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McGill, News

McGill’s new Climate and Sustainability Strategy receives mixed reactions

by Respina Rostamifar on

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After months of consultation spanning from January 2020 to September 2020, McGill’s new Climate and Sustainability Strategy (2020-2025) was endorsed by the McGill Board of Governors during their meeting on Dec. 10. The strategy addresses the three long-term goals of achieving a platinum sustainability rating by 2030, becoming zero-waste by 2035, and reaching carbon neutrality by 2040.

The new strategy was developed to carry out the goals of the prior Vision 2020 sustainability strategy while also tackling environmental issues through a new perspective. This new approach considers eight areas of importance through individualized flagship actions. The eight areas considered include research and education, buildings and utilities, waste management, travel, waste systems, procurement, landscapes and ecosystems, and community building.

Francois Miller, executive director of Sustainability at McGill, described McGill’s new sustainability strategy as ambitious, yet realistic in its aims.

“These are lofty goals that require the effort of all McGillians but, when attained, will transform our campuses for the better,” Miller said. “[The strategy] is also realistic as there are clear pathways to reach these high-end goals embedded within the strategy [….] In order to become zero-waste, we know that first and foremost we must expand reuse, recycling, and composting efforts across McGill campuses to give our staff, students and faculty members the tools they need to reduce what we send to landfill.”

Miller further emphasized the importance of reducing McGill’s environmental impact and the collective effort needed from members of the McGill community to pursue the strategy successfully.

“In order to achieve carbon neutrality, it’s important that we continue to improve the environmental performance of our buildings, which is [specified in] the Flagship Action for Buildings & Utilities category,” Miller said. “The objectives and actions described in the strategy will guide our steps over the next five years, moving us closer to reaching our targets, with the support of our entire community.”

Divest McGill, a student-led organization that advocates for McGill’s divestment from the top 200 fossil fuel companies, has a less optimistic outlook on the new strategy. Alexia Wildhaber-Riley, U2 Science, and Julius Geist, U2 Arts, outlined Divest McGill’s doubts in an email to the Tribune. 

“With a few commendable exceptions, McGill’s sustainability strategy is an exercise in greenwashing and creative accounting,” Wildhaber-Riley and Geist wrote. “McGill’s Strategy deliberately ignores emissions from its $50-million-dollar investments in the fossil fuel industry, so any target of ‘carbon neutrality’ is meaningless [and] self-aggrandizing. In addition, a tenth of their proposed reductions rely on carbon offsets and sequestration of questionable efficacy”

Natasha Edmonds, U2 Arts and president of Liberal McGill, affirmed the organization’s support for the Climate and Sustainability Strategy. Edmonds highlighted how the university’s new strategy aligns with the Liberal government’s climate action plan: Canada’s Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act.

“Liberal McGill applauds this announcement by McGill University,” Edmonds said. “The goal of zero waste by 2035 and carbon neutrality by 2040 is, as the university affirms, ambitious yet realistic. This commitment complements the Liberal government’s own bold climate action plan. Thanks to the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, Canada will become a net-zero economy by 2050.”

Nathan Devereaux, U1 Arts and social coordinator at NDP McGill shared Liberal McGill’s enthusiasm but questioned whether this plan was truly enough action from McGill.  

“The NDP Club is happy to see McGill taking steps in the right direction,” Devereaux wrote in a message to the Tribune. “As an institution, McGill has the opportunity to be a leader in the fight against the climate crisis and has not always lived up to its potential. McGill’s Board of Governors voted against divesting from oil and gas stocks as recently as Dec. 5. So, while the NDP club is happy to see progress, we believe McGill could be doing more”

Arts & Entertainment, Books, Film and TV, Music

Stuff we liked this break

by Tasmin Chu, Deana Korsunsky, Anna Chudakov, Jackie Lee on

More in Arts & Entertainment:

This holiday season was a weird one. With not much to do and three extra days not to do it, binging a new series on Netflix or getting lost in a good podcast wasn’t so much an option as it was a necessity. As always, the team at A&E took full advantage of the well-deserved downtime to discover some new favourites in TV, music, and books. Here’s the best of what we liked this winter break.

Your Name Engraved Herein, Tasmin Chu

Set in 1980s Taiwan during the lifting of martial law, director Patrick Kuang-Hui Liu’s/Your Name Engraved Herein [ 刻在你心底的名字] explores themes of shame and desire from the eyes of A-han, a student at an all-boys high school who finds himself falling in love with a new transfer named Birdy. Both A-han and Birdy must decide between staying together or growing apart in an atmosphere dominated by violence, religion, and patriotism. Its moments of physical vulnerability remain firmly grounded in quotidian settings of shower stalls, classrooms, and train cars. It’s also beautiful. The visuals of the film took me right back to attending Catholic school in Taiwan: The omnipresent scooters, the blue-green mountains, the topography of water and light. Despite its tenor of repression and secrecy, this film bursts with an intimacy that feels startlingly fresh and real.

