May 13, 2003

It was history repeating itself for McMaster students at the second annual History Undergraduate Colloquium at the University of Waterloo. First, third-year honours history student Sarah Linfoot won first prize for her paper entitled "Representations of Women." Then, fourth-year honours history student Bronwen Margrath won first prize for her paper on, "The French Resistance: Myth and Reality." And in the third and final category, fourth-year honours history student Laurie Jacklin won first prize for her paper, "Crime, Violence, and Mental Disorder at the Rockwood Lunatic Asylum, 18801900." The three McMaster history undergraduate students, who competed against students from the University of Waterloo, Wilfred Laurier University, the University of Guelph and The University of Western Ontario, each won $100 in Chapters/Indigo gift certificates, donated by the University of Waterloo. The theme of the colloquium was "What Does the Past Mean to You?" This was the second event in an ongoing series of annual colloquiums where undergraduates from McMaster, Western, Guelph, Waterloo and Laurier are invited to present the work produced in Level III or Level IV undergraduate classes. "I am really pleased about our successes at the colloquium, and I think it reflects positively on the History Department at McMaster," says Margrath, president of the McMaster Undergraduate History Society. "I think it is important to note that the academic excellence at McMaster goes beyond the more well-known areas of health science and engineering." McMaster assistant history professor Karen Balcom assisted the students in their submissions. "Karen Balcom really got behind and supported the students entering the competition, with her characteristic non-stop enthusiasm and dedication," said Jacklin. "She freely gave of her own personal time and made, what first seemed to be, a very daunting process into something that we students could manage. Our results directly reflect the standards of excellence of the professors in the History Department, as exemplified by Dr. Balcom."

May 13, 2003

Divinity College will confer degrees on 31 McMaster graduands at its annual Spring Convocation ceremony today (Tuesday, May 13). The graduation will be held at 8 p.m. in Convocation Hall. Honorary degrees will be presented to Neil Snider, president of Trinity Western University and Leonard Cullen, a Canadian horticulturist and long-time member and supporter of the Baptist Church. R. Neil Snider, Doctor of Divinity Neil Snider has been president of Trinity Western University in British Columbia since 1974. Born in Alberta, he received his theological training at Briercrest Bible Institute (now Briercrest Bible College) in Caronport, Saskatchewan. He received his BA in 1962 from the University of Winnipeg. He went on to study psychology and educational administration at the University of Manitoba, receiving his B.Ed. and M.Ed. degrees from the university in 1967 and 1970. He completed his PhD at the University of Oregon, where his main areas of study were higher education and educational administration. In addition to having special interests in higher education and educational administration, Snider has also studied the sociology of complex organizations and organizational theory. Prior to joining Trinity he was dean of faculty, dean of students and acting president of Winnipeg Bible College. His duties at Trinity are complimented by a rigorous speaking schedule that takes him to churches and conferences across North America. Snider will give the Convocation address. Leonard Cullen, Doctor of Divinity Leonard Cullen, president of Cullen Gardens, has devoted a lifetime to horticulture and the Baptist Church. Born in Toronto, he started working for landscape gardener John Weall when he was 17. Five years later he purchased Weall's business. Cullen has been involved in the Baptist Church for most of his lifetime, serving as second and then first vice-president of the Toronto Baptist Young Peoples' Union in 1946-1947. He became president of the union in 1948, then deacon of Brook Avenue Baptist Church from 1953 to 1957. He joined the Agincourt Baptist Church in 1958 and continues to be active in this church community today. He has given years of service to the Baptist movement as an active fundraiser and supporter of a variety of church initiatives. To raise funds for one campaign, Cullen and his wife, Connie, biked 800 miles.

