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Student Life, The Viewpoint

Student perspectives on virtual and in-person learning

by Rosie Kaissar on

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After nearly two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, opinions on the merits of online versus in-person learning tend to be passionate. Having experienced virtual learning for multiple semesters, students have adapted to different methods of schooling. With public health conditions once again necessitating online school, McGill’s return to a virtual teaching format has reignited the debate about how students learn best. 

For certain music students, like Daniel Marmer, U0 Music, it’s difficult to study a subject like jazz online, because the experience of practicing an instrument in person is unmatched. Practicing in ensemble format has been put on pause until Jan. 24.

“Playing with other musicians is the most important part of learning and helps you develop the quickest,” Marmer said. “Jazz is all about conversing with the musicians you’re playing with, reacting to them and expressing yourself, and that can’t be done when you’re not playing with them live.”

Students in all faculties may have experience with other disadvantages of online learning, including the extra stress of having internet issues for reasons out of one’s control, the difficulty of forming meaningful bonds between instructors and students, and more. Such impediments of virtual learning have proven to be significant. A survey revealed that 51 per cent of Quebec university students reported higher levels of psychological distress during the Fall 2020 semester––which was remote due to the pandemic––and 56 per cent of students found online courses as a principal stressor for their diminished mental health.

Despite these drawbacks, one obvious benefit of online school is that it curbs the spread of COVID-19. This becomes especially crucial with the airborne and highly transmissible Omicron variant. In December 2021, a petition urging for final exams to be moved online circulated around the McGill community and received upwards of 3,200 signatures. The petition cited safety concerns about rising COVID-19 cases and alleged a lack of attention paid by the university toward ensuring safe and comfortable examination environments. With rising COVID-19 cases in Quebec, virtual learning allows students to earn their credits with greater reassurance for personal and communal safety. 

There’s also the practical aspect of not having to commute all the way to campus for class—an inconvenience that Arantza Fernandez, U3 Arts, is grateful to be relieved of.

“I like online learning because it gives me control of what to do with my time,” Fernandez said in an interview with the Tribune. “I can choose how to spend [my time] or how to organize [my day] without taking into account transportation [to campus].”

Virtual learning has also brought students more accessible modes of learning, including recorded lectures, easier organization of work with all material in one place, scheduling flexibility, and more. 

“I find with online classes I enjoy having all of the lectures recorded for me to go back to if I didn’t understand something or if I need to pause the video to finish taking my notes,” said Emma Smith, U0 Arts. “Online classes [also] teach you to be accountable for yourself and to achieve your work goals.”

For students who find it difficult or nerve-wracking to participate during in-person classes, engaging in a discussion over Zoom can be less intimidating. 

“I feel calmer and more confident when I’m just alone in my room, talking,” Gabby Orle, U2 Arts, told the Tribune. “It doesn’t feel as scary as when I’m in a room and everybody is physically looking at me.” 

After more than two years of the pandemic, each student—each with unique circumstances—has had their own experiences with virtual and in-person learning, making this a highly nuanced debate.

Horoscopes, Student Life

Second semester star signs

by Holly Wethey on

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As we ease into the semester—or perhaps it’s more accurate to say, as we are thrown unwillingly into a new term—change is on the horizon. With classes online, Big Suze stepping down, and a new season of Too Hot to Handle soon to be released, there’s so much up in the air. Forget your academic advisor—The McGill Tribune is here to help you map your course of action. Find your sign below for completely accurate and not-at-all made-up astrological predictions.

Aries

This is your warning, Aries: If your professor asks you why you took their class, do not reply that it is because of them. You may be a fan, but you’ll save yourself some embarrassment if you keep that to yourself. (It’s also best not to mention the book of quotes from them that you’re currently compiling.)

Taurus

Redpath Café may be closed, but your kitchen definitely isn’t. It’s time to start going easy on the home-brewed cappuccinos, Taurus (we can feel your jitters from all the way over here).

