Planning for 2010-2011
March 11, 2010 9:02 AM
Already, President-Elect Sam Mason and Vice President-Elect Alia Hack are formulating plans to lead the students’ union in up-coming academic year.
The unofficial re-election results were announced on Thursday, February 11, declaring Mason and Hack the winners. The winning slate was glad that the problems with the initial election results were rectified.
“We were very pleased with the election, obviously, and very pleased that there was a re-election and it was [done] with validity,” says Mason.
“After the results of the first election, it was apparent that there were flaws in the system. We were very much for the re-election, because no one wants to win with doubt. So we’re pleased with the election team on that, in terms of showing that there were valid winners in each category.”
On the subject of events of the weekend of February 20 involving two all-male houses on campus, Hack commented on the issue of upholding traditional house rivalries and events on campus.
“I don’t think amalgamation is the answer [to ending house rivalries]. Traditions are fundamental, and they don’t have to be bad or result in anger and violence,” says Hack.
“With proper education modelling of behaviour that we’d like to see through diversity training and positive space training, [it] will set the precedent that violence and negative behaviour because of tradition is not acceptable.”
Mason concurred, adding, “I am apprehensive with the idea that amalgamation is the solution, and [when] this proposition was brought forward [for Bishop’s Hall] when we were in grade 12, there were protests on campus. I foresee that this kind of situation would happen again in terms of protesting. I think the real issue right now is positive space and anger management.”
The ownership of the Golden X Inn recently transferred to the students’ union this year, presenting new challenges for the in-coming executive. Mason and Hack reveal that they are already developing plans.
“In our platform, we were pushing for wet-dry events, and we are still very much considering it because there is a group of people that are very for it,” says Mason.
“A lot of people that are against it are under the assumption that we are pushing for a wet-dry Inn. That is not what was in our platform, but that is how it was perceived. What we are considering is working with the Inn and working with the provincial government and having wet-dry events.”
“If a house wants to host a night [at the Inn], potentially on a Saturday when the night is dead and the Inn is not making money, this will give first year students the opportunity to go to the bar scene in a safe manner. And we will be making money if the house puts in some type of cover for the Inn,” he elaborates.
With limited dry events occurring on campus, Mason and Hack believe that first year students have few options for activities on Friday and Saturday nights. Mason explains he felt this frustration himself as an underage student.
“Where this really came from was in first year, having the U put up so many posters in our residence promoting these events that were 19-plus. And it was like, my student fees are going towards this union and there is nothing coming back in terms of the activities and events department.”
“I remember just being so upset for so long, and I remember thinking, let’s do something. I want to do something someday so that first years don’t have to be upset that they’re being excluded,” says Mason.
Other changes to the administration of the Inn include the creation of a new position, student director. The union will work with the director to work manage the bar and continue to support weekly events.
Mason and Hack also seek to address issues arising from the university’s administration affecting students, including cutbacks to the services offered by the Angus L. Macdonald Library.
“This is an educational institution. We support that students are coming here for an education, so by no means do we support the cutting of the funds because that is directly affecting our research, our ability to learn,” asserts Hack.
“It’s the number one reason why we’re here, and although the students’ union might be here to put on events and ensure the best student experience, the best student experience goes hand-in-hand with getting a great education.”
As the current academic year concludes, the in-coming students’ union executive are working towards a smooth transition and putting together a cohesive team. The next step is to begin planning Frosh Week; plans will soon be underway once summer begins.
The students’ union executive is paid to remain in Antigonish for the summer to organize the up-coming year. In the meantime, Mason explains they want to engage the university administration in discussions.
“Until the summer begins, we are going to start lobbying and working with the university in partnership. We want to start those discussions very soon.”
