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Wednesday, November 29, 1995

Funding announcement comes today

At 4 this afternoon, Ontario finance minister Ernie Eves will rise in the legislature to make an "economic statement" that's expected to include cuts to university grants for 1996-97. The financial future isn't bright: leaders of this university will probably feel relieved if Eves brings in a formula that would leave Waterloo's grant cut by "only" ten or fifteen million dollars next year.

One prediction that's frequently been heard is a cut of 15 per cent to the grant, coupled with a 10 per cent hike in student tuition fees. That would cost UW about $18 million in the coming fiscal year. And some rumours have talked of significantly bigger cuts, either in 1996-97 or in the following year.

"I'm guessing there will be a few voices of protest," premier Mike Harris said in a speech on Monday. "The steps we are taking and will continue to take are essential to Ontario's future prosperity and security."

Bob Truman, UW's director of institutional analysis and planning, and Jim Fox, manager of the news bureau, are off to Toronto this morning to take part in the day-long lockup in which they'll be able to see and digest Eves's announcement before it's made public. There should be some sort of comment from the university's president and provost by the end of the day. If possible, I'll make something available as a "Flash" on UWinfo around supper time.

Staff and faculty health plan

Here's a reminder that Friday is the official deadline for staff and faculty members covered by the "supplementary health plan" to send in the forms they received last week. It's an enrolment form for the insurance company that's taking over the health plan as of January 1, Prudential Insurance Company of America. "Prudential needs this form in order to issue you the new pay-direct card for prescription drugs and your new card for out-of-Canada travel," says David Dietrich of the human resources department. Questions? Call Tricia Loveday at ext. 3134.

Firm promises "major contribution"

Val O'Donovan, chief executive of Com Dev Ltd., is coming to campus tomorrow and "will announce a major contribution to Campaign Waterloo for a research award program to support student work-terms", the UW news bureau said yesterday.

"The announcement will take place (at about 2:45 p.m.) during a Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering seminar in which O'Donovan will speak about the growth of his knowledge-based company, which is a leader in satellite communications technology."

Here's your cue, Mr. President

From a news release issued Monday by Wilfrid Laurier University:
Forget the province's mini-budget. The sinking feeling two university administrators will feel Wednesday night will stem from billiards, not budgets.

Dr. Jannah "Minnesota" Mather, chair of Wilfrid Laurier University's Faculty of Social Work and honorary chair of the United Way campaign for WLU, has challenged Dr. James "Doc" Downey, president of the University of Waterloo (and United Way booster), to a game of billiards at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 29. The action will take place at Time Square in the former Waterloo post office at 35 King St. N.

Both Minnesota and Doc have been soliciting pledges, with the proceeds to go towards the United Way campaign at WLU, or to the United Way campaign at UW in the unlikely event that Doc wins.

Ploughshares lecture at noon

At 12 noon, Project Ploughshares, based at Conrad Grebel College, presents a lecture on "Peacebuilding in Sudan: The Role of Women". The speakers are Fatima Ahmed Ibrahim of the (banned) Sudanese Women's Union and Anisia Achieng Olworo of the Sudan Women's Voice for Peace. The event takes place in the cafeteria at Grebel.

Jesuits on the radio

The program "Ideas" on CBC radio tonight begins a three-part series prepared by Michael Higgins of St. Jerome's College. "The Jesuit Mystique" is based on a book he's just written, jointly with Doug Letson, president of St. Jerome's. (There's more about the book in today's Gazette.) "They are often more interesting than anything else in the Catholic Church," says Higgins about the Jesuit order. Tonight's program starts at 9:05 on 740 AM; the remaining two episodes will be broadcast December 6 and 13.

Chris Redmond
Information and Public Affairs, University of Waterloo
(519) 888-4567 ext. 3004
credmond@watserv1.uwaterloo.ca

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