Gemini

We’re going to go out on a limb to say that you’re not enjoying those long and verbose emails from the provost, Gemini. Are we right? We thought so. This is your sign to follow Spotted McGill (@spottedmcgill) for much-needed recaps in everyday language.

Cancer

It’s time to check your Slack DMs, because you’ve got a secret crush. Play it cool though, Cancer; you know your worth.

Leo

We can hear your sighs all the way from the Tribune office—we know you’re looking for love, Leo. If you’re searching for a sign to do something about it, look no further; why not give Datamatch a try? Be on the lookout for the matchmaking service’s 2022 edition.

Virgo

Have you noticed that all your guests leave their sunglasses on inside your apartment? They may be too polite to tell you this, Virgo, but it’s time to stop collecting those neon construction signs. We know nothing says “Plateau Chic” like a bright orange “Rue Barrée” sign, but at some point, you have to think of the guests.

Libra

This may be a long shot, but we’re sensing that you’re an Arts major. Are we right? Please let us know—we’re in desperate need of validation.

Scorpio

It’s time to stop messing around and ask yourself an important question: Do you really want to be taking The Art of Listening online? We know you’re definitely registered because you have a passion for the subject matter, so we’d hate for the quality of your education to suffer this semester.

Sagittarius

Now is looking like a great time for you to donate to Big Suze’s GoFundMe. She needs your help (especially in light of recent events).

Capricorn

Uh oh! I just spilled my decaf caramel macchiato on my charts so I can’t see what the stars hold in store for you! But if I remember correctly, it did involve some form of studying.

Aquarius

You know that personal anecdote you’re thinking of bringing up in your conference? Perhaps you’re better off keeping it to yourself. Don’t get us wrong, we certainly find your personal experiences with the Montreal Metro system of the utmost interest, but it’s worth asking yourself whether those in POLI 342 will feel the same way.

Pisces

So you made it this far? Joke’s on you!

Chill Thrills, Student Life

In lockdown, time for takeout

by Wendy Zhao on

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Students’ busy schedules and––mostly––amateur cooking skills makes getting takeout food a huge comfort. During another COVID-19 wave, it’s also especially important to support local restaurants—and when possible, remember to avoid corporate delivery services and order directly from businesses. For when you have no time to cook, or just want to summon a special treat, The McGill Tribune brings you six local restaurants with a wide range of delicious options that can be brought to your door. 

Nouilles Zhonghua 

Nothing brings comfort, especially in the winter, like a slurp-worthy bowl of noodles. 

Though students might not be able to pass this quintessential noodle spot on their way to class in person with remote school, they can always bring the tastes of campus home for around $12-15 a bowl. As many students know, the noodles here are hand-pulled, giving them a chewy texture primed for flavour-soaked bites. Try their classic Lanzhou beef noodles, the oil spill noodles for extra spice, or their vegetable noodles, which ditches the meat without scrimping on umami flavour.

Bocadillo 

This family-run Venezuelan spot has two locations you can order from—one in Little Italy and the other in the Plateau. Bocadillo is famous for its arepas, a South American staple bread made from cornmeal. Stuffed with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, shredded chicken, beef, egg, avocado, and even passion fruit pork, these tasty creations come in a wide selection of forms to excite your taste buds. If you’re looking to pair your meal with a dessert, try their Venezuelan caramel flan or Tres Leches. Dishes here cost around $12-14, and can be ordered through their online portal. 

Qinghua Dumpling 

You can find this restaurant’s dumplings at either of their locations, in Chinatown or near Guy-Concordia. They serve a large variety of dumpling flavours in sets of 15, from pork and corn, to beef and cheese, to pumpkin. For a less adventurous and more staple choice, the pork and coriander dumpling is one of the most popular menu items among locals. If you find yourself close to the area, you can also pick up some frozen dumplings or wontons to save for later meals. Though it varies depending on the filling flavour, an order typically costs around $15. 

