Professional Documents
Culture Documents
7 • 8 • 9 NOV 2008
École publique
Rockcliffe Park Public School
Salle Queen Juliana Hall, 370, rue Springfield Road
www.rockcliffebookfair.com
I want you.
I want you so bad.
I want you so bad.
It’s driving me mad.
volunteer@thefulcrum.ca
3
Frank Appleyard
Letters The choice is yours day you pay a lot for your university
Nov. 6–12, 2008
but it unites the great majority of stu-
Editor-in-Chief
editor@thefulcrum.ca
simultaneously witnessing an increased of newly created jobs require a post-
experience. dents in Canada and lets them have a military presence on campus in the secondary education. Those denied an
IT IS OFFICIAL. We, the undergradu- What is important to note is that voice. form of the Canadian Forces’ aggressive education for economic reasons are
ate students of the University of Otta- joining the CFS will be yet another While the federal and provincial military recruitment campaign, bom- at a distinct disadvantage regardless
wa, are finally being asked the question cost added on to your student fees. You governments are funding so many barding students with half-truths and of their intellectual merits. Education
of whether or not to join the Canadian need to make an informed decision for other things, they are neglecting us: easy solutions for education financing. must be accessible for all, and this goal
Federation of Students (CFS) as full- yourself and for future students of this students and recent graduates. The CFS The deceptive tactics of the recruiters is certainly within reach. The first step
fledged members. institution of whether or not you think is fighting to change this and unite the is often enough to convince students is student mobilization, but we must
For those of you who do not already this increased fee will benefit you. voices of students so we can be heard to trade their debt sentence for a death make the connections between expen-
know, the referendum will take place Voice your opinion, because this time together. Provinces in Canada who sentence. sive imperialist wars and under-funded
on Nov. 18–20. Stay tuned for polling it actually does matter. have a united student voice have suc- While students make demands for post-secondary education. Drop fees,
stations around campus. So please stay tuned in the coming ceeded in obtaining tuition fee freezes better-funded education, we need to not bombs!
What is the CFS you ask? Google it; weeks. There will be two sides of the and reductions and increased funding link the student debt crisis to areas of Student Coalition Against War
it only takes 0.25 seconds. debate presented to you. And of course to post-secondary education. The CFS wasteful, unethical government spend-
Now, you are probably asking your- they will be bombarding you with pro- and the half-million students across ing. Over the next 20 years, Prime Min- Due to space constraints, we were
self why should you care about another paganda again and again. The most Canada that they represent have seen ister Stephen Harper has pledged to unable to print all letters received.
election. We have been bombarded in important thing you can do as a stu- many victories that have benefited all spend $490 billion on the military and Please visit thefulcrum.ca/letters to
the media with our own, arguably dent is to pay attention and vote. students. on Canada’s war in Afghanistan. But read more about sustainability at the
pointless, federal election. We have Liz Doneathy Why do we hear politicians speak let’s put these numbers into perspective: U of O.
been enthralled with the presidential Fourth-year English student about the economy, the elderly, fami- six new warships will cost Canada $4.5
election in the U.S. for the last year. But lies, etc., but seldom about students? billion. This spending could eliminate thefulcrum.ca poll
most importantly we, as students, typi- A united student voice Because there are some who think we all tuition fees in Canada. Four strategic
cally don’t vote in elections, whether are better off independent, screaming airlift airplanes will cost $2 billion. This Will you be campaigning for
they are on-campus, municipal, pro- I AM A strong supporter of the CFS. with our individual voices and drown- equates to a $4,000 grant for every Ca- either side in the Canadian
vincial, or federal. I come from a working-class fam- ing each other out. We need one voice. nadian student. As our right to quality Federation of Students mem-
It is important to make your deci- ily. I have a degree in linguistics and We need a united student movement education is being disregarded, rights bership campaign?
sion. The decision of joining the CFS am completing another degree in or things will never change. Students to life, security, and self-determination
is crucial. You have the opportunity honours translation. I have had an may not be rich but we are many, and in Afghanistan are being bombed to Yes:
to end a long-running debate among incredible experience in university. if we can learn to speak together we pieces by the Canadian government. No:
your student leaders here at school. However, I have faced much struggle can effect change. All Canadians The war in Afghanistan has killed Not sure:
Now, you are probably saying that and hardship. Even now I am trying should have access to a high-quality thousands of Afghan civilians, and
you do not care about student poli- to pay off about $50,000 of debt. university education. Some say we al- 97 Canadian soldiers. Airstrikes are a Go to thefulcrum.ca to vote!
