Daily News

January 31, 2003

McMaster President Peter George appeared before the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs (SCFEA) Tuesday, Jan. 28 to brief its members on the challenges and opportunities associated with the double cohort, McMaster's preparations and plans to respond, and future opportunities. Click here for his presentation. The SCFEA is an all-party committee of members of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Its mandate is to hold hearings and report to the Legislature on the fiscal and economic policies of the Province. One of its tasks is to hold pre-budget hearings across the province. The committee uses the opinions and expert advice it receives to advise the Legislature on priorities for the next provincial budget.

January 30, 2003

Many pipe dreams are born over pints of beer, but McMaster business students Daniel Priljeva and Constantinos Coursaris were convinced their brainchild to create a revolutionary inventory tracking system for companies, was much more than empty bar talk. A $1,000 start-up award from the Michael G. DeGroote School of Business' CampusIncubator Business Plan Challenge, is their proof. "It's the classic story starting with friends hanging out at a bar," quips project team leader Priljeva, "and someone mentioned an idea he had for selling tracking hardware and software components of companies. Winning the start-up award was confirmation that it's not only a pipe dream." Called Mission84 Networks, the seed company is developing an advanced version of an inventory tracking network (ITN). With the ITN, firms can track any item and its movement, inventory count and location with a newly enabled technology all in a true real-time setting. "But the most exciting features of this product are its exceptional capacity and seamless integration, and signs are pointing toward the ITN as being the first of like technologies to will be viable for retail settings," says Priljeva. "Imagine knowing with 100 per cent accuracy, the true inventory balance and location of every item in a warehouse and being able to plan production and sales based on this knowledge. The efficiencies at hand create real economic gains and provide visibility across the supply chain."

January 30, 2003

Students hoping to earn some extra cash this summer should drop by the McMaster University Student Centre Marketplace today (Jan. 30). More than 30 companies are on campus to recruit students at the second annual Summer Job Fair, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Click here for the list of participants. "We have a wide range of companies in attendance with something for everyone," says Heather Hines, events and marketing coordinator in the Career Planning & Employment Centre (CPEC). The event is also a recruitment push for CPEC's peer helper program, Hines adds. In this program, students volunteer in a wide range of services offered by CPEC and the Centre for Student Development. "It's a fantastic opportunity for motivated students who want to make a difference in the lives of their fellow students," says Hines.

January 29, 2003

Approximately 200 people attended a local community meeting Tuesday evening to discuss the community impact of the double cohort, off-campus housing, transportation and parking and bylaw and police enforcement. Hosted at St. Mary's High School, the meeting was jointly organized by the City of Hamilton, the Ainslie Wood Westdale Community Association of Resident Homeowners (AWWCA), the President's Advisory Committee on Community Relations (PACCR), and the McMaster Students Union (MSU). It was the first time these organizations joined forces for a community meeting to talk about and find solutions to common issues they face. Facilitated breakout sessions were held on by-law and police enforcement, neighbourhood planning, including 'ASPECT', the City's secondary plan, transportation and relationship building, focusing on how the University, students and community can work together more effectively. McMaster President Peter George shared with the community how the University is preparing for the double cohort. He provided an update on enrolment numbers for next September, campus construction, and initiatives the University is taking to address traffic and parking congestion. McMaster employees and PACCR committee members addressed these topics further.

January 29, 2003

The McMaster Employee Spirit Society (M.E.S.S.) and Marauders basketball brought together more than 500 employees and their families to watch the men's and women's basketball games last weekend. The event, in the Ivor Wynne Centre, was sponsored and organized by M.E.S.S. The objective of the society is to promote McMaster team spirit through the organization of sporting and cultural events that encourage employees to have fun with their colleagues and families. The event featured complimentary tickets to the basketball games, including a complimentary reception, free child minding services and children's programs, face painters, draw prizes and free giveaways. The women's game featured a ceremonial tip off between McMaster President Peter George and Wilfrid Laurier University president Robert Rosehart. The men's game featured a ceremonial tip off by Social Sciences dean Alan Harrison. The national anthem for both games were performed by the MUSA Minstrels. "It was wonderful to see so many McMaster employees and their families enjoying this event," said Bob West, event co-chair. "Hopefully they became Marauder basketball fans and will return for future games." "I received very positive feedback about the day, as well as some suggestions for future events," added Pat Harris, chair of the M.E.S.S. committee. "It was a great day to be a part of." Terry Galan, event co-chair, said, "I was absolutely overwhelmed by the attendance and responses from our employees. We need to build on our success." The next M.E.S.S event is a presentation of the musical Tommy. This musical performance will be presented by the McMaster Musical Theatre on Feb. 22. Tickets and information for the event will be available soon. To volunteer with M.E.S.S. e-mail mess@mcmaster.ca or contact Anthony Celani, at ext. 23554.

