Daily News

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."

May 1, 2003

McMaster's Departments of Biology and Psychology are co-hosting this year's Ontario Ecology and Ethology Colloquium (OEEC) May 3-4. The conference is a venue for researchers to present their work in the fields of ecology, animal behaviour, evolution and environmental science. There will be two plenary speakers at the conference, as well as 90 talks and more than 20 posters on display. The plenary speakers are: Paul Hebert Barcoding Life's Diversity Department of Zoology Guelph University Date: Saturday, May 3 Time: 9:20 a.m. Location: Arthur Bourns Building Room 102 Nelson Hairston Role of rapid evolution in trajectories of population cycles in predator-prey systems Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Cornell University Date: Sunday, May 4 Time: 9:20 a.m. Location: Arthur Bourns Building Room 102 Approximately 200 delegates from universities across Southern Ontario will attend the conference. Of these, about two-thirds will be graduate students and one-third will be professors and postdocs, says conference organizer Sigal Balshine, adding a few participants are expected from universities in northern New York State. "The OEEC is a useful venue for graduate students to present their research findings for the first time," says the assistant psychology professor. "The meeting is organized to be both relaxed and friendly. It also provides students with a chance to meet with other graduate students, professors and postdocs in their fields from other nearby universities." McMaster last hosted the conference in 1993. Details of the program and final schedule can be found on the conference Web site http://psych.mcmaster.ca/oeec2003/

May 1, 2003

The McMaster University co-ed cheerleading team has been named the Cheerleaders of America (COA) 2003 Grand National Open Series Champion for Co-Ed Divisions 1 and 1A combined. McMaster qualified for the Grand National Championship by placing first in the COA Niagara Falls Open on April 5, 2003. McMaster's score (341.00 out of a possible 400) was then ranked against the top Division 1/1A scores from each of the COA's eight other regional competitions (Alabama, California, Florida, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, and Texas) to determine a Grand National Champion. McMaster also announced a new partnership between the McMaster Co-Ed Cheerleading Team and the National Champion CheerForce Wolfpack from Burlington. For the 2003-2004 season, CheerForce Wolfpack founders, Frank Vurro and Chris Hollingsworth will join Carrie Lillyman as part of the coaching staff at McMaster, replacing Amy Ban and Simone Rose who have retired from coaching at McMaster after long and dedicated careers. The CheerForce Wolfpack will have more than 200 cheerleaders in their organization in 2003, and will provide a development system for the McMaster cheerleading team as well as access to facility space, in their new 5,000-square-foot complex to be opened in June 2003 in Oakville. McMaster placed fourth in the 2002 Canadian University National Championships held November 23, 2002 at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ontario only 26 points (out of 600) behind the National Champions from The University of Western Ontario.

May 1, 2003

It was exceptionally quiet in his room. Hours had passed since the last student shoved a ballot into a voting box. After months of campaigning, Neville Boney could do nothing but wait. It wouldn't be long until he would find out if he would assume the very big responsibility of McMaster Students Union (MSU) president at one of the most monumental times in university history -- the year of the double cohort. As 2 a.m. rolled around, Boney had the same sinking feeling he did two years earlier when he lost the 2001/02 MSU presidential election to Sam Minniti. Then the phone rang. "Neville, we have a bit of an issue with tabulating the votes." The feeling sunk deeper. "Maybe you should come in." Silence. "We're just kidding Neville. You won! You won!" Since that unforgettable night, Boney has had barely a second to let it sink in. But he knows he is becoming president at a crucial time in university history, when twice as many high school students are seeking entrance into university. "The double cohort is sort of a big blink in a trend of more students going to university," he says. "We have some huge changes in terms of space and location and we really need to ensure that we don't go off track."

