McMaster Archive

April 10, 2003

Posted on April 10: McMaster leads landmark trial in prevention of vascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation

Patient enrolment will soon begin in the ACTIVE trial (Atrial fibrillation Clopidogrel Trial with Irbesartan for the prevention of Vascular Events), the largest randomised trial program ever conducted in atrial fibrillation. "The ACTIVE trial is intended to respond to a largely unmet medical need in the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), who are at an increased risk of life-threatening vascular events such as stroke, myocardial infarction and death," said Stuart Connolly, professor of medicine at McMaster, and principal investigator of the ACTIVE trial. "Current treatment with oral anticoagulants is not suitable for many AF patients since it is limited by specific contraindications, monitoring constraints and poor compliance. Aspirin, the only standard alternative to oral anticoagulants, provides only modest protection in this patient population." Salim Yusuf, professor of medicine and director of the Population Health Research Institute at McMaster, is chair of the ACTIVE Steering Committee. The multicentre, multinational ACTIVE trial includes three primary objectives in investigating the long-term efficacy and safety of clopidogrel plus ASA for the prevention of vascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation. Clopidogrel plus aspirin, which inhibits platelet aggregation, will be compared with standard oral anticoagulant therapy in one trial (ACTIVE W), and compared with ASA alone in a second trial (ACTIVE A). The goal of treatment is the prevention of vascular events in patients with AF. A third integrated trial is also evaluating whether the angiotensin II receptor antagonist, irbesartan, is superior to placebo (in addition to usual blood pressure lowering therapy) in preventing vascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation (ACTIVE I).

April 10, 2003

Posted on April 10: McMaster seeks $55M from Canada Foundation for Innovation

McMaster will submit 23 applications valued at $55 million to the 2003 Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) competition, according to a report to Senate from the University Planning Committee. Established in 1997, CFI provides research infrastructure awards to universities, colleges, research hospitals and not-for-profit institutions. Its budget over the 10-year period is $3.65 billion. This year, CFI will invest up to $450 million for projects with total project costs of $150,000 or more. All universities are required to submit applications to CFI by May 30, 2003. A funding decision will be made in February, 2004. In 2002, CFI received more than 900 notices of intent requesting more than $2.5 billion. As a result, CFI implemented an allocation strategy to reduce both the number and value of applications, setting a maximum envelop for each institution. McMaster originally submitted 37 applications valued at $91 million. Three internal review panels reviewed the submissions and recommended which ones they felt should received full institutional endorsement. McMaster's largest funding request is for a $11.6 Institute for Life-Related Systems, led by engineering professor Simon Haykin.

April 10, 2003

Posted on April 10: Draft Refining Directions report now online

A draft Refining Directions report is now online. Click here to view the report. McMaster has spent the past six months reviewing its strategic plans through a process called Refining Directions. A number of work teams with representatives from across campus were created in the fall and they spent the next few months working on recommendations in six areas: undergraduate education; graduate education and research; external activities; internal community; planning and managing; and branding. The process has been overseen by a steering committee that has now reviewed the recommendations from each work group along with input from two rounds of community consultation and presentations to the University Planning Committee and approximately 25 other groups on campus. Input and comments on the draft report are welcome and can be forwarded to refining@mcmaster.ca. Over the next month, additional town hall meetings and consultation will be held on the draft report. Details of these sessions will be provided once the times and locations are confirmed. A final document will be presented to Senate in May and the Board of Governors in June.

April 9, 2003

Posted on April 9: Maple Leafs’ Ken Dryden, business executive Belinda Stronach among Spring Convocation honorary degree recipients

Toronto Maple Leafs president Ken Dryden, Hamilton police chief Ken Robertson, and Belinda Stronach, ranked by Fortune Magazine as one of the world's most powerful women in business are among the distinguished recipients who will be given honorary degrees at McMaster University's Spring Convocation ceremonies. The honorary degree recipients are honoured for their contributions in areas such as public service, education and scholarship, creative and performing arts and the McMaster community. About 3,000 students will celebrate graduation at Convocation ceremonies to take place in May and June at the Great Hall, Hamilton Place.

