Building healthy, sustainable communities

For over seven years, the Community-University Institute for Social Research (CUISR) has remained true to its mission of facilitating "partnerships between the university and the larger community in order to engage in relevant social research that supports a deeper understanding of our communities and that reveals opportunities for improving our quality of life."

Authentic Partnerships

Authentic partnerships - built upon trust and respect between community and university participants - is central to CUISR. It is reflected in the composition of the board (50% community representation and 50% faculty) and Co-chairs for the Institute.

Collaboration

CUISR research activities are firmly in the community in mutually beneficial partnerships that bridge perceived divides. CUISR has made significant strides in working with Aboriginal communities through partnerships with the Urban Aboriginal Strategy and Prince Albert Grand Council.

Responding to needs of partners

CUISR has become better equipped to support the work of its partners (community agencies, students, and faculty). Internships serve as pilot projects providing valid information that can help community groups to leverage funding.

Intersectoral and interdisciplinary practices

A range of community groups, institutions, students, and faculty access CUISR services and participate in its activities. Research methods vary greatly depending on the needs of the community and subject of inquiry. As such, resources (faculty supervision and student interns) from many disciplines and departments answer the research questions posed by the community.

Intellectual and collaborative organizing

CUISR provides a forum for faculty with an interest in social issues to convene, share ideas, develop partnerships (with other faculty, students, and community agencies), shape policy, and contribute to the greater good of our community.

As a result, the University of Saskatchewan has gained recognition as the hub of community-university relationships and other institutions in Winnipeg, Waterloo, Toronto, Victoria, and Ottawa have looked to CUISR for guidance in developing similar centres.

Saskatoon is also acknowledged for collaborative social organizing and planning. CUISR matches students, academic supervisors, and community agencies to answer crucial research questions, thereby informing programming and policy. Community agencies receive guidance in the development of research proposals, while local government receives reliable information.

CUISR is working with the community to conduct research that can be transferred to other organizations and settings. A Comprehensive Collaborative Poverty Elimination Strategy is being developed, guided, and monitored by data and evidence out of the Quality of Life research.

Tools and strategies

Knowledge mobilization: CUISR disseminates its research findings through newsletters, brown bag luncheons, reports, monographs, listserve, website, and the CUISR Resource Room.

Portal to bring faculty and community together to address pressing social issues: CUISR supports interdisciplinary collaboration between faculty and academic departments and facilitates the establishment of partnerships with community agencies. A unique point of contact makes it easier for community agencies to access academic expertise and allows for improved coordination of work.

Public policy: CUISR continues to explore innovative methods to support evidence-based practice and policy.

Student training: CUISR provides training and guidance to students and encourages community agencies to provide community orientation in order to prevent negative experiences with evaluators and researchers who are unaware of the realities of conducting research within vulnerable communities.