February 19, 2002

It is a tremendous honour to have the opportunity to speak this afternoon on behalf of McMaster University and President Peter George, who deeply regrets . . .

February 18, 2002

This is reading week at McMaster University. Students are advised that no classes are scheduled for this week but all University facilities are open. Classes and labs resume Feb. 25.

February 14, 2002

McMaster University has won some gold, silver and been disqualified at the Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. CBC commentator Brian Williams gave the University . . .

February 14, 2002

Members of the University community wishing to send messages of condolence to the family of Mary Keyes can do so on campus beginning today. Keyes, the University's associate vice-president student affairs, died Monday after a spirited battle with cancer. The books of condolence are available at five locations on campus: Commons Building - outside the housing & conference services office Gilmour Hall - at the registrar's office Hamilton Hall - MSU Info Centre on the first floor Titles Bookstore - customer service desk Ivor Wynne Centre - locker room service counter (basement level) The books may be signed between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and will be available until Friday, March 1. A book of condolence will also be available at the courthouse beginning on Monday. The book will be located on the first floor in the University Advancment office from Monday to Friday only and may be signed between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. A memorial service and reception will be held Saturday, Feb. 16, at 1 p.m. in the Ivor Wynne Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Way of Hamilton, the Northumberland Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Box 584, Cobourg, ON K9A 4L3 or the 3Z Blood Disorder Clinic, c/o McMaster University Medical Centre. In addition, a memorial fund in Mary Keyes' name is also being established at McMaster. Donations may be sent to: McMaster University, Development Office, T-27, First Floor, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8

February 13, 2002

The federal government has launched its innovation strategy with the release of two discussion papers that outline a series of national goals for a competitive economy and economic growth. Industry Minister Allan Rock and Human Resources Development Minister Jane Stewart released the papers, Achieving Excellence: Investing in People, Knowledge and Opportunity and Knowledge Matters: Skills and Learning for Canadians, yesterday. Rock called on leaders in business, academia and the public sector to work with all levels of government to identify ways to meet the national goals identified in the papers.

February 11, 2002

The McMaster community is mourning the loss of one of its leaders. Mary Keyes, associate vice-president of student affairs, died peacefully Monday following a spirited battle with cancer. She was 61. A memorial service will be held at McMaster on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 1 p.m. in Burridge Gymnasium. A reception will follow. "Mary was a much loved and respected member of our community and she will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with her family and her many, many friends and colleagues at McMaster," said Acting President Peter Sutherland. As head of student affairs for the last 10 years, Keyes was responsible for many services that support the academic mission of the University. "She was a dedicated, devoted and ardent supporter of students and served much of her administrative career building and enhancing student life and services at McMaster. Her hard work, energy and enthusiasm were unmatched," said Sutherland.

February 10, 2002

These reflections, from representatives in Student Affairs, were read by Cathie Miller at the memorial service for Mary Keyes. Kindness, fairness, caring, honesty, health, support, . . .

February 8, 2002

There's so much anguish in our world today. I'm hoping this conference can inform people specifically on the case of Iraq and inspire them generally to act responsibly for a better world. These words, spoken by Ruba Moubarak, a third-year McMaster science student, explain why she is spearheading an international conference taking place at the University this weekend. The conference focuses on the effects of sanctions on Iraq and is titled "The Effects of Sanction on Health: A Case Study on the Gulf." Moubarak has gathered leading academics and experts from the United States and Europe who have studied and witnessed the effects of sanctions on the Iraqi population. The conference will focus on the detrimental effects of sanctions on the Iraq health system and on the health of ordinary Iraqis. It will also address the policies of the sanctions' main proponents  the United States and Britain  and those of other Western powers. The speakers include: Denis Halliday, former UN humanitarian co-ordinator for Iraq; Felicity Arbuthnot, a freelance journalist who has focused attention on Iraq; Richard Garfield, director of nursing at Columbia University; Thomas Nagy, professor of expert systems at George Washington University, and Peter Pellet, professor of nutrition at University of Massachusetts. The conference moderator is Graham MacQueen. Members of McMaster's Centre for Peace Studies and Iraq Working Group, Ontario Public Interest Research Group-McMaster are hosting the lineup of journalists, professors and United Nations workers.

