SOCIAL CONTRACT:  There is simply no news -- plenty of rumours, but
no news -- about how the government's deficit-cutting and social contract
will affect universities and the people who work in them.  Negotiations
are tentatively scheduled to resume Friday.  Top UW officials are meeting
regularly (next session is tomorrow morning) with leaders of the faculty
association, staff association and CUPE local, to share information in both
directions, but I am told there isn't much information to share.

HIRING RESTRICTION:  A memo from the provost, issued today (too late to
be reflected in tomorrow's Gazette), says that "Effective today, the
appointment of individuals not now on the UW payroll to faculty or staff
positions will require my approval.  For the time being, such appointments
will be made only when they are essential. . . .   An outright hiring
freeze, while simpler to administer in many ways, would not at this time
be in UW's best interest."

PRESIDENT SPEAKS:  Dr. James Downey talks at noon today (Theatre of the
Arts) under the title "A Humanist Meets His Waterloo".  I am told that
anyone who expects a state-of-the-university address is going to be 
disappointed, as Downey will be reflecting on his own intellectual development,
the meaning of a university, and similar topics.

VICE-PRESIDENTIAL FORUMS:  The first of three candidates for the position
of vice-president (academic) and provost, Dr. Jim Kalbfleisch, was in the
limelight for an hour and a half yesterday.  Questions dealt with everything
from current issues (budget-cutting, the Edmonds case) to how closely he
will follow the policies and style of the current VP, Dr. Alan George.
   The other two candidates will be facing similar public meetings:
Dr. Phyllis Young Forsyth today (Tuesday) at 3:30, Dr. Garry Rempel tomorrow
(Wednesday) at 12:00.  Both meetings are in Arts Lecture room 116.