McGill matters

Security reminders for the Holidays

McGill Security Services would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. Before you leave for your well-deserved break, please spare a thought for the following:

• If you intend to work or study on campus during the holiday break, please consult the building hours before you visit. Almost all buildings are closed during the holiday season and others have reduced operating hours. Please ensure you have the proper silent hour access for the building you intend to work or study in. Consult www.mcgill.ca/security/access/list for your area access manager.
• Do not lend your McGill ID card with access rights to anyone during your absence. It is both a contravention of university policy and a serious security breach. Do not allow anyone to "piggy back" on your access into a building. The reduced building occupancy during the holidays increases the risk.
• Remind your contacts that you will be away. Security Services cannot provide access for deliveries.
• If you are an emergency contact for a building or a laboratory and will be away for an extended period of time, arrange for an alternate person to replace you. Update your contact list and advise Security Services and the building director.
• Consult www.mcgill.ca/facilities/holidaynewsletter/downtown/ for a complete list of services available and special safety and security issues related to the holiday season.
• Consult the "Bulletins" section of our website at www.mcgill.ca/security/bulletins for the latest on matters of concern in our community.

McGill Security Services is at 398-3000, answered 24/7.

New offers for your Life Income Fund

Are you a retiring McGill faculty or staff member? Now you can take advantage of the benefits offered from Sun Life Financial or Standard Life when you open a Life Income Fund (LIF) with either of these institutions. You may be eligible to benefit from preferential management fees and gain access to free financial planning or salaried financial counselors.

See www.mcgill.ca/pensions/retirement.

Nominate a worthy colleague!

The deadline to submit nominations for the Principal's Awards for Administrative and Support Staff is December 20. Have you nominated a colleague deserving of this honour? Have you considered nominating yourself?

A total of five $5,000 prizes (one in each M, C, T, L, and Trades and Services categories) will be awarded. For additional information, please visit www.mcgill.ca/vpadmin/awards or contact Joanne Graham at 398-1838 or by email.

This year, give the gift of recognition!

Staff Fitness Program Winter 2006

Don't wait for January do it now! Register for the winter 2006 edition of the Staff Fitness Program starting the week of December 5. All 13-week fitness courses are slated to begin the week of January 9.

Those enrolling in classes held on Mondays and Wednesdays should register on December 5 or 7, while participants registering for classes taking place on Tuesdays and Thursdays should register on December 6 or 8. Please note: staff may only enroll in one course per semester. Requests for additional courses will be reviewed, space permitting, at the end of the second week of classes.

For info, go to www.athletics.mcgill.ca or www.mcgill.ca/vpadmin/fitness.