May 13, 2003

At its May 12 meeting, University Senate approved a number of new programs and certificates, including two diplomas in civil engineering, a certificate in leadership for students in governance, and new certificate and diploma programs offered through McMaster's Centre for Continuing Education. For details,

May 13, 2003

From man's early beginnings, he has been scanning the night sky and studying the stars. Astronomer Ralph Pudritz says that "star formation is one of the great problems in astronomy. It's been on the minds of astronomers for as long as there has been astronomy." Pudritz, a professor in the department of physics and astronomy will explore the origins of the stars in a free lecture entitled Lighting up the Cosmos: The Origins and History of Star Formation in the Universe . The lecture is the fifth of six in the Science in the City lecture series, a series sponsored jointly by McMaster University and the Hamilton Spectator . In an interview with the Spec (May 12), Pudritz notes that the Orion nebula cluster "is a major laboratory for us to study how star formation works in detail. In cosmic and astronomical terms, it's very rapid but you won't see it zip together in your lifetime." Join Ralph Pudritz tonight (May 13) in the Spectator Auditorium for a journey through time that will take you back to the conditions that may have lead to the formation of the very first stars that lit up the cosmos. This Science in the City lecture will be held at the Hamilton Spectator Auditorium, 44 Frid Street in Hamilton and begins at 7 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm). The lecture is free and all are welcome.

May 13, 2003

McMaster Students Union is establishing a greener campus by creating the first student union established sustainability office in Canada. Known as the Green Service, the office will be responsible for establishing and implementing environmentally friendly events and practices on campus, as well as disseminating information to students and staff. This service is a product of a year's work by a group of students. Overseen by a part-time Green Service director, the service will also include an environmental events co-ordinator and an alternative transportation co-ordinator. These part-time employees will report to the Green Service Advisory Committee made up of representatives from various McMaster groups. "Past attempts to implement environmentally friendly practices have had limited success at McMaster due to lack of structure and support," says Adam Spence, MSU vice-president education. "This model increases the chances of success because it involves so many partners, and builds on current environmental initiatives." Partners in the Green Service include the McMaster Students Union, McMaster University Faculty Association (MUFA), McMaster University Staff Association, the CUPE local, University administrators, faculties, student faculty societies, the Green Coalition and others. "I am very excited about establishing this group of university partners, which will add strength to the initiative," says Allan Dafoe, president of the Green Coalition, a McMaster Students Union club. The Green Service will combine current initiatives with new ones. The focus for the first year of operation will be MSU services and operations with hope to expand the service to a university-based sustainability office over time. "I really think that by strengthening the MSU's commitment to environmental issues we are truly leading by example," says Joanna Ranieri, MSU Environment Committee chair. The Green Service will be responsible for a wide variety of environmental work including composting, environmental audits, events like the Tupperware challenge, Green Games, the Commuter Challenge, a carpooling rideboard, MACycle co-op, lobbying and policy work.

May 12, 2003

Campus Health Centre and Sports Injury Clinic have collaborated to offer extended health care services for McMaster employees and students. All services are available at the Campus Health Centre, B101 of McMaster University Student Centre. "People were confused about where to go for what services," says Julie Fairservice, director of Campus Health, who met with Colleen Cupido, physiotherapist and manager of the Sports Injury Clinic. "By offering these services in one location, it is easier to know where to go." Complementary health care provides services not traditionally included in medical care. It is proven to be effective to promote healing, relaxation and pain management and therefore complements standard medical treatment. Reflexology, hot stone massage, meditation, reiki and acupressure are currently being offered by Donna Curran, certified practitioner. To book an appointment, call 905-768-0242. Acupuncture is also available from Janice Harvey, sports medicine specialist. For an appointment call ext. 23300 (employees) or ext. 27700 (students.) Rehabilitative health care offers more traditional methods of treatment to restore normal function and healing. Physiotherapy, massage therapy, bracing and orthotics, and chiropractic care are all provided by certified practitioners at Campus Health Centre. To book an appointment with any of these specialists, call ext. 23575. Although some services are covered by insurance, most require some personal expense. For current prices visit www.mcmaster.ca/shs

May 12, 2003

Ethics in health care education will be investigated at the Program for Faculty Development's Interdisciplinary Grand Rounds on Wednesday, May 14. The session, "Why teach ethics to health care practitioners?" will explore the need and desirability of including ethics in health care education, the intent of offering ethics education in the health care context and a constructive framework for ethics education in health care. Presenters include: Lisa Schwartz, Arnold L. Johnson chair of Health Care Ethics, Department of Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, will explore what it is we intend by offering ethics education in the health care context Deborah Cook, Canada Research Chair, Critical Care Medicine, Deptartment of Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, will present evidence of the need and desirability of including ethics in health care education Sue Baptiste, assistant dean, Master of Clinical Health Sciences (OT) Program, will offer a constructive framework for ethics education in health care John Kelton, dean & vice-president of health sciences, will provide opening remarks, followed by an introduction by Susan Denburg, associate dean academic. The session will take place in the Institute for Applied Health Sciences, Auditorium B102 from 4 to 5:30 p.m., followed by a reception.