6 Green Banana Grassroots Jamaican Food

Bordering Milton Park and the Plateau, this Jamaican food spot is operating at reduced hours from 12-7 p.m., Friday to Saturday. They offer traditional dishes and vegetarian alternatives. Highlights include the jerk chicken roti and jerk tofu. Locals rave about the rich combination of slow-cooked flavours in each dish, as well as the generous portions, priced at $15. 

Restaurant Queen Sheba 

Located on Park Ave just steps away from Jeanne Mance Park, this venue offers a variety of hearty Ethiopian dishes, including both traditional meat stews and a vegan menu. As Ethiopian food is usually enjoyed communally, this would be a great spot to order from for a special dinner with roommates. Try the classic Doro Wat, a red-coloured chicken stew simmered in an Ethiopian red pepper sauce and topped with fresh cheese. Queen Sheba’s vegan options are just as flavourful—to share with a friend, or simply to indulge in yourself, try the Yetsom Beyaynetu, a set of three vegan dishes of your choice made complete with their freshly baked injera. 

Faroujj Express

Tucked in the Galeries du Parc mall, this Lebanese food spot can be easy to miss in the underground food court if you’re not a regular. The Shish Taouk plate and Shawarma are must-tries that provide comfort without denting your wallet. Their sides—especially the crispy garlic potatoes, seasonally prepared salads, and creamy hummus—deserve their own spotlights. Just make sure to get your orders in early, as this restaurant closes at 6 p.m. 

McGill, News, SSMU

SSMU BoD discusses COVID-19 measures amid student concerns over SSMU inactivity

by Ella Fitzhugh on

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The Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) Board of Directors (BoD) convened on Jan. 6 with all directors present except the SSMU president, Darshan Daryanani, who has been on leave since at least Sept. 23. Directors heard vice-president (VP) University Affairs Claire Downie present a motion for SSMU to make an $8,000 purchase of respiratory N95 or KN95 masks which would be made available to students through SSMU. Details about the cost of each mask, and whether or not they will be free, is still to be decided amongst directors. Downie also introduced the idea of establishing a remote learning bursary for students in need of access to technology.

Surrounding this meeting was widespread student concern about SSMU’s inactivity regarding the president’s absence. In an email interview with The McGill Tribune, U3 Arts student Randall* said they believed SSMU’s inability to function as a support to students was due to the president’s absence from office.

“There are a lot of wonderful and talented people on the SSMU [Executive] this year, but they seem overburdened by the controversy surrounding the Society and the lack of a leading figure to help direct the organization’s efforts,” Randall wrote. 

In early November, The McGill Daily investigated the president’s absence, and VP Internal Affairs Sarah Paulin asked the paper to discontinue their inquiries on the matter and to stop contacting SSMU employees. Randall argued that this, coupled with the fact that the Society has not acted to instate a new president, has had a negative impact on other student societies. 

“SSMU’s inactivity over its recent controversies have forced the undergraduate societies to pick up their slack, for lack of a more polite way of putting it [….] Also, the lack of accountability [or] transparency is pretty frustrating, if not insulting at this point, to the students that SSMU claims to serve.”

In response to student concerns about SSMU’s inaction, Downie stated that SSMU executives have been able to work effectively despite the president’s leave. Downie also claimed that there is work being done behind the scenes to aid students, such as discussions about bulk-ordering COVID-19 rapid antigen tests—an initiative they ultimately decided against. 

“The [SSMU] office opened back up on Monday, [Jan. 3],” Downie said in an interview with the Tribune. “There was a lot of work done over the break, but unfortunately a lot of it was just watching and waiting, because we don’t have answers from McGill.”

Yara Coussa, Legislative Council representative, showed support for Downie’s motion to make respiratory masks available for students to purchase in light of McGill’s current plan to return to in-person learning after Jan. 24. Coussa also suggested that SSMU cease buying respiratory masks if the student demand is not as high as expected.

