McMaster Archive

September 26, 2001

posted on Sept. 25: Faculty of Health Sciences joins online education initiative

The Faculty of Health Sciences along with partners at Sheridan College's Visualization Design Institute and the City of Hamilton's social and public health services division, have collaborated on a project investigating how problem-based learning can be modified for delivery using computer-mediated communication technology. McMaster University is a pioneer in the application of problem-based learning. "This exciting initiative brings together three groups with real expertise in the area," said John Kelton, dean of health sciences. "McMaster's focus is on learning through problem solving. We are now aligned with experts from the City of Hamilton and Sheridan College to address an important public health problem that affects Canadians and people around the world. Nursing experts from McMaster and specialists at Sheridan College, which has an international reputation for its skill in animation, are joining forces to develop an exciting educational tool." Learners in undergraduate nursing, medicine, and midwifery programs as well as graduate nurses are given online access to a problem-based learning case, discuss the case in small groups using the communications technology and are provided with current educational resources online to support their learning. The case that has been developed for this project deals with Fetal Alcohol Effects/Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAE/FAS), which is a national health concern. Hamilton's public health research, education and development program has provided public health context experts to assist in developing the case. "The project will help us better understand how problem-based learning can be offered online to support learners who experience challenges in accessing educational opportunities offered in traditional face-to-face formats," said principal investigator Ruta Valaitis, a McMaster professor of nursing. "We are also investigating emerging learning objects standards to apply to educational resources." Co-investigators for this project are McMaster nursing colleague Wendy Sword and professor Bob Jones of Sheridan College. McMaster University and Sheridan College have worked jointly on the development of this online problem-based learning case to incorporate rich graphic, audio and animation technologies. Sheridan's Visualization Design Institute is an applied research unit created to extend knowledge and skills in animation and graphics beyond the traditional fields of art and entertainment. One of its mandates is to explore how visualization techniques can be applied in health education. Funding for this project was obtained from the Office of Learning Technologies of Human Resources Development Canada. The grant for this project came from the New Practices in Learning Technologies program.

September 25, 2001

posted on Sept. 25: Multimedia program has a new home

Students in the multimedia program in the Faculty of Humanities started the academic year in new surroundings when the Anne and Neil McArthur Humanities Multimedia Wing opened on the second floor of Togo Salmon Hall. The wing was officially named and the McArthurs recognized at an event held yesterday (Monday) afternoon. McMaster is the first university in Ontario and only the second in Canada to offer a multimedia program. The combined honours program, offered by the School of the Arts, was designed by Geoffrey Rockwell and Andrew Mactavish and began accepting students in 1999. "Our plan was to accept 30 students each year but the response has been overwhelming," says Mactavish. "This year we had 65 qualified applicants and accepted all of them." Construction of the new wing was accelerated by a $400,000 gift by local residents Anne and Neil McArthur for whom the wing is named. "Building the new wing was crucial to increasing enrolment and the generous gift by Mr. and Mrs. McArthur not only allowed us to move forward but also to construct a bigger space," says Mactavish. Neil McArthur noted that humanities is a new area for him. "My background is more in engineering. What impressed me about the humanities was that that its graduates have such a high employment rate. I'm pleased our contribution will be used to further the excellence of students in the humanities," he said. The 4,000 square-foot wing is located above the graduate studies office in Togo Salmon Hall and is home to 45 of the most up-to-date computers and software. Students learn skills in designing and developing digital images, animation, Web design and music to name a few. There are almost 200 students in the program in years two, three and four. Students from other faculties have also been applying to take courses in the program and in some cases there are lengthy waiting lists, particularly in digital imaging that teaches basic Web design. Fourth-year student Mike Cope is combining his multimedia studies with anthropology and is planning to go into teaching. "I would like to teach computers at the secondary school level," he said. "The multimedia program has been great - students share ideas and you can be very creative with the different types of software." Photo: Neil and Anne McArthur (Photo by Peter Stevens/Wordsmith)

September 24, 2001

posted on Sept. 24: New learning innovation grants foster collaboration, self-directed learning

