Daily News

posted on Feb. 7: Canada Research Chair leads $5M international project on globalization, autonomy

Political science professor William Coleman, the Canada Research Chair in Global Governance and Public Policy, will lead a $5-million international research project examining globalization and autonomy. Coleman and his team of researchers were awarded $2.5 million from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) for the new project. The remaining $2.5 million comes from partnering universities, primarily McMaster University and the University of Toronto. The five-year project involves 13 Canadian universities and 16 international organizations including experts from China, Taiwan, Europe and the United States. Eighteen McMaster researchers from the Faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences join a group of 56 scholars in bringing expertise to the project. Their disciplines include history, sociology, anthropology, political science and literary and cultural studies. Coleman says that over the past several decades, processes now termed globalization have been restructuring the way many people live and how they relate to others. The impact of globalization on countries and their economies is a serious issue in international politics. "Who would have thought 10 years ago that a small Canadian business or a Mexican peasant would require knowledge of NAFTA trading rules or World Trade Organization (WTO) subsidy definitions to earn a living?" said Coleman. "We are living in an increasingly complex global village and our research findings will help Canadians negotiate the challenges ahead."

posted on Feb. 6: Third annual food fair warms mind, body, soul

Returning for its third year, the annual Soul Food Fair is underway today, Feb. 6, in Convocation Hall. The fair also features guest speaker Stu Black, who will speak on Laughter Really is the Best Medicine tonight at 7 p.m. in Convocation Hall. Black's talk is focused on teaching people to rediscover their funny bones on the way to a happier more productive life. The fair's theme - "It's about balance" - recognizes that everyone needs sustenance for the body, mind and spirit in order to enjoy true health and wellness. The Soul Food Fair, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., was initiated by the Chaplaincy Centre in the winter of 2000 recognizing that many people experience "the winter blues." February seemed like the perfect time to be proactive about sharing resources for health and wellness that nourish the body, mind and spirit. This year's fair is co-sponsored by McMaster Students Union campus events and the Soul Food organizing committee comprised of athletics & recreation, Centre for Student Development, the Chaplaincy Centre, International Students Office and Student Health Service. The fair is free for all McMaster students and employees, featuring prizes, giveaways and free samples. There are exhibits and musical entertainment in Convocation Hall, as well as workshops located in the McMaster Museum of Art and the Ivor Wynne mezzanine. Workshops do not require registration. Topics include art therapy, aromatherapy, meditation, massage therapy, esoteric studies, reflexology, reiki and touch therapy. (End of story)

posted on Feb. 5: Nominations open for 2002 President’s Award of Excellence – Student Leadership

Nominations are now being accepted for the President's Award of Excellence - Student Leadership. Nomination forms - the deadline is Feb. 22 - are available from the Office of the Associate Vice-President (Student Affairs), Gilmour Hall, Room 207. The President's Award of Excellence was established in 1993 to recognize in-course students in their graduating year who have demonstrated a commitment to the University's belief in excellence in its student body. The selection committee may present up to three awards annually. Each award will be a President's Student Medal of Excellence and the recipient will have his/her name inscribed on a commemorative plaque displayed permanently in the McMaster University Student Centre. This award acknowledges the contributions made by students who play a significant role in improving and developing the intellectual, social, cultural and/or athletic fabric of the McMaster community. The selection committee will consider those nominees who have demonstrated outstanding student leadership qualities. The award will be presented on the basis of how the nominees' achievements have contributed to the betterment of the University community and to the advantage of the students who attend McMaster. The overall quality of the contribution rather than the achievement of a certain status or position will be the determining factor for the committee to arrive at a final decision. In addition, the individuals selected to receive an award may also have extensive involvement in the local, provincial, or national communities. (End of story)