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Volume 38 Issue 14 MARCH 23, 2001

http://www.ualberta.ca/folio

U N I V E R S I T Y O F A L B E R T A

Murder and intrigueIn Ukraine, politics can kill you.

5

Only in Canada, eh?Students protest plans to ditch Canadian Studies

in an era of globalization.

Education for allA liberal arts education still counts.

8

University receives record support AHFMR funds research in strokes, diabetes, health economicsBy Phoebe Dey

As baby Erika prepares to leave the hos-pital after her miraculous recovery

from severe hypothermia, a University ofAlberta researcher has received fundingto further investigate the role hypother-mia may play in helping cure somepatients.

Dr. Fred Colbourne is one of 33researchers at theUniversity of Alberta whowill share in a $25 millionpot awarded by the AlbertaHeritage Foundation forMedical Research(AHFMR). The fundingwas part of a $53-millionannouncement given to atotal of 235 Alberta investi-gators.

Colbourne, from the Uof A’s Department ofPsychology, will receiveapproximately $200,000over the next two years tostudy how inducing hypothermia mightbe used to reduce cell and brain damageto stroke victims. During a campus pressconference, Colbourne cited the now-famous case of little Erika Nordby, theEdmonton toddler who received world-wide attention after a miraculous recov-ery from extreme hypothermia, as anexample of how his work can be applied.

“Many of you will remember thecase of Erika—she was basically savedbecause of hypothermia,” Colbournesaid. “That’s why this funding is soimportant to stroke research. We want tobe able to get a better understanding ofwhy hypothermia is so essential toreducing cell damage.”

Colbourne has learned that, inrodents, a decrease in body temperaturepersistently decreases the size of lesionsin the brain following a stroke. Althoughevidence supports inducing hypothermiain stroke patients, researchers are havingdifficulty securing funding for clinical tri-als. Unlike drug therapies, hypothermiacan’t be patented, which means pharma-

ceutical companies aren’t coming forwardto offer financing for the trials, saidColbourne.

Clinical testing is vital to the research,because if hypothermia is not inducedproperly, it can be harmful, he said.

Colbourne’s research is part of a longlist of university projects funded byAHFMR. Dr. Roger Smith, vice-president

(research) at the U of A,highlighted the range ofareas that will be sup-ported by the announce-ment.

“This is not onlygoing to the Faculty ofMedicine and Dentistrybut to people like Dr.Colbourne in psychology,others in phys. ed andrecreation, law andrehab,” said Smith.

“The breadth of sup-port provided by the

foundation is very important. AHFMRhas laid the foundation to attracting someof the best and brightest to this universi-ty.”

AHFMR senior personnel awards arepresented to researchers in annual com-petitions. Applications are peer-reviewed by scientists from around theworld and the highest internationalstandards of excellence must be met inorder to be funded.

The new funding announcement rep-resents the most money ever awardedfor research in a competition year inAHFMR’s 21-year history, said Dr.Matthew Spence, AHFMR president andCEO.

“This is your money we are trying toinvest in support of bright, youngresearchers in Alberta and from aroundthe world so you and your children’shealth will improve,” said Spence.

“Fred Colbourne is an example of thebright ideas we like to invest in and thiswork on hypothermia is very much in ourminds with the miraculous recovery of

Dr. Fred Colbourne has discovered that rodents who have had induced strokes, followed by hypothermia,suffer decreased brain damage, including memory loss. New funding will help investigate the wayshypothermia might help human stroke victims.

Phoebe Dey

“The breadth of support provid

ed by the foundation is very

important.AHFMR has laid the

foundation to attracting some of

the best and brightest to this

university.”

—Dr. Roger Smith, vice-president(research)

young Erika. This funding announcementis a harbinger of more to come.”

Other projects funded at the U of A

include research in diabetes, cancer, heart,population health and health economics.The money will be awarded July 1.■

University of Alberta folio March 23, 20002

Volume 38 Number 14OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS,400 ATHABASCA HALLUNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA,EDMONTON, ALBERTA T6G 2E8

LEE ELLIOTT: Director,Office of Public Affairs

RICHARD CAIRNEY: Editor

GEOFF MCMASTER: Assistant Editor

CONTRIBUTORS:Teresa Brasen, Richard Cairney, Phoebe Dey, Geoff McMaster, Ryan Smith

GRAPHIC DESIGN:Elise Almeida, Tim Hoffpauir, Penny Waite

Folio’s mandate is to serve as a credible newssource for the University community by communicating accurate and timely informationabout issues, programs, people and events and byserving as a forum for discussion and debate.Folio is published 21 times per year.

The editor reserves the right to limit, select, editand position submitted copy and advertisements.Views expressed in Folio do not necessarily reflectUniversity policy. Folio contents may be printedwith acknowledgement.

Inquiries,comments and letters should be directed to Richard Cairney, editor, 492-0439 richard.cairney@ualberta.ca

Display advertisingDeadline: 3 p.m. one week prior to publicationKatherine Irwin. 492-0444

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ISSN 0015-5764 Copyright 2001

The University of Alberta maintains a databaseof all alumni. This database is used to sendyou news about the U of A, including Folioand New Trail, invitations to special events and requests for support. On Sept. 1, 1999,post-secondary institutions were required tocomply with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy legislation of theprovince of Alberta. In accordance with thislegislation, please respond to one of the following options:

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Former dean a pioneer in his fieldMervyn Huston broke new ground in research, and made us laugh along the way

Dr. Mervyn J. Huston, who served asdean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and

Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Universityof Alberta from 1946 – 1978, passed awayMarch 4 at the age of 88. Huston will beremembered as a pioneer in his field, dedi-cated to teaching and improving his pro-fession. He will also be remembered as aman of exquisite humour.

Few members of the University ofAlberta’s Class of 88 will forget the convo-cation address delivered by Dr. Huston.

“The first bit of advice I would offeryou is: don’t pay any attention to theadvice you get at convocations. You’vedone just fine so far ignoring professionaladvice, so keep it up,” he told the stu-dents. “I do not imply that the advicewould be bad. It wouldn’t. But by taking ityou might miss the opportunity to makesome salutary mistakes.

“It is necessary for you to make yourown decisions and learn from your mis-takes. Ignorance is correctable. Stupidity isforever. A person who hasn’t made a plenti-

tude of boo-boos in his life hasn’t been aim-ing high enough.”

Huston went on to describe his ownfailed efforts to change the university’smotto from Quaecumque Vera—Whatsoever Things are True, to Quae ErebeVera—What the Hell is True? The latter, hereasoned, “was more in keeping with aquesting, questioning, dynamic university.”

He graduated from the University ofAlberta in 1937 and returned as a lecturerat the School of Pharmacy two years later.He became acting director in 1946 anddirector in 1947. Under his leadership forthe next three decades, the school expand-ed into the Faculty of Pharmacy andPharmaceutical Sciences with 15 full-timefaculty and staff and student enrolment of125. Huston was responsible for pioneer-ing developments: he established the firstnuclear reactor for pharmaceuticalresearch, a project that received world-wide recognition.

Huston was also the founder of theCanadian Journal of Pharmaceutical

Science. He wrote a text on pharmaceuticalarithmetic but also wrote for sheer pleas-ure. In 1982 he received the LeacockAward for Humour for his book GophersDon’t Pay Taxes. He authored a series ofhumorous books: The Great CanadianLover (1964), Toasts to the Bride (1969),Canada Eh to Zed (1973) Great GolfHumour (1977) and Golf and Murphy’sLaw (1981). He also wrote several radioplays and a musical drama, The Chickenwith the Big Eye.■

Study on healthy aging earns hefty supportSSHRC funding to trigger extensive survey of public policy and agingBy Terese Brasen

The University of Alberta’s Departmentof Human Ecology has won $338,218 in

Social Sciences and Humanities ResearchCouncil (SSHRC) funding.

“The competition is pretty stiff,” said abeaming Dr. Janet Fast, a U of A humanecology professor whose projectProductive Activity in Later Life was oneof just five Canadian university projects toreceive funding under SSHRC’s newRethinking Productivity program.

“SSHRC challenged the research com-munity to think differently about produc-tivity,” Fast said. “In traditional econom-ics, productive activity is anything thatone gets paid for; and yet, people partici-pate in a lot of unpaid activities that arevaluable to themselves and society.Traditionally, these unpaid activities aren’tcounted as productive.”

Fast’s project will study how produc-tivity is tied to health and successfulaging. Recent literature on aging suggestsstaying productive is key to stayinghealthy. “It is feeling needed, doing some-thing that other people value and look to

you for” Fast explained. “It is commonsense, yet when it comes to public policywe don’t value those things.”

Fast said three of her human ecologycolleagues, Dr. Donna Dawsman and assis-tants Jacquie Eales and Sherry AnneChapman, will use the SSHRC funding toconduct a three-year study of how produc-tive activity changes as one ages andapproaches retirement.

The project will decipher time-use anddiary data from 1981 to the most recentlyavailable (1998) statistics. In one year,Statistics Canada contacts between 10,000and 12,000 Canadians, gathering detailedinformation on our daily activities, healthand quality of life. “We have at least three,possibly four waves of Statistics Canadadata, so we can do comparisons overtime,” Fast said.

The U of A human ecology team willcollaborate with Dr. Anne Gauthier, fromthe University of Calgary’s Department ofSociology and with researchers fromSyracuse University to access similar time-use data from 25 to 30 countries. Russia,for example, has been collecting suchinformation for more than a century,longer than any other country has. Theteam will compare, cross-tabulate and lookfor patterns that explain the link betweenpublic policy and productivity in later life.

Fast added that departments likehuman ecology have difficulty competingfor industry sponsors. “Our natural part-ners are community agencies and policyshops that don’t have any money. It is dif-ficult to find an industry partner to sup-port research on family violence, for exam-ple.”

In this case, the human ecology depart-ment is partnering with Human ResourcesDevelopment Canada, the NationalAdvisory Council on Aging and thePembina Institute, an independent, citizen-based think tank interested in the value ofunpaid work.

“We want to inform policy and prac-tice,” explained Fast. “Our partners willuse the information to develop programsfor seniors or policy that facilitates suc-cessful aging.”

While SSHRC dollars allow Fast andher colleagues to engage in research thatmay change federal policy and shift atti-tudes towards aging and unpaid work,Fast believes the research dollars alsomake the classroom more relevant.

“One of the major advantages of aneducation at a research institution is pro-fessors teach and do research. I bring themost recent research results into the class-room and show how policy may change asa result of some of the work I do.”

Out of the five SSHRC rethinking pro-ductivity grants, two went to the U of A..Dr. Alice Nakamura of the U of A Schoolof Business Department of Finance andManagement Science will receive $411,782from SSHRC to develop new ways tomeasure labour productivity.■

By Terese Brasen

Dr. Janet Fast is studying the ways public policyaffects our productivity as we age.

Gunman sparked flurry of subscriptionsto Campus AlertCampus-wide e-mail system helped avert disasterBy Richard Cairney

When staff at the University of Alberta’sCampus Patrol Services found out

March 7 that a disgruntled former studenthad armed himself and returned to cam-pus, they fired out a campus-wide e-mailmessage to warn students, faculty andstaff.

That single measure made a tremen-dous difference, warning people of thepotentially deadly threat. The campus-wide e-mail ultimately led to the man’sarrest, with staff members reporting theformer student’s location. The blanket e-mail also caught the attention of studentsand staff who didn’t receive the alert—and

it sparked a flurry of requests to subscribeto the Campus Alert service.

“In the first afternoon (following thearrest of the gunman) I probably received 20e-mail subscriptions,” says CPS Sgt. JimNewman, administrator of Campus Alert.“Usually, there’s nothing. But since thenwe’ve had about 300 people subscribe to theservice. We were getting a lot of phone callstoo, asking how to subscribe to the service.”

CPS reserves use of the mail-out serv-ice for urgent matters. Subscribers to theservice will receive “probably one or two”notices a month, said Newman.

“We send out things like advisories

on some circumstances we’ve had, like‘there have been thefts from one of thelibraries, so keep an eye on your personaleffects,’ or reports of suspicious personson campus.”

The university has used the e-mailalert system for about two years, basing iton a model used by the University ofNevada. Newman said there are about5,000 subscribers to the system now, “butI’d like to triple that, if I could.”

Anyone whose e-mail address endswith ‘@ualberta.ca’ can subscribe to theservice on-line atwww.cps.ualberta.ca/alerts.htm .■

In taking stockof gains and

losses made inCanadian stud-ies programsacross the coun-try over the past25 years, T.H.B.Symons conclud-ed in an articlelast year thatCanada is“dying of igno-rance.”

The notedscholar andfounding presi-dent of Trent

University wrote in the Journal ofCanadian Studies that, while a few pro-grams remained healthy, Canadian studieshad for the most part failed to capture the“imagination of most of the academic com-munity or of the wider public.” In manyuniversities where the field of study exist-ed, he argued, it was accorded marginalstatus, struggling to stay alive. He calledthis state of affairs a “tragedy in the mak-ing.”

“The country is facing all the greatissues of economic change, regionalism,and cultural and geographic diversity,while Americanization proceeds apace.Canadians are involved in a race againsttime to preserve their heritage and toacquire the knowledge needed to followtheir own path. It is not a race we are win-ning.”