“Driver’s License”, Deana Korsunsky

I used to think that only throwback masterpieces like “American Idiot” and “Mr. Brightside” could catapult me into angsty teenagehood regression. “Driver’s License,” Olivia Rodrigo’s new single, proved me wrong. The High School Musical: The Musical: The Series star released what could only be described as a certifiable banger, a break-up ballad speculated to be about her co-star, Joshua Bassett. The tapestry of background drama details, however, only punctuates the impeccable vocals that Rodrigo brings to the song. From the soft notes of her opening lyrics to her chilling belting in the chorus and bridge, Rodrigo captures bittersweet, unfiltered heartache. A wistful ode to lost love, “Driver’s License” has every right to its triumphant reign on the top of the charts.

Just Kids by Patti Smith, Anna Chudakov

Patti Smith’s autobiography Just Kids delivers an immersive experience into the lives of starving artists in New York in the ‘70s. On her journey of artistic self-discovery that progressed in tandem to her relationship with artist Robert Mapplethorpe, Smith shares intimate details of her life from her teen pregnancy to living at the Chelsea Hotel. The story of how Smith and Mapplethorpe’s devotion to art and to one another sustained their strenuous climb to success is embellished by conversations with legends like Jimi Hendrix, and simultaneously marred by the loss of loved ones. Just Kids leaves you feeling warmhearted, inspired, and gives you newfound appreciation for the work of artists in Smith’s era.

Memorial by Bryan Washington, Jackie Lee

In his debut novel, Memorial, Bryan Washington writes of families born and made, bonds rekindled and lost, and histories passed down from parents to children. Benson and Mike, a working-class Houston couple, are set to reevaluate their deteriorating relationship when Mike departs to Japan to visit his dying father, leaving his mother, who has only just arrived from Tokyo, and Benson as reluctant roommates. Washington’s voice is stark but beautiful, depths of meaning rippling underneath lines that blend dialogue and inner voice. A poignant story contoured with intersections of class, sexuality, and race, Memorial ponders how we communicate and care for one another, and what it means to be home.

Science & Technology

New research on ketamine may lead to novel treatments for depression

by Shelby Deegan on

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Ketamine, a schedule III drug, is often used recreationally for its hallucinogenic effects. Its approved purpose, however, is as an anesthetic in medical settings for animals and humans. Recently, it has also been approved by the FDA to treat major depressive disorder in patients who are resistant to other treatments. 

Published in Nature, a Dec. 2020 study conducted by three Canadian universities found that the presence of a group of proteins called 4E-BPs, which are found in the brain and play a role in memory formation, enable ketamine to produce its antidepressant effect. This knowledge could be crucial in the search for alternative treatments for depression. 

More than 30 per cent of patients with depression are resistant to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, more commonly known as SSRIs, which are the most frequently prescribed class of antidepressants. In these cases, alternative treatments for major depressive disorder are needed. 

In the study, researchers removed 4E-BP proteins from specific brain cells in mice treated with ketamine and observed that protein synthesis was inhibited. Within the cells of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, these proteins typically regulate ketamine’s metabolites to produce an antidepressant effect. In addition, they are essential for several biological processes, including memory formation. 

The elimination of 4E-BPs blocked the antidepressant effects of ketamine in both inhibitory as well as excitatory neurons. When researchers evaluated the depressive behaviour of mice with a commonly used forced swim test, they found that mice that were bred without 4E-BPs did not show improvements, suggesting the persistence of depressive behaviour. However, mice with active versions of 4E-BPs performed significantly better in these behavioural tests when treated with ketamine.

Gabriella Gobbi, a professor in the Department of Psychiatry at McGill, says that ketamine-based drugs are a last resort for patients who are resistant to common treatments. 

“The first line for people suffering from depression is the SSRIs or other class of antidepressants [such as] SNRI [and] alpha-2 antagonists,” Gobbi wrote in an email to The McGill Tribune. “If the patient does not respond, there is the second line, by potentiating with antipsychotics [like] quetiapine [and] aripiprazole. Finally, the third line, in case of non-response, is ketamine or TMS.”