May 12, 2003

Compensation for 2003-04 for members of The Management Group (TMG) was approved by the Board of Governors at its April 24 meeting. The salary provisions . . .

May 9, 2003

McMaster is gearing up for two major cycling championships coming to Hamilton in June and October. The University will remain open for both the Tim Horton's Road National Championship June 27-29 and the Road World Cycling Championships Oct. 6-12. Although routes for the bike races do not encompass either the main McMaster campus or Downtown Centre, the routing and number of visitors could have an impact on University operations. Because of street closures and altered bus routes, some University employees may be interested in scheduling vacations for this time or arranging alternative work schedules. Such arrangements must be consistent with collective agreements, and could include use of vacation time, flexible work schedules, a personal leave day or unpaid leave of absence. Both Hamilton boards of education will close schools for the World Championships in October.

May 9, 2003

The stage is set for the fifth annual CLAY (Creating Leadership Among Youth) conference taking place at McMaster this weekend. The conference provides a unique opportunity for high school student leaders to acquire and enhance their own leadership skills in a safe and stimulating environment. More than 100 delegates from across Ontario arrived Thursday afternoon and will stay on campus until Sunday. Selected McMaster undergraduates will work as skill builders and facilitate small groups discussions on topics such as communication, trust, group dynamics, media and self-awareness. Motivational speakers and group events provide a chance for the delegates to work as one large team and put to use some of the skills they will have honed. Social happenings, such as a coffee house, throughout the course of the conference give delegates the opportunity to express themselves creatively and to cultivate lasting friendships. Kasey Coholan, this year's CLAY co-ordinator, hopes all participants of CLAY 2003 come away from the conference "realizing the potential they each possess to make a positive impact on their peers, their schools and their communities."

May 8, 2003

A year and a half ago, Patti Wiebe crossed her fingers and sent an e-mail into McMaster cyberspace. She was looking for a carpool partner. An employee at McMaster for 21 years, Wiebe was moving from Hamilton to Beamsville. Anticipating an increase in the cost of her commute -- both in economic terms and to her mental health -- she decided to find someone with whom to share the ride. Lynne Taylor was one of three people to respond to Wiebe's electronic invitation, and the lucky respondent chosen to be her partner. "I was a bit hesitant at first," Taylor admitted, "because I'd never done anything like this before." She was used to having the freedom and security of her own vehicle on campus, and the flexibility to run errands after work. Eighteen months into the relationship, however, Taylor states with confidence: "It's worked out really well." Wiebe and Taylor's carpooling routine is to meet in a Beamsville parking lot near the QEW where, with the owner's permission, one of them leaves their car for the day. "It would take longer to do pick-ups at home," explained Wiebe. "And this way we can run errands before we head home." On May 1, Wiebe and Taylor became the first members of the McMaster community to register under Parking & Transit's newly created carpool program. In exchange for handing in their regular parking permits, they received one new zone 2 carpool permit, $15 in free gas coupons, a $10 Blue Line taxi voucher (in case of an emergency when their vehicle is not on campus) and two complementary central campus parking vouchers for days when they both require a vehicle at McMaster.

