AGENDA - SRA 04N STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY …...SRA 04N- Page 2 Jan 9, 2005 2. Clubs Administrator - Patel - verbal • Mehul - Clubsfest II will take place on Wednesday January

AG EN D A - SRA 04NSTUDENT REPRESENTATIVE ASSEM BLY

Sunday January 9, 2005, 6:30pm

PR O C E D U R E

Call to Order, Call o f the Roll, Adoption o f the Agenda, Adoption o f M inutes 04K, 04L, and 04M, Delegations from the Floor, Information Period, Question Period, Business Arising from the Minutes, Committee Business, Business, Unfinished Business, New Business, Tim e o f Next M eeting, Adjournment, Call o f the Roll.

C O M M IT T E E BUSINESS

1. Bylaws & Procedures - verbal Brown2. Clubs Adm inistrator - Patel3. External Affairs - attached Sumner4. GLBT Centre - Taylor5. M ACycle Co-op - attached Singh6. University Affairs - verbal Erickson7. Executive Board - attached Grenier8. Vice-President (Administration) - attached

M oved by , seconded by that the SRA receiveall reports as presented.

Piribauer

BUSINESS

1. Election o f M SU (non-SRA) members on other Committees• J. Lynn W atson (1)• MSU Spirit Award (1)

Piribauer

2. Election o f an SRA m ember as the Finance Committee Chairperson

Khan

3. M cM aster Tsunami R elief Fund Khan4. Environmental and Social Ethics Policy Grenier

.MOTIONS

1. M oved by Piribauer, seconded b y _________ that the SRA. elect ( 1) MSU (non-SRA)member on J. Lynn W atson and M SU Spirit Award.

2. M oved by Khan, seconded b y ____________that the SRA open nom inations for the FinanceCommittee Chairperson.

3. M oved by Khan, seconded by Piribauer that the MSU donate $___________to theM cM aster Tsunami R elief Fund.

4. a) M oved by Grenier, seconded b y __________that the SRA create an Ad Hoccommittee named the Ad Hoc Committee on Environmental and Social Ethics policy, to research and create an ethical purchasing policy.

b) M oved by Grenier, seconded b y _________ that the SRA open nominations forchairperson o f the Ad Hoc committee on Environmental and Social Ethics policy.

MSUStudent Representative Assembly Meeting 04N

Sunday January 9, 2005 (S' 6:30pm Council Chambers, Gilinour Hall Room 111

Call to O rder (a 6:30 p.m.

Call of the Roll Present Baldeo, Bateman, Brown, Dinath, Grenier, Jones, Kashyap, Khan. Mohan, Moran,

Murray, O'Neill, Osborne, Ott, Pahulje, Patel (Bhavik). Piribauer. Raina, Ramdeen. Robinson, Sarin, Sumner, Vanini, Vijayakanthan

Absent ExcusedAbsentLateOthers Present

Dyason. Klein, TakawyDu, Erickson, Gamble, Minard. Patel (Barkha), QureshyDave Moore (MAPS, MSUAA), Katherine Lim (MSU member), Samiraly Moosa(FYC Co-Chair), Hannah Bolen (FYC Co-Chair), Pardeep Singh (MACycle Co-op), Mehul Patel (Clubs), Chrissy Taylor (GLBT), Adrian Bartha, Maureene Ninham (Recording Secretary)KheraniSpeaker

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

Moved by Brown, seconded by Moran to adopt the agenda as amended.

Amendments

• Robinson - add item # 9 - OUSA Lobby Conference Report under Committee Business• Piribauer - move Committee Business after Delegations from the Floor

ADOPTION OF MINUTES 04K. 04L, AND 04M

Moved by Brown, seconded by Sumner that the minutes be adopted as amended.

Amendments

• Moore - in minutes 04M, Baldeo and Murray should be listed as late, not absent.

• Brown - apologize for not getting a report out to the members, was a little confused aboutreporting schedule. We have done the EFRT and Silhouette operating policies. The Silhouette policy will be coming to the next SRA meeting for approval. Elections bylaw will also be coming to the committee soon. By the end of the year, I would like to have a new slate for Bylaws for the coming years. Attendance is also something that I would like the committee to look over as well.

Carried by General Consent

C arried by General Consent

COMMITTEE BUSINESS

1. Bylaws & Procedures - Brown - verbal

SRA 04N- Page 2Jan 9, 2005

2. Clubs Administrator - Patel - verbal

• Mehul - Clubsfest II will take place on Wednesday January 12, 2005 from 9am to 3pm.Everything is good to go and all are welcome. The CEC has been off to a great start. We havehad numerous meetings to appro ve/disapprove clubs. One of our biggest projects for the year is preparing the clubs manual. We have been discussing it with the CEC and will be ready for SRA approval by March. I will be holding another clubs training in late January to help clubs with their operations and another one in March to improve the transition process. Office allocations have been prepared and are available online. Budget allocations have been done for the first semester and 40% of the funding is left over for the second semester. Lastly, Kevin and I have been working hard to increase the efficiency of the clubspace. Although this problem can never be fully resolved, we have had a great deal of progress.

3. External Affairs - Sumner - attached

• Sumner - the committee met for a number of hours late one night to review this document wherewe added and edited sections of the response including a part on environmental sustainability.The Rae Review is due out in late January and will have more information available once it is out. At EAC meetings, we have casually talked about what the future lobbying goals of OUSA are and how they intend to do this. I will be attending the next OUSA Assembly in Spring where it will be held at Queen’s. Over the next few months, I hope to bring policy on income contingent loans and/or repayment plans for approval.

• Gillezeau - has anyone from the External Affairs committee gotten in contact with thoseorganizing the protests planned for the release of the Rae Review (given calls for a tuitionincrease)?

• Sumner - no but we could look at that though.

4. GLBT Centre - Taylor - verbal

• Taylor - all of our services have been up and running. We have been having weekly socials, discussion groups, and we have had an awareness table up every month in the MUSC Lobby.Pride week was in November and it was very successful. Turnout rates have increased from last year. December 4th, we ended volunteering and had a potluck. Training was today so we will have full time hours as of Monday like last semester. Applications for new volunteers are out.We will be holding our annual formal at the end of March. Hope that it is successful.

5. MACycle Co-op - Singh - attached

• Singh - over December, the Executive and a few Co-op members have redesigned the shop layout for ease of use. Financially the shop seems to be operating close to zero cost. Currently the Co-op operates on a September to April term but based on a study conducted during the summer of 2004, it was found that there was a demand from the students, staff, faculty, and other members to haveit operate from May to April. We have also joined with the ACT office, TLC-OPIRG in a sticker campaign to advertise cycling and alt-trans to students, staff, faculty, and surrounding community members. You will all soon notice stickers appearing on bike racks, and other places around campus; showing logos and information about MACycle, ACT, etc. In addition, MACycle has also established bicycle repair service contracts with Security, Parking, ERFT, and SHWAT. Members have already demonstrated interest in joining next year’s Executive. To make the transition process smoother, we have started training some possible technicians and administrative support. MACycle will also be hosting weekend bike repair workshops for faculty and staff in an attempt to fundraise/contribute to the salary of a paid technician.


Executive Board - Grenier - attached

Grenier - we have only had a couple of meetings during the end of the year. We approved a motion to increase the service boundaries to include a 15-minute radius around the downtown centre. We also approved the allocation of an email prefix for the SWHAT Volunteer Coordinator. We approved a donation towards the Bathtub Project in the amount of $75.00 and we struck a hiring committee for the CLAY Coordinator consisting of Umair, Meraj Delevari, and Shano and we hired Jackie Sankey for the position.Brown - are the second semester meeting times decided yet?Grenier - we have one on Wednesday January 12, 2005 at 2:30pm.Ninham - this might be the time of all meetings but we will discuss this at the meeting.

Vice-President (Administration) - Piribauer - attached

Piribauer - now that the initial round of training for SRA members and Part Time Managers has concluded, what remains is feedback-directed training initiatives. Various sessions will be planned to coincide with Part Time Manager meetings based on the direction that I get from staff. The compensation review is continuing through January. Most of the Full Time staff have been interviewed by our Human Resource personnel. An assessment will be conducted in terms of how accurately the current job descriptions depict what the employee actually does, how jobs within the MSU support each other, and the need for each job within the organization. This is not suggesting that there will all of a sudden be a wholesale restructuring of staff or that anyone is going to lose their job. This means that we will be looking for areas where jobs can be combined or expanded, where people are taking on too much or where people have the opportunity to take on a little more. The review will continue through the second term, with recommendations coming in March for implementation. The issue of hiring practices continues to be evaluated with each round of hiring being performed. The questions continue to be standardized, with an emphasis on the inclusion of all four varieties of interview questions. The inclusion of a “take home” set of interview questions also continues to be reviewed, as a possibly way of gaining more accurate insight into the best candidate. Part Time Manager evaluations took place during a two- week period in the middle of December. About 2/3 of the managers completed their package, with the remaining 1/3 asking for an extension into January. Some observations included: Managers were much harder on themselves than were the results from other staff that indicated performance levels; there could be a question as to the validity and reliability of the randomly distributed evaluations. This will be examined further with a recommendation made for next year; the evaluations that were completed on myself were positive in my opinion. Results are in my report. Managers will be required to complete the mid-year evaluations and will be completed in early January. Regular meetings are scheduled with managers on a monthly basis. Jobs for the 20052006 year are online and have been up since December. The goal is to have managers hired by January 28th, which will ease transition. The postings for jobs that fall beneath Managers will be posted in late January with an end date of February 14th. The goal is to have all positions hired by February 28th. Student Recognition Night will be held on Wednesday March 30, 2005. A large emphasis will be placed on the transition of new employees replacing employees that are leaving.A focus will be placed on the managers keeping their transition manuals up to date. Outgoing managers will have to complete exit interviews with myself and I will then seek to have the final two weeks pay distributed in the form of a cheque, delivered only after adequate transition has been made. The MSU Newsletter went out and I think that it is a useful tool in summarizing into one document, what the MSU does. Focus of advertising policies are being looked at around the addition of advertisement solicitation to the operation of Design & Copy. A second round of SWAG distribution will take place during Clubsfest II on Wednesday. We are hoping to target new students as well as those students who did not have a chance to pick theirs up. Focus will also be made during the second term on fixing our current capital request system and making it easier for managers and staff to complete. Over the course of the semester, I will be focusing on photo archival to form a basis of our archiving moving into the future. With updated technology, our purchasing of new server infrastructure, and changing ways in which departments handle their data, there will need to be a conscious effort on the following: the purchase of appropriate

SRA 04N— Page 4Jan 9, 2005

software/hardware, the allocating of staff time, the education for staff members on the necessity of archiving, and the production of a proper retrieval system or interface. In late February and early March I will conduct the process of surveys and focus groups to test the claims that I have made over the course of the year. If there is anything you think I missed, please let me know.