April 30, 2003

Three McMaster Marauder Football players were selected in the Canadian Football League (CFL) Canadian College Draft held today. Running Back, Kojo Aidoo, was taken by the Edmonton Eskimos as the first pick in the second round (10th overall). The 6'0", 240 lb Aidoo was the 2001 Howard Mackie Award Recipient as the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Male Athlete of the Year, and the 2000 Hec Crighton Award Recipient as the Most Outstanding CIS Football Player. The Oakville, Ontario resident holds the OUA Record for most career touchdowns with 39. McMaster Linebacker, Ray Mariuz, was drafted by the Toronto Argonauts with their first pick in the fourth round (28th overall). The 6'3", 226 lb, Mariuz was a first-team All-Canadian in 2002 and captured the President's Trophy as the Most Outstanding Defensive Player in the OUA. The native of Mississauga, Ontario had 30 solo tackles and 14 assisted in the 2002 Yates Cup winning season. Mariuz is a multi-year RBC Academic All-Canadian. Mike Botterill was drafted by the Montreal Alouettes 51st overall (seventh pick in the sixth round). The 6'2", 228 lb linebacker was a First-Team OUA All-Star and the Dalt White Award winner as the MVP of the Yates Cup in 2002. The product of Belleville, Ontario recorded 21 tackles and 1 fumble return last season. The players will report to camp in Mid-June, both Ray Mariuz and Mike Botterill are eligible to return for a fifth season at McMaster. For more information visit www.cfl.ca.

April 30, 2003

Highlights from the April 24 Board of Governors meeting Vision for aboriginal health care Chief Roberta Jamieson of the Six Nations of the Grand River addressed a growing need for first nations health care professionals, at McMaster's Board of Governors meeting. In her presentation, she sought a commitment from McMaster to partner with the 2020 Vision Strategy to increase the number of aboriginal health care professionals. "We want our children to be on track by 2020 to have essential health care jobs," she said, adding the strategy is that by 2020, there will be an additional 40 aboriginal doctors, 60 aboriginal nurses ad 100 other aboriginal health care professionals and technicians. "Chief Jamieson and the Faculty of Health Sciences are on the same page," said Faculty of Health Sciences dean John Kelton, noting the University has an obligation and an opportunity to work with the Six Nations in addressing their health care needs. 'Culture of conversation' McMaster's strategic planning document entitled 'Refining Directions' sees the University as one of the top three Canadian universities in undergraduate and graduate education, said provost Ken Norrie. "In graduate education we are there," he said. "But in undergraduate education ... this is something we need to put some effort into." Refining Directions reinforces the University's "culture of innovation," and encourages and supports a "culture of conversation", he says, adding one of the document's most critical key success factors is securing adequate revenue. Three open sessions are scheduled over the next two weeks for employees to learn more about the draft Refining Directions report and provide their input. The sessions are scheduled for: Wednesday, April 30  3:30-4:30, GH-111 Friday, May 2  10-11 a.m., DTC-214, 215, 216 Friday, May 9  9-10 a.m., PC-155 The Refining Directions document can be viewed online at http://www.mcmaster.ca/pres/refining.html. The final report will be presented to the Board of Governors for approval in June. "We hope that each member of the McMaster family will be able to look at this and see themselves in this document," said McMaster President Peter George. "We hope you will find the Refining Directions document challenging, stimulating and encouraging." Vintage restoration Alumni Memorial Hall will undergo approximately $1.6 million in renovations and building upgrades that conforms to current building codes, is accessible to persons with disabilities and provides an appropriate setting for a showcase dining and function facility. "As with other buildings of this vintage, it is in need of upgrading and an opportunity has arisen through a financial partnership with the University Club to perform several improvements," says Physical Plant director Tony Cupido in a report to the Planning and Building Committee. "These proposed improvements include washroom upgrades, elevator and other accessibility improvements, kitchen upgrades and cosmetic features." The 53-year-old facility is designated an historic building on campus and mainly occupied by the University Club, with the remaining space currently occupied by University Advancement staff. Hamilton on display Commonwealth Games Federation members from around the world, including Africa, Asia, the Pacific shores and the Caribbean, will visit Hamilton between June and September. Delegates will be presented Hamilton's bid book, a 40-page document that represents the City of Hamilton's commitment to vie for the honour of host city of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, said Roger Trull, vice-president of University Advancement, to the Board. Hamilton, which hosted and launched the first-ever British Empire Games  now the Commonwealth Games  in 1930, is competing against New Delhi, which has never hosted the Games. A decision will be announced Nov. 13, 2003.

