The Office of Students with Disabilities (OSD) is currently awaiting funding for its 2015-2016 academic year operations. This upcoming year will see a grant of over $1 million to McGill University from the province of Quebec, which will be designated through the university’s various channels to support both the OSD[Read More…]
Articles by Jessica Fu
SSMU Cafeteria’s Bambou Bol closed due to failure to pay rent
Bambou Bol, one of three food service options at the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) cafeteria, closed on March 11 due to a default on its annual lease of the space. According to Kathleen Bradley, SSMU Vice-President Finance and Operations, Bambou Bol had previously experienced difficulties paying rent. “Bambou[Read More…]
SSMU and PGSS students vote to increase QPIRG fee
Students voted to approve an increase in Quebec Public Interest Research Group (QPIRG)-McGill’s opt-outable fee, raising it from $3.75 to $5.00 per semester. The fee passed by 62.9 per cent, and is set to be implemented starting in Fall 2015. The Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) and the Post-Graduate[Read More…]
Drake – If Youre Reading This Its Too Late
Last Thursday, Drake dropped his latest opus Beyoncé-style, sending his fans, his peers, and the media alike into a frenzy. In the days since, Billboard has noted that his release is expected to sell upwards of half of a million copies within its first week.[Read More…]
Off the board: A love letter to Kim Kardashian
Like the comments of a nagging mom, most criticisms of Kim Kardashian transcend time and logic—they’re baseless, they follow her wherever she goes, and they show no signs of stopping. “She’s famous but she doesn’t do anything!” “Her show has no substance!” “Her butt can’t be real!” The animosity aimed[Read More…]
Carbon monoxide leak at ECOLE sustainable housing project spurs implementation of new safety measures
A student was hospitalized following a carbon monoxide leak detected Nov. 23 in the ECOLE sustainable housing project, which was launched earlier this semester. The ECOLE project house, located on 3559 University Street, is leased to ECOLE by McGill Student Housing and Hospitality Services (SHHS). Kareem Ibrahim, a member of[Read More…]
Sexual assault charges withdrawn in case against three former Redmen football players
On Nov. 17, the Crown prosecutor in the sexual assault case against three former McGill University Redmen football players—Ian Sheriff, Brenden Carriere, and Guillaume Tremblay— withdrew its charges.
Album Review: Damien Rice – My Favourite Faded Fantasy
There’s a thread of tiredness that weaves through Damien Rice’s latest album and ties its eight tracks together. What My Favorite Faded Fantasy provides in consistency, it loses in its unoriginality: Each song is nearly identical to the others. The themes and the way Rice sings about them—“I love this[Read More…]
Completion of construction along McTavish to be delayed by a month
Construction along McTavish Street has been delayed by a month, and is now set to conclude by the end of November, according to a press release from the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) Communications and IT Director Ryan Hughes. The release cites multiple technical and logistical reasons for the[Read More…]
Album Review: Taylor Swift – 1989
The rumours about Taylor Swift’s latest release are true—the album has absolutely no hint of her usual country twang, with all of its production grounded in electronic, synthesized rhythms and layered with energetic claps, snaps, snares, and poppy, self-aware lyrics. The change pays off, and aside from a few missteps,[Read More…]
What’s happening at McGill
#ConsentMcGill Oct. 20-24 Various locations on both campuses This week long campaign aims to draw attention to the importance of consent through workshops hosted by various student groups around campus. It was one of the measures set forth by Ollivier Dyens last semester, following campus-wide scrutiny regarding the administration’s approach[Read More…]
New dining venues on campus recieve mixed reception
Première Moisson, the new dining option in the basement of Redpath Library, has drawn mixed reactions from students since opening earlier this month. The space, formerly occupied by Tim Hortons and Pizza Pizza, has been praised for its fair trade options, but criticized for its higher costs and for the[Read More…]
Trib jams of the summer
“Advanced Falconry”—Mutual Benefit Mutual Benefit’s LP Love’s Crushing Diamond was on repeat for me all summer, providing a soothing soundtrack to many early mornings and long bike rides. Its sound is folksy with warm banjo strings and natural vocals that bring to mind Sufjan Stevens. The unique atmosphere of “Advanced[Read More…]
SSMU executive interviews
Courtney Ayukawa, President What have you done this summer? I’ve been getting used to my role and the responsibilities and getting to know SSMU really well. I’ve also worked with our human resources advisor to draft and implement a Mental Health Policy for our permanent staff, which is really exciting.[Read More…]
Timeline: the year in review
A look back at 2013-14.