• Grenier - under the Appendix section of your report, what would bad performance entail?• Piribauer - some of the headlines I used were not good but Good is when rewarding staff and

recognizing that they did something good. Bad would be the opposite, if staff are doing something they shouldn’t be, etc.

8. OUSA Lobby Conference Report - Robinson - attached

• Robinson - November 29 to December 1, Mohan, Murray, and myself were the delegates to the2004 OUSA Lobby Conference held at Queen’s Park. There were 51 meetings scheduled over the three days; however, there were approximately 5 meetings in which conflicts occurred (on the government side) and the meeting was not carried out. In each meeting, the focus was on the Rae Review and OUSA submission. The three key elements that delegates focused on were Public Funding; Tuition Fees; and Student Financial Aid. A copy of the OUSA Briefing Document has been provided for more information on the statistics and information used during the meetings. Much of the response that was received during meetings was that members were please with the work of OUSA and support of the initiatives that OUSA has taken with the Rae Review, in particular to long-term thought that was put into the submission. At the steering committee debrief, suggestions were given to host a cocktail party to open the conference in future years. Overall the conference was quite successful, particularly with the two OUSA mentions during Question Period. Each year, the profile of the organization continues to grow and with the addition of two new schools there will be opportunity for more meetings in the future.

Moved by Mohan, seconded by Khan that the SRA receive reports as presented.


INFORMATION PERIOD

Mohan - welcome back to all members. Update on CASA, at the meeting where the SRA empowered me to write a response letter, I wrote the letter after speaking with Kusie just to clarify what was said and I contacted him because the break and still have not received a response. As with Mr. Minniti’s involvement, have met with the Board and we talked about what was said.From the Board’s perspective, our concern was with what was said from everyone at that level not with certain people named. I would also like to commend Khan on his work with the Tsunami Relief. Many clubs came together and attempted to raise money. This wasn’t as effective as it could’ve been but the end result was favorable. We have every club working together and the money will be divided up equally. Bridges Cafe is about 75% complete at this stage. We are still waiting for the additional funding of $50,000. We hope to have the cafe open by the end of January and have the Grand Opening at the beginning of March. The Cafe Coordinator was hired. There was a PACCR meeting and we are looking into holding a few open forum sessions where we can have a third party conflict resolution company involved. I am also looking to hold an MSU General Assembly meeting before the Presidentials and at this meeting I would like to give a brief summary of what’s happening, etc. There is a Senate Board of Governors meeting this week. The community has initiated a joint venture with the Hamilton police, McMaster University, and the community to have more of a policing effort within the Westdale community. By doing this, they might cut us some slack. We adopted the policy for Muslim Prayer Space at the MUSC Board of Management meeting. Quarters now have cheap drinks on Thursday’s instead of Saturdays to increase business on Thursday nights. There will still be cheap drinks on Saturday nights but only until 11:00pm.Grenier - last night was the Science Faculty Formal, we had about 200 people attend and it was a lot of fun.


Ninliam - notify the SRA members that the last SRA meeting of the year has been changed from Monday March 28lh to Wednesday March 30th due to previous years. It is custom to have the last SRA meeting of the year before they adjourn to Student Recognition Night. 1 will also send out a reminder email to every one.O’Neill - effective after this meeting, 1 have to resign from the SRA. My hands are currently tied as I am the President of the Marketing Association and I will be running two conferences but one of these conferences fall on an SRA meeting date and if I miss that SRA meeting, 1 will be forced to resign. I would like to have this seat open for the January by-elections so that someone else has a chance to sit on the Assembly.Speaker - Any vacancies after January 7th, the Assembly has to approve that we go to a byelection because the Assembly can also choose to keep those seats vacant until the SRA General Election.Robinson - you have a copy of the submission from the MSU on Implementing Refining Directions in your agenda packages. We have put this together for them to approve. Received feedback from Grenier and put it into the document. Dr. Rymack (CLL) was happy with student focus. He was suiprised that the MSU was not in favor of Key Performance Indicators. Have a copy of the letter that is being sent out to MP’s and MPP’s. Meetings with David Christopherson and Marie Boutranni have been cancelled and need to be rescheduled. There is also a delegate seat available for these meetings. Received a letter from the Registrar about Convocation and there will be 8 instead of 6 this year. This is because of the increased number of students. The combined nursing program will have their own convocation and for this valedictorian selection will be complicated. The Registrar would like to have the undergraduate calendar available to students for a fee instead of free of charge. What type of response would you like me to give to the Registrar about this? We can go through the University Affairs Committee. Have an OUSA Steering committee meeting on Friday.Murray - it is Frost Week this week. Tuesday is dinner and a movie at Quarters, Wednesday is Doug Lansky - World Travel Expert, Thursday is Playstation Tournament - Madden 2005 and we will also be having a Carnival in the MUSC Marketplace and we will be having a mechanical bull, and Friday is New Music Night featuring Project Orange. Charity Ball tickets go on sale starting Monday. We have noticed that attendance is lacking at events and I think that it has a lot to do with not having the Listserv sign up at the SWAG table. We need to get the first years back on the listserv.Piribauer - Kropman (Maroons) wanted me to pass along a message that he was going to attend this SRA meeting but has to come to the next SRA meeting to make a presentation about collaborating the Maroons. We held a Marmor Editorial Advisory Board meeting and we went over past issues with production, archives, advertising, etc. We are also looking to have a member from the Registrar’s office to sit on this Board. There was also a MUSC Board of Management meeting last Wednesday and it was a very inspiring meeting where it showed all the members working for the good of the MUSC and the students. Three of the members came to the table with solid suggestions and feedback. We will be looking into getting a more dedicated space for the Multi Faith space, where Room 228 was mentioned as an option. We could get all of the classes out of that room on Friday afternoons. Any comments or concerns, please just submit them to us. There will be two “Free Phones” being installed in the MUSC, 1 in the atrium near Williams and the other in the lobby near the Quarters office. We will get a percentage of the revenue from these phones. The budget was submitted with the last two years consolidated. It was approved and ready to go. As for cleaning the MUSC, we are always discussing this issue. The University has allocated us an increased custodian, as the MUSC is the most expensive building to maintain. We will be revisiting that and going over what options we have with continuing employees on campus or contracting off campus.Khan - McGowan and I have been meeting with HSR. They are increasing the monthly bus pass 5%. There will be a Tsunami Relief Benefit Rally in the MUSC Marketplace at 12pm tomorrow. Quarters will be fundraising on Wednesday. All proceeds made at Quarters will be donated. McMaster has donated their downtown call centre for the Phone-a-thon happening on Tuesday. CHTV needs volunteers to work the phones and there are 6 different shifts. I have the sign up sheet if anyone is interested in helping. So far we have over $7000 right now and potentially

$3000-4000 from RoundUp. Minimum wage will be increasing in February. By 2007, it will be increased to $8.00. We will be coming up with ideas to discuss if we want to pursue. In regards to the Dental Plan, McGowan has been working on requests for proposal to see if local dentists would like to offer students a discounted rate. We will start meeting with different dental plan providers and at the next SRA meeting, there will be a motion for the Assembly to move forward with a referendum. We do not have to have a dental provider picked when we approve this motion but we do have to get this motion approved or not soon. A motion for the HSR will also be coming to the next meeting.

• Mohan - the Medical school has shown interest to rejoin the MSU again. At this stage, they are looking for access to the bus pass and health plan. They also want increased representation at the Senate level, as they have no representation there. They are looking to join the MSU to also give them further representation. We are still talking and we have sent them the budget. If they did join the MSU, they would not be charged all of the MSU, as they would not utilize all of our services.

• Murray - wanted to inform the Assembly that Christina Bums has had her contract extended until March 1st, 2005.

• Minard - trying to set up a meeting for the Women In Leadership conference and hoping that ameeting will be called next week. We will have a table at Clubsfest II to recruit volunteers.

QUESTION PERIOD

• Qureshy - to Piribauer - with regards to the Free Phone in the MUSC, who initiated this? Over what period was this discussed? Who approved it? And is this an external effort or is it the school looking for more revenue?

• Piribauer - the company was talking to 12 different schools at the same time. It was an external company that came in although they did not come in to make a presentation. We discussed alternatives for renting phones and providing them for students free of charge. Although it was decided that we wouldn’t be able to afford the infrastructure for the LCD screen. This was not viewed as a revenue generator; it is viewed as providing students the opportunity to access a phone. This is a test project with no end date and it is up to the MUSC Board to remove.

• Qureshy - when will this be effective?• Piribauer - they were supposed to be installed but there are some issues with lines coming into the

building.• Robinson - to Assembly - what type of response would you like me to send in regards to the

Undergraduate Calendar having a fee for students?• Osborne - the website is cumbersome.• Moran - would like a printed version as opposed to the website.• Grenier - there should still be printed versions available. Not everyone has the Internet.• Khan — eventually the printed version will disappear but it has to take time. Maybe suggest an

ordering system for students.• Pahulje - it is ridiculous to have students pay for the calendar. Maybe have them keep a few

printed copies available but not at a charge to students.• Murray - agree with Khan and there should be an ordering system. That way a student has the

option.• Robinson - this means that every student would have to have access to the Internet but sometimes

you cannot even register online. At the MAPS dinner, a senior citizen had to come into register and they took the paper registration.

• Murray - why don’t they print them as deemed necessary. They could send out an order form orsomething to students.

• Moors — MAPS has been fighting this. Registering over the Internet is cumbersome if the Registrar was thinking about going paperless. Everyone gets a calendar except students who already pay a great deal of money for tuition.

• Gillezeau - we should be as angry and as mean as possible when responding.• Raina - are they going to make First Year students register online? Isn’t registration hard enough

as it is already?

• Osborne - why don’t they try to make improvements to the website first?• Robinson - how would you like the response given?

Straw Poll Letter = 23 Silhouette Article = All

• Jones - to Piribauer - has the MUSC Board of Management discussed why it is so difficult for student groups to get tables in the MUSC?