April 30, 2003

McMaster's Indigenous Studies Program is partnering with Ontario's Royal Botanical Gardens and Six Nations Polytechnic in an effort to preserve the botanical legacy of the Six Nations people. The one-year Community Leader in Indigenous Ethnobotany project enables a Six Nations member to train, research and document information on the knowledge and uses of plants by indigenous peoples. The three partners, in collaboration with the Six Nations community, will provide assistance and expertise. The Museums Assistance Program of the Federal Department of Canadian Heritage has invested funds to support the work. This project advances Six Nations' goals to address the imminent loss of current and historical knowledge about culturally significant plants, and to develop a leader who can keep this knowledge alive. It will also advance Royal Botanical Gardens' goals to document and conserve plant habitat and species at risk. Leading the project is Pat Hess, a Cayuga from the Six Nations of the Grand River Reserve. She is enrolled in Honours Anthropology at McMaster University, where she also has a Minor in Indigenous Studies. "It is my dream in some small way to be able to help my community; I believe that this is definitely going to be a community-inclusive effort to restore and archive our knowledge for the youth and future generations," she said. Dawn Martin-Hill, director of Indigenous Studies at McMaster University, said the program is a component of the Six Nations community's efforts to preserve indigenous knowledge. "This relationship will benefit our community by identifying and documenting plant life that is vulnerable or extirpated at Six Nations," she said. Royal Botanical Gardens promotes public understanding of the relationship between humanity and nature. Gardens staff will assist with documenting the status of key plant species on the Six Nations reserve, and develop habitat conservation strategies. Cultural information about the plants, such as their various medicinal uses, will be curated by Ms. Hess and will be archived at Six Nations. "All project content will be controlled through extensive community consultations, which will determine ways in which the indigenous knowledge will be stored and preserved," explained Martin-Hill. "We are thankful for Royal Botanical Gardens' support and commitment and we're pleased that Pat Hess has agreed to take on this endeavour of conservation."

April 30, 2003

McMaster social scientists and humanities researchers have received more than $1.3 million to study topics such as the cultural politics of computer game playing, restructuring of the police and prison guard systems and the workplace and mental health. The 14 standard research grants from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada support research in broad areas such as the Canadian family, the new economy, globalization, arts and culture, environment and law and justice. The standard research grants, worth up to $250,000 over three years, support investigator-chosen projects by individual researchers and small teams. Researchers at more than 60 universities across Canada were awarded funding through this national peer-review 2003 competition. Three researchers received funding from the Initiative on the New Economy program for separate projects on executive compensation, firm performance and the quality of earnings; living standards, productivity growth and economic change and work organization and health in the new economy. The new economy research grants, worth up to $300,000 over three years, support research projects that focus on aspects of the new economy.

April 29, 2003

In the event of a fire, would you know how to properly use a fire extinguisher? Well, if you have any doubts you might want to attend an information session being held at McMaster on May 6 as part of North American Occupational Health & Safety Week. Risk Management Services has lined up three days chocked full of information sessions and activities aimed at increasing awareness of and information about health and safety issues. The session on "Get a Handle on How to Use a Fire Extinguisher" will be held on Tuesday, May 6 beginning at 9:15 a.m. in the Zone 7 Parking lot. Rob Edge, a fire service technician for physical plant, will lead this hands-on training session. Other information sessions will be held at both McMaster locations on campus and downtown throughout the week. These will include everything from how to set up your computer workstation properly to personal protective equipment to investigating an accident. "This is an opportunity for all members of the McMaster community to raise their own personal awareness about health and safety, to keep our environment and the campus safe, and to also have some fun in the process," says Lisa Morine, safety officer, Risk Management Services. To view the complete list of activities planned at McMaster for North American Occupational Health & Safety Week, May 5 to 9, click here.

April 29, 2003

As of last week, McMaster sent out approximately 9,100 early offers of admission. McMaster received about 44,000 applications from registered Ontario secondary school students, many of whom applied to more than one McMaster program. The Enrolment Management Team is releasing its offers of admission in two rounds. The first round, scheduled to be in the mail by April 30, were sent out one week early. Other institutions, such as The University of Western Ontario and the University of Guelph, also sent out offers earlier than anticipated, said President Peter George to the Board of Governors last week. The second round of offers will be sent out May 30. "Owing to the very large number of applications, the ongoing Enrolment Target Agreement negotiations with the government and the overall challenges associated with secondary school reform, we have elected to make the majority of our offers in round two," says University registrar George Granger. "This will give us the benefits of additional grade data and other analysis which contribute to the prudent selection of competitive admission averages. Our goal is to hit our target enrolment as closely as possible." Current estimates suggest the total number of offers will exceed 19,000 by early June.