Ultimately, the motion passed with six directors in favour and two directors against. Directors plan to discuss more details about the motion via email.

Moment of the meeting:

Downie asked speaker Alexandre Ashkir for a suspension of the Standing Rules for her motion on respiratory mask expenditures. During the ensuing debate, VP Finance Éric Sader argued the motion was being presented in a faulty manner with which he was not comfortable, and Sader stated he would rather flesh out the amount of masks they aim to buy rather than starting with a monetary amount. 

Soundbite:

“Everyone seems to know someone right now who doesn’t know where they got COVID […] and that anecdotally, whatever meaning anecdotal has, tells me that this is a good time to be proactive. If students are going to be going back into these crowded environments, […] it would be a good use of student money to help people access better safety equipment.”

— VP University Affairs Claire Downie on why McGill’s current distribution of surgical masks will, in her mind, not be sufficient for the return to classes after Jan. 24. 


*Randall’s name has been changed to preserve their anonymity.

Laughing Matters, Opinion

Scenes from a conference

by Matthew Molinaro on

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To prepare their readers for online conferences, The McGill Tribune unearthed scenes from various breakout rooms and class discussions over the last five years

Gender Studies

Yeah, I mean, and this is just speaking from experience, Judith Butler might be projecting a bit, don’t you think? Like we get that you perform as a member of the diverse LGBTQ community, but there’s got to be deeper meaning there. I actually used to do improv on Thursday nights at the Second City, the one in Toronto; it’s pretty exclusive if you run in improv circles, so performance is just in my blood. Here are my questions: Who is Butler performing to? Can I get a ticket to see them in action? And that obviously connects to moving hands from chest to head the world around us because there are stages and gender and women, of course.

History

No, I don’t know the date when the Treaty of Paris was signed, but I’ll tell you something more useful. I totally recognize my position of influence as a student of history, because like we study the wars and the fights for justice. It’s not just the past—it’s the present, it’s the future. I’m not so sure everyone knows that, we aren’t that simple, right. One thing I’m becoming increasingly aware of is that just because colonialism ended doesn’t always mean that it has though. So, what do we need to do? I’ll leave you with that food for thought. Maybe you could look at our history and get back to us?

English Literature

Toni Morrison, wow what an author? Right, guys? And what a name? Toni? Must have been a risk in the 1970s. polite laughter. So what was up with that woman killing her baby or whatever? That’s child abuse, and that is wrong. Period. Full stop. I’ve supported children my entire life, always taken on this sort of proto-father role, no exceptions. Did that just happen in Ohio or is that an American thing? The movie was good though. Did you know Oprah’s an actor and not just a Black woman who likes butter in her coffee? And she has a book club?

International Development Studies

We have to be reasonable here. If we accept that the purpose of development is to enact change, we have to reconsider what change and development actually mean, wouldn’t you think? What if there are some reasons that inequalities are in place? Like, that’s the economy? Isn’t that just inevitable? My point is, who am I to interfere, right? I’m, of course, only talking about Europe. That’s not true of the Middle East, Africa, most of Asia, and South America though, as they need us! If you remember correctly and pay attention to the news, you would remember that we as Canadians, as citizens of this country, set the best example for the world. 

Political Science

If I could just––and I’m not going to say play the devil’s advocate, that’s bad now, I guess liberals just get what they want––speak to another perspective that is much-needed in this setting and in this cultural milieu, or cancel-culture environment if you’d put it that way, is that politicians make mistakes. Makes eye contact with every member in the conference. That’s life. That’s reality. That’s, therefore also, what politics is. Just to kind of circle back to my own life, I’ve started to realize that, like what noted theorist John Rawls says, dramatic pause we live in a society, and that hurts politics, because society links to politics and back to society. 

