APSA usually receives a Personnel Requisition Form from SFU HR, which gives us a general update on our members' records. For new members, we typically receive a "New to SFU," "New to HR," or "Academic Group." This does not show any CUPE to APSA members. I would figure this out in the previous software after uploading records marked "Promotion" or "Transfer." The list would show which emails were not on the list already. I can't do that with this new system.

Negotiations Joint University/Association Committee: JUAC has been meeting monthly to discuss and attempt to resolve matters of mutual concern as may arise. These matters may include updates to legislation, flexible working conditions, and other issues that can affect APSA members’ terms and conditions of employment and work-life at SFU. This committee has updated several policies, which both APSA and SFU have ratified. 

A huge thank you to Allyson Biro, who’s served as APSA’s Trustee for the last four years. As she is leaving SFU this year, we are looking for a new Pension Trustee.

It's January and the start of a new year! Here's a quick list of benefits that reset each calendar year. 1. Vacation time AD 10.8 You now have access to your yearly vacation allotment. Here's a table below for reference. Number of Calendar Years of Employment Length of Vacation Entitlement

SFU’s Finances and International Student Enrolments January 8, 2026

January Update

Vivian Chu Executive Assistant (Confidential Administrative Professional III) Promotion Office of the Dean Faculty of Science    Carolina Costa Sato Manager New to SFU Immigration Services International Services for Students (ISS)

Hello, fellow APSA members!  I wanted to introduce myself to you as the incoming President of the APSA Board of Directors.

APSA usually receives a Personnel Requisition Form from SFU HR, which gives us a general update on our members' records. For new members, we typically receive a "New to SFU," "New to HR," or "Academic Group." This does not show any CUPE to APSA members. I would figure this out in the previous software after uploading records marked "Promotion" or "Transfer." The list would show which emails were not on the list already. I can't do that with this new system.

Before heading off on holiday, have you taken note of these year-end items? Paid leave – Holiday closure AD 10.08 Once again, the University will be closed for the holiday break. Continuing members will be paid for this time. Temporary members will be paid for this time period if the last day of your temporary appointment is after the holiday closure. There are ongoing discussions between APSA and the University about sick leave and compensation for this closure.

The Joint University and Association Committee [JUAC] was reactivated after nearly nine years. The restart was urged upon the parties by arbitrators James Dorsey and Christopher Sullivan. Both arbitrators saw the need for the Association and the University to talk to each other regularly. Mr. Sullivan required the parties to employ a facilitator for the discussions for the first year. Cathy Knapp was retained to serve in that role, and the parties have recently extended her appointment for an additional 6 months.

APSA is pleased to announce the new officers for the APSA board of directors. Christopher Piché was voted in as the 2026 president, Erik Tryggvason was voted in as the new vice-president, and Raymond Yim is your 2026 treasurer. Please take a moment to congratulate all the appointees. We know they are dedicated and will work hard to achieve the interests of APSA members.

  We’ve got you covered on what happened at the meeting.

SFU’s Finances: An Update December 5, 2025 It’s budget time again at SFU — that time of year when many of you may be receiving your reference points and preparing budgets for the next fiscal year. I wish, of course, that budgetary times were much easier for all of you — I can’t imagine how difficult it must be. 

Negotiations

Each month, the Advocacy Committee answers your questions about the AD 10 policies (aka, your terms and conditions of employment).

Congratulations to your new Board Members for 2025-6 Seven members were nominated for APSA’s Board of Directors for a three-year term. The board positions have been determined by acclamation.   Ian Hayashi IT Services  

Notice of Meeting APSA's Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place on November 19, 2025. At the meeting, you can: approve the 2024 AGM minutes, hear about the association's challenges and successes, review the audited financial statements and, read reports about committee activities.  Chairs from APSA committees will be on hand to answer questions about their reports. The agenda is posted, and the financial engagement review and committee reports will be added as they become available.

  Additional Resources:https://www.pac.bluecross.ca/pdf-bin/info/0601.01.002-HSA-flexibility.pdf

Some Mental Health Tools November 5, 2025 Given SFU’s budget season is upon us and the winter holidays aren’t far off, I thought it might be time to let you know about my refreshed list of tools to help you with mental wellness.

Register today for APSA's Fall Social 2025 When: October 22, 2025, from 3-5 p.m. Where: The Diamond Alumni Centre, Burnaby Campus

Negotiations Joint University/Association Committee: JUAC has been meeting monthly to discuss and attempt to resolve matters of mutual concern as may arise. These matters may include updates to legislation, flexible working conditions, and other items that can affect APSA members’ terms and conditions of employment and work life at SFU. This committee has updated several policies, which was approved by the APSA board will be sent to the SFU Board of Governors for approval shortly.

Workplace Investigations at SFU After recently helping a member, I was reminded how far we’ve come as an advocacy organization for our members.  A Little History, A Little Background

September Updates – Happy New Academic Year

APSA's Board of Directors has six open director positions. Are you interested in applying? Director position description A director:

As the University's hiring freeze continues and administrative staff positions are eliminated, our members may find themselves performing tasks outside their usual job duties. It's essential to understand your rights regarding compensation for working outside your job duties, as outlined in AD 10.06, Position Evaluation and Salary Administration. The policies ensure that your supervisor acknowledges the temporary adjustments in your responsibilities and that you are appropriately compensated.

Brief August Updates Layoffs Since last month’s newsletter, two additional APSA members have been laid off, bringing the total number of members laid off to 87.

Negotiations Joint University/Association Committee: JUAC has been meeting monthly to discuss and attempt to resolve matters of mutual concern as may arise. These matters may include updates to legislation, flexible working conditions, and other items that can affect APSA members’ terms and conditions of employment and work life at SFU. This committee has updated several policies, which will be sent to the SFU Board of Governors for approval in the fall.

SFU have several resources to support staff and departments with accommodations. If you or a team member needs accommodations, here are some ways to access or learn about the available accommodations that staff can access at SFU. What Is An Accommodation? Staff accommodations refer to modifications or adjustments that enable employees to perform their job duties effectively despite personal challenges. These accommodations can include physical changes to the workplace, flexible work arrangements, and mental health support.

  Members comments: Please ensure hybrid work is protected. This is my top priority. I have recently had one of my WFH days removed. My team now only gets 1 per week. I’d rather have 2 WFH days per week and no salary increase. On temporary work

Overtime Issues at SFU