Canadian universities demonstrate commitment to enriching undergraduate experience

Hamilton, Ont. September 14, 2011—Canadian leaders in post-secondary education gathered at McMaster today to discuss and reaffirm their commitment to enhancing undergraduate education.

University President Patrick Deane and president of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) Paul Davidson hosted faculty members and post-secondary institution administrators from across the country at the session.

“There have been dramatic changes outside of the classroom over the last number of years and universities need to respond quickly to those changes,” says Deane. “We want to ensure we maintain the quality of what we do and continue to deliver programs that enrich and broaden horizons for students.”

The session also included the announcement of a unique new undergraduate awards program sponsored by the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) and 3M Canada. The 3M National Student Fellowships will award $5,000 to 10 full-time Canadian college and undergraduate students in recognition of their outstanding leadership qualities and achievements in advancing student learning.

"The Student Fellowships program is a first in Canada which builds community among visionary student leaders whose voices will shape tomorrow's future in post-secondary education," says STLHE president Arshad Ahmad.

As part of a $1-million gift from philanthropist and alumnus Paul MacPherson announced earlier this year, McMaster’s Centre for Leadership in Learning (CLL) has established the Paul MacPherson Teaching Fellowship at McMaster.

“Developing and implementing successful teaching and learning strategies is integral to the educational experience,” says Sue Vajoczki, director of CLL, which provides technical and pedagogical assistance to instructors. “That’s why having these discussions and providing opportunities through scholarships and other means is so important.”

The new fellowship will support faculty members who have demonstrated good teaching practices and who show promise of becoming inspiring teachers. It will also allow fellows to work for a portion of their time over a one- to two-year period in the CLL as teaching and learning scholars, where they will have opportunities to enhance their own teaching by exploring innovative approaches, to collaborate with an interdisciplinary network of colleagues on scholarly teaching and to provide leadership in teaching and learning across campus.

McMaster University, one of four Canadian universities listed among the Top 100 universities in the world, is renowned for its innovation in both learning and discovery. It has a student population of 23,000, and more than 150,000 alumni in 128 countries.

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For more information, please contact:

Michelle Donovan
Public Relations Manager
McMaster University
905-525-9140 ext. 22869
donovam@mcmaster.ca

Wade Hemsworth
Public Relations Manager
McMaster University
905-525-9140 ext. 27988
hemswor@mcmaster.ca