USB’s francophone mission makes employees proud

Université de Saint-Boniface (USB) has a specific mission that unites employees and instills a sense of pride.

“The fact that we have a unique mandate within our francophone minority community makes USB a special place to work and I think this really brings us together as a group,” says president Sophie Bouffard.

USB is Western Canada’s only French-language university and, while aiming to develop the full potential of its students, the institution also works to ensure the francophone community is thriving in Manitoba.

Part of the institution’s strategic plan is to be “a driving force for change” in education, in the community and beyond, and employees are encouraged to work with local, national and international organizations that support these goals. “I feel strongly about our impact in the community,” says Bouffard.

The goal is for USB to become a hub for all francophones, meaning all people willing to live, learn and work in French.

“We work with community organizations so we can help support the well-being of its members,” says Bouffard. One example she notes is working collaboratively with local partner organizations to find ways to increase the number of early childhood education centres and trained educators.

Science professor Ibrahima Diallo has been working at USB since he arrived in Canada from Senegal in 1985. He held the position of dean for the faculties of arts, science, business administration and social work at USB from 2000 to 2010. He is amazed by all that the university has led him to accomplish.

“Although we are a relatively small institution, we can be a player in the big leagues,” says Diallo, noting just some of his community work. “Being part of USB made it possible for me to be nominated as a member to work on a variety of committees, councils and organizations, both locally and nationally. That is an asset.” He is currently a member of the board of the Federation of Francophone and Acadian Communities and is the honorary consul of Senegal in Winnipeg.

In an employee survey conducted in the fall of 2022, 82 per cent of employees indicated that working at USB is a source of pride and 84 per cent said they find their work to be gratifying.

“We have a work environment that encourages our faculty and staff to take personal initiative and we approach decision-making in a very collaborative way,” notes Bouffard. “In addition, USB does whatever is in its means to support professional development.

“One recent initiative that has impacted employees and students,” she says, “is USB’s reconciliation engagement.” Bouffard and the Indigenous lead, a newly created position, have been facilitating a number of listening sessions with Indigenous community leaders. As a result, they have launched key initiatives to support the school’s approach to Indigenous education. “At USB, we have a special connection with the French-speaking Métis, which dates back to the beginnings of our university over two centuries ago,” says Bouffard.

She just finished her first term as president, focusing on increasing the capacity of the university’s nursing and education programs. Bouffard was recently awarded a second term and is enthusiastic about the next five years.

“We are on the right path to continue our upswing and I look forward to the next steps of USB’s continued success. It is a team effort to continue and sustain that growth.”

Diallo is nearing retirement, but he also marvels at the school’s potential.

“USB opens the door to the world,” he says. “It was the best decision of my life to come here.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing the winners of this year's Manitoba Top Employers competition, published March 19, 2024 in the Winnipeg Free Press. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, who did not write or review the content.