siast 2006-2007 annual report - Saskatchewan Institute of Applied ...

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Judy Boychuk Duchscher, a Nursing
Education Program of Saskatchewan faculty
member, received the Saskatchewan
Registered Nurses’ Association Effie Feeny
Award for Nursing Research.
SIAST prides itself on its precision and agility in
the face of new and emerging labour market
needs and opportunities. In 2006-07, that claim
was put to the test when we were asked to
develop aggressive and immediate proposals –
beyond the parameters of our already-approved
business plan – in response to current and
anticipated economic changes in the province.
This annual report describes what happened next.
It provides highlights of the steps we have taken
to contribute, at a high level, to student success
and labour force development in Saskatchewan.
With new and existing funding, we have
significantly expanded our training capacity in
trades, nursing and academic upgrading, for
example. We have also sought and found
innovative ways to deliver programs when and
where they’re most needed. In some cases, that
has involved taking programs on the road. In
others, it has meant extending operating hours on
campus.
SIAST has also paid attention to developing its
own human capital. A significant restructuring of
our human resources operations, for instance, was
essential to respond to our own workforce
planning needs. This year, we settled contracts
Theressa Slind of SIAST Libraries was on the
conference planning committee for the
Saskatchewan Library Association conference.
BOARD CHAIR & PRESIDENT/CEO MESSAGE
with both our bargaining units, and we are
committed to pursing new directions in labour
relations in the years ahead. In addition, at
governance and senior management levels, we
have participated in forums with training system
partners to enhance relationships and
collaboration within the system.
The steps recorded here represent a period of
heightened intensity, but they are just a
beginning. With sustained investment, SIAST will
continue to confront challenges and capture
opportunities presented by Saskatchewan’s
booming economy, our aging workforce and our
growing Aboriginal population.
In 2006-07, SIAST’s board of directors welcomed
two new members – Kendra Mountney and John
McPhail. As a representative of students, Kendra
fills a new position on the board. We accepted
with regret the resignation of Jane Lindstrom.
Wil Olive, Q.C.
Board Chair
Dr. Bob McCulloch
President/CEO