April 9, 2003

Posted on April 9: Conference examines shift towards aging society

Implications of the aging of the population will be examined during a two-day conference this week. From April 10-11, professionals in policy and planning, researchers, academics and statisticians, will participate in the conference entitled "Moving Towards and Older Society", hosted by McMaster's Centre for Gerontological Studies and Social and Economic Dimensions of an Aging Population (SEDAP). Speakers include James Banks, from the University College London; John Ermisch, from the University of Essex; Rejean Hebert; CIHR and University of Sherbrooke; John Myles, from the University of Toronto; James P. Smith, RAND; and Alan Walker, from the University of Sheffield. SEDAP is a multidisciplinary research program at McMaster that studies a wide range of aging-related issues. Located at McMaster, SEDAP is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. It involves 28 researchers from McMaster, the University of British Columbia, Universiti de Montrial, Queen's and the University of Toronto. The conference will be held in the CIBC Banquet Hall, third floor McMaster University Student Centre. Click here for program and registration information.

April 8, 2003

Posted on April 8: Another school year comes to a close

Today is the last day of classes at McMaster and students are now gearing up to write exams, which begin Thursday (April 10) and run until April 28. A total of 60,883 exams will be written over the 18-day period. For the exam schedule, click here. To help students prepare, the McMaster Students Union Student Life Committee (SLC) has co-ordinated an All-Night Study Program in the MUSC, where all floors are dedicated to students studying for exams. Silent areas and discussion areas have been established 24 hours a day in meeting rooms, banquet halls, lounges and the atrium. Consideration hours are in effect 24 hours a day, while no tolerance hours are between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. The Union Market will be open 24 hours during most of the exam period. A 22-hour quiet time also has been imposed in most residences and halls during the exam period. Student Walk Home Attendant Team volunteers are available to walk students home between 7 p.m. and 1 a.m. seven days a week until April 28. For a walk home call ext. 27500. McMaster Libraries are also busy with students preparing for exams. Click here for hours of operation.

April 7, 2003

Posted on April 4: MUSA, University begin negotiations

McMaster University and the McMaster University Staff Association (MUSA) commenced negotiations Thursday for a renewal of their current collective agreement that expires June 15, 2003. This was the first of 24 days that the respective bargaining teams have set aside for bargaining through the months of April, May and June. Both teams have expressed their commitment to working hard to achieve a new agreement that balances the needs of staff and the University and that reinforces their progress in building a constructive union-management relationship. Fred L. Hall, dean of the School of Graduate Studies, is the chair of the University's team while Barry Diacon, past president of MUSA, who works in the Department of Engineering Physics, chairs the MUSA team. Also on the University's team are: Suzanne Crosta, associate dean of the Faculty of Humanities; Wilf Ward, director of the Office of Analysis & Budgeting; Susan Birnie, manager of the Department of Psychiatry; Alisan Noble, business manager of the Faculty of Science; and Murray Lapp, Judy Forbes and Stephen Fletcher from Human Resources Services. With Barry Diacon on the MUSA team are: Mina Dizdarevic, MUSA president, who works in the School of Business; Carmela Civitareale, who works in the Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine; Debra Kigar, from the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences; Roxanne Wilson, from the Centre for Continuing Educaton at the Downtown Centre; Mike Groom, MUSA's executive assistant and Barry Fraser, regional representative, Canadian Labour Congress. The parties have agreed on a number of protocols to assist the bargaining process, including a restriction on communications. Due to the nature of the negotiations process it is important that bargaining occurs through the official representatives at the bargaining table. For this reason, the union and the University may keep their respective principals updated on progress but there will be a blackout of public communications while bargaining is underway.

April 7, 2003

Posted on April 7: Health Sciences Library reserve collection moved to Mills Library

Material from the Health Sciences reserve collection has been moved to the Mills Memorial Library circulation desk in order to make books, articles and audiotapes accessible to students restricted from entering the hospital during the SARS health alert. Anyone wishing to use material listed in MORRIS as part of the Health Sciences reserve collection will be able to request it from Health Sciences Library staff working at the Mills circulation desk. The Health Sciences Library has also set up a service where students can request to have material delivered to Mills Library. Delivery request forms can be downloaded at http://hsl.mcmaster.ca/hslrequest.pdf. A library card is required to sign books out. The loan period on short-term loan items during the SARS health alert has also increased to two weeks from five days. Photocopy request forms can also be found at this site. Students can request a copy of one or more articles held in the Health Sciences Library collection to be delivered to the circulation desk for pickup. The charge is 10 cents per page and the fee can be charged to an account number, a student ID, or it can be paid by cheque, credit card or debit card. Completed forms should be faxed to 905-528-3733, or sent via campus mail to: SARS Document Delivery, Health Sciences Library, HSC 2B. Copies of both request forms will also be available from HSL staff at the circulation desk in the Mills Library throughout the SARS health alert. For further information or questions about any of these services visit http://hsl.mcmaster.ca or call the Information Desk in the Health Sciences Library at 905-525-9140 ext. 22327.

