be back at the table next Tuesday, January 20 and Wednesday, January 21. We remain hopeful that the employer will be able to improve on their latest offer and resolve collective bargaining at the table.

Should the parties reach an impasse, we are mindful of and prepared for the processes triggered by essential services provisions in The Saskatchewan Employment Act. Should this happen, we will arrange meetings to share information on the process and discuss all available options that might help resolve collective bargaining at or away from the table.

It’s vitally important to hear from you, our members, about your working conditions and the priorities and direction of our union. If you wish to have us visit your workplace to provide an update at this critical moment, please contact your Area Representative or call us at the office at (306) 966-7015.

Our next General Membership Meeting is scheduled for January 27, 2026 at Louis’ Pub (Downstairs) beginning at 5:00 PM. Food and refreshments will be provided so please plan to attend and have a say in the direction of your union.

Our union’s strength comes from the collective – our community, our diversity, our solidarity.

Your Negotiating Committee,

Alan Bohle

Ann Forget

Bryan Shain

Erwin Marbella

Jeff Theis

CUPE SK Convention

The annual convention of CUPE Saskatchewan will be held on March 4 – 6, 2026, at the Delta Hotels Saskatoon Downtown (405 20th Street East) in Saskatoon. Applications are now being accepted at our office if you are interested in attending. Please see attached brochure for more details.

Deadline to apply is January 23, 2026. Contact the office if you have any questions.

Bargaining Update

Dear Members,

Last week, we concluded another round of collective bargaining with the employer. The parties have worked hard to resolve most outstanding issues since we returned to the table in the fall. Our discussions are now centered on wages and other forms of compensation.

We recognize that for the last number of years, your wages have not kept up with inflation, especially for those who are at the top of their respective phase. Your Negotiating Committee’s key priority remains to bring forward a meaningful wage increase for all members, including those whose wages have “maxxed out” and are unable to receive economic adjustments under Article 11.3.

At our last meeting, we provided a comprehensive offer to resolve all outstanding matters, including seeking meaningful, fair and equitable wage increases for all members in all classifications. We are hopeful that when we return to the table in January, the employer will be in a position to reply to our comprehensive offer to resolve collective bargaining. In the meantime, your Negotiating Committee will be working to identify and communicate ways that you can get involved and show support as we continue to negotiate a fair deal on your behalf.

Your executive is also planning greater outreach and in-person meetings at each workplace. We know how important it is to hear from you, our members, about your working conditions and the priorities and direction of our union. If you wish to have us visit your workplace to provide an update on collective bargaining or anything else you might wish to discuss, please contact your Area Representative or call us at the office at (306) 966-7015.

Our union’s strength comes from the collective – our community, our diversity, our solidarity.

We wish all a peaceful and warm holiday season and hope you are able to spend some downtime with loved ones and/or find time for all the things you love. We look forward to connecting with you soon.

Your Negotiating Committee,

Alan Bohle

Ann Forget

Bryan Shain

Erwin Marbella

Jeff Theis

Election Results – December 2025

Election Results – December 2025

The winner of the 2nd Vice President position is Jeff Theis!

Congratulations to Jeff and we thank all candidates for a fair and honest campaign! 

2026 Executive

Table Officers:

Alan Bohle – President
Erwin Marbella – 1st Vice President
Jeff Theis– 2nd Vice President
Ann Forget – Treasurer
Bryan Shain – Recording Secretary
Leanne Opheim – Grievance Chair

Mitch Unrau – Membership Officer

Executive:

Roger Corpuz Jr. & Rene Jacob – Caretakers/BST
Lisa Shiffman – Library
Peter Tahn and Russ Banda – Technicians, Security, Stores Area Rep
Bobbie Genereux, Cheyenne Jones, Lois MacPherson-Grant and Lana Schuler– Clerical Area Reps
Diana Casimiro – Culinary Services
Mike Klassen – Trades, Steam Plant and Kinesiology
Matt Walker – Herdsman, Horticulture and Grounds
Jennifer Montague – Student Employee
Nathanial Oluwole – USSU
Bev Monson – Prairie Swine

This is the first time in many years that we have had a full Executive so thank you to everyone who has taken the leap to get involved and we look forward to working with you all in the next year!

2nd VP Forum & Election

Just a reminder that the 2nd VP forum is today at 12 pm in ARTS 101 or online. Come out and meet your candidates! Election starts at 4 pm today and ends at 4 pm tomorrow! Good luck to everyone nominated!

CUPE 1975 Host is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: 2nd VP Forum

Time: Dec 17, 2025 11:30 AM Saskatchewan

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84337861059…

Meeting ID: 843 3786 1059

Passcode: 200098

And the winner is…

CUPE 1975 12 DAY GIVEAWAY!

The day 12 winner of $100 is:

RON ESPIRITU

Congratulations!

Please contact Heather at the CUPE 1975 office (306-966-7015) to arrange pick up or a cheque will be mailed out prior to the break.