Earlier this month it came to light theU of A’s Faculty of Arts is now recom-mending the closure of its 28-year-oldCanadian studies program, following inthe footsteps of McMaster University andthe University of Guelph in Ontario. Thereason is simple, said Dean of Arts KenNorrie: there simply isn’t enough moneyto keep the program running.

“It’s an under-funded program any-way and, because of circumstances whichcan’t be discussed because of confidentiali-ty, the under-funding is even more seriousthan ever,” he says. “The only reason itsucceeded for as long as it has is becauseof super-human efforts by people involvedin the program. People have been teachingand student advising well above the nor-mal expectation.”

As much as he values the program andconsiders the closure regrettable (pointingout that he is, himself, a scholar ofCanadian economics), Norrie says he real-ly has no choice. To keep running the pro-gram—which is now allotted 2.6 facultypositions to teach 12 majors, nine minors,two honours students, as well as a numberof students from other programs—wouldrequire at least two to three new positions.And with “drastic shortages” in areas suchas modern languages, psychology and lin-guistics, areas where there are higher num-bers of students, he can’t justify takingpositions from elsewhere in the faculty.

Despite the fiscal argument, however, anumber of people, including the program’sstudents and celebrated nationalist MelHurtig, are refusing to take the recommen-dation lying down. They’re preparingstatements, talking to the media and plan-ning to garner support as the decisionworks its way through the various levelsof committee debate.

“Unfortunately, the dean hit us whenwe have a lot of school work to do,” saysAndrea Bell, president of the Canadian

Studies Students’ Association. “But we’redoing everything we can to make the pub-lic aware of this. Who knows, maybe itwill embarrass the university enough toreconsider.” Bell says she was somewhatblindsided by the recommendation. Whilethere has been talk ofclosing the program for atleast a year, Bell says shewas led to believe itwould not happen soon.New courses were addedthis year, along with newcalendars, posters and adisplay at PreviewDays—all of which con-tributed to a general air ofoptimism. “I’m pretty shocked,” she says.“It came out of nowhere. There were indi-cations last year the program might becancelled, but we thought it was in remis-sion and we thought we were secure withthis year-to-year funding.”

Hurtig says he has a “game plan” toresist the program’s closure, which he willreveal any day now. He has already heldmeetings with Norrie, Vice-President(Academic) and Provost Doug Owram andfaculty members in Canadian studies andpolitical science (the program’s homedepartment) and is unswayed by theadministration’s rationale.

“After all these discussions, I remain100-per-cent convinced the decision madeby the university is wrong, wrong, wrong,and will diminish the university’s imageboth in the community and elsewhereacross Canada,” he says. “The excuse thatin an era of globalization Canadian studieshas a lower priority is extraordinarilyfaulty logic. In fact, in an era of globaliza-tion it’s all the more imperative to ensureour students come away from universitywith a better understanding of Canadianhistory and its current economic, socialand cultural facets and problems.

“Here we are in the wealthiest per-capita province in Canada, with a bur-geoning surplus of over $7 billion, and wesomehow manage to have a chair inAmerican studies at the University ofCalgary, and a Centre of Austrian and

Central European studies at the Universityof Alberta, and we can’t even have a centrefor Canadian studies. This is an absurd sit-uation.”

However Norrie stresses that while “aparticular institutional set of courses in a

degree program” may fallby the wayside, opportu-nities to study Canadianissues elsewhere in thefaculty could not be moreabundant. “Some peoplethink what we’re doing isgiving up the study ofCanada—but emphatical-ly not! Our mission is tobe the best place in theworld to study Canada,

and we’re well along that way, and will bebetter.”

Norrie argues many Canadian studiesprograms, including the U of A’s, wereestablished during the early 1970s whenthere was an urgent need to introduceCanadian content in university curricula.Now that Canadian content permeatesmost other disciplines in the arts, however,the institution of Canadian studies has, ina sense, done its job. He says there aremore than 200 courses in the arts facultydesignated as Canadian content, in disci-plines such as political science, economics,history, English and comparative litera-ture. “We have some of the country’s andworld’s top political science experts andeconomic policy experts, as well as in the-atre and Francophone literature of theWest.” If students want to focus their stud-ies on Canada, he argues, there is no short-age of ways to do it. And the faculty’s newpush to become a centre for the study ofglobalization will only put Canada at theforefront.

Proponents of Canadian studies sayexamining Canada in a global context, orin courses offered by other departments, isby no means the same as a Canada-first,interdisciplinary approach to issues as cru-cial and complex as national identity. KateHume, last year’s association presidentand a graduate of the program, says she’sdismayed the U of A can’t keep the pro-

gram afloat when programs at theUniversities of British Columbia andCalgary seem to be thriving. (TheUniversity of Calgary, for example, hasrecently launched an M.A. in Canadianstudies.)

“Dean Norrie told us the new focus ofthe university and the Faculty of Arts isglobalization and internationalization, andof course that’s a really trendy thingeverywhere, so that’s no surprise, butCanadian studies is one of the only pro-grams that is interdisciplinary and wherearts students really get an opportunity tostudy all the disciplines and how they tieinto their own country.” She adds that, inher view, looking at Canada from a globalperspective is what Canadian studiescourses did anyway.

Susan Minsos, co-ordinator of the U ofA’s Canadian studies program, agrees thatwhat makes Canadian studies valuable isits unique, focused approach. “I’m sad tothink students can’t major in the study ofCanada. There are Canadian courses totake, but you can’t major in the study ofCanada…it makes me very sad.”

When the dust settles from this debate,however, the arts faculty will still face thesame stubborn obstacle—a lack ofresources, says Norrie. “Are we losingsomething? Inevitably. There’s no questionwe are. And here the students are right,because the Canadian studies courses doprovide an opportunity to bring interdisci-plinary stuff together.”

The recommendation for closure stillhas a long way to go before it’s adopted.But short of a major donation, Norrie saysthe program will likely begin bringingdown the curtain next September when,for the first time in almost three decades,the introductory course in Canadian stud-ies may not be offered (although studentscurrently enrolled in the program will beallowed to finish).

So the word is officially out—the artsfaculty is looking for a benefactor. SaysNorrie: “If Canadian Pacific came to meand said, ‘we’re going to give you $12 mil-lion to endow four chairs in Canadianstudies,’ I’d say, ‘Sure buddy, you’re on.’”■

University of Alberta folio March 23, 20003

folio

Canadian studies students Andrea Bell and Kate Hume are fighting to save their program.

“Some people think what

we’re doing is giving up

the study of Canada—

but emphatically not! Our

mission is to be the best

place in the world to study

Canada,and we’re well

along that way,and will

be better.”

—Dean of Arts Ken Norrie

“The excuse that in an era of global

ization,Canadian studies has a

lower priority is extraordinarily

faulty logic.”

—Mel Hurtig

Richard Cairney

The demise of Canadian studies: the end of an era?By Geoff McMaster

Turning a spark into a flameIt’s our job to teach students to learn

Every fall, when our new recruits arriveon campus, I have the opportunity to

speak with them about the university’saspirations for our students. We talk aboutcritical thinking, developing communica-tion skills and independent judgement, butat the core lies their personal spark—theirinherent curiosity to know “why.” Ourchallenge is to nurture this personal excite-ment about learning and to work witheach of our students towards the success-ful development of their “agility to learn.”

This “agility” extends beyond mereability as a technical skill. Certainly, wewant to ensure our students have the abili-ty to locate knowledge in a library or onthe web, to talk to the right person, torecall a certain set of facts, and demon-strate adherence to good grammar or thescientific method. But, how does a univer-sity education move learning beyond the

technical abilities and, most assuredly,beyond the memorization-regurgitationcycle?

William Butler Yeats once said educa-tion is about “lighting a fire, not filling apail.” I firmly believe that students whochoose the University of Alberta experi-ence have the spark to learn. We need totransform that spark into a fire throughinnovative delivery of course material,experimentation, and mentoring.

Our campus is a model amongCanadian universities, with our indis-putable slate of outstanding teachers.With 22 3M Fellowship winners since1986, our faculty have fanned many aspark to a blaze.

3M Fellow and Professor ofPharmacology David Cook says the key isto make sure curriculum engages students,even if the approach is not initially popu-

lar. He says students are comfortable andfamiliar with what he calls the “bulimiaapproach to education” of regurgitation.But getting them involved in small grouplearning, role playing, and interaction withworking professionals encourages self-reliance without need for spoon-feeding.

An example of the success of this typeof engagement with learning at theUniversity of Alberta was awarded thenational Alan Blizzard Award last year forinnovation in course delivery. The interdis-ciplinary course required students fromdifferent health sciences programs to worktogether, improving their understanding ofthe team process and other disciplineswhile making learning come alive throughresearch, debate, and hands-on projectwork. As Professor Cook pointed out, ourstudents need to learn how to learn fromthe beginning of their training, otherwise

University of Alberta folio March 23, 20004

“they will end up practicing medicine ordentistry that is increasingly outdated.”

In a research-intensive environment, ourstudents have an additional advantage. Nomatter what the discussion, there are alwaysunanswered questions. By bringing thefrontiers of knowledge right into the class-room from the first year onwards, our facul-ty can mentor students on to the next levelof discovery, or to find a new application forthe knowledge they have. And I know it hasbeen the experience of many of our out-standing teachers to be approached byinspired students to assist them in takingtheir experience to the next level.

As a university with the motto“Quaecumque Vera,” or, “WhatsoeverThings are Ttrue,” there couldn’t be amore noble pursuit than helping unleashand develop in each student a life-longagility to learn.■

Prof recognized for commitment to aboriginal lawAboriginal Justice Award goes to U of A profBy Richard Cairney

University of Alberta law professorCatherine Bell knows you can sell a

house and still keep the memories of yourfamily growing up there. She also knowsthat in aboriginal cultures, material posses-sions aren’t as easily separated from emo-tional, communal and spiritual history.

“If a community loses a sacred mask,and there are songs that are associatedwith that mask, the community loses thosesongs too,” Bell explains.

As a founding member of the U of A’sIndigenous Law Program and an activemember of the university’s School Councilfor Native Studies, Bell immerses herself

in the themes of aboriginal justice. Alongwith U of A philosophy professor Dr.David Kahane, she is currently assemblinga collection of essays on resolving legaldisputes between cultures. The book, to bepublished by UBC Press, was inspired by aconference on intercultural dispute resolu-tion held at the U of A in 1999.

Another project she’s working on, withUniversity of British Columbia law profes-sor Bob Patterson, is examining culturalappropriation and the repatriation of sacredand ceremonially significant objects toNative communities. This fall, she becomesthe first full-time faculty member at the

University of Victoria’s Akitsiraq Law Schoolat Iqualuit, Nunavut. Bell will be teaching acourse in property law at the northernschool, which opens in September. For 3-1/2months, she’ll teach students about Inuitcustomary law—despite the fact that thoselaws aren’t necessarily written down any-where. “Some of it is written down,” Bellsaid. “But I will be working with the eldersto weave it into the curriculum.”

It’s that kind of commitment to aborig-inal justice that earned Bell the 2001Aboriginal Justice Award, says Leslie Sax,head of the U of A’s Aboriginal LawStudents Association. Bell is the first mem-ber of the U of A Faculty of Law to receivethe honour.

“We thought, ‘Let’s give it to one of ourown,’ ” said Sax. Of course, there’s more toit than that. “She is completely committedto aboriginal justice issues,” Sax added. “Ithink she really believes that people needhelp and, because of her degree and hereducation, she can give them that help. Sheis absolutely amazing.”

The Aboriginal Justice Award was ini-tiated in 1994 to mark the first graduatingclass from the Indigenous Law program,established to help address the under rep-resentation of aboriginal lawyers inCanada. The award recognizes personswho contribute to the development of abo-riginal justice initiatives and cross-culturaljustice initiatives in education and institu-tional reform. Bell focuses on both areas.

“Laws as they are don’t take into accounteither indigenous concepts of property or thedevelopment of aboriginal rights laws,” shesaid. “For example, there is legislation thatdelays the selling of cultural property outsideof the country, and most of the property thatgets stopped at the border is indigenous cul-tural property. There is a legal obligation tolet museums know about these artifacts sothey can try to buy the property and keep itin Canada, so they have an opportunity tobuy it—but there is no obligation to let FirstNations know about it.

“So they find out by guess and bygolly. Someone at Simon Fraser Universityrealizes ‘hey, this is from the NuxalkNation and maybe it shouldn’t have beensold in the first place.’ The legislativeregime is not up to date with aboriginalrights developments or with howAboriginal People view their property.”

Bell is humbled by the honour her stu-dents have bestowed upon her.

“One of the things I do in my researchis to not only try to change the legal land-scape and law as an institution that affectsAboriginal People, but to do it in a waythat there is a direct benefit in the commu-nity,” she said. “In order to do that I oftenwill work with aboriginal communities todefine the issues to explore solutions. So Ithink one of the reasons why the studentswanted to recognize my work is that it isinformed by the community—and I takemy research back into the classroom.”■

University will move to new four-point grading scaleBy Geoff McMaster

The General Faculties Council has votedto adopt a four-point grading scale to be

implemented in the fall of 2003. “The four-point system was the logical

direction to go because it’s the most com-mon system in Canada and NorthAmerica,” Associate Vice-President(Academic) Anne-Marie Decore said dur-ing the March 20 meeting.

Universities in Lethbridge and Calgaryalready use a four-point scale, althoughnot the same one, and AthabascaUniversity uses percentages. Many otherCanadian universities, and most universi-

ties in the U.S., are on a four-point stan-dard.

Over the past year, Alberta’s four uni-versities have agreed on a common four-point system that would be easier tounderstand and would make transferringbetween schools more efficient. However,they were unable to agree on how to dis-tinguish between an A+ and an A gradeand so offered two variations—a 4.0scale (which translates both A and A+ to4, but also indicates alpha grades ontranscripts) and a 4.3 scale (which trans-lates an A+ to 4.3).

Now that the U of A has agreed uponthe former, it will be taken through theapproval process at the Universities ofCalgary and Lethbridge, said Decore.Augustana, Concordia and King’sUniversity College all use the U of A’snine-point system but will now likelyadopt the new scale.

Student representatives said they sup-port the decision. However, some councilmembers expressed concern that assigningA and A+ grades the same numericalvalue might compromise the grade pointaverages of some students.

“I certainly approve of moving awayfrom the nine-point system...but we arecreating a situation where someone withbetter grades would actually have a lowerGPA,” said Jerry Varsava of theDepartment of Comparative Literature,Religion and Film/Media Studies.

Decore responded that showing alphagrades on transcripts should be sufficientto indicate outstanding performance in acourse.

The recommendation to adopt the newscale will now go to the Board ofGovernors for final approval.■

Cathrine Bell is the first U of A professor to earn the Aboriginal Justice Award.

Richard Cairney

University of Alberta folio March 23, 20005

folio

AIS report helps readersunderstand complex issueCongratulations on an important achieve-

ment (the March 13 special report onAdministrative Information Systems). Thisissue addressed a vital topic with thor-oughly researched, insightful analysis.

It is a good example of the type ofinvestigative journalism that could makeFolio a much greater force on campus.

Keep up the good work and don’t lis-ten to the nay-sayers who will be urgingyou not to rock the boat. This sort of cov-erage can play a vital role in seeing thatpeople better understand exactly what isgoing on in an important campus issue.It’s much more useful in that regard thanspeeches by university administrators whocannot help but be part of the process.

Stuart McFadyen , Faculty of Business

Special AIS report missed a couple of important mattersFolio should be congratulated for publish-

ing a reasonably balanced and forthrightreport on the state of the university’sAdministrative Information Systems(Special Report, March 13). This is a refresh-ing change from some of the previous com-munications on this subject. However, thereare a few things which were missed orrequire additional comment.

First, the decision to proceed with thefinancial, human resource, and academicrecords systems simultaneously shouldnever have been made. This comment is notmade in hindsight. Any senior administra-tor responsible for implementing new sys-tems should have realized this. The imple-mentation of any one of these systems rep-resented a very major undertaking. Otherjurisdictions, such as the Alberta govern-ment, recognized this and implemented thefinancial system first and followed it withthe human resource (system) once the firstone was installed and running properly. Thecommon excuses for the university doingeverything at once are “we had no choice”and Y2K. I do not believe either of these isvalid. If a phased-implementation approachhad been adopted, the life of specific legacysystems could have been extended. Therewould have been a cost associated with thisbut the cost of implementing the new sys-tems would likely have been less. There isan old adage related to the development of

new systems: a system can be delivered i)quickly ii) with quality and iii) cheaply—pick two of the three.

The acknowledged cost of this projectis $35 million compared to the originallyproposed $7 million. It needs to be pointedout that this figure does not include any ofthe time expended by staff in faculty,departmental and administrative officesaround campus during the implementa-tion. In addition, many of these peoplehave had to spend numerous extra hoursto make the systems serve the needs intheir particular area. Therefore the truecost is much higher than $35 million.

In the original financial justification forthese systems, considerable cost savingswere identified. These were related to thefact that staff would be much more produc-tive once these new systems were avail-able, and translate into fewer people in anumber of administrative areas. This hasproven to be anything but true. It is timethat the university acknowledged that thehard-dollar savings, which were claimed toexist, are unlikely to be realized.

Finally, I take issue with some of thecomments made by Mr. Derraugh fromPeopleSoft. In May of 1997, I was part of afive-person team, which went to Californiato listen to PeopleSoft’s pitch about theiracademic record system. While it is truethat the system was still under develop-

ment some of the functionality which wasclaimed to exist in the system has yet to bedelivered, for example, web enablementand electronic grade books. So rather thanour disappointment being “fuelled by theexpectation that you could match whatyou were doing with a home grown sys-tem that was built by the U of A,” it wasfuelled by unfulfilled vendor promises.

This university will survive notbecause of but despite the new administra-tive systems.

K. C. Porteous, AssociateDean(Student and Co-op Services)Faculty of Engineering

The Kuchma-Gate Scandal and implications for UkraineA headless body, a vindictive leader and a state of chaos leaves the nation in a shamblesBy David R. Marples

When Ukraine gained its independencein 1991, many analysts regarded this

large central European nation as pivotal forinternational stability. By 1994, with Russiaembroiled in its first war in Chechnya, theWest looked to Ukraine as a balancebetween an expanding NATO and anincreasingly belligerent Commonwealth ofIndependent States. Thus, recent events inKyiv—with the president accused of com-plicity in the murder of an independentjournalist, and brutal police crackdowns ondemonstrators—have shocked the West.How can one explain the present troubles?

For eight years a power struggle devel-oped between the president andParliament. Last April President LeonidKuchma expanded his authority in a care-fully manipulated referendum—the resultshave not yet been implemented. Ukraine isalso widely regarded as one of the mostcorrupt nations of the world, with a rulingoligarchy that has exploited its controlover profitable sectors of the economysuch as weapons and energy. In 1999, theCommittee for the Protect of Journalistslisted President Kuchma as one of the top10 enemies of a free press, and it has beenthe crackdown in this area that may provehis undoing.

On September 16, Georgii Gongadze,editor of Ukrainska Pravda, a nativeGeorgian, disappeared. A headless corpse

was discovered in a wood outside Kyiv sev-eral weeks later. Intrigue followed. MykolaMelnychenko, a 34-year old bodyguard ofPresident Kuchma, became disillusionedwith his employer’s corruption, and haddecided to tape secretly Kuchma’s conversa-tions with his inner circle. (Melnychenkoreportedly learned the techniques of elec-tronic surveillance while in the army.) Hehanded over 1,000 hours of recordings toformer Speaker Oleksander Moroz, leaderof the Socialist Party on November 26 andfled the country two days before the detailsof the first tape—regarding conversationsbetween the president and his security advi-sors about Gongadze—were published.Only on February 26, 2001, did Ukraine’sState prosecutor identify the body found inSeptember as Gongadze.

The tapes reveal Kuchma to be anuncouth and vindictive man, a typicalSoviet apparatchik, a man accustomed topower and intolerant of criticism, and aman skilled at using a system to eliminateor silence those with whom he disagrees.The tapes stun the listener with their sheerbanality, demanding that Gongadze be“fed to the Chechens, castrated” etc. Thepresident has been ruthless with his oppo-nents. Yulia Tymoshenko, former firstdeputy minister for energy, is in jail, osten-sibly because along with current PrimeMinister Viktor Yushchenko, she changed

the barter system of trade in Ukraine—which ensured large profits for oligarchs—to one based on cash transactions. Lesserfigures have been removed or eliminated.

Anti-government protests began onFebruary 25. On March 9, a demonstrationof 10,000 in Kyiv supporting a “UkraineWithout Kuchma” resulted in violent clash-es with police and the detention of 217 peo-ple. Kuchma referred to demonstrators as a“brown plague” of neo-Nazis and claimedthat many were being paid for their partici-pation. In response, he ordered pro-Kuchma demonstrations of students andworkers, with the threat of expulsion or dis-missal for those who refused to participate.The same day police and protestorsclashed, a new group—The All-UkrainianPublic Resistance Committee “For theTruth” was formed. Its goal is the recon-struction of the entire political, social, andeconomic system of Ukraine.

There is an overt campaign by the oli-garchs to remove Yushchenko, the onlyremaining reformer in the cabinet. OnApril 10, the Prime Minister must deliver areport to Parliament on the Cabinet’s ful-fillment of its mandate. First ParliamentarySpeaker Viktor Medvedchuk has alreadyhinted that Yushchenko will be replaced.Other groups that wish to removeYushchenko include the DemocraticUnion, led by Oleksander Volkos and the

Labour Union Party of Serhiy Tyhypkoand Andriy Derkach. On March 15, aCommunist Party-led demonstration inKyiv, which attracted 3,000 protesters frommany parts of Ukraine, demanded theouster of both Kuchma and Yushchenko.

Ukraine has lost the confidence ofWestern political and business circles. OnFebruary 27, American President George W.Bush regretted the break-up of protests andwarned Kuchma that future support fromthe US will depend on adherence to the ruleof law. Writing in the March 2 edition of theFinancial Times, George Soros, who has pro-vided more than $100 million in aid toUkraine in various programs, urgedKuchma to step down from his post, pend-ing the results of an inquiry into theGongadze case. The president is completelydistracted from the affairs of state and isseeking help from Vladimir Putin’s Russia.He has lost his hard-won majority inParliament. In the meantime, he will use themilitia, the secret police and all the forces athis disposal to retain power by force. ButUkraine is not isolated. It is very much partof the world community. Its actions arejudged under a sharply focused microscopeand Kuchma’s time may soon run out.■

(David Marples is a professor of history and clas-sics and director of the Stasiuk Program, studying con-temporary Ukrainian issues, with the University ofAlberta’s Canadian Institute for Ukrainian Studies.)

PeopleSoft story isa solid case studyAn excellent special report on the

PeopleSoft story! Thank you verymuch. I hope you can put it up on theweb so I can share it with some of myclients. It is hard to get an unbiased “casestudy” of the real risks faced in the moveto big software.

William Nichols, management con-sultant,Edmonton

folio

Folio welcomes letters to the edi-tor. Send your thoughts and opinionsvia e-mail to richard.cairney@ualber-ta.ca, fax at 492-2997, or by mail toFolio, Office of Public Affairs, 400Athabasca Hall, Edmonton, AlbertaT6G 2E8. Letters may be edited forgrammar, style, accuracy and length.

The University of Alberta’s tradition of excellence in athletics has been evident in recent years. The Golden Bears and Pandas’ teams have been taking on all comers in all sports, with theGolden Bears hockey team closing in on its third consecutive CIAU championship. Today’s athletes are continuing a legacy of excellence established by their predecessors. On April 3,

the university looks upon its past with pride, inducting five athletes to the Sports Wall of Fame during a special ceremony at the Shaw Conference Centre. The U of A will also look to thefuture during the event, announcing the name of the new University of Alberta South Campus Athletics Facility as well. This year’s inductees to the Sports Wall of Fame are:

BILL MOORES [B.Ed. 1972]Bill Moores starred at the University of

Alberta as an athlete and a builder. Duringthe 1971-1972 season he led the GoldenBears Hockey team in scoring, to firstplace in the WCIAU, and to a third-placefinish. It is, however, as a coach of theGolden Bears that Bill’s mark has beenmost indelibly made. From 1976 to 1994he served as an assistant coach with ClareDrake or as the team’s head coach. Duringhis seven years as head coach, the GoldenBears represented the WCIAU on fiveoccasions and won the University Cup –symbolic of Canadian University hockeysupremacy – twice. His teams never fin-ished lower than second place in WCIAUleague play. After leaving the University,Bill coached for two highly successful sea-sons in Japan and then returned to Canadato accept an assistant coaching positionwith the New York Rangers. Bill is cur-rently an assistant coach with CraigMacTavish and the Edmonton Oilers

DALTON SMARSH [B.Ed. 1976]Dalton Smarsh was one of the most

outstanding running backs in the historyof Golden Bear football. In five years(1972-1976) he established team, confer-ence and CIAU rushing records that havestood for decades, and was captain in fourof those five seasons. On four occasions

the league named him to its all-star teamand in 1974 he was selected as a CIAU All-Canadian. In his rookie year he helped theBears win the CIAU championship.Drafted by the Saskatchewan Roughriders,Dalton elected instead a career in theworld of education. Edmonton sport pro-grams and Edmonton Public Schools bene-fited from that decision. He has served asa department head in physical educationfor 15 years, coached a wide range of

school sports, produced championshipteams in football, basketball, and athletics.Dalton found time to serve as the offensiveco-ordinator of the Golden Bears in 1985and as assistant coach (three years) thenhead coach (two years) of the EdmontonWildcats. As the Wildcats’ head coach, heled the team to a Canadian championshipin 1983.

FRANK MORRIS Frank Morris was an all-star athlete in

hockey, fastball, baseball and football but itwas as a football player that he is bestknown. He participated as a player and asa Director of Player Development in 19Grey Cup games – and was on the win-ning team 13 times. After retiring from theprofessional ranks, Frank joined the coach-ing staff of the University of AlbertaGolden Bears football team in 1959 andserved as offensive and defensive line co-ordinator. During his tenure, the Bearsmade two Bowl appearances. The first wasin the Churchill Bowl in 1962, which theBears lost to the McGill Redmen, and thesecond in 1963 when the University ofAlberta hosted the Golden Bowl defeating,in that precursor to Canadian universityfootball championship play, the Queen’sUniversity Golden Gaels. From 1970 to1988, Morris re-joined the EdmontonEskimos and served as Director of Player

The legend continuesUniversity of Alberta honours its most outstanding athletes

University of Alberta folio March 23, 20006

Development. He proved to be a superbjudge of player talent and his reports influ-enced college player selection among all ofthe professional teams in Canada. In 1981he was awarded an honorary lifetimemembership in the Canadian CollegeFootball Association.

