Daily News

Posted on June 23: McMaster recognizes Fun Fit volunteers

Three McMaster employees were recognized for their tremendous volunteer contributions to the health and wellness of the McMaster community. FUNFIT instructors Helena Collins of the School of Rehabilitation Science, Rosalind Grant and Debra Kigar of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences were special guests of vice-president, Karen Belaire at a recognition lunch in honour of their contributions to the FUNFIT Program at McMaster. The FUNFIT Program offers classes in aerobics, step aerobics, body sculpting, dance-it and Tai-Chi that accommodate all fitness levels. Classes run five days a week on the lunch hour either from 12:10-12:55 or 1-1:45 in the 2F gym in the hospital. Evening aerobics and yoga classes are also offered. Those interested in finding out more about the FUNFIT program should contact Lori Mesurier, FUNFIT co-ordinator at jlmesurier@sympatico.ca The recognition of FUNFIT is part of McMaster University's effort not only to recognize the spirit of volunteerism, but emphasize the importance of health and wellness in the workplace. Photo caption: vice-president, Karen Belaire (right) with FUNFIT volunteers (left to right) Helena Collins, Rosalind Grant, and Debra Kigar.

Posted on June 20: New opportunities for McMaster researchers

Fifteen promising young researchers new to the university in the last year have been awarded more than $2.5 million from the New Opportunities Fund of the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). The researchers, recruited from world-class institutions across Europe and North America, were awarded grants to purchase specialized equipment for their research projects and to initiate new work in their fields of expertise. "Recruiting excellent faculty is a high priority for McMaster and this program has allowed us to do just that," said Mamdouh Shoukri, vice-president research and international affairs. "This investment will help our new faculty to expand their research programs and build their research capacity." Of the 46 universities that received $43.5 million in infrastructure for 237 projects, McMaster ranked third with 14 projects funded. To date, 69 research projects have been awarded a total of $12,563,477 from the New Opportunities Fund.

Posted on June 20: Sexual Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Office renamed, relocated

McMaster's Sexual Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Office has been renamed the Office of Human Rights and Equity Services. The name change is a more accurate reflection of the breadth of human rights issues which the office deals with, says Jane Mulkewich, acting director of human rights and equity services. "The old name gave prominence to the issue of sexual harassment at the expense of other human rights issues such as racism," she says, "and also 'sexual harassment' is negative whereas 'anti-discrimination' is positive, so in many ways, the SHADO name was not ideal." Mulkewich canvassed offices with similar mandates at other Ontario universities, discovering the majority include 'human rights and equity' in their titles. The office, which has also launched a new Web site, relocated to the McMaster University Student Centre, Rm. 212, from its previous location in Kenneth Taylor Hall. The office will continue to offer services for victims of discrimination and harassment, but the Safer Space program and the After Hours help line will be discontinued, and women seeking emergency shelter will be given appropriate referrals to a range of services and resources in the community. This summer, a new director of human rights and equity services will be hired to replace Cindy Player, who has taken on a new position at the City of Hamilton as a human rights consultant.

Posted on June 19: New book chronicles career of modern-day McMaster architect

Harry Thode, former McMaster University president and international scientist, was responsible for transforming McMaster University into the student-centred research-intensive institution it is today. A new book from McMaster University Press chronicles the life of this remarkable man, who served as the University's president from 1961 to 1972. Under Thode's leadership, McMaster became, nationally and internationally, a major centre of scholarship and research. Today, most of the approximately 1,000 McMaster faculty members, located in six strong faculties, are engaged in research and scholarship that both inform their educational work and help extend the frontiers of their disciplines. As well, McMaster students reap the benefits of learning from some of the country's finest researchers and educators. Modern McMaster is both a creator and preserver of knowledge.

Posted on June 19: McMaster to erect 50-foot challenge leadership course

McMaster's Board of Governors approved the installation of a $123,000 Alpine Tower High Challenge Leadership Course, the latest development in challenge courses. "What this is, is a first in Canada for a university," said Planning and Building Committee chair Donald Green. "It is something very new and different for us." The 50-foot tall climbing structure will be designed to present the same challenges as rock climbing and high ropes course elements. The ALTITUDE team-building and leadership program of the Department of Athletics and Recreation would make extensive use of the course. The preferred location for the course is the north-west corner of the '10-acre' playfield. The site will use about 27,600-square-feet tucked into an area deemed as 'recreational' and in the 'athletic precinct' of the Campus Plan. It will be financed through the Student Services Project fund.