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FEBRUARY 2002 VOLUME 28.4 Tony Petric, EDITOR |
President's Report Know Your Benefits Dues Holiday Academic Freedom Fund New Members Smile David Winch Mary Keyes Goodlife Fitness Announcements |
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FEBRUARY 2002 VOLUME 28.4 Tony Petric, EDITOR |
President's Report Know Your Benefits Dues Holiday Academic Freedom Fund New Members Smile David Winch Mary Keyes Goodlife Fitness Announcements |
President's
Report
[Delivered at
the MUFA General Meeting on January 16, 2002]
I will make some comments under two headings: work completed and work on-going. Some of this has been commented on already in our Newsletters.
Work Completed
Terms and Membership for the "Ad Hoc Committee to Advise on Policy Matters concerning Personal Privacy and the Confidentiality of Electronic Communication and Video Surveillance for CP/M Faculty"
Our representatives are John Platt and John Stout and the Administration’s are John Drake and Stuart Mestelman.I mention this for two reasons beyond its intrinsic importance; first, this committee has a really long title and second, that this was mentioned as a "to do" in Les King's report to the membership on January 18, 1999.
The new policy incorporates the old SPS 23 and SPS 24. This has been passed by the Joint Committee and approved by the Board of Governors on October 25, 2001.
This was done in the Joint Committee and was necessary in order to implement the document, “Rights and Responsibilities of Faculty during Work Stoppages by Other Groups”.
For the purposes of the Tuition Bursary benefit, we have clarified the meaning of full-time student. The result is that, for example, a full-time, dependent student can take 3 units in the summer at McMaster and qualify for the tuition bursary.
The final Letter of Understanding was signed on 25 July 2001.
The original revision to these policies by Virginia Aksan and Rhoda Howard-Hassmann was unanimously supported by two previous MUFA Executives. However, the Senate Committee on Human Rights amended the document to a position not supported by the previous or the current Executive. This amended version was in essence passed by Senate after a thorough airing of the issues.
About 140 of past and current Executive members with their guests attended a lunch at LIUNA Station on 18 November 2001 to celebrate 50 years of MUFA. Goldwyn French from the first Executive Committee (1951/1952) was present. Hank Jacek addressed the assembly (his speech was printed in our last Newsletter) and Les Robb was thanked by all for his work on the Pension Surplus Distribution.Work on-going
There is a joint Senate/MUFA Committee to review these Guidelines. Senate members on the Committee are N. Agarwal and R. Lenton. We will be selecting our representatives at the next Executive meeting.
Our representatives, N. Agarwal and D. Hitchcock, met with the Executive on 1 May 2001 to discuss the work of this Committee. They are charged to report when there is progress.
You may have noticed a recent large increase in your premiums for this (self-funded) benefit. We are trying to change the terms and conditions for this, but are running into some difficulties as this is a University benefit and all parties have to agree to the changes. I remark here that other Faculty Associations are in a similar position.
We have met with Virginia to make our concerns known and have forwarded to her any suggestions that we have received. The MUFA Librarians have prepared a submission for the Committee’s consideration.
We have recommended that a candidate be allowed to include a personal statement in the package which is sent to External Referees for the purpose of Tenure and/or Promotion. This is in the Provost's basket now.
We continue to urge that the University Public Relations Department act quickly to provide the community with a monthly publication accessible to all. Some of our members really need the outlet of a letters to the editor column!
Let me close by stating that I appreciate the hard work and commitment to MUFA of the current Executive.
Tom Davison
MUFA PresidentThe following is covered by your Major Medical Plan.
licensed ambulance service for transportation to and from the nearest qualified hospital
MUFA Dues Waived for Month of March
MUFA members will see a slightly larger paycheque in the month of March. At its regular meeting on February 12, 2002, the Executive of the McMaster University Faculty Association voted unanimously to reduce the mill rate from 5.1 to 0 for the month of March. A surplus of income over expenditures for this fiscal year is projected in the Nine-Month Budget review 2001/02. In addition, MUFA reserves continue to be in a healthy state.
