Daily News

MUGSI update for students

The dates for drop and add have been extended. There have been difficulties accessing the MUGSI system so the decision has been made that the drop and add for second term will be extended to Monday, Jan. 16. No student will be impacted negatively because of the system problems. The University's chief information officer, Debbie Barrett says, "we're doing everything possible to make sure students get their marks and have access to their financial account information and drop and add system. In an attempt to improve service all marks for first term were to be released yesterday but the demand on the system combined with a security attack on McMaster's network yesterday stretched the system beyond its capacity."

Holiday bills hit retail workers hardest

As you pull out the cheque book to pay off holiday bills, have sympathy for the clerks who sold you those gifts in the first place. For it is the retail workers themselves who may have the most difficulty paying off presents. Recent statistics show that retailers employ part-time and casual workers the most of any industry. These people regularly face unpredictable hours and low wages and benefits, the result of which is that they must juggle multiple jobs in order to earn a living wage. And following the busy holiday season, many front line sales staff find their hours cut, just when they may need the income the most.