• Piribauer - it did not come up at the meeting but there are always 10 tables that students can sign out. But there will always be tables for external organizations.

• Sumner - to Murray - in the past, what has attendance been like for Charity Ball?• Murray - we had to open up another room last year. We had to increase capacity for 1200 tickets.

Normally by a couple of days before the event, tickets are sold out.• Qureshy - to Murray - at the last meeting there was talk about Micheal Moore coming to speak,

what is going on with that?• Murray - it is a no go. The third party fell through because the funding wasn’t working out.

BUSINESS

1. Election of MSU (non-SRA) members on other Committees

Moved by Piribauer, seconded by Bateman that the SRA elect (1) MSU (non-SRA) member on the J. Lynn Watson and MSU Spirit Award committees.

Discussion

• Speaker - is there anyone here that is running for these positions?• Brown nominated Katherine Lim for J. Lynn Watson Award, accepted

Moved by Grenier, seconded by Minard to close nomations for the J. Lynn Watson Award.


Moved by Bateman, seconded by Khan to ratify Katherine Lim on the 2004-2005 J. Lynn Watson Award committee.

In favor: 30 Opposed: 0 Abstain: 0 Motion Carried

• Speaker - the MSU Spirit Award will stay open.

2. Election of an SRA member as the Finance Committee Chairperson

Moved by Khan, seconded by Robinson that the SRA open nominations for the Finance Committee Chairperson.

Discussion

• Patel (Barkha) nominated Bateman, accepted.

Moved by Khan, seconded by Patel that the SRA close nominations and ratify Amanda Bateman as the Finance Committee Chairperson for 2004-2005.

In favor: 28 Opposed: 1 Abstain: 1 Opposed: Jones

Abstain: Bateman

SRA 04N-- Page 8Jan 9, 2005

Motion Passes

3. McMaster Tsunami Relief Fund

Moved by Khan, seconded by Piribauer that the MSU donate $16,595.00 to the McMaster Tsunami ReliefFund.

Discussion

• Khan — this comes out to $1.00 per student. There are many reasons why I am in favor of this motion. Students have come together efficiently and quickly to fundraise for this but a lot of us cannot comprehend or understand the tragedy. Corporations have social responsibilities and that is another reason why I am producing this motion. We should take initiative as we have already seen how students have come together. The government also has a matching program and the deadline is January 11, 2005. I think that with the student contributions, hospitality, and McMaster community we can break $25,000-30,000 and that is an amazing accomplishment.

• Piribauer - it should be noted that there are some concerns about taking money from students but we are not looking to take this from the student fees. This will come specifically from our revenue generating services and the surplus that we currently have. We have an opportunity to help. This looks great for students and could possibly increase community relations. This will make the MSU/SRA look good and puts pressure on the University to donate as well.

• Mohan - for obvious reasons 1 am strongly in support of this. It upsets me that the University administration is not doing much for this case. Other Universities are adopting a city, matching money but we are the only University to consolidate our clubs and have them work together.Some students have been opposed to this but I have not come across anyone that has been unhappy with this donation. After this, we might look into consolidating with other companies to send other materials (non-monetary).

• Gillezeau - have to speak against this. Huge devastations are not our job. Why have we chosen to give money to this disaster but not our community? This is showing that these people are more important than our own community members. We are taking money from our students. The money that comes from our services it built on the capital from student funds. I had 20 responses from Arts & Science students within 12 hours about this motion and 29 students were against. If we were to approve this we should give equal amounts to the food banks in Hamilton and to Sudan.

• O’Neill - in the Accounting department, they should have an account named “Goodwill” where when we make a donation like this is takes it out of the tax bracket so not all of this money would be taxed. As for other causes, the Red Cross does fund in all areas and they have fundraising efforts for all areas. I believe that this motion should be approved because students that have come back from the break have been impacted. If they can be doing something, we are doing it for them, on behalf of students. We are giving them the opportunity to give money that they might not be able to give themselves right now.

• Robinson - opposed to the motion. I agree with Gillezeau, how much have we put into student bursaries? What have we given to other causes around the world that have happened? What did we do for the September 11th attacks? We are not in the position to give this money nor is it within our mandate to direct funds to causes such as this.

• Piribauer - have respect for the opposing sides but look at how many students would like to see this approved? Look at how many students alone have been active this week alone with fundraising efforts. Ultimately, I cannot stand here and say that I would choose to put money towards my education versus someone that I do not know but I would for thousands of people who are fighting for their lives. I value my education but I value my morals even more. When something at this magnitude happens and it gets support that serves to motivate others to make them feel that they can do something. As for other fundraising initiatives, we have many student clubs that contribute to other companies but this is something unexpected and is a huge benefit to support now instead of later.


• Mohan - I do not want to take away from what other members are saying but this has been labeled as the worst natural disaster in over 40 years. In 6 years, I have not seen students come together as much as they have with this. This is a large-scale situation and we are well within our rights to go forward with this.

• Minard - in favor of this motion. At East Side Mario's, all the staff are contributing their hard earned tips for the Tsunami. As for student bursaries, the SRA has already shown that we do not want to give money to bursaries. Ask one student on this campus, who would have a problem with contributing $1.00. We are thinking about ourselves. You cannot put a No on $16,000 for people who have lost everything. This is not a comparison and we need to stop being selfish.

• Bateman - for us to sit here and question whether or not we give this money is unfair. We have to stop thinking of ourselves.

• Erickson - in favor. I think this is a great opportunity to help; we have already raised $ 15,000 in less than a week. As for local food banks, this is a separate issue and we can look at this now that it has been brought forward. I think a lot of people are willing to go into “debt” for people who have lost everything.

• Gillezeau - it seems like the Assembly is saying that the people who do not agree with this motion are uncompassionate. It is not the job of the MSU to send along money. You only hear about this tragedy because it is all over the news.

Amendment

Moved by Gillezeau, seconded by Moran that the MSU donate $48,000 to the McMaster Tsunami ReliefFund, the Canadian Red Cross for Sudan, and the Fire Hall Hamilton food banks in equal portions.

Discussion

• Moran - realize that this is a ridiculous motion but I do agree that these causes need to be funded more as well. I do not expect this motion to go forward but I wanted to second this motion so that perhaps in the future we can be a little more supportive with other areas.

• Ott - completely agree with the concern but this issue can be resolved. This is an arbitrary amount and we can discuss these other issues at the next meeting.

• O’Neill - to Gillezeau - if other causes are such a great deal to you, why have you not lobbied to the SRA and why are we bringing this up when we are dealing with another issue. I think it would be great to work out a plan for the rest of the causes but no right now.

• Khan - not in favor of this motion. We do fundraise for many other things during the year. There are tons of ways we can raise funds for these other causes. To say that other causes are ignored is unfair granted that they do not get much attention but that is something that we can work toward in the future.

• Murray - to Gillezeau - we have a great fundraising service within the MSU. Please run for the FIT Leader position because we would love to have someone with your passion to raise funds.

• Gillezeau - 1 did not bring this up before because I didn’t think that it was my job. People have done an outstanding job to raise funds. But these are areas that, if we are giving money, it should be for these causes.

Moved by Sumner, seconded by Brown to call to question.

In favor: 29 Opposed: 0 Abstain: 0 Carried Unanimously

Vote on Amendment

In favor: 1 Opposed: 24 Abstain: 5 Abstain: Grenier, Osborne, Moran, Gamble, Pahulje

Motion Fails

SRA04N- Page 10Jan 9, 2005

Discussion on Main Motion

• Mohan - in favor because for this cause, it is entirely up to one considerable donation. A lot ofareas have not even seen the money yet. $4 billion dollars already raised is not enough. With thecomment about this not being our job, our job is to work with the community.

• Grenier - this time around, we have a big opportunity to give funds and the government will match funds raised. This is us showing that we are socially conscience and aware.

Moved by Erickson, seconded by O’Neill to call to question.

In favor: 27 Opposed: 2 Abstain: 1 Opposed: Mohan, Gillezeau

Abstain: Khan Motion Passes

Vote on Main Motion

In favor: 28 Opposed: 2 Abstain: 1 In Favor noted: Brown

Opposed: Robinson, Gillezeau Abstain: Pahulje

Motion Passes

• Khan - everyone please come to the event being held tomorrow in the MUSC Marketplace. We will be hosting a Tsunami Relief Benefit Rally and we will have a 48-year-old McMaster Part Time student speaking who has lost over 100 family members. It is being held at 12pm.

4. Environmental and Social Ethics Policy

a) Moved by Grenier, seconded by Robinson that the SRA create an Ad Hoc committee names theAd Hoc committee on Environmental and Social Ethics policy, to research and create an ethical purchasingpolicy.

Discussion

• Grenier - what I think we can accomplish here is bringing our environ mentality to the next level. Here we have this really awesome service MACgreen that helps promote and address environmental issues on campus. As it stands, the service does more on the outside of the MSU office than inside. There are so many decisions that are made without an environmental frame of reference. There are still a lot of room to be green in our offices and services. MACgreen’scurrent prerogative, though not explicitly stated I think, is more student oriented throughworkshops and activities, and there is less infiltration of the office decisions that are made about what type of paper to by, where to invest money, or who to purchase chicken from for Quarters.So how do we get green in the office? We create a policy, a statement about what we want to accomplish, a filter on purchasing decisions that could save a part of a forest or help keep some of the carbon dioxide out of our atmosphere. The decisions we make also impact the people who make the products that the MSU uses. We have a responsibility as Canadians to smarten our decisions about whom we support when we buy things. We also have a social responsibility to uphold human rights and promote a good working environment for the people who make the things we use. If there is anyone who thinks that there is a better structure for the second motion, please let me know.

• Erickson - why is the chairperson non-voting?• Grenier - because there are already 5 voting members on this committee.• Erickson - the chair should have voting rights.


Brown - what consequence does this have with agreements with current companies?Grenier - this would change and we could evolve but this would be effective with new partnerships. There is also the possibility of paying a third party to do research on companies that are socially aware.Gillezeau - isn’t the ethical purchasing policy more powerful and would that be the focus of the . committee?Grenier - it would be dependent on what is decided from this committee.Brown - in favor. It is important to look into this and even though the committee will be looking into this, we can make changes as an Assembly if we do not like what they come up with.

