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Posted on March 20: Open letter to the McMaster community from President Peter George

For most of us, reading the newspaper, and listening or watching the news is a part of our daily lives. In the past few months the mounting tensions over the situation in Iraq have dominated the headlines. They have created debate, sparked protests and raised concerns around the world. The military action that has now begun, and fear for its horrible impacts weighs heavily upon us. At McMaster it is important that we take this growing international crisis as an opportunity to discuss the issues thoughtfully and constructively, to extend the hand of friendship to people from around the world, and to celebrate diversity and the cultural understanding and strength that it can bring to campus and the broader community. It is especially important to be sensitive to the distress and pain of those among us who may have relatives and friends in Iraq or the United States, as well as other countries likely to be caught up in the war. This approach may not always be easy. Some recent public meetings addressing Middle Eastern political issues, held at the University, included some controversial speakers. Every campus visit or event is expected to be conducted in an orderly fashion that respects the rights of all members of the community. Emotions can become heightened and it takes a conscious effort to maintain an open mind and open attitudes on such complex issues. At McMaster, we have a strong tradition of embracing our differences. Students, faculty and staff of every nationality, religion and ethnic group show tremendous respect for one another. This show of unity and willingness to accept and understand differences is the best defence against intolerance and misunderstanding. If anyone is concerned about anything they experience, see or hear on campus, or feel they need help dealing with any stress the international situation may cause, I encourage you to contact the appropriate support office which could include SHADO, the Centre for Student Development, Chaplaincy Centre, the Ombuds, McMaster Security, the associate vice-president student affairs, associate vice-president academic, Human Resource Services, and the Employee Assistance Plan for staff and faculty. We will work assiduously to strengthen the climate of inclusivity that both ensures freedom of thought and expression and enables every individual to feel secure and respected. Over the next few weeks we will likely all hear stories of great loss and despair. I encourage everyone to learn as much as they can about the issues, to come together at vigils and other events, and to focus on the need for peace, understanding, tolerance and hope. Peter George

Posted on April 29: North American Occupational Health & Safety Week activities May 5-9, 2003

Tuesday, May 6, 2003 9 - 10:30 a.m.: Ergonomics Location: Downtown Centre Room 241 Bill Urie, ESAO (Education Safety Association of Ontario) discusses how to set up your computer workstation and also to perform lifting tasks properly. Call Janet at ext. 24352 to register. 9:15 - 10:30 a.m.: Get a handle on how to use a fire extinguisher. Location: Zone 7 Parking Lot Rob Edge, fire service technician, Physical Plant. Come on out to the Zone 7 Parking Lot. Includes hands-on training. 10 a.m - 2 p.m.: Safety Vendor Displays Location: Student Centre Safety supplies, personal protective equipment and the newest trends in ergonomic office equipment. Everyone is welcome. 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.: Barbecue lunch $3 Location: Outside Student Centre Meet the Risk Management Services team and enjoy a hot dog or burger (meat or veggie) with a beverage. Appreciation lunch for safety committee members - your lunch is free when you present your ticket. Safety Quiz - Assess your safety knowledge. A chance to win one of many prizes that have been donated by our vendors, Hospitality Services and the Bookstore. The quiz will also be available at the Risk Management Services booth. Please return your completed quiz to RMS, Gilmour Hall, B111 by 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 8. Draw will be held on Friday, May 9. 2 - 4 p.m.: Accident Investigation Location: Student Centre, Room 224 Ron Angus, manager of Risk Management Services, will discuss the steps used to investigate an accident. Wednesday May 7, 2003 10 - 11:30 a.m.: Safety Display Location: Downtown Centre Main Lobby Risk Management Services staff will be on hand to answer your questions. Visit our display and pick up your safety quiz for prizes donated from our safety vendors. Thursday, May 8, 2003 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.: Violence in the Workplace Seminar Location: Skylight Room, Commons Building Kevin Beatty from Residence Life will be presenting Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Program from the Crisis Prevention Institute. Call Janet at ext. 24352 to register (enrolment limited) These sessions are intended to raise safety awareness to keep the campus safe for everyone. For additional information, contact Janet Marsh at ext. 24352.

Posted on March 28: Students to vote on financing new multi-sport/wellness complex

A student referendum on contributing $20-million for a $30-million multi-sport and wellness complex has the support of McMaster's Board of Governors. Students will vote April 1 and 2 on supporting a building fee in which students will provide $20 million in capital and 50 per cent of annual operating and lifecycle costs. If the vote is succesful, full-time undergraduate students will pay an additional $60 to $100 per year. If the referendum is not passed, other financing alternatives will be considered, said President Peter George, or a second student referendum could take place next fall. George considers the construction of a new athletic facility a top priority. "We built the Ivor Wynne Centre (IWC) 30 years ago so we're well behind the times ... this is a high priority as far as I'm concerned," he said. "The University will benefit from this remarkably." Major overcrowding of the IWC, also used for writing exams, recruiting fairs, conferences, concerts and trade shows, is a safety issue, George says, adding McMaster is one of few Ontario universities that has not expanded its athletic and recreation facilities.

Posted on March 28: Health notice regarding SARS

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) continues to affect people throughout the Greater Toronto Area. There are no confirmed cases at McMaster or in the Hamilton community, but the outbreak continues to be considered a public health emergency. Several GTA hospitals have closed their doors to public access in an effort to contain the SARS outbreak. The following information is provided as a precaution and to assist anyone who has reason to think they have symptoms related to the illness. If you have the following symptoms, please call TeleHealth at 1-866-797-0000 immediately: a fever over 38 degrees (C) respiratory difficulties including cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing if you've had close contact with anyone diagnosed with SARS or considered as a probable case (close contact' means having cared for, lived with or had face-to-face within one metre contact with, or having had direct contact with respiratory secretions and/or body fluids of a person with SARS) if, within the last 10 days, you have travelled to or from Asia where cases of SARS have been diagnosed, - specifically Hong Kong (Guangdong province), Singapore, Hanoi or Vietnam if there is no other known cause for symptoms you may have if you have visited Scarborough Hospital Grace Division, or been in direct contact with anyone who was, since March 16, 2003. The TeleHealth service is available 24/7 and will provide you with the assistance of a nurse to help confirm if your symptoms are related to SARS. For the McMaster community, the Campus Health Centre may also be called for assistance Monday to Friday at ext. 27700. McMaster staff will remain in regular contact about the local status of SARS with Hamilton Health Sciences, the Campus Health Centre and Hamilton's Public Health office.

Posted on March 28: Ontario budget addresses needs of the double cohort

The needs of double cohort students looking to enter university in Ontario this fall will be met by provincial support announced in the March 27 . . .

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Posted on March 20: Open letter to the McMaster community from President Peter George

Posted on April 29: North American Occupational Health & Safety Week activities May 5-9, 2003

Posted on March 28: Students to vote on financing new multi-sport/wellness complex

Posted on March 28: Health notice regarding SARS

Posted on March 28: Ontario budget addresses needs of the double cohort

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