Philosophy

I’m not going to lie, I had a pretty busy weekend. I won’t bore you with the details, but I was in the audience when Slavoj Zizek debated McGill alum Jordan Peterson, so I’d consider that an extraordinary reason for not doing the reading. I’d beg this question: What if there were 500 people instead of 5 people in the trolley problem? I’ve seen The Good Place a few times, even though I don’t think Jameela Jamil’s funny, and thus I’d argue that numbers and ethics matter in real life, especially when we are alive.

McGill, News

Principal Suzanne Fortier to step down on eve of Fall 2022 term

by Signy Harnad on

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In a message sent to the McGill community on Jan. 7, Suzanne Fortier announced she will be stepping down nearly one year before the end of her second five-year term as principal and vice-chancellor, effective Aug. 31, 2022.

On Fortier’s behalf, McGill media relations officer Frédérique Mazerolle, explained that, having served as McGill’s principal and vice-chancellor since 2013, it was time for a change in leadership.

“After almost a decade in this role—and with the university now entering its third century—Principal Fortier felt it was an ideal time to pass the baton to a new leader who will shape the future of our university,” Mazerolle wrote in an email to The McGill Tribune. “Until then, Principal Fortier will remain focused on building on the strong foundation of McGill University, embedded in its Mission and Principles.”

Mazerolle did not give reason as to why Fortier has chosen to step down almost a year before the end of her contract, which was set to expire on June 30, 2023.

Fortier is a two-time alma mater of McGill, receiving a BSc in 1972, and a PhD in 1976, and served as a former chair of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). As McGill’s first francophone principal, she was selected primarily to help strengthen McGill’s connection to Quebec. 

Speaking on behalf of the McGill Association of University Teachers (MAUT), Yelena Simine—assistant professor of Chemistry at McGill and VP Communications at the MAUT—told the Tribune that Fortier has widely lived up to the task.

“She has helped improve relations between McGill and the Province of Quebec, she has always made her pride in McGill clear, and has been dedicated to the cause of promoting the university,” Simine said. “During her time as principal the university became more inclusive in many ways.”

Simine was critical, however, of the way Fortier altered McGill’s governing structures over the course of her tenure.

“Collegial academic self-governance weakened further in favor of top-down managerial approach,” Simine said. “Centralization of operations has increased the everyday bureaucratic burden and led to increased burnout among faculty. We feel that the perfect successor would bring new unexpected and exciting ideas for uniting our community and will make it a point to shape McGill through collegial consultation and implementation of local initiatives and ideas.”

For Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) vice-president (VP) University Affairs Claire Downie, Fortier’s tenure over the course of the pandemic will be remembered as one marked by a blithe disregard of student issues.    

“While I’m sure Principal Fortier accomplished a lot of work that students aren’t aware of, I think many students will remember most strongly what she did not do, things like implementing strong COVID-19 safety measures, ensuring graduate students were paid a living wage, or standing up to the provincial government when its actions directly harmed students,” Downie said. “I wish Madame Fortier the best in any future roles, but at the same time, I hope we can also acknowledge the harm caused by inaction during her tenure and push her successor to do better.”

Still, students like Juliana Malka, U3 Science, explained that while she disapproves of how Fortier has handled the past two years, she will remember her time in office with nostalgia.  

“Although I have issues with how the administration dealt with the past four semesters, serving as head of an institution as diverse as McGill is no easy task, and definitely warrants our respect,” Malka said. “I remember hearing about Suzanne Fortier before applying to McGill, and now that I’m graduating and ‘Big Suze’ has announced her leave, it kind of feels like the end of an era.”

An Advisory Committee will identify and recommend possible candidates to the McGill Board of Governors with the expectation that the Board will appoint a new principal by Fall 2022.

A previous version of this article incorrectly attributed statements solely to Yelena Simine. In fact, Simine provided them on behalf of the MAUT. The Tribune regrets this error.

McGill, News

McGill residences facing greater restrictions amid COVID-19 surge

by Adrienne Roy on

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The Winter 2022 semester has started off in uncertainty as the Omicron variant gives rise to unprecedented COVID-19 case numbers and the university moves to implement new restrictions.