The use of ketamine as a treatment is somewhat controversial, mainly due to its addictive properties. However, this risk can be mitigated when supervised by health professionals. Additional clinical studies are needed to provide more information on appropriate dosages. 

“In a medical setting, ketamine is used at very low doses and in a limited number of infusions […], thus the risk of addiction is minimal,” Gobbi said. “But of course, in the black market, the addiction to ketamine is an important health problem.”

Even at low doses, ketamine may not be an accessible treatment to all patients who can potentially benefit from it. According to Gobbi, the treatment must be administered under very specific conditions in specialized clinics at a hospital. Gobbi also pointed out that the price of the treatment is very high and not covered by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). 

A personalized approach to medicine is especially important in psychiatry for several reasons. Major depression is an umbrella term that includes many subtypes of depression like bipolar, unipolar, and depression caused by medical diseases.

“This [classification] requires a very meticulous evaluation, assessment and, of course, personalized treatment, including not only antidepressants but also psychotherapy and psychoeducation,” Gobbi said. 

The study’s insights into the molecular mechanisms of ketamine, such that 4E-BP proteins play a major role in its antidepressant effects, is crucial for designing new alternative depression treatments. 

“Today, the studies of molecular biology, physiology, and pharmacology are helping us to better understand mental diseases and their treatment,” Gobbi said.

News, PGSS

PGSS Legislative Council votes to restructure Health and Wellness Committee

by Leyla Moy on

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During the Post-Graduate Students’ Society’s (PGSS) virtual Council meeting on Jan. 13, councillors approved the proposed restructuring of the PGSS Health and Wellness Committee and discussed the inclusion of graduate students on departmental faculty hiring committees. 

At the beginning of the meeting, former PGSS Secretary-General Maria Tippler spoke on her resignation to pursue a professional opportunity and fellow councillors exchanged virtual goodbyes. Councillors then passed a motion to accept the resignation and delegate the secretary-general’s portfolio amongst the remaining councillors. 

Next, councillors debated a motion to restructure the PGSS Health and Wellness Committee to better reflect the structure of the Student Wellness Hub. PGSS Health Commissioner Jess Chen explained that the motion would unify the Health Services Advisory Board, Mental Health Advisory Board, and Counselling Services Advisory Board to create the Student Wellness Hub Advisory Board, as well as create positions for two additional PGSS members. 

“From my experience, the Health and Wellness Committee gets quite a few applications from members who want to join and […] I do believe [by] increasing the number [of regular members on the committee], we will be able to fill that number [while allowing] for more engagement from PGSS members,” Chen said.

The motion to restructure the committee was unanimously approved.

As the meeting’s agenda progressed to announcements, Internal Affairs Officer Tina Giordano highlighted a packed calendar of virtual events planned for post-graduate students this month. For upcoming social soirées, starting on Jan. 15,  PGSS will be using Gather, a virtual meeting application that allows participants’ avatars to move around a digital room and enter into smaller rooms based on proximity to one another. Giordano hopes that this technology will mimic the physical spaces these events used to take place in.

“It feels like you’re actually at Thomson House, or at a party,” Giordano said. 

After the announcements, councillors moved to approve the reports. The scheduled question and discussion periods yielded no questions and no proposed discussion topics. 

At the close of the meeting, Charles Brunette, PhD student supervisor in the School of Atmospheric and Ocean Sciences (AOS), presented the progress of including graduate students in the faculty hiring process. Brunette highlighted the benefits and drawbacks of graduate student participation in this process: Namely, that diversifying the voices on hiring committees is important, but that students’ labour will be unpaid. 

A survey of AOS students between Nov. 30 and Dec. 4, 2020 found that while most students agree that graduate students should serve on faculty hiring search committees, few can see themselves actually serving on these committees. 

Brunette reported strong support for graduate student inclusion in this process within AOS.

“We get some very good support from profs,” Brunette said. “Some are a bit hesitant about making it formal [since when] it was difficult to find a student we didn’t want to delay the process [….] But otherwise, profs are generally in favour and some are pushing hard for it [….] I sit on the hiring committee and the help from the students was very much appreciated.”

Councillors then discussed graduate student participation in faculty hiring in their respective Post-Graduate Students’ Associations (PGSAs). The meeting concluded with a reminder of the Feb. 3 deadline for PGSS general election nominations. 

Moment of the meeting: 

The meeting was peppered with minor technical difficulties that reminded the virtual room of the inherent, and often comedic, limitations of virtual communication. Council Speaker Adrienne Tessier reminded attendees to reserve the Zoom chat for business, quipping, “I always say that if we could have a separate memes and snarky comments thread, that would be great.” 