February 8, 2002

McMaster University is receiving $1.5 million from the Ontario government based on indicators that measure the number of students who graduate and successfully find jobs. The funding is slightly more - $200,000 - than the University had anticipated when the 2001-02 budget was approved last June by the Board of Governors. The funding, part of the operating grant, is based on measuring achievement in three key performance indicators: the graduation rate of students the six-month employment rate for graduates of undergraduate programs and the two-year employment rate for graduates of undergraduate programs. "I'm pleased that McMaster continues to make a strong showing in the performance indicators," said Acting President Peter Sutherland. "We know our graduates are well prepared for the work force and our numbers clearly demonstrate that." The most recent Ontario University Graduate Survey available shows McMaster's graduation rate is 79.7 per cent. The average graduation rate for all Ontario universities is 73.7 per cent. As well, more than 94 per cent (94.8) of McMaster graduates with undergraduate degrees were employed six months after leaving the University. The provincial average is 94.6 per cent. The survey also shows that 97 per cent of McMaster graduates are employed within two years of obtaining an undergraduate degree. The provincial average is 97.2 per cent. (End of story)

February 8, 2002

More high school students are choosing McMaster as their first choice when they apply to Ontario universities. Figures released today by the Ontario Universities' Application Centre indicate applications with McMaster listed as the first or preferred choice are up 19.2 per cent from last year. As of Feb. 4, 4,482 students had listed McMaster as their first choice compared to 3,761 at this time last year. Total applications to the University from potential first-year students - where McMaster is listed as a first, second, third or more choice - are up 22.8 per cent. The overall provincial average increase in applications is up 20.2 per cent. University registrar George Granger said applications have increased across all program areas. "The overall increase in applications indicates that Ontario high school students continue to recognize the high quality of programs at McMaster and the overall value of our degrees," Granger said. "Some of the increase is also likely a reflection of students fast tracking their studies in order to enter university prior to the arrival of the bulk of double cohort students in 2003." Offers of acceptance will begin going out to successful applicants in early April.

February 7, 2002

University President Peter George has announced that his annual staff awards program has been revised and renamed. In an e-mail to the internal community this week, the President said that the awards, formerly known the President's Staff Awards for Outstanding Service, will now be called the President's Working at McMaster Awards for Outstanding Service. "For reasons of consistency and inclusiveness, I am changing the name of these non-faculty awards," he said. "I am also simplifying the nomination process and doubling the number of awards for the 2001 year, to 10 including two work-group awards." The staff awards program was established in 1997 to recognize the outstanding contributions made by non-faculty employees to the University. To date 85 employees have been recognized under the program. A separate program for faculty also exists. Nominations for this year's President's Working at McMaster Awards are now being sought. The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 1. The submission process is straightforward and electronic. Any member of the community can be a nominator. For more information or to find out how to make a nomination submission, click here or e-mail presaward@mcmaster. "Most of us know of employees who are consistently outstanding in their service, or innovation, or both; or, who repeatedly enhance our University's reputation through their outstanding work. Please help me recognize and honour these employees by taking some of your own time to nominate them," said George. The winners will be determined by a special committee and will be announced in May.

February 7, 2002

Political science professor William Coleman, the Canada Research Chair in Global Governance and Public Policy, will lead a $5-million international research project examining globalization and autonomy. Coleman and his team of researchers were awarded $2.5 million from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) for the new project. The remaining $2.5 million comes from partnering universities, primarily McMaster University and the University of Toronto. The five-year project involves 13 Canadian universities and 16 international organizations including experts from China, Taiwan, Europe and the United States. Eighteen McMaster researchers from the Faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences join a group of 56 scholars in bringing expertise to the project. Their disciplines include history, sociology, anthropology, political science and literary and cultural studies. Coleman says that over the past several decades, processes now termed globalization have been restructuring the way many people live and how they relate to others. The impact of globalization on countries and their economies is a serious issue in international politics. "Who would have thought 10 years ago that a small Canadian business or a Mexican peasant would require knowledge of NAFTA trading rules or World Trade Organization (WTO) subsidy definitions to earn a living?" said Coleman. "We are living in an increasingly complex global village and our research findings will help Canadians negotiate the challenges ahead."

February 7, 2002

Employees working on the second floor wing of Gilmour Hall are holding an open house today to celebrate their new work space. The area that . . .

February 7, 2002

John McGowan is the new business manager for the McMaster Students Union. McGowan takes up his new role, today, Feb. 7, and can be reached . . .

February 6, 2002

Returning for its third year, the annual Soul Food Fair is underway today, Feb. 6, in Convocation Hall. The fair also features guest speaker Stu Black, who will speak on Laughter Really is the Best Medicine tonight at 7 p.m. in Convocation Hall. Black's talk is focused on teaching people to rediscover their funny bones on the way to a happier more productive life. The fair's theme - "It's about balance" - recognizes that everyone needs sustenance for the body, mind and spirit in order to enjoy true health and wellness. The Soul Food Fair, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., was initiated by the Chaplaincy Centre in the winter of 2000 recognizing that many people experience "the winter blues." February seemed like the perfect time to be proactive about sharing resources for health and wellness that nourish the body, mind and spirit. This year's fair is co-sponsored by McMaster Students Union campus events and the Soul Food organizing committee comprised of athletics & recreation, Centre for Student Development, the Chaplaincy Centre, International Students Office and Student Health Service. The fair is free for all McMaster students and employees, featuring prizes, giveaways and free samples. There are exhibits and musical entertainment in Convocation Hall, as well as workshops located in the McMaster Museum of Art and the Ivor Wynne mezzanine. Workshops do not require registration. Topics include art therapy, aromatherapy, meditation, massage therapy, esoteric studies, reflexology, reiki and touch therapy. (End of story)