May 7, 2003

McMaster's Parminder Raina will lead one of the country's most comprehensive longitudinal studies on aging to improve the health and quality of life of older Canadians. The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) received a $400,000 boost Tuesday from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The study will provide knowledge about the aging process that will be used to develop improved treatments and prevention methods for illnesses associated with aging. The announcement was made at the close of the National Seniors' Forum on Research in Ottawa. "The CLSA is going to be a unique multidisciplinary study of aging because of its magnitude and breadth," says the associate professor of clinical epidemiology and biostatistics, adding about 50,000 individuals will be recruited for the study. The study plans to understand the contribution of a large number of factors related to the evolution and progression of disease and illness, and healthy and successful aging among men and women over the age of 45, Raina explains. Some of the factors to be examined include genetics, lifestyle, cultural issues, retirement and leading diseases. "The study will follow individuals for a 20-year period and will provide valuable information about today and tomorrows seniors," Raina says. Several sites will be established across Canada to carry out the study. It will be the most comprehensive longitudinal study in the country's history, involving approximately 180 researchers. Raina joins Susan Kirkland, from Dalhousie University and Christina Wolfson, from McGill University in leading the protocol that will take 18 months to develop and outline how the CLSA will be conducted. "We believe that this study is unique in its approach and will profile Canada as a leader in research on aging globally," Raina says. "The goal of this study is not just to advance the science but ultimately to improve the health and quality of life of older Canadians by linking research and practice. That is why the CLSA research team is delighted to be part of this exciting initiative. We will have a road map to carry out this study completed by March 2004."

May 7, 2003

McMaster's Department of Family Medicine has launched a new division of palliative care. Much has changed in the delivery of end-of-life care. Palliative care has developed into a specialty and there is a need for more primary care support and integration. For example, family doctors have become more clinic-based and home care and hospital care needs to be fostered. Family doctors have continuing education needs and require frequent advice and support from palliative care specialists and there is a shortage of family doctors to care for terminally ill patients. The team approach to palliative care has become well established. The team includes family doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, occupational and physiotherapists and volunteers. A Senate Committee, chaired by senator Sharon Carstairs, identified these systemic issues, and made many recommendations on how to improve the present situation. McMaster's division will develop an academic program that will: Forge partnerships with local institutions and experts to develop a comprehensive region-wide academic program Recruit and retain the finest faculty to teach learners Work closely with other stakeholders to ensure a model of service delivery that is sustainable Establish state-of-the-art curricula for training students, residents and physicians Develop a recognized research program to evaluate effectiveness in meeting the needs of the community to provide palliative care In announcing the new division, the Department of Family Medicine is renewing a commitment to this area of primary care. The development of the division will include reorganizing training programs, enhancing undergraduate, postgraduate and fellowship curricula, establishing renewed leadership, promoting scholarship, forging new partnerships and creating a business plan to ensure that future physicians are trained to provide comprehensive end-of-life care to the community in a sustainable model.

May 7, 2003

David Kuhl, a palliative care physician with Providence Health Care in Vancouver, will present the fifth annual Carl Moore Lecture in Primary Care tonight (May 7). The public lecture, hosted by the Department of Family Medicine, will take place at the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce at 5 p.m. The lecture will be followed by a reception, book signing and palliative care displays by Hamilton area organizations. Kuhl will participate in several academic activities with faculty, students and residents during his visit. The events coincide with Palliative Care week, associated with the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association. Through his experience as a palliative care physician and the experiences shared by patients living with terminal illness, Kuhl has strived to better understand the physical, psychological, and spiritual realities of the end of life. Kuhl, who has provided care for persons at the end of life for the past 15 years, received his medical degree from McMaster University in 1985. He has written a book, What Dying People Want, Practical Wisdom for the End of Life (Doubleday, Canada), based on the results of his research, work experience, and training in palliative medicine. The book offers practical guidance and support, and a poignant message about finding new life in the process of dying. Senator Sharon Carstairs, who has long championed the cause of palliative care, will be a discussant at the lecture. In 2001, Prime Minister Chritien gave Carstairs a special responsibility for palliative care. She currently assists health minister Anne McLellan in supporting the federal government's interest in the development of palliative care to ensure that palliative care is meeting the needs of Canadian patients, families and caregivers. This new appointment was a major step forward in the federal government's commitment to quality end-of-life care in Canada. The lectureship honours Carl Moore, professor emeritus, who retired from McMaster in 1997. Each year, the lectureship is awarded to an individual who has made a contribution to the understanding or development of primary care as a researcher, educator, analyst, an advocate or policy maker. Last year's lecture was delivered by Wendy Orr, a general practitioner from South Africa, who spoke on ethics and human rights in medical practice. The lecture takes place at the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce (Royal Hamilton Yacht Club), 555 Bay St. N., Hamilton, and will be followed by a reception, book signing, and palliative care displays. The lecture begins at 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. For more information call 905-521-2100 ext. 76189 or e-mail karwalt@mcmaster.ca.