Soundbite:

“The CMA [Committee on Monetary Affairs] decided to add a lot more funding periods to the PGSS Travel Awards [….] Just to be clear, we’re funding only virtual travel […] that is helping cover fees that are associated with attending virtual workshops, virtual conferences, things of that nature [….] We won’t be accepting applications for in-person events because we don’t want to be encouraging travel in that way [….] And we’ve [had] very few applications thus far and therefore, a 100 per cent funding rate.”

—Connie Shen, Financial Affairs Officer, on the addition of new funding periods for the PGSS Travel Awards

Student Life

UpLift Canada renews old clothes

by Antoine Guimbal on

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The UpLift Canada Foundation is a newly established, student-led initiative spearheaded by Maggie Larocque, U3 Arts. Perplexed by the 10 million tons of clothing North Americans throw out every single year, UpLift’s founders devised an upcycling process that provides clothing to individuals in housing shelters. In addition, UpLift offers opportunities for volunteers to build relationships with their disadvantaged neighbours while alleviating the environmental damage clothing waste causes. Larocque was stunned and horrified following a visit to a waste management facility in October of last year. 

“I kept thinking about the literal piles and piles of clothing that were going to waste in my own backyard,” Larocque said. “Something had to be done.” 

Compelled to act, Larocque began researching and discussing her ideas with close friends. Less than three months later, those peers now make up the executive team of  UpLift, launched on New Year’s Day in 2021.

UpLift strives to simplify the donation process for both donors and shelters. Each month, the organization communicates with partnered shelters in a selected city to ensure a redistribution that is equitable and tailored towards their specific needs. This January, UpLift is soliciting donations in Tsawwassen, B.C. During that month, individuals will select a time-slot for the UpLift team to coordinate donation pick-up from the given address. 

Following the donation process, UpLift begins its upcycling process. The on-site team sorts all the donations and separates clothing that is suitable for distribution from damaged pieces that are not. Appropriate clothing is then delivered to predetermined shelters the following day. Larocque’s team also takes inspiration from ethical and sustainable clothing companies, such as Patagonia, and researches the practices of facilities that repurpose old textiles. 

Despite founding the organization in the midst of the pandemic, UpLift has achieved what the executive team envisioned. Though accessibility barriers such as costs of incorporation and the submission of legal documents were initial learning curves, overcoming these obstacles has fuelled the initiative’s focus.

Inspired by the virtual workings of the student-club over which Larocque also presides, McGill Students for UN Women, as well as discussions with Tori Ford, the founder of Medical Herstory, the group has forced itself to adapt to remote-based communication. Larocque points to the unwavering generosity of their partnering communities for allowing UpLift to operate efficiently. As of Jan. 14, all donation slots for their Tsawwassen clothing drive have been booked—a testament to the organization prevailing through numerous hurdles.

The UpLift Canada Foundation unapologetically presents itself as a youthful organization. Although the phrase “youth-lead” is featured prominently across its website, the initiative aims to bring a diverse, inclusive, and intersectional set of voices to the table. The group of young individuals are passionate about using a grassroots approach to improve environmental and living conditions. UpLift’s executive team act as practicing activists, intersectional environmentalists, and role models for the next generation, distinguishing the initiative from other clothing donation services.

UpLift’s expansion process is already in the works, with a Montreal launch scheduled for September 2021. Furthermore, the organization is planning to expand nation-wide as its foundation and resources continue to grow. 

In a world full of uncertainty, Larocque hopes to bring reassurance to soon-to-be graduates. 

“If there is one thing I have learned in my entrance into the NPO sector, it is that there are a lot of wonderfully passionate people doing wonderful things all around the world,” Larocque said. “There is always room for help and that has been an overwhelming fact I have learned throughout this entire experience.”

Students wishing to get involved can visit the UpLift Canada Foundation website and contact the organization directly.

 

Student Life, The Viewpoint

Shooting your shot on Zoom

by Maya Mau on

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Remote classes are not an ideal learning method for anyone, but this does not mean you cannot have some fun with it. Beyond adjusting academically, adapting socially to remote learning is a whole other ballpark. Reaching out to strangers online is a challenge to be conquered. 

One of my classmates recently told me that they were asked on a date through a Zoom private message during a lecture. Another told me that someone reached out to them by guessing their university email address. While some students clearly have no qualms about messaging someone they saw in a Zoom lecture—or even shooting their shot—most of us find making friends with people in their online classes intimidating.

