Daily News

posted on May 28: Keep our air clean: Bike, run, walk or skate to work June 3-9

Dust off that bicycle. Dig out your running shoes. Try on those shiny, new rollerblades. The Commuter Challenge is coming to Hamilton in June and McMaster commuters are being encouraged to bicycle, walk, run, or skate to work. "Leave your car at home and take up the commuter challenge" is the message from Green Venture during National Environment Week, June 3 - 9. Why does Green Venture want you to leave your car at home? The answer is a four-letter word: smog. The City of Hamilton and several organizations in the region are participating in the national initiative aimed at keeping our air clean. And McMaster is being asked to do the same. The challenge provides McMaster faculty, staff and students with a chance to demonstrate their concern for the environment and increase the University's participation in the event, which averaged about 40 participants last year. (It was the first year for Hamilton and McMaster to join in the event and there was little time to prepare for and promote the event.) "This is an opportunity for the McMaster community to build on the momentum and interest that was created last year. We know faculty, staff and students are committed to the environment and to sustainable transportation," says Jennifer Dawson, air quality project co-ordinator for Green Venture, which is organizing participation in the Second Annual Hamilton Commuter Challenge.

posted on May 24: Purchasing Resources, Financial Services staff preparing for June 1 move

Staff from some areas of Purchasing Resources and Financial Services are packing up, preparing for their move to the courthouse June 1. Movers will come in next Friday morning and on Monday morning (June 4), 43 staff will begin their work day on the fourth floor of the former Wentworth County courthouse. Staff who are moving downtown June 1 are from the areas of Payroll, Purchasing, Customs & Traffic, Accounts Payable, Travel and Accounting & Control. Student Accounts Receivable, the Cashier's Office, both store locations and Mail Services are not moving. Lilian Scime, assistant vice-president administration, said the departments will be communicating directly with their users via e-mail about any specific changes in operating procedures. "Our plan is to ensure that the move goes smoothly and that business carries on as before once everyone is moved in," said Scime, who will move to the courthouse campus in September. Purchasing Resources and Financial Services will be closed to visitors Thursday, May 31 and Friday, June 1. On those days, students can continue to make payments on accounts at Titles Bookstore or leave payments in the drop box outside of Gilmour Hall, room 208 and can consult MUGSI for account balances. "Once everyone is moved in and we're through year end, Business Management Service staff will consult with their customers to determine how we can provide service more effectively from our new location," said Scime.