WENDY (CLARKSON) CARTER [B.Ed. 1989]The Western Canada Interuniversity

Athletic Union (WCIAU) and theUniversity of Alberta no longer provideathletes the opportunity to compete atchampionship levels in the sport of bad-minton. This was unfortunate for the U ofA for, in 1975, one of its entering studentswas already a junior Canadian championin this sport and this student would go onto be Canada’s dominant female bad-minton player for the next decade. WendyClarkson (now Carter) competed in everymajor badminton event around the worldwinning numerous gold, silver and bronzemedals in most. In 1977, representingCanada at the Pan Am Games, Wendywon gold in women’s singles and in theteam championships. The next year, as amember of Canada’s CommonwealthGames team, she won the silver and thebronze medal in the team competition andin the ladies’ singles respectively. In 1978she was ranked as the third-best femalebadminton player in the world. AsWendy’s international career ended, shewent on to participate in senior’s champi-onships where she won Manitoba andCanadian titles. During this phase of herlife in sport she has moved into the coach-ing ranks and her influence continues tobe evident throughout Canada’s bad-minton programs.

JUNE (JAMISON) MCDONALD [B.PE. 1961]The University of Alberta Bakewell

Trophy symbolizes outstanding athleticexcellence among all participants onPanda programs. It was appropriate thatJune Jamison (now McDonald) won thispremiere award in 1962. June had starredon Western Canada InteruniversityAthletic Union championship teams ingolf, curling and volleyball during thecourse of her university career. This out-standing inductee won city, provincial andnational titles in golf and curling (twonational titles in 1966 and 1968). June(Jamison) McDonald went on in the worldof sports to build the Junior Achievementorganization of Northern Alberta and theNorthwest Territories into the secondlargest of such programs in Canada. Sheserved for years as a fundraiser for groupssuch as the Winnifred Stewart School, theCanadian Cancer Society, the MultipleSclerosis Society, the Heart Fund and theSalvation Army. She has left her mark onour university and on our city.■

Bill Moores

Frank Morris

Wendy (Clarkson) Carter

June (Jamison) McDonald

Dalton Smarch

According to Environment Canada statis-tics, northern Alberta is in the midst of

a 15-year warming trend.Although no one can be cer-tain why it’s happening, Dr.Dennis Gignac believes‘greenhouse gases’ are thecause.

Gignac, a biology profes-sor at the Faculté Saint-Jean,believes the greenhouseeffect—global warmingcaused by an increase in theproduction of gases such ascarbon dioxide, methane andnitrous oxide—is “definitelyhappening” and it is affect-ing the weather patterns innorthern Alberta. As evi-dence, he points to the PeaceRiver area peatlands.

“Already we’re seeingsome of the peatlands dryingup in northern Alberta,” saidGignac, who has beenresearching boreal forests inAlberta for more than 15years.

This is significant, Gignac said,because “there is generally a lag time of afew years between climate changes and

how vegetation reacts. But because peat-lands are really sensitive to drying, they

change almost as the cli-mate changes, and theyare precursors to whatwill happen to the rest ofthe boreal forests theyare found in.”

The drying of thePeace River area is par-ticularly severe becausedeclining precipitationin the region combinedwith warmer weathermeans any moisture thatdoes reach the landevaporates more quick-ly. Gignac, an expert inclimate changes andhow they affect ecosys-tems, says that if currentgreenhouse gas emis-sions continue unabat-ed, in “50 to 100 yearswe’ll see average tem-peratures rise fivedegrees Celsius, and

that will mean dramatic changes to ourlandscape.”

“For one, there is a northward migra-tion of boreal forests, so we won’t have as

Northern peatlands show effects of global warmingSensitive area indicates what lies ahead as climate changesBy Ryan Smith

University of Alberta folio March 23, 20007

Jonathan Backer and his teammates over-came a “serious case of nerves” to earn a

bronze medal at the 25th Annual ACMInternational Collegiate ProgrammingContest 2001 World Finals held recently inVancouver. Backer and fellow University ofAlberta computing science students PatrickEarl and Gilbert Lee finished ahead of suchperennial favourites as teams from CarnegieMellon, California Institute of Technologyand University of California, Berkeley.

With medals awarded based on thenumber of problems solved, the U of Aanswered four of eight problems correctlyand tied for 14th place overall, out of aninternational field of 64. St. PetersburgState University won the competition,while the University of Waterloo team,which answered six of eight questions cor-rectly, was the highest-finishing Canadianteam winning fourth place overall. The Uof A team tied the University of Torontoteam, which also came 14th overall, to fin-ish second out of all Canadian universities.

“We came away a little disappointed,”Backer said. “We were hoping for a top-10finish, but a bronze is better than a kick inthe pants.”

During the qualifying round in earlyNovember in Lethbridge, the U of A teamdefeated about 50 other schools in theRocky Mountain Region. “We’ve beentraining since we qualified, for about 15

hours a week, to prepare for [the finals],”Backer said. “But when the final competi-tion starts and you’re actually sitting infront of the computer and the clock is run-ning, it’s a little nerve-wracking, but it’s

also a lot of fun.” The U of A team coach, computing sci-

ence professor Dr. Piotr Rudnicki, was hon-oured with an award for his dedication andachievement. “Every year they pick four

people and givethem an award,”he said. “It’snothing special,but it’s nice.”

Of his team’sperformance,Rudnicki said,“They did rea-sonably well. Ithink nerves gotto them a bit, but

I’m proud of them.”Rudnicki noted that the team got hung

up on one problem that could have beenanswered simply, “but they got over-ambi-tious and spent an inordinate amount oftime on it.” The question required theteam to transform notes from one majormusical scale to another.

“The questions were nothing they had-n’t seen before,” Rudnicki said. “But nextyear we’ll have more experience and Ihope we can improve on this finish.”

Aside from improving in the standings,there are two more things on Rudnicki’swish list. “I’d love to see a girl on the teamsome day. And I’d like more students totake honours math, because it teaches themhow to think—not that the other coursesdon’t teach them how to think, but honoursmath teaches them to think in a way that isuseful to me,” he added, laughing. ■

Grad students win 94 NSERC scholarshipsTotal dips slightly from last year, but U of A ranks near top of listBy Geoff McMaster

University of Alberta graduate studentshave won 94 scholarships in the latest

Natural Sciences and EngineeringResearch Council of Canada (NSERC)competition. Worth about $1,740,000 intotal, the awards place the U of A fourth inthe country behind the University ofToronto with 173, Waterloo Universitywith 108 and the University of BritishColumbia with 104.

The U of A also brought in 12 post-doc-

toral fellowships worth about $35,000 each.Peter Steffler, associate dean of gradu-

ate studies and research, says while theresults are a positive indication of thequality of U of A students, he is “disap-pointed” in the drop from last year. In2000, U of A graduate students in engi-neering and sciences received 101 awardsworth $1,865,000.

“We did extremely well last year,” hesaid. “Maybe this year’s results are more

many trees,” said Gignac, referring toAlberta’s boreal forest area, which beginsat about Edmonton’s latitude and contin-ues north.

Gignac’s goal now is to monitorchanges to peatlands and boreal forests inWestern Canada and then compile infor-mation from colleagues conducting similar

research around North America, in orderto create a comprehensive database. He’llbe free to pursue this project full timethanks to the McCalla professorship herecently won at the U of A, which allowshim to concentrate solely on his researchfor nine months, beginning in Septemberthis year.■

realistic, or maybe it’s a bit of a down blipand we’ll bounce back again next year.”He said the university’s application suc-cess rate was approximately 67 per centthis year, down from about 80 per cent lastyear.

The awards were part of $62 million infunds handed out by NSERC to 1,924young researchers across the country:1,689 at the postgraduate level and 235 atthe postdoctoral level.

In announcing the awards onInternational Women’s Day, NSERCPresident Tom Brzustowski said the num-ber of successful women applicants hasrisen steadily to 43 per cent from 31 percent in 1992.

“This is a very satisfying nationaltrend indeed and reflects a significantimprovement in women’s participation inthe fields of science and engineering,” saidBrzustowski.■

”Already we’re seeing some of

the peatlands drying up in

northern Alberta…there is

generally a lag time of a few

years between climate changes

and how vegetation reacts.But

because peatlands are really

sensitive to drying,they change

almost as the climate changes,

and they are precursors to what

will happen to the rest of the

boreal forests they are found in.”

—Dr. Dennis Gignac

Peatlands in northern Alberta react quickly to changes in weather patterns. Dr. Dennis Gignac (inset) isstudying the peatlands in order to predict the effects global warming will have across the continent.

”We came away a little

disappointed.We were

hoping for a top-10 fin-

ish,but a bronze is better

than a kick in the pants.”

—Computing sciencesstudent Jonathan Backer

Dr. Piotr Rudnicki and his computer science team earned a bronze medal at the world finals but warn they’llbe stronger next year.

Computing team crunches competitorsStudents win bronze at world programming finalsBy Ryan Smith

University of Alberta folio March 23, 20008

What good is a liberal arts education?Broadus lectures defend the liberal artsBy Geoff McMaster

One day early in the winter term, ayoung man dressed in denim walked

into Dr. Patricia Clements’ first-yearEnglish class at the University of Alberta.He was “about three weeks and 15 min-utes late” while she was “in full flight onthe subject of the prologue to GeoffreyChaucer’s Canterbury Tales.”

It was the day essays were beingassigned, and the new student, who had“folded himself into a chair” at the back ofthe class, accepted the assignment withoutany consultation. When the essay was due,he turned in a piece of work that wasunequivocally “dreadful.” It was badenough, in fact, that Clements suggestedhe consider dropping the course.

It turns out the student, namedMalcolm, had received word of his accept-ance to the arts program late, after havingserved time in jail for drug offences.Obviously, he had a few things to learnabout surviving in university. But he wasdetermined to stay and was convincedClements could teach him.

“The distance between him and a pass-ing grade in the course was as great as I’veseen, but I agreed,” she explains. “Itdawned on me soon that he was one of thebrightest students I had taught...At the endof the year, he passed the course—he real-ly passed the course—with a grade of 7. Itwas an astounding achievement.”

In a drama course the following yearthe student went on to take the lead role inShakespeare’s King Lear, one of the worksthat he’d struggled so painfully to write anessay about in Clements’ English class.

The point in this story, says Clements,former dean of arts at the U of A and now

president of the Social Sciences andHumanities Federation of Canada, is thatMalcolm’s perspective had begun towiden, as it has for so many others trainedin the arts, through the study of literature.His education had helped him mature intohis vision of the world, which is at least asvaluable, if not more so, than any “trans-ferable skills” he learned in the process.

The nature of this maturation, and ofothers like it across a vast array of disci-plines in the social sciences and humani-ties, was the subject of Clements’ BroadusLecture series, The Politics of Knowledge:Liberal Arts in a Science Society. The three-part series assesses the impact of the liber-al arts on students and on contemporarysociety in general.

Clements argued an arts education hasa life-transforming power impossible toquantify and therefore easy for some to dis-miss. When the mind wrestles with a textby Samuel Beckett, Plato or Franz Kafka, orwhen a musician masters a difficult concer-to, “the market will not rise or fall, relationsbetween nations will not be affected in theshort term, there will be no immediateimpact on consumer confidence.” But theimpact of these transaction is no less real,says Clements, and no less significant.

The problem, she says, is that the Albertagovernment, in its determination tostrengthen science and technology in theprovince, has done so at the expense of theliberal arts. “Government funding policies inrelation to liberal education are out of touchwith the needs of students, with the desiresof parents for the children and the communi-ty…and to allow the years of accumulateddamage in these areas to go unaddressed—

this is not a big vision for education; it is adestructive, no-win politics of knowledge. Ithurts students; it hurts our society.”

Clements said the reputation of liberalarts training has been under siege in recentyears, particularly since about 1994 whenthe provincial government introduced“highly political performance indicators,”which forced universities to justify theircontributions to the wider community. Itwas also when “the issue of the broad use-fulness of a liberal education—of educat-ing not only for work but for life, of edu-cating for democracy—disappeared fromthe screen,” Clements said.

Along with the cult of performanceindicators came the erroneous assumptionarts grads weren’t getting jobs, a myth diffi-cult to resist considering arts studentsweren’t trained for specific occupations inthe work force. And it didn’t help mattersthat politicians such as Ontario PremiereMike Harris bemoaned the glut of unskilled“great thinkers” on the job market.

It has taken a few years, but that stub-born misconception has now begun to crum-ble in the face of numerous studies showingit to be false, says Clements. In fact, the stud-ies demonstrate, arts grads have precisely theskills highly valued in contexts as diverse asbanking, politics and communications.

“When we do our job right here in thecore of the university, we are helping notonly to develop creative people, the inven-tors of ideas, processes, things that willhave impact on our lives as a community,but also critical thinkers—‘resistant read-ers’ who are unlikely to consume withoutquestion what is fed to them as truth inthis culture of hype and hyper-marketing,

and who are self-critical thinkers able toassess and revise their own attitudes.”

Clements suggested that while adefence of arts grads on the grounds ofemployability is necessary in the currentpolitical climate, it should not become thedriving principle of arts training. No onewould dispute the importance of jobs, butthe raison d’être of the liberal arts is thesame as it’s always been: “the training ofthe intellect for its own sake.”

“Is this still our business in the com-mercialized, technologized, globalized uni-versity of the 21st century? Absolutely. Forthe King Lear actor who was in my class along while back, and who was one of veryfew aboriginal students in the universitythat year, and for me, in a time and placein which higher education was thoughtlargely wasted on women, it opened awhole range of new possibilities amount-ing, in the long run to a new life.” ■

Students design their way to gold medalSenior-friendly oven wins North American competitionBy Phoebe Dey

For most people, bending over a hot stoveand pulling out a heavy dish isn’t much

of a challenge. But for the frail and elderly,such simple tasks can be difficult. Fourstudents at the University of Alberta havedesigned a product that will reduce thechance of seniors—or anybody for thatmatter—burning or injuring themselves inthe kitchen. They’ve developed an oventhat delivers food up to the cook.

“The whole element comes out and iselevated to stove-top level, so you don’thave to lean in it to get anything,” saidZsolt Kovacs, an industrial design studenton the U of A team. “Once we came upwith that idea, we just kept adding on fea-tures to make it better.”

The students’ so-called SimplicityRange recently won first place at the 13thannual North American-wide AmericanSociety on Aging Universal DesignCompetition.

The creation, which was originally acollaborative class assignment betweenindustrial design and rehab students, wasplanned with the aim of extending an eld-erly person’s independence in his or herown home, said industrial design studentCam Frith.

The product was created by accidentaldesign. When Frith and Kovacs met withrehab students Sophie Wilderdijk andMary Ellen Lamont, the group initiallydecided to work on building a pill dis-penser. “We looked through their cata-logues and found there were already a mil-lion dispensers on the market,” said Frith.“But while we were looking one of the girlspointed to a stick in the catalogue that wasused to pull out a stove rack and we decid-ed it wasn’t long enough. We then decidedto try to make a better version and wecame up with the ‘Simplicity Range.’”

Judges praised the design for combin-ing beauty with safetyfeatures and user-friend-ly controls and opera-tion. “This product, thedesign school and thestudent team, whichincluded two occupa-tional therapists, deservespecial commendation,”said MargaretChristenson, a designcompetition judge andpresident of Lifease Inc.“This team effort pro-duced new solutions forranges and addressed aserious safety need for cooks of all ages.”

Joanne Handy, chair of the American Society on Aging, presents the top award to students Cam Frith,Sophie Wilderdijk, Zsolt Kovacs and Mary Ellen Lamont at a recent competition in New Orleans.

The Simplicity Range.

Dr. Patricia Clements

Industrial Design Professor RobLederer, who supervisesthe assignment everyyear, said regardless ofwhere his students placein the competition, thecollaborative workingexperience is invaluable.“As designers you haveto work with people inother fields, and thisworks well for rehab stu-dents as well,” saidLederer. “Rehab studentslearn there are designerswho can come up withgood solutions for their

quality input, so it’s a win-win situation.”

At the Conference of the AmericanSociety on Aging and the National Councilon the Aging in New Orleans last week-end, the winners received overwhelmingsupport and interest in their product.

As well as winning gold, the U of Areceived two bronzes, three honourablementions as well as an Award ofExcellence for its consistently top-notchentries in the past six years. Other U of Aproduct designs include a swivel/slide tubseat which eases the transfer to the bath-tub and protects fragile skin, the Easy FitShoe, which uses a pulley system for lac-ing, and a Hand-Iron that eases the strainon the wrist. One U of A winner from lastyear’s competition is in negotiations witha company to market an invention thatallows a golfer to put a ball on a tee with-out bending over.

“This has been a great experience, cre-ating something like this,” Kovacs said ofthe Simplicity Range. “I don’t think it real-ly mattered whether we were in the com-petition or not.”■

“This product,the design school and the

student team,which included two occu

pational therapists,deserve special

commendation.This team effort pro

duced new solutions for ranges and

addressed a serious safety need for

cooks of all ages.”

—Margaret Christenson, design competi-tion judge and president of Lifease Inc.

the nerve-racking contest. “It’s a long timeper plant, and while it’s tempting, youcan’t think back to other specimens—youhave to think about the plant you’re look-ing at. Double guessing can really messyou up,” she said.

Another wrinkle in the competitionwas the fact that not all the specimens wereof the same age, making analysis of charac-teristics difficult. “So many were so easy,the characteristics are right there, but someare so hard, you have to look at them andthink about them again and again. Onespecimen I missed—Chrysoth viscidiflorus,a shrub from the aster species (sunflowerfamily)—looked different somehow fromall the other specimens I’d seen. It was oneof the four or five I got wrong—three com-pletely wrong, two partly wrong.”

“You have to concentrate pretty hardand through the different reasons whysomething would or would not be some-thing,” says Elsinger, who was raised on asmall hobby farm south of Whitecourt, AB.

Preparation for the competition isextensive, starting in September with asenior plant identification course then anintensive month and a half of crammingusing the Range Team’s own collection ofsamples—an effort well spent as far asElsinger is concerned.

“It felt pretty good to win, especiallygiven that I did better than last year whereI placed third on plant identification andfifth on the written test.”

Her victory was the first win in 10

University of Alberta folio March 23, 20009

I’ll take ‘Name That Plant’ for $1,000U of A students knock off Mexican dynasty in HawaiiBy Gilbert A. Bouchard

For those of us who can’t immediatelyidentify the common grain-bearing plant

emblazoned on the University of Albertacrest, never mind the species of tree inyour front yard, Mae Elsinger’s accom-plishment seems almost surreal.

The 23-year-old land reclamation stu-dent won first place in a North Americanrange plant identification competitionorganized by the Society for RangeManagement at its annual meeting lastmonth in Hawaii. Elsinger bested studentsfrom 19 other universities and helped theU of A rack up eight of a possible 17awards, including two other first place fin-ishes: team result for the RangeManagement written exam and Team PlantIdentification. The U of A’s 13-studentRange Team, lead by Barry Irving,improved its standing from the 2000 com-petition, where they finished third on thewritten exam and second on the plantidentification. This year, they played giant-slayers, winning a competition dominatedby Mexican students for the past nineyears.

“You have to identify 100 range plantsfrom Northern Mexico to the aspen parklands of Alberta,” Elsinger says of thedetail-oriented plant identification examand the hurdles the U of A team—Canada’s only representative at the meet-ing—had to overcome. “Mostly the plantsare from the American mid-west and west-ern states—you’d think that the Americanstudents had more of an advantage thanwe did. We might never see any of theseplants again.”

Other complications included the factthat identification had to be made byexamining pressed, dried sample mountedon herbarium (plant mounting) paper in atimed environment: 100 stations, 101 com-petitors, and one minute for each plant in

years by a non-Mexican school. AntonnioNarro University has won PlantIdentification for nine out of the past 10years.

As for the future, Elsinger’s identifica-tion skills won’t lay dormant long. ComeMay, the graduating student is going to beworking for the Prairie FarmRehabilitation Administration (a divisionof Agriculture Canada) putting her award-winning identification skills to good use ina range inventory studying greenhousegas sequestering. “It’s a pretty new thing.We’re going to be looking at the role rangelands can have in taking greenhouse gasesout of the air and putting them back intoorganic material.”■

How many plants could you identify during a walk through the Hawaiian countryside? A team ofUniversity of Alberta students identified local and exotic plants during a range plant identification competition in Hawaii last month. The team ended a Mexican university’s nine-year winning streak.

Ratt bartender pours his heart out for U of A athletesMark McQuitty’s the best Bear supporter by a “country mile”By Ryan Smith

toward the $10,000 needed to support anannual $500 Mark McQuitty scholarship,which he hopes will go to a Golden Bearhockey player each year, though thedetails of who may be eligible for the

scholarship are still tobe worked out.

“What he’s doneover the years is amaz-ing,” said DerekShybunka, a GoldenBear all-star goalie dur-ing the mid-90s andone of McQuitty’sadopted children, alongwith his two hockey-playing brothers, Bradand current GoldenBear Tyler.

“I think most peo-ple who donate to theprogram are alreadymore established, andthe money they give isa smaller portion of themoney they have, com-pared to the amountMark gives,” Shybunkasaid of McQuitty, whohas worked two and

sometimes three jobs to support himselfsince he started working at Room At TheTop (Ratt) in 1988.

“But the stuff Mark does goes beyondmonetary support. He convinces his friendsto donate to the program, he comes to allthe games, and he brings 10 or 12 peoplewith him. He’s always holding promotions,and he organized things so players’ parentscan get half-price lunches at Ratt on gamedays, and other things like that.

“Speaking as a player, I can say he’sdefinitely appreciated for all he does, andhe does contribute to the winning traditionat the U of A,” Shybunka added.

For his part, McQuitty is reticent whenasked why he adopts so many athletes. “Itstarted in ‘89 when [former Golden Bearfootball player] Brian [Forrest] asked if I’dsponsor him. So I did and it grew fromthere,” he said with a shrug.

There is no formula to how McQuittychooses which Bears or Pandas he willsponsor. “Some ask me, others I just get toknow through work, and some I think areexceptional players and so I want to spon-sor them,” he said.

This week, McQuitty and a group offriends will be in Kitchener, Ont. to cheer

the Golden Bears hockey team at the CIAUnational playoffs. The event is special toMcQuitty not only because the Bears willbe competing for their third straight nation-al title, but also because the finals, sched-uled for Sunday, March 23, coincide withthe fifth anniversary of the day GoldenBear defenceman Mark Goodkey, anotherof McQuitty’s adopted ‘children’, died sud-denly on the ice while playing in a game.

“I’ve been to three other finals,”McQuitty said. “But I’m really looking for-ward to this one. It’s going to be a lot offun.” ■

University of Alberta folio March 23, 200010

More than 100 former and currentUniversity of Alberta athletes call cam-

pus bartender Mark McQuitty ‘Dad.’ The“thirty-something” McQuitty has earnedthe term of endearment by “adopting” 128athletes since 1990.

“Of all our ‘adopt-an-athlete’ supportersover the years, Mark’sbeen our champion bya country mile,” saidChuck Moser, the U ofA’s athletic director ofalumni and develop-ment.

The total amountMcQuitty has donatedis hard to quantifybecause the cost toadopt a U of A GoldenBear or Panda athletevaries from team toteam. “But we cansafely say Mark’s beenextremely generous,”Moser said.

The adopt-an-ath-lete program started atthe U of A in 1985, toprovide supportbeyond the regular budgets of the U of AGolden Bear and Panda teams. The moneydoesn’t go to the athletes themselves, butit helps their teams buy special equipment,upgrade uniforms and provide per-diemsfor players on road trips, said Moser, whowas so impressed by McQuitty’s consis-tent and generous giving that he suggestedMcQuitty create an endowment fund.

Moser said the fund would allow forthe creation of a scholarship in McQuitty’sname. “This way the interest from Mark’sgenerosity would allow him to support Uof A athletes in perpetuity,” Moser said.

McQuitty has already donated $1,000

Mark McQuitty (left) with friends in Ratt.

”But the stuff Mark does goes beyond

monetary support.He convinces his friends

to donate to the program,he comes to all

the games,and he brings 10 or 12 people

with him.He’s always holding promotions,

and he organized things so players’parents

can get half-price lunches at Ratt on game

days,and other things like that.Speaking

as a player, I can say he’s definitely appreci

ated for all he does,and he does contribute

to the winning tradition at the U of A.”

—Derek Shybunka, former Golden Bear all-star goalie and ‘adopted’ athlete

Ryan Smith

University hosts round table on learningProf to report group’s findings to OttawaBy Richard Cairney

Anational round table on learning held atthe University of Alberta could pave the

way for more co-operation between educa-tors, government and employ-ers when it comes to educatingCanadians.

The forum, hosted by theCanadian Policy ResearchNetworks at the request of thefederal government, examinedways to improve access to learn-ing for all Canadians. And theman who directed the forum,sociology professor GrahamLowe, feels confident that thisgoal can be accomplished.

“My sense is that if we lookat it from the context of Alberta, withnewly elected governments at the federaland provincial level, this is a very oppor-tune time to develop a shared agendaassessing the learning and skills needs ofcitizens,” Lowe said. “This is an areawhere there must be co-operation not onlybetween the federal government and theprovinces, but all stakeholder groups.”

Participants at the forum included repre-sentatives from industry, post-secondaryinstitutions, labour organizations and gov-ernment. They were charged with identifyingobstacles to learning, finding areas of agree-ment and disagreement among themselves.

Human Resources Minister JaneStewart attended the forum’s opening andstressed the importance of the discussionto delegates. The success of a nation lies inits people, she said.

“This is about people. It is about citi-zens and it is about the contributions each

and every one of us can make,” she said.“For me, it is the recognition that a coun-try, in modern times, is only as strong as

its citizens.”Stewart said that edu-

cation levels are now, morethan ever, tied to economicsuccesses. And sheimplored participants tomake every effort to see toit Canadians are bettereducated. That processstarts with early childhooddevelopment and reachingthe 70 per cent of newworkers in the labour mar-ket who are new

Canadians, she said. It also means helpingCanada’s one-parent families.

“Canada is a wonderful place to learnand grow, but there are some things thatneed to change,” she said, suggesting thefederal government itself should considerdeveloping “individual learning accounts”for all Canadians.

