Daily News

Posted on Aug. 19: Efforts to conserve power pay off

Turning off lights, fans and photocopiers went a long way yesterday in efforts to reduce the University's power usage. The provincial state of emergency prompted McMaster to make every effort to reduce the amount of hydro currently used. Thanks to everyone's dedicated efforts, the University succeeded in operating at 30 per cent less hydro yesterday than an average business day. "I would like to thank everyone who has helped the University reduce power consumption since the blackout last Thursday," says Karen Belaire, vice-president, administration. "Your co-operation during these extreme circumstances is greatly appreciated. I understand that employees and students are patiently tolerating warmer offices and adjusting work outputs to avoid using equipment that is considered non-essential. You've done a great job of responding to an immediate need and I ask for your continued support." It will be important to continue to conserve energy wherever possible over the warm days ahead. Provincially, hydro availability is not yet back to full operating levels and the state of emergency issued by Premier Eves remains in effect. The risk of further blackouts remains a high possibility. McMaster, along with all businesses and residents, is asked to continue power reductions.

Posted on Aug. 19: Professor will explore new ways of learning

Imagine during your lunch hour popping into a technology playroom to test out new learning technologies, such as an electronic patient case to work through. That's one initiative being investigated by Ruta Valaitis, the new director of learning technologies for the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS). "My goal is to co-ordinate and provide direction for the approach to learning technology applications in the FHS," said Valaitis. "I'm looking for input from a variety of groups." She will work with students, faculty and staff across FHS's medical, nursing, midwifery, rehabilitation, bachelor of health sciences (Honours) and graduate programs, as well as colleagues in the University's Learning Technologies Resource Centre (LRTC).

Posted on Aug. 18: Power conservation update

McMaster is open and operating at reduced power levels today to meet the directions from the Province of Ontario during the continued state of emergency. "In order to help meet the power reductions required, all McMaster employees are asked to conserve power wherever possible," says Karen Belaire, vice-president administration. "Please turn off lights and computers that are not needed as well as fans, photocopiers or appliances. These efforts will help avoid further blackouts." "Where possible, staff and faculty are asked to please limit their research initiatives to assist with energy conservation efforts," says associate vice-president academic Fred A. Hall. "It is essential that we all make every effort to reduce our power consumption. One of the University's top priorities is to ensure that the McMaster site of Hamilton Health Sciences has sufficient power to provide essential services."