Arts Undergraduate Society, First-Year Handbook 2011-2012 by AUS First Year Handbook

Arts Undergraduate Society V8

Online advising for new Arts students is now available! 9am - 5pm from June 1 - August 27 www.ausmcgill.com/advising

Welcome! Bienvenue! Arts Undergraduate Society (AUS) of McGill University

FIRST-YEAR HANDBOOK 1

Arts Undergraduate Society

The Arts Lounge (basement of the Leacock building) is one of the many services provided to Arts students by the Arts Undergraduate Society. Check out some of the other great information and resources noted in this guide!

TABLE OF CONTENTS WHAT IS THE “AUS”................................................................................................3 AUS SERVICES........................................................................................................4 WHAT TO BRING.....................................................................................................6 FOR YOUR NEEDS IN MONTRÉAL............................................................................8 IMPORTANT DATES, 2011-2012...............................................................................9 RESIDENCES.........................................................................................................10 MEAL PLANS.........................................................................................................15 WHAT WE WISH WE HAD KNOWN.........................................................................16 MCGILL VOCABULARY..........................................................................................17 SPOTS ON MCGILL CAMPUS.................................................................................23 ANNOTATED CAMPUS MAP.................................................................................26 STUDENT RESOURCES..........................................................................................27 GETTING INVOLVED: CLUBS & SERVICES..............................................................29 GETTING INVOLVED: AUS DEPARTMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS..............................33 U0 VERSUS U1 AND CHOOSING YOUR CLASSES...................................................34 SAMPLE FRESHMAN PROGRAM (U0) COURSES....................................................37 USING MINERVA...................................................................................................38 ADVISING: ARTS OASIS AND DEPARTMENTAL ADVISERS....................................40 A MODEL SYLLABUS.............................................................................................41 THE FIRST FEW DAYS...........................................................................................45 WHEN YOU’RE NOT STUDYING... THINGS TO DO IN MONTRÉAL...........................47 GETTING AROUND MONTRÉAL.............................................................................50 TRAVEL..................................................................................................................51 FEARC: FRESHMEN EVENTS AND ACADEMIC REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL...........53 ©MMXI The Arts Undergraduate Society of McGill University. Neither this document nor any part herein may be reproduced without express written permission from the Office of the President of the Arts Undergraduate Society. All rights reserved. Thanks to the Freshman Events and Academic Representative Committee (FEARC) of the AUS 2010-11 for their work that has assisted in the production of this document. Special thanks to all those who worked on previous editions of this handbook for providing a great model with which to work. Portions of this document, including images contained herein, have been obtained from sources outside of the Arts Undergraduate Society and/or McGill University. Where possible, content has been credited and used with permission. The AUS and FEARC are not responsible any accidental factual inaccuracies or broken links contained within the document.

Arts Undergraduate Society

Welcome to the Arts Undergraduate Society’s

FIRST-YEAR GUIDE

When you get to McGill in late August, you will be inundated with information from student leaders, your peers and the administration. It is hard to come away from that week remembering everything you hear about McGill and the incredible city of Montreal. We thought we would send the essentials your way – the things that we wished we had known before coming to McGill and the stuff we wished we had remembered after frosh week. As a new McGillian, you will quickly become accustomed to our mode de vivre, but some hints will certainly help! So what is the Arts Undergraduate Society? And is it only for First Years? Those are great questions, and they are a perfect place to begin.

WHAT IS THE “AUS” The Arts Undergraduate Society (“AUS”) is the student association of all McGill students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Arts & Science (B.A. & Sc.) degree. As a student organization, it is run and managed by Arts students just like you who have a particular passion for the well-being of undergraduates and the functioning of their student government. From the first-year committee to the environmental council, the AUS encompasses several services that enrich the academic life of students attending the university. An Arts degree at McGill can take on several different meanings. Your degree could be in political science, languages, sexual diversity studies, even the sciences, or any combination thereof! The AUS amalgamates the interests of varied departments throughout the school, ensuring their equal representation on the AUS Council. The AUS also plays the role as collaborator with other faculties such as Science, Engineering, and Management, creating a McGill-wide interconnected student government. In addition to its academic responsibilities, the AUS coordinates and plans fun events for students such as Bar Des Arts, St. Patrick’s Day, and the Red and White Graduation Ball. The AUS is an organization that hopes to provide you with the optimal experience during your undergraduate career. However, you should not feel limited to enjoying the many services of the AUS. The Arts Undergraduate Society provides a variety of opportunities for students to become involved with student government! There is truly something for everyone! As an Arts student, you are automatically a member of the AUS. On the next page, you will find a comprehensive list of the services the AUS provides for you each year.

Arts Undergraduate Society

AUS SERVICES Arts Lounge A great place to study, play a game of pool, or hold a meeting. The AUS lounge, located in the basement of the Leacock Building, is a spacious area filled with desks, couches and computers that provides a great atmosphere in which to work. Board rooms in the lounge are provided for meeting and group work, and there is also a design suite you can book that has access to several Adobe programs, which makes doing creative work, such as poster or journal production, a breeze.

Ferrier Computer Lab Located on the 3rd floor of the Ferrier Building, the AUS provides you with a 24-hour computer lab. Black & white and colour printing is also made available and is charged to your student account. Check it out when you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find a seat in McLennan library, or if you just need a change of setting!

24-Hour Lounge & Courtyard The AUS provides you with 24-hour study space on the 2nd floor of the Ferrier Building. Food, soft drink and coffee/tea vending machines also ensure that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got what you need to study for long periods of time! When the weather begins to cooperate (in September and in late April) a courtyard accessible from the 2nd floor of the Ferrier Building also provides great outside chill and study space.

Peer Tutoring The AUS operates a free peer tutoring in some of our most popular courses. In the Winter semester of 2010, peer tutoring was available in 150 courses spanning 31 disciplines. Language tutoring is also available, as is skill tutoring in areas such as subject area-specific essay writing and effective exam writing. For more information, contact Yusra Khan (VP Academic) at academic@ausmcgill.com.

Essay-Writing Center The Arts Undergraduate Society Essay Center is a service, offered on behalf of AUS Peer Tutoring, which provides students with free essay-writing assistance from qualified student volunteers. The Essay Center will offer drop-in hours Monday to Thursday in the Arts Lounge, where an essay tutor will be available to assist students by proofreading essays, or by offering general writing tips and answering questions. For proofreading, students must come ready with a printed copy of their essay. All proofreading must take during office hours, with the student requesting help present. For more information about the AUS Essay Center please contact auspeertutoring@gmail.com.

Arts Undergraduate Society

Graduate School Fair Each year, the AUS plays host to graduate schools and programs from around the globe. All Arts students are invited to find out about their options for pursuing graduate studies and to make contact with admissions personnel from a variety of schools. The Career Fair is coming up, so keep your eyes open! For more information, contact Dylan Doyle (VP External) at external@ausmcgill.com.

Work Your B.A. Sick of those management kids telling you that you will never get a job? Ever wondered what your B.A. degree will be useful for? We do – every day. That is why the AUS runs a week-long set of speeches and seminars on how to use your B.A. degree effectively. Hosted by prominent gradutes of McGill’s Faculty of Arts, “Work your B.A.” is a great opportunity to find out exactly how these two letters add to your resumé.

Events From Frosh to the world-renowned Bar Des Arts, the AUS holds a variety of social and professional events throughout the academic year. You’ll get a taste of exactly what the AUS does during Frosh. In your Frosh kit, you will also get a copy of the AUS handbook with all of the dates of our great events pre-marked in the calendar, so you won’t miss anything! For more information, contact Jason Karmody (VP Events) at events@ausmcgill.com.

Departments Once you decide on an honours/major/minor (or any combination thereof), you will also become a member of a departmental association. Operating under the AUS, these departments also hold events, provide student services relating to your curriculum, and other cool stuff (such as departmental clothing – who doesn’t want to buy a “McGill Political Science” sweatshirt?). For more information on departments,see page 33 or contact Casey McDermott (VP Internal) at internal@ausmcgill.com!

There’s plenty more where that came from! This is just a handful of what the AUS has to offer. If you have any questions about specific services, please feel free to email the executive committee member listed under that activity. If you have any other questions, please contact Jade Calver (President) at president@ausmcgill.com!

Arts Undergraduate Society

WHAT TO BRING Keep in mind that room and storage space is limited before bringing your entire home-theatre system with you to university. Surely, you do not want to be too cluttered. You can always purchase things once you are in Montréal, or bring things you have forgotten on trips back home. See “For Your Needs in Montréal” for some great places to shop once you see what else you need. General Items: 1Student visa/passport for international students (and other important documents) 1LOUD alarm clock 1Computer, possibly a laptop for class use (although you can also use McGill’s many computer labs if you do not own a laptop. The Arts Faculty has a 24-hour computer lab at the Ferrier Building) 1Printer (you might want to wait and coordinate with your roommate) 1Camera 1Sunglasses 1Power strip and extension cords 1Waterproof Backpack (seriously, it rains and snows) 1School supplies: notebooks, pens, pencils, highlighters, calculator 1Agenda (you’ll be given one from your faculty at the beginning of the year) 1Health Card 1Drivers License or other form of government ID 1Cell phone and charger: there are tents from each phone provider set up during Orientation Hold off on textbooks; you will probably change your schedule once you get to Montréal. Also, there will be plenty of opportunities to save money by purchasing used books via the McGill classified ads or The Word Bookstore on Milton Street (see “What We Wish We Had Known” section) Bedroom Basics: 1Sheets, pillow and bedding 1Extra blankets 1Posters, room decorations, pictures from home (watch out for the poster sale at the beginning of the year!) 1Stereo and headphones 1CDs, DVDs 1Foam Mattress pads (optional, but may improve your sleeping) Raingear: 1Waterproof jacket with hood 1Waterproof shoes 1Umbrella

Arts Undergraduate Society

Health and Hygiene: 1Toothpaste and toothbrush 1Nail scissors/clippers 1Band-Aids 1Pain relievers (Tylenol, Advil) 1Thermometer (what does a 102 fever feel like with the back of your hand? Don’t know? Bring one!) 1Basic medication (Cold medicine, Pepto-bismol, Gravol etc.) 1Contact lens supplies 1Glasses 1Prescription medication 1Facial tissue 1Flip-flops for the shower 1Hair styling items 1Toiletry bag/bucket for the shower 1Medical information 1Towels, facecloths, loofah 1Health insurance cards 1Toiletries 1Vitamins (your diet might be changing a bit!) Winter Gear: Start buying early if you are from a warm climate, as the cool stuff tends to sell out before winter hits! 1Well-insulated winter coat (during the colder months, it is recommended you have a below-theknee coat) 1Long underwear (trust us on this one!!!) 1Gloves, scarves, toques (winter hat) 1Heavy-Duty, waterproof boots with tread (we recommend the company “Sorel”) 1Multiple layers! Cooking Gear: Even if you are in a residence with a full meal plan, dishes and dish soap can come in handy for late night snacks! Many of the residences also feature kitchenettes and kitchens, so if you are bored on a Tuesday night, get a group of friends together and cook a delicious meal! 1Dish cloth and hand towel 1Dish detergent and scrubber 1Mug, cups, plate, and bowl (microwave-safe) 1Cutlery 1A pot 1Frying pan or skillet Don’t worry if you have forgotten anything! Everything you need is in Montreal. See the next page for a list of suggested shopping locations in the city.

