[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/CYates09.jpg” caption=”Charlotte Yates, dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences. Photo by Ron Scheffler.”]

Members of McMaster's Faculty of Social Sciences have begun a review of how best to meet the needs of an aging society, while continuing to strengthen the University's tradition as a centre of excellence in the study and research of gerontology and health and human aging.

“The review is focusing on how we effectively and efficiently provide students with the education they want, while meeting the immediate needs of a society that requires continued knowledge and expertise in the area of human aging,” says Charlotte Yates, dean of social sciences. “While several factors have led to this review, the ongoing budgetary shortfall experienced by the Faculty certainly impacts the timing of this decision.”

In addition to its degree in health studies, which includes courses in gerontology and aging, McMaster is one of a few remaining Canadian universities that continues to offer students the option of entering a stand-alone degree in gerontology.

The department is now considering how the University can continue to deliver to students high quality education and experiential education in the field of gerontology, through a restructured degree.

There has been some confusion about whether the University is ending its study of gerontology. “This is neither the closure of the study of gerontology nor the shuttering of a program or department,” Yates says. “The study of gerontology at McMaster is not disappearing.”

McMaster's Centre for Gerontological Studies continues to be funded through the Dean's office and will continue its work. A search is also underway to fill the newly-created Gilbrea Chair in Aging and Mental Health.

She says the review does not affect students currently enrolled in the Gerontology degree program. The Dean met with students earlier this week and was able to provide additional information to them while answering their questions and listening to their concerns and suggestions.

“Students who have been admitted into the program and are in their second, third or fourth year will continue without change,” Yates says. “During this time period while the restructuring is completed, admissions to the gerontology degree program have been suspended. Students continue to be able to enroll in first year Gerontology and can continue to take gerontology courses as part of their degree.”

It's too early to say how long the department review may take but Yates is hopeful it will be completed this fall and implemented in the near future.