July 23, 2002

The first in-depth study of Canadian attitudes towards adoption shows that Canadians are strongly in favour of the unconditional release of confidential identifying information to adult adoptees about their birth parents. A majority also support some form of open adoption that allows for contact between birth parents and adoptive parents after adoption takes place. The study, conducted by McMaster University researcher Charlene Miall and Karen March of Carleton University, found that three-quarters of Canadians surveyed felt that birth parents and adoptive parents should not be able to prevent adult adoptees learning their original identities. At present, most adoption reunion registries allow birth parents to veto requests for information by adult adoptees. However, only 45 per cent of Canadians approved of birth parents learning the identities of their adopted adult children without their permission. "Adoption as an institution is in the process of change and this survey provides a unique snapshot of what Canadians think about these changes," said Miall, an associate professor of sociology. "Canadians are very supportive of adoption as a family form while recognizing that confidentiality requirements may place a unique burden on adults seeking to learn about their genetic and medical histories." Other findings from the survey: an overwhelming majority of Canadians approve of international adoptions Canadians are in favour of birth reunions with 46 per cent strongly approving and 45 per cent somewhat approving Canadians also think that confidential adoption, where there is no contact between birth parents and adoptive parents, should continue to be available if both parties want it Canadians are almost evenly split on whether lesbian and gay couples should be able to adopt children. The Institute for Social Research at York University collected the data from a Canada-wide telephone survey between May and July 2000. In addition, 82 comprehensive interviews were conducted to examine what factors were at work when respondents gave the answers they did. That analysis is now complete and the results of both the survey and interviews are in the publication stage. The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada funded this research. For complete information on the survey and the data, see http://socserv2.mcmaster.ca/sociology/Miall-News.pdf and http://www.carleton.ca/socanth/Faculty/KarenMarch.htm.

July 19, 2002

Matching students with residences has been a little more complicated this year as the demand for campus accommodation is higher than normal. Like many other Ontario universities, McMaster is experiencing higher enrolment, particularly in the Level 1 class. Applications for admission are up across the province as some students are fast-tracking to university ahead of the double cohort class of 2003. McMaster and other universities are working with the provincial government to make as many additional spaces available as possible. In turn, the percentage of first-year students who are eligible for McMaster residence space in September 2002 is higher than normal. Phil Wood, associate vice-president student affairs, said McMaster is committed to accommodating all first-year students who were guaranteed a residence space because they had an academic average of 75 per cent or higher and met the application and payment deadlines. "McMaster has been a popular choice for students again this year," said Wood. "We are committed to helping everyone make a successful transition to university life. As part of meeting our commitment, we have decided to increase our bed space capacity by introducing 'bunk and loft' rooms that will accommodate three students." Wood said that a number of other residence rooms will also be converted to accommodate more students. "We are working with the Inter Residence Council and our Residence Life student staff to make sure that every student's residence experience will be positive," said Wood. Students will begin receiving their campus residence space assignments via letter today (July 19). All students who are assigned to a 'bunk and loft' room will receive a phone call from Housing & Conference Services personnel beginning next week so they can have any queries answered. Wood said students are being notified of their residence space assignment earlier than normal because demand has been great.

July 19, 2002

McMaster Shad Valley students have their minds set on saving the environment. An indoor-waste and recycling bin, a dryer that helps conserve energy, an environmental education curriculum kit and an electronic device that eliminates harmful or irritating workplace sounds are the brainchilds of 52 "MacShad" students. The students will present their devices and business plans on Monday in the Institute of Applied Health Sciences, Room 143 from 2 to 4:30 pm. Students from across Canada are learning more about the fields of science, engineering, and business in the program, which allows senior high school students to expand their minds at the university level. Three weeks ago, students were divided into four teams and presented with the challenge of brainstorming, designing, constructing, marketing, presenting, and writing a full business plan for a product or service that would solve an environmental problem. "The project has been very challenging, but an extremely rewarding experience too," says 15-year-old Michelle Leung, of Vancouver, British Columbia. "It has enabled us to explore current environmental problems from a new perspective."

