McMaster acts on engineering report

A new way to plan Welcome Week, stronger orientation to help develop student leaders, more financial transparency, and ongoing alcohol restrictions for some events are a few of the recommendations in a new report in response to the investigation of student activities within Engineering at McMaster.

An external investigator was hired by the University following allegations focused on two areas: the culture and conduct in the use of songs and a songbook which included sexist and degrading materials and unsanctioned student events that put students at risk. The investigator has now provided his report to the University and Associate vice-president and dean of Students Sean Van Koughnett has developed a second report outlining a recommended action plan in response to the investigation’s findings.

“The findings in the investigator’s report are disturbing,” said provost and vice-president Academic David Wilkinson. “The behavior is unacceptable and while the McMaster Engineering Society had indicated in a document from some time ago that its culture needed to change, it is clear that the pace of change is not sufficient. The University will be implementing all of the recommendations in the dean of Students’ report.”

The dean’s report summarizes the investigator’s findings.

• The McMaster Engineering Society Executive (MES) and senior Faculty of Engineering Welcome Week representatives put student safety at risk through the organization of unsanctioned events involving excessive, underage drinking and participation of former Redsuits, and an initiation involving invitations to remove clothing.
• MES Executives and senior Welcome Week representatives who were members of the Redsuits committed a serious breach of trust through their actions and decisions including:
  • Knowingly violating the Student Event Risk management policy
  • Intentionally using inappropriate chants off campus
  • Insufficient financial management and record keeping practices
  • Once allegations were made public, hindering the investigation by removing and hiding information

The dean goes on to say that while only a small minority of students within the Faculty participated in the activities, “Without question, the University is obligated to act so that we can ensure students’ safety, effectively develop our student leaders, and change a subculture that is out of step with the values of our institution.”

Wilkinson said, “Our goal in undertaking the investigation was to learn as much as possible about activities that have been occurring. The actions we’re taking will help to ensure that the tradition of strong student governance at the University continues and that we find ways to help educate and develop students so that they can become productive leaders on campus and in their future roles.”

Ishwar Puri is the dean of Engineering. “I thank those students who cooperated with the investigator. The report is clear that the student leaders involved in these activities failed to implement the principles and values of the University, and their responsibility to ensure student safety. This must change. I hope that students will understand the reasons for the recommendations and why action is required. The McMaster Engineering Society and other student leaders now have the opportunity to demonstrate that they are committed to creating a culture based on respect.”

The University will continue to work with the McMaster Engineering Society and other student groups within Engineering to undertake the changes within the recommendations.