May 6, 2003

At a recent small ceremony in the University Club, Ian Cowan, president of the McMaster Alumni Association, presented fifth-year medical and health physics student Kara Schnarr with the Albert Lager Prize for Student Alumni Relations. The Albert Lager Prize for Student Alumni Relations was created by the Alumni Association to recognize the efforts of students in fostering a relationship between students and alumni, and in sharing the goals of the Alumni Association with students. Schnarr has been involved with the Alumni Association since co-ordinating the 20th anniversary reunion event for the Emergency First Response Team (EFRT). On at least two occasions, she has gone out of her way to bring together alumni and current students. In 2001, Schnarr was the co-ordinator of the National Conference for Campus Emergency Responders (NCCER) at McMaster. One of the priorities with the conference was to highlight the contributions of McMaster's students and alumni to the development of emergency response services. The program featured presentations by McMaster students and alumni, including Eddie Wasser '86, '89. Waser is the founder of the emergency response program at McMaster, the very first program of its kind in Canada. In planning the 20th Anniversary Celebration of EFRT at McMaster, Schnarr made outstanding attempts to include both students and Alumni. She solicited McMaster Student's Union support and helped to foster a lasting partnership between the MSU and the MAA. She also made special arrangements for non-paying guests to attend after dinner to ensure current students, no matter their means, would be able to share in the joint student-alumni event. In the end, the EFRT 20th Anniversary Celebration brought together more than 70 alumni and students to celebrate a uniquely McMaster achievement.

May 6, 2003

Current and future directions in Canadian archaeology will be explored at the Canadian Archaeological Association's 36th annual conference hosted by McMaster May 7 to 10. Topics will range from research at national historic sites of Canada, archaeology of health and forensic anthropology. Archaeologists from across Canada will attend the three-day conference, hosted by McMaster for the first time. "There will be a very wide range of topics discussed," says conference co-ordinator Aubrey Cannon, associate professor of anthropology. Topics will span North American archaeology from 12,000 years ago to the recent historical past to archaeology of the future, he says. Hence the conference title, "Current and Future Directions in Canadian Archaeology". "Individuals coming to the conference will take away a wide range of the current thinking in archaeology and the current directions of Canadian archaeology," Cannon says. The conference will be particularly beneficial for students, he notes. "It is important to get students involved because they will set the future directions of archaeology." The conference will open with a reception in the McMaster University Student Centre (MUSC) marketplace on May 7 at 7 p.m. Conference sessions will take place May 8-10. Click here for the session schedule. Conference attendees may register for daily passes at the registration desk in the lounge area on the third floor of the MUSC each day from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. For further details visit http://socserv.socsci.mcmaster.ca/caa2003/.

May 5, 2003

McMaster University will do its share to accommodate double cohort students who want to attend an Ontario university this fall. The University expects to enroll about 5,100 first-year students in September. McMaster has committed to the Ontario government that 4,330 of the first-year class will be from the Ontario high school system. "McMaster has always been committed to doing our part to ensure the double cohort class is accommodated this fall," said President Peter George. "Our decision on how many students McMaster can accommodate has always been guided by the importance of maintaining a quality education experience. "The Quality Assurance Fund announced in the recent provincial budget will help us to ensure students continue to receive the educational experience they expect. Faculty and staff have worked hard to successfully accommodate increased enrolment this year with the fast-tracker students and we will continue to work together to provide quality education and support services for students." McMaster will be ready to accommodate the additional students with an additional temporary classroom building that will be in place until September 2004 when the new Centre for Learning & Discovery opens. The University recently received $11.3 million in SuperBuild funding from the government for the construction of the building. Dianne Cunningham, minister of training, colleges and universities and presidents of Ontario universities confirmed Friday that plans are in place to accommodate 70,000 Ontario high school graduates at Ontario universities this September. "Beginning with our plan for students in the double cohort, we have clearly put Ontario at the forefront in Canada in building a postsecondary system that will prepare our students fo the opportunities of the 21st century," said Cunningham.