tics. But the reality is that you pay for I have been involved in student poli- ready do, but it is neither equitable nor common tool in the NATO arsenal;
student politics to happen. You pay tics since second semester of first year inclusive. I know many brilliant people in August an air strike killed over 90
for services at your university that are when we had a rally for lower tuition who were denied their right to a uni- unarmed men, women, and children.
run by your fellow students, you pay in Halifax and I was introduced to the versity education, who dropped out or At the end of October, the Taliban an-
Last week’s results
for your Student Federation of the CFS. The CFS is focused on students, lost their scholarships, or couldn’t get nounced it would only engage in peace
Which winter-season Gee-Gees
University of Ottawa (SFUO) execu- is organized and run by students, and into grad school because their grades talks if all NATO forces leave Afghani-
tive salaries, and you pay for tuition, consistently gets results for students. suffered when they had to work full- stan. Canada’s occupation has proven team will have the best regular
books, rent, and beer. At the end of the Like all organizations, it is not perfect, time. I know many people who are destructive and fruitless. season record?
drowning in debt. Throughout the Drop Fees cam-
Contents You can tell yourself this is normal paign, some students may question if
men’s basketball: 31%
in a developed country like Canada, a reduction (or elimination) of tuition women’s basketball: 0%
you can tell yourself this isn’t true, you fees is economically feasible. Kalin men’s hockey: 13%
News An on-again, off- can tell yourself that not everyone who
is qualified deserves to go to university.
Smith makes several ridiculous argu-
ments against the Drop Fees campaign.
women’s hockey:
women’s volleyball:
19%
38%
again relationship But you would be in denial.
There is a referendum coming up.
First, if tuition fees are reduced, the
operational funds of the university are
Amanda Shendruk looks into the history of the
Educate yourselves. Examine the is- reduced. Smith is misrepresenting our
CFS and the SFUO. p. 4 Correction
sues, not the rumours. Listen to facts, campaign; Drop Fees isn’t targeting the
Post-apocalyptic
Former SFUO vp finance military over the next 20 years, it has
Arts
read that over 70 per cent of students who
the means to properly fund education contact the centre concerning accusations of
awesomeness Drop fees, not bombs through a social transfer to the prov- academic fraud are visible minorities.
inces— it’s merely a matter of priorities A second article incorrectly stated that over
Peter Henderson reviews Fallout 3. p. 9 Re: “Don’t drop fees” (Opinion, Oct. 30) and political will. 70 U of O students have filed appeals with the
AS STUDENTS ASSEMBLE on Nov. Secondly, Smith’s argument that uni- university through the Student Appeal Centre.
Danyal Khoral reviews the latest comic take 5 to drop fees, we must not forget the versity degrees will lose value if enroll- The article should have read that there are cur-
p. 9 on the Joker. p. 15 very real connections between mili- ment increases is from the perspective
rently over 70 students with unresolved cases.
tary spending and a lack of funding for of someone blatantly unaware of his The Fulcrum regrets the errors.
education. As tuition fees rise, we are privilege in society. Over 70 per cent
Sports Shot down in a Business Department Advertising Department Got something to say?
shootout The Fulcrum, the University of Ottawa’s Deidre Butters,
Send your letters to
Women’s soccer team misses out on gold medal independent English-language student Advertising Representative
editor@thefulcrum.ca
in shootout. p. 16 newpaper, is published by the Fulcrum phone: (613) 880-6494 Letters deadline: Sunday, 1 p.m.
Publishing Society (FPS) Inc., a not-for- fax: (613) 562-5259 Letters must be under 400 words unless
Football team upsets Golden Gaels in semifinal. discussed with the editor-in-chief.
p. 16
profit corporation whose members con- e-mail: ads@thefulcrum.ca
p. 17 sist of all Univeristy of Ottawa students.
