On Nov. 9, recipients of the Wilson Leadership Scholar Award, one of McMaster University’s largest scholarships, held a dinner meeting in partnership with the Socrates Project to discuss free speech and McMaster’s current guidelines in light of the larger province-wide focus on the issue.
The event was invite-only, consisting of nine Wilson Leaders and alumni and approximately ten additional guests.
The topic of free speech was chosen as a result of the Ontario government’s recent announcement that all Ontario universities must formulate a “free-speech policy” by January 2019.
McMaster currently has a “guidance document” outlining “acceptable” forms of protest for event organizers.
[spacer height="20px"]The Wilson event allowed participants to share a meal and exchange ideas on free speech and how McMaster should move forward. The focus, according to Wilson scholar Monish Ahluwalia, was simply to promote critical discussion in an open environment, not to come to any definitive conclusion or recommendation.
“We are all from very different backgrounds and programs and experiences,” Ahluwalia said.
“We are hoping we can end with a group of people who have had this discussion and who will open their minds up to some different views hopefully and come out with a more holistic understanding of what free speech is.”
The Wilson Leadership Scholar Award is an award given to three undergraduate students and three graduate students each year. It provides them with up to $50,000 in funding and unique mentorship and leadership opportunities.
This small dinner was the first of its kind that the Wilson scholarship had hosted. However, the event was also an extension of the Socrates Project, which has facilitated many events this year on social issues and art projects.
Wilson scholars Josh Young and Ahluwalia agree that the small size of the dinner helped promote dialogue and dissent.
[spacer height="20px"]“Smaller group-oriented discussions seem to foster more organic discussion. It is not forceful,” said Young.
“We’re curious to see if this is something that students find valuable,” Ahluwalia added. “Moving forward, we are not decided on whether we want it to be invite-only or public. We fear that with too many people, it might get hard to control. It might lose its value.”
The idea of more productive discussion in small groups of select students raises questions about inclusion and exclusion and how to best ensure that everyone’s voice is heard and respected when it comes to contentious issues.
In effort to include more voices, yesterday, the McMaster Students Union hosted a town hall open discussion at TwelvEighty. MSU President Ikram Farah, McMaster President Patrick Deane and McMaster associate vice president (Equity and Inclusion) Arig al Shaibah were there to field questions from students.
Both the Wilson dinner and the MSU town hall are products of the university’s focus on the issue of free expression against the backdrop of the provincial government mandate.
Carleton University and the University of Western Ontario both released free speech policy drafts in Oct. 2018. Last month, both the MSU and the University of Toronto Students’ Union condemned the government’s free speech mandate.
As the January policy deadline nears, McMaster students can expect more dialogue and speech on the question of “free speech” on campus.
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By: Elliot Fung
On Oct. 14, the McMaster Students Union Student Representative Assembly unanimously passed a motion to formally oppose the provincial government’s mandate that all publicly-assisted colleges and universities in Ontario draft and submit a free speech policy by January 2019. In addition, the SRA asks that the government withdraw the mandate immediately.
The eight-part motion responds to the requirements outlined in the provincial government’s free speech policy mandate. The main consequence for non-compliance takes the form of cuts in operating grant funding, which is vital for many programs and services on campus.
According to MSU president Ikram Farah, the decision to oppose the government mandate is being driven primarily by concerns made by students to the SRA that a free speech policy will limit open discussion and silence the opinions of marginalized communities and dissenters.
The SRA believes that the government mandate is being implemented under the guise of free speech but, in reality, is being used to censor dissent towards hate and bigotry.
“Given the feedback and comments made from a majority of students, the SRA took a stance to protect free speech because this policy dictate form is a sham by which free speech will be limited, not protected,” said Farah.
Ikram’s characterization of the mandate as a “sham” is also substantiated by the apparent lack of consultation from the provincial government with universities, students and student advocacy groups.
