March 15, 2002

This Saturday, McMaster's Peace and Conflict Studies Society (PACSS) will be hosting its third annual Undergraduate Peace Symposium. The conference is drawing participants from universities . . .

March 13, 2002

The final concert in the Ladies of Jazz series takes place Friday, March 15. Jazz vocalist and international recording star Jeri Brown takes to the Convocation Hall stage at 8 p.m. Brown's latest CD, Image in the Mirror: The Triptych, actually transforms the singer into a bonafide actress. With songs by Milton Sealey, the disc takes the shape of a "fictional dramatic piece" in three acts plus introduction and epilogue, conceived and produced by Jeri Brown. Brown's songs from Image sketch the core journey of the work: a woman's growth through love to self-awareness. The concert will include selections from Brown's recording career with special features from 8 Justin Time and CBC recordings. Her repertoire includes jazz standards and Canadian composer jazz compositions with music such as I've Got Rhythm, Soft, As In A Morning Sunrise, Afro Blue, Tenderly and others. Tickets are $20 and available by calling the School of the Arts Box Office at ext. 23333 or the School of the Arts at ext. 27671. (End of story)

March 12, 2002

The provost's office has announced an interim arrangement for the student affairs office following the death of associate vice-president Mary Keyes. Under the temporary arrangement, . . .

March 12, 2002

Some of McMaster's most outstanding professors will be recognized March 20 for their contribution to undergraduate education. The McMaster Students' Union teaching awards committee is . . .

March 12, 2002

They say that April showers bring May flowers. April at McMaster will bring a new monthly publication as well. The first issue of The McMaster Review will appear on campus and in employee mailboxes in mid-April. The eight- to 12-page publication will be published monthly. The new publication retains a newspaper style but boasts a more contemporary, newsmagazine design and includes colour photography. The publication was designed by awarding-winning graphic artist and designer Peter Enneson of Toronto. It will be produced on recycled and recyclable white bond paper. The deadline for all submissions (editorial and advertising) to the first issue is Wednesday, March 20. An advertising rate sheet can be viewed at http://www.mcmaster.ca/ua/opr/reviewrates.pdf. Advertisements may be placed by calling Pat Miladin at ext. 24073. For questions about editorial submissions, contact Kelly Curwin at ext. 23662. Editorial submissions may be e-mailed to review@mcmaster.ca.

March 12, 2002

McMaster University and the Double Cohort - A message from Ken Norrie, provost and vice-president academic In the past few weeks, the media has devoted considerable attention to how Ontario's universities are preparing to accommodate the increased number of graduating high school students applying for admission. I have been at McMaster for two months, and have been impressed with the careful consideration that has gone into the University's approach to enrolment management. McMaster's enrolment plan, adopted in 1999 and approved by the province, calls for an increase of more than 2,000 full-time undergraduate students between September 1999 and 2003. The plan takes into account anticipated increases in the demand for university places due to the rise in the number of young people of university age, the jump in the proportion of high school graduates who choose to pursue a university education, and the double cohort effect. Specifically, since the latter factor is of particular interest at the moment, the plan calls for an increase of between 400 and 500 first-year students between September 2002 and 2003.

March 11, 2002

Commitment. Dedication. Excellence. These hallmarks of McMaster's 1,800 full-time and almost 600 part-time graduate students were highlighted last week during a day-long tribute to graduate students, teaching and research. Organized by the School of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Students Association, the seventh annual Graduate Students Recognition Day featured a poster contest and reception honouring recipients of several distinguished awards. "You are not only accomplished students, but as independent researchers and research assistants, you are an integral part of McMaster's definition of itself as a research-intensive, innovative University," Fred Hall, dean of graduate studies, told the gathering in Convocation Hall. "Finally, in your role as teaching assistants, you are a vital part of the high quality undergraduate education offered by the University." Award Winners: (front row, l-r) Beverly Ann Jones, GSA president, Mario Blaser (social sciences), James Chen (engineering); Acting President Peter Sutherland, (back row, l-r) Gary Kuchar, (humanities), Ken Norrie, provost and vice-president academic, Jeffrey Richards (science), Brian K. Coombes (health sciences) and Fred L. Hall, dean of graduate studies.

