Saskatchewan’s branch of the Dominion Provincial Youth Training Program (DPYTP) was established in 1937 with the goal of training young people for gainful employment (Paul, 1948, p. 1). This program was initiated during the depression years; since government funds were scarce, the costs of the program were shared between the Dominion Department of Labour and the Provincial Department of Education. As a result, the program was given the name “Dominion Provincial” (Paul, 1948, p. 1). In general, the program offered instruction to people between the ages of 16 and 30 years, offering courses in agriculture for men and in homemaking for women. In addition to the specific courses, there was also the opportunity for young men to receive financial assistance to attend the two-year School of Agriculture Course at the University of Saskatchewan.
The DPTYP was established as a solution to a specific issue, namely, “the youth problem” that was considered to exist in Canada (Department of Labour, Youth Training Division, 1939, p. 5). The “youth problem” was characterized by high rates of unemployment among young people. Many believe that the “youth problem” began with the collapse of 1929; in reality, this issue existed prior to 1929 (Department of Labour, Youth Training Division, 1939, p. 6). Prior to the onset of the depression, Canada’s economic conditions meant that this issue was overlooked. However, the depression magnified the issue, resulting in a perceived urgency in the need for a solution. This problem was not exclusive to Canada, as all Western countries were trying to deal with the “youth problem.” However, there were certain factors that existed in Canada that made the problem different here than anywhere else. More specifically, there were 50,000 to 55,000 between the ages of 16 and 30 years in Saskatchewan who were unable to leave home to pursue training in any area of study (Federal-Provincial Youth Training for Saskatchewan Farm Boys Memo, p. 1). Many of these young men had left school at 15 or 16 years, having only completed a grade nine education. The perceived consequences of such a large number of unemployed youth were clear: “Because of little or no directional influence they are inclined to drift mentally, to allow their minds to stagnate, and due to economic conditions, to feel sorry for themselves” (Federal-Provincial Training for Saskatchewan Farm Boys Memo, p. 1). Farming skills training was considered important both economically and for general social well-being.
The DPYTP was originally implemented to restore morale, increase independence and to provide direction for the youth of Saskatchewan. It was suggested that the Agricultural Extension Department hold short courses for young males and offer financial assistance to those who may need it (Youth Employment Program, 1937, p. 1). However, as the needs of the communities changed, so did the DPYTP. As the depression years came to an end and war broke out in Europe, the needs of the communities changed. Many communities experienced a decline in population: men were called away to the war or for special labour. These smaller communities made it difficult to run courses in all communities. Despite the efforts of community members to advocate for courses, many towns could not meet the 20 person minimum registration requirement. In addition, the increasing manufacturing work in the urban areas meant that the needs of urban areas became quite different from rural areas. As a result, the University of Saskatchewan began to offer two sets of courses: urban courses and rural courses, each with programs offered for men and women. Thus, the University continued to adapt its programming based on the needs of the communities.
In short, the DPYTP provided a program that served the needs of rural communities in Saskatchewan as they changed. Since Saskatchewan was a farming province, most of the courses offered to young men and women revolved around farming. This program helped communities provide skills and education to a young workforce. However, as men went to war and the urban/rural divide widened, the programs were altered to meet the changing needs of the communities.

The North Atlantic Coast Fisheries Arbitration settled an economic dispute between Canada, the United States, and Great Britain over fishing rights. The dispute centered on the interpretation of several treaties granting American citizens special fishing rights in Canadian and Newfoundland waters. The dispute began in 1905 when Newfoundland introduced new regulations which restricted the fishing rights of American citizens and were enacted and enforced without notice to the Americans. The three countries were unable to settle the issue on their own so they agreed to take the case to the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague. On September 7, 1910, the tribunal ruled that while Canada and Newfoundland had sovereignty over the waters in question, the reasonableness of any new regulations must be allowed to be challenged by the United States. All three countries were pleased with the ruling of the tribunal. Using the ruling, the three countries were able to agree to a new treaty, which was signed in 1912. The new treaty stipulated that at the end of the fishing season, Canada was required to notify the Americans of any new fishing regulations for the following season. The United States was given a set number of days to object to these new regulations. If they filed an objection, a commission would decide if the new regulations were reasonable. If the Americans did not object, then the new regulations were presumed to be reasonable and in effect.