Drop off letters at 631 King Edward Ave. or
The Board of Directors (BOD) of the FPS Check out our rate card online. e-mail
governs all administrative and business Go to www.thefulcrum.ca and editor@thefulcrum.ca.
actions of the Fulcrum and consists of follow the link for “Advertisers”.
p. 12 random sex at home and at school. p. 22 contact Ross Prusakowski at (613) 562-
5261.
www.cup.ca libellous material. The editor-in-chief reserves
the authority on everything printed herein.
4
Emma Godmere
A decade-long relationship
The question:
question concludes by asking, “Are lobbying, public awareness cam-
SFUO to experience you in favour of membership in the paigns, and student mobilization
Canadian Federation of Students and
“one of the most the Canadian Federation of Students-
in order to accomplish their aims.
• To either join or leave the CFS,
regulated” campaigns Ontario?” the interested student union must
“We feel it’s important for the stu- hold a referendum, in which each
in the CFS dents to have a base idea on exactly
The Canadian Federation of Students is a national
student gets one vote.
what they’d be voting on,” explained • There must be two years
by Emma Godmere Haldenby. student organization and the Canadian Federation between either federation or de-
Fulcrum Staff In a press release dated Oct. 29, of Students–Ontario is a provincial student orga- federation referendums.
shortly after the first draft of the ref- nization with a total membership of over 500,000
THE REFERENDUM OVERSIGHT erendum rules was published, a group university and college students. Services
Committee (ROC) has made its fi- identifying themselves as the No com-
nal decisions regarding how the Nov. mittee expressed their displeasure The Canadian Federation of Students was formed • The CFS provides prospective-
7–20 campaign for the Student Fed- with the finalized ballot question. in 1981 to advocate for an affordable, high-quality member and full-member student
eration of the University of Ottawa’s “The draft question splits the to-
system of post-secondary education and to pro- unions with various services, such
(SFUO) full membership in the Ca- tal membership cost into two com-
vide services to and provincial and national stu- as discounted cell phone rates,
nadian Federation of Students (CFS) ponents and essentially includes
dent representation for students. Student Saver Discount cards, the
will play out. Yes campaign speaking points,” said
National Student Health Network,
In a 22-page document dated Michèle Lamarche, identified as the
the Student Work Abroad Pro-
Oct. 31, the four-person committee chairperson of the No committee For full-time students, the fee is $3.90 per se-
gram, and access to Homes4stu-
consisting of SFUO President Dean in the press release. “The question mester for the Canadian Federation of Students dents.ca.
Haldenby and Political, International, should be [rewritten] immediately, or ($1.95 for part-time students) and the Canadian • The CFS partially owns and oper-
and Development Studies Student As- the referendum postponed until a fair Federation of Students-Ontario fee is $3.25 per ates the travel service Travel CUTS,
sociation President Faris Lehn, along question can be decided upon.” semester ($1.63 for part-time students). which specializes in cheap airfare
with CFS Northern Ontario organizer According to Haldenby, all of the
and budget travel.
Christine Bourque and CFS national rules set out in the ROC document
Are you in favour of membership in the Canadian • CFS members receive the Inter-
director for organizing Lucy Watson are set in stone.
Federation of Students and the Canadian Federa- national Student Identity Card,
detail polling stations and times, Yes “Basically, the [ROC] came up with
tion of Students-Ontario? which can be used for various
and No committee guidelines, cam- that question that we feel is fair. It
travel discounts. The $17 card is
paign material restrictions, and the mentions the fees, it mentions factu-
free for CFS members.
official referendum question that is to ally what the Canadian Federation of
appear on the ballot. Students is, and then it asks the ques-
“A lot of [the rules] were com- tion on whether or not [students] Campaigns
promises here and there,” explained want to become members,” he said.
Lehn. Haldenby identified Lamarche and • Member student unions are not
YES NO
Fellow committee members Communications Student Associa- required to participate in every
Bourque and Watson were not avail- tion President Ryan Kennery as the CFS campaign.
able for comment. two No committee representatives, • Current campaigns deal with
The ballot question includes sever- along with SFUO VP Student Affairs matters such as tuition fees and
al paragraphs detailing the objectives Danika Brisson and SFUO executive funding, date rape, aboriginal edu-
and history of the CFS. coordinator François Picard as the will be no restriction as to the people unteers, such as allowing only up to 30 cation, copyright reform, racism,
“The Canadian Federation of Stu- two Yes committee representatives. who can campaign or the amount non-SFUO members to campaign on and sustainability.
