Editorial: A call to first years

Having fun? I’d hope so, because this is one expensive party.

The pool of money allocated to Welcome Week this year is about half a million bucks. Events, swag, bands, food and all the other hoopla adds up quick.

And whether you’re involved in the Week or not, you’re invested. A mandatory fee of $110 is pulled from every first year pocket. That’s new, and a little problematic.

Some Muslim students, for example, have expressed concerns over the inclusivity of Welcome Week, given conflicts between their religious observance and getting their money’s worth. It doesn’t seem fair to force that choice upon them.

But when you make exceptions for one group, do you extend it to others? Eventually it defeats the purpose of the mandatory fee, which was selected by popular student vote at last year’s students union general assembly.

And even if participation wasn’t an issue, how about enjoyment? Yeah, it’s a good time being a rep. But the Week is for you, first years, and it’s up to you to tell the McMaster Students Union and the Student Success Centre what you liked and what you didn’t.

Re-imagine the week. Eliminate this, add that. The money’s there, so do the class of 2017 a favour by making sure their Welcome Week is a blast.