Deep cuts: sound bites from Seattle
Thank You For Tonight (feat. Eliza Young) Artist: Sam Lachow Album: Brand New Bike Released: January 1, 2011 This rapper begins his nostalgic track with trademark smooth vocals, which he proceeds to layer over rhythmic percussions, rich keyboard cadences, and mesmerizing saxophone samples. He paints an evocative scene—“Green eyes sitting[Read More…]
EUS VP Communications sanctioned for mocking Farnan apology
An executive in the Engineering Undergraduate Society (EUS) has apologized to the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) for mocking an apology issued earlier this month by SSMU Vice-President Internal Brian Farnan. On Feb. 9, Vice-President Communications Luis Pombo sent a satirical apology through the EUS listserv, which mimicked the[Read More…]
AUS to launch laptop lending program in March
The Arts Undergraduate Society (AUS) will unveil a new laptop lending program this March. The new initiative comes in response to the termination of a similar program run by the university in the beginning of the academic year due to budget cuts. “Given that some funds had accumulated since Winter[Read More…]
Conference on fossil fuels interrupted by occupation protesting lack of representation
McGill’s Petrocultures 2014 conference faced criticism last Friday, when participants were forced to relocate following an occupation of the Faculty Club by a group called “LockOut Petrocultures.” Later that day, student campaign group Divest McGill demonstrated outside the conference as well. At 8:00 a.m., approximately 30 members of the Montreal[Read More…]
Equity policy could face revision following “Farnan-gate” backlash
The Students’ Society of McGill University’s (SSMU) Equity Policy will undergo review in the upcoming weeks, following concerns regarding the processing of a complaint against Vice-President Internal Brian Farnan filed in October last year. The issue arose after councillors raised concerns regarding the stages of the policy that led to[Read More…]
Council votes against taking stance on Leacock restructuring
Members of the Students’ Society of McGill University’s (SSMU) legislative Council voted against taking a stance on the People, Processes & Partnerships (PPP) plan last Thursday. Introduced in November 2012, the PPP plans to consolidate the administrative staff of departments within the Faculty of Arts into six hubs, which would[Read More…]
McGill Residences’ hall director restructuring draws criticism
Fall 2014 will see the implementation of a new hall director structure in the McGill Residences system. The changes to residence operation mark a shift from the current format, where one part-time director oversees each residence, to a system where full-time administrators each will serve groups of multiple residences. Hall[Read More…]
The most wonderful time of the cinematic year
There is a buzzing excitement that accompanies otherwise regular movie outings during this time of year. The experience becomes fraught with glowing expectations, brought on by compulsive IMDb-monitoring, the constant bombardment of film posters, and the onset of awards season. Just last week saw the announcement of the 2014 Oscar[Read More…]
Student Services to begin consultations on usage of $5 million surplus
The use of an approximate $5 million surplus in the Student Services Contingency Fund will be brought up for discussion this semester by McGill’s Committee on Student Services (CSS). The surplus is the result of various factors, including conservative enrolment estimates and savings in wages from the 2012 MUNACA strike,[Read More…]
Senate approves revision to university sexual harassment and discrimination policy
On Dec. 4, McGill’s Senate approved revisions to the university’s sexual harassment and discrimination policy, which aim to clarify the procedures that follow a submission of a complaint. In addition, Provost Anthony Masi presented the university’s financial planning for the 2015 fiscal year, which considers the possibility of the provincial[Read More…]
Turning over a new page
Old as the university itself, McGill’s library system has undergone an almost continuous process of restructuring and adaptation since its foundation. While changes such as renovations are often McGill-specific in nature, some of the recent adaptations the library has undertaken point to growing trends and challenges faced by academic libraries[Read More…]
Special GA addresses $21,000 frosh deficit, seeks input for Student-Run Café
A $21,000 deficit from frosh and the opening of the student-run café were at the forefront of discussion at last Wednesday’s special General Assembly (GA) of the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU). Reasons for the special GA The special GA took place following the Oct. 9 GA, which failed[Read More…]
Protestors interrupt class of professor accused of death threat
Last Wednesday, a group of approximately 10 student protestors caused the cancellation of a class taught by a McGill professor accused of issuing a death threat against a former graduate student. The protestors are demanding that the professor’s class be cancelled. The protest comes after professor Gary Dunphy’s decision to[Read More…]
SSMU Special GA addresses $21,000 Frosh deficit, seeks input for Student-Run Café