May 5, 2003

McMaster's Department of Athletics and Recreation announced the appointment of Meagan Haney as head coach of the women's rugby team. A graduate of The University of Western Ontario, Haney brings both a strong coaching and playing background to the Marauder Women's Rugby program. Haney has coached with the Ontario Women's Under 19 team on three separate occasions (2000, 2002-2003) and has coached at Mentor College in Mississauga since 2001. She has also coached at a number of rugby clinics throughout the golden horseshoe. As a player, Haney was a three-time team MVP (1995-97) while at The University of Western Ontario. She has continued to compete at the club level winning numerous provincial and national championship titles since graduating from Western. Haney has also competed as a member of the Canadian Senior Women's National team since 1999 having participated in such events as the Tri-Nations Tournament in New Zealand and the CanAm event in Saranac Lake, New York. In addition to her involvement with amateur rugby, Haney volunteers with a number of charitable organizations such as Special Olympics Canada. Manager of athletics Tim Louks commented, "We are very excited Meagan has accepted the position of our women's rugby program. She is a great choice to build on what has been done in the past and to move the program ahead immediately. We believe that this program can be a CIS contender with dedication, energy and patience. Meagan Haney will bring all that and more to the program." Haney is currently employed at Mentor College as a teacher and rugby coach. She currently resides in Burlington.

May 2, 2003

McMaster researchers are partnering with the Ontario government to conduct the first Canadian study that will help protect the public from West Nile virus. Tony Clement, Ontario minister of health and long-term care and Colin D'Cunha, Ontario commissioner of public health were at McMaster today to announce the study that will determine the extent of community exposure to West Nile virus, in an area of Halton Region where the virus was known to be prevalent last summer. About 1,500 people are involved in the study, conducted by McMaster's medical geographers John Eyles and Susan Elliott and Mark Loeb, an infectious diseases specialist. This is the first study in Canada to track the prevalence of West Nile virus. Their study, conducted through the McMaster Institute of Environment and Health, is focused on residents of southern Oakville, who had the highest rates of confirmed cases in Canada last year. The objective is to gather information on how many people were infected by the virus last summer but did not exhibit serious symptoms of the illness. Participants have already been surveyed about their attitudes and behaviours toward the virus, and a blood sample will be taken to determine if there is a presence of the West Nile virus antibody. Blood sample collections will be completed in early May and results of the tests will be completed by mid-June and made available to the people who participated in the study. The announcement is part of the government's new seven-point action plan to combat West Nile virus, in which they are investing $100 million over five years.

May 2, 2003

During politically unstable times, differences in faith can create diverse opinions. But at McMaster, these differences brought McMaster Students Against the Occupation, the Jewish Student Association and the Peace Village closer together. These groups met recently to exchange dialogue on how to create an inviting climate and a structure where differences of opinion can be shared. Ecumenical chaplain Carol Wood and Hamilton psychiatrist Joanna Santa Barbara, who teaches in McMaster's peace studies program, facilitated the meeting. "Each one of the students involved in this problem has a compassionate heart," says Santa Barbara. "In a dialogue, there is the possibility that each person's "circle of compassion" can grow a little to include those from the other identity group." Initially, she hopes guidelines will be established so that identity-based groups on campus can act with consideration for the feelings of other groups. "We want a campus where everyone feels respected, included and safe." Creating guidelines for respectful interaction between groups, seeking discussion without tension, creating a new group that could serve as an intermediary, inviting others to the table, seeking historical experts, establishing a joint group that can help groups deal with differences and establishing a student led group to resolve issues were some of the goals established. "The most important idea put forward at the meeting was that despite our political differences, the campus can still be a place of both co-existence and dialogue," says Sina Rahmani, president of the McMaster Students Against the Occupation. "Only through dialogue -- effective dialogue -- can we avoid the creation of an ethnic rift."