Meet Your SAFA Table Officers
We’re continuing our profile series to help members learn more about the union representatives who serve them. These short introductions are meant to highlight the people working behind the scenes at SAFA to answer questions and advocate for members.
Introducing Sheldon Thunstrom
SAFA Position: Division IV Table Officer
Members Represented: School of Health & Public Safety, Student Services, Academic Services, CADI
Sheldon Thunstrom is a long‑time SAIT faculty member with 23 years of teaching experience and eight years of involvement with SAFA. As part of the SAFA Table Officers team, he supports member-focused decision‑making, stronger organizational systems, and collaborative, transparent governance.
As Chair of the Job Action Committee, Sheldon leads SAFA’s planning and preparedness work. He coordinates committee activities, strengthens communication, and works closely with the JEC and JAC subcommittees to ensure clear alignment and consistent member engagement.
With a background in Paramedic education, Sheldon has spent over two decades teaching and mentoring future EMS professionals. His approach blends real‑world EMS experience with academic expertise, emphasizing critical thinking, professionalism, and strong clinical skills.
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Who is Responsible for Class Coverage? Not Faculty!
SAFA has heard from faculty members in several Schools who have been told they must find someone to cover their classes when they are on leave. This is not the instructor’s responsibility. Under the Collective Agreement and Faculty Workload Guidelines, teaching assignments are made by management (the Dean or their designate, typically the Academic Chair). Because management assigns the work, management is also responsible for ensuring classes are covered when an instructor is unavailable.
Vacation or Approved Leave
Once vacation or other long-term leave is approved by your Academic Chair, it is then their responsibility to find a substitute instructor. You may choose to recommend substitutes or assist with arranging coverage, but you are not required to find a substitute instructor.
Sick Leave
If you are sick and cannot teach, notify your Academic Chair that you are ill and will be absent. Your Academic Chair may discuss alternatives such as asynchronous activities or classroom coverage by a substitute. If a substitute is needed, the Academic Chair must arrange it. You have no obligation to arrange class coverage.
Important Reminder
Instructors should not cancel classes themselves if coverage has not been arranged. Only management (usually the Academic Chair) has the authority to cancel scheduled instruction. Cancelling classes on your own could result in disciplinary action.
Need Help?
If you are being asked to find your own class coverage, contact your SAFA representative. SAFA can help ensure that responsibilities are applied fairly and consistently.