Arts Undergraduate Society

FOR YOUR NEEDS IN MONTREAL Don’t worry if you forgot something when packing up your entire room! You’ll be living in a large city, and if you are missing anything, the farthest it will be is one metro or bus ride away. Here are some great places you can go if you find you forgot something from home or if you just need something during the year. Dollarama (www.dollarama.com) -Tons of great items for CHEAP. Everything is $2 or less. They’ve got everything: toilet scrubbers, hangers, Halloween customs, greeting cards, calculators, candy, and more. There are many Dollaramas in the area! Galeries du Parc Underground Mall 3575 Avenue du Parc (in the Galeries du Parc underground mall, next to New Residence) Promenades Cathedrales Mall University and Maisonneuve Place Montreal Trust Mall McGill College and Maisonneuve IKEA (www.ikea.com/ca) -Scandinavian furniture store that we all know and love. You might need your parents on this one, as it is pretty far away from McGill. 9191 Boulevard Cavendish, Saint-Laurent, QC H4T 1M8 / (514) 738-2167 La Baie/The Bay (www.thebay.com) -An upscale department store right downtown. Fairly expensive but well stocked with quality items. 585 Saint Catherine Street W / (514) -281-4422 Canadian Tire (www.canadiantire.ca) 6275 St. Laurent Street /(514) 273-2428 Place Alexis Nihon (at Atwater Metro Station, Green Line) / (514) 939-1820 Walmart (www.walmart.ca) Accesible via Namur Metro station on the Orange line Zellers (www.zellers.com) Place Alexis Nihon (at Atwater Metro Station, Green Line) / (514) 937-0537

Arts Undergraduate Society

IMPORTANT DATES, 2011-2012 • Thursday, June 9 – Registration begins for new U1 students admitted from CEGEP • Wednesdya, June 15 – Deadline to sign up to live in residences for 2011-2012 year • Tuesday, July 26 – Registration begins for new U1 students with AP, IB, etc. transfer credits • Wednesday, July 27 – Registration begins for new U0 students • Friday/Saturday/Sunday, August 26, 27 & 28 – Residence Move-In Days • Sunday, August 28 – Rez Fest • Monday, August 29 – Discover McGill Day • Tuesday, August 30 – McGill’s Academic Expectations Day & Advising - Street/Campus Fest • Wednesday, August 31 – On-Campus Orientation Activities • Thursday, September 1 – Classes Start Evening Orientation Activities Last day to register for courses without late registration fee • Friday, September 2-Sunday, September 4 – Faculty Frosh • Monday, September 5 – Labor Day (No school!); SSMU, Radical, Fish, Muslim, Outdoors Club Froshes • Tuesday, September 13 – Fall Semester Add/Drop Deadline • Monday, October 10 – Thanksgiving (No school!) • Tuesday, December 6 – Classes End • Wednesday, December 7 – Study Day • Thursday, December 8 to Thursday, December 22 – Fall Exam Period • Monday, January 9 – Classes Begin • Tuesday, September 24 – Winter Semester Add/Drop Deadline • Monday, February 20-Friday, February 24 – Study Week (“Reading Week”) (No school!) • Friday, April 6 – Good Friday (No school!) • Monday, April 9 – Easter (No school!) • Monday, April 16 – Classes End • Thursday, April 17 to Monday, April 30 – Winter Exam Period

Arts Undergraduate Society

RESIDENCES Many students who come to McGill, especially those from other provinces in Canada and from abroad, choose to live in residence for their first year. This is a great opportunity to get to know other first-year students. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a residence: 1) Respect, respect, respect: Whether you love or hate where you end up, all the McGill residences do not tolerate any form of discrimination or bullying based on gender, race, sex, sexual orientation, etc. 2) If you seriously cannot stand your residence, remember that you may have the option of switching out a few weeks in. A “switch” isn’t recommended, but it is possible. 3) Each of the residences has its own pros and cons. But some things we list below that are pros to one person may be a con for another. When making your decision for residence next year, keep in mind your personal habits and preferences: do you want to live close to the libraries? Are you a night owl? Do you want to have the unique experience of commuting to school? Also, many students choose not to live in residence, but this does not preclude you from being a part of the wider McGill community. There are myriad ways to get involved. One way to get involved is to join a club or student government! For more information, see “Getting Involved” on page 29.

There are four types of residences at McGill: Douglas Hall “Dorm”-Style Royal Victoria College (RVC) Upper Residence (McConnell, Molson, Gardner) Carrefour Sherbrooke “Hotel”-Style New Residence Greenbriar “Apartment”-Style Solin Hall MORE MORE Houses (Various)

Above: The Royal Victoria College entrance. Top Right: The Douglas courtyard in winter. Bottom Right: Gardner (Upper Residence)

Arts Undergraduate Society

“DORM”-STYLE RESIDENCES This is probably what you think of when you conjure thoughts of living in residence: the stereotypically small room with a shortage of living space. You WILL find a way to make it work. Despite the small rooms, they have the (awesome!) environment you also thought of. There is a required meal plan in addition to monthly rent! NOTE: University Hall and Presbyterian Rez are both dorm-style but are part of MORE Council. See the page on MORE Residences for more information on these two residences.

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FEATURES

BASICS

REZ

UPPER REZ: McConnell, Molson, and Gardner

Royal Victoria College (RVC)

Douglas Hall

3905/3915/3925 University St Montreal, QC

3425 University St Montreal, QC H3A2A8

3851 University St Montreal, QC H3A2B4

COST 2011-2012 Single $860.00/mo. Double $802.50/mo.

COST 2011-2012 Single $989.50/mo. Double $908 to $924.75/mo.

COST 2011-2012 Single $934.00/mo. Double $877.25/mo.

~200 people per residence • McConnell: grand piano and a dark room; single-sex by wing • Molson: sauna, music room, and grand piano • Gardner: larger games room and a second TV room •McConnell is single-sex by wing. •Molson, Gardner entirely co-ed •Main cafeteria is BMH (Bishop Mountain Hall) located at the center of all three residences open 7 days a week • Typical “university” experience: people are very social • Beautiful views as you are at the top of the hill. Also, Mont Royal is easily accessible via Upper Rez • Cheaper cost than Douglas and RVC • Removed from downtown Montreal, so there is a sense of privacy • Loud and known for partying (can also be a con) • Co-ed bathrooms (except in McConnell) • At the top of the hill; far from campus (15 minutes); can be difficult during the winter • Loud and known for partying • Small rooms! • Cafeteria is not located inside any of the residences

~250 people • Has the “West Lounge,” which holds many events during the year • Has a co-ed tower and an allfemale wing • Cafeteria directly in residence, open 7 days a week • Piano room, games room, TV room, and aerobics room • Large study room with computers • Courtyard

~180 people • Features a grand piano • Gothic architecture • Cafeteria directly in residence, open 5 days a week for breakfast and dinner only. • Features a library (study room) • Has a beautiful courtyard!

• New social reputation after becoming co-ed in 2010-2011 • Single-sex bathrooms • Option of a girls’ wing • The closest you can possibly get to campus – the metro station is accessible, Tim Hortons 24 hours is across the street; You can wake up at 8:30 for your 8:35 class! • 24 hour front desk • Wing rooms are quite large • Division between the tower and wing • It’s easy to get lazy! And far from the gym • Tower rooms tend to be small • More expensive than Upper Rez, but cheaper than the hotels • Can get loud living in the center of downtown Montreal (ex: firetrucks)

• Beautiful wooden décor • Divided into “houses” • The library allows for late-night studying • Known as the “Harry Potter” residence • Many common rooms throughout Douglas provide for a sense of community • Removed from downtown Montreal, so there is a sense of privacy • Co-ed bathrooms • At the top of the hill; far from campus (15 minutes); can be difficult during the winter • Rooms vary greatly in size • Often isolated from the Upper Rez • More expensive housing option than Upper Rez, but cheaper than the hotels.

Arts Undergraduate Society

“HOTEL”-STYLE RESIDENCES These are not your typical residences! In fact, they’re quite unique. McGill has purchased two hotels in the area near McGill and has converted them into residences. So while they unfortunately do not come with the perks of room service, you get a private bathroom, a larger-than-normal bed, and in some ways, the atmosphere of living in a hotel all year. There is a required meal plan in addition to monthly rent!

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REZ

New Residence

Carrefour Sherbrooke

3625 Avenue du Parc Montreal, Quebec H2X 3P8

475 Sherbrooke W. Montreal, QC H3A 2L9

COST 2011-2012 Single $1,093.75/mo.; Double $970.00/mo.

COST 2011-2012 Single $1093.75/mo.; Double $970/mo.

~700 people • Co-ed by floor, single-sex by room • Cafeteria located within residence • Bathroom with shower in each room • Air conditioning • Study room in the basement • Common rooms on each floor with kitchenettes • Lobby with a grand piano and nearby games room • Single rooms have queen-sized beds

~300 people • Co-ed by floor, single-sex by room • Cafeteria located within residence • Bathroom with shower in each room • Air conditioning • Common rooms on every other floor with awesome whiteboard walls

• Close to the McGill gym • Within walking distance to McGill, and the walk is not uphill! • Connected to Galeries du Parc, an underground mall with a supermarket, Dollarama, liquor store, etc. • Roommates (can also be a con) • Bathroom located within room • Tight-security • Very large, so there are many people to meet • Not as close to campus (about a ten minute walk) • Roommates (can also be a pro) • More expensive than the other residences • Students are known for being “snobby” • Very large, so it lacks a sense of community • Isolated from the other residences

• Only two blocks from campus • Right in downtown Montreal! • Roommates (can also be a con) • Smaller than New Rez • All rooms have queen-sized beds • Tight-security

• The newest residence, so it lacks a reputation • Smaller lobby than other residences • Roommates (can also be a pro) • More expensive than the other residences • Smaller cafeteria than New Residence, fewer options

< New Residence

Carrefour Sherbrooke >

Arts Undergraduate Society

“APARTMENT”-STYLE RESIDENCES Looking to live the independent style? Love to eat home-cooked meals? Have a dietary restriction that would make eating in a cafeteria difficult? Apartment-style residence might be the type for you. McGill Residences has different types of apartments, ranging from studios to doubles to four-person apartments, located across from McGill campus or four metro stops in an awesome neighborhood. These do not come with a meal plan!

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REZ

Greenbriar (Part of MORE Council)

Solin Hall - a Former Chocolate Factory!

3575 University St Montreal, QC H3A 2B1

3510 Lionel-Groulx Montreal, QC H4C 1M7

COST 2011-2012 Small Double: $579.00/month; Regular Double: $658.00/month, Large Double: $691.00/month Studio: $956.00/month (studio)

COST 2011-2012 Ranges from $577.00/month (small double in 4-person apartment) to $947.00/month (large studio); most in the $800 area

~96 people • Eleven-month lease (as opposed to eight-month) with option to sublet • Fully-furnished apartment with kitchen • Option to purchase commuter/saver meal plan • Utilities included in rent • Located directly on University St. across from McGill campus

~260 people • Located four metro stops away from campus at Lionel-Groulx Metro station • Eleven-month lease (as opposed to eight-month) with option to sublet • Typically four students in a multi-bedroom apartment • Fully-furnished apartment with kitchen • Option to purchase commuter/saver meal plan • Utilities included in rent • Being far from McGill affords students the opportunity to explore a cool neighborhood most students won’t see • Independent lifestyle living in an apartment • Cheaper option compared to other residences • Even though it is apartment style, because it is larger than Greenbriar, it has more of a social scene • Buying a metro pass gives you freedom to explore • Eleven month lease means you can stay in Montreal for the summer or sublet the apartment • Cooking may be difficult to manage as a first-year •Farthest residence from McGill campus; daily commute • Additional cost of metro pass, but it is relatively cheap • Metro shuts at 12:30 most nights and 1:30 on Saturdays, so alternate travel arrangements must be made • If unable to find a subletter, three months of rent may be lost

• Located across from McGill campus! • Option to purchase a meal plan • Independent lifestyle living in an apartment • Cheaper option compared to other residences • Eleven month lease means you can stay in Montreal for the summer or sublet the apartment

• Cooking may be difficult to manage as a first-year • Students known for keeping to themselves more compared to other residences • If unable to find a subletter, three months of rent may be lost

< Greenbriar

Solin Hall >

Arts Undergraduate Society

“MORE” RESIDENCES The idea behind MORE is cooperative living: smaller residences with a greater sense of community. The MORE Council is part of the Residence Council and it consists of the MORE Houses, Presbyterian Residence, University Hall, and Greenbriar (see the previous page.) Each of them is smaller than the “dorm”-style and “hotel”-style residences. Pres Rez and Dio have required meal plans; MORE Houses do not. NOTE: Greenbriar Residence, which is apartment style, is also part of MORE Council. See the previous page.

CONS

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FEATURES

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REZ

Presbyterian Residence (Pres Rez) and University Hall (Dio) (DORM-STYLE)

Pres Rez: 3495 University St.; Dio: 3473 University St. Various Locations (on Pine Ave, Peel St, University St) Montreal, QC H3A 2A8 Montreal, QC COST 2011-2012 Single $860.00/mo. Double $802.50/mo.

COST 2011-2012 Single $775 $847, or $951 per mo. depending on size Double $585, $649, or $750 per mo. depending on size

Pres Rez: 36 people; University Hall: 45 people • Eight-month lease (no option to sublet) • Traditional dorm style but option to sublet • Meal plan with RVC/BMH as home cafeterias • Single-sex bathrooms

Range from 13 to 30 students per MORE House • Eleven-month lease (as opposed to eight-month) with option to sublet • Each house features several kitchens, which residents share • Each house is different in design, but there are single and double rooms and shared common spaces • Eleven month lease means you can stay in Montreal for the summer or sublet the apartment • Potlucks are common, since all of the students cook! • Option of purchasing a meal plan • All are very close to McGill campus • Cheaper option compared to other residences • Unique residence setting! • Smaller size allows for close interactions and tight bonds. MORE Houses tend to be close. • If unable to find a subletter, three months of rent may be lost • Cooking may be difficult to manage as a first-year • The small size may make it difficult to branch out and meet other students.

