September Updates – Happy New Academic Year

  • Layoffs

Since last month’s newsletter, there has been two further APSA member layoffs. We expect layoffs may continue to trickle through until the end of the calendar year with a larger batch of layoffs potentially coming in January 2026. 

  • AI Usage in Staff Positions

We've been receiving quite a few questions from APSA members seeking clarity around using large language models in their roles. With Microsoft Co-pilot now rolled out to SFU devices, PD funds covering premium AI subscriptions and some leaders encouraging usage, members are looking for guidance and reassurance that they are not doing anything untoward by utilising these tools. 

In response to my query on this item, the VPPEI provided an update as to where SFU are currently at on this – that working groups have been through the summer and are likely providing feedback to the SFU Executive soon, with the view to developing an AI strategy and operational guidelines. In the meantime, SFU has been encouraging APSA members ‘to consider the available tools for exploratory/pilots for the sake of learning and to use all the normal IT policy precautions/guidance until they hear otherwise.’

We will continue to ask questions and review policy and guidelines around all things AI. Please continue to send us your feedback.

  • Salary & Benefits Committee (S&B) and Bargaining 2025

The Salary & Benefits Committee, led by committee chair Ellen Siew Meng Yap, has been meeting weekly to develop bargaining proposals based on member feedback and expert advice. The committee's work is an essential part of the preparation for upcoming negotiations.

In the coming weeks, the committee will select a negotiation team and develop bargaining priorities for the APSA Board to consider. Bargaining is expected to commence in November.

Many thanks to the dedicated members of the committee for their hard work: Dana Andrews, Christine Barnett, Colton LaFrance, Jaida Regan, David Semail, Tess Williams, and Raymond Yim.

I would also like to acknowledge and wish the best of luck to our colleagues in TSSU, CUPE, Poly Party and SFUFA colleagues in their bargaining negotiations and hope for a satisfactory and speedy resolution for them all. 

  • Finance Committee (FIN)

The Finance Committee, led by committee chair and Secretary-Treasurer Patrick McClarty, will soon review APSA’s FY26, as well as the review engagement with MNP for FY25.

  • Board Elections and the Volunteer Experience

The November AGM could see as many as six positions on the Board contested. This presents an opportunity for dedicated members to contribute to the leadership and direction of our association, with each Director effectively representing a tenth of our over 1,500 members.

APSA is a democratic and member-led society, and as per our Bylaw 7.A: The Board will have the authority and responsibility to manage, or supervise the management of, the property and affairs of the Association.

Joining the APSA Board is a significant time commitment of which no volunteer time is currently recognised by SFU. In recent weeks, the current Board members have demonstrated exceptional dedication and resolve, devoting significant time and energy to a number of complex governance matters. The work of our elected representatives should be at the heart of everything APSA does and I would like to formally recognise their dedication to the well-being of our association.

These are challenging times, both at SFU and within the higher education sector. However, APSA is big enough and can become more robust to be in a position to help shape the future of post-secondary institutions and to improve the working conditions of public sector workers in this Province.

Nominations for the Board of Directors will open in the coming weeks, and if necessary, elections will be concluded before the AGM in late November. If you are interested in joining the Board, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or another Board member to learn more about what the role entails.

A big thank you to all of our current Board members serving APSA: Nicole Manson, Patrick McClarty, Kim O’Donnell, Mike Peragine, Stephanie Stewart, Jasper Stoodley, Tess Williams, Cindy P. Woo and Ellen Siew Meng Yap

  • Fall Social

A Fall social will hopefully be taking place sometime in October, with details still to be finalised. Bringing members together in-person, across all campuses and on a recurring basis is high priority of mine to help build community amongst the membership. 

These are difficult and precarious times for many of you, and having an informal and social setting to connect, support one another and hopefully have some fun are offerings APSA can provide. 

My hope is that we can bring back socials to all campuses eventually and expand our member engagement initiatives more generally. If you have ideas that you’d like to see from APSA in this regard, please feel free to let me or another Board member know. 

  • AGM Motion to Investigate Unionisation

In consultation with APSA’s legal counsel and expert staff, the Board continue to deliberate this significant matter. There are countless particulars to consider but ultimately, this is a matter for the entire membership to consider and to direct the APSA Board and staff on. An information session is being considered but as you can appreciate, with bargaining on the horizon and continued layoffs, it is important not to overstretch our resources with Board and staff capacity already being maxed out. I will continue to keep you updated and share as much detail as I can.

  • Strategic Plan 2025-30

Currently on hold, but my hope is that with the assistance of an external facilitator, our strategic planning working group will be able to recommence their work on this before the AGM.

  • Other Ongoing Items

There have been no new developments on SFU’s Emergency Response Protocols, the Joint Compensation Review Committee Impasse or the SFU Academic Plan Feedback since the last newsletter.

If you have any comments, suggestions or concerns you’d like to raise with the Board, or if you're interested in learning more about what volunteering with APSA involves, feel free to reach out to me directly at president@apsacentral.ca or contact another Board member in your area.

Cheers,

Ben