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Premier is brought to you by the Arts and Humanities Students’ Council
2018-19 Volume VIII VP Communications: Alicia Johnson Publications Editor-in-Chief: Camille Intson
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welcome Hello and welcome to Western University! Your time here will produce some of the most amazing and challenging experiences of your young adult lives. Our purpose as the Arts and Humanities Students’ Council (AHSC) is to ensure that your student experience is memorable, rewarding, and promotes your growth in the Western bubble, London community, and beyond. Congratulations on picking A&H as a faculty! Arts and Humanities is one of the smallest faculties at Western, but we contain hundreds of passionate, talented, and unique individuals. We cannot wait to see all the incredible things you accomplish during your time at Western. Premier is your guide to everything Western and A&H related. Use it during O-Week and throughout the year to become acquainted with campus, resources, events, and much more. We hope that one day, like all of us on the AHSC, you can call Western your home away from home.
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table of contents The AHSC Contact Us
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AHSC Social Media
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Your 2017-18 AHSC Exec Massimo (President) Julian (VP Finance) Hannah (VP Communications) Patricia (VP Academics) Alicia (VP Events)
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Academic Resources Health Resources Social Resources
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A&H Professor Recommended Books
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Get Involved! AHSC Publications
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What We Wish We Knew In First Year AHSC Events
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FAQs
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Notes/Memories (DIY)
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What is the AHSC? The Arts and Humanities Students’ Council
who are we? We are a team of passionate student volunteers dedicated to bringing you the best student experience that the Arts and Humanities Faculty can offer! We provide events and opportunities to keep you engaged in the arts community, and Western as a whole, during your time at university. Congratulations on joining one of the smallest, but most community-driven, faculties on campus!
what do we do? Beyond meeting every other Tuesday evening at 5:30pm in AHB2R23, we host events, speakers, formals, charity events, plays, and so much more. Our goal is to help Arts and Humanities students find a balance between academics and social activities. For a full list of what to expect from the AHSC throughout the year, visit our website listed below!
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where can you find us?
Our office is open Monday-Friday 9:30-4:30 and is located at University College in room 2135. Visit us to chat about anything! We’re here to help.
how can I get involved in the AHSC? We are looking for First Year Representatives and First Year Portfolio Associates to join our team in early September. Alternatively, you are welcome to attend any of our meetings throughout the year as a General Member. Visit our website below for more information.
contact us! For general inquiries: usc.ahsc.exec@uwo.ca Facebook: @ahscwesternu Twitter: @ahscuwo Instagram: @ahscwesternu Website: ahscwesternu.com
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Follow us on social media for updates, contests, opportunities, and more!
@ahscwesternu
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@ahscwesternu
A&H Pubs Page
Snapchat
@ahscuwo @ahscuwo
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Your 2018-2019 Executive Team
Misha Apel President
Degree Double Major in SASAH and English Language and Literature with a Minor in Transitional Justice and Post-Conflict Reconstruction Stuff I do on council Oversee all AHSC portfolios, act as a liaison between the AHSC and the A&H Dean’s Office and represent A&H students on the University Students’ Council (USC) Advice/What I wish I knew in first year Pursue the degree you are most interested in, take the classes YOU want and use campus resources! And don’t forget, A&H is the best faculty!
Degree B.A. in SASAH and English Language & Literature Stuff I do on council Brainstorm, plan, and organize various events hosted by AHSC; oversee the events portfolio; act as a resource for students to stay updated on upcoming events; meet tons and tons of cool and new people! Jerika Caduhada Advice/What I wish I knew in first VP Events year You will meet more talented individuals and face more pressure this year than you ever have before. Relax, these individuals are your friends, your inspiration. You have years ahead of you. Stay inspired. Stay kind. Nurture your creative heart, and cherish every second of it.
