Executive Director's Message - Talking SENSe 2017

As the Fall term comes to a close, it’s a perfect opportunity for me to reflect on the last four whirlwind months as the new Executive Director of SENS.

I’ve enjoyed my time so far getting to know the faculty, staff, students and postdoctoral fellows here at the school. It is truly an amazing group of individuals and I’m looking forward to meeting even more of our students and partners throughout the New Year.

What has struck me the most about SENS is the willingness and openness of those in the school to work together in a collaborative way. This was evident during the strategic planning retreat held in late November where close to 30 of us, along with our Indigenous Mentors past and present, Anthony Johnston and Alfred Gamble, got together to discuss SENS’ contributions to the larger University of Saskatchewan plan. 

Through a multi-year and intensive process, the U of S has identified the principles of Connectivity, Sustainability, Diversity and Creativity to focus our work into 2025. Perhaps more than any other university unit, SENS is largely dedicated to those four principals. By strengthening what we already excel at, we can help the U of S achieve its goals for the future.

A vision for the school and what we will contribute to the larger U of S plan is beginning to emerge, and I am eager to discuss the draft in January. As we move towards “SENS@20”, I see us as a school with strengthened ties to the Global Institutes for Water Security and Food Security, with an enhanced energy research portfolio, and with strengthened graduate and undergraduate programs that meet the needs of students, graduates and employers alike. Threaded throughout this is a commitment to increasing relations with our Indigenous partners present and future and a responsibility to Indigenization.

I look forward to working with all of you throughout the coming year, and wish you a restful holiday season and a healthy, happy and fulfilling 2018. 

Warm Regards, 

Irena Creed