One part of the SRA motion addresses a clause in the government mandate that states that compliance with the free speech policy will be a requirement for the recognition and funding of student groups. The SRA opposes the clause as they interpret it as an attempt to limit the ability of students to protest or express dissent lawfully.
The SRA motion contends that there is no need for the free speech policy as barriers to free speech and expression do not exist on campus. They believe that the long-standing Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is sufficient in protecting freedom of speech and expression. In addition, the motion argues that reasonable limits to free speech already exist in the form of federal and provincial laws and the Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities.
In addition to making an official stance against the government mandate, the SRA is also acting on ways to get the mandate withdrawn. In particular, the MSU is working with its provincial lobby partner the Ontario University Student Alliance.
During the OUSA General Assembly, which took place from Nov. 2 to 4, one of the decisions made was to formally oppose the mandate and communicate this stance to the government. Whether or not this will end up being effective in getting the mandate withdrawn, however, remains uncertain.
It is not yet clear whether McMaster University’s existing free expression guidelines, which were developed last year, will be sufficient for compliance with the policy.
Students were given the chance to voice their concerns about the government mandate directly with university officials, particularly McMaster President Patrick Deane and Arig al Shaibah, the associate vice president (Equity and Inclusion) during the MSU’s Town Hall held on Nov. 14.
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The McMaster Students Union Student Representative Assembly held their most recent meeting on Nov. 11 in Gilmour Hall. Here are some key items that were discussed.[spacer height="20px"]
[spacer height="20px"]The next SRA meeting will be held on Nov. 25 at 5 p.m. in Gilmour Hall room 111.
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By: Elliot Fung
In March 2017, students voted in a special referendum in favour of of the creation of the new Student Activity Building and expanded Pulse. Years of student surveys, focus groups and planning seem to be finally paying off as construction for the new 40,000 square foot Student Activity Building and expanded Pulse begins this fall.
The McMaster Students Union SAB space allocation ad-hoc committee was struck at a Student Representative Assembly meeting last April and serves to consult students about their ideas and priorities regarding space allocation in the new building and ensure that the ways in which space and student fees are used align with students’ interests.
SAB student consultation surveys in the past have largely focused on space allocation and what services students want in a building dedicated to them. Some recommendations for the SAB consisted of study spaces, nap rooms, lounge space, a cafe and food court, a multifaith prayer space and a grocery store.
The 2017 SAB space allocation ad-hoc committee survey garnered 426 responses. Nevertheless, with a student body of approximately 27,000, the responses represent the opinions of only 1.6 per cent of the undergraduate student population in 2017.
This September, the MSU spearheaded a final campaign to consult students about more specific design preferences for the new SAB. The final survey asked students what they want the interior of the SAB to look like.
The final report from this year’s SAB committee highlights that within the four weeks of the survey being open, the total complete responses tallied to 945. While the committee report boasts a 105 per cent increase in undergraduate student responses as compared to last year’s poor showing, 945 still represents only approximately 3.5 per cent of the undergrad student body.
Nevertheless, promotion of the survey on social media and in-person reached many students.
In particular, the SAB committee reports that the promotional Facebook video reached 5,000 unique viewers and approximately 1,200 students received information cards at McMaster Homecoming Expo.
This year, the committee suggests a number of interior design elements based on the majority results of the online survey. Some of the suggestions include removable cushions on the first-floor open steps, tables in the third-floor meeting room with a dynamic design in addition to a clear glass writable surface, hanging greenery, a light colour palette for the interior aesthetic and both reclining and straight nap chairs for the designated nap room.
The 2018 survey also included a portion asking about potential names for the Student Activity Building. Approximately nine per cent of responses suggested keeping the current name. Other names suggested included variations of “Student Activity Building,” such as “McMaster Student Activity Building” or naming the building after a McMaster alum with significant achievements such as Roberta Bondar or Donna Strickland Building.
Other less serious and comical names were suggested, including “MUSC 2.0,” “Marauder’s Nest,” “Chill Zone,” and “MACtivity Student Center.”
No matter the difficulties over the years in gauging student interest, the new SAB and expanded pulse are slated to improve student life and introduce a variety of new services. The building is expected to be completed sometime between 2020 and 2021.
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On Sept. 23, the Student Representative Assembly met in room 111 of Gilmour Hall to share faculty reports and vote on a number of proposed motions.
https://www.facebook.com/MSUMcMaster/photos/a.667072926656928/2080311201999753/?type=3&theater
One debated motion was the creation of a communications, advertising and student engagement ad hoc committee. The committee would exist to review current models of student engagement and offer recommendations to SRA committees. The motion was moved by SRA Science representative Eric Shingleton-Smith and was subsequently passed by a clear majority of the assembly.
A few members brought up concerns regarding the purpose of this committee as there is a service committee already in place. Vice president (Finance) Scott Robinson stressed the narrow scope of this committee as it only gives reports in November and March.
At the end of the report period of the meeting, MSU president Ikram Farah encouraged the SRA caucus to be more active in collecting feedback on McMaster’s freedom of expression guidelines, especially considering the Ford government’s new mandate for Ontario governments to implement formal policies.
“Should it be a policy, at least let it be the best guidance document possible that is reflective of the students who will be affected by it most,” said Farah.
Some representatives argued that there should be more events targeted at engaging students on this specific issue.
A notable motion was an amendment to election bylaw 10A.
In particular, bylaw 10A was modified so that candidates who appeal an elections committee ruling must submit documentation at least 48 hours before the appeal meeting. This was to ensure enough time for the elections committee to review appeals, a concern that arose after the 2018 presidential election. This motion was moved by Farah and passed unanimously by the assembly.
The amendment clarified what it means for members and nominees to be in “good standing.”
The next SRA meeting will be held on Oct. 14 at 5:00 pm in Gilmour Hall room 111.
Other highlights from the meeting:
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Content Warning: this article contains mentions of suicide
Following deliberations at the Feb. 25 Student Representative Assembly meeting, the SRA has decided to rescind Peer Support Line.
Created in 2013, PSL is an anonymous hotline and online chat system students may access to receive peer support. The service currently operates from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. every day.
As a part of the regular service review, which every McMaster Students Union service must go through, the MSU services committee deemed PSL’s current structure as unsustainable. Following deliberations with Executive Board, the board in charge of making long-term decisions on behalf of the student union, the two governing bodies decided to recommend rescinding PSL.
One of the main concerns both EB and the services committee have about the current operation of PSL is the number of crisis calls it receives.
“Five years on, the PSL now receives mainly crisis calls, posing severe safety concerns for all parties involved — both the users of the service and volunteers who are performing front-line trauma intake, which is not something that student volunteers are trained or equipped to facilitate,” said Preethi Anbalagan, vice president (Administration) and vice chair of EB. “To be clear, if rescinded… the resources currently used to facilitate PSL would be earmarked to enhance the depth, profile, and awareness of all peer and crisis support services.”
In addition, both EB and the services committee feel that peer support networks have expanded considerably since PSL was first introduced in 2013, such the creation of of hotlines such as government-funded Good2talk and the MSU’s Student Assistance Plan, which includes a hotline equipped with professional counselors, among others.
“Since [2013], the peer support resources of the MSU have grown considerably, Women and Gender Equity Network and Maccess have become very important peer support services. In addition, renewed focus in both the Student Health Education Centre and the Queer Students Community Centre has resulted in expanded peer support availability as well,” said Anbalagan.
Both the services committee and EB recommend incorporating the chatline function into other peer support services. They both also also recommend increasing promotions of chat lines such as the Student Assistance Plan and the Good2Talk line, both of which are equipped with professional counseling.
EB specifically recommends the MSU continues develop the Caring Communities Network, a program launched by MSU president Chukky Ibe to train individuals in various clubs or associations to provide support and give referrals.
EB also stresses renewing the MSU’s commitment to peer support by developing other forms of identity-based support programming and explore creating a peer support centre in the Student Activity Building.