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Degree SASAH/English Language & Literature/Ivey HBA Stuff I do on council Build the budget, act as a liaison between council and A&H faculty members, and oversee council meetings alongside a committed executive team of amazing young women! Advice/What I wish I knew in first year Everyone always says “get involved” during your first year; get involved on campus so that you make friends, find your place, and gain relevant experience. “Getting involved” can be extremely intimidating but also difficult when you’re suddenly one of 30,000 undergraduate students. Don’t give up. I was rejected from multiple first year rep positions and was even too scared to apply to the AHSC in first year out of fear of rejection. But, the benefit of being on a such a large campus is that there are so many opportunities. Join clubs as a general member. Volunteer for one-time events like WordsFest. Seek experience anywhere you can so that in the coming years you fall where you intended to be. In the same breath, however, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. If you get a 60 on your first essay, guess what, we all did! If you fail a class, who cares! You have four years here to spend how you choose. The most important thing is that you choose what is best for you.
Morgan McAuley VP Finance
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Alicia Johnson VP Communications
Degree Honours Specialization in Creative Writing and English Language and Literature Stuff I do on council With the help of an amazing (and large!) collection of people, I oversee all of the positions that are communication based things, such as social media, website, promotional videos and graphics for all events and resources council has to offer, publications, and all the supervisory things that come with being a VP such as budget, office hour scheduling and external communications. Advice/What I wish I knew in first year Two important things! Make sure to join clubs/ intramurals/communities in your interests it’s a great way to meet new people and make new friends as well as make the campus itself feel smaller and less intimidating! Also never feel afraid to reach out! There are several supports across campus for both Mental and Physical health as well as academic studies and while it may seem scary to ask for help it can make a huge difference
Degree Honours Specialization in Studio Arts and Major in the School for Advanced Studies in Arts and Humanities Stuff I do on council My main job is to communicate between the students and faculty their academic concerns as well as support students through organizing academic events. I also work with the Department Representatives who offer unique views and for each department. Advice/What I wish I knew in first year First and foremost I would like to welcome you to Western! Your university experience is what you choose to make it. You might need to push yourself a little bit out of your comfort zone but you will be rewarded by finding a new family here.
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Devon Lowrie VP Academics
was ollege ilt C y t i s bu vers t: Uni wo building pus. c a F st t Fun on cam the fir f o e on
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Your 2018-2019 A&H Soph Team Hi! I'm your head soph Brah, and if you haven't heard it enough yet, "Welcome to Western" and welcome to the Arts & Humanities faculty. What's a head soph? I guess I am the leader of the Arts & Humanities faculty sophs. I, along with my programming assistants, have organized faculty day and other O Week events just for you! We hope you can make it out to these events to meet other students in A&H and have fun. So, what's a faculty soph? A fac soph is an upper year student in your faculty who is here to get you excited about and involved in Orientation Week, ease your transition into the school year, and be your year-long guide to life at Western. Want to know good places to eat? Secret study spots? Real opinions about courses? How to access academic resources? Ask your soph! You have your own soph but you can go to anyone on the team, myself included. We're happy to help! You're going to notice that A&H is a small faculty but it's a good thing! We get the chance to really interact with each other and get involved in the faculty. You are stepping into a community of thinkers, creatives, and people just as excited as you to discuss, dissect, create, and explore anything and eveything within the Arts & Humanities. This faculty is your space to learn what you want to, to push yourself, and to do what you want with your degree. Come the fun times and the essay grinds, we all go through it together. On behalf of the soph team, welcome to Arts & Humanities.
Homer Simpson Programming Assistant
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Brah Head Soph
Alphabits Programming Assistant
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Academic Resources
general
Academic Counselling For any help regarding course advice and course registration, visit your Arts and Humanities Academic Counsellor. Ben Hakala and Amanda Green are extremely knowledgeable, and are here to make you feel comfortable in all aspects of meeting your degree requirements. Visit them often, get to know them (because they are wonderful people), and ask them questions! International and Graduate Affairs Building, Room 1N20 (519) 661-3043 arts@uwo.ca Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Friday mornings 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Student Central Visit Student Central for a variety of different services from recieving a transcript, replacing a lost student card, to chatting with a financial counsellor. Contact by phone for general questions regarding course enrollment and registration assistance. Western Student Services Building, Room 1120 (519) 661-2100 Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Wed 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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financial support Financial Counselling Don’t stress about your finances! You can make an appointment with a Financial Aid Officer to speak about bursary options, OSAP, budgetting, or anything else finance related. All appointments are confidential. You can schedule one online through Student Center (student.uwo.ca) — select Financial Aid Counselling on the left-hand column. Western Student Services Building, Room 1100 Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (519) 661-2100 finaid@uwo.ca
writing Writing Support Centre Need essay writing advice, cover letter tips, or help with your thesis? The Writing Support Centre is here to help! You can visit a counsellor by appointment in the Student Services Building, or drop in to the office at Weldon Library (located on the main floor by Quotes Cafe). They offer online writing resources, and clinics for students transitioning to university writing (aka you!). Make use of these fantastic resources and note that appointments book up fast during heavy essay times (November and March). Western Student Services Building, Room 4130 Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM (519) 661-3655 Email: wsc@uwo.ca
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Health Resources mental health Student Development Centre
A number of resources are available to you at the Student Development Centre, including Psychological Services and Individual Counselling. Please reach out if you need someone to talk to, if you find you’re having trouble transitioning to university life, or if you don’t know where else to go. Western Student Services Building, Room 4100 (519) 661-3031 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Student Health Services
Here you will find a variety of services in multidisciplinary counselling, psychiatry for students currently on medication, and medication consultations. University Community Centre Room 11 healthservices@uwo.ca (519) 661- 3030
Residence Counsellor
For students currently living in resident, counselling services are provided. For more information contact your Residence Advisor, or Residence Manager. needtotalk@uwo.ca (519) 661-3195
Wellness Education Centre
A supportive, safe and comfortable environment for Western students to ask questions, learn about mental wellness, and find further resources on and off campus to help fit your needs. University Community Centre 76
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peer support Student Support Centre
Western offers a number of support groups and peer run programming to provide students with comprehensive mental health and wellness. These support groups provide specific focuses such as grief, eating disorders, among others.
physical health Student Health Services
An appointment based medical clinic that provides all types of medical services to registered students. Located in the basement of the UCC, it’s convenient and quick, whether you need to be seen immediately, need a doctor’s note to verify an absence, or want to discuss options surrounding birth control, allergies, immunizations, etc. University Community Centre, Room 11 (519) 661-3380 Hours: Monday – Thursday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Student Emergency Response Team (SERT)
In the event of an injury or medical emergency on campus, call SERT by cell or campus phone. This response team is comprised of students who are trained in emergency medical care. Call 911 from a campus phone OR (519) 661-3300 from a cell phone.
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Social Resources rec centre
Membership to our campus Student Recreation Centre is included in your tuition — make use of it! Not only is there a pool, but there’s also yoga, Zumba, countless organized sports for the most (or least) exercise-inclined among us, and there’s a booster juice that has a waaaay shorter line than the UCC’s. There are a variety of drop-in classes (e.g. spin, sculpt & sweat) scheduled each week, as well as 46 varsity teams and a plethora of intramural sports to play!
western film Great for movie dates, or a night out with your friends! They have an amazing selection of movies, it’s in a convenient location (the second floor of the UCC), and it’s right next to The Wave, which offers a dinner and movie combo (and has the best chicken fingers TBH). Western Film also plays “Midnight Cult Movies.” You haven’t truly experienced Mean Girls until you’ve seen it in a theatre of university students quoting it word for word.
don’t miss out on cult classics!
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the spoke & the wave We have two words for you: “Spoke fries.” They taste like happiness and rainbows. Pretty much all the food offered at the Spoke and the Wave is amazing, and the staff are incredibly friendly. For those who are 19+, check out Rick McGhie (a staple of UWO culture) playing every Wednesday night at the Spoke.
writer in residence This is a great resource! This year’s Writer and Residence and Student Writer-in-Residence can help you to workshop creative pieces (or an essay you’re struggling with) in a more relaxed environment. It can be intimidating to go and talk things through with your prof (although most of them are super friendly), so it’s nice to have a professional writer or fellow student to talk to about your work. Look out for announcements from the English and Writing Studiesment this Fall to learn more about the individuals chosen!
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Recommended Reads
By your A&H Professors!
Mont-Saint-Michel and Chartres by Henry Adams Kathyrn Brush Department of Visual Arts
The Renaissance by Walter Pater Christopher Keep Department of English and Writing Studies
Pale as Real Ladies by Joan Crate Kim Veryaawen Department of Women’s Studies and Feminist Research
Practical Ethics, 3rd edition by Peter Singer Anthony Skelton Department of Philosophy
Birding, or Desire by Don McKay Manina Jones Department of English and Writing Studies
The Mahabharata: Bhagavad-Gita Charles Stocking Department of Classical Studies
For more recommendations & information on each book choice, check out the Resources at www.ahscwesternu.com!
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Herodotus Histories Bernd Steinbock Department of Classical Studies
Dubliners by James Joyce Tricia Johnson Department of Visual Arts
Black Boy by Richard Wright Taiwo Adetunji Osinubi Department of English and Writing Studies
The Unnamable by Samuel Beckett Jonathan Boulter Department of English and Writing Studies
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell Gabrielle Ceraldi Department of English and Writing Studies
Atonement by Ian McEwan Gabrielle Ceraldi Department of English and Writing Studies
Tenth of December, George Saunders’ short-story collection Mary Helen McMurran Department of English and Writing Studies
The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy James Purkis Department of English and Writing Studies
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Get Involved! Departmental Committees
The Coterie: Undergraduate English Society The Coterie seeks to improve experiences relating to English on campus through opportunities to share work, connect with peers, and create awareness regarding where English can take you beyond Western. They host a variety of events, such as poetry events, writing socials, and academic and career information sessions.
The Western Undergraduate Film Society (WUFS) WUFS dedicates their time to help students explore their interest in cinematic storytelling. They organize Western’s Annual Undergraduate Film Festival, and plan a variety of filmmaker workshops and student production based events.
Visual Arts Supporters Association (VASA)
VASA is a collection of students dedicated to supporting the visual arts scene on Western’s campus. They host many different events throughout the year, such as art sales, bake sales, social nights, and screenings.
visit the AHSC website for info on how to join our Departmental Committees 24
French Student Association (FSA) FSA strives to promote studying French at Western through connecting students to opportunities to develop their language skills, and sharing the idea that French is important to more than just Arts and Humanities students. Women’s Studies Student Collective (WSSC) WSSC expands on the creative thinking and learning outside of traditional standards promoted by the department of Women’s Studies and Feminist Research. Throughout the year, WSSC focuses on creating safe spaces on campus for Women’s Studies students, and aims to challenge any injustices present on campus. Iconoclast Iconoclast is a brand new, interdisciplinary blog and publication dedicated to created content about art, culture, and politics. Their publications will feature visual art, photography, media and film, musical critiques and reflections, creative thinking, think pieces, personal essays, and fashion writing.
Opportunities
Western Undergraduate Film Festival Theatre Productions Nuit Violette Purple Shorts Purple Sex AHSC Play (be a cast or crew member!) AHSC Alumni Student Interviews
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Publications Symposium magazine is a biannual publication that showcases a myriad of creative writing, poetry, visual arts, photography, and more. We accept submissions from current Arts and Humanities students and hope to see your creative work published while you’re here at Western!
Semicolon magazine is a biannual publication that
demonstrates the academic achievements of current Western students. We accept A level essays from any Arts and Humanities course offered on campus; you do not need to be registered in the Arts and Humanities faculty to submit. We hope to see your writing talents in Semicolon soon!
We are now accepting submissions! Submit to ahscpubs@gmail.com
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For Symposium submissions: - Subject line: 2018 Symposium Submission - Include your name as you would like it to appear - Pieces must be titled to be considered - All written content must be submitted as both PDF & .docx - Send photos of visual art in .jpg or PDF format - If any pieces were written for a class, please include the course code - If applicable, include any specifications for formatting (for poetry, etc.) - Multiple pieces should be sent as seperate documents - Word count: 1500 words max.
Read our publications online at issuu.com/ahscpubs For Semicolon submissions:
- Subject line: 2018 Semicolon Submission - Essays must be submitted as both a PDF and a .docx - Include your name as you would like it to appear - Essays must have recieved a grade of 80% or above in an A&H course on main campus - please include the course code and grade received - A works cited page must be included at the end of the essay; essays without works cited will not be considered, unless specified that the essay contains no borrowed material - Word Count: 2500 words max.
For more info on our submission guidelines. visit the Publications page at ahscwesternu.com 27
ery h Gall e s o t n i Mc of th t: The ed by one ors. c a F Fun ted r curat s pain a w r doo
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if we only knew...
the things we wish we knew in first year Somerville Tims has the shortest line, nicest cashiers, and is closest to English/Writing lectures.
Writing Support is for everyone. Fresh eyes on your paper can make up to a 10% difference to your grade. There's actually an essay writing clinic hiding in the UCC. Who knew? There is a Tim Hortons in the basement of UCC that NEVER HAS A LINE! Don’t be afraid to go to your professor or TA's office hours! Office hours can be located at the top of your syllabus. Come prepared with specific questions or concerns. Western offers bike rentals through Purple Bikes! Great alternative to driving, taking the bus or walking around campus. Try not to take the bus around campus, some days walking to class may be your only exercise. 29
When you lose your one card (and you will lose your one card, believe me), don’t panic. You are not the first, nor will you be the last. To replace your lost card (cost is $31), visit Student Central, WSSB room 1120.
It’s never too early to try to get your work published. Student publications and online magazines are a great place to start!
You do not need to purchase a movie ticket to purchase popcorn at Western Film. There are tunnels around campus connecting different buildings so that you never have to go outside during the cold months (all year). There’s one connecting UCC (near the eyeglass store) and Weldon (staircase next to the main entrance). There is another between UCC (find Bento Sushi) and Social Science (bottom floor, follow signs). These are life changing.
Call Western Health Services as soon as they opeen to get a same day appointment. You may have to set your alarm for 9AM, but it’s worth it. 30
Gain work experience and some extra cash by applying online to the Work Study Program at Western! http://www.registrar.uwo.ca/ student_finances/work_study. html
Western Libraries carry more than just books for research. Yes, Weldon has Fifty Shades of Grey.
The key to doing all of your readings is sometimes not doing all of them - choose the most important ones if you’re running out of time.
The second door from the right in the main floor women’s washrooms in Weldon always sticks. It’ll look like there’s someone in there, but it’s probably free.
See both your TA and Prof about possible theses - both will mark papers and both have different input.
Buy earplugs. You’ll thank us later.
Taylor Library is in the Natural Science Building. This was a mystery to A&H kids for some time.
University is stressful and overwhelming at times, but you will be okay. Thousands of students graduate from Western each year, and you will too.
