Academic and Non-Academic Support

MPAS learners at USask have access to a wide range of academic and non-academic support services through the College of Medicine and the broader university community. These supports are designed to promote student success, wellbeing, and professional development throughout the program.

Learner Experience Coordinator

MPAS students have access to a dedicated Learner Experience Coordinator, who serves as a point of contact for both academic and non-academic support. Whether you are navigating academic challenges, personal concerns, or wellness needs, the Coordinator provides a confidential and safe space to talk through your situation and explore next steps.

The Learner Experience Coordinator can also help connect students with appropriate supports, including learning and academic supports (such as graduate writing skills, research strategies, and academic strategists), as well as counseling and wellness services, financial aid, Indigenous student supports, and other internal and external resources as needed. Referrals are made in collaboration with the student, ensuring timely access to support services.

MPAS students are also welcome to drop by, say “Hi” and grab a snack, support comes in many forms.

 

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Report Mistreatment

The University of Saskatchewan is committed to providing a positive and safe environment for all students, staff, and faculty. This includes a shared responsibility to uphold respectful behaviour and to prevent mistreatment, discrimination, and harassment in all forms. These commitments align with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code and with the Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.

The goal of our MPAS program is to ensure that all members of our leanring community feel respected, supported, and safe. We are committed to maintaining an environment where concerns are heard and addressed.

This is a confidential reporting process. If you have experienced or witnessed mistreatment, harassment, or discrimination, we encourage you to report the incident using the secure form below. You may choose whether or not to include your name. The amount of information you share is completely up to you and will help determine the nature of follow-up that is possible.

We want to be proactive, not just reactive. Even if something feels small, your feedback helps us identify patterns, offer support, and take steps early. Speaking up makes a difference and helps us build a safer, more respectful community for everyone.

 

Resources and Supports

Access and Equity Services (AES) is responsible for providing, along with faculty, reasonable accommodations for students who experience barriers to their education on the basis of a prohibited ground(s), including disability, religion, family status and gender identity.

If you feel you may require accommodation, please visit the AES website to see what your next steps should be.

Students are responsible for disclosing any need for academic accommodation in order to initiate the process. Accommodations cannot be applied retroactively, and developing a formal accommodation plan may take several weeks. Students are strongly encouraged to begin this process as early as possible to ensure timely support. For questions or concerns, please contact your Learner Experience Coordinator, Sara Bryson at sara.bryson@usask.ca.

 

For more information and resources on loans and financial aid, please visit Other Loans and Financial Resources. We encourage students to explore different financial institutions to find the option that best suits their needs.

Dr. Gerald Siemens Awards

Recognizing the urgent shortage of primary care providers in rural and underserved communities, Dr. Gerald Siemens has generously established the inaugural awards for the College of Medicine’s new Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program. These awards reflect his commitment to supporting healthcare professionals who will help address this critical gap and deliver quality care across the province. Two awards of $5,000 each will be granted to students in the MPAS Class of 2027, helping to support those who are ready to be part of the solution.

Application Period

Applications will open on July 1, 2025, and close on August 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM (SK time).

How to Apply

Applicants must be admitted to the MPAS Class of 2027. Students must log in to PAWS and access the Awards and Scholarships channel to begin their application. Within the application portal, students will be prompted to complete two key components: the Financial Need Calculator and a Written Essay outlining their interest in the MPAS program and their commitment to serving underserved and rural communities.

These criteria reflect the values behind the award and align with the broader goals of the MPAS program. Selection will be based on the strength of the written submission and the applicant’s demonstrated financial need, as determined by the MPAS Awards Committee.

Other:

Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA)
  • Advocacy for Physician Assistants in Canada
  • Learn about your profession
  • Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada
PARSEC – PAs for Research, Scholarship and Education in Canada
  • Membership fee of $10 per year
  • Resources include virtual PA shadowing, PA-led panel discussions, PA journal club, and a research workshop
Canadian PA
  • Offers additional PA student resources
  • Numerous Canadian Physician Assistant profiles
College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

Graduate Students’ Association 


Graduate Student Hub
  • Info on arrival and transition to Saskatoon
  • Events calendar specifically for USask grad students

USask Library Workshops 

  • Workshops for graduate students include Transition to Grad School and Graduate Research

Wellness workshops

  • Including mental health training, suicide prevention training, disability support groups and more

Emergency and Crisis Support

SEEK HELP IMMEDIATELY if at any time you or someone you know is in distress, in crisis, or experiencing thoughts of suicide or death.
Crisis Response

The Student Affairs and Outreach team provides a coordinated response to crisis situations involving a student. A crisis may be caused by events such as a physical or emotional injury or illness, suicidal behaviours, and concerns about safety.

Contact during office hours: Contact (306) 966-5757 or the Manager directly at (306) 966-6079

Urgent After Hours Assistance:

Additional Crisis Services: