2004-06-10. MUN Gazette, vol. 36, no. 19

              Memorial
1 University of Newfoundland
Gazette
June 10, 2004
Volume 36 Number 19
Publication Mail
Registration No. 40062527
A Memorial University of Newfoundland Publication
Inside
Journey's end
In the middle of our convocation
coverage, we highlight six
students who represent a slice of
the fascinating diversity of the
university experience.
PAGE 6-7
Cancer costs
Despite a public health care system,
cancer treatment has many hidden
costs. Community Health researchers
have tallied up the hidden costs of
patient care.
PAGE 9
Referral report
Preparing for the working world means having someone vouch for
your skills and abilities. Student View columnist Katie Norman
explores the why and wherefores of the resume reference.
PAGE 11
Honour delayed
One of Memorial's honorary graduates
was noticeable by her absence. Aung
San Suu Kyi is under house arrest in her
native Burma. University orator Annette
Staveley explains in her oration why Suu
Kyi richly deserves our recognition.
PAGE 12
Proud graduate
Joan Walsh
enjoys her
moment in the
sun with
granddaughters
Kate (in arms) and
Hannah Farrell.
More than 2,000
students
graduated from
Memorial this
spring. Full
convocation
coverage starts on
page 3.
Balanced budget includes reduction
Board pushes the envelope
BY AIMEE SHEPPARD
WHEN THE PROVINCIAL BUDGET was announced
in March, Memorial's operating grant was increased more
than $6.4 million over the previous year's amount, but that
increase was still $2 million short of meeting the university's
needs. Despite this shortfall, the Board of Regents was able
to balance the budget for the current fiscal year.
According to President Axel Meisen, there is still a lot of
work to be done but the board's balancing act is a positive sign.
"At the board's meeting in May we looked at the budget
in global terms by envelope," he said. "For example, there is
an academic envelope," an envelope for administration and
finance, and for research. Each envelope has its allocation and
we determined that it is possible to live within these allocations, theVeby accomplishing a balanced budget."
Dr. Meisen said this means there will be some curtailment
of activities within the envelopes, but the envelopes at this
level can balance. "Each of our budgets is increasing but not
quite enough to meet our increasing demands."
He said this was a difficult budget for everyone who
depends on government support, however government
recognized that the university is an important expenditure.
Therefore the province reinstated a teaching equipment
fund and reduced the deferred maintenance fund but still
provided $3 million for building repairs and upgrades.
Dr. Meisen expects that the budget realities will affect
some course offerings but asserts that the quality of the
programs will not be affected. "There will likely be some
impact on the diversity of programs we offer but I believe that
is an acceptable impact given the alternatives. A student that
may have had a choice of five electives may have that choice
reduced to four but we will ensure that the basic integrity of    Working within those conditions, the various departments and
the programs is not impaired."
Two primary assumptions about the current fiscal year that
guide the budgetary process are that there will be an increase
in the number of student enrolments and that the fees for
Canadian and international students will remain frozen.
units on campus have until June 14 to find further efficiencies in their operations and to submit revised budget
proposals. The Board of Regents will see the detailed budget
at its July meeting.
Focus on major research partnerships
BY DEBORAH INKPEN
MEMORIAL'S BOARD OF REGENTS approved the
new position of director of major research partnerships at
its meeting on April 8. Dr. James Wright, former head of the
Department of Earth Sciences,was appointed to the position for a thee-year contract.
"Memorial has experienced major growth in research,
climbing to over $70 million this year," said Dr. Christopher Loo-mis, vice-president (research). "During this time,
our research projects have become more complex and are
multi-disciplinary, inter-institutional and inter-sectoral in
scope.
As well, granting agencies require more detailed
accountability as a condition of funding. The director of
major research partnerships will assume administrative
leadership for major research partnerships including the
Pan-Petroleum Systems Consortium (PI'SC'). the Centre
for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and the Inco Innovation Centre (IIC) and will help to identify emerging
opportunities and facilitate the establishment of new
research partnerships in strategic sectors."
Reporting directly to the vice-president (research), Dr.
Wright will also oversee the submissions of all financial
claims ai i «>rts, serve as the university's primary
contact person for PPSC, CNG and IIC and will work
closely with the Genesis Centre and other similar organizations in Atlantic (Canada to ensure the successful commercialization of technologies, products and services arising
from research partnerships.
Dr. Richard Hiscott will act as interim head of Earth
Sciences until a replacement is appointed.
June 10, 2004
.tzette