In favor: 29 Opposed: 0 Abstain: 1 Abstain: Qureshy

Motion Passes

b) Moved by Grenier, seconded by Gamble that the Ad Hoc Committee on Environmental and Social Ethics consist of one MACgreen Executive member, two SRA members, 3 MSU members, and one Chairperson from the SRA, all voting members.


c) Moved by Grenier, seconded by Robinson that the SRA open nominations for Chairperson of the Ad Hoc committee on Environmental and Social Ethics policy.

Discussion

• Erickson nominated Grenier, accepted.• Speaker - we will leave it up to the SRA if they would like to leave the nominations open until the

next meeting or close them now.

Moved by Erickson, seconded by Patel to close nominations for chairperson of the Ad Hoc committee on Environmental and Social Ethics policy.


Moved by Patel, seconded by Erickson that the SRA ratify Justin Grenier as the Chairperson of the Ad Hoc committee on Environmental and Social Ethics policy.

In favor: 28 Opposed: 0 Abstain: 2 Abstain: Grenier, Du

Motion Passes

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1. Committee Business - University Affairs Report - Erickson

• Erickson - the mission of our committee is stated in Bylaw 3/B, Section 12.2 - The AssemblyStanding Committee on University Affairs shall work to encourage constructive discourse between the MSU and McMaster University's governing bodies and administration, and advocate measures that will enhance the academic and non-academic interests o f the MSU membership.Our areas of focus are: University Development, The Student Wish List, Library Status and Development, and Teaching Quality.University Development covers the Burlington campus, The CAMCO site, and the new Residence. Future plans include: improving communication between the MSU and the

SRA04N- Page 12Jan 9, 2005

University’s administration, creating a policy that addresses the New Residence, to start working on a campus-wide housing policy, and developing a partnership with the Inter-Residence Council on the New Residence issue.The Student Wish List: Goals to find out what kind of development students would like to see oncampus, to prioritize this information and make it available, in the form of a 'wish list”, to the University’s administration, donors, and the public, and to encourage administration to refer to the wish list when making decisions on the growth and development of McMaster. Future plans include: survey the students at McMaster and create a “Student Wish List” to be presented to the university administration and the public, and potentially collect student responses using an online system.McMaster Libraries: Goals - to determine what is an acceptable level of investment into McMaster libraries and to lobby for the necessary funds, to lobby for an improvement in the acquisition of materials and the access to these publications, to foster a leaming/'study-friendly environment in the libraries, and to create a program in the library that cultivates research skills in incoming McMaster undergraduates. Future plans include learning Commons project.Teaching Quality: Goals - to create a MSU Teaching Award criteria that effectively evaluates teaching quality, to review the current course evaluation process and to make recommendations that would improve the current system. Future plans include: establishing appropriate measures of teaching quality to be used in the MSU Teaching Award criteria, drafting a MSU Teaching Award criteria to be used in the 2005-2006 academic year, and consulting with University stakeholders on the current state of the course evaluation process and to establish a role for the MSU in improving the system.Other Activities: include Freedom of Information, Rae Review submissions, and online Refining Directions Response.

NEW BUSINESS

• Erickson - Point of Personal Privilege - will be resigning from the SRA today. Right now, it is a busy academic year for me and during the exam period a lot of personal things have happened. I urge you to join the University Affairs committee because there is a lot that can be done this semester. Thanks to everyone, I enjoyed being on the SRA for the past 1-/4 years.

1. By-Elections

Moved by Robinson, seconded by Mohan that the SRA direct the Election committee to hold a by-election to fill any vacancies declared by the Speaker, whether in an SRA meeting or by e-mail, during January 2005.

Discussion

• Osborne - shouldn’t we change the deadline to today? As opposed to having it during the whole month of January?

• Speaker - when this motion passes, I will declare the seats vacant. This is so the by-election can happen on the CRO’s discretion.

In favor: 28 Opposed: 0 Abstain: 2 Abstain: Moran, Murray

Motion Passes

2. Open Nominations for SRA members on Ad Hoc Committee on Environmental & Social Ethics Policy

Moved by Grenier, seconded by O’Neill that the SRA open nominations for SRA members and MSU members for the Ad Hoc committee on Environmental and Social Ethics policy.

SRA 04N Page 13Jan 9, 2005

Discussion

• Speaker - we can leave this motion open so that we can get more nominations.• Dinath nominated Gillezeau, accepted.• Mohan nominated Raina, accepted.• Speaker - nominations will stay open.


• Speaker - declares Erin O’Neill and Kerstin Erickson resignations.• O’Neill - thanks for everyone who has been a part of the SRA. If anyone needs any information,

please email me. Remember, it is our job to put policies in place and to give money! Make sure you do research on things.

TIME OF NEXT MEETING

The time of the next scheduled SRA meeting is:

Sunday January 23, 2005 @ 6:30pm

Council Chambers, Gilmour Hall Room 111

ADJOURNMENT

Moved by Brown, seconded by Murray that the meeting be adjourned.

Carried Unanimously

Call of the Roll Present Baldeo, Brown, Dinath, Du, Erickson, Gamble, Gillezeau, Grenier, Jones, Kashyap,

Khan, Minard, Mohan, Moran, Murray, O’Neill, Osborne, Ott, Pahulje, Patel, Patel, Piribauer, Qureshy, Raina, Ramdeen, Robinson, Sarin, Sumner, Vanini, Vijayakanthan BatemanDyason, Klein, Takawy

Absent ExcusedAbsentLateOthers Present Dave Moore (MAPS, MSUAA), Katherine Lim (MSU member), Maureene Ninham

(Recording S ecretary)KheraniSpeaker

Adjourned @ 9:33pm

MSUNLcMtstar Studen

From the office o f the External A ffairs Committee

REPORTTO:FRO M :SUBJECT:DATE:

M em bers o f the SRAM att Sum ner (External Affairs Chair)ReportJanuarv 3 2005

H ello mem bers o f the SRA. 1 hope you all had a restful and relaxing break. Since 1 took over as External Affairs chair on Septem ber 26, we have held five m eetings and m ainly discussed issues relating to the Rae Review response paper and the happenings o f OUSA.

R ae R eview Response

T he com m ittee m et for a num ber o f hours late one night to review this docum ent w here w e added and edited sections o f the response including a part on environm ental sustainability. The Rae Review is due to com e out soon and m ore inform ation will be available then. M ost M P ’s and M PP’s are w aiting for the recom m endations o f the final paper before they discuss educational issues in depth.

As 1 w as not able to attend the OU SA Fall A ssem bly 1 am not qualified to talk about the issues discussed and conclusions m ade. However, at External A ffairs m eetings we have casually talked about w hat the future lobbying goals o f OU SA are and how they intend to do this. This has been done through lobbying Provincial M P P ’s at Queens Park for m ore funding to Education and increased accessibility. OUSA is doing a great job and has been m entioned a num ber o f tim es for their work, in parliam ent during question period. 1 w ill be attending the next O U SA assem bly in Spring w here it will be held at Q ueen’s in K ingston.

Future G oals

O ver the nex t few m onths \ hope to bring policy on incom e contingent loans and /or repaym ent p lans to the SRA for approval. This will be discussed m ore in depth at the nex t External Affairs m eeting in a w eek or so. I f any o f you have any questions about this feel free to contact m e for m ore info.

T hank you, M att Sum ner

O USA

M S UM cM a ste r Stm tem REPORT

From the office o f the...

MACycle Co-opTO:FR O M ;SUBJECT:DATE:

M embers o f the SRAPardeep Singh - M ACycle G>-np Director M A C yc le CO-OP Update January 4 ll\ 2005

Dear Members of the SRA:

Status of MACycIc CO-OP ‘the Shop1Over December MACycle CO-OP Executive and a few Co-op members redesigned the shop layout for ease of use. Financially, the shop seems to be operating close to zero cost (on the assumption that accounts outstanding are collected and accounted for)

Service Extending to fu ll year service.Currently MACycle CO-OP operates on a Sept - April Term. Based on a study conducted during the summer of 2004, it was found that there was a demand for MACycle from students, staff, faculty and other university services. So, starting next Session May 05, MACycle CO-OP will operate a MAY 0(X}— April '0(X+1) Term.

Promotions and Teaming upStarting this term, MACycle has joined in with ACT, TLC-OPIRG in a sticker campaign to advertise cycling and alt-trans to Students, Staff, Faculty and Surrounding Community Members. You will all soon notice stickers appearing on bike racks nnd other places around campus; showing logos and information about MACycle, ACT etc.In addition MACycle has also established bicycle repair service contracts with Security, Parking & Trans., EFRT and SWAT.

Positions fo r Next YearMembers have already demonstrated interested in joining next year’s executive.Currently executive positions are as follow: MACycle Co-np Director, Shop Coordinator,Programs Coordinator and Financial coordinator.

Additional position (or addition to role of Director or Shop Coordinator) for next year; Master Technician: this position will hopefully be a paid MSU pos tion.

To make the transition process smoother, we have starte i training some possible technicians and admin support. Come to think of it. there will be two tech-iraining sessions this week.

FundraisingAs mentioned above having a Master Tech, for the upcoming year, MACycle will be hosting weekend Bicycle Repair Workshops for Faculty and Staff in an attempt to fundraise/contribute to the salary of a paid tech.

If you have any questions about these items or about MACycle CO-OP in general, please contact me at [email protected] or [email protected] ca

Take it Easy,

Pardeep Singh

mailto:[email protected]

Executive Board Report January 9, 2005For meetings up to Thursday, December 2, 2004 Prepared by Justin Grenier

SW H ATM otion approved to increase service boundaries to include a 15km radius around dow ntow n center

Em ail allocationsA llocation o f email prefixes for SW HAT V olunteer Coordinator

D onationsA pproved donation to bathtub project o f $75.00

H iring Com m itteeCLAY - C onsisting o f U m air Khan, M eraj D elevari, and Shano M ohan

Results: Jackie Sankey hired

MSUSRA REPORT

Vice President Administration

T o: Student Representative Assembly

From : Tom mv Piribauer, Vice-President (Administration)

Re: SRA Report

D ate: Sunday January 9, 2005

Welcome Back everyone!!! I get the honour o f the first VP Report o f the new year! As always, my report will be offered in a summary format, both o f events and activities that were completed between my last report and this one, as well as those that are planned for the future. I have kept all o f the descriptions short and sweet, with die hopes that you i!! ask questions before or during the meeting. Enjoy.