July 18, 2002

Faculty, staff and graduate students will now to be able to read their McMaster e-mail anywhere they have access to the internet and a Web browser with the introduction of a new e-mail service. Computing & Information Services (CIS) has introduced UnivMail, a new e-mail service based on software by CommuniGate Pro. The service was introduced to undergraduate students nearly two years ago. Heather Grigg, CIS senior manager, client support, expects UnivMail will replace PINE in the future, the central Unix-based electronic mail system that has been available to the McMaster community since 1992. "UnivMail is being offered on a self-subscription basis, so users can choose when to migrate their e-mail to the new service," she says. It is expected that the McMail/PINE service will be decommissioned when it isn't viable to continue the service for a small number of e-mail accounts, she says.

July 17, 2002

The Career Planning & Employment Centre (CPEC) is showcasing its new facilities today. "We love our new space," says Heather Hines, CPEC events & marketing co-ordinator. "We're right in the hub of it all." CPEC relocated in May to Gilmour Hall Room 110 from Hamilton Hall. "We were growing and we needed more space," she says. "And traffic is going to increase, especially with the double cohort." The open house, which will take place today, July 17, from 9 to 11:30 a.m., will provide an informal opportunity for people to come and see what CPEC offers, ask questions and tour the facility. "We want to invite people to our new space to see where we are and what we have to offer," says Hines. Some of its services include job postings for students, career counseling, and career planning, career tests, special events, workshops on job interview and job search techniques, resume critiques by peer advisers, job shadowing and linking students with graduates and alumni in the field. Most important, the centre is there to answer students' questions. "One of the most common questions is 'what can I do with my degree?'," Hines says. Unfortunately, many students wait too long to start asking questions, she says. "Students should come to us in first year so they can start planning early," says Hines. "They should take advantage of the resources while they're here."

July 16, 2002

Already considered one of the Top 100 business schools in the world by Financial Times, the Michael G. DeGroote School of Business will strengthen its position when it opens its new addition this fall. Constructed on the southwest corner of the Michael G. DeGroote building, the AIC wing adds three floors, 19 new offices, 17,000 square feet, and a plethora of state-of-the-art equipment to the University. The addition includes space for the school, the University, and outside organizations. With demand for classroom space on the rise, the new wing offers high-tech classroom space that can be used by both the School of Business and other departments throughout the University. Other rooms offer a facility for testing new software, research centres, and focus group areas. As well, an expanded academic programs office, along with external relations, and faculty will be located in the new space. Specialized facilities include the AIC Institute for Strategic Business Studies, which is a location for a chaired professor, two industry professors, and support staff, a 25-seat "Decision Centre" with display monitors below desk level, which can be used as a classroom or for focus group research, a PhD area, which offers office spaces for 35 candidates and dedicated computer facilities for PhD activities.

July 16, 2002

A biotechnology incubator for McMaster University could be one step closer to reality with a $5-million boost recommended by the mayor's Community Trustee Panel. The recommendation is part of a spending plan devised by the panel and going to city council for approval. The $15-million biotechnology incubator will assist with the commercialization of biomedical research and capitalize on the know-how and research facilities at the University. It is a key goal of Hamilton's economic development strategy to create an active biotechnology business sector in the city. The city funding is crucial if the University hopes to attract money from the province. "We see tremendous potential for this area in terms of commercialization of research results," said Mamdouh Shoukri, vice-president research & international affairs at McMaster. For the original story in today's Hamilton Spectator, click here.

July 16, 2002

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/recipe.jpg” caption=”Tasty Plate”]The award-winning meal presented by McMaster University Hospitality Services in the 2003 Canadian College & University Food Services Association (CCUFSA) conference. . . .