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Upcoming AHSC Events check the AHSC website (ahscwesternu.com) for details & updates First Semester The Arts Market Make You Smile Mondays Date With A Book Essay Clinics Change Camp A&H USC Councillor Meet and Greet Student Alumni Interviews AHSC Publications Launch Party
Second Semester The Arts Market Make You Smile Mondays A&H Formal AHSC Publications Launch Party AHSC Play Speaker Event Career Boost Week
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Publications Launch Party (March 2017)
Date With A Book (March 2018)
A&H Formal A Sweet Night in Candyland (Jan 2018)
Rupi Kaur Poetry Reading (March 2016) 33
If you’re still wondering... frequently asked questions About Health... Where do I go for Mental Health assistance? There are multiple resources to provide you with mental health accommodation and assistance. The Mental Health Helpline is available both online (mentalhealthhelpline.ca) as well as over the phone (1-866-531-2600). The Student Development Centre (sdc.uwo.ca/) is a resource located on campus that provides psychological services, wellness education and Sexual Violence Prevention Education, to name a few. The Peer Support Centre located on the 2nd floor of UCC also provides support for mental health. Where do I go if I get ill or need a doctor’s note? Students are encouraged to book an appointment with Student Health Services in the lower level of UCC, Room 11. This is where students can obtain doctor’s notes, counselling and psychiatry, birth control information, allergy injections and immunization, and STI Testing. Western also has two pharmacies. One is located in the basement of UCC (519-661-4058). The other is located on the corner of Western and Sarnia Road in BooksPlus.
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About Safety... Is there a resource available that will help me get safely across campus at night? Western Foot Patrol is a free service that assists in keeping campus a safe place to study, work, and live. Simply call 519-661-3650 and two students will join you on your walk home. Other safety resources on campus include Campus Police (dial 911 from any campus phone) and the Student Emergency Response Team (SERT).
About Getting Involved... How do I get involved with the AHSC? Great question! On Faculty Day during O-Week, applications to join the AHSC as either a First Year Representative for a residence or a First Year Portfolio Associate will be available for you to take home and later submit. Check out our website for online applications at ahscwesternu.com or email our executive (usc.ahsc.exec@uwo.ca) for more information!
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Where do I go if I want to learn more about events happening within Arts and Humanities? There are many different resources available to you. The AHSC website has all of that information and more! Some A&H departments also have their own Twitter and Facebook pages.
About Being Published... What opportunities exist for my work to be published? Symposium, Semicolon, Iconoclast, and The Gazette are great places to start! If you have any questions regarding the publishing process for Symposium or Semicolon, please email Camille, the AHSC Editor-In-Chief, at cintson@uwo.ca or ahscpubs@gmail.com for more information!
About Everything Else... Where do I go if I need space to pray? University Community Centre, Room 269 is known as the Multifaith Space, where students, student groups, and the UWO Chaplains have a space to express their faith, religion, and spirituality. How do I manage all of my classes? Organize yourself, plan everything out beforehand, and make lists. Checking items off a list not only feels so satisfying, but it will help!
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Where do I go for help with an essay? Western Student Services Building, Room 4130 offers one-on-one counselling appointments for students who would like writing support. Who do I see if I need academic accommodation? Arts and Humanities has two Academic Counsellors, Amanda and Ben, located in IGAB, Room 1N20. Should I take Dr. Bentley’s English class? YES. Do I have to buy all my books new from the book store? NO! There are several Western Facebook groups tailored specifically for students to buy and sell books, but you can also ask your Soph if they know anyone who has the books you need. Chances are, they will. Many readings can also be found online, but double check to make sure they are the correct edition. You can buy and sell used textbooks with other students attending Western at www.facebook.com/groups/uwousedtextbooks/. What is the best way to get a high mark in a class? Look at your syllabus and see how everything is weighted. If you have a tutorial that requires presence/participation and is worth 10%, don’t miss a single tutorial and you’ll get all ten of those marks (speaking from experience). Don’t stress too much about something that’s worth 2 or 3%, but keep in mind that those small assignments canadd up and be an easy way to boost your mark.
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fill these pages with notes, memories, doodles, messages from your sophs, and anything else that will help you remember your first year at Western!
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what was your favourite part of O-Week?
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