• The closest you can possibly get to campus - directly across from the Milton Gates! • Smaller size in a traditional dormitory setting allows for close interactions and tight bonds • Part of MORE Council

• You must walk outside to get to the dining halls • Smaller size may limit your social interactions

University Hall in Winter

MORE Shared-Facilities Houses

Two of the MORE Houses on Ave Des Pins.

Arts Undergraduate Society

MEAL PLANS Your meal plan may seen confusing at first glance. Here is our guide to helping you understand all of your gastronomic needs next year! All students living in Residence (excluding Solin Hall, the MORE, and Greenbriar) will be automatically subscribed to a mandatory mealplan. The Residential Meal Plan consists of “Basic Food Dollars” and “Flex Dollars”. The former can be only used at your “Home-based” dining halls, with at least one being located close to, if not in your own residence. You will pay for the majority of your meals in addition to the occasional snack using these dollars. “Flex Dollars,” on the other hand, can be used at any of the residence cafeterias in addition to a number of locations on campus. This means coffees in between classes at Tim Horton’s located in the Redpath Basement (mmm), lunch at Subway located in the Arts Building or the new Second Cup located in the Stewart Biology Building. The Residential Meal Plan (both “Basic Food Dollars” and “Flex Dollars”) operates on a declining balance basis: you pay for an initial balance at the beginning of the school year and the cost of individual items is subtracted from this balance. While this may not be the most ideal setup for big eaters in comparison to “all-you-can-eat plans,” you may always “top up” your account with additional money online. Ultimately, this setup offers considerable flexibility depending on your eating habits. For example, a dinner at BMH range can cost from four dollars (packaged sandwich and water) to nearly fourteen dollars (hot meal, soup, desert and bottled beverage). Thus, this leads to a final point. It is important to check REGULARLY your balance and allocate your food dollars accordingly. Doing so is relatively easy, as the cashiers in each cafeteria will normally provide you with a receipt indicating your current balance. As previously mentioned, you may always “top up” your account online with additional money. However, some students have been known to top up their accounts by almost $250 in the first semester because of poor planning. Thus if you have been assigned to a residence with a meal plan, carefully consider your eating habits when choosing the level of your mandatory meal plan - Light, Regular, or Varsity.

top number from the For more information, please visit: bottom number. Example: 1000-500 www.mcgill.ca/foodservices/

A typical receipt...

e eom lanc r “H Ba ou s” s y ollar is i Th sed D Ba

There are also Commuter meal plans and Saver meal plans, which students who live in the residences without a s” ur Dollar o y mandatory meal plan and those ed nce s is Thi e-Bas ” Bala students who choose to live offm ex “Ho S “Fl campus can purchase. This gives PLU you the flexibility to buy food items when on-campus! Cooking dinner each night is not so easy To determine your Flex Balance, subtract the when exams roll around.

Arts Undergraduate Society

WHAT WE WISH WE HAD KNOWN Not all of life’s lessons must be learnt through your own personal experience. Here are a few of the things that we’ve learnt the hard way—so that you might not have to:    Some Feedback We’ve Gotten - I wish I had created a budget before frosh. I managed to blow an absurd amount of money those first few weeks. If I had set myself a limit, I wouldn’t have been scrambling for cash for the rest of the school year. - I wish I had known that the syllabus was my guide to succeeding in the course. It’s not just a piece of paper! To see a sample syllabus, see page 41, “A Model Syllabus.” - I wish I had known that lecture recordings aren’t a substitute for going to lecture. You won’t always watch that lecture when you say you will, and watching seven political science lectures the night before the midtem won’t prepare you. -I wish I hadn’t opted for the phone service in residence. I ended up using my cell phone a whole lot more for a whole lot less, especially with the great deals I got form my providers. - I am an international student and I wish that I had gotten the phone service in residence. While Rogers, for example, charges 30 cents/minute for international calls, residence phone will only charge you 5 cents/minute. -I wish I had sent more back with my parents after moving in! Living in residence, especially in a space that is shared with a roommate, has really taught me the true definition of a necessity! Be honest with yourself when moving into residence, and only keep the things that will be of use! And don’t worry if you didn’t bring something you need - everything is accessible in Montréal! -I wish I knew that McGill had a free one-hour tutoring service that’s offered to all freshmen. -I wish I’d visited residence BEFORE coming to McGill. Try and get a residence tour if you come to visit; you can see how big the rooms are, and what facilities the residences offer. - I wish I knew that there was a free essay-editing center available at the Arts lounge in Leacock. I would have been more confident with my papers before handing them in once someone else has had a look at them. -I wish I knew that the library was open 24-hours a couple weeks into the semester. Sometimes it’s difficult to study in residence, especially on weekends when I have to study for my mid-terms. -I wish I had known about the McGill buildings that have underground connections. Montreal winters wouldn’t have been so bad. There are tunnels from the library to Leacock, and from Burnside to Otto Maass Chemistry Building and Adams, which is connected to Schulich Library. There’s also a tunnel from Stewart Biology Building to McIntyre Medical Building.

Arts Undergraduate Society

-I wish I had known about other, cheaper places to buy textbooks. In fact, a lot of my course material can be purchased from places other than the McGill bookstore. New books can be bought online or from stores like Indigo and good quality used books from other students on McGill Classifieds often for a fraction of the price at the bookstore! Check Amazon, Barnes & Noble, McGill classified, and the Word Bookstore on Milton just in the McGill Ghetto. Just make sure you buy the proper edition! -I wish I had known McGill Classifieds has so much more than just books. Looking for a good deal on used clickers? Printers? A bicycle? You name it, you can find it here: http://www.mcgill.ca/classified/. -I wish I had known about the fee opt-out section on Minerva. It would have been nice to know what my money was going into and I could have saved some money by opting out of services that I don’t use. However, you should note that these fees go toward some useful services like extended hours at libraries and access to the Arts lounge. Only opt out of a fee on Minerva if you are opposed to the funding. Do your research before opting out. See page 38 on “Using Minerva.” -I wish I knew to speak to my adviser during the first week of school. It really would have helped me figure out my schedule for next year and to make sure that I am taking the proper classes for the Freshman Program. See “Choosing your Courses” and “Freshman Program (U0) Courses.”

MCGILL VOCABULARY Coming to university requires learning almost an entirely new language--and most of the words in this new language are acronyms. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what we think might help you most: AUS – Arts Undergraduate Society. All Arts students are members of the AUS. The AUS is in charge of representing students to the university, the government, and other organizations. The AUS maintains a student lounge in the basement of the Leacock building, and runs events year round like Arts Frosh and Pub Nights. The AUS funds and supports a number of endeavors including lounges, a 24hour computer lab, the Fine Arts Council and the Freshman Events and Representative Council. Brown Building – This is the home of all student services, located at McTavish at the corner of Dr. Penfield, including C.A.P.S. (the Career Planning Service), Scholarships and Student Aid, the First Year Office, the International Students Office, Student Heath Center, and the Shag Shop. In addition, lots of workshops are held here, including server training and exam preparation. CGPA – This is your cumulative grade point average. This includes ALL of your marked classes. Your GPA, on the other hand, is only for ONE term and includes classes taken that semester. Conference – Most large first and second year courses will include a weekly conference session. These are small discussion sections with 10-30 students, and they are led by TAs who break down lectures and go over readings. Also, they will try to get you debating certain aspects of the material. The TAs are usually graduate students. Conferences offer a chance to converse and ask questions about the material. They also offer participation and attendance marks, often as much as 25 percent of your grade – so don’t skip them!

Arts Undergraduate Society

Cover Charge – The price you must pay for general admission to a club. This generally ranges from $5.00-$15.00+. Many clubs don’t charge cover if you show up before a certain hour. Cyberthèque – This is the basement floor of Redpath library. It is bright, has tons of computers, table space, couches, and the famous “Pod” study rooms. It is a favourite study spot at McGill. You will often see Facebook statuses saying “Just another long night at the Cyber…” The Daily – One of our school newspapers. They cover a lot of activism in Montréal and McGill and have a fascinating Features section. Their office is found in the basement of SSMU (Shatner) behind the Gerts bar. If you are interested in writing, don’t hesitate to get involved. Check out their website at www.mcgilldaily.com. The French version is Le Délit. Their website: www.delitfrancais.com. Deferral – A request to postpone your acceptance of your Offer of Admission for one year. Often known as a “gap year,” this is usually done to take advantage of a year of youth to go traveling or make some money. Dep – Depanneur or corner store. Most of the deps around McGill stock your standard corner store fare, such as snacks, pop/soda, household items, and beer/wine. Discipline – (1) A level of categorisation more specific than faculty (Arts) but more general than program (e.g. film studies). Examples of disciplines include: humanities, social sciences, physical sciences, etc. (2) An undesirable consequence for compromising your academic integrity. Make sure to read the Code of Student Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures in the “Green Book” to know what McGill expects of you, and how you can avoid such measures as academic probation, suspension, or expulsion. Double Major – Can’t pick just one major? Solution: Take two! A double major consists of 36 credits in one department and 36 in another. It means fewer electives, but your degree will cover more subject areas and may be more specialized. Also, keep in mind that classes cannot be counted twice for two different majors. For example, Microeconomics (ECON 208) applies for International Development and Economics, but you would need to pick for which which major you would want it to count. Dr. T – The online persona of Dr. Pierre-Paul Tellier, Director of Student Health Services, who can answer your health-related questions. Check it out! www.mcgill.ca/studenthealth/ask/ FEARC – Freshman Events and Academic Representative Committee. As an AUS Committee, FEARC works closely with AUS’ s VP Internal to represent first year students’ interests to McGill’s administration. They also handle your academic and social concerns and help to integrate first years into McGill. They hold events such as “First Year Bar Des Arts” to introduce first years to important AUS events and “Apartment Crawls” to help first years find apartments when they move out of residence. For more information on what FEARC does and how to get involved in FEARC, please visit page 53. Final Exam Period – A three-week period when McGill shuts down, the library stays open for 24 hours, and few students see the light of day. It occurs in December for the Fall term and April for the Winter term. This is the time to study, study, study. Exams can count as much as 100%, so don’t take them lightly. For information, visit https://home.mcgill.ca/students/exams/.

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Fish Bowl – This is a room on the main floor of Redpath Library with tons of study carrels and tables. Starting about two to three weeks into the semester, it is open 24 hours a day for late night studying. Floor Fellow (or Don or MORE Fellow) – He or she is your go-to person on your residence floor. Your floor fellow is responsible for your general safety, well-being, and happiness. He or she is also a great person to talk to for academic, social, or emotional advice. In addition, he or she helps plan social events for your floor. Keep in mind that your Floor Fellow or Don is not a disciplinary officer. His or her goal is simply to make your experience in Rez the best it can be. Freshman Program – This is the program you must follow in your U0 year, meaning you have to take a certain number of classes in different areas, including humanities, social sciences, language, and science. See “Choosing Your Courses” (page 37) and “Freshman Program Courses” (page 41). Frosh – See “Orientation.” FYC – The SSMU First Year Council, whose goal is to assist first-years in everything McGill. FYO – First Year Office: Home of the First Year orientation centre. This is located in the Brown Student Services Building. They will email you and send a bunch of important publications. Visit their informative website at www.mcgill.ca/firstyear/. GPA – Grade Point Average: The average of all your course grades for ONE term, expressed on a scale out of 4.0. It’s definitely important, but do not get too caught up up in the numbers. Your CGPA, on the other hand, is cumulative and measures your grade point average for all completed terms to date. Honours – A high degree of specialization in one area of study. It is like a major, but you complete more credits (usually 60, but this varies) in your department. There are more required courses, including upper-year seminars and research courses. You will need a GPA of 3.0 to get into most honours programs, though some departments might require higher. This is a wonderful option to consider if you are planning on doing grad school or law school, as it demonstrates that you are taking on a higher difficulty of work in your undergrad years. Most programs have a thesis-writing component. IRC – Inter-Residence Council. Comprised of student representatives from each residence, the IRC looks out for your well being in residence. They throw wild parties and represent your interests to McGill’s administration. Keep a look out in early September for information sessions on joining IRC. ISIC – International Student Identification Card: Use this card to get student discounts. You can pick up your card at most travel agencies and train stations. On campus, the ISIC card is available at Travel Cuts in the SSMU building on the first floor. It costs $16 a year, but you will save more! Visit isic.org. Joint Honours – This program is similar to a double major curriculum with 36 credits in each department, but each major is taken at the honours level. Graduating with joint honours is not that common, which means that is impressive to grad schools. However, it is a rigorous program; and there are specific GPA and course requirements for the joint honours component of each major. Check it out in the course calendar and talk to your advisers if you are interested.