H um an Resources Activities

Train ing: Now that the initial round o f tra ining fo r SRA m em bers and part tim e managers has concluded, what rem ains is feedback-directed tra ining initiatives. Various sessions will be planned to coincide w ith PTM m eetings based on the direction that I get from managers, staff m em bers, and em ployee evaluations

C om pensation System Review: The com pensation review is continuing through January. M ost o f the full tim e s ta ff have been interviewed by ou r human resources personnel. A fter which, an assessm ent will be conducted in term s o f 1) how accurate ly the current job descrip tions depict w hat the em ployee actually does, 2) how jobs w ithin the MSU support each other, and 3) the need fo r each job w ithin the organization. Now don ’t let this suggest that the re w ill all o f a sudden be a wholesa le restructuring o f staff, or tha t anyone needs fea r for the ir jobs. W hat th is m eans is tha t we will be looking fo r areas where jobs can be com bined or expanded, w here people are taking on too much, o r w here people have the opportunity to take on a little more. The review will continue through the second term , w ith recom m endations com ing in March fo r im plem entation.

Hiring Practices: The issue o f hiring practices continues to be evaluated with each round of hiring being perform ed. The questions continue to be standardized, w ith an em phasis on the inclusion o f all fou r varieties o f interview questions. The inclusion o f a “take home" set of interview questions also continues to be reviewed, as a possible way o f gain ing more accurate insight into the best candidate(s)

PTM Evaluations: PTM- eva luations took place during a two week period in the m iddle of Decem ber. A bout 2/3 o f PTMs com pleted the ir package, with the remaining 1/3 asking fo r an extension into January. The process included a self evaluation, an evaluation o f the supervisor (in m ost cases myself), and an evaluation that was to be com pleted by s ta ff and volunteers on the departm ent m anager. Some observations o f the results included

• Managers were much harder on them selves (through the ir self-evaluation) than were the results from other staff that indicated the ir perform ance levels

• There could be a question as to the validity and re liability of the random ly distributed evaluations. As they are given to the PTMs to hand out to staff, it could be up to them to choose people that would give desired results. This will be exam ined further, with a recom m endation made for next year.

• The evaluations that were com pleted on m yself were positive in my opinion. I have form ulated the results to return to PTMs. I have included those results in Appendix A for your viewing pleasure.

Mid-year reports: PTMs will be required to com plete m id-year reports. They will be completed in early January, w ith a lead-in to final reports.

Mid-year m eeting with staff: I meet regularly with PTMs on a m onthly basis. The focus of January meetings w ill include: M id-year reports, evaluations, goals fo r the second sem ester troubleshooting, and transition.

Job Postings (PTMs): The 2004-2005 PTM jobs were posted in Decem ber, with an end date o f January 14, 2004. The few jobs within departm ents that are being restructured have beer- held off. The goal is to have most PTMs hired by January 28 th, which will ease the transition A ny PTM who w ishes to return to their position must do so follow ing the same application process. Once the applications have been received, they will be evaluated, and the Executive Board can make the recom m endation to re-hire them.

Job Postings (support staff): The postings for our jobs tha t fa ll beneath Part T im e Managers w ill be posted in late January with an end date o f February 14th. Many o f the hiring panels include the PTMs as a member, so in that event, the PTM must be hired before the hiring for subordinates begins. The goal will be to have all jobs hired by February 28th. Any jobs that do not have suitable candidate subm issions will be reposted to a subsequent two week period.

Recognition Night: Recognition night will occur on March 30, 2005 in CIBC Banquet Hall.

Transition o f Staff: A large em phasis will be placed on the transition o f new em ployees will those who are leaving. An earlier hiring period should ease this process. Throughout the term, a focus will be placed on PTMs keeping the ir transition m anuals up to date. The end o f March will require each outgoing m anager to meet with m yse lf and the new hire to outline the manual and d iscuss all e lem ents o f the job. Outgoing m anagers will them have to com plete exit interviews with myself. I will seek to have the final two weeks pay distributed in the form o f a cheque, delivered on ly after adequate transition has been made.

O th e r A c tiv itie s

Newsletter: The role o f editor for the MSU newsletter has been assumed by M ichelle Ball, our Public Relations D irector. The first issue was produced and distributed in early December. It included subm issions from various departm ents o f the MSU, w ith ed itorials and stories that projected the departm ent in a more hum orous light. A second edition will be planned fo r late January. It is our hope that more people will take the opportunity to make subm issions to this newsletter. Though it does not have the sam e readership as say, the Spectator, it is a useful tool in sum marizing into one document, that which the MSU does.

2

Advertising Policies: The focus of advertising policies centred around the addition of advertisem ent solicitation to the operation o f Design and Copy. The Services com m ittee has taken th is as the focus of the ir activities,

SWAG: A second round of SW AG distribution will take place during C lubsfest 2 on W ednesday January 12th' W e will hope to target new students, as well as those who d idn ’t get a chance to pick theirs up. W e have roughly 1000 items left to give away.

MSU W ho?: MSU W ho day took place on Novem ber 3 \ with different opin ions on the level of success. The Maroons were out operating the ir video ciame, and providing reps to station the popcorn and cotton candy. Approx. 15 MSU departments, as well as the SRA, set up tables providing information to students.

Student Leader Gathering: The S tudent Leaders gathering, titled Introductions, took place in October. W e had roughly 175 students attend the tw o-hour event.

Capital Request System: Focus will be made during the second term on fixing our current capital request system , and making it easier fo r managers and staff to com plete. The overlap between the transition o f s ta ff and the capital request deadline makes fo r a situation that is all too com m on; very little attention will be made to capital requests during the appropriate time, and needs are on ly realized long after the deadline has passed. This results in a departm ent working w ithout som e badly needed resources for at least a year. The system s includes a long-term planning function, w hereby the outgoing and incom ing departm ent m anagers can easily and quickly assess the ir capital needs, and make the respective requests. This is a system tha t all m anagers need to buy into, and the easier the process is, the more likely it is that the process will be com pleted.

Archival System: There are two types o f files tha t are stored and archived in the MSU - text docum ents and photos. The archival system s fo r both are in a bad state o f repair. Over the course o f the sem ester I w ill be focusing on photo archival (the easier o f the two) to form a basis o f our archiving moving into the future. Both sets o f user groups (those who produce photos, and those who need to access them ) will be involved in the process. W ith updated technology, our purchasing o f new server infrastructure, and changing ways in which departm ents handle the ir data, there will need to be a conscious effort on the follow ing:

• The purchase o f appropriate software / hardware• The allocating o f s ta ff tim e• The education fo r s ta ff m em bers on the necessity o f archiving• The production o f a proper retrieval system o r interface

Surveys: One o f the necessary evils o f setting goals for production and awareness is the necessity to m easure the results. In late February and early March I will conduct the process o f surveys and focus groups to tes t the c la im s tha t I have made over the course o f the year.

APPENDIX A

Results o f the “supervisor” section o f the employee evaluations. Essentially w hat the PTM s that I supervise had to say about me.

Questions asked for response from 1-10(1 =poor, 1 O^excellent) A verage o f R esponses

Outlining goals of the MSU8.3

Providing Expected amount of training8.3

Communicating information9.0

involvement in the operation of department \8.0

Responding to issues9.1

Being accessible9.3

Good performance8.4

Bad performance '8.0

Major AccomplishmentsKeeps people informed Being supportive Helping to solve problems Always has time to discuss issues Given department freedom to operate Working knowledge of department Dedicated and professional Knowledgeable of the MSU Making more people aware of the MSU

StrengthsGood communication Comes to events Good listening skillsVery diplomatic and able to moderate difficult situations Very approachable Taking time to listen

4

Remains positive Always availableHonest about limits of his avaitabiiity Gets right on top of stuff when I come into office Always willing to help Quick to lend a handMakes people feel secure in lending a hand

WeaknessesDoesn't have a Maroons suit!Takes a long time to respond to e-mails Not as environmentally friendly Needs to have more meetings Needs to control / chair meetings better A little too much freedom

Not adequately trainedQuick tutorial in summer for training How to compose a budget

PTM manuelList of managers, etc. that you should be in contact with Bigger binder

More involved in departmentOutlining goals for departmentGet a SWHAT walk or volunteer for a shiftTake pictures at events

Areas of ImprovementRespond to e-maiisJust keep doing what you're doingMore involvement in department operations

SRA Proposal

To: Student Representative Assembly

Justin Grenier

Creation o f Ad H oc Committee on Environm ental and Social Ethics Policy

From :

Re:

D ate: Sunday January 201)5.

Some primer thoughtsCradle to grave m entality Environm enta l and Social Susta inability How are th ings d isposed of?W hen purchasing we m ust exam ine:

W here are products m ade? - Under w hat w orking conditions?Are contractors and m anufacturers we contact equal opportunity em ployers?Does the com pany have any environm ental policy? If so, is it fo llowed?

BackgroundW e’re just picking up where the fo llow ing leaves off:

MSU O perating Policy 14 - Environm enta l Susta inability S ection 2: G uiding Principles

2.1 Cooperation and Operation Integration:2.1.1 With the cooperation of key stakeholders, an environmental culture and sustainable practices must be

integrated into MSU operations:

2.2 Responsible and Sustainable Solutions:2.2.1 Economic considerations must be acknowledged: however, the cost of being environmentally

sustainable must be accepted;

2.3 Minimization of our Environmental impact:2.3.1 Reducing impact on the environment will result in a more sustainable organization that is economically

efficient and socially responsible;

2.4 Fostering Awareness and Participation:2.4.1 Through an active and visible presence in the University’s environmental community, encourage other

groups to buy into the process through developing values, knowledge, and skills which will lead to environmentally sound decisions;

2.5 Partnerships:2.5.1 Community partnerships will be developed on and off campus;

2.6 Responsibility, Commitment, emu Action:2.6.1 The MACgreen Director is ultimately responsible for the implementation and delegation of tasks required

to fulfill this policy:

2.7 Continuous Improvement and Ri view:2.7.1 This policy is to be reviewed a mually to ensure that its guiding principles, objectives, and commitments

are being met.