April 7, 2003

Posted on April 7: Tele-robotic surgery: Video game or real patient care?

When surgeon Mehran Anvari slips his hands into the sophisticated controls of the three-armed robot named Zeus, it looks like he's about to embark on the latest video game adventure. In reality, Anvari performs landmark laparoscopic (or keyhole) surgery on patients hundreds of kilometres away, using a cutting-edge technology known as tele-robotics. Tele-robotics is a virtual-reality procedure that translates the surgeon's natural finger, hand and wrist movements into corresponding micro- movements of instrument tips positioned inside a patient in the next room or across the country. Tele-robotics represents the next frontier in surgical care for patients in rural and remote communities by offering a technology that can bring necessary health care to areas that have limited access to medical specialists. On Tuesday April 8, Dr. Anvari, professor of surgery and the founding director of the Centre for Minimal Access Surgery, will discuss this exciting new technology and its vast potential for changing the face of health care in Canada. 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. To reserve your seat please call 905-525-9140, extension 24934 or email

April 4, 2003

Posted on April 4: University closed today due to ice storm

Please be advised that the University is closed today (Friday, April 4) and all classes are cancelled due to the ice storm. Faculty, staff and students are advised to consult the Storm Emergency Policy and Procedures and local radio stations for additional information.

April 3, 2003

Posted on April 3: McMaster students approve building fee for new multi-sport/wellness complex

McMaster students have voted in favour of paying a levy that will support the construction of a new multi-sport wellness complex. Full-time undergraduate students chose an option that will see them pay $2 per unit commencing in 2003 followed by $2.55 per unit commencing in 2006 and increasing to $4.45 per unit commencing in 2012. (The last increment coincides with the projected retirement of the McMaster University Student Centre levy ($2.59 per unit to a maximum of 30 units) that students are paying.) "It's fantastic news," said Sam Minniti, former McMaster Students Union president and student chair of the "Yes" vote campaign. "For most students it means $60 or less a year for a tremendous new facility." Athletics & Recreation director Therese Quigley said she was pleased with the results of the vote. "We're excited about the possibilities of what we can provide to the McMaster community, especially in light of the access constraints and issues we've been managing," said Quigley. "There's lots of exciting work ahead." A total of 1,450 students voted yes in the student-run referendum while 984 voted no. Quigley said the next step is to form a users' committee to begin the planning process for the new facility. The proposal for the multi-sport/wellness complex at the north end of the Ivor Wynne Centre calls for a triple gymnasia, indoor track, the Pulse fitness centre three times larger than it is today, new locker rooms, a wellness centre and an expanded sport medicine clinic. McMaster students will contribute $20 million through the approved annual building fee per student and the University is contributing $10 million to this project.

April 3, 2003

Posted on April 3: Board of Governors meeting highlights

Highlights from the March 27 Board of Governors meeting A financial plan for the future The Board of Governors approved the University's 2003-04 and 2004-05 . . .

April 3, 2003

Posted on April 3: Funding boosts research and development in earth and space

The Centre for Research in Earth and Space Technology (CRESTech) is investing in four innovative research and development projects at McMaster. McMaster's recipients are: Yiping Guo, assistant professor of civil engineering, will receive $22,785 from the Ministry of Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation (MEOI) for his project called, "Transferring analytical probabilistic storm-water models to practicing water resources engineers". Other support includes $7,785 in-kind from Alan A. Smith Inc and $15,000 from Weslake Inc. Daniel Ewing, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, will receive $35,000 from MEOI for, "Investigation of pollutant removal by advanced EGR cooling devices for diesel engines". Other support includes $30,000 and $17,000 in-kind from Dana Corp. William Morris, geography and geology professor, will receive $76,050 from MEOI for, "Hyperspectral imagery calibration and data integration with gradient airborne magnetometry for mineral exploration: Sudbury Basin and Cuprite, Nevada". Other support includes $75,000 in-kind from R.J. Burnside & Assoc., $40,000 in-kind from Falconbridge/Noranda and $10,000 in-kind from the Institute for Aerospaces Research NRC. Jim Smith, assistant professor of geography and geology will receive $57,580 from MEOI for, "An ecologically friendly remediation technology for subsurface pesticide contamination". Other support includes $16,020 from McMaster; $18,900 in-kind from National Water Research Institute; $8,500 in-kind from Parks Canada; and $9,600 in-kind from Acres & Assoc. Envir. CRESTech is investing $6.7 million in a total of 55 R&D projects at 13 Ontario universities and colleges beginning April 1, 2003.