Under normal circumstances, students could easily turn to the person next to them in a lecture and bond over common ground, such as the course material, fashion, or a shared interest. However, Zoom classes make it more difficult for such melees to occur, especially with pre-recorded lectures, seas of blank screens, and no opportunity to chat before or after class. Attending small group conference sessions can provide some much needed social interaction, but there are still usually over a dozen people in the room. The randomized breakout rooms have potential to foster natural conversations, but generally descend into a painful, awkward silence. Still, when the breakout rooms close, there is no way to simply turn around and get the contact information of the person you were just talking to. Thus, it can be hard to go from in-class to out-of-class friends. 

With that said, for some students who are either unable to come to Montreal this year or confined by restrictions, meeting people through lectures is one of the only ways to make friends. Personally, I am doubly disadvantaged by being both a first year student and someone living at home. Luckily, connecting with peers over shared academic interests online has lessened the feelings of isolation.

The most important thing to me has been overcoming the fear of being perceived as creepy. Before remote learning, it may not have been as common to receive a Facebook or Instagram direct message out of the blue from an unknown user without the preamble of an actual introduction. Though it is understandable to feel uncomfortable contacting someone unfamiliar on social media, most of us have both sent and received more of these messages amid the pandemic than ever before. It is important to realize that, especially in quarantine, many students have not lost their love of meeting new people. If you have a great conversation with someone in a breakout room, it is completely normal to look someone up on Facebook and reach out. 

Amélie Guillemette, U0 Arts, is in a similar situation to mine. 

“The only way I was able to start talking to some people is through the live Zoom classes, so if teachers don’t have any of those throughout the semester, it’s pretty much impossible to start interacting with people and to have something substantial to talk about,” Guillemette said. “I was lucky that in the first semester I had three classes with live Zooms and with people that had a lot of the same classes [….] But it’s still much harder than if we were in person.”

By paying attention to the people in your classes, you can build relationships. Although it can be uncomfortable at first, most students that you reach out to are more than happy to make a new connection.

Spending at least two semesters of university with classmates scattered across the world is certainly disappointing, but it is still possible to build friendships. Most importantly, it is about having an open mind and being kind to yourself and others. Remember that everyone is in the same boat, and do not be afraid to venture outside your comfort zone.

Student Life

Spending the holidays with chosen family

by Wendy Zhao on

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For many, this holiday season was spent away from loved ones. At a time when uniting with  family feels especially pertinent, the realities of the pandemic remain stark. Nonetheless, students adapted, finding comfort in friends, roommates, and themselves. 

Ollie F., U3 Arts, spent the holidays with their roommate and boyfriend. It was their first time away from family during this time of year.

In previous years, Christmas has meant visiting Provence, France to unite with their maternal side of the family and participate in regional traditions. 

“We have 13 desserts on Christmas day and set up a mini Christmas village,” Ollie said. “Some years we also sprout wheat and barley starting at the beginning of December.” 

The winter break typically offers students a chance to see loved ones from whom they are separated for most of the year. Homecomings, however, were shadowed by a threat to communal safety. Ollie reflected on the family that they weren’t able to see. 

“[During the holidays] the most important thing for me is to be with my sister,” Ollie said. “I miss [her] the most. I’m also really going to miss seeing my little cousins [….] They’re the most awesome kids I’ve ever met.”

Since Ollie’s roommate is Jewish, they lit the menorah for every night of Hanukkah, which spanned from Dec. 10 to 18. Although they might not have enjoyed as many desserts as in Provence, the three still cooked and shared a meal on Christmas. Ollie expressed their gratitude for these close relationships. 

“It [was] strange being away from my family for the first time this Christmas, but I feel so lucky to have this bit of my chosen family surrounding me,” Ollie said. “Our household functions like a family and we all take care of each other, which is something really special.”

Friends and roommates, isolated from familiarity and tradition—as most have been these past months—can be strengthened by the shared experience of grappling with the pandemic’s strangeness. 

Brian Wood, a 2L Law student, hoped to replicate comforts from his home in Barbados. He enjoyed his break with a Barbadian friend visiting from Toronto and cooked meals together that are unique to their home country. 

Barbados’ warm weather was difficult to summon, but food can often be its own form of teleportation. Earlier, Wood shared his traditions and plans. 

“I’m going to miss my mom’s cooking,” Wood said. “On Christmas day, most of us have family luncheons. Our parents would cook a huge meal for extended family, cousins, aunts, uncles [….] One main thing we eat is called macaroni pie [….] It won’t be the same, but we’re going to try.” 

Deciding to stay away from family is paradoxically an easy yet difficult decision. Spending the holidays with her roommate, U1 Arts student Laura Clow explained their choice. 