July 15, 2002

Allison Leanage peers intently into a microscope. She has a very important job to do. Before Friday she must solve a forensic mystery that occurred in the John Hodgins Engineering Building. "I'm investigating a simulated crime scene," the 11-year-old says. "The crime happened on Sunday and we have to look at the DNA, blood types, fingerprints and collect evidence from the crime scene. On Friday we're going to have a court trial." Leanage is one of 800 students signed up for the Venture Engineering & Science and Adventures in Engineering Computing camps, hosted by the Faculties of engineering and science. This summer, more than 3,000 elementary and secondary students will be treated to a behind-the-scenes look at McMaster through one of the many camps held on campus. One of the most sought-after camps is Sports Fitness School (SFS), which attracts about 1,600 students each year. SFS usually books up months in advance, says SFS senior manager Tom Pain. This year, SFS celebrates its 25th anniversary and will host an alumni celebration at the end of the summer to commemorate this milestone. SFS provides those ages six to 16 with a wide range of activities, such as synchronized swimming, wrestling, tennis and lacrosse. McMaster also hosts week-long Marauder sports camps, which focus on the development of basic fundamental skills in one sport only. Campers choose from basketball, football, swimming and volleyball. Mini University, which has both an academic and athletic focus, is a camp for those aged 10 to 15. In this camp, participants experience what it is like to be a university student in subjects such as psychology, journalism, drama and anthropology.

July 14, 2002

Graduate Student Excellence in Varsity Athletics Baseball Scott Hughes Cross Country Team Coach Brad Young Golf Eric Payne Lacrosse Brett Beston Rugby Matt Henderson Rugby . . .

July 12, 2002

A McMaster researcher used a "face morphing" technique in a new study that shows people find others who look like them more trustworthy. Studies have shown that animals, such as ground squirrels, favour others that resemble them - something called kin selection. Evolutionary psychologist Lisa DeBruine devised a game that let players bargain for money to determine if facial resemblance enhances trust in humans. "The most important aspect of this research is that it establishes a previously unknown phenomenon: facial resemblance can affect social behaviour," said DeBruine, who recently won the new investigator competition from the Human Behaviour and Evolution Society. "This finding is consistent with an interpretation informed by kin selection theory, but more work will need to be done to support that idea." Her findings are reported in today's (July 12) edition of the journal Science.

July 11, 2002

Sessional lecturers and music instructors, represented by Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3906, and the University reached a tentative collective agreement on Wednesday, July 10. The parties have been negotiating since late March to renew a collective agreement that expired April 30, 2002. Details of the settlement will not be available until after the union membership has had an opportunity to meet to ratify the agreement. A date for this meeting has not been set. (End of story)

July 9, 2002

Contrary to popular belief, health care spending in Canada has remained stable over the last decade, argues McMaster researcher Gordon Guyatt in an article published in today's Canadian Medical Association Journal. In fact, outcry over rising health care costs is designed to undermine universal health care, says the professor of clinical epidemiology & biostatistics and medicine in McMaster's Faculty of Health Sciences. "For the last 15 years," he says, "Canadians have faced uncertainty regarding the availability of public funds to provide universal, high-quality health care. In this paper, we point out the essential stability of Canada's health care spending during the last decade and the need for resources to ensure that an aging population will have access to the increasing range of beneficial health technologies and services it legitimately expects. We lay out principles and options for structural changes necessary to ensure the stability of public health care funding." Guyatt's article can be found on the CMAJ Web site.

July 8, 2002

Ten new McMaster researchers are celebrating after receiving a total of $1.8 million to build labs and acquire machinery to help them do their research. The research awards are from the New Opportunities Fund distributed by the Canada Foundation for Innovation. The New Opportunities program is designed to help launch the careers of new and talented faculty members. The faculty members have to be at the University less than 18 months to be eligible for the funding. Mamdouh Shoukri, vice-president research & international affairs, welcomed the investment for cutting-edge infrastructure support. "Recruiting excellent faculty is a high priority for McMaster and this program has allowed us to do just that," said Shoukri. "This investment will help our new faculty to expand their research programs and build their research capacity." For assistant professor Alison Sills in the physics & astronomy department, her $174,422 award means she can get a rare hybrid teraflop supercomputer - one of a handful in the world - for her research into the dynamics and evolution of globular clusters (dense groups of 100,000 stars). "This will help me study the oldest objects in our galaxy, which constrain the age of the universe and trace how our galaxy was formed," said Sills. "This is amazing really. It will put me in the forefront of computational stellar astrophysics."