The Centre for Leadership in Learning (CLL) has announced to Faculty deans and department chairs the availability of $1,000,000 in new learning innovation grants. Supported by the Imperial Oil Charitable Foundation, these grants are designed to allow academic departments to make changes in their undergraduate programs that are both substantial and consistent with the goals and directions outlined in McMaster's academic plan. (See an earlier story, Imperial Oil partnership means new opportunities for undergraduate education, for information about the Imperial Oil Charitable Foundation gift to support these grants.) The CLL will award three to four grants in each of the next four or five years. According to Dale Roy, CLL's executive director, "Each learning innovation grant will be for a period of three years and will support projects with a total budget of approximately $100,000. Successful applications will show evidence of departmental and Faculty commitment to the project in the form of financial or in-kind support, typically for half of the project's total budget." In awarding the grants, priority will be given to applications that propose changes in how rather than what students learn. In addition, preference will be given to proposals that foster or enhance collaboration among students, that take a rigorous and scholarly approach to curriculum change and that will increase self-directed learning by students. The CLL's academic director, Dick Day, was delighted at the announcement. "It's nice to be able to encourage departments with more than words," said Day. "Academic departments will finally have access to the kinds of resources they need to bring about significant change in their undergraduate programs." The deadline for submitting letters of intent to apply for this year's round of learning innovation grants is Oct. 15. More detailed information on the learning innovation grants, including instructions for applying, can be found on the CLL Web site at www.mcmaster.ca/learning/facact/DLIGrantsCall2001.htm. Interested departments are also encouraged to call Roy at ext. 24540 at the CLL for guidance and assistance in the design of their projects and the preparation of grant applications.

September 24, 2001

posted on Sept. 24: Benefits staff relocate to courthouse

Looking to talk to a benefits officer about your upcoming retirement? Well, beginning Tuesday (Sept. 25) you'll find that officer at the downtown McMaster location. . . .

September 21, 2001

posted on Sept. 21: New compensation system for university managers

A new compensation system is being developed for members of the management group (TMG) at McMaster. It's called total rewards compensation and integrates compensation, recognition, and training and development. The first step in this new approach was the creation of a Management Professional Development Allowance (MPDA) for 2001/2002. "Each TMG member plays an integral role in the University's success," said President Peter George. "The MPDA reinforces the importance of professional development for managers to continue to develop their professional skills to help McMaster achieve its ambitious objectives." The MPDA is similar to the established faculty professional development allowance. A task force was struck this summer to make recommendations on the implementation of the total rewards compensation system. It includes several members of the TMG group along with representatives from senior management. The task force's recommendation on the annual salary review for TMG has now been approved by the Executive Committee of the Board of Governors. It includes: Increases to salary ranges Across-the-board salary increase of 3 per cent* Merit pool of up to 2 per cent* *retroactive to June 16, 2001 The dates for implementing the salary changes have not yet been set. Financial services and CIS are currently working to complete the changes necessary under the MUSA agreement. The task force will continue to meet to make recommendations to senior management on other key components of the total rewards compensation system.

September 20, 2001

posted on Sept. 20: Centre for Peace Studies issues statement on attack on U.S.

The co-ordinating council of the Centre for Peace Studies is composed of student, faculty, staff and community representatives. The council held an extraordinary meeting on . . .

September 20, 2001

posted on Sept. 20: Careers Day 2001 underway in Burridge Gym

It's the largest recruiting event of the year. Careers Day 2001 offers McMaster students an opportunity to meet with more than 75 employers who are . . .

September 20, 2001

posted on Sept. 20: Campus ministries council taking donations to help rebuild temple

A number of places of worship in the Hamilton area have been vandalized in the past week. The fire at the Hindu Samaj Temple has . . .

September 20, 2001

posted on Sept. 24: McMaster’s student enrolment beats targets

McMaster's student enrolment figures exceeded the targets set for this academic year. Registrar George Granger told Senate last week that interim figures show enrolment goals established by the enrolment management team will be met when the final tally is counted in November. "It's very positive," Granger said. "Full-time and part-time figures are both slightly above the approved enrolment targets. Across all programs we are very much on target." As of Sept. 11, there were 4,048 first-year students enrolled at the University, 223 more than the target of 3,825. The total undergraduate enrolment figure is 13,023 compared to last year's total of 12,365. Granger said there are also 102 nursing degree students at Mohawk and Conestoga colleges as part of the nursing consortium that are "over and above" those figures. So far, there are 2,046 part-time undergraduate students enrolled at the University compared to 1,957 last year. The University's total undergraduate enrolment figure is 15,069 (full and part time) compared to 14,322. At the graduate level, students enrolled in full-time PhD programs as of Sept. 20 number 550, compared to last year's total of 532. There are 803 students enrolled in master's programs with late registrations still being processed, said John Scime, graduate registrar & secretray. Last year's final enrolment in master's programs was 730. "We expect the final number to be well above last year's enrolment," Scime told the Daily News. The University's enrolment managment team is already busy working on enrolment for the 2002-03 year with a large group attending the Ontario Universities' Fair 2001 in Toronto beginning today and continuing through the weekend. The annual fair offers prospective students and their families an opportunity to meet representatives from Ontario's 19 universities.