“We knew it had to be done to keep our loved ones safe,” Clow said. “But, it was incredibly hard to carry that decision out, especially when it came to telling them that we wouldn’t make it home for Christmas.” 

Despite the setbacks, Clow enjoyed creating perhaps the beginnings of their new traditions. 

“We [tried] to make this a positive experience for both of us,” Clow said. “I [was] looking forward to doing everything ourselves this year and feeling like full adults. We [had] a super great gift exchange […] and a delicious Christmas dinner.” 

Basketball, Sports

The McGill Tribune’s look into a unique 2021 NBA Season

by Adam Burton on

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Coming off the shortest NBA off-season of all time, the opening weeks of the 2020-2021 NBA season have been anything but predictable. Here are The McGill Tribune’s predictions for the rest of the 2020-2021 season.

The Toronto Raptors

Following a valiant playoff run in the bubble, the Toronto Raptors have stumbled to a 5-8 start to begin the 2020-2021 NBA season. Although COVID-19, a shortened off-season, and relocation to Tampa Bay are significant factors in the team’s lacklustre start, Nick Nurses’ squad’s inability to execute and play sound team basketball is the main reason for the rough beginning. During the off-season, Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol left for Los Angeles; both were instrumental to the team’s ferocious defense, which has consistently ranked among the best in the league over past seasons. Additionally, the duo added strong rebounding, with floor spacing and timely scoring on the offensive end of the floor. 

In an attempt to replace Ibaka and Gasol, the Raptors signed Aron Baynes as a free agent replacement in November. However, he has been poor on both ends of the floor, earning himself a frequent spot on the bench. The secondary unit, a strong point for Toronto during the past several seasons, has struggled, particularly Norman Powell, who has shot just 37 field goal percentage. 2020 All-Star forward Pascal Siakam has also continued to disappoint following his subpar performance in the Orlando bubble, averaging just 19.9 points per game on 45 field goal percentage, which is not strong enough for a primary scorer on a team expecting to contend for a championship. 

By now, the Raptors are at a crossroads regarding the future. The current team cannot compete with Brooklyn, Philadelphia, or Boston. The front office must decide to rebuild or pursue additional help. Rebuilding around a core of Siakam, Van Vleet, and Boucher would be the better option. Despite all he has done for the city and Raptors organization, moving veteran All-Star Kyle Lowry to another team would be an important start in rebuilding another championship roster. With Lowry’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, President Masai Ujiri will be tasked with making these decisions for the franchise, truly holding the future of the team in his hands. 

The Brooklyn Nets

With a record of 9-6 to begin the season and multiple questions arising surrounding All-Star Kyrie Irving’s off-court behaviour, doubts have started to form regarding the Brooklyn Nets’ chemistry and future success. However, this skepticism has seemingly been put to rest following the acquisition of former MVP guard James Harden. In a four-team deal involving multiple players and draft picks, the Nets traded away their future with the hopes of winning immediately, creating a new “big three” led by future Hall-of-Famer Kevin Durant. Harden posted a 30-point triple-double in his Nets debut, an extremely promising start that led many to believe this squad will challenge the Lakers for the 2021 NBA championship. Assuming a continued successful pairing of former Oklahoma City Thunder teammates Durant and Harden, the front office could decide to trade All-Star guard Kyrie Irving for depth, which the Nets currently lack. The Nets traded Chris Levert and Jarett Allen, among other key secondary players, in order to attain Harden, thinning the team’s bench significantly. Irving has broken league COVID-19 protocols and has only played in half of the games this season, taking time off for “personal reasons”. Irving has been wildly unpredictable since leaving Cleveland in 2017, and the cohesiveness as well as the future of the team could benefit from his departure in an exchange for young, committed role players. 

The Golden State Warriors

Since the slew of injuries that ended the Golden State Warriors’ chances of winning the NBA championship in 2019, the once-dominant team has been looked over as a serious contender for the following seasons. The departure of Kevin Durant to the Brooklyn Nets and the injuries suffered by Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry left the team without a winning core. As a result, the Warriors finished last in the league last year, managing only 15 wins. While some believed the team could return to playoff contention leading up to the season, Klay Thompson’s Achilles tear quickly snuffed out the hopes and dreams of those anticipating the return of the Splash Brothers. 

Although the Warriors had a slow start to the 2020-2021 season, losing miserably to the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks, Steph Curry quickly reminded the basketball world that he was a force to be reckoned with, scoring a career-high 62 points against the Portland Trail Blazers on Jan. 3. This season has seen the advent of a new Steph Curry: Without Kevin Durant or Klay Thompson, Curry has taken on more minutes and become more ball-dominant.