January 29, 2003

Machinists, represented by Service Employees International Union Local 532, and the University reached a tentative collective agreement on Jan. 23. Details of the contract will . . .

January 29, 2003

McMaster students and employees are shaking off the winter blues and 'finding their centre'. The fourth annual Soul Food Fair takes place today (Jan. 29) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at several locations across campus. Presented by various departments, the event is free for all McMaster students and employees, and features exhibits, music, workshops, prizes, giveaways and free samples. Health and wellness exhibitors will be on display in the McMaster University Student Centre. With the theme "Finding Your Centre", the fair offers workshops in yoga, pilates, aromatherapy, rieki, music as therapy and massage therapy. There also are lectures, musical performances, and an exhibit promoting spiritual and physical health and well-being. For the schedule of workshops or for further information visit the Soul Food Web Site.

January 28, 2003

Hamilton Health Sciences, St. Joseph's Healthcare and McMaster's Faculty of Health Sciences have created a new leadership role in children's healthcare for the Hamilton region. This month, Peter Steer has taken on the new position of president, McMaster Children's Hospital, chair of the Department of Pediatrics and chief of pediatrics for Hamilton Health Sciences and St. Joseph's Healthcare. This role is the first of its kind in Canada. It brings together clinical, academic and administrative leadership responsibilities and is designed to integrate and strengthen all pediatric services provided by McMaster Children's Hospital while bolstering the position of the hospitals and the university as leaders in pediatric care, research and academic excellence in Canada and the world. Steer is a neonatologist and was director of the Centre for Clinical Studies Women's and Children's Health at Mater Hospital in Queensland, Australia. He was also an associate professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Queensland. Although a native of Australia, Steer, 43, is familiar with Hamilton's pediatric departments. From July to December 2001, he served as a McMaster visiting professor in the Department of Pediatrics, director for McMaster Children's Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and head of the Academic Division of Neonatology for Hamilton Health Sciences. "It's exciting to have such a visionary and widely-respected leader at the helm of McMaster Children's Hospital," said Murray Martin, president and CEO of Hamilton Health Sciences. "He brings a wealth of experience as a clinician, researcher and administrator." John Kelton, dean and vice-president of the Faculty of Health Sciences, said Steer, in this key position, will have the unique opportunity to ensure more complete integration between the Faculty's research and training of health professionals and the important clinical work at the hospitals. "He knows the importance of potential in pediatrics. He has the breadth of understanding and personal qualities necessary to move the discipline forward in the years ahead." Kevin Smith, CEO of St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, said Steer's appointment puts the focus on developing a continuum of care and strengthening relationships with the community.

January 28, 2003

The University and CUPE Local 3906, Unit #1 have reached a tentative agreement on a new collective agreement. Details of the contract won't be released until both sides have an opportunity to ratify the agreement. The Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 3906 Unit #1 and the University negotiating teams have been in negotiations on a new collective agreement since September and met Jan. 24 and 27 in conciliation talks. Members of the Teaching Assistant bargaining unit may access information about union ratification on CUPE's Web site at www.cupe3906.org or by emailing cupe3906@mcmaster.ca.

January 27, 2003

It's a safe bet most of the 300-odd students taking professor Christopher Justice's first-year gerontology course have only an academic understanding of what it's like to grow old. Bringing the aging experience home to McMaster students in a more meaningful way is the purpose of a program that sees about 16 local seniors serve as regular seminar leaders for his course, Aging and Society. Offered for about 14 years, the popular program brings in a slate of volunteers through weekly seminars that engage students in discussions about issues involving older people including stereotypes and images of aging, public policy, gender and aging, death and dying, and religion and spirituality. "The general idea is that the senior class assistants are able to relay their own experience of aging, challenge students to think from different perspectives," says Justice. "A lot of students say, 'I took gerontology as an elective but my experience with Mrs. So-and-So made me deeply interested in the experience of aging.'" About 16 senior class assistants (SCAs) attend each seminar in pairs to discuss topics chosen with Justice. The sessions are led by students rather than by the professor. "I've never sat in on one," he says. "It would wreck the process." The SCAs occasionally address the entire class during lectures on such topics as aging stereotypes and also volunteer as interview subjects for senior undergraduates doing thesis projects in the department. Early this year, for example, a student suggested a project on seniors' acceptance of and adaptations to technology that might form a research topic involving the group.

