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A "computer society" -- not to be confused with the Computer Science Club -- is being revived on campus, reports engineering student Ian Tien, who says an organizational meeting was held Monday by half a dozen students.

Says Tien: "After a long period of dormancy, the University of Waterloo IEEE Computer Society student chapter is recommencing on-campus activities. Currently active IEEE Computer Society student members were invited to an organizational chapter meeting. An executive committee was selected and plans were laid out for chapter activities for the 2001-2002 year.

"Efforts are now underway for the organization of an annual distinguished visitors lecture series, a Computer Society program focused on bringing outstanding technical experts to student chapters across North America. Other initiatives include the organization of a chapter tutorial program and the promotion of IEEE Computer Society scholarships and contests through the organization of a student branch level technical paper competition in early fall 2001."

With more than 100,000 members, the IEEE Computer Society calls itself the world's leading organization of computer professionals. Founded in 1946, it is the largest of the 36 technical societies of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.

The group is registered under the University of Waterloo IEEE Student Branch, chaired by Tien, as a joint chapter combined with IEEE Communications, Control Systems and Information Theory Society student chapters. Slawo Wesolkowski, chair of the IEEE Computer Society student chapter, can provide more information about its activities (e-mail slawo@rousseau).

In the picture above, Ladan Tahvildari, IEEE Computer Society student chapter vice-chair, left, consults notes while Tien, right, takes minutes during the organizational meeting. Jason Wong, fourth-year computer engineering student, centre, attended to find out more about the society.

The president's objectives for 2001-02

"We will continue our steady progress in implementing the Fifth Decade Report, with regular reports to Senate and the Board. Intensive efforts will be focused on four recommendations: development of a comprehensive recruitment strategy; additional revenues for academic programs and research; promotion of on-line learning; and improving and streamlining administrative processes.

"The UW community will be actively encouraged, especially through the office of the V-P, University Research, to respond to funding opportunities such as CFI, ORDCF, Networks and Centres of Excellence, 21st Century Research Chairs and Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

"Preparations for the next capital campaign will require crafting the academic priorities which will drive the campaign. As well, the planning process for UW's 50th anniversary, which will mark the culmination of the campaign, must be put in place.

"Externally, collaborative efforts with COU must be intensified to improve on Ontario's 60/60th position of North American jurisdictions with respect to increases in public expenditures on higher education in the last five years.

"The senior administration will continue efforts in encouraging creativity and high performance in teaching and research, mutual reinforcement of teaching and research, and cross disciplinary collaboration.

"Creating and strengthening quality relationships with governments and industry and advancing special projects like the North Campus Park, will be given a special focus within the portfolio of the VP, University Relations, which now includes a more applied government relations mandate.

"On campus, I will continue to take advantage of opportunities to interact with the UW community. Similarly, off-campus, my efforts will continue to better know the community. Strong relationships with the federated colleges and St. Jerome's University will be maintained through regular meetings and participation in their events. With respect to alumni, benefactors and industry (including co-op employers and R&D partners), I will give high priority to as much direct contact with them as is possible. All of these relationships will require special care with respect to the upcoming campaign.

"It will be my responsibility to work with the three new Vice-Presidents appointed this year to integrate them into UW's senior administrative team.

"Public leadership which I exercise beyond UW is manifested in the following commitments: Special Advisor to the Minister of Industry Canada; Chair of Net Corps Canada (Federal Government), of the National Broadband Task Force (Industry Canada), and of the Advisory Committee on Information System for the Environment (Environment Canada); Co-Chair of EMPOWER Task Force; member of the Council of Science and Technology Advisors (Federal Government) and of the E-Commerce Roundtable; continued promotion of the National Task Force on On-line Learning (Council of Ministers of Education Canada/Industry Canada) and of the AUCC On-line Learning Task Force."

Notes on the first weekend of summer

And this one comes from Pat Aplevich in the French studies department, who says she's just one of many UW people involved in the Conestoga Sailing Club. The club is celebrating "forty years on beautiful Lake Conestoga. All former and future members are invited to the Open House weekend June 23 and June 24 and to the All Arms Race, anniversary celebrations and Pig Roast on Sunday. RSVP: Pat at 742-1055 or paplevic@watarts."

Back on campus, here's a reminder of one final training session about WHMIS, the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, offered by UW's safety office. It's the usual one-hour session, including a video and a brief quiz. Says a memo: "All university employees, volunteers, part-time employees and graduate students who have not previously attended a University of Waterloo WHMIS session are required to attend." Today's session starts at 10 a.m. in Davis Centre room 1304.

The University Club will hold a "late afternoon barbecue" today -- jalapeñno and honey mustard grilled pork chops, assorted kebabs, salmon with tomato and herb salsa, and other good things. It's "all you can eat" for $17.95 -- call the Club at ext. 3801 for reservations. Oh, yes: the food will be on from 4:30 to 7:30 tonight.

Gatherings of various kinds continue in the Ron Eydt Village conference centre. Due in over the weekend are some 200 people for this year's K-W Sectional contract bridge tournament, plus 85 attending a referee school for the Ontario Hockey Association.

The Academy of Dance has the Humanities Theatre booked for rehearsals and performances over the weekend; there are shows at 2:00 and 7:30 on Saturday, 2:00 on Sunday.

Says a memo from the local Volunteer Action Centre: "Compassionate and patient cancer clinic volunteers provide support and comfort to people receiving chemotherapy and other treatment at the Cambridge Memorial Hospital Oncology clinic. The Canadian Cancer Society is looking for volunteers who would be able to give a morning or afternoon once every two weeks. Training is provided." For more information, the VAC can be reached at 742-8610.

Get ready to open a vein: this term's blood donor clinic will be held in the Student Life Centre July 9 through 14. A sign-up sheet should be available now at the turnkey desk.

And finally, returning to off-campus events: the second annual Kinsmen Rubber Duck Race was held in Victoria Park last weekend, as a fund-raiser for a good cause (unfortunately I can't remember which good cause). There was good weather, and a fine time was had by all, especially the ducks. And guess who won first prize? Angelo Graham of UW's safety office, who becomes the owner of a 2001 PT Cruiser. "Remember to get your lucky ticket for next year's race," says Brian Dietrich of UW's plant operations department, who as vice-president of the K-W Kinsmen Club is one of the organizers of the race.

CAR

Editor of the Daily Bulletin: Chris Redmond
Information and Public Affairs, University of Waterloo
credmond@uwaterloo.ca | (519) 888-4567 ext. 3004
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