dents is a national student organiza- The representatives were not yet of- of funds which can be spent on the campus per day; requiring all volun-
tion and the Canadian Federation of ficial at press time. [SFUO’s de-federation] campaign”. teers for either campaign committee to Proposed SFUO Fees
Students-Ontario is a provincial stu- Another section of the referendum The 1995 court order resurfaced be identified and recorded by the ROC,
dent organization with a total mem- rules that has been met with some when a motion was put forward at as well as hold a campaign permit; and • For full-time students:
bership of over 500,000 university and concern among students is section 10, the SFUO’s Board of Administration prohibiting campaigning in any service
college students,” the official question entitled “Campaign Expenses”, which (BOA) meeting on Nov. 2 to restrict or business owned by the SFUO, among o CFS National Fee: $3.90 per
reads. “The Canadian Federation of contains no evidence of regulations SFUO executives and employees from several other detailed rules. semester per student
Students was formed in 1981 to ad- on committees’ campaign spending. campaigning during paid hours, after “This is one of the most regulated o CFS Ontario Fee: $3.25 per
vocate for an affordable, high-quality Haldenby acknowledged that there the SFUO had pledged not to take a CFS campaigns that I can think of,” semester per student
system of post-secondary education will be no spending cap in this cam- collective stance in the CFS referen- said Haldenby.
and to provide services to and provin- paign, although “there are limits on dum. Undergraduate students will have • For part-time students:
cial and national student representa- [putting up posters], there are limits When the issue of the court order the opportunity to vote in the CFS
tion for students.” on banners … so we’re controlling was raised, the motion was amended referendum at polling stations across o CFS National Fee: $1.95 per
The question also details the ex- materials in that manner,” he said. to read “be it further resolved that any campus Nov. 18–20, from 8 a.m. to 8 semester per student
pected additional student fees, which, The issue of capping campaign fi- campaigning by the SFUO executive p.m. every day. For more information o CFS Ontario Fee: $1.63 per
when the fees for CFS and CFS- nancing was also addressed in the be done outside of paid time in good about the referendum, polling sta- semester per student
Ontario are combined, will be $7.15 SFUO’s 1995 CFS de-federation ref- faith”, and was passed. tions and times, or to obtain a copy
per full-time student per semester. erendum, where a court order issued The referendum rules contain other of the referendum rules, go to refer-
Part-time students can expect to pay in February of that year stated, “there regulations regarding committee vol- endum.sfuo.ca.
U of O administration
loses third vice-president
in six months
newly arrived, I’d be grateful if you’d stay on,’
Search for vp academic and he kindly agreed to do that,” said Rock.
launches alongside ongoing “We started the [selection] process. That’s
going to take a few months to get the right
vp external hiring people.”
by Emma Godmere While the administration is faced with the
Fulcrum Staff burden of conducting two vp searches at the
same time, Rock explained that as far as the vp
THE UNIVERSITY OF Ottawa’s administration external search is concerned, they are already
will soon lose another vice-president, marking finding some success.
the third vp departure in six months. “We got some terrific applications. We have a
The search for a new vp academic was pile of very attractive CVs, so we’re going to now
launched Nov. 1, one day after the application get down to the point of meeting with the [hir-
window closed for the position of vp external ing] committee and considering them,” he said.
relations—a position that has been vacant since “Obviously, it’s in my interest to find someone
July. The position of secretary for the university, ASAP because I’ve been carrying a lot of that
a job that is considered a vp role, has been va- [position’s responsibilities] myself.”
cant for over a week. When asked about Harrod’s departure from
Current Dean of Common Law Bruce Feld- the secretary position, Rock emphasized her de-
thusen held the position of vp external af- sire to switch roles within the administration.
fairs—under its previous name of vp university “Pamela [Harrod] has taken on a new role.
affairs—in an interim role until August, while She’s taking some areas where she’s developed
former secretary of the university Pamela Har- expertise and she’s going to focus on those,” he
rod took on the role of advisor to the president said. “She was ready for a change—she’s been
for special projects at the end of October. Ac- working very intensively.”
cording to U of O President Allan Rock, the po- At press time, Rock expected that an an-
sition of vp academic will continue to be filled nouncement regarding a replacement for the
by its current occupant, Robert Major, until a secretary role would be made this week.
successor is chosen. Harrod and Major could not be reached for
photo by Martha Pearce “[Robert Major] was thinking about retir- comment.
