USask president Stoicheff makes statement on Ukraine, Russia

Resources, support available for University community members affected by situation. PCUH and Eparchy of Saskatoon show support for people of Ukraine

The Russian military invasion of Ukraine is extremely concerning to our University of Saskatchewan community. News about these shocking events and their potential implications for world peace will be troubling for all of us, and particularly for our many Ukrainian and Russian university members.

If you need support, I urge you to connect with the wellness resources listed below that are available for students, faculty and staff.

Saskatchewan is home to one of Canada’s highest populations of people of Ukrainian descent. The University of Saskatchewan conducts programming and research related to Ukrainian culture, language, politics and history. We have partnerships and student exchanges with institutions in Ukraine. As a result, we have deep and strong relationships with Ukraine.

During this very difficult time, I encourage you to take care of yourselves and of each other.

Peter Stoicheff
President and Vice-chancellor
University of Saskatchewan

St. Thomas More College is home to the Prairie Centre for the Study of Ukrainian Heritage (PCUH) and the Ukrainian Studies program at USask.

On Friday, PCUH shared this message on Facebook:

Our hearts are heavy with the news of the horrifying events in Ukraine. We pray that the resilience and courage of our colleagues, friends, and families will allow them to see the other side of this. Слава Україні! Glory to Ukraine!

And the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon shared a message from Bishop Bryan Bayda:

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Reverend Fathers and Beloved Faithful of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon, As of this morning, 2022-02-24, Russian forces have commenced missile strikes throughout Ukraine in preparation for what is likely a full-scale invasion. We call upon all of you to pray for Ukraine, for the government and the Ukrainian armed forces, for His Beatitude Sviatoslav, our bishops, clergy and religious, for our brothers and sisters in Christ, our relatives, and for the entire Ukrainian people.

Reverend Fathers, we ask you to spend whatever time you can in our churches, in both silent and public prayer. Please keep our churches open throughout the day, so that the faithful may come to pray together with you.

May the Spirit of Peace and Truth prevail!

Most Holy Theotokos save us!

-- Bishop Bryan Bayda and Eparchial Chancery staff

Student Support

Student Affairs and Outreach has a team of social workers who can provide immediate support. You can speak with a member of the team by calling (306) 966-5757 or emailing student.outreach@usask.ca and requesting to speak with an outreach coordinator.
The Student Wellness Centre offers a range of supports including physical and mental health care. To make an appointment, you can call (306) 966-5768.
The International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC) offers a wide range of supports for international students. You can speak with a member of the ISSAC team by calling (306) 966-4952 or reaching out by email international.students@usask.ca.
For students living in residence, you can reach out to the Counsellor in Residence at intake@usask.ca or your student life coordinator at residence@usask.ca.
USask Faith Leaders are also available to provide one-on-one spiritual counsel.

Faculty and Staff Support

LifeWorks, Usask’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provider, offers a wide range of services including free and confidential counselling, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
MindBeacon offers virtual mental health support that fits your life.
For eligible employees, your benefit plan covers mental health supports including clinical counsellors, marriage and family therapist, psychologist, psychotherapist and social workers.