Posted on March 4: Board of Governors meeting highlights

Highlights from the Feb. 26 Board of Governors meeting

Renovation projects approved

Renovations to the Burke Science Building (BSB) and General Sciences Building (GSB) will provide more student-focused offices and improved academic environments, according to a report from the Planning and Building Committee.

The $30-million project includes complete renovations to the south wing of BSB, as well as the addition of a penthouse to accommodate mechanical and electrical infrastructure. The entire south section will be renovated from the sub-basement to the third level. On the first and third level, classroom and research area will be created. Electrical systems will be upgraded and a climate control system will be installed throughout the entire area.

The renovations will capitalize on the space opportunities made available through the relocation of undergraduate chemistry labs from BSB and the relocation of the math department to the newly renovated Hamilton Hall  the James Stewart Centre for Mathematics. The renovated building will become home to the Faculty of Science.

There is currently $15 million available in capital funding. Additional funding will be factored into plans for future capital requirements. It is expected that renovations to these buildings will begin immediately.

Quality and Financing Task Force

McMaster President Peter George chairs the Council of Ontario Universities' new Quality and Financing Task Force, charged with examining “quality” and “financing” — the major challenges facing universities in Canada and around the world.

George provided a synopsis of a recent speech to the “Higher Education in Canada” conference at John Deutsch Institute for the Study of Economic Policy, Queen's University. The text of his speech can be found at: http://www.mcmaster.ca/pres/higheredconf.html

Safety group initiative

McMaster, as one of 16 universities in Ontario, participated in the Workers Safety Insurance Board's (WSIB) Safety Groups Initiative in the year 2003. This was the first year for this program.

McMaster selected five initiatives for development and implementation and involved such topics as networking, indoor air quality, designated substance regulations, joint health and safety committees and setting targets. Various groups and stakeholders across campus were involved in the development and implementation of these initiatives, including physical plant, hospitality and the registrar's office.

Two of the 16 participating universities were randomly selected for audit review, one of which was McMaster. On Friday, Feb.13, the WSIB visited the University's site and McMaster received a score of 100 per cent and congratulations from the WSIB for successful achievement of its program goals. McMaster's participation in the Safety Group Program will continue into 2004 and will involve further building of the five initiatives selected for 2003 as well as the development and implementation of five new initiatives for 2004.