Robert Major will leave the position of vp academic once his successor is named. ing this past summer, and I said ‘Robert, I’m —with files from Frank Appleyard
Ottawatch
Memorial University administration
THE UNIVERSITY OF Ottawa’s hearing about the incident, police had
Health Promotion Resource Centre gathered students who had logged in
will continue its pilot program offer- that morning and began a round of
ing free, rapid HIV testing to part- questioning.
and full-time U of O students on the According to Memorial’s Depart-
second Wednesday of every month. ment of Marketing and Communica-
Testing remains anonymous, as date tions, the deadline given by the Web
of birth and gender are the only iden- threat has passed without incident.
tifying questions asked by health care Police are still investigating the
professionals, while some informa- threat and no arrests have been
tion on sexual history and practices made.
New cabinet for a new session who will take over as federal health may be needed to gauge potential risk — Ian MacDonald, The Muse
minister. Algukkaq’s position in the of contracting HIV.
RE-ELECTED PRIME MINISTER cabinet was seen by many as a a sign The next testing date on campus is
Stephen Harper and his new 38-mem- of the growing importance of Cana- Nov. 12, 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m in room 206
ber cabinet—increased from 31 min- da’s North. of the Unicentre. Appointment sign-
isters in his last cabinet—were sworn At the ceremony, Harper an- up is ongoing at the Health Promo-
in before Governor General Michaëlle nounced that the economy would be tions Resource Office (UCU 203) on
Jean at Rideau Hall on Oct. 30. his government’s “number one pri- a first-come, first-served basis.
Harper included 11 women in his ority”, and his selection of ministers —Jolene Hansell
new cabinet, an increase from the seemingly reflects that commitment.
seven women previously holding Jim Flaherty will continue his role Student threatens Memorial
ministerial positions. The decision to as minister of finance, Peter MacKay University prof online
include more women may be in reac- will remain as minister of defence,
tion to the over 437 women from all former health minister Tony Clem- ST. JOHN’S (CUP) – MEMORIAL
political parties who ran in this elec- ent will take the position of minister UNIVERSITY OF Newfoundland
tion, and the 32 female Conservative of industry, and John Baird is being was crawling with police officers on
MPs who were elected. Still, the per- shuffled from the environment port- Oct. 27 after a death threat was made
centage of female ministers in this folio to the transportation portfolio. against a professor.
cabinet—28 per cent—falls short of Other significant appointments in the The threat, which was posted by
former Liberal prime minister Paul new cabinet include Stockwell Day a student on a website, gave specific
Martin’s record of 30 per cent in his moving from public safety to inter- details on the date, time, and place the
2003 cabinet. One of these new fe- national trade, the newly elected Gail actions would be carried out.
male ministers is Leona Aglukkaq, Shea as the minister of fisheries, and Working with the university’s com-
Nunavut’s former health minister Lawrence Cannon as the minister of puter services, police discovered the
and the first Conservative member foreign affairs. threat was made from a computer
of Parliament elected in Nunavut, —Jessica Sukstorf in Memorial’s Queen Elizabeth II li-
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Gold Medal
1 Ottawa
Semifinal
0 Brock
1 Brock 1 Laurier
1 Carleton 0 Carleton 0 Ottawa
3 Laurier
Gees shock Gaels
Men’s football team downs
undefeated Queen’s team,
moves on to Yates Cup
by David McClelland
Fulcrum Staff
Im in ur
website,
www.thefulcrum.ca
Around the horn
Three varsity teams travel to U.S. second period but were unable to catch the
steelin’ ur for exhibition games Raiders.