September 19, 2001

posted on Sept. 19: Alcohol awareness campaign a Reality Check!

More University students are drinking alcohol in moderation, according to a comparison of three annual alcohol awareness surveys conducted on campus. The average number of nights per week students reported drinking decreased by .5 from 1.6 to 1.1. As well, more students are drinking fewer drinks per event with less experiencing the negative consequences of a blackout or memory lapse. The statistics bolster the launch of the second annual Reality Check! campaign, a program designed to promote informed decision-making among students who use alcohol. The awareness campaign began this week with the release of the first in a series of posters into residences, athletics & recreation facilities and campus bathrooms and bulletin boards. The theme of "Go Figure, Eh" was adopted to use humour and pop culture to raise students' awareness about how they behave and regard their peers. The campaign is also being promoted on the Reality Check! Web site. Students are encouraged to know the facts about alcohol use and a "toonie" will be given out on Tuesdays, beginning Oct. 2, to students who correctly recall the campaign messages posed by Student Health Service volunteers known as "reality checkers." Health educator Jane Radix, of Student Health Service, said the campaign's goals are to increase student awareness and encourage students "towards more moderate and responsible use" that reflects the norm.

September 19, 2001

posted on Sept. 19: Candlelight vigil for peace attracts about 400

About 400 members of the McMaster community gathered on campus Wednesday night at a candlelight vigil for peace. Groups represented included the McMaster Students Union(MSU), . . .

September 19, 2001

posted on Sept. 19: Open letter from McMaster President Peter George

The following is an open letter from University President Peter George that is being sent to the McMaster community today: The initial shock of last week's terrorist attacks in New York and Washington is beginning to ease but for many people it's been replaced by a sense of fear about safety and of uncertainty about the world in which we live. At McMaster we have seen the community come together at inter-faith services, in small discussion groups and at Tuesday's vigil organized by the McMaster Students Union which was attended by close to 400 people. While these occasions are marked with sorrow, they have also been a time to focus on the need for peace, understanding and hope. I have seen much reason for hope here at McMaster. Students, faculty and staff of every nationality, religion and ethnic group that enrich our community have shown tremendous respect and support for one another. This unity is the best defence against intolerance and misunderstanding. Maintaining faith and hope in humanity is not always easy especially after such horrific acts of destruction and inhumanity. I wanted to share with you an inspirational message from Nelson Mandela. "I have always known in the deepest regions of the human heart reside forgiveness and kindness. No one is born hating another human being because of the colour of their skin, their past or their religion. People learn to hate and if they must learn to hate then they can also be taught to love." It will take all of us working together to ensure that every member of the McMaster community feels safe and secure. By refusing to join in the hatred of those who committed these horrible crimes, we can prove that human goodness is stronger than vengeance. Let all members of our community speak with one voice for love, for peace, for understanding, for tolerance and for hope.

September 18, 2001

posted on Sept. 18: MSU president proposes fundraising to replace smashed church windows

McMaster Students Union president Sam Minniti has proposed fundraising to help replace smashed windows at Binkley United Church. Minniti stressed that it's not known whether the vandals who smashed the windows earlier this month attend McMaster. "Regardless of who's done this, this happened to our community," said Minniti. "Being members of the community, we want to step up and be part of the solution." Replacing the stain glass windows will cost about $5000. The church's insurance deductible is $500. Const. Jack Vanderpol, the McMaster liaison officer, told the Hamilton Spectator that the vandalism is still being investigated. He said police haven't confirmed that University students are responsible. (End of story)

September 18, 2001

posted on Sept. 18: Forum features 4 professors discussing U.S. situation

Five McMaster University professors will present their analyses of the U.S. situation Wednesday with a discussion period to follow. The information session will be held . . .