March 11, 2002

The University and the McMaster University Faculty Association (MUFA) have reached a tentative agreement. Negotiations began late in December and the tentative settlement was reached last week. In a joint statement, MUFA president Tom Davison and Joint Committee chair and Acting President Peter Sutherland said, "We're pleased that we were able to reach an agreement that will provide stability for faculty, students and the University." The details of the offer and ballots will be distributed to MUFA members on the Career Progress/Merit plan by March 14. The Joint Committee has scheduled an information session for faculty on March 26 and MUFA is recommending acceptance. Faculty members will have until March 28 to return their ballots. McMaster's current agreement with MUFA expires on June 30, 2002. (END OF STORY)

March 7, 2002

The topics aren't that snazzy: heat, lights, maintenance, computer network wiring, library archiving, managing hazardous materials. Yet all of these areas are crucial to the day-to-day operations of a research-rich university. At a university like McMaster where $100 million worth of research was conducted last year, these indirect costs of research total millions of dollars. The federal government recognized this cost Wednesday in awarding the University a one-time payment of $7.2 million to help pay the indirect costs associated with federally-sponsored research. Mamdouh Shoukri, vice-president research & international affairs, thanked the federal government, including Heritage Minister Sheila Copps, who made the announcement at a campus ceremony. "This funding will go a long way in increasing our competitiveness, not just in terms of research output, but also in terms of enhancing the quality of education and recruiting and retaining highly-qualified faculty and students in our community," he said.

March 6, 2002

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Gradposterfinal.jpg” caption=”Heather Beresh”]More than 20 posters detailing the research efforts of McMaster graduate students are on display today (March 6) in Convocation Hall. . . .

March 6, 2002

The University is committed to having a complete recycling program in place by September. Participants at a campus recycling forum heard Tuesday that complete implementation of the recycling program has been hampered by a delay in delivery of bins. "We are disappointed with the progress to date with recycling," said Karen Belaire, vice-president administration. "There have been difficulties with the handling of the delivery of bins. We continue to press hard on that but it just hasn't been fast enough." Tony Cupido, the new director of physical plant, said that he is committed to implementing a full recycling program and has set September as a target.

March 5, 2002

McMaster's telecommunications department has developed a new on-line faculty and staff directory that is available from its Web site. The directory includes a search engine that allows users to search by a single field or combination of fields to find a department or person. When presented with the results of a search, users can click on the extension number to obtain a detailed listing of information for any individual department or staff member. The online directory also allows users to update individual listings. Telecommunications is in the process of adding staff members who have extensions other than those beginning with a "2" but are McMaster University employees, i.e.. "7" and "4". This is expected to be completed within a month. Please forward any comments or suggestions to Tara Pasalic at pasalic@mcmaster.ca. The McMaster CSO phone book, which includes student e-mail information, continues to be available.

March 4, 2002

The coach of the Marauders women's basketball team and two players have been honoured by Ontario University Athletics. Forward Sarah Cameron and guard Alana Shaw were named to the OUA 2001-02 West Division All-Star team. This is Cameron's fourth straight appearance on the all-star roster, as she was named to the team in 1999, 2000 and 2001. This is Shaw's first time on the all-star team. Coach Theresa Burns has won the Coach of the Year award. Burns led her squad to a 15-6 record this season, good for second place in the West Division, as well as ensuring a third straight West finals appearance. The women's basketball team has qualified for the national championship tournament, which takes place at McMaster from March 7-10. Tickets are now on sale at the McMaster Students Union Information Centre, Hamilton Hall, Room 203 for the tournament that features eight teams from across Canada. McMaster will play in the quarter-final match on Thursday, March 7, at 8 p.m. For more information please visit the Web site at www.nationals.ca.