January 27, 2003

McMaster engineering faculty and alumni are helping make north Hamilton a better place to live. The Threshold School of Building is a new venture that provides practical house building education to the general public. By having some of the instruction take place in the context of affordable and sustainable housing in north Hamilton, they are helping improve Hamilton's housing situation, says Bob Hudspith, president of the group and associate professor of mechanical engineering. "As people gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to participate in the design, construction and maintenance of their own homes they are in a better position to contribute to a more sustainable community," says Hudspith. "The affordable housing projects that form one component of the education will address a growing need in Hamilton." With a $29,000 grant from the Young Fund to do some development work and a $75,000 pilot grant from the Hamilton Community Foundation, the group launched its year-long pilot project in August 2002. The start-up grants are enabling the group of engineers, designers, carpenters and teachers to open the school, provide courses, and do an affordable housing project. In addition to meeting with local agencies such as Mission Services of Hamilton, The Good Shepherd Centre, Welcome Inn, and Habitat for Humanity, four of our members visited Minneapolis to study The Project for Pride in Living. This school opened its doors to students this month. McMaster faculty and alumni involved in the school include political science professor Barbara Carroll, who serves as vice-president; engineering alumni Josh Abush, Graham Lobban and Kurt Frost; arts and science and humanities alumnus Andrew Copp, and psychology alumnus Jack Santa Barbara. For more information or to register for a course, visit the Threshold Web site at www.thresholdschool.ca

January 27, 2003

It will be a building for students and new ideas. Construction has begun on McMaster's Centre for Learning and Discovery, the University's 300,000 square-foot, five-storey expansion to the north side of the McMaster Health Sciences Centre. It will be completed in the summer of 2004. The new facility will provide much needed space for teaching, learning and research and will address a number of critical needs for the University and its affiliates. The first floor will include six classrooms and five lecture theatres for classes from across all faculties. One theatre, with 600 seats, will be the largest seating space on campus. Altogether, the first floor will seat more than 1,800 students and will help McMaster address the needs created by Ontario's "double cohort". The second floor will be connected to the McMaster University Medical Centre and used by Hamilton Health Sciences for patient care wards. Plans are still being finalized, but the hospital may use the space for intensive care facilities. The third floor has been dedicated to the needs of the Faculty of Health Sciences for classrooms, tutorial rooms, postgraduate offices and laboratories. A rounds room will have state-of-the-art teleconferencing facilities, allowing students at hospitals across the city or throughout the province to join in discussions as if they were sitting in the room. The fourth and most of the fifth floors will showcase the Institute for Molecular Medicine and Health, which includes the Centre for Gene Therapeutics and is a prototype for the University's new revolution in health sciences education and research. The two floors will contain a variety of offices, wet laboratories and a biotechnology incubator.

January 24, 2003

You can become a medical student, just for one night. Actually, you can become a medical student for seven nights in a new program for the public being offered at McMaster University. On seven consecutive Wednesdays, beginning March 5, faculty members will give public seminars similar to those given the medical students, using the world-renowned McMaster approach of problem-based learning. The concept of a mini-medical school for the public was developed in the U.S. and recent programs at McGill and University of Toronto have been sold-out events. At McMaster, the mini-medical school is being organized by a group of five third-year medical students. Each evening will have two separate sessions on a common theme. The seminars will explore the scientific basis of topical medical issues followed by a question and answer session. The topics will include heart and lung disease, infectious diseases, aging and arthritis, genetics, cancer, depression, Canadian health care, and international health. For example, one class on March 5, cracking the DNA code, explains what DNA is, how we can decode the information it contains, and learn how scientists and physicians use the genetic information to track down inherited traits, investigate illnesses, and even solve crimes. Organizer Janine Davies says the group hopes the program will forge an important link between the medical school and the community. Medical students are exposed to vast amounts of scientific information. "We want people to experience the thrill of cutting edge research and understand how it applies to a medical problem," says Janine. The group plans to use the proceeds for a scholarship recognizing student research or community service. Dean and vice-president, Health Sciences, John Kelton, fully supports the new student initiative. "It's a wonderful opportunity for the community to study under some of McMaster's finest educators and researchers, and then apply what they've learned in a problem based-learning approach." "At a time when third year students are extremely busy with clerkship training and residency interviews, it's a credit to their commitment to the community and life-long learning, that they want to share their educational experience with others." Classes will run 7 to 9 p.m. in the Ewart Angus Centre, Room 1A1, of the McMaster University Medical Centre. The cost is $125, or $75 for seniors, students and low-income earners. Registration is available through the Mini-Med School Web site or by calling 905-525-9140, ext. 22671.

