Philosophy, classics, religious studies to form one department

The course calendar could look a whole lot different next fall. University administrators sent notice to faculty members that the philosophy, classics and religious studies departments would be combined into one department as of July 2010. Vice-president academic Brian Stevenson told faculty in a meeting the change would save $30,000 in the Faculty of Arts’ over $1 million budget. Philosophy chair Jane Forsey said the move effectively ends the autonomy of the department.

The future for students getting their degrees in any of the three subjects is uncertain. The philosophy department already does not have enough staff to teach the number of courses required for a degree. It has lost 50 per cent of its faculty over the past two years. There has not been a tenured hire in the department in six years. The department has relied on contract sessional instructors, but the only two sessional instructors on staff were recently told their contracts will not be renewed, leaving the department with three faculty members.

“We really feel the administration is starving the department,” said Forsey.

A Facebook group protesting the amalgamation already has over 300 members. An online petition against the amalgamation was created at www.ipetitions.com/petition/amalgamation.

Free Duckworth Centre access in November

The Duckworth Centre is attempting to showcase their new facility by offering free use of their services and equipment from Wednesday, Nov. 23 to Tuesday, Nov. 29. In allowing free use of the centre, the Duckworth Centre hopes to motivate University of Winnipeg students and staff to get healthy and in shape. Free fitness consultations and use of their racquetball/squash court will be offered.

On a wait list? Check your e-mail!

The university is now offering a hassle-free way to check if you have made it off the wait list and on to the registered list for a course. Information about whether or not you have been offered a space in the class is being relayed through your “iam” university e-mail address. Students are encouraged to check their e-mail often as you will only have 72 hours to claim your spot in the course. Failure to respond within the 72-hour time period will mean that the spot will be made available to the next person on the list and you will removed from the wait list completely. Students are encouraged to check their accounts regularly.

Outstanding aboriginal students receive awards

Approximately 30 students have been selected by the Business Council of Manitoba to receive an award and a cash prize of $3,000. The council selects aboriginal students from a variety of departments with the aim of providing educational opportunities to young aboriginal students. The council has been running for nine years and each year over 30 students are selected as recipients for this award. The University of Winnipeg offered its congratulations to each recipient for their achievements.

Published in Volume 64, Number 13 of The Uniter (November 26, 2009)