March 1, 2002

The Faculty of Engineering has launched a new initiative designed to give undergraduates research experience and, at the same time, summer jobs. The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) offers first and second-year engineering students summer employment contributing to a research-oriented environment. Although the concept is well established at major American universities geared to science, engineering and technology research like Massachusetts Institute of Technology, it is relatively new in Canada. Students can compete for a place in the UROP program in one of two ways: Presenting a statement of intent highlighting a specific research project already in place that they would like to contribute to, or Applying to positions posted by research staff. The deadline for applications is Thursday, March 28. The Faculty's goal is to provide 20 undergraduate engineering students with full-time summer experience. Salaries have been set at $10 per hour/35 hours per week for the 16-week period. "Adding UROP to our other experience-based educational initiatives: industrial internships, positions funded through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and our integrated lab components, means that engineering students graduating from McMaster will benefit from a full range of programs linking education, scholarship and experience," said Mo Elbestawi, dean of the Faculty of Engineering. "We're especially pleased to announce that international students within the Faculty are encouraged to apply for UROP positions. This unique program demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the University's reputation as a student-centred, research-intensive institution." Faculty members, research centre staff, graduate students or upper level engineering students will oversee the undergraduate research projects depending on the environment in which the research takes place. Although UROP is targeted to provide summer employment for first and second-year engineering students, the pilot project may be expanded to provide work on a part-time basis throughout the year if it is successful. Engineering Career Services, located in John Hodgins Engineering building, Room A214, is administering the program. Students and faculty requiring additional information or those wishing to post or apply for UROP positions should contact Anne Markey, by e-mail at markeya@mcmaster.ca, or at ext. 27283. (End of story)

March 1, 2002

Oil paints, solvent-soaked rags, chemicals, silica. Materials one typically finds in an art studio. You'll find them, for example, in the Togo Salmon Hall workshops and studios used by McMaster's art students. These materials and others are worrying some students. They're concerned about the possible health and safety risks associated with working with and around hazardous materials. In all, about 60 students use the facilities, located in the basement and on the first floor of Togo Salmon Hall, for oil painting, ceramics, casting and other art projects. Their concerns have prompted the Faculty of Humanities and Risk Management Services to develop plans to improve the air quality within the facilities and to reduce fire and health and safety risks associated with the hazardous materials. Dean of humanities Daniel Woolf says some upset students approached him this week. "The students said they wanted more rag buckets in the area. This is a request that can be resolved almost immediately. Other issues, such as improved ventilation, will require more thorough planning and will take longer to rectify." Woolf says parents have also written him. He is taking the students' concerns very seriously. "We're aware of their concerns and our top priority is to ensure that they are working and learning in an environment that is safe. The health and safety of our students and the faculty who also work in the area is paramount." During Reading Week, the Ministry of Labour, which oversees the health and safety of workers (and not students), conducted an audit of the facility. A dozen orders were issued for compliance on things such as labels on materials and safety guards for machines. The ministry did not issue any orders regarding ventilation. However, two other studies recently conducted (by internal and external sources) emphasize the need to improve air quality within the studios. "The art studios and workshops are operating in rooms that were originally designed as classrooms and offices," says Ron Angus, director of risk management services, who conducted one of the studies in November. "We've asked our engineers in physical plant to conduct a study of the whole area and to recommend a new ventilation system that will adequately support the current use of these rooms." Woolf, who only learned recently of the ventilation problems, says that installation of a new system for the facility is a longer-term project that will require a significant allocation of funds. "It's not a quick fix. We need to proceed in a deliberate and methodical fashion, after proper study and in a manner that is mindful of budget constraints." To reduce the risk of exposure to any hazardous materials, students who use the rooms are being advised that respirators are available for their use from the School of the Arts. Risk management staff will conduct an individual fitting session for students wishing to use them. Instructors are also advising students to properly dispose of waste (paints, rags)and to ensure materials are properly handled, sealed and stored. Locating the lithographic and etching studios (currently on separate floors) closer to one another is also being looked at as a way to minimize health and safety risks, says Angus. A staff supervisory technician for the art studios and workshops will be hired for the next academic year, says Woolf. As well, commencing this fall all students who use the facilities will be required to take Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHIMIS) training.

February 28, 2002

The first dividing line painted on a road is recorded as taking place in 1911. It was received in phenomenal fashion. Today, these lines are inescapable entities that allow, prohibit and mediate our movements. In the art of Hamilton artist C. Wells, the index of the painted line in the road serves as a source for exploration of perception, irony, urbanization, landscape and place. Wells is outstanding for his vigorous commitment to conceptually-based art. The McMaster Museum of Art presents 1911: The Art of C. Wells from March 3 to April 14. Museum hours are Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday evening 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 12 noon to 5 p.m. This is the first solo exhibition of Wells' work in Ontario. The 10 works in 1911 include line marker paintings, installation, mixed media, photography and performance. Wells received his BFA from the University of Guelph, and studied at McMaster University and the Ontario College of Art before receiving a BEd (Art/History) from the University of Manitoba. He has exhibited across Canada and was a contributing artist to the 1994 Expo Arte: Le Forum de la Theorie de l'art Contemporain in Guadalajara, Mexico through Winnipeg's Plug-In Gallery. Other selected recent exhibitions include: and then we take berlin' Contemporary Art Symposium, Kitchener ArtWorks, Mitchell: Southwest Triennial, London Regional Art and Historical Museum, 1998 Alberta Biennial of Contemporary Art, Glenbow Museum/Edmonton Art Gallery, A to B: Post-Aesthetic Painting, The New Gallery, Calgary. Image: the hand loves that which is hard: the #1, virtual, 2000-2002 . (End of story)