September 17, 2001

posted on Sept. 17: Seven new faces in human resources

Seven new people have joined Human Resources Services (HRS), formerly the Office of Human Resources, this summer as part of a restructuring of the department. "We're pleased that we have attracted such outstanding people to McMaster as part of the first phase of our restructuring. These experienced, talented individuals will assist us greatly in providing better service and support to employees and leaders at McMaster," says Mark Haley, assistant vice-president human resources. Haley says the departmental restructuring was needed to enable HRS to provide better and more support and advice. The positions were advertised this summer in the Hamilton Spectator and the Globe and Mail. "There was, and still is, an obvious need to improve our labour relations within the McMaster community. We all need to put the 'relations' back into labour relations. This restructuring will significantly improve HRS's capacity to deal with employee and labour relations matters and be more effective in supporting our employees and leaders," says Haley. New HR staff (l-r): Murray Lapp, Anthony Celani, Melanie Sodtka, Melissa Sergiades, Wanda McKenna, Anna Marie Damiani, and Susan Mitchell. (Photo: Ron Scheffler) Click below for position and biographical information about these new staff.

September 17, 2001

posted on Sept. 17: MSU holds vigil for peace

The McMaster Students Union (MSU) is holding a vigil for peace on Tuesday Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Nina de Villiers Garden (the . . .

September 14, 2001

posted on Sept. 14: Prime Minister declares National Day of Mourning

Prime Minister Jean Chretien has declared today a National Day of Mourning in honour of the memory of the victims of the U.S. disaster. All Canadians are asked to observe three minutes of silence beginning at 12:20 p.m. today. University President Peter George encourages the McMaster community to participate in this commemoration. "I would encourage everyone to observe the three minute silence as a sign of respect for all those who perished and for their loved ones." There will be an inter-faith community service held at Wentworth House Main Lounge at noon. For more information, contact the Chaplaincy Centre at ext. 24207. The Canadian government has set up an electronic book of condolence which is available starting today on the Government of Canada's commemoration internet site at http://commemoration.gc.ca. The City of Hamilton has also established a condolence book. Information about it can be obtained by clicking on www.city.hamilton.on.ca/News/releases/. The Ontario government has established a book of remembrance in the St. Lawrence Lounge in the lobby of 900 Bay St., Mowat Block, Queen's Park. Click on the Daily News story Alumni respond from New York, Washington for news from McMaster alumni living in New York and Washington.

September 13, 2001

posted on Sept. 14: Alumni respond from New York, Washington

McMaster Times editor Susan Welstead sent an e-mail earlier this week to all alumni living in New York or Washington who have supplied e-mail addresses. . . .

September 13, 2001

posted on Sept. 13: University implementing monetary aspects of collective agreement

The University has announced a process for implementing the monetary aspects of the new Collective Agreement Between McMaster University and the McMaster University Staff Association. The agreement consists of the articles agreed upon in direct negotiations and the awards issued by arbitrator George Adams in July and August. The backpay in the July award will be implemented in a series of steps between September and December. "We are pleased to be proceeding with the implementation of this award and we share in our employees' enthusiasm for having reached this much-awaited stage in this process. Our financial and computing information services employees are working hard to meet the award target dates and we appreciate their support and commitment," says Karen Belaire, vice-president administration.

September 12, 2001

posted on Sept. 12: Blood donor clinic, inter-faith services available today

McMaster students and employees who want to donate blood to aid victims of yesterday's terrorist attacks can book appointments through Canadian Blood Services. Canadian Blood Services has extended the hours of its permanent blood donor clinic this week. The clinic, located at 400 King St. E. in Hamilton, will be open: Wednesday (today), Sept. 12 - 12:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13 - 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donors are asked to book appointments by calling 905-645-6555 or 1-888-871-7201. Go to Hamilton blood donor clinics for a listing of upcoming clinics. As well, the Chaplaincy Centre has arranged for an inter-faith service to be held on Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. in Moulton Hall EMR. A second service will be held Wednesday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. in Hedden Hall in the Ravine Room. Other services are also available to the campus community. The Centre for Student Development and Student Health Service are open for counselling and the Divinity College chapel is also open today and tomorrow. Binkley United Church at 1570 Main St. W. is holding a prayer service on Thursday at 10 a.m. For more information, call 905-529-0740. As always the Employee Assistance Plan through Hurst Place is available for confidential counselling for University employees and their families. It can be reached at 1-888-521-8300 or 905-521-8300. The after-hours crisis service numbers are 1-877-521-9303 or 905-521-9303. Here is a list of Web sites and phone numbers that offer news and information: BLOOD DONATION SERVICES Canadian Blood Services: 1-888-236-6283 NEWS CNN MSNBC CBC CANOE