Held at the posh, $11-million TelusCentre, the forum was only a short LRTride from the squalor of the inner city andthose people who could benefit most fromfurther education, yet can least afford it.Lowe says the forum considered helpingimpoverished Canadians.

“One of the very clear points that wasraised … is that you need to provide thefoundations very early in a person’s life,”he said.

“That means looking at early child-hood and ensuring all kids have the basisto develop the literacy skills they are going

to need all their lives right away. And thattakes you into addressing issues of childpoverty and that is where economic andsocial policy are totally connected: if this isgoing to create competitive economy yourealize conditions in early childhood areabsolutely critical.”

The forum also touched on providingincentives to employers, to encourageworkers to further their own education.Lowe admits some employers may actual-ly discourage workers from improvingtheir level of education, because that willultimately mean those workers move on tobetter positions, elsewhere.

“That is a barrier,” Lowe said. “That iswhere it is really crucial to talk about what

NOTICEAPRIL 2, 2001 GENERAL FACULTIES COUNCIL AGENDA

Agenda items include:Advisory Selection Committee Composition: Proposal from

the Students’ Union Effective for the 2001-2002 Academic YearFaculties of Graduate Studies and Research and Arts/Proposal

for the Formal Establishment of a Master of Arts (MA) inHumanities Computing: Recommendation of the GFC AcademicPlanning Committee (APC)

Code of Student Behavior: Proposal from the Vice-President(Academic) and Provost for a New Code

is the right balance between public andprivate responsibility here—it may be thatin some areas there are serious skills short-ages and there needs to be public invest-ments so that an entire sector can benefit.”

The forum was one of three plannedby the federal government.

The first, held earlier this year, exam-ined labour market issues; in April, theConference Board of Canada hosts a roundtable on the economy. Lowe, who is onleave from the university and workingwith CPRN, will file a report of theforum’s findings to Human Resources.(The document will be available on theCPRN Web site, www.cprn.org, by the endof April). ■

“ This is an area where there must

be co-operation not only between

the federal government and the

provinces,but all stakeholder

groups.”

—Sociology Professor GrahamLowe

University of Alberta folio March 23, 200011

AWA BANQUET

ACADEMIC WOMEN’S ASSOCIATIONTuesday, April 24, 2001, 7:00 p.m.Annual General Meeting of the Academic

Women’s Association/Woman of the Year AwardDinner. Papaschase Room, Faculty Club. Please contactPatricia Valentine, patricia.valentine@ualberta.ca, tojoin AWA and attend the AWA banquet.

BRUCE PEEL SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

GRAPHIC DESIGN AND FINE PRINTING: FIVE CMarch 12 to April 30From the shelves of the Bruce Peel Special

Collections, selected examples of fine printing andgraphic design spanning the years 1500-2000.Rutherford South.

EXHIBITION

MCMULLEN GALLERY, U OF A HOSPITALFebruary 3 to March 31, 2001Painters Dick Der, Robert von Eschen, Bernie

Hippel, Julian Brezdan, and Ruby Mah create a visualfeast for the eyes and soul in “MiscellaneousConnections.” Gallery hours: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m.to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 8 p.m. 8440 – 112Street. For more information, contact MichelleCasavant or Susan Pointe. Phone 407-7152 or email:spointe@uah.ab.ca

FINE ARTS BUILDING (FAB) GALLERYMarch 20 – April 1Evidence Solo Exhibition of Etchings by Fuki

Hamada, Foreign Guest Artist-in-Residence,Department of Art and Design, Printmaking Division.Also “Traces,” senior and first year graduate studentprint exhibition. Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 10a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. ClosedMondays, Saturday and Statutory Holidays. 1-1 FineArts Building, 112 Street and 89 Avenue. For furtherinformation, contact Gallery Manager, Blair Brennanat 492-2081 or email: bbrennan@ualberta.ca

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN ECOLOGY & THE CLOTHING ANDTEXTILE COLLECTION

February 1 to March 31, 2001Exhibit “Who Wears the Pants? Gender Roles and

Clothing Communication.”The exhibit explores howclothing, throughout the twentieth century, reflectschanging gender roles in Canadian society. Exhibithours: Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, 8a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. HumanEcology Building. For more information, please con-tact: Shawna Lemiski, (780) 492-2528.

LECTURE AND EXHIBIT

EXHIBIT OF CASTLE BOOKS AND DRAWINGS,DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

March 23, 3:00 to 3:30 p.m.Screening of video documentary,“Dreamhouse:

The Art & Life of James Castle.”L-3 Humanities Centre.March 23, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.Presentation:“James Castle & the Icehouse

Books.” L-3 Humanities Centre.Foyer of Rutherford Library South.

UPCOMING LUNCH & LEARNPRESENTATIONS

PRESENTED BY THE HEALTH RECOVERY SUPPORT UNIT,HUMAN RESOURCES.

March 27, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.Coping Effectively With ChangeApril 3, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.Exercise: It can be Fun – Believe It!April 9, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.Humor. Snacks and cold beverages will be pro-

vided! Seating is limited. To register or for more infor-mation contact: Sarah Treby, 492-0659 or email:sarah.treby@hrs.ualberta.ca or visit our websitewww.hrs.ualberta.ca/efap/news for an updated list ofall workshops and other offerings.

FILM SERIES

DEPARTMENT OF EAST ASIAN STUDIESMarch 27-30 (Tuesday to Friday), 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.Women in East Asian Societies, 2nd Annual East

Asian Film Series. March 27: Minbo no Onna (The GentleArt of Japanese Extortion). March 28: Hai-tan de Yi-tian(That Day, On the Beach). March 29, Ermo (Ermo). March30:Wind Horse. Place:Tory Lecture Theatre B-1.Admission: Free. Everyone is welcome. Before eachshow, there will be a 10-minute introduction by profes-sors and graduate student from East Asian Studies.

SATELLITE EVENT

CENTRE FOR EXECUTIVE AND MANAGEMENTDEVELOPMENT

March 28, 8:50 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Dr. Ken Blanchard:“Creating High Five Teams.” Dr.

Ken Blanchard’s latest strategies based on his newbook “High Five!” can help you create team power, asense of purpose, shared values, and goals. Visitwww.bus.ualberta.ca/cemd or call (780) 492-3860 formore information. Telus Centre Auditorium.

STANDARD FIRST AID/HEARTSAVERCOURSES

The Office of Environmental Health & Safety hasarranged for Standard First Aid/Heartsaver courses tobe held on campus once again this year.The training iscomprised of two full-day sessions (8:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m.) with morning, lunch and afternoon breaks.Thecost is $80.00 per person.The first course will be heldin early April and the last at the end of October.Registration is limited due to classroom size. For furtherinformation and registration forms please call CindyFerris at 492-1810 or e-mail cindy.ferris@ualberta.ca

OBSERVATORYCampus Astronomical Observatory is open to the

campus community and the general public everyThursday evening (except exam and holiday periods)beginning at 8 p.m. Entrance to the Physics Buildingis via the northeast door or via the V-wing. For infor-mation call 492-5286.

MUSIC

DEPARTMENT OF MUSICMarch 23, 8:00 p.m.Music at Convocation Hall featuring visiting artist

Donna Brown, soprano with Stéphane Lemelin, piano.March 24, 7:00 p.m.Northern Alberta Honor Band, Fordyce Pier, direc-

tor. Free admission.March 26, 12:00 p.m.Noon-Hour Organ Recital. Free admission.March 29, 8:00 p.m.Doctor of Music Recital, Ayako Tsuruta, piano.

Free admission.March 30, 8:00 p.m.Music at Convocation Hall. Martin Riseley, violin,

Andrew Dawes, violin, Aaron Au, viola, TanyaProchazka, cello, and Raphael Wallfisch, cello.

March 31, 8:00 p.m.University of Alberta Mixed Chorus, Robert de

Frece, Musical Director, 57th Annual Concert. FrancisWinspear Centre for Music. For further information,call 492-9606.

April 1, 3:00 p.m.The University of Alberta Concert Band, William

H. Street, Director.April 1, 8:00 p.m.The University of Alberta Madrigal Singers Spring

Concert. Leonard Ratzlaff, conductor. McDougallUnited Church, 10025 – 101 Street.

April 2, 12:10 p.m.Music at Noon, Convocation Hall Student Recital

Series. Free admission.April 6, 8:00 p.m.The University of Alberta Concert Choir. Debra

Cairns, conductor.Unless otherwise indicated: Admission $5/stu-

dent/senior, $10/adult. Convocation Hall, Arts Building.To confirm concert information, please call 492-0601.

LANGUAGE CAFÉS

FRENCH CAFÉMarch 24, March 31, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.A drop-in program for people of all ages and back-

grounds who are eager to practice their conversationskills. Café Amandine, 8711 Whyte Avenue. Languagecoach: Jean-Cristophe Paccoud, Faculté Saint-Jean.

SPANISH CAFÉMarch 24, March 31, 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.Upper Crust Café, 10909 – 86 Avenue. Language

coach: Constanza Rojas.

PHILOSOPHERS’ CAFÉ

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA PHILOSOPHERS’ CAFEMarch 24, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.Topic: Will Canada’s Policies on the Death Penalty

and Extradition make us a Haven for Murderers?Guest Scholar: Gerald Gall, Professor of Law.Moderator: Bernard Linsky, Chair of Philosophy. Nina’sRestaurant, 10139 – 124 Street.

THEATRE

STUDIO THEATREMarch 29 to April 7Studio Theatre proudly presents “Three Sisters”

by Anton Chekhov and translated by Michael Frayn.Preview performance on March 28. All evening per-formances are at 8 p.m. with a matinee on Thursday,April 5 at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the TimmsCentre Box Office from 12 noon to 5 p.m., Tuesdaythrough Friday, or by calling 492-2495 after March20th.“Three Sisters” is sponsored by The EdmontonJournal, Gourmet Goodies, and Global Television.

NATIVE STUDIES AND ABORIGINAL CAREER FAIRFriday April 6, 2001An excellent opportunity to meet employers

who are recruiting students and alumni from theSchool of Native Studies, as well as Aboriginal stu-dents from other academic programs.

This event is being co-organized by the School ofNative Studies Alumni and the department of Careerand Placement Services (CaPS).

For more information call CaPS at 492-4291 orvisit www.ualberta.ca/caps

University of Alberta folio March 23, 200012

Submit talks and events to Cora Doucette by 9 a.m. one week prior to publication. Fax 492-2997 or e-mail atcora.doucette@ualberta.ca .

AGRICULTURAL, FOOD AND NUTRITIONAL SCIENCE ANDDEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE

March 28, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.The Nutrition and Metabolism Research Group

presents Dr. Amy Halseth, Senior Research Scientist,Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, PharmaciaCorporation,“Interaction of glucose delivery, transportand phosphorylation in the control of skeletal muscleglucose uptake.” Classroom D (2F1.04) WalterMackenzie Centre.

April 18, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.The Nutrition and Metabolism Research Group

presents Dr. Carla Taylor, Associate Professor,University of Manitoba,“Dietary zinc and signal trans-duction: potential roles in immune function andinsulin resistance.” Classroom D (2F1.04) WalterMackenzie Centre.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCESMarch 23, 12:00 noonElizabeth Crone,“Movement behaviour and

metapopulation dynamics in voles, butterflies andmodels.” Room M-149, Biological Sciences Building.

March 26, 2:30 p.m.Jennifer Steinbachs,“Flies, Genes, and Trees:

Comparative Mitochondrial Genomics in Drosophila.”Room M-149, Biological Sciences Building.

March 28, 12:00 noonRobert Dores,“Are lungish “living fossils”:

Analyses of the Opioid Gene Family.” Room M-141,Biological Sciences Building.

March 29, 4:00 p.m.Nik Tartanic,“Crouching Tiger Beetle, Hidden

Dragonfly: Entomology in South East.” Room TBW1,Tory Breezeway.

March 30, 12:00 noonBryan Manley,“Estimation of brood and nest sur-

vival in the presence of heterogeneity.” Room M-149,Biological Sciences Building.

March 28, 4:00 p.m.Raffi Aroian,“The birth (anterior/posterior axis

formation) and death (the mechanism of action of Bt-toxins) of a worm (Caenorhabditis elegans.” Room M-149, Biological Sciences Building.

April 4, 12:00 noonSuraj Unniappan,“Identification of novels forms

of neuropeptide galanin in goldfish.” Room M-141,Biological Sciences Building.

April 5, 4:00 p.m.Alice Graham,“One Rainy Summer in Alberta’s

Prairie Potholes: Dynamics of Ground and AeronauticSpider Diversity at Natural and Restored Wetlands.”Room TBW1, Tory Breezeway.

April 5, 4:00 p.m.Larry Flanagan,“Ecosystem physiology: scaling

physiological processes from organelles to theecosystem.” Room M-149, Biological SciencesBuilding.

April 6, 12:00 noonRobert B. Wielgus,“Minimum viable population

and reserve sizes for naturally regulated grizzly bearsin British Columbia.” M-149, Biological SciencesBuilding.

April 6, 4:00 p.m.Nick Hardin,“Signaling by the rho family of

GTPases during Drosophila embryonic development.”Room M-149, Biological Sciences Building.

RU LEMIEUX LECTURE ON BIOTECHNOLOGYApril 5, 4:00 p.m.James A Wells, Sunesis Pharmaceuticals,“Binding

and Drug Discovery at Molecular Interfaces.” Room 2-115 Education North.

