The greening of the lawn in front of Tabaret Hall means the session—along with all the pressures and challenges that come with it—is drawing to an end! As this final busy period begins, I extend my best wishes to all students for success in their studies, exams and term papers.

Since most of you will soon be leaving the campus for the summer, I’m going to take a break from my blog for a few months. But I’ll get back to regular posting again in September. I hope you have found the blog useful. I have certainly enjoyed hosting it, and have found the many useful and thoughtful exchanges very rewarding. I look forward to continuing our dialogue in the fall and to reading about your ideas and perspectives.

Canada's University Solid and Strong

But for the photograph of Tabaret Hall, I would not have recognized the University of Ottawa from the erroneous portrait contained in Sunday's front page story in the Ottawa Citizen.

Given uncertain economic times, all Canadian universities face challenges in maintaining excellence in teaching and research while balancing budgets. This is all the more so since governments, the most important sources of funding for universities, face deficits and pressure to control or reduce spending. Some Canadian universities have had to lay off staff, close programs, levy special fees and reopen collective agreements.

Fortunately, the University of Ottawa has not had to do any such thing. And contrary to Sunday's Citizen report, we remain in a very strong financial position as a result of a history of fiscal prudence.

Read more.

During my recent visits to campus residences, students also shared their views on campus food services and restaurants. Below are the answers to their questions.

Improving food quality

We’re working with Food Services to improve value for quality when it comes to food services, as well as the overall quality of the products available.

In addition, since last fall, the University Centre’s Jazzy restaurant has expanded its services by offering breakfasts, lunch-time meals, dinners and weekend brunches at affordable prices.

Business hours

To meet the needs of students whose classes end after campus food outlets close down for the day, we’ve launched a pilot project that will see the outlet at 90 University remain open 24/7 until the end of the current session.

Menu variety

Menus are on a three-week cycle during the year to provide the University community with varied meal selections. More improvements are slated over the coming weeks, including some at the pasta counter.

Food Services online

Consult this site for regular updates on business hours and menus.

This past weekend, both our men's and women's basketball teams did us proud, playing their hearts out against very tough competition. I attended the women's game on Saturday against the University of Windsor Lancers, and although the Lancers prevailed, our team mounted a valiant effort. The men’s match-up against  Carleton on Saturday night was even closer, as a great rivalry continued to build steam.

Our teams are both in the nationals next weekend, with the men playing at home on Saturday. I have to be out of the country, but will be following the games closely. I hope that many of you can attend on Saturday to cheer the Gee-Gee's on!

March 8 is International Women's Day. Check out Making History, Building Futures, a website we created to mark the 90th anniversary of women  beginning to attend the University of Ottawa.

Today's numbers show that women are taking their rightful place as equal contributors to the success of this University. Women now account for 38% of our faculty (a percentage that has been growing steadily in recent years) and 61% of our administrative staff. At the undergraduate level, women make up 61% of the student population, and they represent 57% at the graduate level.

Our institution is committed to advancing gender equality, and I take this occasion to salute all those women who make uOttawa a place of distinction, of scholarly excellence and of innovative thinking.