Highlights from the April 24 Board of Governors meeting

Vision for aboriginal health care

Chief Roberta Jamieson of the Six Nations of the Grand River addressed a growing need for first nations health care professionals, at McMaster's Board of Governors meeting.

In her presentation, she sought a commitment from McMaster to partner with the 2020 Vision Strategy to increase the number of aboriginal health care professionals. “We want our children to be on track by 2020 to have essential health care jobs,” she said, adding the strategy is that by 2020, there will be an additional 40 aboriginal doctors, 60 aboriginal nurses ad 100 other aboriginal health care professionals and technicians.

“Chief Jamieson and the Faculty of Health Sciences are on the same page,” said Faculty of Health Sciences dean John Kelton, noting the University has an obligation and an opportunity to work with the Six Nations in addressing their health care needs.

'Culture of conversation'

McMaster's strategic planning document entitled 'Refining Directions' sees the University as one of the top three Canadian universities in undergraduate and graduate education, said provost Ken Norrie. “In graduate education we are there,” he said. “But in undergraduate education … this is something we need to put some effort into.”

Refining Directions reinforces the University's “culture of innovation,” and encourages and supports a “culture of conversation”, he says, adding one of the document's most critical key success factors is securing adequate revenue.

Three open sessions are scheduled over the next two weeks for employees to learn more about the draft Refining Directions report and provide their input. The sessions are scheduled for:

• Wednesday, April 30  3:30-4:30, GH-111
• Friday, May 2  10-11 a.m., DTC-214, 215, 216
• Friday, May 9  9-10 a.m., PC-155

The Refining Directions document can be viewed online at http://www.mcmaster.ca/pres/refining.html. The final report will be presented to the Board of Governors for approval in June.

“We hope that each member of the McMaster family will be able to look at this and see themselves in this document,” said McMaster President Peter George. “We hope you will find the Refining Directions document challenging, stimulating and encouraging.”

Vintage restoration

Alumni Memorial Hall will undergo approximately $1.6 million in renovations and building upgrades that conforms to current building codes, is accessible to persons with disabilities and provides an appropriate setting for a showcase dining and function facility.

“As with other buildings of this vintage, it is in need of upgrading and an opportunity has arisen through a financial partnership with the University Club to perform several improvements,” says Physical Plant director Tony Cupido in a report to the Planning and Building Committee. “These proposed improvements include washroom upgrades, elevator and other accessibility improvements, kitchen upgrades and cosmetic features.”

The 53-year-old facility is designated an historic building on campus and mainly occupied by the University Club, with the remaining space currently occupied by University Advancement staff.

Hamilton on display

Commonwealth Games Federation members from around the world, including Africa, Asia, the Pacific shores and the Caribbean, will visit Hamilton between June and September.

Delegates will be presented Hamilton's bid book, a 40-page document that represents the City of Hamilton's commitment to vie for the honour of host city of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, said Roger Trull, vice-president of University Advancement, to the Board.

Hamilton, which hosted and launched the first-ever British Empire Games  now the Commonwealth Games  in 1930, is competing against New Delhi, which has never hosted the Games. A decision will be announced Nov. 13, 2003.