—David McClelland
ON OCT. 31 and Nov. 1, three Gee-Gees var-
news sity teams—the men’s basketball, women’s bas-
ketball, and men’s hockey teams—travelled to
Women’s volleyball
sweeps Lakehead
the United States to take on several National
t h Collegiate Athletic Association Division Two THE GEE-GEES WOMEN’S volleyball team
O T T A W A ’ S 2 4
there is the ‘Hollywood’ (someone going to earn high marks if you are ate the small things around me like
technology bubble
starts to sing). I know it’s going to box, I want to explain that I used to be someone else’s drama. Without a cell
be hard, but U of O students have a victim of the bubble. Mine popped phone, I had to make more concrete
got to burst the bubble. when I lost my cell phone and forgot plans with people since they had no
When on campus, students are to charge my iPod. I was no longer way of contacting me once I left the
by Anna Rocoski of campus, that fault is disrupting the in a learning environment. Maybe permanently connected to my friends house. Work and volunteering would
Fulcrum Staff educational environment and alienat- some are good at multi-tasking be- and family and I waited for my bus contact me via email or by home
ing other students. tween taking good notes, texting, uncomfortably staring at the ground phone. I would deal with things
LEAVING THE COZY confinements In any class, it isn’t difficult to and listening to music. But for most, with no music and no one to call or when I wanted to and I still meet my
of home, the typical University of Ot- witness someone stuck in a tech constantly switching between ear text. I had no idea what to do—I felt deadlines. I began to feel more and
tawa student wedges ear buds in his bubble. There is the ‘sloucher’ buds, cell phone, and ballpoint pen completely exposed. Lots of other more as if technology was no longer
or her ear canals and a cell phone in (someone slouched in perfect tex- threatens a sound education; not just students on campus were bopping dictating my life.
in their back pocket, effectively seal- ting position, texting productively for themselves but also the students around in their tech bubbles; why did So try it. Ditch the cell phone and
ing the technology bubble shut. for the duration of class), the ‘ringer’ around them. Many professors do mine have to pop? leave the iPod at home. Slow down
A technology bubble can be defined (a cell phone blares the latest Brit- not use PowerPoint and expect stu- It only took a few days to get ac- and take things as they come. School
as the world in which all that matters ney Spears song in the midst of a dents to devote their full attention customed to life outside of the brings enough stress, so don’t bother
to a person is their electronic devices. class—never gets old), and the ‘not- to lectures and take comprehensive bubble. It really isn’t that bad to bringing additional baggage that will
Cut off from reality (and other bub- much-of-a-sneak’ (someone trying notes. The typical student brings wait around or walk around campus just add to it. As a student, education
bles), the person’s life is dictated by to hide their ear-bud wires under their bubble to class and distracts without something assaulting your should come first—the world can
technology to a fault; in the context a bulky sweater). Outside of class, others who come to learn. You aren’t ears constantly. I began to appreci- wait.
Finding what drives you
ercise as per the professor’s instruc-
tions, with the intention of pleasing
Dear first-years: him and entertaining my classmates.
But when it came time to discuss
postponing university what I had done, I had nothing to
say, and was unable to fully wrap
could enrich your my head around the purpose of the
educational exercise. By working so hard to sat-
isfy the professor without asking the
experience right questions, I wasn’t being true to
myself; a disservice to the reasoning
by Nigel Smith behind the exercise and my educa-
Fulcrum Staff tion in general.
Presumably I grew throughout the
I WAS 17 when I first began work- four years, gaining a clearer and surer
ing towards my bachelor of fine arts sense of self by my final year of stud-
in 2001. Back then I was the puppy in ies. My professors took note of the
class, but nowadays that tender age is change, expressing surprise at my ad-
common amongst first-year students. vancement in regards to confidence
The age of enrollment decreased in on stage. I had grown to understand
2002 when Ontario abolished grade the techniques developed throughout
13—a grade I never completed. Hav- the four years, realizing what worked
ing earned my high school diploma in best for me and what didn’t. However,
Switzerland, I got a head start on my though my final year came as a revela-
formal education. You could say I was tion of sorts, the first few years of the
lucky, but I would beg to differ. journey were tough ones; years that
At a university in British Colum- could have been easier, richer, and
bia, my year was composed mostly of fuller had I immersed myself more
students aged 19–25. I was majoring in my program along the way. The
in acting. The majority of my classes elder students in my class, who had
took place in the Theatre School, come into the program with a greater
a building separate from the main sense of self, left the program further
campus. It was hard- enriched. I, on the
ly your regular uni- The time after other hand, began
versity atmosphere. graduating from high my studies in a state
illustration by Amlake T-Digaf
Being a conservatory
program, our class
school should be used of elation, which
soon withered when too long you’ll end up never apply-
was limited to 30 to feel out every I came to terms with ing? In our bustling society, there’s an
students. Although available option and the fact that I felt innate fear of taking the time needed
I was young, I felt a lost amongst such to reflect. Think back to your time in
sense of entitlement,
toy with all the strong individuals. high school. In the confined nature
having been hand- bustling ideas in your Being too young of most high schools, many students
picked along with head. and not ready to don’t graduate with a true sense of
my fellow classmates fully appreciate the
following a lengthy audition process. fact that I was getting a high level of
We considered ourselves to be the education, I unconsciously squan-
identity. Without truly knowing one’s
self and one’s passions, why would
someone begin forging the path to-
Friends & Family Days
acting elite of the nation, the first- dered the semesters, only realizing wards a career they aren’t even sure
year Julliard class of Canada. And this my potential late in the game. Sure, they like?