T h e s e id e a s a re w o n d e r fu l in p r in c ip le , a n d th a t is w h a t th e a b o v e lis te d a re - guiding principles. P rin c ip le s n e e d to be u p h e ld . C u r re n tly w e ha ve an e n v iro n m e n ta l b ra n c h ca lle d M A C g re e n , w h ic h is d e s ig n e d to im p le m e n t th e se g u id in g p r in c ip le s as w e ll as ca rry o u t th e o b je c tiv e s o u tlin e d in th is po licy . I a rg u e th a t o m e o f th e g u id in g p r in c ip le s o f th e E n v iro n m e n ta l S u s ta in a b ility p o lic y c a n n o t be e ffe c t iv e ly ca rr ie d o u t by M A C g re e n , as th e s e p r in c ip le s can in vo lv e la rg e r is s u e s su ch a s ca p its ! e x p e n d itu re s . T a k e se c tio n 2 .2 R e s p o n s ib le and S u s ta in a b le S o lu tio n s :

2.2.1 Economic considerations must b - acknowledged; however, the cost of being environmentally sustainable must be accepted.

These economic considerations are not ne essarily things that MACgreen executives would have experience with, so a solution must be found in order to determine how other MSU staff should go about choosing 'Responsible and Sustainable Solutions’.

Next examine the title of Section 2.6: Responsibility, Commitment, and Action, Surely these are to be expressed in all the activities of the MSU, including purchasing and the contracting of seivices.

Despite the existence of the Environments Sustainability policy, thete are many decisions that are never considered from perspectives of social responsibility and environmental impact within the MSU decision-making process. For instance, there is no mention in existing by-laws or policies of social responsibility - the responsibility we have as students and student representatives to up: iold high moral standards and good ethical principles.

The policy as it exists does not touch on (he social impacts and consequences of the decisions made by student representatives. It does not offer a rigorous decision-making process that could be followed - a framework that could aid keeping students accountable, not only n student representation, but also in the world at large - as global citizens. As this is a multi-million dollar corporation, there exists a great potential to influence people. The MSU offers many services and affects the lives c t students on many levels, but that sen/ice should not start or stop at the purchase of a product or delivery of a sen/ice. It must be all encompassing: from the moment that product is created the MSU needs to claim responsibility foi it until the day it is (hopefully) deconstructed and recycled. The earth and its systems exist in harmony and their interconnectedness is apparent in the many cycles that are observable in nature. This cycling must continue in tinmen society, and the MSU must take a position of leadership in making responsible decisions for a sustainable future.

Ad-hoc Committee Terms of Reference

1. Purpose• To establish an ethical purchasing policy or decision-r taking fram ework to assist the MSU in

follow ing the principles set out in Operating Policy 14 - Environm ental Susta inability as well asfurther reduce the ecological footprin t of this organization.

• To pave the way for the future integration of more en iienched environm ental and social awareness in the organization, through hopes of eventually integrating these principles into a bylaw. .

2. Proposed StructureOpen committee, with the following voting members:

1. One (1) MACgreen Executive member2. Two (2) SRA members3. Two (2) MSU members

And the follow ing non-voting members:1. One (1) Chairperson (SRA member)

3. AssignmentThe assignm ent of the Ad hoc Com m ittee on Environm ental and Social Ethics Policy is to produce the fo llow ing docum ent(s) for adoption by the SRA:

1. Environm enta lly and Socially Ethical Purchasing Polic2. List of recom m endations: A step-by-step guide to im plem enting and sustain ing the aforem entioned

policy (should these be two docum ents?)

4. Proposed DurationIt is plausible to project an ethical purchasing policy could be designed in a period of 2 months.

Outline:1. Three weeks research on w hat o ther schools have, how they ’ve done it, and w hat the MSU needs

• There a lready exist many policies from other schools of sim ilar nature, so these policies can be exam ined for ideas of w hat this policy should look like

2. Three weeks research and exploration of implications - organizational and financial3. Two w eeks writing draft policy and possible recom m endations fo r implem entation4. One w eek to be reviewed by Bylaws and Procedures Com m ittee (B&P)5. P resented to SRA fo r approval at meeting 04R, March 20, 2005

C o n c lu s io n sW orth m entioning is the fact that m any student unions across the country, the continent and the world have created and adopted po licies with the same spirit as the one proposed in th is docum ent. Som e come with fine deta il, others are ineffectively general. The M cM aster S tudents Union has been considered by itself and by others to be a leader, independent in its morality, but let us continue to place our organization am ong the leaders that show our dependence on - and respect lo r - our environm ent. More importantly, w e ’re doing som eth ing for students for centuries to come - an exam ple of real long-term planning.

REPORT TO THE SRA OUSA LOBBY CONFERENCE

To: S tudent R epresentative A ssem bly

From: E rin B. R obinson , V ice-President (E ducation)

Re: O U SA L obby C onference

Date: Sunday, fanuary 9, 2005

D ear M em bers of the SRA:

F ro m N o v em b er 29 to D ecem ber 1 (inclusive), Shano M ohan (President), S tephanie M urray (OUSA C am pus C oord inator) and m yself w ere delegates to the 2004 O U SA L obby C onference held at Q u een ’s Park.

T here w ere 51 m eetings scheduled over d ie th ree days; how ever, there were approxim ately 5 m eetings in w hich conflicts occurred (on the governm ent side) and the m eeting was n o t carried out. N otab le m eetings included the following:

• Mr. John 'lo ry , L eader o f the O fficial O pposition (PC)• Ms. Laurie Scott, C ritic for Colleges and U niversities (PC)• N D P Caucus• Ms. Jennifer M ossop, Parliam entary A ssistant to the M inister o f Culture• Mr. Jim Flaherty, E d u ca tio n Critic (PC)• H on. jo e C ordiano, M inister o f E conom ic D evelopm en t and T rade• Flon. Jim W atson, M inister o f C onsum er and Business Services• Ms. E lizabeth W itm er, D epu ty Leader, O fficial O pposition (PC)• H on . Jim Bradley, M inister o f T ourism and R ecreation• Mr. T ed M cM eekin, Parliam entary A ssistant to the M inister o f E conom ic D evelopm en t

and Business Sendees• Ms. Jndv Marsales, M PP H am ilton W’esr (LIB)• H on . M ary-A nne C ham bers, M inister o f Training, Colleges and U niversities• H on. G reg Sorbara, M inister o f F inance• C ouncil o f O n tario Universities

In each o f the m eetings the focus was on the Rae Review and O U SA subm ission (copies w ere given to the m em ber w ith w hich w e w ere m eeting). T he three key elem ents that delegates focused on were: 1) Public bunding, 2) T u ition Fees, and 3) S tudent F inancial Aid. A copy o f the O U SA Briefing D o cu m en t has been p rov ided for m ore in fo rm ation on the statistics and in form ation used during m eetings; if anyone is in terested in O U S A ’s subm ission to the Rae Review, visit w w w . a b rig h t f u ture. ca.

http://www.abrightfnture.ca

M uch o f the response tha t was receive during m eetings was that the m em bers w ere pleased w ith the w ork o f O U SA , and we supportive o f the initiatives that O U SA has taken w ith the Rae Review, in particular the long-term tho u g h t that was p u t in to the subm ission.

Additionally, o n W ednesday, D ecem ber 1, M PP Laurie Scott acknow ledged O U S A ’s L obby C onference during Q uestion Period. T he transcrip t can be accessed at:

h ttp ://w w w .o n tla .o n .c a /h a n sa rd /h o u se d eb a tes/3 8 p arl/S ess io n l /L 095 .h tm

R osano M archese also m entioned O U SA during Q uestion Period in reference to a question posed to the M inister C ham bers ab o u t incom e-con tingen t loans several days later . T h e transcrip t can be accessed at:

h ttp ://w w w .o n tla .o n .c a /h a n sa rd /h o u se d eb a tes/3 8 p arl/S ess io n l /L 0 9 7 A .h tm # P 4 6 1 84394

O U SA has taken on the role o f follow -up w ith the m eetings we had (and in particular that ones we d id n ’t have). A t the Steering C om m ittee debrief, suggestions were given to h o s t a cocktail party to open ing the conference in future years. T his wTould serve as a way to reach m em bers tha t w ere otherw ise unable to m eet w ith O U SA , b u t also to invite notable m em bers to speak (i.e. the Prem ier). This is still in developm ent, b u t will be som eth ing th a t nex t year’s S teering C om m ittee will be w orking on.

Overall, the conference was c[uite successful, particularly w idi the tw o O U SA m entions during Q uestion Period . E ach year, the profile o f the organization continues to grow , and w ith the addition o f tw o new schools (Q ueen’s and O ttaw a) there will be opportun ity for m ore m eetings in the future,' and there will be m ore delegates.

I f anyone has any questions, please do n o t hesitate to ask.

T hanks,

http://www.ontla.on.ca/hansard/house

http://www.ontla.on.ca/hansard/house

BRIEFING DOCUMENTFALL LOBBY CONFERENCE 2004 • ONTARIO UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT ALLIANCE

INTRODUCTIONHigh-quality and universally accessible universities are absolutely essential to the social and econom ic developm ent o f Ontario and its citizens. Given this vital importance, the challenge before students, stakeholders and policymakers is to articulate a provincial higher education system which serves the ideals o f access and world-class education within very specific econom ic and political realities.

Unfortunately, Ontario’s university system has not achieved either o f these goals. A greater public investment coupled with systemic reform is desperately needed to ensure higher education in the province meets the needs o f students and facilitates the aspirations o f all Ontarians.

The Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA), on behalf o f its 140,000 full-time, part-time and undergraduate students, has targeted the three financial pillars o f the university system— public funding, tuition and student financial aid— as priorities for reform. This paper provides a quick overview o f the issues in each pillar, as well as OUSA’s educated solutions to these problems. It is our firm conviction that w ell-fun ded , a ccess ib le h igh er ed u ca tion b u ild s a bright future for all O ntarians. Consider the following:

• For every dollar spent on universities, four dollars are returned to the local economy;• The $2 biUion+ public investment in universities returns $3.2 billion to the provincial treasury— a nearly 60 per cent

return on investment;• The median incom e for a university graduate is 51 per cent higher than an individual with only a high school diploma;• According to a study conducted in the United Kingdom, university graduates are, “less depressed, healthier, more

likely to vote in elections and help with their children’s education”; and• Universities have driven research that has battled previously incurable diseases, provided the facilities for innovative

business ideas and developed ideas that have shaped the fortunes o f cities, regions and entire nations.

PUBLIC FUNDINGTo ensure the quality and accessibility o f university education in Ontario, the provincial government must provide an appropriate amount o f public funding to the university system. Unfortunately, the province is currently failing to meet its funding responsibilities. Consider the following:• A 32 per cen t university enrolm ent increase has been met with a 0.7 per cen t decrease in real fu n d in g dollars over

the past decade.• Ontario currently provides the low est am ount o f p er-student fu n d in g in C anada, at $6,018.• Ontario lags far beh in d other jurisd ictions in term s o f the proportion o f p u b lic fu n d in g provided to universities,

covering only 55.9 per cent o f the operating cost o f the university system as compared to an average contribution o f 78.6 per cent across the O E C D and 69.5 in the rest o f Canada.

