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University of Waterloo -- Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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Tuesday, February 6, 1996

UW's board goes into retreat

Members of the UW board of governors -- which according to the University of Waterloo Act is responsible for "the government of the University and the control of its property and revenues, the conduct of its business and affairs" -- are doing something unusual today.

They're gathering at 2:00 at Resurrection College, just across Westmount Road from Village II, for an afternoon, an evening and a morning of "retreat" before their scheduled meeting tomorrow afternoon. In small groups and full sessions of the 36-member board, they'll discuss such topics as "governing management and managing governance" and "barriers to effectiveness facing boards of Canadian non-profit organizations". More: "Is the committee structure working optimally? Could board meetings be improved? Is the board selection process adequate?"

The subtext isn't only the desire to operate the board's quarterly meetings more efficiently. Government and public calls for "accountability" from universities and other publicly-funded agencies mean, in part, that the governors themselves are feeling more answerable for what the university does under their management. There's every reason to think that the trend will continue, and board members will become more actively involved in UW affairs.

Launch of chair is postponed

The launch of the Stanley Knowles Visiting Professorship in Canadian Studies, which was to happen next Tuesday in the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, has been postponed. Reason: Parliament has been unexpectedly prorogued (that's Ottawaspeak for "recess time"), and the prime minister and other dignitaries, including Knowles himself, can't be expected to be on hand. The launch party "will be rescheduled for sometime in the spring", said an announcement from UW's news bureau yesterday.

Also postponed: The conference on "Managing Ethical Issues in Universities and Colleges", which I mentioned in yesterday's Bulletin, has been cancelled or postponed, I learned last night. It's to be held at some future date at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.

Dean asks for budget comment

The dean of environmental studies, Jeanne Kay, is holding a pair of open meetings for ES students today "to discuss budget cuts and early retirements in the faculty". Both meetings are scheduled for the Environmental Studies I courtyard, one at 12 noon and one at 4:30 p.m. "It is just for environmental studies students," notes Lori McConnell of the dean's office. "We can't accommodate a crowd from outside the faculty."

As Ramadan continues

The Muslim Students' Association presents a potluck dinner today to observe the breaking of the fast. The "iftaar" starts with prayers at 5:30 p.m. in Math and Computer Building, room 4058, says Nabil Rehman of the MSA.

Also happening today

The development office "planned giving program" hosts a seminar titled "Your Retirement Options", starting at 7 p.m. in the Flamingo Room of South Campus Hall. Presumably what will be explained is how long-term giving to UW through annuities can benefit both the university and the retiree. Information is available from Pat Cunningham at ext. 5413.

"Power Play", the road show about harassment in the workplace, will be performed today at 12 noon in the Renison College cafeteria and 5:30 p.m. in the "red" cafeteria of Village I. A round-table discussion follows the evening performance.

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

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