July 8, 2002

Med Students, a new 13-part documentary series featuring McMaster's medical students and residents, airs tonight on the Life Network at 9 p.m. The series provides audiences with a behind the scenes look at the innovative style of learning in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Filmed by Breakthrough Productions, each episode chronicles the diverse experiences of medical students as they work alongside faculty and hospital staff within McMaster Health Sciences and its affiliated teaching hospitals. The distinct environment in which these future health care professionals are educated and trained will be portrayed along with the perspective of staff participants who facilitate this unique process. By allowing viewers to witness McMaster's self-directed and problem-based learning styles, the series places a human face on McMaster's rigourous academic programs. "The film series offers important opportunities for all of us in Hamilton," says John Kelton, dean and vice-president of McMaster's Faculty of Health Sciences. "First, it will help support our students since all profits will be used for student scholarships and bursaries. Second, the series will enhance the image of our city, our University, our hospitals, our students and all of our dedicated health care providers." The series also raises McMaster's profile nationally while highlighting the University's many attributes and innovative learning style, Kelton says. The series focuses on individuals as they experience real life challenges on their journey to becoming doctors. A range of stories will showcase the spectrum of challenges unfolding at McMaster as well as the contribution students offer to the health care system. Students experience first-time exposure to a trauma, a birth, surgery and everyday emergencies. The documentary series will air every Monday on the Life Network at 9 p.m. beginning tonight and again on Discovery Health this fall.

July 8, 2002

McMaster University Library has acquired the papers of distinguished journalist, humorist, and McMaster alumnus, Gary Lautens '50. Born in Fort William, Ontario, Lautens moved with his family to Hamilton in the early 1930s and completed his high school education at Hamilton Central Collegiate Institute in 1946. He graduated from McMaster with a bachelor's degree in history. Lautens' apprenticeship as a journalist also occurred at McMaster. Editor of the Silhouette from 1948 to 1950, he joined the staff of the Hamilton Spectator after graduation and worked there for a dozen years. His newspaper work as a columnist continued at the Toronto Star from 1962 to 1982. He was executive managing editor of the Toronto Star from 1982 to 1984 and editor emeritus and columnist at the same newspaper until his death of a heart attack in 1992 at the age of 63.

July 5, 2002

McMaster's Department of Athletics & Recreation has appointed Tim Louks as its new manager of athletics. Louks has worked for the Department of Athletics and Recreation since 1988 and has held various positions including: women's volleyball coach; co-ordinator of intramurals; co-ordinator of clubs and the director of the McMaster Sports Fitness School. Louks was a recipient of the prestigious McMaster President's Staff award in 1998 for his outstanding commitment and service to the University. Louks brings valuable experience to his new role having represented McMaster at the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) and Canadian Interuniversity Sport meetings for the past four years and serving on the OUA Sport Technical Committee for the past three years. Despite his new position, Louks will continue to coach the women's volleyball team. He has coached volleyball at McMaster since 1984, spending three years coaching the men's team (1984-87) and the last eight years coaching the women's volleyball team (1988-present). In his tenure, he has twice been named the OWIAA (now OUA) coach of the year (1990-91 & 1997-98). Louks holds two degrees from McMaster University and as a student-athlete was a two-time Most Valuable Player in men's volleyball. "We are pleased that Tim will be taking on this role at McMaster," said director of athletics and recreation Therese Quigley. "Tim is an excellent leader, and wonderful ambassador of the university." Robert Hilson is manager of marketing and communications, athletics and recreation