CANADIAN INSTITUTE OF UKRAINIAN STUDIESApril 10, 3:30 p.m.Dr. Andreas Kappeler, University of Vienna,“Great

Russians and Little Russians: Russian-UkrainianInterrelations and Perceptions in HistoricalPerspective.” Heritage Lounge, Athabasca Hall.

CENTRE FOR HEALTH PROMOTION STUDIESMarch 29, 12:00 to 1:00 Research Symposia Series. Dr. Noreen Willows,

“Ethics and Research in Aboriginal Communities.”Room 6-10, University Extension Centre.

CENTRE FOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STUDIESApril 10, 3:30 p.m.Dr. Carter Tseng, US-China entrepreneur, and

researcher with a specialty in e-commerce and inter-net security, will speak on “The future of the InternetWorld.” Call John Doyle, 492-9108, or visit CIBS’s page:www.bus.ualberta.ca/CIBS-WCER

CENTRE FOR RESEARCH FOR TEACHER EDUCATION ANDDEVELOPMENT

March 27, 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.Dr. Paula Gunn Allen, distinguished visitor,

“Glyphic Narrative: the Pedagogy of Whole-BrainInformation Systems.” Room 2-115, Education North.

March 28, 12:30 to 2:00 p.m.Dr. Paula Gunn Allen, distinguished visitor,

“Thinking about Teacher Education and Issues forTeachers of Aboriginal Students in Urban Settings.”Room 633, Education South.

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRYDr.Yasuo Wakatsuki, Chief Scientist and Director

of Organometallic Chemistry Laboratory of TheInstitute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN),Wako-shi, Saitama, Japan, will deliver the followinglectures. These events are made possible by fundingfrom the EFF Distinguished Visitor program.

March 27, 7:00 p.m. in V-107Topic:“Chemistry at RIKEN, Japan’s Largest

Research Institute that Covers a Wide Range ofScience.”

March 29, 11:00 a.m. in V-107Topic:“Dendrimers and Complexes with Visible

Light-Harvesting Functionality.”April 3, 3:30 p.m. in CME-343Topic:“Unusual Polymerization of Olefins

Catalyzed by Group 3 and Group 4 Metal Complexes.”April 5, 11:00 a.m. in Chem E3-25Topic:“Ruthenium Catalyzed Addition of Water to

Terminal Alkynes; Effective Synthesis of Aldehydes.”

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRYApril 6, 2:00 p.m.Professor William Lubell, visiting speaker from

the University of Montreal, speaking on “Synthesis,Analysis and Application of Peptide Mimics thatControl Conformation by Steric and StructuralConstraints.” Room V-107 Physics Wing..

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTING SCIENCEApril 9, 3:30 p.m.Guang R. Gao, University of Delaware, speaking

on “Can HOT Compilers Cool Chips?” Room B-02Computing Science Centre.

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISHMarch 27, 3:30 p.m.Distinguished visitor Daniel Boyarin from the

University of California, Berkeley, speaking on “WhereJudaism Deferred: The Invention of Rabbinic Judaismin Late Antiquity.” Room L-1 Humanities Centre.

March 27, 2:00 p.m.Reading by novelist and playwright Richard Van

Camp. Room L-3 Humanities Centre.March 29, 2:00 p.m.Daniel Boyarin speaking on “‘Heresiology’ and

the Formation of Group Boundaries.” Room 2-58, ToryBuilding.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND STUDIES CENTREMarch 29, 4:30 p.m.Dr. Jim Butler,“Return to Nature: The allure,

romanticism, search for joy.” Students’ Union Building,Alumni Room.

FACULTY OF EXTENSIONMarch 24, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.Dr. Johannes Greten, Germany, presents medical

acupuncture public lecture. Topic:“Tradition inChinese Medicine… Science or Junk?” Room 2-36,University Extension Centre.

HISTORY AND CLASSICSMarch 28, 12:00 noonHCGSA lunchtime colloquium. Robynne Healey,

doctoral candidate in Canadian History,“Keeping theFaith: Quaker Women and Community in the YongeStreet Meeting, Upper Canada.” Room 2-58, ToryBuilding.

April 3, 3:30 p.m.Elena Kosmach, Tompkins Fellow,“The Role of

National Ideologies in the Disintegration ofYugoslavia: Historical Aspects.” Room 1-9, BusinessBuilding.

April 5, 3:30 p.m.Rebecca Nagel,“Interventions by the Narrator in

Latin Epic.” Room 2-58, Tory Building.April 10, 3:30 p.m.Robin S. Gendron, Ph.D. candidate in history,

University of Calgary,“The French African Connection:French Africa and the Origins of the Canada-QuebecDispute Over La Francophonie, 1960-1966.”(Transportation kindly donated by GreyhoundCanada). Room 1-9, Business Building.

MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGYMarch 29, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.Dr. Sandra Weller, Department of Microbiology,

University of Connecticut Health Center,“DNAReplication and Genome Maturation of HerpesSimplex Virus.” Classroom F (2J4.02) Walter MackenzieCentre.

March 30, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.Allan Ma, Ph.D. Thesis Seminar,“Characterization

of Holliday Resolvase Activity in Herpes Simplex VirusType 1 Alkaline Nuclease.” Room 652, HeritageMedical Research Centre.

MODERN LANGUAGESMarch 29, 3:00 p.m.Richard Young,“Paris in Buenos Aires: Sex, Tango

and Toulouse-Lautrec.” Room 103, Arts Building.April 5, 3:00 p.m.Diana Spokiene,“Representations of the Aging

Body in Thomas Mann’s Death in Venice and The BlackSwan.” Senate Chamber, Room 326 Arts Building.

University of Alberta folio March 23, 200013

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCEMarch 29, 3:30 p.m.Song and the Nation. Regula Qureshi, Music,

Michael Frishkopf, Music, Nadia Habib, Social andPolitical Thought, York University. Room 10-4, ToryBuilding.

April 5, 3:30 p.m.Liz Philipose, Political Science, University of

Victoria,“Feminist Identity and Sovereign Presence.”Room 10-4, Tory Building.

PUBLIC HEALTH SCIENCES, EPIDEMIOLOGY SEMINARSERIES

March 29, 12:00 noonRoss Tsuyuki,“Logistical Methodological Issues.”

Classroom F, 2J4.02 Walter Mackenzie Centre.

DEPARTMENT OF RENEWABLE RESOURCESMarch 29, 12:30 to 1:50 p.m.Dr.Yongsheng Feng,“Modelling soil organic C

and N turnover: Is there life beyond pools?” Room 2-36, Earth Sciences Building.

April 5, 12:30 to 1:50 p.m.Dr. Steve Cumming, Boreal Ecosystems Research

Limited, Edmonton,“Spatial ecology of fire in theboreal mixed wood: patterns of vegetation and pat-terns of burning.” Room 2-36, Earth Sciences Building.

UNIVERSITY TEACHING SERVICESMarch 27, 12:05 to 1:00 p.m.Norma Nocente, Secondary Education, on “Better

Teaching: Technology is not the Answer.” Room 219,Central Academic Building.

March 27, 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.David Wangler, Educational Policy Studies, on

“Using Humour in the Classroom.” Room 281, CentralAcademic Building.

March 28, 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.Katy Campbell, Academic Technologies for

Learning, on “Resistance is Futile: Get Control of theTechnology.” Room 281, Central Academic Building.

March 29, 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.Peter Robertson, Industry Liaison Office, on

“Industry-Sponsored Research: A Guide to theProcess.” Room 281, Central Academic Building.

Ads are charged at $0.65 per word. Minimum charge: $6.50. All advertisements must be paid for in full by cash orcheque at the time of their submission. Bookings may be made by fax or mail provided payment is received by mailprior to the deadline date. Pre-paid accounts can be set up for frequent advertisers. Please call 492-2325 for moreinformation.

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR RENT REAL ESTATE – Buy or Sell, Leases (Furnished/unfur-

nished). Janet Fraser or Gordon W.R. King.Telephone:(780) 441-6441. www.gordonwrking-assoc.com GordonW.R. King and Associates Real Estate Corp.

THE GARNEAU – upscale and unique two bed-room condo with two ensuite bathrooms. In suite laun-dry, gas fireplace, $1,400 month. Quiet location. JanetFraser, Gordon W.R. King and Associates R.E., 441-6441.

GREENFIELD EXECUTIVE two storey, fully fur-nished. Five bedrooms, family room off kitchen, fin-ished basement, double garage. $1,700 month. May 1,2001 – July 31, 2001. Janet Fraser, Gordon W.R. Kingand Associates Real Estate, 441-6441.

MCDOUGALL PLACE, spacious bright condo in fullyupgraded building. Five appliances, huge living room,west view. $1,300 month including utilities and parking(one stall). May 15 possession. Janet Fraser, 441-6441.

RIVERBEND/FALCONER “The Summit.” Gorgeousbright hillside bungalow style condo. Two bedroomsplus den, very bright. City view. $1,650 month.Available April 12, 2001. Janet Fraser, Gordon W.R.King and Associates Real Estate, 441-6441.

THE UPLANDS – luxurious executive condo, 2,000square feet. Fully furnished, two bedrooms plus den.$1,600 month including all utilities, cable and park-ing. Available immediately. Janet Fraser, 441-6441.

CALL NOW! To buy, sell, lease a condominium.$49,000 to $450,000. Please ask for Connie Kennedy,condo specialist/consultant, since 1968. Re/Max, 482-6766, 488-4000.

BLUE QUILL – exceptional four bedroom, fullyfurnished home with office, sauna, main floor familyroom with wood-burning fireplace, large deck. Directbus or bike route to campus. Close to excellentschools. $1,200 month. July 1, 2001 – June 30, 2002.Phone 437-1278 or e-mail: mckin@powersurfr.com

FURNISHED HOUSE – Greenfield, August 2001 –July 2002. Three bedroom, open beam bungalow.Finished basement, two fireplaces, sauna, three bath-rooms. Close to excellent English and FrenchImmersion schools. Convenient bus and bike routes toU of A. One year lease, $1,100 month plus utilities.Non-smokers, no pets. (780) 437-7321.

QUALICUM BEACH, Vancouver Island. DandelionCottage offers a private holiday suite. One bedroom,full kitchen, peaceful forested surroundings, half blockfrom sandy beach. (250) 752-5127, email:dndelion@macn.bc.ca

EXECUTIVE TWO BEDROOM furnished condo nearU of A. Two baths, two fireplaces, loft, patio, under-ground parking. $1,300 month. July 1. Phone (780)743-0330.

OFFICE SPACE, OLD STRATHCONA – 10508 – 82Avenue. Company of established professionals look-ing for individual to rent 200 sq.ft. attractive, quiet,south facing office with large windows. Receptionarea included; secretarial services available if desired.For more information contact Ms. Chivers, 431-2939or Dr. Pelkie, 431-2943.

LANSDOWNE – furnished home. One year lease,$900 month plus utilities. Ideal sabbatical accommoda-tion. Florence Thompson, Prudential Spencer, 436-6833.

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR SALEVICTORIA PROPERTIES – knowledgeable, trust-

worthy, realtor with Edmonton references. Will answerall queries, send information, no cost/obligation.“Hassle-free” property management provided. (250)383-7100, Lois Dutton, Duttons & Co. Ltd. #101 – 364Moss Street, Victoria, B.C. V8V 4N1

GULF ISLANDS! To find your vacation or retire-ment home in B.C.’s breathtakingly beautiful GulfIslands, visit us online atwww.gulfislandproperties.com

McKERNAN BUNGALOW. Extremely well-main-tained. Numerous upgrades. Some hardwood. Doubledetached garage on pie lot, 2+2 bedrooms. $159,900.Call to view, 483-7170, Karen Russell, Prudential.

ROSSDALE – unique and bright open plan threebedroom two storey. $283,900. Janet Fraser, GordonW.R. King and Associates R.E., 441-6441.

THE GAINSBOROUGH – river valley view from thislarge one-bedroom. Executive living at its finest!$134,900. Janet Fraser, 441-6441.

MILLCREEK PROPERTY – excellent location, min-utes from university and downtown. Modern bi-levelduplex in excellent condition. Two fireplaces, fourbedrooms, double garage. 439-8608.

ACCOMMODATIONS WANTEDRETIRED PROF AND WIFE seek accommodations,

preferably furnished, for a year, beginning no laterthan August 15, 2001. No children, no pets. 454-0634.

HOME EXCHANGE. Available June-August.Experience living in beautiful setting. Lake Chapala,Mexico, jstone@laguna.com.mx

GOODS FOR SALECASH PAID for quality books. The Edmonton

Book Store, 433-1781.

SERVICESTECH VERBATIM EDITING – APA, Chicago; medical

terminology; on campus. Donna, 465-3753.DAVID RICHARDS CARPENTRY. Certified journey-

man, NAIT. Complete interior/exterior, residential,commercial renovations including plumbing/electri-cal. No job too big/small. References available. 436-6363.

BACK BASICS Remedial Massage Therapy.Supplementary Health Care coverage. 436-8059.

COUNSELLING: Individuals/couples/families. Stressmanagement, transitions, personal development.Workshop/Retreats. Dr Dustin T. Shannon-Brady, PhD,The Grail Institute, Counselling, health and sport psy-chology, www.thegrailinstitute.com, 1-780-922-5181.

