Daily News

Are you engaged?

McMaster University's first-year and fourth-year undergraduates are currently being polled by a North American-wide survey about their experience at McMaster. The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) asks students to assess their classes, faculty and friends. They are asked about their interaction with faculty, the quality and timeliness of the feedback, and whether expectations are communicated effectively. It asks whether a co-operative attitude exists among students, whether students are engaged in active learning and new ways of learning, and if there is respect for diverse talents. The results of the survey are used by institutions to see how they stack up against their peers in the delivery of student programs and services. The survey takes about 15 minutes complete.

March is Leadership Month at McMaster

The concept of leadership can invoke many different things for many people. For some it is hierarchical, for others it is a process of self-growth and development; some may see leadership as a position, and some feel it is about the relationships they build with others. These definitions are by no means mutually exclusive. Each one of us must apply our own understanding of leadership and what it is to be a leader to our daily lives. With this thought in mind, the Centre for Student Development provides students with an opportunity to explore their ideas about leadership and develop their leadership skills through the Dr. Mary E. Keyes Leadership Programme. Students work towards a leadership certificate through attending a series of workshops and engaging in volunteer service, or they can participate in any of the workshops that might be of interest to them and review various resources on the leadership website. This year, the leadership programme is offering two events intended for students, staff, faculty, and community members. Leadership peers and staff have chosen March as "Leadership Month" during which two key events are planned: an annual Poster Series and the first ever Leadership Speaker Series. The goal of both series is to highlight the concept of leadership not only on campus but also in the community. The poster series will focus on various student team leadership opportunities available across campus and recognize the work of the students and the projects and programmes they have worked on. Nine posters will be displayed in the lobby of Mills library from March 14 to 16 and again on April 3 to 4, 2006 in the McMaster University Student Centre (MUSC).

Tennis elbow, anyone?

Repetitive strain injury(RSI) is currently one of the fastest-growing workplace disorders. RSI typically attacks the muscles, tendons and nerves in hands, wrists and elbows as well as the neck, shoulders, back, lower limbs and spine. Though commonly blamed on computer use, RSI can occur just as easily at home and at play. McMaster will hold a full day of workshops and activities on Tuesday, Feb. 28 in an effort to raise awareness among employees about ways to alleviate RSI. Clinics will be held on office layout, design and ergonomics, health and safety ergonomics, culminating with an open forum featuring Steve Peters, Ontario's Minister of Labour.