Arts Undergraduate Society

Lecture – A 1-3 hour time slot of you listening to a professor talk. Some professors videotape/record lectures and post them on WebCT. However, not all classes are recorded; as a rule of thumb, your Arts classes will NOT be recorded. You should make an effort to make it to every lecture, no matter how bad you may think the professor is or if the lecture is recorded. This way you are able to keep up with all of the required readings. Although professors generally do not take attendance, keep in mind that some classes factor in lecture participation as part of your grade. ListServ – This is an IMPORTANT and FUN email you will get periodically from the AUS, SSMU, and other organizations for which you sign up. It tells you about upcoming events and opportunities in which you can get involved. There could always be something that catches your eyes in these emails! Make sure you read each one, as they contain critical information for your student life at McGill! Major – Your primary area of study. A major consists of 36 credits from one department, including a certain number of required and complementary courses. Martlet (meal plan) – The brand name of your mandatory meal plan while in residence. Martlet meal plans offer a fair bit of flexibility - based on a declining balance, you are able to eat almost anywhere on campus using only your student card as proof of payment. For more information, check out the Food and Dining Services website at www.mcgill.ca/foodservices/mealplans20112012/ and read the section above on the Meal Plans on page 15. Martlet (school mascot pertaining to female athletes) – a mythical bird without legs and in perpetual flight symbolizing McGill’s eternal quest for knowledge and learning. For men, see “Redmen.” McGill Bubble – Literally, this refers to the McGill campus and surrounding neighbourhoods. The term is used to refer to the traditional sights and sounds every McGillian is exposed to during their every day lives. We recommend that you use orientation week and your weekends to get out of the bubble - visit some lesser-seen places on the island of Montréal, dine in the old city, or just hop on a metro car with a couple of friends and explore. Montréal is a fantastic city, and you unfortunately do not see enough of it when you are spending those late October nights in the library. McLennan Library – This library is 7 stories tall, making it McGill’s largest library. It offers endless book stacks, countless study carrels, numerous computers, several conference rooms and an information desk. Be sure to check out the movable bookshelves! Midterm – A test given anytime during the semester before finals. While they are generally not as comprehensive as final exams, they can be specific and difficult. Your first midterms will come sooner than you think. Make sure you keep track of your midterm dates, and study hard! Minerva – Minerva is the online program for students in which you register for classes, pay your e-bill, access your unofficial transcript, and a whole lot more. It is accessible through your MyMcGill web portal. More information is available at “Using Minerva” on page 38. Minor – Your secondary area of study. It consists of 18 credits from a department DIFFERENT from that of your major. (The Faculty of Arts requires the multi-track system: that you study disciplines from two departments.) The exceptions to this rule are: if you do two minors, one may be in the same department as your major, or if you do a “Faculty Program” in Environment or in Industrial Relations.

Arts Undergraduate Society

MyCourses – (Also known as WebCT) A link found within your MyMcGill account, also accessible from the McGill website. This is where you go for all of your course information. Check here for class slides, course syllabi, readings, discussion boards, and mark updates! Make sure to print out all resources you need in case MyCourses stops working two hours before your exam - it has happened before. MWF – Monday/Wednesday/Friday. Classes are often offered “MWF” and usually involve a one-hour lecture on each of these days of the week. Also see “TR.” Orientation – A momentous week of academic and social activities to acclimate you to your new home! This includes “Discover McGill,” a day in which you learn all about the AUS, McGIll academic policies, and how to get around campus. This is followed by “Frosh,” a period of drinking, singing, making friends, and exploring Montréal. You will make awesome friends very fast, so put your social hat on! It just may be the best week of your life. Ever. It is also a great time to get to know McGill and the greater Montréal community! Take the time to be social during Orientation – many of the people you will be with are in the same situation as you, in a new setting without many people they know. This is a prime opportunity to make new friendships! See the Orientation schedule on page 9. Placement Exam – For all language classes, you are required to take this test at the start of the year to determine your level of proficiency and the class you should take. Many science classes also require placement exams. These are often taken during Orientation week, so make sure you plan your schedule accordingly. Quiz – a short exam given sometime during the term before final exams. This is not as big as a midterm, but in university, you will have fewer assignments than in high school, so every mark counts. Reading Week – McGill’s version of “Spring Break” takes place near the end of February each year. This one-week break from class gives you the time to catch up on coursework (a really good idea) or laze in the sun in some tropical destination… or sleep. Redmen (school mascot pertaining to male athletes) – This is the male athletics mascot. A Redman is a male who is red. For the female version, see “Martlet.” Reduced Course Load – Something worth looking into, especially for first semester. Typical course loud is 15-credits, but a reduced course load is a 12-credit term, or 4 classes. This is useful in helping you adjust to the university lifestyle. You will still have full-time student status. Redpath Cafeteria – This cafeteria houses Tim Horton’s, Pizza Pizza, a salad bar, a Première Moisson bakery, and more! This is a great place to stop if you are stressed out in the library. It supports all the Martlet Meal Plans and is open 24-hours during exam period, a treat for late-night studiers. Rez Fest – In the first few days in residence, you get to experience Rez Fest. There will be a lot of bonding with your floor and with your residence through games, sports, movies, and just hanging out. Useful orientation and info sessions also occur during Rez Fest, so try not to miss them! Semester – Half the school year. Most of your classes are one semester long, although McGill does offer some year-long classes, mostly in languages and in economics.

Arts Undergraduate Society

Service Point – This is the location at McTavish and Sherbrooke where you will go to pick up your student ID. Service Point’s mission is to centralize many student services, such as Minerva assistance, transcript pick-up, tuition information, and more. Visit: www.mcgill.ca/students/servicepoint/ SSMU – Students Society of McGill University. In addition to being part of the AUS, you are a part of this, too. Those in charge of it run a big part of your lives on campus. SSMU is in charge of the Shatner (SSMU) building, a textbook exchange, Gerts bar, campus-wide events, such as SSMU frosh and Four Floors. SSMU represents you to the administration and Canadian government. SSMU offers plenty of ways for you to get involved, so keep an eye out for their ListServs. For more: http://ssmu.mcgill.ca S/U Option – Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory option (also known as Pass/Fail), in lieu of letter grades: useful for protecting a GPA from a predictable blow. Unfortunately, this option is only available for non-prerequisite courses and may be employed a limited number of times. You also cannot use it for any classes that count toward your majors or minors! Think about using it for interest courses or languages – courses that you are interested in but are worried about them hurting your GPA. Remember that this option MUST be selected by the end of add-drop, even for full-year courses, and that only a certain number of courses you take can be from the S/U option. Make sure you check out all of the conditions if this interests you. For more information: www.mcgill.ca/students/courses/plan/s-u/. Term Paper – This is a paper you will have often in your Arts classes. Some will be course-based, whereas others will be research-based. They carry significant weight in many courses, so make sure you work hard! This is an opportunity to show what you know and express it intelligently. Tim Hortons – He just might be your best friend this year. Coffee shop popular in Canada. There is one located at Sherbrooke and University and another in the basement of Redpath Library. Trib, the (aka The McGill Tribune) – One of our school newspapers. It covers news, arts and entertainment, sports and often has great content on student life. It comes out every Tuesday. The Trib’s office can be found on the first floor of Shatner. If you’re interested in writing, don’t hesitate to get involved. Check it out at http://www.mcgilltribune.com/. TR – Tuesday/Thursday. Classes are often offered “TR” and usually involve a ninety-minute lecture on each of these days of the week. U0 – Your first year, during which you will complete the Freshman Program (page 37) U1 – Your second year (or first year if you enter with Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or French Baccalaureate credit). You will need to declare your major(s) and/or minor(s) in U1. Web CT – Also known as MyCourses. See above! We realize this is quite a bit to know, and it can surely be overwhelming. As stated at the beginning of the handbook, this is just a guide to helping you navigate your first year at McGill. However, it would be impossible to answer everyone’s questions in a 54-page document. In such a sentiment, do not be afraid to ask questions. Someone will have an answer for you. Check out “Student Resources” on page 27 for more information on how to seek the answers you need.

Arts Undergraduate Society

SPOTS ON MCGILL CAMPUS FEARC knows that the McGill campus can get intimidating from time to time, and we also know that it has a lot more to offer than most students ever make use of. We want you to know where to get cheap ice cream for when you fail a quiz or the best places to nap on campus when you are too tired to walk up the hill. We want you to know how to capably navigate through McGill’s underground tunnel system. Don’t be afraid to explore! We have come up with a quick shortlist of important spots on campus, but it is certainly not exhaustive! Adams Auditorium One of the larger lecture halls, you may find that many of your classes and midterms are held in the Adams Auditorium. Schulich Library is also connected to the Adams building; it is a great study spot.

Arts Building & Cafeteria (Subway) The symbol of McGill Arts, the Arts building is as gorgeous as it is recognizable (see the AUS logo if you want more proof). The building is connected to Leacock and the McLennan Library via underground tunnel, and we challenge you to find the indoor shortcut on the third floor to the 24-hour computer labs in Ferrier. Need a study break? Try the Subway sandwiches franchise in the basement of the Arts building - Eat Fresh!

Bookstore & Computer Shop Located on McTavish at Sherbrooke, the Campus bookstore is a great place to get your textbooks, school supplies, and McGill merchandise. However, if finances are a concern, we suggest that you consider other venues, like Paragraphe, The Word, or the McGill classifieds. The McGill computer store, on the second floor of the bookstore, is a great place to get discounted software and equipment.

Bronfman & Cafeteria (Sinfully Asian) The Management Building is where all of the business classes at McGill take place. It also has a fantastic cafeteria named Sinfully Asian, where all of your Asian gastronomical desires can be satisfied, from tom-yum soup, bubble tea, fresh sushi, General Tao Chicken, to Vietnamese beef subs and more.

Arts Undergraduate Society

Brown Building The Brown Student Services Building, located at McTavish just below Dr. Penfield, is home to many student services including C.A.P.S. (the Career Planning Service), Student Aid, International Students Office, Student Heath Services, and the famous Shag Shop. Check out Student Resources for more.

Ferrier Building & 24-Hour Computer Lab This is the security building as well as the location of the 24-hour Arts Computer Lab & Lounge. It’s the place to go if you want to get your cards punched to put on a lanyard, or get a STOP security plate put on your laptop (http://www.mcgill.ca/security/services/stop-schedule/). Also, the computer lab is one of the nicest on campus and the only one that’s open 24 hours all year, so head over there to get some studying done. There is also a nice courtyard open during the warmer months. The Hill Montréal is one big mountain, but “The Hill” refers to the stretch of University Street from Sherbrooke to the end of the street in Upper Rez (McConnell, Gardner, Molson, and Douglas). It usually takes a student 10-15 minutes to walk it from top to bottom. Make sure your winter boots have good tread. It is a miniature workout, but you can handle it! James Square For the 2010-2011 academic year, McGill undertook a renovation of the area near Milton Gates to create a new area for students to relax during the warmer months. It is a set of stairs starting at the Milton Gates leading to the area near the Arts Building, right by the James Administration Building. It is nice spot to sit down and relax on a sunny day or do some reading between classes. Check it out!

Leacock and AUS Lounge Colloquially known as “the Cock,” this building is the 10-story home of Arts students. It is also home to the Arts Lounge, located in the basement. The lounge is the perfect place to hang out with a few friends, shoot a game of pool, or catch up on some work. For more information on the Arts Lounge, see page 4 or drop by!

Arts Undergraduate Society

Lower Field Your Frosh Destination! Also the location of choice for Carnival and winter hockey. When events aren’t being run on this central field, it is great for a friendly game of Frisbee, football, soccer or tag. Watch out for the skating rink that comes out during winter! There is also a small incline where students like to sun themselves on in the earlydays of fall term.

Redpath Library & Cafeteria The Redpath Library is open 24-hours starting a few weeks into the term. It has the Fish Bowl, a computer lab, group study rooms, group study tables, and the famous Cyberthèque. There’s also a cafeteria that supports the Martlet Meal Plans and serves Tim Horton’s, Pizza Pizza, grilled sandwiches, and shawarmas. The cafeteria is open 24 hours during exam time for when you desperately need a cup of coffee, but it has limited evening hours throughout the rest of the year. McLennan Library (Humanities & Social Sciences) Also known as the Humanities and Social Sciences Library, McLennan Library is seven stories tall, making it McGill’s largest library. It offers endless book stacks, countless study nooks, numerous computers, several conference rooms and an information desk. SSMU Building (“Shatner”) The SSMU Building is a building located on McTavish just below Dr. Penfield. It contains meeting rooms, a cafeteria, a coffee shop, an ATM, and more. Also, located on the first floor is the lounge, which has the comfiest sofas on campus. In fact, most people go here not to study, but to catch up on sleep! Grab a couch early, though - this place tends to fill up fast!

Tomlinson Fieldhouse The indoor track and field complex of the Athletics Center- a great place to come show your school spirit and cheer for McGill during track and field events! You will also take some final exams here or elsewhere in the McGill Gym complex.

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ANNOTATED CAMPUS MAP

The boxed area is where most of your classes will take place. Some classes take place outside of this box, but the vast majority of your classes will occur here. The circled areas are the various residences at McGill, excluding MORE Houses and Solin Hall. The buildings located within triangles are McGillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s athletic facilities. Yes... they are up the hill. Some (but not all!) of the libraries are in hexagons.

Arts Undergraduate Society

STUDENT RESOURCES McGill is a large university, but there’s never a shortage of resources available if you ever need anything. Here’s a short list of phone numbers and websites to help you through your McGill career. Academic Advising and Information: www.mcgill.ca/oasis For more information on Arts advising, see page 40. Athletics/Gym: 514-398-7000 / http://www.mcgill.ca/athletics/ Drivesafe: 514-398-1716 (Add to your phone!) /  http://www.ssmu.mcgill.ca/drivesafe/ A SSMU-run service that offers rides home on Friday and Saturday nights. For whatever reason, do not be hesitant to call Drivesafe. It is free and confidential, but it is not a substitute for a taxi. Information Technology Help Desk: 514-398-3398 McGill Operator: 514-398-4455 Minerva Hotline: 514 398 7878 / www.mcgill.ca/minerva-students If you need help with Minerva, give this number a call! For more information on Minerva, see page 38. Nightline: 514-398-MAIN (Add to your phone!) Ask them any question – literally anything – from 6pm to 3am during the regular school year! An anonymous and confidential information/referral service. Regardless of the issue, McGill Nightline ensures every student is able to cope with problems that might arise during the school year. Ombudsperson: 514-398-7059 / http://www.mcgill.ca/ombudsperson/ An organization that offers confidential and informal conflict dispute resolution services. If you wish to prevent academic tensions between yourself and the administration, the Ombudsperson offers a number of solutions in the form of information, advice, intervention, and referrals. Queer McGill: 514-398-6822 / http://queermcgill.ca/ A support and informational service for lesbian, transgendered, gay, and bisexual students. Regardless of your background or culture, Queer McGill offers a variety of social groups and activities to create a sense of community within the university.

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Sexual Assault Centre of McGill Students Society (SACOMSS): 514-398-8500 / http://sacomss.org/ The center provides a variety of services for survivors of sexual abuse. Volunteer and student-run, the organization offers help to any McGill student in need, regardless of the situation. McGill Security: 514-398-3000 (Add to your phone!) / http://www.mcgill.ca/security/ This McGill service patrols campus and ensures the safety of students 24 hours a day. If you have an emergency on campus, do not be afraid to call the above number. Scholarships and Student Aid: 514-398-6013 / www.mcgill.ca/studentaid/ Paying for your education is a challenge. Don’t be afraid to go to this office in the Brown Building if you need help or if an emergency comes up. They give out scholarships, approve work-study, and deal with government loans. Before you go, make sure you fill out an application form on Minerva. Student Health Services: 514-398-6017 / www.mcgill.ca/studenthealth/ There are doctor appointments and a drop-in clinic available. Student Services: www.mcgill.ca/stuserv An organization that coordinates a variety of academic and extra-curricular services. These range from the First Year Office to Career Planning Services. If a student needs guidance or direction, McGill Student Services is the first place to go. For its full offerings, please follow the above link. Montreal Télésanté: 811 (Add to your phone!) A great place to get your health questions answered when you can’t access a doctor. Available 24/7. Walksafe: 514-398-2498 (Add to your phone!) A volunteer student-run calling service that accompanies any individual who does not feel comfortable walking home alone. However, the service is not available during the summer or exams.

Our Advice: It may be difficult to find exactly what you need at McGill. McGill is a large school, and there are a lot of students seeking the same resources as you. You might need to wait in line. You may need to send a few emails. You may need to do a little research on your own. But at the end of the day, these resources are here to help you out. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Arts Undergraduate Society

GETTING INVOLVED: CLUBS & SERVICES The importance of getting involved in the McGill community is well worth repeating. Dedicating a few hours per week to a club or sport will have little—if any—negative effect on your grades. Rather, involvement has been shown to improve student performance, and the overall satisfaction you experience at McGill will increase substantially. University-wide clubs and services are administered by the SSMU (see the dictionary on page 22.) If one sparks your interest, summertime is the perfect way to find out more about that particular club and make contact with one of the members on it! We also encourage you to attend Activities Night, which will be held in early September and again in January. This evening is a great opportunity to see what is available in which to get involved at McGill. September is also a great time to find out about the services offered by the various departmental groups withinin the Faculty of Arts and administered by the AUS. Even if you hav not yet selected a major yet, Arts Night is a great opportunity find out about the various events and resources provided by each department! Whether you are interested in finding about more about a Political Science major or want to find out what services are available to students who want to studying German, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for more information on Arts Night. For more information about how to get involved in the committee that helped make this publication, see FEARC, page 53. Here’s a list of all the clubs to McGill you can join. Clearly, there’s no shortage! Abhilasha African Students Society, MASS Ahmadiyya Muslim Students Association AIESEC American Politics Association Amnesty International Animal Liberties Anime Club Anti-Racist Coalition (MARC) Anxiety Disorder Support, Awareness and Activism Club Arab Students’ Association Armenian Students Assosciation, McGill Art of Living Club Ashraya Initiative for Children Azerbaijani Students’ Society B.Refuge Baha’i Studies Association (ABS) Bangladeshi Students’ Association Best Buddies, McGill Students Black Students’ Network

Body Empowerment Borderless World Volunteers Bridge Club British Appreciation Society Buddhist Discussion and Meditation Group Burma Solidarity Collective Campus for Christ Canadian Nursing Students’ Association- McGill Chapter (CNSA) Cancer Society McGill Car Tuning Club Caribbean Students’ Society CASA (Climate and Sustainability Advocacy) Challah for Hunger, Montreal. CHAMANGA Change for Change China Care Chinese Students and Scholars Association Chinese Students’ Society, McGill Choose Life Bilingual Improv Team

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Choral Society, McGill Christian Fellowship, McGill Cinema Politica Classical Music Club CNSA McGill Chapter Compassion United Conservationists (The) Conservative Society of McGill University Cuisine on Campus Cupcake Club Daraja: connecting students with Africa Debating Union Deca U Dignitas Youth Club Dragon Boat Club Dream Corps Canada Education Beyond Borders Effusion A Cappella Egyptian Students’ Association Elections McGill End Poverty Now Energy Association at McGill Engineers Without Borders Epilogue Equal Voice (Youth Chapter) Equestrian Club Europe Club Ex-Yugoslav Society Extreme Sport Club Fantasia Fetish and Kink Enthusiasts Fight Band Film Society FIMRC-McGill Financial Markets Group Fine Arts Club Flintknappers Club Folio Magazine Free Tea Club Free the Children (Youth in Action) Freethought Association

French Students’ Community Fridge Door Club Friends of MSF at McGill FYCC (First Year Committee at Council) Gainline Africa McGill Gamers’ Guild Get Fit Ghetto Shul Global Agents for Change Global Aids Coalition, McGill Global China Connection Golden Key Society Gorilla Composting Green Party Greenpeace University Chapter Habitat for Humanity Hanvoice Healthy Minds Hellenic Students’ Associaton Hillel Jewish Student Society, McGill Hong Kong Students Network I*Create I.C.O.N. St. Cyril Coptic Orthodox Association Improv, McGill Indian Students’ Association Indo-Pak Student Association (MIPSA) Indonesian Student Association Inertia Modern Dance Collective Iranian Students’ Association Iraqi Student Society IRSAM (International Relations Students at McGill) Ismaili Students’ Association Italian Students’ Association Japanese Student Association Jewish Experience Journalists for Human Rights Junior Hong Kong Canada Business Association KARA (Korean Arts and Recreation Association) Karate Club Keep a Child Alive Knitting Club

Don’t be afraid to sign up for an email list (ListServ). It’s a great opportunity to hear about upcoming events and activities. There’s no commitment when you sign up for clubs - sign up for anything that catches your interest so that you can get more information!

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Korean Students’ Society Korle-Bu Neuroscience Foundation Club McGill Lebanese Students’ Association Liberal McGill Libertarian Students Association Make-A-Wish McGill Making Waves Malaysian and Singaporean Students’ Association (MASSA) MANABA MASH (McGill Association of Student Homebrewers) Mastermind Club Mauritian Students’ Association Mc-Ill Freestyle McGill Community Gospel Choir McGill Cricket Club McGill Daily McGill First Aid Service McGill Nightline McGill Tribune McGill Walksafe Meal Exchange Med-Specs Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF) Metal Society Midnight Kitchen MISN (McGill International Student Network) MLIC (McGill Legal Information Clinic) Montreal Children’s Hospital Alliance at McGill Montreal Heart of the City Piano Program MonWHO Simulation Mosaica Movember MRSA (Mature and Re-Entry Students’ Association) Muggle Quidditch Team Musicians Collective Musicians’ and Performing Artists’ Network Muslim Students’ Association National Society of Black Engineers Nelson Mandela’s Children Fund

New Democratic Party of McGill New Earth Voices Newman Students’ Society Nordic Society North Korea Freedom Network Omeq Open Minds Organic Campus Orthodox Christian Fellowship Our House Music Society (OHM) Outdoors Club, McGill OXFAM Painting Club Pakistani Students’ Association Paper’s Edge Peace by PEACE Pearson House People’s Liberated Knitting Front Photography Society, McGill Undergrad Plate Club Players’ Theatre Playing for Change PLQ Youth Polish Students’ Association Political Issues Club Pre-Law Society QPIRG Queer McGill Red Herring, The Red Thunder Redpath Museum Club Right to Play Rights and Democracy Delegation Rotaract Students’ Club of McGill University Russian Language and Culture Club SABELA (Students’ Association Benefiting Education & Life in Africa) SACOMSS (Sexual Assault Center of McGill Students’ Society) Salseros

Try to get involved, but don’t over-commit. It is your first year, and you have plenty of time to stay involved. Try a couple of things here and there - and aim for variety while keeping your interests in mind but academics are your priority. There is a lot to choose from, as you can see, from humanitarian causes , intramural sports, to ethnic societies, and more - give everything a chance!

Arts Undergraduate Society

Try getting involved in Inter-Residence Council (IRC) if you will be living in residence. It is a great way to learn about planning events, working on a committee, and McGill student life. Salt for Survival Santropol Roulant, McGill Students’ Save A Child’s Heart Savoy Society Scottish Highland Dance Society Simply Sweetly Choir Sketching Club Ski Team SLASA (Spanish and Latin Students Association) Snowboard Club SOAR Socialist Society of McGill University Soka Gakkai International Student Club (SGI) Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights (SPHR) Soulstice a Cappella South Asian Women’s Aid Speed Dating Spiritual Awareness Fellowship Sri Lankan Students’ Association SSMU Volunteer Program STAND (Students Taking Action Now: Darfur) Starcraft Club Steak and Grill Club Stem Cell Society Student Network for Economic Development (SNED) Students for Alternative Software Society Students for Literacy, McGill Students Offering Support (SOS) Students Supporting Disabilities Students Supporting the Heart and Stroke Foundation Students with Buduburam Youth Students’ Association of Cognitive Science

Students’ Circle Supporting Parents and Reaching Kids (SPARK) Swing Kids Society Swiss Club Symphonic Band Syrian Students’ Association Table Tennis Club Taiwanese Students Association, McGill Tamil Association of McGill Tennis Club Theatre de la Grenoville Think Pink Tonal Ecstasy Traditional Chinese Martial Arts Club Trivia Club Turkish Students’ Society of McGill University TVMcGill Ukrainian Students’ Association Ultimate UNICEF Union for Gender Empowerment (UGE) Universities Allied for Essential Medicine University Student Sled Riders Urban Groove Dance Project V-Day War Child Water Polo Club WaterCan White Ribbon Club World Vision WUSC (World University Service of Canada) WWF Youth Action International YOUths Leadership Conference Committee

Lastly, the AUS also has many committees that help the AUS Executives complete their tasks. These include the Academic Affairs Committee, the Events Planning Committee, the Marketing Committee, the Fine Arts Council, the Arts Undergraduate Environmental Council, the Curriculum Advisory Committee, and more. Keep your eyes open for the AUS ListServs for information about committee applications. The AUS has many departmental organizations, which present a wonderful opportunity in which to get involved. For more information, see “Getting Involved: AUS Departmental Organizations” on page 33.

Arts Undergraduate Society

GETTING INVOLVED: AUS DEPARTMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS When you choose your minor or major in your U1 year, you will become a member of several departmental organizations. For example, if you are studying East Asian Studies, you will be a member of the East Asian Studies Students’ Association (EASSA). These organizations provide a wonderful opportunity beyond traditional clubs listed on the previous pages in which students can get involved. Each has numerous leadership positions, which are either elected or appointed, as they plan events for the members of the association. In addition, the departmental association represents the department within the AUS on AUS Council, which meets biweekly. Come to Arts Night in mid-September, during which tables will be set up in the Arts Lounge from each of the departmental organizations. This is a great opportunity to get to meet the students involved in your departmental organizations. Don’t worry if you haven’t declared your minors or majors yet; departmental organizations often hold movie nights and “current events” discussions that anyone may attend! Here’s a list of the departmental organizations of the AUS. If they maintain a website, the website is also listed. • Anthropology Students’ Association (ASA) www.asamcgill.com/ • Art History Students’ Association (AHCSSSA) • Canadian Studies Association of Undergraduate Students (CSAUS) www.mcgill.ca/misc/undergraduate/studentlife/csaus/ • Caribbean, Latin American Studies and Hispanic Studies Association (CLASHSA) • Classics Students’ Association (CSA) • Computer Science Undergraduate Society (CSUS) http://csus.cs.mcgill.ca/wiki/Main_Page • East Asian Studies Students’ Association (EASSA) www.eassamcgill.wordpress.com • Economics Students’ Association (ESA) http://mcgillesa.com/ • Department of English Students’ Association (DESA) • McGill Environmental Students’ Association (MESS) • McGill Undergraduate Geography Society (MUGS) http://mcgillgeography.blogspot.com/ • German Students’ Association (GSA) http://www.mcgill.ca/german/gsa/ • History Students’ Association (HSA) • Humanistic Studies Students’ Association (HSSA)

• Industrial Relations Students’ Association (IRSA) • International Development Studies Students’ Association (IDSSA) • Italian Studies Association (ISA) • Jewish Studies Students’ Association (JSSA) • Society of Linguistics Undergraduates of McGill (SLUM) http://slum.ausmcgill.com/blog/ • Society of Undergraduate Mathematics Students (SUMS) http://sums.mcgill.ca/ • Middle East Studies Students’ Association (MESSA) • Philosophy Students’ Association (PSA) http://psa.mcgill.ca/ • Political Science Students’ Association (PSSA) http://mcgillpssa.com/ • McGill Psychology Students’ Association (MPSA) http://mpsa.sus.mcgill.ca/ • Religious Studies Undergraduate Society (RSUS) • Russian and Slavic Studies Undergraduate Students’ Association (RSUSA) • Sociology Students’ Association (SSA) • Women’s Studies Students’ Association (WSSA)

If you have any questions about departmental organizations or are having trouble getting in contact with yours, feel free to contact Casey McDermott, VP Internal, at internal@ausmcgill.com.

Arts Undergraduate Society

U0 VERSUS U1 AND CHOOSING YOUR CLASSES  The classes in which you decide to enroll can have a major influence on your university experience. There are many things to consider when making your choices, and while this information is by no means a substitution for a face-to-face meeting with a McGill Academic Advisor (see page 40), we believe we have tackled some major things you should consider when choosing your courses. Questions to AskYourself: a) Does it meet my freshman (if you’re a U0 student) or program (if you’re a U1 student) requirements? (see http://www.mcgill.ca/artscisao/ba/new/) Keep in mind most classes are 3-credits. Typical course load is 15 credits (5 courses), and reduced course load is 12 credits (4 courses). Both are full-time status. Some courses, such as Calculus 2 or language courses such as Chinese or Korean, are 4 or 4.5 credits each, respectively.

If you are a U0 student, you will be taking courses in the Freshman Program (see page 37.)

This requires you to take all of your credits in 3 of the following 4 areas: Humanities, Social Sciences, Languages, and Mathematics & Sciences. This means you can take two courses in one of the four areas per term. The reason for the Freshman Program is so that you are able to explore many different disciplines in your first year so that you will find something that interests you. The list of approved courses in the Freshman program is here: https://home.mcgill.ca/oasis/ba/freshman/approved/. Look at major and minor programs you may be interested in, and start getting the prerequisites done! For instance, if you are considering doing Honours Economics or a minor in Mathematics, it would be wise to complete the Math prerequisites, which also satisy a component of the Freshman Program!

If you are a U1 student, this means you have either completed CEGEP, APs, IBs, or another

system that gave you advanced standing. This means you have at least 24 and at most 30 advanced standing credits. You should declare your major at the beginning of the year. But DO NOT worry; you are NOT committed to this major! Begin taking classes for the major you choose, but take some classes in other areas, too, to see if there is anything else you may be interested in studying. Check out the McGill program requirements here: http://www.mcgill.ca/study/2011-2012/faculties/arts/undergraduate/ug_arts_academic_programs. Our advice: get all of your prerequisites out of the way! For example, Honours Economics requires that you take 3 math classes. It would be a good idea to take these 3 math classes as soon as possible, so you can begin the program.

To find out if you are U0 or U1, you must check Minerva. See page 38 for more information on using Minerva. b) Am I interested in the class? You are far more inclined to do well if you enjoy what you are studying. There is a good chance that you will find yourself procrastinating a lot less and having a much better sense of intuition when it comes time for the exam. Do “Natural Disasters” or “The Art of Listening” really appeal to you, or are you taking them just because you heard they are easy?

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Check out the syllabi of courses taught in the past to see if it is something you may be interested in taking. Many departmental websites, such as History and Political Science, have previous course syllabi available on the website for you to peruse. Do not get freaked out by large reading loads or numerous papers when reading the syllabi. Think about it this way: every course is going to have a large workload. Reading a syllabus for the first time and actually being in the class are two completely different things. Many professors also tend to cut readings from the syllabus if they believe they have assigned too much, so do not be too intimidated when looking at syllabi online. For a sample syllabus that outlines course expectations, see page 41. c) Does the professor have a good reputation among students? McGill University prides itself on the quality of its professors; however, it is well worth your time to visit the “Mercury Course Evaluation Menu” on Minerva (see “Using Minerva” on page 38). Here, you can access reviews of classes and professors that students have submitted. Another good place to check is www.ratemyprofessors.com, where you can get a better sense of the professor’s specific teaching style. Do not be too swayed by some bad ratings. Remember that some students do not choose to attend the class and thus find the class harder than some students who would have gone to class. Ultimately, the best way to see whether or not you like the professor is to go to a couple of the classes during the “Add/Drop” period at the beginning of the term. You are not committed to the class. Pick a few classes to attend, and pick your favorites! d) How does it fit into my schedule? Your first priority when scheduling classes should be to avoid direct conflicts (in other words, overlapping classes). Although Minerva will let you know about any such conflict, it will not prevent you from signing up. A ten minute gap between classes is usually sufficient to get from one lecture hall to another, but there are some exceptions. You should try walking out your planned schedule during the week before class to get a feel for where your classes are held. Two classes back-to-back are manageable; three is difficult. Watch out for four classes in a row, especially, because for most of us, that is roughly the equivalent of a 70 km mental marathon. Do not underestimate the value of an hour or two between classes to prep for the next lecture, eat some lunch, or have a midday nap. One final note: although it might seem nice to fit in all your classes on MWF to take TR off, theoretically, this could leave you with all of your midterms, presentations, and papers due all in one day. This is rough – try to achieve some balance in your schedule. For instance, perhaps 8:35 classes everyday will be too difficult for you if you are not a morning person. A better option for you, then, may be to alternate 8:35 and 11:35 classes. It may be a good idea to use the website “registersmart.org.” It is called Smart Minerva and can help you plan your schedule. Be careful, though; changes in the schedule do occur that are not updated on Smart Minerva. Check the schedule Smart Minerva produces for you with the actual schedule on Minerva. This will save you some pain during registration.

Arts Undergraduate Society

e) How balanced is my course load? Diversity in the McGill lecture theatres comes not only through the subject matter that differs from course-to-course, but also through teaching styles that each professor employs and the evaluative tools he or she uses. Note that although some courses are reading intensive, others call for multiple choice exams, and others yet involve regular essay and report writing. Something to consider: first semester takes some adjusting—socially, academically, athletically, and otherwise. If it is an option, you might want to think about choosing a reduced courseload of four courses instead of five during your first semester, so you become more acquainted with how university courses are conducted. For example, economics classes will be more math-heavy than an English class. The Freshman program includes math/science and languages. Four or five highly reading-intensive classes may be challenging during your first year. Try taking classes in other disciplines to achieve some balance. You should also consider taking FIRST-YEAR SEMINARS (FYS). These are classes that only first-year students can take that have a limit of 25 students per course. The goal of these is to maximize your interaction with a professor and to help you with your writing and speaking abilities. Check them out! f) Think outside of the box! Many McGill students have not yet found their direction and are hoping to keep as many doors open as possible until they are ready to sort out their plans. You should consider taking a few courses unrelated to your concentration. You will broaden the scope of your intellect, and you may discover a new field you wish to explore! Many students change their field of study multiple times through their four years. It is perfectly acceptable - and common - to make such changes. Take time to ensure that your formal education—and life thereafter—is everything you want it to be! Once you’ve assembled a short-list of classes to take, you will need to register for your classes on Minerva. Check page 9 to see when you will register. It is a good idea to become accustomed to MINERVA, McGill’s online course registration system, before you actually have to register. That way, when your course selection date finally arrives, you can login, enter your CRNs into the Quick Add worksheet, and finish your registration in under 5 minutes. All of this will be explained - see page 38! QUICK REVIEW: FEARC’S GUIDE TO CHOOSING YOUR CLASSES: • Don’t be afraid to try something new. Loved learning about philosophy in high school history classes but never thought you would have the opportunity to read Locke’s Two Treatises on Government? • Make sure it meets your requirements, whether you are U0 or U1. • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are advising sessions before the start of the academic year. • Make sure you don’t have any conflicts in your schedule! Websites such as Smart Minerva may help you plan your schedule, but only Minerva is 100% correct. • Try to find a balanced workload. Ultimately, the goal of the Freshman Program is to help you discover your interests and to achieve a balance in the subjects you study during your first year. • Check out ratemyprofessors.com and the Mercury Course Evaluations.

NEED ADVICE? CHAT LIVE WITH AUS ONLINE ADVISING! www.ausmcgill.com/advising 36

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SAMPLE FRESHMAN PROGRAM (U0) COURSES For a description of the Freshman Program, please see page 34 under “If you are a U0 student...” The Freshman Program requires U0 students to take all of your credits in 3 of the following 4 areas: Humanities, Social Sciences, Languages, and Mathematics & Sciences. This means you can take two courses in one of the four areas each term. You must satisfy 30 credits of Freshman Program courses. If you have come in with Advanced Standing credits but are not U1, you must complete the difference between 30 and the amount of advanced standing credits you have received. You can check the number of advanced standing credits you have on Minerva on your Unofficial Transcript. NOTE TO U1 STUDENTS: Many of these courses are introductory courses. While you do not have to take courses from each category, you will nonetheless end up taking courses that are part of the Freshman Program. This contains SOME, BUT NOT ALL, courses that satisfy each classification. Humanities Social Sciences ARTH 205 Introduction to Modern Art ANTH 208 Evolutionary Anthropology CANS 200 Intro to the Study of Canada ANTH 210 Archaeology of Early Cities CLAS 200 Intro to Ancient Greek Lit ECON 208 Microeconomic Analysis and Applications COMS 210 Intro to Communication Studies ECON 225 Economics of the Environment EAST 212 Intro:East Asian Culture:Japan HIST 195 FYS: Sources of World History EAST 216 Chinese Action Film HIST 208 Intro to East Asian History ENGL 200 Survey of English Literature 1 HIST 236 Russia from 1801 to 1991 FREN 250 Litt française avant 1800 LING 201 Introduction to Linguistics HISP 225 Hispanic Civilization 1 POLI 227 Developing Areas/Introduction ISLA 200 Islamic Civilization POLI 244 International Politics: State Behaviour JWST 199 FYS:Images-Jewish Identities PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology MUAR 211 The Art of Listening SDST 250 Intro: Sexual Diversity Studies PHIL 200 Intro to Philosophy 1 SOCI 211 Sociological Inquiry RELG 204 Judaism, Christianity&Islam SOCI 247 Family & Modern Society WMST 200 Intro to Women’s Studies WMST 200 Intro to Women’s Studies Languages Mathematics and Sciences Latin, Ancient Greek, Modern Greek ATOC 185 Natural Disasters Korean, Chinese, Japanese BIOL 111 Principles:Organismal Biology English as a Second Language CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1 French Language and Literature (for fluent speakers) CHEM 181 World of Chem: Food French as a Second Language COMP 250 Intro to Computer Science German, Spanish, Portuguese EPSC 182 Astrobiology Arabic, Turkish, Urdu, Persian, Hebrew, Yiddish MATH 140 Calculus 1 Italian, Sanskrit, Tibetan, Russian PHYS 101 Intro Physics - Mechanics

The complete list of courses is available at http://home.mcgill.ca/oasis/ba/freshman/approved. If you are U0, you must have your Freshman Program courses approved. You can do that at the following link: https://home.mcgill.ca/oasis/ba/freshman/approved/form/.

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USING MINERVA You have used Minerva before when filing your application to come to McGill. We know it can be confusing and that there are many menus to navigate, but we promise that once you figure it out, it is not that bad. Here is our guide on how to register for courses using Minerva. Please note that you can do other things on Minerva, such as see how much you owe McGill for tuition and housing, view your unofficial transcript, print letters showing your proof of enrollment, apply for financial aid, and more. 1. Navigate to http://banweb.mcgill.ca. You can also access Minerva through MyMcGill, a portal which gives you access to myCourses, McGill Email, and Minerva. See: https://mymcgill.mcgill.ca/ 2. Login using your McGill Username and Password. If it is your first time logging in, you have to use your Student Number and the temporary PIN that comes with your acceptance package. Your username will be firstname.lastname@mail.mcgill.ca. There may be a number after your last name if there is another student at McGill with the same name. 3. Once you’ve logged in, find the “Student” tab at the top. Then click on the second link that reads “Registration Menu.” 4. It’s a good idea to find out what year you are in and to check if there is anything prohibiting you from registering, such as unpaid fees. Click on the “Step 1: Check your Registration Eligibility...” link. Select “Fall 2011” when prompted as the semester. 5. If everything is in order, you will see a message like this:

0 If your year is “Year 0,” it means that you are a freshman (“U0” student). This is the most likely case if you’re entering McGill from high school. If your year is “Year 1,” you are a “U1” student. This is the most likely case if you did the IB, AP or French Bac in high school, or attended a CEGEP. It may take some time for McGill to process your transfer credits. Please be patient! 6. Click on the “Step 2: Search Class Schedule...” button to find out what classes are available. You can search by Subject and by Faculty. For full course descriptions, as well as a list of the courses that are required for your program, check out the course calendar at www.mcgill.ca/courses. If you are U0, keep in mind the course options from the Freshman Program on page 37. If you are U1, try to start completing prerequisites and required courses for your major. For more information on programs, see www.mcgill.ca/study/2011-2012/faculties/arts/undergraduate/ug_arts_academic_programs.

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7. It is a good idea to write down the CRN (Course Registration Numbers) of each of the courses in which you are interested on a separate sheet of paper. It will make registration much easier than repeatedly adding and dropping courses. All you do is type in the CRNs for each course you would like! 8. Once you have ensured that your courses do not conflict with each other, make sure that you have a list of the CRNs for the courses for which you want to register when your registration date comes around (see page 9). Take a careful look at any restrictions associated with the courses you want to get into, so that you are not unpleasantly surprised on course registration day! Here is an example of a course listing with the course description and a restriction. Course Name

CRN

Course Code

Section Number

Check for restrictions! 9. When it is your time to register (see Calendar on page 9), logon to Minerva and navigate back to the Student Registration menu. Click on “Quick Add or Drop Courses.” 10. At the bottom of the page that loads, you will see something called a “Quick Add Worksheet.” It looks like this ----> All you have to do to register is enter the CRNs you have previously compiled and hit the “Submit Changes” button. You will be informed if there were any issues with your registration choices. Add/Drop Period: The First Two Weeks of Classes: Minerva will be an important resource throughout the year, but especially during the “Add/Drop” period during the first two weeks of each semester. During this period, you can attend different classes and drop them without it being on your transcript if you do not wish to continue taking it. Think of it as class shopping. This is so that you can pick the schedule that best meets your wants and needs. More About Minerva: The “Student Menu” section is your friend. If you are trying to rework your schedule, check Minerva constantly to see if spots open up. From the Student Menu, you can add and drop courses, register for waitlists and view your status on them, and see your transcripts and curriculum (major, minor, classes etc.). In addition, you can view and print out your class schedule by section or in visual layout and access information about the time, days, locations, TAs, and professors. Using WebCT (MyCourses): Although it is not a part of Minerva, a lot of professors use WebCT (myCourses, Blackboard) to put readings, lecture notes, slides, and other course-related information online. Some classes use WebCT a lot, while others barely have any activity at all. You will figure out to what extent you need to use it over time, but check it at least every couple days during the semester, so you do not miss anything important. It is accessible from the myMcGill menu.

Arts Undergraduate Society

ADVISING: ARTS OASIS AND DEPARTMENTAL ADVISERS So, after you read all the information about choosing your courses and using Minerva, we know it is overwhelming and difficult. Fortunately, McGill does not expect you to be able to figure everything out on your own! In fact, McGill has an entire set of staff dedicated to helping you academically outside of the classroom. These are your FACULTY ADVISERS. They represent the Faculty of Arts and are part of the Arts OASIS, or the Arts Office of Advising & Student Information Services. The home of your faculty advisers is Dawson Hall, located right next to the Arts Building. Their informative website is http://www.mcgill.ca/oasis/. Check it out for more information on academic policy and advising. The beauty of advisers extends beyond just an informative website, though. Sometime during the fall semester, you will be assigned a faculty adviser. Even before you are assigned an adviser, you can either attend a drop-in advising session or make an appointment to see an adviser. Drop-in advising occurs when you go to Dawson Hall, preferably early in the morning, and get a dropin card. You will be told when to come back. You should try to attend the drop-in session of your own faculty adviser, but it is not necessary; a schedule of advisersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; drop-in hours is available on the OASIS website. Drop-in sessions are typically ten minutes or fewer. For information on the faculty advisers, including their schedules, visit this website: http://www.mcgill.ca/oasis/general/information/adviser/. If you have a serious problem or if you anticipate needing more than ten minutes to have your questions answered, we suggest making an appointment with your adviser. You can do this by emailing your adviser with your name, student number, and your weekly availabilites to meet. Word of Advice #1: Do not wait until the last possible moment to see an adviser. If you end up needing help later down the road and you have not met with your adviser at all during your academic career, it will be difficult to explain your situation. Rather, if you have met regularly, and a problem does come up, your adviser will know who you are and will be much more understanding of your situation. Therefore, he or she will be able to help you more effectively than if you have never met with your adviser. Think of it this way: meeting your adviser can only help you in your McGill academic career. In addition, when you declare your majors and minors, you will have DEPARTMENTAL ADVISERS. Your departmental adviser can tell you which courses you should take to complete your major or minor. They are more knowledgeable about the individual program you are completing. To figure out who your departmental adviser is, please visit your individual departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website. We suggest meeting with BOTH your faculty and departmental advisers regularly (i.e., once per semester). One of the worst things academically that could happen is you find out you missed a required course before you expect to graduate. But you can avoid that by meeting with your adviser! Word of Advice #2: See an adviser and attend a departmental information session during Orientation week! We assume you want to start your McGill career off on the right foot...

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A MODEL SYLLABUS When you come to McGill and you attend your first classes, you will receive a syllabus. This is your guide to succeeding in the course. When in doubt, check the syllabus! We have created a sample syllabus to demonstrate what a typical syllabus is like. Keep in mind that not every syllabus follows this format, but each syllabus should contain information such as the professor’s contact information, course topics, grading schemes, and a statement that McGill requires regarding academic integrity. HIST 287: History of McGill University Fall 2011 Lecture Time: MWF, 11:35-12:25 Location: Leacock 132 (Note: This is a fictitious course!) Instructor Professor Angelica Pickles Office: Truman Hall, Room 336 Office Hours: MW 3:00-4:00 or by appointment Email: angelica.pickles@mcgill.ca (preferred method of contact) Teaching Assistants TA: Doug Funny, doug.funny@mail.mcgill.ca Office: Truman Hall, Room 320 Office Hours: R 1:00-2:00 or by appointment

TA: Patrick Star, patrick.star@mail.mcgill.ca Office: Truman Hall, Room 324 Office Hours: T 2:00-3:00 or by appointment

Your professor and your TA are here to help you. Take note of their contact information, office hours, and more. Also, make sure you keep note of whether or not there is a “mail” in the mcgill.ca email address. In general, you should see your assigned TA before seeing the professor. If the office hours conflict with one of your classes, be sure to set up an appointment.

Introduction to the Course You may be wondering: why is it important that I know the history of the institution at which I am studying? There are many reasons for this. Founded in 1821 by James McGill, McGill University has become a world-class institution whose teaching and research have changed indelibly the academic landscape throughout the world. Why was James McGill interested in founding a university in Montreal? What are the reasons for McGill’s success? What is the educational philosophy at McGill? What complications have there been regarding university policy, student activism, and the greater Montreal area? Some issues we plan to examine are the French/English language issues, the creation of a campus focused on agricultural science, and the organization of student governments at McGill. By the end of the course, you should be able to answer this question: Are the ideals behind James McGill’s founding of the university in 1821 realized today in 2011? Course Objectives • • • •

You will learn about the history of McGill University through various case studies involving the founders, the development of curricula, problems between administration and students, the international reputation of the university, and the educational philosophy of McGill. You will complete a research task designed to help you understand the historical research process. You will become familiar with McGill libraries and how to write a research paper in Chicago style. You will learn to work with primary source materials to supplement your understanding of basic episodes in the history of McGill. You will become familiar with how to participate in an engaged and active discussion with your peers during your conference section.

Grading • • • •

Conference Participation (10 conferences scheduled throughout the term): 15% Mid-term exam (in-class, Wednesday, October 12, 2011): 20% Term Paper (due Monday, November 28, 2011): 25% Final Exam (date TBA, administered by McGill): 40% HIST 287 Syllabus, Fall 2011 – Page 1

HINT: Review the syllabus before your final exam. As your final exam is supposed to test whether or not you learned the course objectives, reviewing these objectives could give you possible hints as to questions on the final exam that examine the scope of the course.

Don’t take this as a list of priorities. Each item, despite varying percentages of worth, is critical to your success in the course. For instance, don’t take conference participation lightly. Even though it’s 15% in this course, it could be the difference between passing and failing.

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Required Materials 1. A Brief History of McGill University by Chuckie Finster (2011 edition): Available at Paragraphe Books o Make sure you purchase the most recent edition, as it includes new chapters that are required for this course that are not available in the 2005 edition. o Because this is a new edition, you will not be able to purchase the book from previous students. You may find it cheaper online, but you will be delayed in your first few reading assignments. Do this only at your own risk. 2. Course-pack of readings: Available at McGill Bookstore. Many of these sources include articles from McGill and Montreal-based newspapers. It also includes sources from the McGill archive that are relevant to the topics we will be studying this year. 3. Other sources may be posted on WebCT. Online sources will be denoted as such in the syllabus. We also will be following and discussing current events on campus. You should read The Daily, The McGill Tribune, and/or The McGill Reporter to keep tabs on important events at McGill. Recommended (i.e., not required) readings are included in the syllabus. You may read them if you wish to supplement your knowledge on a specific topic. You will not be tested directly on these articles, but if you include them on an examination, it may significantly enhance your mark. Knowledge of French is not required for the course, but it may be of assistance when doing your research assignment.

Get your books as soon as possible! Books can and do sell out. Make sure you definitely want to take the class before purchasing the book, though. Make sure to check on the syllabus WHERE you should buy your books. Professors often order textbooks to different locations; not every book is available in the bookstore. Check out McGill Classifieds and the Word Bookstore (on Milton) for cheaper copies of your textbooks, but make sure you have the right edition. HINT: Your course-pack readings are just as important as those in the textbook!