CAUT Academic Freedom Fund
At the CAUT Council meeting in Ottawa this fall, delegates voted to create a CAUT Academic Freedom Fund to help CAUT and its local associations vigorously defend academic freedom. Each member association of CAUT is a member of the fund, with the CAUT Executive serving as fund trustees. The fund will rely entirely on donations which will be sought from member associations, foundations, as well as individuals. Application has been made for the Fund to be accorded charitable status.As a member association of CAUT, the MUFA Executive voted unanimously to donate $10,000 to the CAUT Fund. Future donations to the fund will be discussed on a yearly basis.
Westdale Sabbatical House for Rent. July 2002 to July 2003. Secluded ravine setting. Perfect for academic family or couple. Fully furnished and equipped. Walk to McMaster. For more information phone 905-525-9140, ext. 27304. Please see: www.math.mcmaster.ca/tom/housead.html.
Housing Wanted. Retired academic from New Zealand is interested in accommodations for 6-12 months. Non-smokers. No children or pets. Looking for a quiet location. If you are interested in renting your house or apartment during your research leave, please contact John Schumaker at j.schumaker@paradise.net.nz
Mohamed Bakr
Ian Bruce
Sarah Dickson
Carlos Filipe
Wolfram Kahl
Brian King
Michael Knowles
Vian S. Mohialdin
Ken Norrie
Joanna Pierazzo
Lehana Thabane
Geoff Werstuck
Chang Q. XuElectrical & Computer Eng
Electrical & Computer Eng
Civil Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Computing & Software
Physics & Astronomy
Divnity College
Pathology
Econimics/Provost
Nursing
CE&B
Medicine
Engineering Physics
David Winch
Professor Emeritus, Economics
(1933-2002)
[Delivered at the memorial gathering on February 13, 2002]I am pleased and honoured to speak about David Winch and especially his role as an economist. David was a remarkable person, with his quick wit, clarity of thinking and debating ability. Even those with little contact with him, remember him vividly and with respect.
Graduate programmes were well developed in many areas of Science at McMaster in the 1950s, but in the early 1960s McMaster and some other Ontario universities were encouraged to introduce PhD programmes in the Arts. As part of the planning process, the Economics Department proposed making five senior appointments, each in a major area of the discipline. We believed the most important area was economic theory and started our search for a young, well-established theorist in 1965. We did not need to search long or far. David Winch, who had taught at the Universities of Saskatchewan and Alberta, and had already established a strong reputation as a microeconomic theorist, was on leave at the University of Toronto. In those days, there were no requirements for advertising, interviews and committee approvals, and once we decided that David was an ideal candidate for our theory position, Craig McIvor, who was our Chair at the time, simply spoke to David in Toronto. They agreed on terms very quickly, and although there was protracted negotiations with the University Administration about a sabbatical leave and pension arrangements, David accepted our offer and began his tenure at McMaster as Professor of Economics in 1966. The twenty-three years David spent here were certainly of benefit to the Department and McMaster generally, and I believe they were fulfilling to him as well.
David was awarded his PhD from the University of London in 1957 and quickly started publishing research well received by the profession. He followed in the tradition of eminent microeconomic and welfare economists in the UK, such as Alfred Marshall, John Hicks and A. C. Pigou, in that he employed elegant prose and a narrative style to present his research, using diagrams to illustrate his major findings and relegating the mathematical underpinnings to footnotes. He published several books, articles and reviews and I want to take note of three items that I consider to be his primary contributions to the Economics literature. His first book on highway planning was based on his doctoral dissertation and was a pioneering effort to bring economics to bear on public utility investments. His most important publication was his 1965 article in the American Economic Review on “Consumer’s Surplus and Compensation Principle”. This path breaking article brought together two important streams of research in Welfare Economics and was immediately placed on the reading lists of graduate classes in at least the US, UK and Canada. His book entitled Analytical Welfare Economics, published in 1973, also gained wide acceptance within the profession and was used in most courses on the topic in the three countries. In recognition of his superb scholarship, he was awarded a Killam Fellowship in 1971 (to work on the Welfare book), invited to give the prestigious Innis Lecture at the annual Canadian Economics Association Meetings in 1977 and made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, also in 1977.