July 4, 2002

McMaster University has received $1 million from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to create and test an information service, McMaster Plus, for physicians in isolated areas. "McMaster Plus: Harnessing Digital Libraries for Better Health Care" will find out what medical information northern Ontario doctors need, provide them online with the best evidence-based health literature available and then test to see if and how doctors are using the service. "Rapid changes in medical knowledge have made it very difficult for physicians to keep up with breakthroughs in health care," says John Kelton, dean and vice-president of McMaster's Faculty of Health Sciences. "We see McMaster Plus as the first step in gathering new medical knowledge and making it available in an easily digestible form to doctors and, in the future, to patients as well." "It used to be that northern Ontario physicians struggled most with getting up-to-date information when they were so far away from a big medical library," says Brian Haynes, chair of the Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at McMaster's Faculty of Health Sciences. "The development of digital libraries has in some ways solved this problem, but created a new challenge in sorting through the overwhelming array of information available to find what's most relevant and most reliable. "A doctor might do a literature search on arthritis and get 1,000 articles. Only a tiny fraction of this literature is high quality and relevant to clinical practice," Haynes says. "Our role at McMaster will be to help doctors find that therapeutic needle in the information haystack. We predict our new service will be an enormous time-saver and lead to better practice." "McMaster pioneered the concept of evidence-based medicine," Kelton said. "As a result, we are well-equipped to take on this project. We are very grateful to the government of Ontario for supporting this very significant innovation."

July 3, 2002

Pam Wilson has a golden pin in the ring. The McMaster wrestler and second-year kinesiology student claimed gold in the 72-kg event at the fifth World University Wrestling Championship at the University of Alberta, pinning American Samantha Branka. She also won the bronze medal in the 72-kg event at the Canada Cup last weekend defeating Alma Izquierda of Mexico. The judo artist-turned-wrestler was drawn to the sport when she arrived at McMaster in 2000. Wilson, who competed in judo for 14 years prior to joining the McMaster's women's wrestling team (led by coach Nick Cipriano), won the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) gold medal in her first year of wrestling. Wilson is also a star in the classroom. She received the 2001 Dr. Mel Hawkrigg Scholarship, awarded to a kinesiology student who has demonstrated outstanding academic, community and athletic achievement. She was also a 2000-01 Marauder Scholar and a finalist for the 2002 McMaster Female Athlete of the Year Award. Wilson qualified for the World University Championship by placing first in her weight class at the University Trials held in Alberta in January. She concluded her winter season by capturing the silver medal at the CIS Wrestling Championships. In between, she won the Ontario University Athletics gold medal in the 76-kg weight class. Wilson also captured the Canadian Amateur Wrestling Association Senior Women's National Championship gold medal this past spring in the 72-kg event and was named Wrestler of the Meet. This fall she will compete at the World Championships.

July 3, 2002

The Physical Plant Department has recently undergone a reorganization in an effort to achieve efficiencies and improve customer service. With valued input from customer feedback sessions, focus groups and department staff, the reorganization allows the department to focus on priority service areas and improve overall service levels. Through the leadership of director Tony Cupido, Physical Plant provides a wide range of services including custodial, construction and building renewal, technical services, utilities, parking and transit, and operations, which includes waste removal and recycling. "Research for the Physical Plant reorganization included a series of focus groups that were held in the fall of 2001," explains Cupido. "The groups specifically reviewed custodial operations, trade operations and customer service issues within the department. They also developed valuable suggestions for improvements in each of these areas. This input was combined with that of other research conducted for the reorganization, and the outcomes identified that the priority tasks for the department are: (1) to maintain a clean campus; (2) preventative maintenance; and (3) air quality. I am pleased to report that as a result of the reorganization, Physical Plant now has specific programs focused on each of these three priority issues to serve the McMaster community most effectively." One of the primary benefits of the reorganization is that there is now one easy point of contact for any Physical Plant service instead of having to know which of six Physical Plant service teams to call as well as their respective contacts and telephone numbers. The newly reorganized department provides one-stop shopping and a more efficient response system to all of its customers.