Although the Sociology Department was formally established in 1958, classes in Sociology had been offered since 1940 through the Department of Economics. The merger of Economics and Political Science in 1947 resulted in the creation of a sub-department of Sociology. Within a year of its creation the Department of Sociology was offering graduate level classes and was developing a research program that would focus on ethnic relations, medical sociology, family studies and community development. In an effort to further facilitate excellence in research and scholarly work, the social research unit was created in 1983. The following have served as head of the department: R.E. DuWors (1957-1968); J.E. Abramson (1968-1972); D.R. Cherry (1972-1974); G.S. Basran (1974-1978); B.S. Bolaria (9178-1990); K. Storrie (1990-1993); T. Wotherspoon (1993-).

In 1967, as part of the administrative reorganization precipitated by the implementation of the one university two campus concept, the Board of Governors created the position of Dean of Students. The Dean was to be responsible for student counselling, the Student Health Centre, and the operating philosophy of student residences. Problems in the area of student-University relations were to be referred to the Dean's office for study and recommendation. R.A. Rennie, who was Director of Counselling and Student Affairs from 1958-1967, served as the only Dean of Students from 1967 until his death in 1973. With the creation of the University of Regina in 1974, the position of Dean of Students was made redundant.

In early 1909 it was announced that the University of Saskatchewan would be situated in Saskatoon on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River and the first group of buildings were opened in 1912. The current 755 hectare site includes 147 hectares of campus, 30 hectares of research park, and a large University Farm and Experimental Plot. The University also owns under lease a 52 hectare site on Emma Lake used for summer session classes in Biology and Art. The University of Saskatchewan owns and operates three research farms used primarily by the Colleges of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine. Charged with maintaining the building, grounds and physical plant was the Superintendent of Buildings, later the Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds, and from 1983 the Director (now Executive Director) of Physical Plant. In 1996 Physical Plant was renamed Division of Facilities Management. The following have served as Superintendent of Buildings: A.R. Grieg (1909-1937); W.E. Lovell (1937-1947); W.J. Robson (1947-1957); J.A. Wedgewood (1957-1969); A.D. Reed (1969- ).

Since its establishment in 1908 the College of Arts and Science has performed a dual function: it has prepared students for entry into one of the professional colleges; and it has provided students with an opportunity to become familiar with some field of language and literature, natural science, social science, or fine arts. The first classes, conducted by five professors in the fall of 1909, were presented to some 70 students in borrowed quarters in the Drinkle Block at 2nd Avenue and 21st Street. (Classes were not offered in the sciences owing to the absence of suitable facilities or equipment). The University moved to Victoria Elementary School in 1910, to Nutana Collegiate Institute in 1911, and finally to the present campus in 1912. In May 1912 seven students admitted with advanced standing (from other universities) were awarded degrees at the first graduation ceremony, held at Nutana Collegiate. On 29 April 1913, the first graduating class of twenty students received BA degrees.

The Department of Mathematics was one of the original four departments of the University. From the beginning the department was charged with the responsibility of teaching classes in mathematics to students in all colleges of the University. This is still true, with the exception of a few specialized classes in areas such as statistics and applications of differential equations taught by other departments. The department teaches classes in pure and applied mathematics and statistics. The following have served as head of the department: G.H. Ling (1909-1938); R.D. James (1940-1943); W.H. Watson (1944-1946); H.H. Ferns (1946-1962); A.P. Guinand (1962-1964); C.E. Miller (1964-1970); G.H.M. Thomas (1970-1978); B.S. Lalli (1978-1979); R. Servranckx (1980-1982); M.A. Marshall (1982-1983); R. Manohar (1983-1988); R.V. Moody (1988-1990); T.R. Martin (1990- ).

The Department of Far Eastern Studies was created in 1964 to provide programs about the cultural history, philosophy, religions, languages and literature of the Indo-Tibetan-China areas. The department first offered graduate classes in 1967. In 1981 it was announced that Far Eastern Studies would be phased out over the next three years. Some Far Eastern Studies courses continued to be offered through other departments.

In 1931 the Carnegie Corporation awarded the University a three year grant to establish a school of music. In 1936 it became a College but remained a one person operation and was reduced to an Arts and Sciences elective in 1947. The Department of Music was formed in 1952 and expanded steadily adding classes in music education, literature, history and theory. With the amalgamation of the Teacher's College with the College of Education all music studies on campus were conducted by the Department of Music. The department has been involved in the community by sponsoring recitals and acting as consultants and directors for provincial and community ventures. The following have served as head of the department: A. Collingwood (1931-1947); J.M. Macrea (1947-1951); M. Adaskin (1952-1966); D. Kaplan (1966-1982); D. Nelson (1982-1984); R. Wedgewood (1984-1990); C.L. House (1990- ).

