Living Our Values Policy

Responsibility: President and Vice-Chancellor
Authorization: Board of Governors, University Council and Senate
Approval Date: Board of Governors (June 22, 2021); University Council (June 21, 2021); Senate (October 30, 2021)

This policy translates the values adopted by the governing bodies of the University of Saskatchewan in 2016 as part of the Mission, Vision and Values statement into a statement of expectations for the conduct of members of the university community. The policy provides definitions of these values, and reaffirms the responsibility of all those connected with the university to act in accordance with them.

The principles set out in the Mission, Vision and Values statement create a conceptual framework for the kind of university we want the University of Saskatchewan to be. These principles include academic freedom, which is the foundation for innovation and inquiry in an academic institution. This policy is not intended to modify or undermine the university’s commitment to the principle of academic freedom or the other principles adopted in the Mission, Vision and Values statement.

Being accountable for how we conduct ourselves is contingent upon good judgement and sensitivity to the way others see and interpret our actions. All members of the University community have a priority responsibility to live our values and reflect them back in our daily interactions and decisions.

• Collegiality: A cornerstone of our University, collegiality is evidenced when we are congenial and work cooperatively to achieve a common purpose. A collegial approach assumes an equitable and democratic responsibility for the good of each particular discipline and our institution as a whole. A spirit of collegiality allows for a diversity of views and perspectives expressed within a climate of respect.
• Fairness and Equitable Treatment: Fairness is achieved when all members of the community are treated evenhandedly. As a value, equity recognizes and appreciates everyone’s unique contributions and encourages full participation through the elimination of discriminatory practices and behaviors. It entails an appreciation of and respect for the personal attributes that are essential to the identity of others. These may include, for example, race, gender or sexual orientation, but include all of the broad range of elements that make people who they are.
• Inclusiveness: Inclusiveness is achieved through embracing diversity and appreciating everyone’s unique contributions, and makes it possible for each member of the community to participate fully in the fulfillment of the university’s mission. It fosters a welcoming and accessible environment.
• Integrity, Honesty and Ethical Behavior: The values of this university require everyone to maintain a high standard of personal integrity, which includes upholding and observing truthfulness, transparency, responsibility and openness.
• Respect: nīkānītān manācihitowinihk | ni manachīhitoonaan (“Let us lead with respect”) is the name gifted by the Indigenous community to the University Plan 2025; nīkānītān manācihitowinihk in Cree and ni manachīhitoonaan in Michif reflects the humility and boldness that inextricably define the University of Saskatchewan’s spirit. A respectful environment is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, however, it involves more than compliance with human rights legislation and other laws. Respectful approaches support the productivity, the safety, and the dignity and self-esteem of every member of the University community by fostering positive relationships through kindness, empowerment and cooperation.

This policy applies to all members of the University community including individuals employed directly or indirectly, students, members of governing bodies, volunteers and visitors of any kind. It is also intended to apply to any virtual spaces where members of the University community may gather as well as in-person spaces.

This policy defines the core values that all members of the University community are expected to exemplify on a daily basis. Ongoing education and awareness will outline how values can inform the work we do and how to incorporate our values into everyday practice.

All members of the university community own the responsibility for understanding and upholding this policy. Members of the community should encourage reflection on the meaning and significance of these values, take opportunities to give or receive mentorship and guidance, and bring to light significant departures from these values in an appropriate way. Persons within the scope of this policy may consult the policies, regulations and agreements identified in the list of Associated Documents below for guidance on specific procedures for raising concerns.

This policy does not incorporate a separate regime for compliance, but articulates the basic values already reflected in existing compliance-based University policies. All members of the University community are accountable for how they conduct themselves and are expected to comply with the accepted standards of conduct in existing policies. See Associated Documents for applicable existing policies, regulations and agreements.

All members of the University community will be supported to ensure they understand how to advance a commitment to putting values into action.

All new members of the University community will be asked to review this policy and participate in education and awareness opportunities pursuant to pre-employment and/or on-boarding requirements. This will reinforce that each individual is accountable for acting in accordance with the values outlined in this policy.

All supervisors are encouraged to discuss the expectations for living our values with their direct reports. 

The management of this policy including policy education, monitoring, implementation and amendment is the responsibility of People and Resources.

A review of this policy will occur every two (2) years unless circumstances warrant a review in the interim.

USask Policies:

• University of Saskatchewan Mission, Vision and Values
• Employment Practices
• Animal Control
• BioSafety
• Compliance Enforcement Pertaining to Hazardous Agents
• Discrimination and Harassment Prevention
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
• Energy and Water Conservation
• Health and Safety
• Radiation Safety
• Sexual Assault Prevention Policy
• Smoking, Alcohol and Substance Policy
• Violence Prevention Policy
• Accountable Professional Expense Funds (APEF)
• Assets Management Policy
• Commercial Directorships held by Faculty and Staff
• Conflict of Interest
• Use of Materials Protected by Copyright
• Deans’ and Senior Administrators’ Expense (DSAE)
• Information Technology Use Policy
• Fraud Deterrence Policy
• Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy
• Hospitality
• Information Technology Security
• Procurement
• Property Used Off Campus
• Safe Disclosure Policy
• Travel
• Use of University Property and Services
• Academic Courses Policy on Class Delivery, Examinations and Assessment of Student Learning
• Students with Disabilities: Academic Accommodation and Access
• Medical Faculty Policy
• Care and Use of Animals in Research
• Human Research Ethics policy
• Responsible Conduct of Research Policy
• Research Publications

  Other documents:

• Principles of Evaluations of Teaching (Council, 2002)
• Guidelines for Faculty and Students using Internet Social Networking in the Academic Context at the University of Saskatchewan (ASC, 2009)
• Learning Charter (Council, 2018)
• Academic Advising Charter (Advising Council, 2013)
• Guidelines for Academic Conduct (Council 1999)
• Student Academic Misconduct Regulations (Council 2017)
• Student Appeals of Evaluation, Grading and Academic Standing (Council 2012)
• Standard of Student Conduct in Non-Academic Matters (Senate, 2017)

Collective agreements – disciplines, grievance procedures, non-discrimination clauses

Common law powers of employer to discipline for insubordination, theft, violence, disruptive behavior