During the Feb. 25 SRA meeting, the services committee, EB and PSL gave delegations outlining their stance and the future of peer support within the student union.
Executives from PSL made their own delegation, where they argued that the MSU should not view discussions of suicide as a crisis.
PSL argued that their service has never branded itself as a crisis line and that many individuals who access their line eventually access professional help after receiving peer support from PSL volunteers.
“Most of the students who call PSL to talk about suicidal ideation would not consider themselves to be ‘in crisis’ — in fact, it is often the very fear that it will be taken as a crisis and escalated beyond their control that prevents these students from discussing their ideation with professionals or even friends,” said Pranali Raval, PSL’s assistant director.
They also stressed the importance of the kind of support PSL offers.
“We would like to point out that the newly introduced or strengthened services — i.e. the Student Assistance Plan, COAST, Good2Talk — offer professional support, as opposed to peer support. While these services may allow student involvement, they are not in the form of peer support,” said Victoria Wong, PSL’s promotion coordinator.
The SRA ultimately voted in favour of rescinding the service. PSL will continue to function until the end of this semester, after which point it will no longer exist within the MSU peer support network.
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By Vanessa Polojac
On Jan. 18 and 19, the SRA by-election took place. This is when Student Representative Assembly, the governing body of the MSU that is composed of undergraduate students elect new members inside specific academic faculties.
During these elections, Josh Arbess was elected as a representative for SRA (Engineering) and Kenzie Shin as a representative for SRA (Kinesiology). Sergio Raez Villanueva claimed the SRA (Science) seat, with no others running for the position.
The McMaster Students Union serves students in two main areas: political representation and the enhancement of student life. They provide political representation and advocate for decisions that are in students’ best interests at the university, municipal, provincial and federal levels.
Josh Arbess is a Level I Engineering student. During his time on the SRA, Arbess plans to introduce and advocate for many initiatives that will benefit Engineering students, and the entire undergraduate body on campus.
He advocates for better representation of diversity by raising attention to groups supporting minorities in engineering, and ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard through a more coherent system for religious and spiritual accommodations in regards to academics.
“Through the SRA, I can advocate for the needs and requests of the faculty ensuring that engineering students voices are heard,” said Arbess.
Transit is another issue that Arbess is willing to address while on the SRA. He hopes to increase bus service on key university routes and promises to improve religious, Indigenous and spiritual observances with more diversity in university clubs and initiatives.
Additionally, Arbess plans to educate the faculty body on what the SRA does, and how they can get more involved in MSU operations.
“Speaking with a number of my peers, very few of them knew what the SRA did, or even what it was, before this election,” said Arbess.
Arbess believes that accountability measures, such as increasing the use of social media to publicize initiatives and meeting information, will get more students involved in the governance that affects their university experience.
Arbess also believes accessibility and communication are crucial to being a student leader. To become an active advocate, Arbess will also hold and participate in office hours, attending all times mandated in addition to chatting with peers about issues affecting them outside of regular office hours.
“Speaking with a number of my peers, very few of them knew what the SRA did, or even what it was, before this election.”
Josh Arbess, SRA (Engineering)
Third time’s the charm for Kenzie Shin who has already run twice prior to her third and final election run. Shin is a Level IV Kinesiology student. Shin’s platform focuses on transit and cost reduction in regards to university hospitality services.
Shin promises to uphold her position and represent all kinesiology students.
Shin hopes to advocate for the installation of WiFi to inaccessible spaces on campus such as bus stops. Her platform also focuses on lowering food costs and reducing taxes.
Both Arbess and Shin will work to provide the best possible MSU services and departments, represent and address the concerns of undergraduate students, and lobby the university to improve McMaster’s academic quality.
The representatives are vocal about getting the McMaster community involved with the MSU. To find out if there is a position open in your faculty, or for further information on running for a position within the SRA, contact the MSU chief returning officer at [email protected].