January 24, 2003

The union representing hospitality services employees and the Board of Governors' executive committee has ratified the terms of a settlement for a new collective agreement. The Service Employees' International Union (SEIU) Local 532 and the University met in bargaining throughout the fall to negotiate a renewal of the collective agreement that was to expire Dec. 31, 2002. A tentative settlement was reached in mid-December. The union ratified the terms of the tentative agreement at a meeting on Jan. 9. The executive committee of the Board of Governors ratified the agreement earlier this week.

January 23, 2003

Ontario high school students want McMaster. Figures released Wednesday by the Ontario Universities' Application Centre show the number of students listing McMaster as their first choice is up more than 50 per cent. As of Jan. 15, 2003, 6,748 students have listed McMaster as their first choice compared to 4,482 last year. Students who have listed McMaster as their second or third choice also increased more than 50 per cent from last year at this time. About one-third of all Ontario high school students or 35,000 applicants who want to go to university in the province next year applied to McMaster. "These numbers confirm that McMaster's track record of providing excellence in teaching and scholarship appeals to students," said President Peter George. "They are attracted to our strong academic programs and by our reputation as a school that fosters innovation and discovery."

January 23, 2003

The need to find more space for academic, research and support programs on campus means changes for Wentworth House. The University will no longer be able to offer space to the McMaster Credit Union. It will stay in its current location until the end of May, 2003 and will then move to the old TD bank building in Westdale. The credit union's ATMs currently located in Wentworth House, the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Downtown Centre will continue to serve customers, and the University will work with officials to determine if other locations are needed. Wentworth House will continue to be home to the Phoenix, the McMaster Daycare Centre and the MACycle Co-op. Renovations to convert the first floor to office space should begin in June.

January 23, 2003

About 60 front-line health-care workers from First Nations communities across the province have gathered at McMaster's downtown Centre for Continuing Education for an intensive six-day training program. The goal is to help Ontario's aboriginal communities improve the case management skills of their home- and community-care workers so that they can better assess the needs of their clients and help them receive the best possible care that might be available. This is the third group of people to pass through the program since December and when this session ends this weekend, almost all of Ontario's 134 First Nations communities will have sent at least one representative. Read all about it in today's Hamilton Spectator. (The Hamilton Spectator, Jan. 23, 2003)

January 23, 2003

From looking at the use of free samples in interactive advertising to examining Hamilton's social capital, social cohesion, gender, health and lower income neighborhoods, a group of McMaster undergraduate students spent last summer investigating these and other issues. These students  the recipients of McMaster's first Undergraduate Student Research Awards offered to students in the faculties of business, humanities and social sciences  had 15 weeks, the supervision of a faculty member and $5,000 to delve deep into their research. Their results will be on display from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. today (Friday) at a poster session in the Marketplace in the Student Centre.

January 22, 2003

McMaster's Laurel Trainor was awarded $50,000 to help further Canada's goal of improving children's language and literacy skills. The professor of psychology received the grant Tuesday from Stan Keyes, MP for Hamilton West, on behalf of the Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network. The Network is part of the Government of Canada's Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program. Entitled "A Longitudinal Study of the Relation Between Pre-Linguistic Temporal Processing and Language Ability," the study investigates a method of identifying infants who might be at risk for future language and reading problems. Findings suggest that language delay and reading impairment are linked to the brain's difficulty to quickly process sound. The research project will measure the electrical brain responses of six-month-old infants as they listen to different lengths of sound. The children will then be followed to study how the processing of sound develops. It is hoped that measures at six months of age might be able to predict future reading success. "If the predicted relation between brain processing and later reading ability is found, we hope to be able to use this test to identify infants at risk for future reading difficulties, and thus provide early intervention," says Trainor. "The Network's research activities focus on early child development because language and literacy deficiencies are best addressed and prevented early in life. The solutions to these problems require collaboration between many scientific disciplines, practitioners and private and public partners. The Network was created to build these linkages and exchanges," said Keyes.

January 22, 2003

Renowned environmentalist David Suzuki is coming to McMaster University as the keynote speaker for a student engineering conference that is focused on the theme of sustainability. Members of the public, including area high school students, are invited to hear Suzuki speak on environmental sustainability on Friday, Jan. 31 at 9:30 a.m. The talk by one of Canada's most recognizable figures in environmental education will take place in the Ivor Wynne Centre gymnasium. Suzuki's Web of Life talk is the keynote address for a two-day gathering of engineering students taking place at McMaster Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. The ninth annual Canadian Society for Civil Engineering Student Conference on connections between civil engineering and environmental issues will also include talks on sustainable communities by McMaster engineering professors Brian Baetz and Cameron Churchill.