February 26, 2002

Sonia Anand, an assistant professor of medicine in the Faculty of Health Sciences, has been named to an endowed chair in women's health. The chair is called the Eli Lilly Canada - May Cohen Chair in Women's Health. In her current research, Anand looks at the causes of cardiovascular disease in various ethnic groups, including aboriginal people, and the evaluation of antithrombotic therapies used in preventing further cardiovascular events (such as heart attacks). The formation of the Eli Lilly Canada - May Cohen Chair in Women's Health was announced in June 2000. The chairholder will conduct epidemiological research and clinical trials that address the determinants and prevalence of women's health problems as they relate to vascular diseases. Eli Lilly Canada is supporting the chair with a $1 million contribution over five years. Funding has also come from McMaster University, with additional support from the Population Health Research Institute, directed by Salim Yusuf. As the chairholder, Anand will develop policy recommendations from the research findings and educate both the public and health care professionals on women's health. "Dr. Anand is an excellent scientist and truly a rising star internationally in the area of cardiovascular medicine and population-based epidemiology," said John Kelton, dean and vice-president of the Faculty of Health Sciences. "We are pleased to be able to recognize her important work with this appointment. Her research and methodologic expertise will allow her to create a program of study and facilitate clinical trials that will address issues affecting women's health."

February 25, 2002

McMaster University announces the appointment of two senior advisers who will focus on opportunities in the areas of government relations and research. Peter Sadlier-Brown has been appointed government relations adviser in the Office of the President. Prior to his appointment at the University, Sadlier-Brown held a number of senior executive positions in the Ontario government. He was an assistant deputy minister in the Ministries of Finance, Labour, Intergovernmental Affairs and most recently, Economic Development and Trade. Before joining the provincial government, Sadlier-Brown worked for the C. D. Howe Research Institute, a labour union, and on Parliament Hill. Nick Markettos, on a year's secondment from the Ministry of Energy, Science & Technology, has joined the University as a special adviser to Mamdouh Shoukri, vice-president research & international affairs. "Peter and Nick bring a considerable amount of knowledge and expertise to the University," said Acting President Peter Sutherland. "They will be instrumental in helping McMaster foster new relationships with government, map out a blueprint to enhance our current relationships and build on existing partnerships in our research enterprise. I'm delighted they are on board."

February 22, 2002

McMaster Musical Theatre cast members are dreaming of becoming stars. Tonight they launch this year's production, Fame, a musical about a group of students in the School of the Performing Arts in the early 1980s in New York City who want to become famous. The musical tells the story of their developing relationships with each other, their teachers, their talent, and themselves. "It's a high energy show full of singing and dancing," said producer Terri Galan. The cast is comprised of 23 students and one staff member and the production team includes director Josephone Ho, musical director Rob Hancock, choreographer Jennifer Paul, pit director Jordynn McIntosh, technical director Mark Pereira, costumes headed by Toni Jack, properties lead by Kaif Pardhan, lighting operator Alexa Smith and sound operator Lyanne Quirt. The show opens tonight, Friday, Feb. 22 and continues Saturday, Feb. 23, Wednesday, Feb. 27 and Thursday, Feb. 28. All evening performances begin at 8 p.m. There is a matinee performance at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 2. The evening performances for Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2 are sold out. Tickets are available by calling the Fame box office at ext. 26988. McMaster Musical Theatre (MMT) is a non-profit organization created in accordance with the McMaster Students Union. Members of the MMT executive are those who have been involved in the previous years' shows and who hail from all Faculties and all levels. MMT relies on revenue from previous years as well as sponsorship from members of the community. (End of story)

February 22, 2002

Staff in the student accounts/cashiers office in Gilmour Hall are showcasing their patriotism and Olympic spirit today (Feb. 22). The office is festooned with large . . .