Daily News

Posted on Aug. 28: McMaster gears up for move-in weekend

As you read this, countless first-year university students are packing their bags, anxiously wondering what their new digs are going to look like this year. This weekend, they'll find out when they move into residence at McMaster. As that time nears, Housing & Conference Services is busy preparing for move-in weekend Aug. 30 to Sept. 1. "We are gearing up to welcome the 'Class of 2007' as well as returning students who will be moving into University residences over the Labour Day weekend," says Cathie Miller, director of Housing and Conference Services. "Extensive planning has been dedicated to co-ordinate the student move-in to be effective for the students and their families."

Posted on Aug. 27: Graduate Studies launches online course selection

Forget waiting for days to select the courses you want. Now graduate students can select their courses using the Student Online Academic Registration (SOLAR) system. McMaster's School of Graduate Studies introduced SOLAR to graduate students today. Launched for undergraduate students in December, this new Web portal is offered through McMaster University General Student Information (MUGSI) and now allows graduate students to select, add or drop courses for the September 2003 to August 2004 academic session. The deadline for graduate students adding first-term courses is Sept. 26. There are numerous benefits to online registration, says John Scime, graduate registrar & secretary of the School of Graduate Studies. Not only does it allow students to select their courses from virtually anywhere, it allows them to do it in real time, he says. "With the Web access and the real-time connection to the student records system, students obtain feedback instantaneously about the courses they selected."

Posted on Aug. 27: McMaster celebrates construction of Centre for Learning & Discovery

The words "on time" and "on budget" were something to celebrate at a "topping off" ceremony Wednesday on top of the fifth floor of the $70-million Centre for Learning & Discovery. The final concrete was poured by, pictured from right to left, Karen Belaire, vice-president administration, Tony Cupido, director of physical plant, Bob Dunn, assistant director of physical plant and David Clusiau, design principal at Norr Architects and Engineers. A "topping off" ceremony is customary when a construction project is on time and on budget. The pouring ceremony was followed by a barbecue for 400 tradespeople, users' group members, the steering committee and other guests who have had a part in the design or construction of the building.