Astronomy and Astrophysics (A&A) is an exciting subject in the midst of an unprecedented growth, driven by and leading to significant new investments in ground and space-based observatories. While Canada has a poor overall record in R&D expenditure, it has recognized the strength and vision of the A&A community and will invest some $230M in international observatories in the next decade. These observatories will be optimized to study the structure and evolution of planetary systems, stars, galaxies, and the Universe. At the centre of this national effort is the Department of Astronomy (DA), ``the key element defining the University of Toronto as one of the most important centres of astronomy in North America'' (Cluster 8 Review). Our goal through this plan is to maintain and enhance our preeminent position in both research and teaching. Our strength in Observational Cosmology will be consolidated by the position now being searched.
DA will make a bold and concentrated thrust into ``Origins'' following the strategy we used in the last decade to build one of the strongest groups in the world in Observational Cosmology. ``Origins'' is a vital new and rapidly growing area of A&A which studies how stars and their associated planetary systems come into existence. Concentrated hiring will build a powerful and dynamic group with three new positions in: Star Formation, Extrasolar Planetary Systems, and Astrophysics of the Interstellar Medium. The incumbents will provide stimulating input into both the new Planetary Sciences (PLN) specialist undergraduate program and our graduate program.
We respond to national priorities, needs recognized in recent external reviews, and the exhortations of our graduate students, with a request for two Astronomical Instrumentation Specialists for space and ground-based observatories. They will provide leadership in developing the instrumentation for the new international observatories in which Canada is so heavily investing and will push forward our own new collaboration with the Observatories of the Carnegie Institution of Washington (OCIW) on the twin giant Magellan telescopes in Chile.
For theoretical astrophysics computations, modeling, and simulations we have been awarded a large parallel computer through PSciNet ($12.5M), a Faculty/University priority in the recent CFI competition. This meshes perfectly with our plan to hire a Computational Astrophysicist to deepen and broaden our teaching and research program in this rapidly growing area.
A joint position with Physics in the subfield of Experimental Astrophysics will reinforce the fledgling program that we have just started to provide new research and training opportunities.
A position in Modern Stellar Astrophysics will complement the ``Origins'' initiative while replacing core teaching and research strength lost to retirement in 2004 and will allow us to participate more fully in the rapidly developing new techniques and facilities for this field.
The requested net increase of 4.5 FTE in graduate faculty (up 33% compared to 13.64 FTE in 1998/99) with a concentration on the St. George campus is regarded as modest by the Cluster 8 review and yet will allow us to expand the graduate enrollment from 30 to 46 and to increase the St. George undergraduate enrollment by 370 FCE (from a base of 1000 FCE) to meet the tremendous demand for astronomy courses. A draft agreement to accommodate undergraduate instruction at UTAS (250 additional FCEs) is awaiting approval.
For administrative, teaching, and library computing, and associated networks, 0.5 FTE is urgently needed in Computer System Support. An Educational Technologist will be responsible for helping faculty and TAs to expand their use of new technologies in teaching and public outreach, for new undergraduate tutorials and laboratory activities, and effective use of the (new) teaching telescopes. The CFI-awarded computer requires a System Manager, requested jointly with CITA.
A major expansion in hours for Teaching Assistants is
required to deliver on the Faculty's writing and scientific literacy
priorities throughout our greatly expanded undergraduate program
(70-hour positions 
up to 90 compared to 33 at present).
In accordance with a recommendation of the recent five-year external review, a Secretary II position is needed to cope with increased enrollment, increased faculty, and increased responsibilities down-loaded on the Department and as essential backup for the Business Officer.
Our infrastructure needs are in summary: 490 m2 of space, $100K reinvestment in our Undergraduate Observatory, $35K in teaching-related computers with $7.5K ongoing for upgrades, and $1.5M to develop a major scientific instrument for Magellan in our collaboration with OCIW.