David made his presence known in the Department from the first week he arrived. We were aware of the level of his scholarship, but we were unprepared for his riddles, unique framework for analyzing issues and quick and sometimes devastating comments. We learned after the first year or two not to bite on the riddles and not to allow him to get us in his framework where the chances of winning an argument were much less than winning a fortune in Las Vegas. After about three years he became very helpful to his Economics colleagues and only used his formidable debating skills on visiting speakers, especially if they showed any arrogance, and in University-wide forums like Senate, Faculty Association meetings, and Board of Governors. Within the Department, David restricted his debating skill to programmes for the undergraduate society where two or more faculty members would debate an economic issue. In these instances he did not want to be assigned a “side” until a minute or two before the debate began. Regardless of the issue or other debaters, he was always on the winning side.
His increasingly supportive nature led to his election as Associate Chair and then as Chair in 1971, a position he held for six years. Before becoming Chair, he had written extensive Departmental by-laws which enhanced democratic procedures in the Department and have been largely adopted by other Departments over the years. From the standpoint of Department members, he was a superb Chair. David was fair, fought very hard, and largely successfully, for resources. He was also an excellent advocate for colleagues and staff when promotions were under consideration. David wrote very strong letters and made persuasive presentations before University committees. In summary, he was an excellent Chair and would have had very strong support for a third term if not precluded by University rules.
After his tenure as Chair, he continued to be active in seminars and gave aid to initiatives taken in the Department, but turned more of his attention to other institutions in the University and community, including the Faculty Association, the Ontario Economic Council, where he chaired several committees, the Canadian Economics Association where he served as vice-president, the Royal Society and the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA). David also continued his primary research interest and published a book as he retired entitled Collective Bargaining and the Public Interest. This book was vintage Winch-elegant prose, no math or diagrams and took up many of the topics he researched at the beginning of his career.
I want to add a few more personal comments about David. First, he was a devoted parent. He talked often about Liz and Alex as they grew from children to adults and he took pride in their accomplishments at each stage. He no doubt had high standards, but he also demonstrated a light touch. I had many chances to observe his interactions with Alex and Liz. David often had evening meetings at his home because of his responsibilities as a single parent and on a few occasions our two families got together for picnics and games. In both of these settings, David’s warmth and playful nature were a pleasure to observe.
In closing, I want to end where I began. David was one of the most impressive and unforgettable people I have met and it was a privilege to work with him — his wit, quick but thorough analysis of complex issues, flare for debate, combined with his support for the “underdog” and unbiased approach to decisions were qualities that commanded admiration and respect.
Jim Johnson
Professor Emeritus, Economics[David Winch served as President of the Faculty Association in 1981/82 and was an integral member of numerous MUFA Committees from 1967/68 until, and even after, his retirement in 1989.]
Mary E. Keyes 
Associate Vice-President (University Affairs)
1940-2002
[Delivered at the memorial service on February 16, 2002.]It is a great honour to have the opportunity to speak this afternoon on behalf of McMaster University and President Peter George, who regrets that he is unable to attend this service. I am also extending condolences on behalf of former Presidents, Dr. Geraldine Kenney-Wallace and Dr. Alvin Lee.
To Mary’s family and friends, our deepest sympathies on the loss of one so dear.
There are thousands of faces on this campus: students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, neighbourhood families and their children here for sports camp and recreation programs. For many of us, getting to know more than a handful of the people who make up the McMaster community can be difficult. It wasn’t difficult for Mary.
It was one of the many things that I and so many others admired about her. Mary knew everyone. Whether it was working with student leaders, the students she taught, coached and counselled, her staff, the faculty or administrative colleagues, Mary took the time to get to know as individuals the people with whom she worked. They in turn had tremendous respect for her as a mentor and friend.
Let me share with you a quote from Samuel Butler.
Every person’s work, whether it be literature or music or pictures or architecture or anything else, is always a portrait of herself.
To me, the portrait of Mary Keyes includes many things.