On July 16, the Board of Directors and the Student Representative Assembly met as part of their regular schedule In this particular meeting, each member of the Board of Directors, consisting of the president and the vice-presidents of the McMaster Students Union, and representatives from each of the major faculties discussed their yearlong plans moving forward into the academic year.
Each of these plans includes a description, benefits, difficulties, long-term implications, the process and the partners needed to accomplish each goal. There is also a rough timeline included for each based on what each person or caucus would like to achieve in each term.
For Chukky Ibe, the MSU president, the emphasis on Wi-Fi from his campaign has become one piece of larger objectives such as a planned tech week and “Optimizing Student Technology.” The plan notes that they are working with University Tech Services on a campus-wide audit to identify spaces that could benefit from internet expansion.
Many of the other goals are things that have been fairly consistent efforts through the last number of years. Opening up the MSU and increasing communication, accessibility on campus, reducing campus waste and affordable textbooks are all part of this. Some objectives such as “Good Food Delivery,” and “Graduate Transition” have not been as common in previous years.
It is also worth noting that his plan does not include the “Master Summary” that the vice-presidents include in their plans with a month-by-month breakdown and checklist. His open letter, “Trust Your Dopeness,” takes the place of a foreword note.
Preethi Anbalagan, vice-president (Administration), has already focused on training and transitioning part-time managers and the associate vice-presidents, and has a plan tailored to Welcome Week programming and support moving forward.
Ryan Deshpande, vice-president (Education), mentions the advocacy still needed on topics such as the McMaster’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Response policy approved in January, and continued efforts towards topics like health, academic success and transit.
Daniel D’Souza, vice-president (Finance), continues the timeline towards the opening of the 1280 café and the additional aspects of that, e.g., online ordering and revamped club nights, and reviews of different aspects of campus such as part-time staff, rep suits and the accessibility of the MSU childcare center.
For more information about each of these plans, visit the SRA Documents page available on the MSU website.
Objectives:
Board of Directors:
Chukky Ibe, president:
Preethi Anbalagan, vice-president (Administration):
Ryan Deshpande, vice-president (Education):
Daniel D’Souza, vice-president (Finance):
Faculties:
Arts and Science:
Business:
Engineering:
Health Sciences:
Humanities:
Nursing:
Science:
Social Sciences:
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The vote to change vice-president ballots opens a can of worms for the Student Representative Assembly.
At the Sept. 11 SRA meeting, the group voted to make ballots for the McMaster Students Union vice-president positions open. Under the previous system, SRA members would vote on secret ballot for the vice-presidents.
Making the ballots open is a step towards achieving the buzziest of buzzwords amongst those involved with student politics: transparency and accountability.
We have been bombarded with these words for so long, it is a surprise that anyone voted against this motion.
One of the main arguments against open ballots is that the SRA is made up of a relatively small community and there are complications that come with it.
For example, let’s say my close friend was running for a vice-president position, but I knew that another person was a better candidate. With closed ballots, I could vote for the better candidate and not be concerned about any personal fallout.
Open ballots mean some SRA members may vote in order to maintain certain friendships or relationships.
While I can sympathize with the awkward position, you should not have gotten in to politics if you did not want to make hard decisions.
And while making the ballots open is a step towards improving the MSU’s transparency and accessibility, there is still work to be done.
Those who get elected to the board of directors are generally members of the MSU bubble; they have worked or volunteered with MSU services from early on in their undergraduate career, working their way through the organization. Open ballots alone can’t pop this bubble. What can achieve that goal? Electing vice-presidents at-large.
If the SRA members want to avoid the issues associated with open and closed ballots, they can remove themselves completely by supporting the upcoming at-large referendum to make vice-presidents elected by the student population. The SRA has not been afraid to make bold statements in the past; let’s see what they do this year.
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Blake Oliver — Vice-President (Education)
Ryan MacDonald — Vice-President (Finance)
Shaarujaa Nadarajah — Vice-President (Administration)
