More USSWORD and Nuclear Research in the Starphoenix

Last week, in response to Janet French's article about USSWORD and the potential conflict of interest on the presidential search committee, the StarPhoenix published an editorial criticising USSWORD's stance:

The StarPhoenix: Hopkins seeks open process

Then earlier this week, the StarPhoenix also revealed the details of a research partnership between Hitachi and the government of Saskatchewan, including plans for the University of Saskatchewan:

The StarPhoenix:Saskatchewan, Hitachi partner on nuke research. By Jeanette Stewart

Nuclear Research Centre, Cameco, and the Next President of the U of S

The following is a link to the update posted by Sandra Finley earlier this year, summarizing the government contribution of funding to the university for a nuclear research centre, the involvement of Cameco, and the search  for the next president of the University.  It includes a summary of the situation up to that point, as well as analysis and commentary:

The Battles: Discussions by Sandra Finley

USSWORD in The Star Phoenix

Today the Saskatoon Starphoenix printed an article summarizing the presidential search controversy thus far:

Senators Want Board Chair to Step Aside

In the article, Mary Jean Hande says:

"I think it would be very difficult to maintain that public research goal and vision of the university if it was run by somebody who was working in the corporate sector as well."

Welcome to the USSWORD blog!

USSWORD is concerned to the point of taking action against the corporatization of the University of Saskatchewan.

We believe that the University is the knowledge base for the Saskatchewan community. It is intended to serve all of society; it should be funded and supported publicly without strings attached.

The gradual reduction in public funding in recent years has opened the door for the University to seek out, and thereby become beholden to, corporate funding and corporate interests.

The challenge for the University is to develop a base of support among citizens that will lobby for more satisfactory public funding and a University that serves the public interest.

This USSWORD blog site is your opportunity to get actively involved with us on these important issues.

Please take just ten minutes right now with a few simple actions that will start the process of immediate, meaningful change at the University of Saskatchewan:

• Familiarize yourself with the fundamental issues by reading the pages in this blog site
• Write a letter to the University Presidential Search Committee expressing your concerns and your vision for future leadership at U of S [must be submitted by August 31, 2011]
• Consider letting USSWORD post your letter to the Search Committee on our blog site

Drop USSWORD a few lines (confidentially if you wish) letting us know about your experiences, both positive and negative, at the University. (Your input will greatly help us Senators to raise issues in future Senate meetings.)