The Division of Life Sciences was established in 1972 with the objective of drawing together life scientists from across the campus into a body which could effectively and efficiently coordinate training in the basic life sciences. It served as a forum for faculty dialogue between colleges, allowed for campus wide "vetting" of courses proposed by colleges and departments, and allowed comment on the hiring of faculty who might have interdepartmental teaching responsibilities. The division did not grant degrees. Students were to register in one college and could choose classes offered elsewhere on campus. The Division was disbanded in 1983 as a result of a referendum of the general membership. The following served as division head: W.G.E. Caldwell (1972-1973); J.D. Wood (1973-1975); J.M. Naylor (1975-1978); B.D. McLennan (1978-1979); J.M. Naylor (1979-1981); P.H.G. Stockdale (1981-1983).

Beginning in 1910, courses in educational theory and history, as well as summer courses for practising teachers, were offered through the College of Arts and Science. The failure to coordinate its efforts with those of the Normal School (teacher's college, established in Saskatoon in 1913), prompted the University to create a School of Education to prepare students to teach in the secondary school system. After one year's operation, the School became the College of Education in 1928. The College offered a one-year certificate programme as well as a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree for students completing additional course work. In 1947 a 4-year degree programme was introduced. In 1964 the College, on behalf of the University, assumed the responsibilities and absorbed the personnel of the province's Normal Schools. The following individuals have served as Dean: F.M. Quance (1928-1947); S.R. Laycock (1947-1953); C.E. Smith (1953-1955); A.C. McEown [Acting] (1955-1956); J.B. Kirkpatrick (1956-1976); R.H. Farquhar (1976-1981); Naomi L. Hersom (1981-1986); M.P. Scharf (1986- ).

Mining Engineering was initially offered in 1962 as an option in fourth year Geological Engineering. A completely separate two-year course was offered the following year and operated as a sub-department in the Department of Geological Sciences. In addition to classroom study in mineral processing, rock mechanics, mine environmental controls, mine design and mine materials handling, the course included a series of field trips to various Saskatchewan mines and required at least one summer of practical experience. In 1971 the College of Engineering agreed to create the Department of Mining Engineering. It was closed in 1976. R.F. Palmer (1972-1974) served as head of the Department.

The first member of the Faculty of the Department of Anaesthesia was appointed in 1954. From this nucleus the department grew to train students at the undergraduate and postdoctoral levels. It was in the residency program the Department concentrated its efforts, in order to meet the ever present shortage of Anaesthetists in the province. The Department has also maintained an active clinical research program resulting in the introduction of several innovative drugs and techniques. The following have served as head of the department: G.M. Wyant (1954-1975); C.E. Hope (1975-1978); W.B. MacDonald; C.J. Kilduf (1984-1985); S. Neil (acting 1985-1987); P.G. Duncan (1987-1994); R. Yip (1994- ).

The Department of Social and Preventive Medicine first appeared in the College of Medicine Calendar in 1958. It was to concern itself with the epidemiology of the major disease groups, with the social factors in health and disease, and with the organization of community health services. In collaboration with the medical sciences departments it prevented a statistical viewpoint and with the clinical departments it studied the problems of medical care. The main research activities in recent years have been connected with the Saskatoon Community Health Unit, Home Care, and the Northern Medical Services. In 1988 the Department changed its name to the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology. The following have served as department head: A. Robertson (1958-1962); R.F. Badgley (acting 1962-1963); D.J. Hosking (acting 1963-1964); V.L. Mathews (1965-1987); B.F. Habbick (1987- ).

The first complete year of operation for the Department of Ophthalmology was 1956. While undergraduate teaching plays a relatively minor role, postgraduate instruction, service to the community (both patient and doctor), and research have figured strongly in the development of the Department. In addition to refresher courses and clinics, faculty are involved with the Orthoptic Clinic, Low Vision Clinic, Glaucoma Clinic, a pathology service, and a northern Saskatchewan eye examination program. In research the department is probably best known for its work on glaucoma. Its primary emphasis has always been the improvement of eye care in Saskatchewan. The following have served as department head: R.G. Murray (1955-1974); C.C. Ewing (1974-1980); R.J. Schneider (1980-1985); I.A. Chisolm (Acting 1985-1986); C.C. Ewing (Acting 1986-1989); H.L. Goldberg (1989-1992); K.G. Romanchuk (1992 ).