February 5, 2002

Nominations are now being accepted for the President's Award of Excellence - Student Leadership. Nomination forms - the deadline is Feb. 22 - are available from the Office of the Associate Vice-President (Student Affairs), Gilmour Hall, Room 207. The President's Award of Excellence was established in 1993 to recognize in-course students in their graduating year who have demonstrated a commitment to the University's belief in excellence in its student body. The selection committee may present up to three awards annually. Each award will be a President's Student Medal of Excellence and the recipient will have his/her name inscribed on a commemorative plaque displayed permanently in the McMaster University Student Centre. This award acknowledges the contributions made by students who play a significant role in improving and developing the intellectual, social, cultural and/or athletic fabric of the McMaster community. The selection committee will consider those nominees who have demonstrated outstanding student leadership qualities. The award will be presented on the basis of how the nominees' achievements have contributed to the betterment of the University community and to the advantage of the students who attend McMaster. The overall quality of the contribution rather than the achievement of a certain status or position will be the determining factor for the committee to arrive at a final decision. In addition, the individuals selected to receive an award may also have extensive involvement in the local, provincial, or national communities. (End of story)

February 4, 2002

Seven McMaster researchers have been awarded $7.6 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to help build labs and facilities necessary for their research. The money will go towards projects such as a brain imaging facility in psychology, a micro-machining lab in mechanical engineering, a lead monitoring in children initiative in medical physics & applied radiation sciences and an arts/humanities text analysis computing portal initiative. Three new researchers were also awarded about $660,000 from the New Opportunities Fund for their projects in mathematics, medical physics & applied radiation sciences and mechanical engineering. The awards were part of a national announcement made last week by Industry Minister Alan Rock that involved $779 million going to support projects at 69 universities, colleges, hospitals and not-for-profit research institutions. "This CFI investment confirms the talent of our researchers and the research expertise that resides at McMaster in all of our disciplines," said Mamdouh Shoukri, vice-president research & international affairs. "Consistently, we have seen investment in areas for which we are known as leaders (engineering, science and health sciences), but this round of funding highlights new and emerging areas of excellence." The awards were based on the recommendations of multidisciplinary assessment committees made up of world-class experts from a wide range of fields and disciplines. To receive funding, applicants had to show the excellence and innovative nature of their projects and how they will benefit Canada.

February 1, 2002

Senior administration advises that McMaster University is closed Friday, Feb. 1. Students and University employees can consult the Storm Emergency Policy and Procedures for more information about the closure policy.

January 31, 2002

Physical plant is advising drivers and pedestrians on campus to use extreme caution during the current storm. Physical plant staff are having difficulty maintaining snow removal and salting on campus roads and walkways due to the continuous snowfall. As well, physical plant advises that parking lots will not be plowed today due to freezing rain forecast for this afternoon. The storm is being monitored (Environment Canada weather forecast) and staff are making every effort to ensure walkways and roads are cleared as quickly as possible. Physical plant's snow plan calls for areas to be cleared on a priority basis. All emergency accesses to Hamilton Health Sciences' McMaster location, bus routes, the Cootes Paradise Drive on and off ramps and bridge, the heliport landing and the route to the hospital from the landing and other main roads are first priority for truck snow removal. Routes for people with disabilities, heavily travelled sidewalks and bus stops are cleared next by vehicle. Priority areas to be cleared by hand include all main entrances, steps and ramps to buildings. Parking lots will be cleared tonight once evening classes are finished. The University's storm emergency procedure policy, outlining the process to determine when McMaster is closed, can be found at Storm Emergency Policy and Procedures. Note: Shuttle buses to Zone 6 & 7 will continue to run on their regular schedule until 10:50 p.m. or earlier if not required as long as road conditin are safe to do so.

January 31, 2002

We have been advised by senior administration that the University will close today, Thursday, January 31, at 2 p.m due to inclement weather. All classes, including night classes and any scheduled tests or examinations, are cancelled. Faculty, staff and students are advised to consult the Storm Emergency Policy and Procedures for additional information. Members of the community are also advised to listen to local radio stations and to visit the Daily News Web site tomorrow morning for further updates. NOTE: Shuttle buses to Zone 6 and 7 will continue to operate on a regular schedule until 10:50 p.m. or earlier if not required or as long as road conditions are safe to do so. (END OF STORY)