USask Traditions and History

Our historic main campus in Saskatoon is recognized as one of the most beautiful in Canada, with plenty of green space, stately greystone buildings and tree-lined walkways.

As you explore this place, you will discover the spaces that define your university experience. Museums and galleries, libraries, sporting event venues, student hangouts and natural spaces are where life happens and where your most powerful memories can be created.

Established in 1907, the University of Saskatchewan has a long history of excellence. Our graduates are known for their work ethic, resourceful nature and determination, and will continue to build on our history of success to address the world's challenges now and in the future.

Some of our notable alumni and faculty include:

  • 1 former Prime Minister of Canada
  • 2 Nobel laureates
  • 1 Academy Award winner
  • 1 band on the cover of Rolling Stone
  • 3 justices of the Supreme Court of Canada
  • 4 Governor General's Literary Award winners
  • 10 provincial and territorial premiers
  • 280+ Order of Canada recipients

We are Cutting Edge

VIDO-Intervac

A world leader in developing vaccines and technologies against infectious diseases.

To strengthen Canada’s role in responding to infectious diseases, the University of Saskatchewan's Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac) works with international partners to study human and animal pathogens and develop solutions.

With 150 interdisciplinary personnel, over $200 million in containment infrastructure, and more than four decades of experience, we develop vaccines and technologies that protect health. 

Canadian Light Source

The Canadian Light Source is Canada's national synchrotron light source facility, located on the grounds of the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The CLS has a third-generation 2.9 GeV storage ring, and the building occupies a footprint the size of a football field.

The Global Institute for Water Security

GIWS at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is the top water resources research institute in Canada and one of the most advanced hydrology research centres in the world. GIWS is dedicated to helping protect our precious freshwater resources needed for the world’s growing demand for sustainable food production, mitigating the risk of water-related disasters such as floods, droughts, and fires, predicting and forecasting extremes of global change through the use of advanced remote sensing and modelling techniques, and co-creating traditional knowledge with western science to empower Indigenous communities in protecting water health. 

Sustainability

Sustainability initiatives have been formally pursued in campus operations since 2004 when a Sustainability Coordinator was hired in the Facilities Management Division. On the academic side, sustainability became an area of focus in graduate studies with the establishment of the School of Environment and Sustainability in 2007. More recently, in 2012, the Sustainability Education Research Institute (SERI) was established to conduct research on environment and sustainability in relation to education.

Get Involved

There is more to campus life than class and studying. Remember to take time to take care of yourself, meet new people and have fun.