In December 1996, the McMaster University Board of Governors approved a recommendation to establish what was called the McMaster University Futures Fund. The source of this fund is essentially the interest earned by the University on the cash that coul d not be remitted to the pension plan trustee as a result of limitations imposed by Revenue Canada. The money available for distribution in the 2000-2001 year is approximately $1.2 million, a sum that includes unspent funds from the prior year. Recommendations were presented to a committee that includes four members named by the President and five by employee and retiree associations. The membership of the Committee that is making this report comprises:
The recommendations from this Committee are unanimous. In seeking submissions, the Committee identified two broad rules that were to apply:
In making its recommendations for the 2000-2001 allocations, the Committee has tried to support initiatives, which will improve the working conditions for faculty, staff and other members of the McMaster community and which will support the academic an d professional development of faculty and staff. The recommendations are as follows:
The details of the recommendations follow:
McMaster is one of Canada's leading research universities, and one way of disseminating this research and innovation at McMaster is through the presentation of papers at conferences. This is a continuation of a program that has been well received i n previous years, and it has been agreed to increase the maximum allocation from $500 to $650. A faculty or staff member may receive one such allocation in the period July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2001. To receive such support, the faculty member must be the a uthor of a paper presented to a conference, and a staff member must make a formal presentation at a provincial, national or international conference of an organization that is appropriate to the employee's employment at McMaster. 1-b. Training and Education: $198,500 Two proposals are recommended for support. In last year's allocation, funds were provided to assist staff in the application of new computing technologies in research, educational and support activities of the University. The funds were designed to offer a cohort of current staff the opport unity to enhance their skills and be recognized as software/technology specialists so that they could continue to work within their units to assist in the introduction, implementation and use of software and technology. The Committee has heard a report on the activities over the past year. Given a participation rate that exceeded the planned number, the Committee has agreed to a further allocation of $98,500. The development of computer-based or web-based educational software has been undertaken by some McMaster faculty. Unfortunately, little or no technical support has been available for training and assistance with multimedia programs in the support o f development of education programs. A multimedia training program focusing on skills for the development of educational software will be provided. An allocation of $100,000 is recommended to support this initiative. 1-c. Scholarships for Children of the McMaster Salaried Pension Plan: $100,000 A further enhancement of our scholarships program for employees of McMaster will be supported this year by an additional $100,000 to the endowment. This equals the amount set aside in last year's MUFF fund allocation. Enhancements to the workplace include the following allocations:
2-b. Enhancement to Exterior Space: $66,250 Enhancements to the grounds include the following allocations:
2-c. Restoration and Maintenance of Artwork: $50,500 It is also recommended that maintenance and restoration be undertaken on a number of pieces of art. $50,500 has been allocated for this purpose. The MUFF Committee received a significant number of requests focusing on wellness, fitness and social functions. It is apparent that university staff and faculty place a high priority on these items. 3-a. Physical Fitness: $101,000 In the area of physical fitness, the committee recommends the approval of proposals that will enhance the following areas:
3-b. Employee Wellness: $178,000 Several initiatives will support employee wellness. Funding is recommended for the following:
3-c. Social Activities: $30,000 Once again, the Committee recommends an allocation of funds to support various social activities for the enjoyment of all staff and faculty. z z z z z In conclusion, it should be noted that the Committee received over 50 requests this year, totalling in excess of $4 million. The recommendations made here best reflect the principles of the MUFF fund. November 21, 2000 |
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