New position announced at U of S

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A new position has been created at the University of Saskatchewan to help improve academic and cultural initiatives for Aboriginal students.

The main role of the special advisor to the president on Aboriginal initiatives will be to support the president, senior staff and deans in their work with the Aboriginal community. The advisor will also take an active role in the developing new Aboriginal programs, and expanding supports offered to Aboriginal students.

The university already offers a number of culturally-based programs-including the Indian Teacher Education program, the Aboriginal Justice and Criminology program, and the Indigenous Business Administration program -but a recent audit of programs shows few graduate level programs are being offered. And, although many Aboriginal students are choosing to attend the U of S, many are leaving university before completing their studies.

"There are significant challenges, but this is an exciting time to be part of the University of Saskatchewan," said Michael Atkinson, vice-president (academic) and provost at the U of S. "This job will present a challenge for the successful candidate, but it also provides an incredible opportunity to take part in the university's future."

The new position of special advisor was created as part of the Conceptual Framework for Aboriginal Initiatives unveiled by the university last year. The focus of the framework is to coordinate the initiatives for Aboriginal people that already exist at the university, and to identify gaps where programs and services still need to be provided. Six specific areas have been targeted for further development under the framework-academic programs, research programs, cultural programs, community outreach, student affairs, and co-ordination.