Stephen Curry hasn’t been the only factor in this new Warriors team. Second overall pick James Wiseman has been unexpectedly effective in his first season in the NBA, averaging 11 points and six rebounds per game. His explosiveness as a seven-foot centre combined with his instinctual proficiency in the pick-and-roll has made him a surprising addition to their roster. 

Even Andrew Wiggins, a player that has failed to live up to expectations throughout his career, has shown newfound potential with the Golden State Warriors. His proficient three-point shooting, instinctive savvy on the pick-and-roll, and excellent defence have made him a good fit on a team lacking in those three areas. 

Despite the upsides, the Warriors are still 7-6 to start the season, meaning the team will have to grow into their new roles to win more games. While many of their new assets look promising, more depth will be needed on the roster if the Warriors have any chance of making it to the playoffs.

The New York Knicks

The New York Knicks have been terrible for as long as most can remember, and the last few seasons have been increasingly discouraging for long-suffering fans in the Tri-State Area. Last off-season, the Knicks completely overhauled their front office and replaced their coaching staff. Instead of focussing on free-agency acquisitions, the team has committed to developing their young players and cultivating a culture of hard work and competition. 

The addition of head coach Tom Thibodeau has been instrumental in the team’s improvement. His leadership style screams “never satisfied” and demands a lot from players that, in years past, have played in a losing environment.

Julius Randle has also made a jump, leading his team in points, rebounds, and assists. His performances at the start of the season have put him on track for an All-Star selection. This consistent performance has brought a much needed leader to an otherwise inexperienced team. 

Young players RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Mitchell Robinson have shown promise in the first games of this season, performing at high levels in their respective positions. Most notably, Barrett has shown flashes of greatness in closing tight games and defending at a high level. The former second pick has potential to improve and make himself a serious asset in years to come. 

While the Knicks likely will not make a Cinderella run to the top of the league any time soon, the turnaround of a seemingly never-ending dumpster fire has been a highlight of this season. Seeing if the Knicks build on this momentum and further excite an already hysterical fanbase will be a compelling storyline.

McGill, News

McGill Senate approves a retroactive S/U option for the Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 semesters

by Kate Addison on

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The McGill Senate convened for a special meeting on Dec. 15 to vote on a motion regarding implementing the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) option for the Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 semesters. The Senate voted in favour of the motion after hearing from student and faculty senators, nearly all of whom supported it.

The approval of this motion allows students to take a total of six credits over the two semesters that will be graded using the S/U option and will not count towards the total number of S/U credits that a student is allowed to take over the course of their program. Furthermore, the additional S/U credits may be applied to elective, complementary, or required courses after students receive their grades. The deadline for students to declare which courses they wish to S/U for the Fall 2020 semester is Jan. 19, 2021 and May 12, 2021 for graduating students or May 21, 2021 for non-graduating students for the Winter 2021 semester.

The motion, which was brought forth by senators Brooklyn Frizzle (SSMU Vice-President University Affairs), Kristi Kouchakji (PGSS University Affairs Commissioner), Angela Campbell (Faculty of Law Senator), Fabrice Labeau (Deputy Provost Student Life and Learning), and Gillian Nycum (University Registrar & Executive Director, Enrolment Services), had previously been referred back to the Steering Committee during the Senate’s previous Dec. 2 meeting. The Dec. 15 vote in favour of the proposed S/U option came after pressure from McGill students, who argued that the remote delivery of the Fall 2020 semester had negatively impacted student’s mental health and placed some individuals at an academic disadvantage.  

Derek Nystrom, a professor in the Department of English and senator for the Faculty of Arts, explained that he supported this motion due to the unexpected challenges and steep learning curve experienced by both students and faculty in adapting to teaching and learning remotely

“There were a lot of unintended consequences to our modes of instruction that were undertaken with the best of intentions and in the best forms of good faith,” Nystrom said. “I think [that] one of the things that this addition of S/U options […] does is to acknowledge that in some cases, students got overwhelmed under conditions when their professors were actually trying their best to not overwhelm.” 

McGill is now one of several Canadian universities that have adopted a retroactive S/U grading option. In early December, Concordia announced a switch to an extended pass-fail grading system for the Fall 2020 semester to support students who are struggling with mental health and academic issues exacerbated by the pandemic. 

Arts Senator Darshan Daryanani’s advocacy for the motion stemmed from a desire to level the playing field amongst students at McGill. 