April 2, 2003

Posted on April 2: MACycle Co-op hosts upcoming art show

The bicycle as art. An interesting idea and one that MACycle Co-op encourages people to explore at The MACycle Bike Show Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the marketplace at the McMaster University Student Centre. More than 15 individuals will be presenting pieces of bicycle related art. Submissions are expected from students at McMaster as well as outside community members, artists, and bike enthusiasts. "The key learning objective of the art show is to illustrate how the bicycle is a cultural and social image. It is the challenge of the "artists" to create art that conveys this notion to the audience," says Alexandra Tarkowski, an organizer of the event. "It is hoped that the audience will see that the bike is more than a mode of transportation - it is a cultural icon. The bicycle can represent a road to health, both mental and physical, or freedom from the confines of a car-dependent lifestyle." The MACycle Co-op, launched September 2002, services all members of the McMaster and Hamilton community. The mission of MACycle Co-op is to promote cycling both as an alternative mode of transportation and as a form of recreation. This is achieved through a not-for-profit workshop, bike repair courses, a cycling resource centre and the organization of special events to encourage cycling. In order to provide these services, a one-time membership fee for students is $10 and $15 for faculty and staff.

April 2, 2003

Posted on April 2: Students recognized for outstanding contributions

Nearly 250 people attended the McMaster Students Union's 23rd annual Student Recognition Night Monday at the CIBC Banquet Hall. The event held special significance, as it was the first time Student Recognition Night took place at the McMaster University Student Centre. This event recognizes the contributions of outstanding students to the McMaster community. "At this time of year there are a number of award ceremonies held on campus. The recent MSU teaching awards and the athletic awards are just two of many," said McMaster President Peter George. "But the Honour M Awards stand out. They are one of the most significant honours for McMaster students and recognize the outstanding accomplishments they make to their fellow students, the community and the University." This year's Honour M Award winners were Adam Spence and Joanna Ranieri. The Honour M Award is presented to students who show commitment to extra curricular activities both within the McMaster community and have rendered outstanding and valuable service to the Hamilton community and/or the McMaster community by any or all of the following: university government, student government, residence government, departments, clubs, societies, and/or university athletics. Adam Spence's contributions during his time at McMaster have included developing the Horizons leadership conference for incoming McMaster students, restructuring of the MSU Community Relations Committee and the MSU Environment Committee into services, serving as president of the Social Sciences Society, hosting the Social Sciences Education Symposium and starting the social sciences newspaper. Spence was this year's MSU vice-president education. Spence was also the recipient of the Rudy Heinzl Award of Excellence for his outstanding one-year achievement improving the lives of McMaster students as MSU vice-president education. Click here for Spence's citation. Joanna Ranieri has shown an outstanding commitment to the environment during her years at McMaster. Aside from chairing the MSU environment committee, she has worked to develop environmental policies for McMaster University. Ranieri has also co-chaired the Tupperware Challenge and organized cleanups of campus and Cootes Paradise. She also has worked closely with the City of Hamilton and on the development of the city's solid waste management strategy. Click here for Ranieri's citation.

April 1, 2003

Posted on April 1: Mini-Med School cancelled this week

To comply with the measures ordered by The Ministry of Health, that all Ontario hospitals take precautions against SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and restrict access to visitors, the April 2 McMaster Mini-Med School seminar has been cancelled. The student organizers of McMaster Mini-Med School are monitoring the situation, and discussing their options. The Mini-Med School Web page at http://www.fhs.mcmaster.ca/macminimed/ will be updated daily as new information is received. Conference Services (905-525-9140 ext. 22671) can also provide updated information.