In a Jan. 4 email, Student Housing and Hospitality Services (SHHS) informed students in residences that dining halls, gyms, and common areas would be closed indefinitely and that residents could only entertain one guest, from their same residence, at a given time. For residents in double rooms, no guests are allowed. Despite recognizing that public safety is a priority, residents have voiced concerns about widespread mental health problems, reporting feeling discouraged, disappointed, and neglected by both Quebec policymakers and McGill. 

Many students have opted to stay home for the duration of online learning, while others have returned to Montreal: McGill recently reported a presence of approximately 6,000 employees and students on campus per day. 

Kendal Williams, U0 Education, is among those who choose to return to campus. In an interview with The McGill Tribune, Williams detailed feeling isolated by SHHS restrictions to the detriment of her mental health.

“We can’t have dinner with a friend because [the] cafeteria is closed, we can’t study with a peer because we can’t have anyone over into our dorm room, we can’t go work out to help our mental health because the gym is closed, and we can’t go to a common room to see a friend or study because it is closed,” Williams said. “Overall this wave of COVID-19 has affected us all, but with the strict restrictions placed by [SHHS], it is only making students’ mental health worse.”

Solin Hall resident Alice Dubois, U1 Arts, echoed a similar statement when she spoke to the Tribune, stating that the restrictions exacerbate existing mental health issues.

“Online classes are depressing enough, plus seasonal depression,” Dubois said. “If we can’t spend time with our friends in our apartments, or even go to libraries to change environments and have a place to focus, this is going to be a really rough semester.”

Marketing communication manager of SHHS, Monique Lauzon, detailed the support channels currently accessible to students.

“Our residence life team, composed of floor fellows and residence life manager and our mental health counsellor (residence LWA), actively supports students in need through different events and programming activities,” Lauzon wrote in an email to the Tribune. “As well, we help to orient students to the appropriate mental health resources that are available through McGill’s Student Services / Wellness Hub.” 

Of the services Lauzon mentioned, the Wellness Hub is notoriously challenging to access. Lauzon also reiterated that administrators are doing what they can and delivering updates to residents when possible.

“We rely on the government for directives,” Lauzon wrote. “Our priority is to dispense accurate updates to both students and staff in a timely fashion [….] We also reinforce messaging via our social media platforms and digital screens.”

Arts & Entertainment, Film and TV

‘Don’t Look Up’ is a bad joke with no punchline

by Courtney Squires on

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With a laughably talented cast and a whopping $75-million budget, Netflix’s original film Don’t Look Up generates lofty expectations that it ultimately fails to meet. The film follows astronomers Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence) and Dr. Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio)’s attempt to warn the U.S. government and general public about a comet large enough to cause mass extinction barrelling toward earth. By extension, it aims to provide social commentary on how a global population responds to, or simply ignores, crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. Over the course of the film, the protagonists’ concern for the future of the human species meets humorously grudging resistance from characters that walk a precarious line of clichés. Don’t Look Up emphasizes the danger of apathy, and media-fuelled politics’ twisting of facts—even as morbid as imminent extinction—into headlines palatable for public consumption. The forced humour and supersaturated clichés detract from the film’s political punch, and bury the moral of the story. 

Directed and produced by Adam McKay, the film’s impressive cast and contemporary relevance have attracted much buzz. Regardless of which celebrity’s appearance they anticipated, viewers flocked to Netflix’s streaming platform, amassing over 111 million hours of watch-time in the film’s first two days of release. From a laissez-faire U.S. president (Meryl Streep), to incessantly positive news hosts (Cate Blanchett and Tyler Perry), to a socially anxious billionaire (Mark Rylance), the characters are distinct in their portrayal, yet trite in their stock. 