DENIS BEAULIEU RENOVATIONS INC. – Windows,doors, and more. WCB. BBB. Free estimates. Phone(780) 919-5499.

ALEXANDER EDITING. Eight years academic edit-ing experience. Articles, theses, applications. Near cam-pus. Email: nathan@interbaun.com; Nathan, 433-0741.

CEDARBRAE CONTRACTING. Quality home reno-vations and additions since 1987. Insured, BBB, refer-ences. 489-2919.

Display advertisements: Camera-ready artwork is required to size, complete with halftones if necessary.

Call 492-0444 for sizes, rates and other particulars.

University of Alberta folio March 23, 200014

The records arising from this competition will be managed in accordance with provisions of the Alberta Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPP).The University of Alberta hires on the basis of merit. We are committed to the principle of equity of employment.We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified women and men, including persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and Aboriginal persons.

FACULTY OF MEDICINE AND DENTISTRYALBERTA CENTRE FOR INJURY CONTROL & RESEARCH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - OPERATIONS

The University of Alberta, Department of PublicHealth Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry isseeking applications for an Associate Director -Operations for the Alberta Centre for Injury Control &Research (ACICR). This is a full-time term (contingentupon continuous Trust funding) Academic staff posi-tion. The position will be housed within the ACICR inEdmonton, whose mandate is to strengthen and helpco-ordinate injury control in Alberta. In consultationwith the centre director, you will operationalize thebusiness plan of the centre and manage businessoperations including fiscal management.You will net-work within the injury control community to developlinkages with key stakeholders throughout Alberta.

Ideal candidates will have a graduate degree orsuitable equivalent experience, injury-related contentor minimally health-related content with an injury con-trol perspective and management training and provenexperience in an organization with a budget in excessof $1 million. Starting date is April 15, 2001. For moreinformation about this position and the ACICR, visit thecentre’s website at www.med.ualberta.ca/acicr.

The salary range is $45,500 - 61,500 negotiablebased on previous experience plus benefits.Interested applicants are invited to submit a résuméwith covering letter by March 26, 2001 to:

Dr. Louis Hugo Francescutti, ACICR DirectorUniversity of AlbertaACICR, 4075 RTF, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3fax: 780-492-0364louis.francescutti@ualberta.caIn accordance with Canadian Immigration

requirements, this advertisement is directed toCanadian citizens and permanent residents. If suitableCanadian citizens and permanent residents cannot befound, other individuals will be considered.

CIHR INSTITUTE OF GENDER AND HEALTH ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Reporting to the Scientific Director of the CIHRInstitute of Gender and Health, the assistant directorwill work collaboratively as a key member of theInstitute team, will supervise staff, and will liaise withthe CIHR secretariat located in Ottawa.The assistantdirector will provide administrative leadership andassist the Scientific Director and the CIHR InstituteAdvisory Board to develop and carry out a strategic pro-gram of research, communication, and evaluation.She/he will help develop short term and long termplans and strategies for the Institute in accordance withits mandate.The Assistant Director will be an employeeof the University of Alberta and will have responsibilityfor management of the local CIHR-IGH office facilitiesand the staff at the University of Alberta.

The assistant director will have a doctoral degreein a relevant field. He/she will also have relatedresearch experience including project managementwithin health-related research networks, or collabora-tively funded grants programs, involving complexrelationships with diverse stakeholders. She/he mustpossess superlative written and oral communicationskills, including experience in preparation of health-related reports and publications. Fluency in both offi-cial languages is strongly preferred. Excellent inter-personal, organizational, presentation, synthesis, andresearch skills are essential.

The salary range is $54,000 - $77,000 per annum.This is a term person until June 2004, with possibility ofrenewal.We invite you to forward your CV by March 27,2001. Additional information is available at the CanadianInstitutes of Health Research website www.cihr.ca.

Dr. Miriam Stewart, Scientific DirectorCIHR Institute of Gender and Health5-22 University Extension Centre8303 – 112 Street Edmonton, AB T6G 2T4Phone: (780) 492-8031Fax: (780) 492-8045E-mail: Miriam.stewart@ualberta.ca

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTADIRECTOR, INDIVIDUAL AND ORGANIZATION-AL EFFECTIVENESS

Are you ready to assume a senior leadershipposition in Organizational Effectiveness, where allyour innovative and creative skills will be tested? Areyou an inventive thinker prepared to revitalize andredefine the position and role of an Individual andOrganizational Effectiveness unit in a large, decentral-ized, complex organization?

This exciting opportunity will suit an individualwho has demonstrated success in consulting withclients in large, complex work environments. Who isan independent and creative thinker and whobelieves in the value of helping others to solve theirproblems? If you are someone who can help our aca-demic and non-academic departments meet thechallenge of change head-on and who has the abilityto listen to our needs and help us improve we wouldlike to talk with you. You and your small professionalteam will provide the necessary expertise to assist inaddressing workplace issues and developing tophuman resource strategies that make a positive con-tribution to workplace wellness. We are evolving andyou will help shape our organization to prepare forour future academic and human resource challenges.

If this sounds like the challenge you are lookingfor and you wish to find out more about us, check outwww.ualberta.ca We offer a competitive salary andbenefits package with the additional advantages ofworking in a University environment. The salaryrange for this position is $47,254 to $74,820 perannum. Candidates are encouraged to submit arésumé, no later than April 12, 2001 to:

Laraine Whitmore, Human Resource Services2-10 University HallUniversity of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2J9Tel: (403) 492-1918Fax: (403) 492-9671e-mail: laraine.whitmore@ualberta.ca

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTAMANAGER, PENSION POLICY

A challenging administrative and professionalofficer position exists at the University of Alberta for aManager, Pension Policy. You will be responsible fordeveloping and implementing internal pension poli-cies; evaluating and/or recommending plan designchanges.

Duties include providing technical pensionexpertise to all levels within the organization andinterpreting provincial and federal legislation; actingas the primary liaison with outside agencies on tech-nical, legislative, administrative and policy issues;leading or participating on various pension commit-tees; ensuring effective operation of various pensioninformation and accounting systems; supervising thepension unit staff; and providing cross-functionaldirection on pension related policies and processes toother operational units.

Candidates should have a university degree in arelated field, CEBS and/or a professional accountingdesignation recognized in Canada, and several yearsof experience in pension administration. Public sec-tor or defined benefit plan experience is a definiteasset. Equivalencies may be considered. The success-ful candidate will demonstrate excellent programmanagement and organizational skills both at thestrategic and operational levels along with superiorverbal and written communication abilities; shouldalso demonstrate proven supervisory skills.

We offer a comprehensive salary and benefitspackage in an environment that recognizes andrewards excellence. The salary range for this positionis $42,583 to $67,419 per annum.

Please submit your résumé no later than April6th, 2001 to:

Laraine WhitmoreHuman Resource Services2-10 University HallUniversity of AlbertaEdmonton, AlbertaT6G 2J9Tel: (403) 492-1918Fax: (403) 492-9671e-mail: laraine.whitmore@ualberta.ca

University of Alberta folio March 23, 200015

Please send notices attention Folio 400 Athabasca Hall, University of Alberta, T6G 2E8 or e-mail public.affairs@ualberta.ca. Notices should be received by 3 p.m. one week prior to publication.

JALISCO PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AWARDThe Jalisco Partnership Development Award was

established to support continuing relationships withour priority partnerships in the State of Jalisco,Mexico. These are: the Universidad Autonoma deGuadalajara, Universidad de Guadalajara, andInstituto Technologico y de Estudios Superiores deMonterrey (ITESM-Guadalajara campus). The awardsupports innovative practices that strengthen thesepriority partnerships by providing start-up funds fornew initiatives such as student and faculty exchange,research and co-operative teaching.

The fund allocates a maximum of $10,000.00 peryear. Single or multiple-year proposals are acceptable,and all reasonable expenses can be considered for

funding provided they are not supported by anyother source. The competition is open to University ofAlberta Faculty and Staff.

For more information, including application formsand terms of reference, please contact University ofAlberta International, 1204 College Plaza,

Tel: 492-5840/e-mail: rae.mcdonald@ualberta.caApplication deadline: May 1, 2001Chair Review Committee: Faculty of ArtsDr. Janine Brodie’s first term as Chair of the

Political Science Department will end on December31, 2001 and, in accordance with University regula-tions, a review committee has been established. Dr.Brodie has indicated that she intends to seek a sec-ond term in office.

An open public forum with Dr. Brodie has beenscheduled for Monday, March 26 at 3 p.m. at 10-4 ToryBuilding. Dr. Brodie will discuss her vision for theDepartment of Political Science.

The Review Committee invites comments frommembers of the university community on theDepartment of Political Science under the leadershipof the current chair. Comments should be addressedto Kenneth Norrie, Dean of Arts, 6-33 Humanities, andreach the Dean’s Office by April 13.

EFF-FSIDA (FUND FOR SUPPORT OF INTERNATIONALDEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES)

Application DeadlineThe deadline for receipt of applications to the

EFF-FSIDA is 4 p.m., April 16, 2001. The next competi-tion deadline dates are October 15, 2001 and January15, 2002.

This Fund exists to enable staff and graduate stu-dents (normally PhD candidates) of the University ofAlberta to participate in research and in the interna-tional transfer of knowledge and expertise throughpartnerships in developing countries.

Applications and guidelines are available on theUniversity of Alberta International websitewww.international.ualberta.ca under OverseasProjects and Programs or from the FSIDA Secretary atUniversity of Alberta International, 1204 CollegePlaza, 8215-112 Street, phone 492-3094.

T here is no touching here. But thebooks, encased behind glass in thebasement of Rutherford South,

clearly deserve to be held, touched andadored.

Today, paperbacks and videos rule.We dog-ear books, scar them with yellowhighlighter and read in our bathrooms.But once upon a time, just 700 years ago,every book was one of a kind. “They aregreat treasures now,” special collectionslibrarian John Charles says of 15th

Century illuminated medieval manu-scripts, facsimiles of which are on displayin the University of Alberta’s Bruce PeelSpecial Collections Library. The currentdisplay, entitled Graphic Design and FinePrinting: Five Centuries, is made up of 32books that take you through time, frommedieval manuscripts to 20th centurypulp fiction.

Today, money might buy you a Lexusor big-screen TV. In 15th century France,however, conspicuous consumptionmeant hiring the best and most expensiveartists to create your own prayer bookæabook of hours with personal prayers forevery hour and season. The original LesTres Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, aFrench book of hours, is in the MuseeConde in Chantilly, France. The universi-ty has a facsimile, not to be confused withthe blurry, black and white electronic fax.These facsimiles are valuable in them-selves: the most expensive one in theBruce Peel collection cost $18,000 U.S. In 1413, when the Limbourg brothers

By Terese Brasen

penned Les Tres Riches Heures, therewas no known way to reproduce anybook. Bookmaking technology hadsurged past the clay tablets of 3,500 BC,the thin leather of the Dead Sea Scrollsand the first paper, a mixture of plantbark, discarded cotton and old fish nets.But until 1454 when German engraverand businessman Johann Gutenbergbrought moveable type and printing toEurope, bookmaking amounted to paper,pen and ink.

In 1482, England's first printer,William Caxton, printed Polycronicon,followed two years later by his owntranslation of Aesop’s History and Fables.Original Caxtons are rare and expen-sive—$80,000 to $90,000 a copy. The U ofA has an original leaf from Polycroniconand a facsimile of Aesop’s Fables. TheCaxton facsimile shares the shelf with a1546 edition of the Fables printed in theoriginal Greek by one of France’s earlyprinters.

Jump ahead 123 years. John Miltonhad completed his epic poem, ParadiseLost. No one would have imaginedChapters or Amazon.com, but books were becoming business. Six Londonbooksellers were competing for sales, so S. Simmons printed unique title pagesfor each store. The Bruce Peel first editioncontains the title page from the sixth andlast store.

Most literature students encounterParadise Lost as a few pages in the massive Norton Anthology of Literature.

But Paradise Lost should be a stand-alone.Since its release in 1669, printers andbook designers have returned to thepoem for inspiration. In 1759, JohnBaskerville printed an oversized version,using rich heavy paper and dramatic linedrawings.

Who is Baskerville? Check your com-puter’s font list for the Baskerville font,one of his many contributions to printing.

P R I N T

Exhibit chronicles the printed wo rd ’s role in society

Two hundred years after Gutenberg,printers like Baskerville had mastered thetechnology. A mass-produced book couldnow look and feel like a one-of-a-kindtreasure.

Along with the original Paradise Lostand Baskerville's version, the Bruce Peeldisplay shows us an original 1792 Frenchprinting using coloured stipple engrav-ings, a 1931 release using woodcuts and a modern 1991 design illustrated byLondon's Ian Pollock. Graphic Design and Fine Printing: Five Centuries includesearly Bibles, first edition Shakespeare,Raymond Chandler, D.H. Lawrence and others, then closes with modern artbooks that explore the visual possibilitiesof print.

The exhibit is aimed at graphic designstudents from the University’s Art andDesign program and the Faculty ofExtension.

But anyone interested in words, paperand pictures can learn a lot from thesefacsimiles, first editions and moderndesigns. Don’t touch—but take a momentto breathe in the visuals and the history.

Graphic Design and Fine Printing: Five Centuries will be on display in theUniversity of Alberta's Bruce Peel SpecialCollections Library until April 30.

F I N E