March 31, 2003

Posted on March 31: Lecturer presents panorama of pleasure-providing patterns

Internationally acclaimed writer and cognitive science researcher Douglas Hofstadter will probe why patterns provide pleasure during a public lecture Thursday. Hosted by McMaster's Department of Philosophy, the lecture, "Patterns as Pleasure-Providers" will include a panorama of pleasure patterns, such as poetry, photography and physics. It will take place Thursday, April 3 from 8 to 10 p.m. in Burke Science Building, Rm. 147. Hofstadter is College of Arts and Sciences professor of cognitive science at Indiana University, where he also directs the Center for Research on Concepts and Cognition. Born in New York City in 1945, he grew up largely in California. In addition to his native English, he speaks French and Italian fluently and several other languages at varying fractional levels. For more information about Hofstadter and his lecture visit http://www.humanities.mcmaster.ca/~philos/Events.htm

March 31, 2003

Posted on March 31: Student athletes honoured

The 79th Annual McMaster Athletic Awards Banquet recognized the achievements of Marauder student-athletes in the 2002-2003 academic year. Awards were handed out in a variety of areas. The recipients are: Carla Cupido received the Les Prince Award. The member of the cross country and track program was involved in the Athletes Helping Athletes program and was president of the revamped outreach program for the past two years. During her past four years at McMaster, she has helped develop the Youth Leadership Symposium. This Les Prince Award is presented annually to a student athlete who has demonstrated leadership and outstanding community service through partnership in the Athletes Helping Athletes program. The award is in memory of the late Les Prince who was a founding board member of the AHA program. Bridget Sheahan was presented the Bruce Cochrane Award. Sheahan finished ninth at the OUA championships in the 60m hurdles and last year competed in the women's 4x400m relay team that placed twelfth at the CIS championships. She finished sixth at this year's OUA championship by establishing a new school record of 9.15 seconds in the 60m hurdles. The co-president of the McMaster Athletic Council has sat on a number of forums. The award recognizes Bruce Cochrane, who retired in 1995 after 25 years of unwavering dedication and service to athletics programs. Kipp Kaufmann received the Ray Johnson Award. Kaufmann won the 2003 OUA gold medal as part of the men's 4x200 freestyle relay. He was McMaster swimmer of the year in 2001, and has been a CIS finalist four times and athlete of the week in 2001. For the past three years he was captain of the men's swimming team and is co-president of McMaster's Athletic Council. Last year he was the swim team's outreach co-ordinator. The Ray Johnson Award honours the man who had a distinguished career as an athlete administrator, coach and faculty member until his retirement in 1993. Katie Coulson received the Edna Guest Award. Coulson, a member of the women's basketball team for the past four years, was captain of the team twice, she won the OUA Defensive Player of the Year Award twice and has been an OUA All-Star. The honours' student is Outreach Program co-ordinator of the athletic council. The Edna Guest Award was first presented in 1931 to recognize health through sport. Recipients are chosen for their athletic ability, are graduating and have participated in sport each year while at McMaster. Kyle Pyear was presented the Ivor Wynne Award. Pyear, who has been with the McMaster football team for the past four years, was the leading rusher in the country in 2002. He was honoured as a first-team OUA All-Star and a CIS All-Canadian, and this year was selected as homecoming MVP. The award recognizes Ivor Wynne, who served as director of physical education, dean of men and dean of students at McMaster from 1948-65. Established by the Alumni Club of Hamilton in 1971-72 and presented by the McMaster Lettermen's Association, the award is presented to an outstanding male intercollegiate athlete. Pam Wilson was chosen Female Athlete of the Year. The wrestler won gold at both the OUA and CIS championships this year, and adds these medals to an impressive resume that spans 15 years. The Female Athlete of the Year award recognizes the athlete who has distinguished herself to the highest level of performance while representing McMaster in intercollegiate competition. The women's and men's cross country teams were presented the Joyce Wignall Award. The cross country teams made an outstanding effort to connect McMaster teams and build a strong link to the community through the Big Brothers' organization. The team organized the golf, women's fast pitch and women's field hockey teams to take on the large task of redecorating the new Big Brothers' and Big Sisters' games area. Each team member devoted a minimum of four hours to strip, prime and paint the room, along with countless hours to co-ordinate this project. The teams made multiple visits throughout this week-long project to ensure the job was well done. Presented for the first time this year, the award recognizes Joyce Wignall, who during her 38-year tenure at McMaster embodied the values of the McMaster Athletic Council Outreach Program of teamwork, friendship, loyalty and community involvement. For more details about the award winners, and to view the list of MVP award winners for the various varsity sports, visit http://www-athrec.mcmaster.ca/whatsnew/releases/2003_awards_dinner.htm Also see Mac celebrates big year in the March 28 issue of the Hamilton Spectator.