• This pervasive under-funding h as led to a serious d eclin e in ed u ca tion a l quality at O ntario cam puses:■ Our universities now have the highest student-to-faculty ratio in Canada (22:1);■ nearly 60 per cent o f university infrastructure is over 30 years old; and■ The accumulated cost o f deferred maintenance on provincial campuses is now over $1 billion.

• The d ec lin e in p u b lic support for u n ivers ities h a s p laced greater fin an cia l p ressure o n stu d en ts, putting higher education out o f reach for many individuals and their families. A 2003 Ipsos-Reid poll found that 65 per cent o f parents feel that their children will be unable to attend university due to rising costs.

To address the serious university problem in Ontario, O USA recommends the following:• The provincial government must implement a 50 per cent increase in operating funding by 2011;• The provincial government must provide enough funding to cover no less than 70 per cent o f the cost o f university

education in ( Intario hv 201 1; and• The 70 per cent contribution level must be guaranteed by an act o f legislation.

TUITION FEESTuition fees paid by students are an important part o f a system o f responsible cost-sharing in the university sector. However, it is important to ensure student fees do not compromise the accessibility o f higher education for all willing and qualified Ontarians. Unfortunately, tuition has been allowed to spiral out o f control over die past decade, negatively impacting the affordability and accessibility o f higher education and creating a growing debt problem for university graduates in Ontario. Consider the following:• Since 1993, average tu ition in O ntario has in creased 139 per cent.• Ontario has the second-highest tuition level in Ontario, at $4,960.• D eregu la tion o f tu ition fees hurts stu dents. Since 1993, d eregu la ted fees have in creased and average o f 261 per

cent, posing a h u ge financial barrier to stud en ts and u n d erm in in g the effectiven ess o f the financial aid system .• Students in O ntario pay for too m u ch o f the co st o f their ed u cation , contributing 44.1 per cent o f all operating revenue

as compared to 30.5 per cent across Canada and the O EC D average o f 21.4 pet cent.• Rising tuition tees pose a sign ifican t fin ancia l barrier to p oten tia l stu d en ts , particularly th ose from low er-in com e

b ack grou n d s.• Rising tuition fees have rendered the current stu d en t financial aid system incapable o f m ee tin g stu d en ts’ n eeds.

BRIEFING DOCUMENT

To address the issues surrounding tuition fees in Ontario, OUSA recommends the following:• All tuition in Ontario must be regulated by the provincial government.• Students must never pay for more than 30 per cent o f the cost o f university education in Ontario by 2011;• The 30 per cent contribution cap must be guaranteed by an act o f legislation; and,• Tuition fees must be separated into variable bands without distorted price differentials to reflect cost o f program delivery

within a regulated framework.

STUDENT FINANCIAL AIDTo be effective, a student financial aid system must maximize accessibility while minimizing both the size and effects o f debt upongraduation. In Ontario, the financial aid system achieves neither o f these goals. It provides too little assistance to too few studentsand saddles many graduates with high levels o f indebtedness. Consider the following:• The Ontario Student Assistance Progtam (OSAP) maximum award— $9,350— has not increased since 1994, de

spite a 139 per cent increase in average tuition over the same period. Total yearly student cost-of-education (tuition plus living costs) now ranges between | 1 4,500 and f 20,500.

• Tightening eligibility requirements saw a 38 pet cent decrease in students accessing OSAP between 1995 and 2002 despite a 19 per cent increase in enrolment over the same period.

• The inadequacy o f the OSAP system has pushed many students to access private forms of support. Over 30 per cento f students now rely on bank loans or lines o f credit to finance their studies.

• The amount of non-repayable assistance provided to Ontario students has declined 62.9 pet cent since 1996• Ontario has the highest level of average graduate debt in Canada—$22,700.• In 2001, 17,800 graduates defaulted on their student loan payments, costing the province $96 million. A new financial

aid system that helps graduates manage their debt would reduce defaults and save the province money.

To address the urgent need for financial aid reform in Ontario, OUSA recommends the following:• The financial aid system must be com posed o f two separate loan programs— one to cover the cost o f tuition and

associated fees, one to cover all reasonable cost-of-living expenses and both large enough to account for actual tuition and cost-of-living expenses;

• The provincial government must implement a three-tiered system o f non-repayable system o f student aid, including upfront, back-end and in-repayment assistance;

• Students from low-incom e backgrounds must be provided with tuition waivers;• The provincial government must make provisions for greater incom e sensitivity in graduate debt repayment, including

partial repayment status for individuals in financial difficulty and a system o f more easily accessible and effective incom e- based remission.

OUSA also recommends Ontario pursue the following in the university sector:A broad comm itm ent to ensuring advancement into, and opportunities within, the university system for all Ontarians by:

• Changing tuition fee policies, investing in financial assistance and providing incentives to individual institutions to ensure access for all qualified individuals;

• Creating effective early-intervention and awareness programs for groups w ho are traditionally under-represented in higher education;

• Facilitating co-operative accessibility data collection and system-wide access targets;• Providing the financial resources to institutions to facilitate greater student opportunity; and• Giving financial incentives for initiatives such as undergraduate research opportunities programs, campus incubators,

idea accelerators, experiential education and international exchange.

-\ n e w s v s f e m o f m v c n i a m ' f , a c c o u n t a b i l i t y u 1 o a s s e s s m e n t fo r th e h i g h e r e d u c a t i o n s y s t e m m O n t a r i o t h r o u g h :• A c o m m itm e n t to th e p rincip les o f accoun tab ility to s tu d en ts , s tak eh o ld er in v o lv em en t, co n tin u o u s im p ro v e m en t, in fo r

m a tio n availability; p ub lic accoun tab ility and in stitu tio n a l au tonom y;• G u id an ce by a new c o o rd in a tin g bod y w ith in a h ig h er edu ca tio n in fo rm a tio n m an a g em e n t system fram ew ork , eq u ip p ed

w ith p ro p e r too ls an d su p p o rte d by s tu d e n t in v o lv em en t; and• T h e d ev e lo p m en t o f n ew quality a ssessm en t and public in fo rm a tio n re p o rtin g p ro ced u res a t the in stitu tio n a l level.

F o r a full copy o f o u r p lan fo r h ig h er ed u ca tio n in O n ta rio , p lease dow n lo ad OUR BRIGHT FUTURE: A NEW VISION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION IN ONTARIO at w w w .ab rig h tfu tu re .ca .

http://www.abrightfuture.ca

IMPLEMENTING REFINING DIRECTIONSA S U B M IS S IO N F R O M T H E M C M A S T E R S T U D E N T S U N I O N

The McMaster Students Union (MSU) represents over 16,000 full-time undergraduate students.

T he direction o f M cM aster University m ust be one that ensures students arc the first p riority o f the institu tion, com plete w ith a plan to recognize the developm ent o f the University.

Students of McMaster University are the leaders of tomorrow.

M cM aster U niversity has an opportun ity to excel in m any areas: teaching quality and m ethods, sustainability, research, p rogram design, and diversity. H ow ever, im pact is just as im p o rtan t as in tent. W ithou t sufficient p lanning, consultation, and inpu t from various stakeholders, the process o f developm ent is com prom ised.

On behalf of the MSU and the Student Representative Assembly (SRA), we are pleased to outline the values we believe McMaster University m ust encompass in the implementation o f Refining D irections to ensure a high-quality education, with adequate resources and services for McMaster University students.

Shano M ohan, P residentE rin B. R obinson , V ice-President (Education)K erstin E rickson , C hair o f the SRA Standing C om m ittee on University Affairs

Goal Num ber One

To provide an innovative and stimulating I faming environment when students can prepare themselves to excel in life.

A high-quality institu tion is one that exhibits low p ro fesso r-to -studen t ratios, libraries w ith adequate resources and allocations, opportun ities to begin research at the undergraduate level, and leadership developm ent for students.

As an institu tion, McMaster University should meet the Canadian N ational Average w ith respect to resources offered and available to students, such as library spending per capita. W hile m ore-fund ing from the provincial and federal governm ents is needed, McMaster m ust prioritize the annual operating budget to better reflect the demands o f students.

In frastructu re developm ents at M cM aster U niversity have n o t kept pace w ith die grow th and expansion o f the institu tion. It is evident th a t there has been a dem ographic change in the num ber o f s tuden ts looking to a ttend universities, b u t it is im perative that a high-quality education be available for students o f every generation.

'v su

Size is not an indicator of a high-quality institution, l'hc size o f the institution affects the quality that can be exhibited, as m ore students and fewer funds p roh ib it the institu tion from m eeting the dem ands o f students. As the university con tinues to grow , it m ust be done so in a balanced fashion to m eet the needs o f all students. This m eans n o t allowing any area to fall substantial!}' behind any o ther, such as library resources and allocations. M cM aster’s long-term p lann ing ideas for size anti g row th have pu t m any groups in question abou t the size the institu tion is aim ing to reach. Any increase to the size of the institution must be met with a sustainable formula to ensure that other variables are not jeopardized in the process.

The MSU provides leadership opportunities to over 500 students each year through volunteer, elected and paid positions. T his supports the fact that learning at the undergraduate level extends well beyond theclassroom , and is duly com plim ented bv extra-curricular and com m unity-based activities. T his type o f su p p o rt furthers the deve lopm en t o f students, expands team w ork opportun ities, increases p roblem -solv ing and critical- th inking skills o f students and gives real-life experiences.

'There are, how ever, su p p o rt system s that are o ffered to students in addition to their courses tha t are necessary for academ ic success. T his includes, for exam ple, the various academ ic assistance and alternative accom m odations for differently-abled students. Since these support services are necessary for many students, they must not be made available predominately via student levies, which is in addition to tuition fees. N o n -tu itio n related ancillary fees cost students hundreds o f additional dollars to a ttend a higher education institu tion, and as such, M cM aster needs be innovative and resourceful in ensuring that this cost is one th a t is shared by all students, the in stitu tion and governm ent funding.