The film’s characters border on the annoying and one-dimensional. Scattered cameos of other actors—such as Ariana Grande’s musical appearance—provide little purpose other than shock value and name recognition. Numerous political allusions are made, though the most obvious is that of the U.S. president and her chief of staff, who bear semblance to the Trump family. Although Streep’s performance as the U.S. President is comedic, it is cartoony—and her son (Jonah Hill) simply fulfills the stereotype of the bland, spoiled rich kid. However, Timothée Chalamet provides genuine comic relief, and rumours that he improvised much of his role are believable. The two protagonists, Kate and Dr. Mindy, manage to narrowly subvert stereotypes: Their frustration evokes sympathy, and their flaws and character development feel authentic. 

Still, after two agonizingly slow hours of brain-numbing dialogue, perhaps the most redeemable scene is the last one. It is a well executed balance of calmness and dread, aptly conveying the Everything-Is-Totally-Fine mindset with a biblical nod to the Last Supper. In the simplicity of the dinner party, an almost uncomfortable feeling of acceptance radiates out, allowing for a perfectly melancholy ending. As the rest of the film leaned heavily into satire, here it feels like it’s finally giving up, just like its characters. It is the one scene where jokes are not unnaturally forced into the script and viewers are not spoon-fed political allusions. It stands out as a different caliber of cinematography than the rest of the film.


Ironically, the film itself experiences the same struggles as its protagonists, as its own execution distracts from the main message: We are all going to die if we don’t do something soon. Don’t Look Up was advertised as a political comedy, and though jokes are littered throughout the script, it simply is not very funny. Whether intentional or not, the failed humour of the film acts as a thinly veiled coping mechanism for the societal collapse it alludes to. But as jarring as Kate’s profane explosion on live television was, it seems that seeing Timothée Chalamet sport a mullet or one too many of Jonah Hill’s cringe-worthy remarks is enough to steal the media spotlight. So, like the Dibiasky comet, it seems the moral of this film has gone right over most people’s heads.

Commentary, Opinion

Ask for an extension, I dare you

by Courtney Squires on

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With finals period now a distant memory and the add/drop period beginning, stress levels are subsiding as students leave the last semester behind. However, between harsh syllabi guidelines and stigma surrounding asking for help, asking for extensions is often the last thing students want to do. In a competitive atmosphere where prestige is valued over mental health, McGill fosters a toxic environment where students are reluctant to ask for extensions. But as we enter the new semester, hindsight is key—be it 20/20 or in 2022, and students should not hesitate to ask for extensions when they need them. 

In many syllabi, asking for extensions is explicitly discouraged, with strict requirements in place to prevent students from pursuing them. Professors often plan out a grading schedule ahead of time, leaving students responsible to manage their own time for assignments. Especially in the midst of a pandemic, where health-care systems are already overwhelmed, medical notes might not be as easily accessible or be the doctor’s first priority. On top of this, assignment deadlines seem firm, unbendable, and unapproachable, contributing to the idea that professors are unwilling to provide any sort of leniency. This generalization, however, cannot be made for all professors; many of them are understanding and happy to extend deadlines. 

A blanket overstatement of formality seems to be a common theme: Students often feel dissuaded from even emailing their professors. And the immense level of scrutiny and effort that students put into writing their emails is rarely matched by their professors. Though understandable, this kind of attitude deters newer university students from asking for help, clarification, or expansion of lesson material. 

McGill, a university filled with overachieving students who are constantly being chased by the threat of academic burnout, is, at its core, a breeding ground for competition. A level of academic prestige, derived from the common high school mantra, “Professors won’t be this lenient in university!” often prevents students from feeling like it is okay to ask for help. Aside from being academically isolating, especially during the pandemic, a competitive atmosphere like McGill demands the impossible: Get perfect grades, and do it all by yourself.

Furthermore, with thousands of the best students from across Canada—and the world—competing for top grades, asking for an extension carries with it an academic stigma. Because everyone else is assigned the same deadline, if a student cannot make that deadline, it can falsely perpetuate the idea that they are somehow less competent than the others. Asking for extensions should be normalized, as there are often factors out of students’ control, whether mental, physical, or situational, that might affect their ability to complete an assignment on time. 