“Remote learning has really had a disproportionate impact on certain groups over others, [such as] visible minorities, international students, low-income students, and persons with disabilities,” Daryanani said. “This motion will really aim to remove some barriers that will allow students to now seek an S/U option, not on the conditions that [it] would threaten their immigration requirements or their scholarships eligibility for the current academic year.” 

Soundbite 

“[I wanted to] recognize the fact that this was a product of immense collaboration and really tireless advocacy as well. I think it’s important to note that over the past few weeks we’ve been able to come from a place of […] conflict to a place of cooperation and collaboration […] that goes quite a long way to supporting students and their needs.”  – SSMU VP University Affairs Brooklyn Frizzle. 

Moment of the Meeting

Law Senator Adrienne Tessier expressed concerns about the impact this motion would have on Faculty of Law students whose current S/U options differ from that of undergraduate students. While law students are only able to S/U three credit hours during their degree, this new S/U option will be available to law students in addition to that current limit. 

News, SSMU

SSMU Legislative Council discusses McGill administration’s stance on the S/U policy

by Ella Fitzhugh on

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The Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) Legislative Council convened on Dec. 4 to pass several motions and discuss recent student activism that has been pressuring the administration into adopting the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) policy for Fall 2020 semester courses. The council also voted to approve a motion which will provide an explicit statement by SSMU on the society’s official stances on a range of political issues. 

SSMU Music Senator Addy Parsons briefed the council on the Senate Steering Committee’s arguments against implementing the S/U policy this semester. Parsons highlighted the shortcomings of the administration’s proposed issues with reimplementing the S/U grading option policy, explaining that many students are struggling with their mental health and that this policy may ease some of the stress.

“It’s heartbreaking, the messages that students send [to us], and mental health is not something to take lightly,” Parsons said. “[It’s] not something that McGill Senate should be pushing aside over technicalities, and this is something that needed to be addressed last night [on Dec. 2], and it was to an extent, but […] to the members of the gallery I do encourage you to reach out to us [….] Reach out to your other Senators in your Faculty.”

Brooklyn Frizzle, Vice-President University Affairs, pointed to the inconsistencies in how the Steering Committee handles addresses points of student advocacy like the S/U option, especially in relation to the Steering Committee’s decisions on Dec. 2. The Senate rejected SSMU’s motion on the basis that the motion lacked sufficient procedural examination, while other motions were approved without the same kind of scrutiny from the Senate, which Frizzle argued is a product of McGill’s bias in governance. 

“I don’t think I’ve ever encountered a quote unquote ‘democratic’ governing body that is as transparently corrupt as McGill’s university governance,” Frizzle said. “The fact that [the Steering Committee] chose to approve a motion it had not even seen while at the same time voting down our motion on the grounds of due diligence is, I think, incredibly telling.”  

The council also voted on a motion by Frizzle which seeks to establish a clearer line of understanding between the SSMU Executive Committee and Legislative Council on the subject of releasing statements to the McGill community. The main goal of the motion is to clarify that it is the Legislative Council’s responsibility to approve of official statements released on behalf of SSMU. The results of the vote showed 23 in favor, six opposed, and four abstentions, and as such the motion was approved. 

The council also discussed the motion regarding the Clarification of an International Political Position, proposing a new set of political endorsements and making it so any official political statements, petitions, or social media posts released on behalf of SSMU must first be approved by a Legislative Council resolution. Arts Councillor Paige Collins, was concerned that the motion included politically charged dimensions and language. 

“It seems to me that all of the articles, or clauses, in the appendix are very political,” Collins said. “I do feel that grouping all these positions together into the one motion does a bit of a disservice to the nuances within at least a few of these positions.”

After making several amendments changing the motion’s wording, the council approved the motion with 18 councillors voting in favor, two councillors opposed, and three abstained.  

Soundbite 

“I’d like to ask how are we issuing a clause that says cultural diversity will be celebrated when the diversity of ideas, the identities of individuals, are practically going to be disregarded [….] or when certain statements may be divisive, as we’ve already acknowledged. How are we respecting cultural diversity? How are we celebrating the ideas of diversity in thought, diversity in people’s cultures, through what may be a divisive statement once published?” —SSMU Arts Senator Darshan Daryanani on the cultural diversity clause of the motion Regarding the Release of Statements and Official Communications. 

Moment of the Meeting

Addy Parsons presented a student statement she had also shared at the Dec. 2 Senate Steering Committee meeting. The student’s heart-wrenching testimony echoed the many others Parsons received; students feel helpless as they are faced with both external and internal pressures to perform well academically in the midst of a global public health crisis. 

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