March 31, 2003

Posted on April 1: Faculty of Health Sciences building closed to students

The Ontario Ministry of Health has now extended restrictions on hospitals within the GTA to all Ontario hospitals in order to contain Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Hospitals are now closed to students, and since the Faculty of Health Sciences building shares space with Hamilton Health Science's McMaster hospital, this restriction means that effective March 31, 2003, and until further notice, students, including non-health sciences students, are not allowed in the building. The exception is resident trainees (postgraduate M.D. students). Faculty of Health Sciences classes are cancelled until further notice. Non-Faculty of Health Sciences courses that are normally taught in the Ewart Angus Centre will be relocated. See http://registrar.mcmaster.ca/internal/ for classroom relocation. Faculty and staff are allowed in the Health Sciences building and are expected to report to work as usual. Health officials are emphasizing that to date there have been no cases of SARS documented in Hamilton Hospitals. Nonetheless, for safety's sake, the Government has implemented the following conditions for all hospitals in the province, including the McMaster Health Sciences Centre: 1. Access to each hospital site will be restricted. At the McMaster Health Sciences Centre, entry for patients is through the main, front entrance or the emergency room entrance. Faculty and staff will only be allowed to enter through the parking garage using the red elevators. Staff must present identification and be screened for their health condition, for each entry to the building. Click here for entrance restrictions on other Hamilton hospitals. 2. Staff and faculty will only be allowed to enter after showing Security appropriate employee identification and verification that the individual is not experiencing any of the symptoms of SARS including: i. Headache, malaise, myalgia ii. Fever (>38 degrees Celsius) iii. One or more respiratory symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing iv. One or more of the following: 1.Close contact with a probable case 2. Recent history of travel (within 10 days to Asia, especially in areas reporting cases of SARS) The Ontario TeleHealth service is available 24/7 and will provide you with the assistance of a nurse to help confirm if you are concerned that any symptoms a person has are related to SARS. For the McMaster community, the Campus Health Centre may also be called for assistance Monday to Friday at ext. 27700. It is possible that these restrictions may be modified in the near future. People are encouraged to check this Web site for updates. Specific directives on classes and clinical placements will be sent to students and members of the Faculty of Health Sciences by email by each program's administration.

March 31, 2003

Posted on March 20: Open letter to the McMaster community from President Peter George

For most of us, reading the newspaper, and listening or watching the news is a part of our daily lives. In the past few months the mounting tensions over the situation in Iraq have dominated the headlines. They have created debate, sparked protests and raised concerns around the world. The military action that has now begun, and fear for its horrible impacts weighs heavily upon us. At McMaster it is important that we take this growing international crisis as an opportunity to discuss the issues thoughtfully and constructively, to extend the hand of friendship to people from around the world, and to celebrate diversity and the cultural understanding and strength that it can bring to campus and the broader community. It is especially important to be sensitive to the distress and pain of those among us who may have relatives and friends in Iraq or the United States, as well as other countries likely to be caught up in the war. This approach may not always be easy. Some recent public meetings addressing Middle Eastern political issues, held at the University, included some controversial speakers. Every campus visit or event is expected to be conducted in an orderly fashion that respects the rights of all members of the community. Emotions can become heightened and it takes a conscious effort to maintain an open mind and open attitudes on such complex issues. At McMaster, we have a strong tradition of embracing our differences. Students, faculty and staff of every nationality, religion and ethnic group show tremendous respect for one another. This show of unity and willingness to accept and understand differences is the best defence against intolerance and misunderstanding. If anyone is concerned about anything they experience, see or hear on campus, or feel they need help dealing with any stress the international situation may cause, I encourage you to contact the appropriate support office which could include SHADO, the Centre for Student Development, Chaplaincy Centre, the Ombuds, McMaster Security, the associate vice-president student affairs, associate vice-president academic, Human Resource Services, and the Employee Assistance Plan for staff and faculty. We will work assiduously to strengthen the climate of inclusivity that both ensures freedom of thought and expression and enables every individual to feel secure and respected. Over the next few weeks we will likely all hear stories of great loss and despair. I encourage everyone to learn as much as they can about the issues, to come together at vigils and other events, and to focus on the need for peace, understanding, tolerance and hope. Peter George