A $21,000 deficit from frosh and the opening of the student-run café were at the forefront of discussion at last Wednesday’s special General Assembly (GA) for the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU). Reasons for the special GA The special GA took place following the Oct. 9 GA, which failed[Read More…]
Student groups claim McGill’s sexual assault policies insufficient
Both the Sexual Assault Centre of the McGill Students’ Society (SACOMSS) and the Union for Gender Empowerment (UGE) have condemned McGill’s lack of a sexual assault policy following the publicizing of a case involving the alleged sexual assault of a former Concordia student by three McGill football players. The case,[Read More…]
Students to vote on Midnight Kitchen, SSMU Daycare fee
Students will head to the polls Nov. 6 up to 15 to vote in the upcoming Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU)’s Fall referendum period. Four questions have been approved to appear on the ballot—two regarding the existence and a funding increase for the Midnight Kitchen, one regarding a fee[Read More…]
Student-run café to open Jan. 6 in SSMU cafeteria
A student-run café is set to open on Jan. 6, 2014 in the SSMU Building, according to an announcement last Friday by the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU). The location of the student-run café will be in the second floor cafeteria of the building. The space was previously occupied[Read More…]
Parents Weekend merged with Homecoming due to budget cuts
Last weekend marked the first year that McGill’s Parents Weekend was fully integrated into Homecoming, an annual three-day event that welcomes alumni back to the university. Although the two occasions were advertised separately in previous years, parents were informed this year that McGill would not be hosting a seperate Parents[Read More…]
Human Rights Commission releases statement against Charter of Values
The Human Rights Commission of Quebec has publically opposed the provincial government’s proposed Charter of Values, according to a statement released on Oct. 17. While the Commission does not have the authority to prohibit legislation from moving forward, it said that the proposal would not stand up in court. The[Read More…]
SSMU General Assembly takes stance against Quebec Charter
On Oct. 9, the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) hosted its Fall 2013 General Assembly (GA). With approximately 50 students in attendance, the GA failed to meet its quorum of 100 SSMU members, and was therefore only able to pass the two motions that were under consideration as recommendations[Read More…]
EUS president announces resignation
Engineering Undergraduate Society (EUS) President Zachary Moreland announced his resignation on Oct. 7. EUS Vice-President Internal Eric Kueper is currently serving as interim president until a Special Selection Committee appoints the next president on Nov. 4. Moreland has held the position since May of 2013. In a letter to members[Read More…]
First student-run mental health conference confronts stigma
McGill’s first student-run conference on mental health took place last Saturday and featured guest speakers, discussions, and workshops aimed at addressing the impact and stigma of mental health, as well as discussing possible solutions to these problems at McGill. Named “Students in Mind 2013,” the day-long event was attended to[Read More…]
Sustainable student living project to launch in Fall 2014
A MORE house will be converted to a sustainable living space beginning in Fall 2014, according to a report on the ECOLE project presented at SSMU Council last Thursday.
PGSS to reduce Council size, oppose Charter of Values
Reduction of seats in Council The Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University (PGSS) has reduced the number of seats in its Council from 131 to approximately 80. The reduction maintains the proportions currently set in place for each individual Post-Graduate Student Association (PGSA), with rounding done to the nearest integer.[Read More…]
Students, staff discuss ongoing changes to libraries
On Sept. 19, approximately a dozen members of the McGill community gathered at a Town Hall meeting to address students’ concerns regarding past and future changes to the libraries. Hosted by the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU), the meeting was prompted by both budget cuts and the ongoing changes in libraries due to technological advances.
What happened last week in Canada?
Residents of Pictou, Nova Scotia, are demanding that the Northern Pulp Nova Scotia Corporation mill be held accountable for damages to health and to the environment caused by its pollution since its opening in 1967.
Seeing the invisible
On Feb. 21, the Toronto City Council passed a motion declaring Toronto a “sanctuary city.” According to the Toronto Star, the motion establishes a formal policy allowing undocumented individuals access to city services regardless of status. The statistics surrounding illegal immigration in Canada are unclear, but current estimates by Professor Peter Showler, director of the Refugee Forum at the University of Ottawa, conclude that between 35,000 and 120,000 undocumented immigrants live in the country.
