Colleges University of Saskatchewan

University of Saskatchewan www.usask.ca

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is a public research university located on the east side of the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Founded in 1907 as an agricultural college, Saskatchewan is home to more than 26,000 students comprised of both indigenous and international students, which creates a welcoming environment with a culture of growth and deeper understanding that extends beyond the classroom. After convocation, USask students join our illustrious alumni family of more than 160,000 leaders, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, educators, researchers, and professionals in a broad range of disciplines, who contribute to communities around the world. USask graduates continue to build on the history of success to address the world’s challenges, and carry forward the legacy as the university the world needs. The university features over 150 campus groups, clubs, and other organizations, where students can meet like-minded people, make a difference, and obtain professional development. Student centers also offer programs to help students get to know one another. These include Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre, International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC) and Global Connections, USask Community Centre, and others.

Academics

The University of Saskatchewan is one of Canada’s top research universities (based on the number of Canada Research Chairs) and is a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities. The university offers over 200 academic programs among its 13 interdisciplinary colleges and three graduate schools. Faculties include: Agriculture and Bioresources, Arts and Science, Biotechnology, Edwards School of Business, Dentistry, Education, Engineering, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Kinesiology, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy and Nutrition, Physical Therapy, and Veterinary Medicine. In addition, the university’s affiliated colleges and Centre for Continuing and Distance Education offer degree programs, certificates, and training programs. The student-faculty ratio at University of Saskatchewan is 20:1. Popular majors include Accounting, Agribusiness, Biochemistry, and Civil engineering.

Special Highlights

Museums & Galleries. The Museum of Antiquities celebrates notable artistic and sculptural achievements of various civilizations and eras. The Museum of Natural Sciences features a two-story high plant-filled atrium demonstrating the evolution of life on earth. It houses a live gallery of animals including aquariums, and extensive geological and paleontological specimens, including a full-size skeletal replica of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. The University of Saskatchewan Observatory offers public viewing hours, school tours, as well as an adopt-a-star program to commemorate a special achievement or personal tribute. The Kenderdine Art Gallery collection consists of archival material and roughly 4,000 works, including paintings, sketches, ceramics, porcelain or pottery, glass, textiles or tapestries many by 19th and 20th century local and international artists. The MacAulay Pharmaceutical Collection showcases early 20th-century pharmaceutical products as well as early First Nations remedies such as cherry bark syrup and smartweed.

Women’s Centre. The Women’s Centre is a safe, dynamic, positive space to organize around feminism and activism. It serves as a resource and information center. There’s a lounge to relax in and meet like-minded people. It is a place of inspiration, enlightenment, and encouragement. It is a pro-choice organization and recognizes the strengths of the diverse female population at the university and its neighboring areas. The Women’s Centre takes a proactive approach to educating and informing the public about issues affecting women. It strives to provide a safe and positive environment to promote equality while recognizing and celebrating differences within our dynamic community. The Women’s Centre’s programs include active partnerships with women-centered groups for services and information sharing; it also hosts major events such as “Take Back the Night” throughout the year, houses a library with a collection of feminist literature, and provides for peer support volunteers.

School Mission & Unique Qualities

The University of Saskatchewan serves the public good by connecting discovery, teaching, and outreach, by promoting diversity and meaningful change, and by preparing students for enriching careers and fulfilling lives as engaged global citizens. One of the core tenets of a USask education is that by working together across traditional disciplinary boundaries, and recognizing different ways of knowing and understanding, we’ll bring fresh perspectives to conquering crucial global challenges, and to learning and discovery at large. The university was modeled on the American state university system, with a focus on extension work and applied research to serve the needs of the largely agrarian province. It is the largest education institution in Saskatchewan. Research in food and water security and other key areas, such as energy and mineral resources, synchrotron sciences, and environmental health, is enhanced by world-class facilities, including the Canadian Light Source, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), and Sylvia Fedoruk Centre for Nuclear Innovation. The university is also an active member of UArctic, an international cooperative of more than 200 universities, colleges, and other organizations for promoting education and research in the Arctic region.

Student Reviews…

“University of Saskatchewan is the best place to attain your academic goals. It provides a wonderful studying experience combined with the experienced faculty and other administrative staff. The university has a good support system for incoming students and a beautiful campus. It can get lonesome at times so it’s important to socialize and make friends.”