was before class had even officially my last year was a high, but in hind-
started. The school’s process during sight, I now feel troubled knowing
Now in the midst of your stud-
ies, ask yourself: do you feel like
RECEIVE 40% OFF *
the first semester was to break us that I couldn’t express myself fully you’re reaching your full potential? NOVEMBER 11 -12, 2008
down, rid us of any preconceptions until late in my education. I can only Do you speak up in class? For that
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Two had backpacked through Asia, before applying. to, because deep down your studies
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between the student on stage and the there are many who enter into a de- what you want out of life and what
rest of the class. While the majority gree blindly. Feeling pressured by course of study would benefit you
were adept to the discussion forum either familial demand or society’s intellectually. From then on, you’ll
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When called up, I performed the ex- have you been told that if you wait let the right one slip by.
The Thryllabus needs lots of events to remain so thrilling. Chinese cinema: Introduction of
Chinese Opera. 7 p.m. Fauteux Hall.
Room 147A. Free.
Email features@thefulcrum.ca with suggestions.
23
Frank Appleyard
f
Checking CNN every
30 seconds since 1942.
Volume 69 - Issue 12 WHETHER YOU LOVE or hate
The necessity
of independent voices
Nov. 6–12, 2008 the goals of the recently launched
phone: (613) 562-5261
Smoke Free Campus campaign, you
fax: (613) 562-5259
631 King Edward Ave.,
have to give organizers Ryan Ken-
Ottawa, ON K1N6N5 nery, Sarah Burke, and company
editor@thefulcrum.ca respect. The independently run
www.thefulcrum.ca campaign to limit the use and sale
of tobacco on campus is proof that
Recycle this paper or legitimate campaigns don’t neces-
Ohio goes red.
sarily need the backing of an influ-
Staff ential student association to gain
Frank ‘maverick’ Appleyard
traction among students and affect
Editor-in-Chief change on campus.
editor@thefulcrum.ca Campaigns at the University of
Ottawa are typically the domain of
Ben ‘secret muslim’ Myers
Production Manager the Student Federation of the Uni-
production@thefulcrum.ca versity of Ottawa (SFUO), as cam-
paign ideas are floated by the SFUO
Michael ‘tax credit’ Olender Campaigns Committee, and are
Executive Editor
executive@thefulcrum.ca carried out by the committee, SFUO
campaign staff, and volunteers.
Martha ‘pit bull’ Pearce According the SFUO’s website,
Art Director
design@thefulcrum.ca
the only current SFUO campaign is
the Drop Fees campaign, while re-
Emma ‘hussein’ Godmere cent initiatives have urged students
News Editor to Stop the Security and Prosperity
news@thefulcrum.ca
Partnership, Vote Mixed-Member
Peter ‘the plumber’ Henderson Proportional, and speak out to im-
Arts & Culture Editor prove the conditions in First Nations
arts@thefulcrum.ca communities. Such campaigns are
David ‘wriststrong’ McClelland undeniably expensive—over $30,000
Sports Editor has been committed to Drop Fees—
sports@thefulcrum.ca and extremely labour-intensive to
run effectively. While it’s under-
Sarah ‘troop surge’ Leavitt
Features Editor standable that given these costs only
features@thefulcrum.ca a handful of student-funded cam- illustration by Devin A. Beauregard
paigns can reasonably occur in a giv-
Danielle ‘exit strategy’ Blab
Laurel ‘fist pound’ Hogan
en year, there are nevertheless many Smoke-Free Campus campaign is referendum question being posed Perhaps you don’t agree with
Copy Editors student views and convictions that proof that beyond the complaints to undergraduate U of O students. the Smoke Free Campus campaign.