Quartier de l’Innovation projects aim to engage students
Plans for the Quartier de l’Innovation (QI) continue to progress since its official launch last May. A collaborative initiative of the Griffintown neighborhood, the project is designed to involve McGill and École de technologie supérieure (ETS), NGOs, and corporations, in a centre that drives research and innovation.
University continues to grapple with budget cuts
As the Fall semester starts up, McGill students return to a campus that has been altered by the university’s continuing attempts to address $38.3 million in budget cuts this year.
Meet your SSMU executives
Katie Larson: President What have you accomplished this summer? This summer really felt like it got going around the end of July. Transitioning into the role of a SSMU executive is not easy, and I think we all finally have the basics under our belts. In my portfolio, the main[Read More…]
Highlights from the Apr. 11 SSMU Council
Library Improvement Fund After meeting with student leaders, Library Improvement Fund (LIF) Coordinator Kira Gossack-Keenan outlined how the $630,000 fund will be allotted in a presentation to Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU)’s Legislative Council. “In terms of progress that we’ve done this year, we’ve been working on a variety[Read More…]
Senate discusses budget cuts, Code of Student Conduct
While presenting an overview of the 2013-2014 budget at Senate on April 17, Provost Anthony Masi highlighted the budget’s uncertainty in the upcoming year, the $38.3 million in government imposed cuts, and the $18 million in loss due to rescinded tuition. “This is not the easiest presentation for me to[Read More…]
Suzanne Fortier and research at McGill: what’s next?
Since the announcement of Suzanne Fortier, former president of Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), as McGill’s next principal, concerns have arisen regarding Fortier’s impact at NSERC and how such an impact could further affect research at McGill. McGill’s Board of Governors (BoG) announced on Mar. 5[Read More…]
Industrial relations program to be redesigned, “modernized”
McGill’s industrial relations program, which was in danger of being terminated earlier this semester, will face re-structuring that will allow the program to continue to exist within the Faculty of Arts. The industrial relations program is an interdisciplinary program that allows students to study labour-management relations. The program includes courses[Read More…]
Macdonald campus prepares to cut courses of “lowest importance”
On Feb. 19, William Hendershot, associate dean (academic) of the faculty of agriculture and environmental sciences, housed at the Macdonald Campus, issued an internal memorandum to program directors and specialization coordinators regarding impending cuts to courses offered at McGill’s satellite campus. “In light of the severe financial situation of the[Read More…]
Workshop addresses challenges facing temporary workers
Over the course of last week, the Quebec Public Interest Research Group (QPIRG) McGill and the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) presented a series of Social Justice Days designed to encourage dialogue regarding social issues in the Montreal community and around the world. Now in its seventh year, Social[Read More…]
Students vote to keep The McGill Daily and Le Délit alive
The Daily Publications Society (DPS) will continue to collect student fees for the next five years, after 18.8 per cent of graduates and undergraduates voted in favour of renewing the DPS’s Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with McGill University. The referendum passed with 76.17 per cent of voters in favour of[Read More…]
Campaigning begins for Daily Publication Society
Campaigning began last Friday for the existence referendum of the Daily Publication Society (DPS), which includes both The McGill Daily and Le Délit. Polling is scheduled to run between Jan. 23 and Jan. 31, when the results will be announced. The referendum question asks students to support the DPS’s existence,[Read More…]
McGill students host “Who Needs Feminism?” week
The launch of McGill’s first “Who Needs Feminism?” week—an event organized by McGill students, took place last week. As part of the event, photographers took photographs of students and members of the McGill community holding signs reading, “I need feminism because…” followed by their personal explanations of its importance. Inspired[Read More…]
What happened this week in Canada?
Protesters block construction in Charlottetown, PEI On Oct. 10, protesters halted construction on the realignment of the Trans-Canada Highway near Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island (PEI). According to PEI’s transportation department, the section of the highway in question is currently unsafe because of its sharp curves and steep hills. This realignment[Read More…]
SEDE promotes community involvement
On Oct. 5, McGill’s Social Equity and Diversity Education (SEDE) Office held their first annual Community Engagement Day (CED). The event featured approximately 20 different activities in which students had the opportunity to engage with Montreal community organizations, participate in volunteer activities around the city, and become involved in discussions[Read More…]
Arts Internship event highlights students’ work abroad
Last Thursday, the faculty of arts hosted its ninth Annual Internship Event with presentations by nine McGill students—all of whom dedicated their time gaining and applying their skills in various unconventional settings this past summer. Held in Leacock 232, the event was attended by students, staff, and internship award donors.[Read More…]