Daily News

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."

Posted on Aug. 15: University weekend closure

In keeping with the State of Emergency issued by Premier Ernie Eves, and in the interest of individual safety and security, please be advised that McMaster University will remain closed due to the power outage for the weekend of Aug. 16 and 17, 2003. There is an ongoing possibility of local blackouts or brownouts in the Hamilton area. McMaster wishes to assist all efforts to restore power as quickly as possible to all areas of Hamilton and Ontario. The Horizon's Conference scheduled for this weekend is cancelled. Participants will be informed regarding the rescheduling of the event. All buildings at the University will remain locked over the weekend. Employees/individuals who access offices or labs are asked to ensure that all doors remain locked and to minimize the use of lights, computers, water or any other resources. At present the University will aim to reopen for business on Monday, Aug. 18. The University's crisis management team will continue to monitor the situation over the weekend. Ongoing updates will be provided on the Daily News Web site and local area media. (end of story)