uSask to move away from TransformUS and toward more focused initiatives

• ICEC
• September 11, 2014
• Canada News

Interim University of Saskatchewan President Gordon Barnhart has announced that the institution is changing course on its controversial TransformUS initiative. Barnhart told uSask students and faculty that TransformUS “was too big,” “unfolded too quickly,” and was “top-heavy rather than distributed.” He also said that the projected 2016 deficit of $44.5 M that instigated the TransformUS process was not as significant as previously reported; rather, an increase in revenue and a reduction in the operating budget will mean a deficit of $3 M in the 2014–15 fiscal year and $7 M for 2015–16. “We will be able to balance the books,” Barnhart said. Interim Provost Ernie Barber said, “we got focused on the money and not sufficiently focused on the mission and on the people of the university.” In place of TransformUS, uSask will pursue 8 more focused initiatives, including the continued restructuring of the College of Medicine, the revitalization of continuing and distance education, and a transformation of library services. uSask will also seek increased collaboration between academic units, but will not follow through on the previously proposed program amalgamations. Globe and Mail | StarPhoenix