A weLl-educated young adult generation leads to a b e tte r w orkforce, a citizenry that has less need for d octo rs and hospitals, and con tribu tes m ore than the original investm ent o f their education back in to the econom y. Funds directed towards developing a high-quality education institution are an investment. A stronger learning env ironm en t today gives a higher probability tha t the investm ent w ould give a stronger re turn , allowing for fu tu re generations to enhance tha t original re tu rn even further.

TargetTo be consistently amon% the top three Ontario universities in tertns of the quality of students we attract and graduate from our undergraduate and graduate programs such as measured by appropriate indicators.

The definition of a high-quality student m ust be redefined to include non-academic qualifications.A gain, m uch is learned outside o f the classroom , and this should be reflected in the defin ition o f a high-quality studen t, b o th incom ing and outgo ing to the University. Supplem entary applications enable academ ic divisions the o p p o rtu n ity to ob ta in in fo rm ation su rround ing extra-curricular and com m unity involvem ent, w hich gives insight to individual s tu d en t attribu tes that are o therw ise n o t reflected solely by academ ic achievem ents. F u rth erm o re , the deve lopm en t o f the co-curricular reco rd tha t is currently being explored by the C entre fo r S tudent D ev elo p m en t provides students w ith a tangible record o f their experiences th a t served to fu rther personal and professional developm ent.

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W ith respect to indicators, the following should be noted: The MSU does not support the use of indicators that are directly or indirectly related to funding for an institution. In our joint subm ission w ith o th er s tu d en t organizations at M cM aster University to the Rae Review, the following was stated:

P a y fo r d e live ry o f k e y results: Provide predictable, multi-year government funding to institutions to support the delivery oj key results (for example, meeting access and quality targets or meeting graduation targets for teaching and health care professionals). I 'he purpose and use of the landing would he transparent to all.

A funding fram ew ork that is based on key results should no t be im plem ented in O ntario . T he existing key perfo rm ance ind icator (KPI) fram ew ork is ineffective.Che indicators only provide a small view on higher education in O ntario . T he fram ew ork also p rom otes disparities betw een institu tions and provides no su p p o rt to im provem en ts o r enhancem ents to institutions.

D ata collection to ensure that students are receiving a quality education is aco m p o n en t tha t could, and should, be addressed w ith in stakeholder groups o f thehigher education system. It canno t be tied to funding institutions. All data shouldbe available and accessible, and reported regularly.

W e reco m m en d that:

Funding o f institutions based on key results, such as key performance indicators, is discontinued.

Goal Number TwoTo achieve t!>e next level in research results and reputation by building on existing and emerging areas of excellence.

The opportunities for intense research m ust be available to all students, and n o t only those in specified academ ic divisions. A s such, it is even m ore im portan t to recognize that the benefits o f said research m ust have a d istribu tion to as m any studen ts as possible. W ithou t this, it is im possible fo r studen ts in dissim ilar p rogram s o f study to have any idea o f w hat fellow students are w orking tow ards. A key co m p o n en t o f the w ork ing w orld is bringing d ifferen t fields o f study together to achieve a b e tte r en d result; this should begin at McMaster University.

T h e follow ing was stated in our subm ission to the Rae Review:

Focused research at the undergraduate level develops graduates with an education that is not asdiverse as is necessary. Research, however, is not a negative aspect to an undergraduate education, and as such, there must be a balance between teaching and research excellence at higher education institutions.

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We rccom m end that:

Research m ust not be the dominant aspect o f an undergraduate education.There should exist a balance between teaching and research excellence.

Research, how ever, is only one co m p o n en t to a high-quality institution. M cM aster University m u st recognize this in all strategic long-term p lann ing and im plem entation m ethods.

McMaster University has a responsibility to ensure that undergraduate students receive a broad, interdisciplinary education. W ith o u t this b road know ledge, the education that a s tu d en t receives is too narrow , n o t diverse enough, and as such, lacks focus on the bigger picture. There are several program s that focus on a broad education at M cM aster University, w hich develop flexibility, critical thinking, and analytical skills in students. T he interdisciplinary A rts & Science P rogram m e and the M cM aster-M ohaw k-C onestoga N ursing consortium are exam ples o f program s that give studen ts excellent opportun ities for developm ent th rough innovative p rogram designs. F or the non-in terdiscip linary program s, a stronger em phasis on courses in an alternative area o f study is needed, as the six elective units currendy needed for m ost program s give students an insufficient taste o f a p rog ram o r academ ic division.

McMaster University also has the responsibility to ensure that the areas of academia do not decrease the quality of education o f students at McMaster University or any other institution. T h e follow ing was stated in o u r subm ission to die Rae Review:

Universities that offer graduate programs must also keep up with programs that other institutions are offering and creating. Competition is important in a higher education system, but excessive duplication is leading to wasted public investment in institutions. For example, i f every institution in Ontario offered a top-end Taw School, Medical School, English Ptvgram, and Masters in Business Administration Program, institutions would receive less funding on the whole, and they would be unable to focus on the areas in which they excel.

W e reco m m en d that:

Institutions are cognisant about fellow university programs, at the graduate level, in order to ensure that government funding is as efficient as possible.

TargetTo be consistently among the top three Canadian universities as measured by appropriate indicators of research excellence.

Research should not divert the focus o f equally important resources (i.e. funds, personnel, etc.) away from undergraduate students. WTule research is b o th a vital and focal co m p o n en t o f M cM aster U niversity, undergraduate students require a solid know ledge-base tha t m axim izes the available opportunities. T h ere is already a strain on the resources at the undergraduate level. Taking necessary resources away from these program s w ould force p rogram s and departm ents to do m ore w ith less, ultim ately affecting students negatively.

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Interaction with professors is an area that must be improved via lower professor-to-student ratios.W ithou t the p reparation in various academ ic fields, research in later stages o f academ ia w ould be increasingly difficult fo r m any studen ts w ithou t the background know ledge; a level o f know ledge that can be delivered by quality instructo rs in m anageable p ro fessor to -s tu d cn t ratios.

TargetTo increase the importance of graduate education so that McMaster’s graduate population reaches 20% of the University's total fulltime enrolment and is highly ranked in indicators of graduate educational excellence.

Any increase to the graduate population at McMaster University must not compromise education or funds directed towards undergraduate students. U ndergraduate students are those that will m ove on to o th er avenues, and the cu rren t dem ographic changes in society require students to m ove into graduate studies in o rder to becom e the experts in areas o f academ ia to teach future generations. O nly if students receive a high- quality educadon at the undergraduate level will there be any insp iration to continue their studies. This m ust be a priority for M cM aster University, especially one that is looking to expand w ith new program s and opportun ities fo r students in O ntario .

More graduate students give McMaster University the opportunity to have more resources for undergraduate students. W ith m ore resources for students, there w ould be sm aller class sizes, m ore ability for in teraction w ith an instructor, and a higher probability th a t m ore undergraduate students will stay in academ ia.

Goal Number ThreeTo build an inclusive community with a shared purpose.

Stakeholder consultation is necessary to ensure that McMaster University is an inclusive community.O ften tim es, the U niversity looks to begin m any projects w ith o u t bringing it to the a tten tion o f o thers tha t are directly and indirectly involved. In specific, studen ts m ust be the first and fo rem ost priority o f the institu tion, and studen t op in ion and consultation m ust be given a h igher degree o f consideration than it is presendy.

T his consultation begins with increasing the n u m b er o f students on U niversity boards, com m ittees and initiatives. T he follow ing was stated in o u r subm ission to the Rae Review:

Representation of students is imperative to university governance. Student seats on university bodies needs to be increased to allow more students to have a stronger voice for the constituents they represent. Specifically, the McMaster University Jet needs to be amended to provide additional voting student seats to represent undergraduates who are not otherwise represented bj existing student representatives from the six Vacuities. .Additionally, students, in all academic divisions, should be proportionately represented by the si^e of the student population at each institution.

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Diversity is a key com ponent of our cam pus, and it m ust be embraced to the fullest extent possible.W ith the open ing o f the D iversity Cafe, Bridges, in 2005, this aspect o f o u r com m unity is becom ing one that we can all take part. It is essential for a learning institu tion to recognize and prioritize the needs o f all students, staff, faculty, and com m unity m em bers. This, how ever, m ust n o t end here. M cM aster has a responsibility to p rovide an innovative and inspiring atm osphere for its m em bers and tins can only be achieved th rough proactive steps and actions. A centre that is dedicated to diversity is the next step in ensuring that this com ponent of our campus retains our sense o f pride and passion for McMaster.

Bridging our relationships on- and off-campus must becom e a priority for McMaster University. O nly by w orking w ith the com m unities that com prise the greater M cM aster area will o u r relationships im prove. S tudents are a co m p o n en t o f the com m unity and should be supported by the institution. O ff-cam pus housing options, transporta tion , joint events w ith the com m unity , and op en forum s that b ring together all stakeholders to develop positive solutions are ways in w hich the University m ust begin to take m ore o f an active in terest in building the relationship w ith students and those tha t students in teract w ith positively.

TargetTo ensure that all members of the McMaster community feel recognised and valued for their contributions to this shared purpose.

McMaster University must be sustainable. O nly th rough educated and carefully th o u g h t-o u t decisions can m em bers o f the M cM aster com m unity feel recognized and valued for their con tribu tions. T h ere m ust be an em phasis from all involved to ensure that the m axim um benefit is achieved at the m in im um cost. T he em phasized priority m ust be students, and creating a sustainable learning env iro n m en t in w hich students are able to excel in their respective areas o f academ ic interest.

Final Thoughts

M cM aster U niversity has undergone a trem endous am o u n t o f grow th in recen t years, in m any areas. S tudent enro lm ent has increased drastically at the undergraduate level, new buildings have expanded o u r cam pus in size and resources, and several new initiatives in the near fu ture have the possibility to p rope l M cM aster U niversity in to a class o f its own. O u r p resen t tim e and place is an opportun ity to determ ine how m uch change M cM aster University is willing and able to undergo , and at w hat cost. M any questions su rro u n d the g row th o f the University — should M cM aster stay small, grow a litde, get bigger, o r stop altogether? T here is o n e answ er that is evident, and from the standpo in t as representatives o f over 16,00 students, there is one answ er th a t is essential at all elem ents o f change, g row di and developm ent. W ith every decision tha t is m ade, students should be at the table and should be at the heart o f every question p osed and answ er given.

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AGENDA - SRA 04N STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY …...SRA 04N- Page 2 Jan 9, 2005 2. Clubs Administrator - Patel - verbal • Mehul - Clubsfest II will take place on Wednesday January

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