Trever Crowe

The College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan's new strategic plan is designed to position the institution as a leader in improving the health and well-being of Saskatchewan and global populations. Its mission emphasizes community engagement, support for Indigenous health research and students, and the development of culturally competent, skilled clinicians and scientists. The plan is structured around seven strategic priorities, which include advancing research, continuously improving educational programs, fostering social accountability, addressing Indigenous health, expanding distributed medical education, enhancing faculty engagement, and strengthening partnerships with the healthcare system to improve care delivery.

The strategic plan, 'Paving Our Path to 2030,' outlines the vision and mission for the University of Saskatchewan, College of Medicine, to shape a healthier future for all peoples of Saskatchewan. The plan emphasizes cultivating health and well-being through service, education, scholarship, and research. Key pillars include fostering a thriving community of people, providing high-quality and adaptive education, and excelling in innovative research and scholarship. The plan is guided by core values of accountability, belonging, collaboration, curiosity, and nurturing well-being, and includes commitments to connecting, advancing truth and reconciliation, reflecting and learning, embedding equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, and sharing stories.

The board meeting addressed the annual integrated audit results for the university, confirming compliant financial disclosures and internal controls. The board approved the response to the provincial auditor, the year-end financial statements, and the 2024-25 annual financial report. Policy changes were approved to allow lecturers without term to apply for and administer research funding. Additionally, the board discussed communications regarding the university's land trust, authorized emergency stabilization funding for the restoration of the Stone Barn, and appointed a representative to the search committee for a new Executive Director at GIFS.

The Board of Governors discussed and approved several key items, including the appointment of a new Board Vice-Chair and the appointment of directors to the USask Properties Investment Inc. land trust. Significant capital investments were approved, specifically for the $1.93 million acquisition of a quantum computer and an expenditure of up to $1.2 million for a 200 kV cryogenic-electron microscope. Additionally, the Board approved a tentative collective agreement between the university and the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 1975, subject to union membership ratification.

The board discussed the President's statement regarding university developments, fundraising, and strategic planning. Key actions included approving revisions to Board Governance Standards, appointing new Chair and Vice-Chair members, and approving various committee terms of reference and work plans. Personnel renewals for senior administrative roles were authorized, and several capital projects, including a switchgear and transformer upgrade at the Canadian Light Source, were approved. The board also handled appointments for various committees and external boards, received an update on an AI task force, reviewed progress on a comprehensive fundraising campaign, and approved funding to support gender equity in athletic financial awards.