Students need to do their part to combat this toxic academic environment and understand that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Beyond individual efforts, students should voice concerns to their faculty’s curriculum committees, or the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU)’s VP University Affairs. Talk about supporting students throughout the pandemic has suffered from hollow and inconsistent follow through. Students should ask for extensions when they need them, raise awareness in committees that have the possibility to make substantial changes—such as re-instating the S/U policy—and push their student leaders to advocate for their needs. 

McGill, News

Return to remote learning leaves students feeling ‘demotivated’

by Sabrina Nelson on

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On Dec. 31, Fabrice Labeau, McGill’s Deputy Provost (Student Life & Learning), sent an email to the McGill community announcing that all learning except for Tier 1 activities would be held online until Jan. 24. Tier 1 activities include clinical activities, project courses, and various activities in music. This announcement follows recent health measures, including closing dining rooms and enforcing a curfew from 10 PM to 5 AM, which the Quebec Government implemented to help slow the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant.

Basile Guichard, U3 Arts and executive director at Player’s Theatre, said he was ‘saddened’ when he heard that the second semester of his last year at McGill would be starting online.

“I felt so hopeful last semester where most of my classes were in person and we could enjoy the library and have in-person extracurriculars.” Guichard wrote in an email to //The McGill Tribune//. “I am very hopeful that we’ll be back in person, and [that] by the time the spring comes back, we as a community can enjoy Montreal and McGill fully.”

Some students are skeptical of a return to in-person teaching by Jan. 24. Marco Kim, U3 Arts and president of the  Mcgill Students’ Anime Club, will have spent half of his time at McGill online by the time he graduates. Kim expects online classes to last until the end of February, considering the highly infectious nature of the Omicron variant.

“It is very demotivating to miss out on such a large part of what I consider essential to the university experience” Kim wrote to the //Tribune//. “But what can be done? McGill does not have the power to stop the Omicron variant, only discretion in how to react to it. This is not how university was supposed to go, but we must endure as best we can.”

Sophie Hart, U4 Arts and founder of Mobilizing for Milton Parc (M4MP), explained she was surprised that it had taken McGill this long to shift to online schooling, especially when many universities in Ontario had already called off in-person exams and rescheduled them for the new year.

“I think it’s unacceptable that they kept exams in person for the entire exam period even when Montreal entered a state of emergency,” Hart said. “It seems like McGill is always multiple steps behind other universities’ safety measures, which puts students and staff at risk. I hope we stay online until I graduate in April.” 

McGill student groups have found ways to adapt and keep members engaged through posting on social media and conducting events over Zoom. Kim explained that an important part of the Anime Club is the social interaction that it offers. Since the start of online teaching in 2020, they have become accustomed to hosting events online, often through Discord. SSMU (Students’ Society of McGill) have been responsive and have helped clubs through their adaptation. 

“We will just go back to what we were doing in Fall 2020, not much will change.” Kim wrote. “We have adequate online resources for our events, though these are largely independent of McGill.The use of the SSMU email has been helpful though.”

Hart explained that she does not feel comfortable asking volunteers at M4MP to do in-person volunteering. However, volunteers will continue to prepare meals in their respective homes for The Open Door and other community serving organizations when requested.  

“There’s less of a connection between volunteers and neighbours which is what we intend to build.” Hart wrote. “It’s extremely unfortunate, but the safety of our community is our first priority.” 

Guichard finds that, despite difficulty staying motivated and optimistic during these times, he is comforted by the knowledge that he is not the only one going through this. 

“I find comfort and resilience in my peers. This pandemic is something that, for better or for worse, is going to make all of us stronger and more ready for our futures.” Guichard said. “To the first-years, I want to say, don’t be discouraged, you’ll be able to have the ‘university experience’ before you know it.”  

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