I'm pleased to announce that Professor Brenda McCabe will be serving as Chair of Civil Engineering, starting January 1, 2008. Brenda is a gifted leader with a demonstrated commitment to academic administration, both at the departmental and decanal levels, and a track record of proven successes.

On the governance front, our November 28 Faculty Council meeting was one of the most highly attended in recent memory. The meeting was vigorous and participatory, with many new curriculum changes being approved, including a new Engineering Science Option in Energy Systems. Much of the Council discussion and debate focused on the discontinuance of the Engineering Science Manufacturing Option after the 2008-2009 academic year. I am grateful to everyone for their thoughtful advice and counsel on this proposal and to Will Cluett and Tony Sinclair for their academic leadership on this front. These types of difficult decisions are an inherent part of an academic environment and are crucial to sustaining our academic excellence in the long-term.

I encourage those of you who are members of the Council and who were unable to make this month's meeting to make every effort to attend our next meeting on Monday, February 25, 2008, at 12:10 pm. It is important that we carry out our respective roles to ensure the Faculty is well governed.

You may notice we have made a few changes to the Newsletter. Please continue to send your comments, suggestions and feedback to us.

Cristina Amon