Flying around campus in a golf cart on move-in weekend at the start of the new school year. Cheering on the Marauders on the football field, on the court, or in the pool. The long sigh just before she clearly told us exactly what she thought about a proposal. The twinkle in her eye when she thought something was terribly funny but it would have been inappropriate to laugh out loud. I believe if you look at the picture of Mary on the cover of the Program, you can see the beginning of that twinkle right now.That portrait also includes Mary as a respected member of faculty and an academic, respect that extended far beyond McMaster’s borders to universities and communities across North America. Mary will be remembered by many of you as one of the most inspiring teachers you encountered during your time at McMaster. Students she taught and coached have kept in contact years later, an incredible testament to her impact and ability to touch people’s lives.
As a member of the broader University, Mary’s contributions are immeasurable. She tirelessly worked to ensure that student concerns and interests were at every table. Her counsel and input helped shape the University into an institution that is stronger and more compassionate. That legacy will not be forgotten.
Her diplomacy and concern for others also extended into the community. Neighbours knew they could call Mary with their concerns. Often she would visit them to try to resolve an issue. A resolution was not always possible but the community had tremendous respect for her willingness to always listen.
It would be easy for me to go on about the many ways Mary made a difference. But perhaps the refrain heard in many conversations around campus this week is enough. Mary was quite simply a good person and we are all fortunate to have known her.
Peter Sutherland
Acting President, McMaster University
Introduces Corporate Membership Program with Goodlife Fitness
The initial launch of OCUFA’s Corporate Membership Program with Goodlife Fitness has been completed. However, all faculty and faculty association staff can still join. The rate below will cover the cost of an individual membership (taxes, card fees, initiation included) until November 15, 2002. This will ensure that everyone participating will be subject to renewal at the same time. If you are already a Goodlife member you can choose to transfer your current membership to take advantage of this corporate offer. However, three new members are needed for each existing member transferring to this promotion. If it is necessary, transferring current members will occur on a first-come, first-serve basis (determined by the date of the receipt of the cheque).
For the same additional amount of money, you are invited to extend this offer to one additional “significant other”. THIS RATE IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE CLUB LEVEL.
All memberships will begin on the 15th of the month in question and will be subject to renewal November 15, 2002. In order to provide sufficient time to process the cheques and have membership cards made up, your cheque must be delivered to Glen Copplestone by the first of the month in question. See the schedule below for the amount applicable for each month.
For Memberships
to Begin
Cheque to be
Received byAmount*
(incl Tax)March 15
April 15
May 15
June 15
July 15
August 15
September 15
October 15March 1
April 1
May 1
June 1
July 1
August 1
September 1
October 1$170
150
125
105
85
65
45
25* A significant other may join with you with each of you paying the same fee as indicated in the table.
Return the following information for each applicant to Glen Coppleston, Vice President OCUFA, c/o King’s College, 266 Epworth Avenue, London, Ontario N6A 2M3. Cheques should be made payable to OCUFA.
Name: _________________________________________
Telephone: ____________________________________
University: ____________________________________
Home Address: _________________________________
E-Mail: ________________________________________
Are you currently a Goodlife Member? ___YES ___NO
If yes, Membership Number: _____________________(to forward membership cards)
Mailing Address: _______________________________
City: __________________________________________
Postal Code: ___________________________________
Lorraine Allan and John Weaver will represent MUFA on the joint Faculty Association/Senate Committee to review the Guidelines for the Implementation of Load Teaching in Part-time Degree Studies. If appropriate, the Committee will formulate revisions to the Guidelines for discussion and approval by both the Faculty Association and the Senate.
Looking for a Financial Advis
or
As a result of the imminent pension surplus distribution, the MUFA Office has received many calls from people interested in obtaining the services of a financial advisor. While we are unable to make any recommendations, we have put two links on our web page which you might find interesting: a recent article by Rob Carrick in the Globe & Mail and discussions about Financial Advisors by Canada’s Mutual Fund Resource Centre. Just go to www.mcmaster.ca/mufa and look under “What’s New”.
Don’t 
Forgetto return your completed
Pension Surplus Option Form by
April 30, 2002
For up-to-date information regarding the Pension Surplus Distribution, see MUFA’s web page at www.mcmaster.ca/mufa
MEETINGMUFA Annual General Meeting
Tuesday, April 23, 2:00 p.m.
MGD - 505
Mark your Calendars Now!MEETING
February 27, 2002
pdk