do not receive SFUO endorsement. and democratic inadequacies, ac- Given this historic context, the Perhaps you just don’t think its goal
Amanda ‘swing state’ Shendruk Enter the non-SFUO campaign. tion is possible. The voiceless can be Smoke Free Campus campaign’s is realistic. Regardless, the fact re-
Associate News Editor
associatenews@thefulcrum.ca The value of independent cam- heard in a meaningful way. goal is even more ambitious. De- mains that organizers have admi-
paigns cannot be understated. While The Smoke Free Campus cam- spite their prolonged absence, non- rably taken it upon themselves to
James ‘W.’ Edwards any undergraduate student has the paign has the potential for signifi- SFUO campaigns meet a vital need advocate for change without seek-
Webmaster opportunity to attend SFUO Cam- cant ramifications for the U of O in on-campus democracy, as they ing the SFUO’s stamp, and the addi-
webmaster@thefulcrum.ca
paigns Committee meetings and community. If the organizers can give students on the periphery of tion of their voices to the oft-tiring
Jessica ‘the ticket’ Sukstorf pitch their ideas, there is no guaran- get 1,500 signatures on a petition, student government an opportunity din of top-down student politics on
Volunteer & Visibility tee that the committee will approve undergraduate students will have to legitimately affect change free campus is refreshing.
Coordinator
volunteer@thefulcrum.ca
the concepts, thus relegating the the opportunity to decide during from the constraints of bureaucracy If the Smoke Free Campus cam-
proposed campaigns to the dustbin a February referendum whether or the brick wall of student leaders paign achieves nothing else, let it be
Megan ‘i see russia’ O’Meara of history. This process—which is a or not the SFUO should adopt the representing opposite views. While to prove that any student with any
Staff Writer much-improved system implement- ideals of the campaign: to restrict running a campaign with the budget idea is capable of making waves on
Alex ‘tina fey’ Martin ed this year—can still leave deter- smoking on campus to designated of Drop Fees campaign is obviously campus. For those who frequently
Staff Illustrator mined students feeling marginalized areas, and to ban tobacco sales from unrealistic, the Smoke Free Campus complain about this campus’ stu-
where their ideals and convictions SFUO businesses. campaign has proven that it is pos- dent leaders and their work, con-
Inari ‘joe six-pack’ Vaissi Nagy are concerned. Every year, students Last year’s SFUO election ballot sible to reach students without a de- sider following this campaign’s
Jiselle ‘miss wasillia’ Bakker
Ombudsgirls opine that for various reasons the included two referendum questions pendency on deep pockets. Instead, lead, and putting the energy spent
ombudsgirl@thefulcrum.ca SFUO doesn’t properly represent and a plebiscite, all directly result- the organizers have reached U of O bemoaning the system into chang-
them, or that the on-campus demo- ing from SFUO work throughout students through well-planned pos- ing it.
Travis ‘yes we can’ Boisvenue
Ombudsboy
cratic system bars input from all but the year. In recent memory, no in- tering, Facebook, and simple deter-
ombudsboy@thefulcrum.ca the student leaders themselves. The dependent campaign has led to a mination. editor@thefulcrum.ca
Deidre ‘lipstick’ Butters Dave ‘hope’ Atkinson Kenny ‘voting machines’ Dodd Anna ‘bristol’ Rocoski
Advertising Representative Devin A. ‘vietnam’ Beauregard Jolene ‘battleground’ Hansell Len ‘ron paul factor’ Smirnov
ads@thefulcrum.ca Hilary ‘p.o.w.’ Caton Daniel ‘designer glasses’ Harris Nigel ‘nader factor’ Smith cover photo by
Anne ‘tax credit’ Charls Danyal ‘hustler’ Khoral Alex ‘believe’ Smyth
Ross ‘this one’ Prusakowski Anna ‘colin powell’ Coutts Hisham ‘prank call’ Kelati Amlake ‘infomercial’ T-Digaf
Frank Appleyard
Business Manager Jessica ‘electoral college’ DeJonge Jocelyn ‘troopergate’ Robitaille Jack ‘change’ Wang
business.manager@thefulcrum.ca
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