Examination Policy The mid-term exam scheduled for October 12, 2011, will be held in-class. You must come 5-10 minutes early so we can begin the exam promptly at 11:35. Exams will consist of ID questions in which you will have to define several terms and explain the significance thereof. The mid-term will include ID questions and an essay. The final exam will include ID questions and two essays. Please note that the final exam is cumulative; that is, it includes material from before and after the mid-term exam. If you cannot take the mid-term exam for medical reasons or a family emergency, you must present valid documentation to the professor (not your TA). A make-up exam will be scheduled for two weeks after the exam, but you can only take this make-up exam if you have an approved, legitimate excuse. The professor reserves the right to refuse a student’s excuse if it does not appear legitimate. The final exam will be scheduled and administered by the university. The date of the exam has not been scheduled yet; the schedule should be released sometime in October. Please read about McGill examination policy regarding supplemental and deferred exams.

Take note of whether or not your exams are cumulative, as this can make a HUGE difference when studying. Even for non-cumulative exams, don’t forget all of the material from before. Important themes you have broached throughout the course can still come up, even if you discussed them before the mid-term.

Conferences •

•

You will have a weekly conference beginning the second week of class lasting until the end of the term. These conferences will have between 15 and 25 people. During these conferences, you will discuss the primary source articles that have been assigned on the syllabus below. You will also be discussing any important, current issues that come about during the term. This is why you must read the school newspapers on a regular basis. Note that you will not have a conference during the week of the midterm and the week before your paper is due. Instead, the professor and TAs will hold additional office hours for your paper. HIST 287 Syllabus, Fall 2011 – Page 2

Your conferences will generally be with a TA, although some are with the professor. This is a great opportunity to revise your understanding of significant aspects of the material. Feel free to talk to your TA if you are having any problems with the course.

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• • • • •

You must register online for your conference on Minerva as soon as possible. If you are not registered for a conference, you will not be on the list, and you will not get credit for attending. You will have to hand in conference assignments throughout the term, including reading responses. It is your responsibility to keep track of these assignments. For instance, you must hand in a list of research ideas for your paper for your second conference. Late assignments will not be accepted! Conferences will be scheduled on Thursday and Friday only. Please register for the conference during the Friday lecture period only if the other conferences do not fit in your schedule. There are six available conference sections. Two will be held during the Friday lecture period. We will hold one conference in French if there is sufficient demand. I will field interest about such a conference during the first class meeting. You will not be graded on attendance solely; rather, you will also be marked on the quantity and quality of your discussion, the interaction with your peers, and your conference assignments.

Register early for your conferences to make sure you get one that is best for your schedule, but be considerate of others. If you are free during a conference that takes place outside of your lecture slot, you should register for that conference.

Discussion is about much more than quantity. HINT: Prepare talking points before conference!

Term Paper You will be writing a 10-15 page research paper for this course. You will be investigating a contentious event in McGill history, be it problems between administration and students, a student protest, any controversial and well-documented disciplinary cases, etc. More information about the research paper, including requirements, detailed questions, topics, and more will be distributed in mid-September. (Keep in mind that if you wish to write about a topic not on the list, you must get approval from your TA or the professor.) You will need to use the McGill archives. You will have an introduction to the McGill archives at the library during your second conference to help you with your research. The paper must be written using the Chicago Manual of Style. If this is your first time writing in this style, you should see your TA during his or her office hours. Also, visit chicagomanualofstyle.org. You may write your paper in either French or English. Instructor’s Policies • • • • • • • •

Lectures will not be recorded; therefore, it is imperative that you attend class. Keep in mind that you must take both exams and hand in the term paper to pass the class. If one of these components is not completed, you will fail the course. There will be no exceptions. Internet surfing is not allowed during lecture and conference. You may not submit extra work to pass the class. Grades will be calculated using the formula above. I will not accept electronic copies of your paper. All papers must be handed in to me or to your TA. When we collect your research papers, they must be handed in within the first five minutes of the lecture. After this five-minute window (at 11:40 AM), the essays will be considered one day late. All grades will be reduced by one grade level for each calendar day the paper is late, including weekends. For instance, an A- will become a B+, a B+ will become a B, etc. Please note that the course does not proceed chronologically. Rather, we will be focusing on different topics and themes throughout the history of McGill University, such as McGill architecture, conflicts between students and administration, James McGill, etc.

Statement on Academic Integrity McGill University values academic integrity. Therefore, all students must understand the meaning and consequences of cheating, plagiarism and other academic offences under the Code of student conduct and disciplinary procedures (see www.mcgill.ca/integrity for more information). HIST 287 Syllabus, Fall 2011 – Page 3 Not surfing the internet during lecture should be a given. Not only is it distracting to your peers who are trying to learn, but it will also decrease how much you gain from lecture. Save the facebooking for after class!

A term paper is your OPPORTUNITY to take what you have learned to the next level. Take the themes you have discussed in class, and apply them to realworld issues.

Take note of the preferred citation style that your professor wants. Points can be deducted for incorrect citations.

The instructor reserves the right to establish his or her own rules for the classroom. These differ from professor-toprofessor. Take note of these policies!

In general, Arts professors do not record lectures. If they do, however, this is not a substitute for attending lecture. Lectures are not only part of the academic experience; attending lecture will also help you keep up with the material and digest it properly.

This statement regarding academic integrity appears on EVERY syllabus you will receive at McGill! Don’t treat it lightly. Academic integrity is serious here.

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Course Schedule Starting the SECOND week, the Friday lecture will be replaced by a conference. That is, once conferences begin, you will no longer come to Leacock 132 for Friday lecture. Introduction to the Course • F 9/2: Distribution of the syllabus, explanation of academic policies, discussion of class topics Week One: The Life of James McGill • M 9/5: Lecture One ! Finster, Ch. 1 • W 9/7: Lecture Two ! Finster, Ch. 2 • F 9/9: Lecture Three ! Course-pack: REQUIRED: Excerpts from The Autobiography of James McGill; RECOMMENDED: Patrick Star, “James McGill: From Philanthropist to University Founder,” p.79-123 Week Two: History of the McGill Landscape • M 9/12: Lecture Four ! Finster, Ch. 3 • W 9/14: Lecture Five (Guest Lecture, Jimmy Neutron, Architecture Department) ! Finster, Ch. 4 • R/F 9/15-16: Conference One (Note that we no longer will be having Friday class now.) ! Coursepack: Helga G. Pataki, “How McGill Architecture Reflects Historical Developments,” p.33-72 Week Three: History of the McGill Archives • M 9/19: Lecture Six ! Finster, Ch. 5 • W 9/21: Lecture Seven ! Finster, Ch. 6 • R/F 9/22-23: Conference Two (held at McLennan Library) ! WebCT: Olga Pataki, “On the Establishment of the McGill University Archive: The Significance of Record-keeping.” (Available on Web-CT only) o CONFERENCE ASSIGNMENT: Formulate a list of potential research ideas for your paper. This is to be handed in to your TA! Week Four: The Language Debate • M 9/26: Lecture Eight ! Finster, Ch. 7 • W 9/28: Lecture Nine ! Course-pack: The McGill Daily, Op-Ed by Timmy Turner: “McGill’s Language of Instruction Should be French.” (2004) • R/F 9/29-30: Conference Three ! Course-pack: The McGill Daily, Op-Ed by Penelope Taint: “The Language of the World is English. So Should McGill’s.” (2004) Week Five: The Development of Student Governments • M 10/3: Lecture Ten ! Finster, Ch. 13 • W 10/5: Lecture Eleven ! Finster, Ch. 9 • R/F 10/6-7: Conference Four ! Course-pack: A collection of campaign materials from throughout McGill’s history. Compiled by the McGill University archives. Week Six: Mid-term Exam • M 10/10: Lecture Twelve ! Review for Mid-term Exam • W 10/12: MID-TERM EXAMINATION • No conference this week. (The syllabus continues…) HIST 287 Syllabus, Fall 2011 – Page 4

Most syllabi will contain a list of readings for the course. It is your responsibility to keep up with the readings. In general, you should try to complete the reading BEFORE the day’s lecture. You should also try to finish the entire week’s readings BEFORE the week’s conference.

Take note of required and recommended readings. Recommended readings will enhance your understanding of the material. Citing a recommended reading may help you on your exams.

Take note of DUE DATES -- write them in your calendar, store them in your phone, etc. Lateness is NOT your friend in university.

The same thing above goes with exam dates. Do not forget! HINT: Begin preparing for exams as early as you can. Keep detailed notes of your readings. Try to find sample exams online, create practice questions, and listen to hints from the professor regarding possible examination questions. Use your syllabus to prepare for the year. Compare your syllabus for one class with your other classes’: see if you have papers due within the same week and see when your midterms are scheduled. Do this to plan ahead, so you don’t fall too far behind when things get busy.

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THE FIRST FEW DAYS Your arrival in Montréal is going to be action-packed. But in the rush and fun of it, do not forget to: - Get your ID card right away. You will need your ID to buy food, to get into your residence, and to demonstrate proof that you are a McGill student. You will have to get your ID card at Service Point, located at McTavish just above Sherbrooke. You will see signs pointing you there. Arrive early, because the line can get long. You may want to consider punching a hole in the top of your ID card, which you can have done at the Ferrier building, and attaching the card to a lanyard. This reduces the chance that you lose it; replacements are $25. - Have your ID card validated for your meal plan. If you are on a meal plan (see page 15), they will validate your ID to purchase food at Service Point when you get your ID. - Make sure McGill has all the paperwork it needs from you. This means: the Permanent Code Data Form if you are an out-of-province student, Proof of Canadian Citizenship if you are a Canadian student, or a Study Permit if you are an international student. This information will be collected when you go to get your ID at Service Point. - Set up your internet and/or phone. This can be done on the internet. If you live in residence, you have two free weeks of internet at the beginning of the year. However, you will have to pay for Internet during the year. See www. mcgill.ca/rezphone for details. - Visit the First Year Office. Run by the First Year Office in the Brown Student Services Building if you have any questions! They also have lots of resources, such as calendars and discount coupons, that can help you throughout the year. - Attend the Rezfest BBQ. You will get details about this if you live in Residence, but it’s a great opportunity to meet people in your residence. Also, there will be lots of clubs giving out information about joining and getting involved. Check it out! - Attend Discover McGill/Orientation. (For dates, see page 9.) This is the start of your orientation program at McGill. This is a great way to meet the executive of the AUS, find out important information about McGill and meet your fellow Arts students! You will get a tour of campus, receive tons of informative pamphlets, and learn about the academic policies and standards of the McGill Faculty of Arts.

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- Register and confirm your course schedule on Minerva. Finish registering for your classes soon, and make sure you have no conflicts! Also, take advantage of the “Add/Drop” period, so that you can pick the classes that interest you most. - Open a bank account (for International students or those who do not already have one). Something to keep in mind: there are RBC and Scotiabank ATM’s throughout campus. - Figure out your phone plan.  There will be tents from each of the major phone providers set up during the first few days around residence move-in on McGill Lower Field. Shop around before you make your decision, but they will have student pricing available, so it might be a good time to buy then. - Organize your residence room/apartment.  If you are living with a roommate, make sure to have a chat about the way you generally carry out your day-to-day life. Review things such as schedules, and discuss other important issues like music-playing rules and guest protocol. Covering topics like these will make for a much smoother year! If you are alone or with roommates, make sure you are unpacked and ready to begin your first semester! If you find you need something, see page 8 for a list of suggested places. - Attend the Rez Council information sessions for your Rez. Get involved in student government! It’s a great way to make a difference – this book and many of the student services provided by your student societies and the University began in the minds of interested students who were once first-years like you! Rez Council is a great stepping stone to further involvement in McGill student life. - Attend AUS & SSMU activities nights. During these events in mid-September, you can learn about the many clubs here at McGill.  - Explore Montréal.  Now is the perfect time to see everything because before you know it, it will be midterm season! - Be outgoing.  Meet as many people as you can. Orientation, including Discover McGill and Faculty Frosh, are great opportunities to meet people. Remember that most people you will be encountering are just as nervous as you are and are in the same situation, in a brand new city without too many people they know. Don’t be afraid to say, “Hello! My name is...” - Enjoy yourself!

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WHEN YOU’RE NOT STUDYING... THINGS TO DO IN MONTRÉAL NIGHTLIFE Montreal is famous for its nightlife - for good reasons. On any given night, there are tons of things to do. Let’s guide you through it, but DO explore on your own-- find your own favourite spots! A (serious) word of caution: Although we like to believe that Montreal is a safe city and its citizens are mostly very good people, we urge you to practice street smarts. Always travel in groups, always keep an eye on your drink, and be careful where you end up! Also, commit these numbers to your phone:   Walksafe: 514-398-2498

Drivesafe: 514-398-1716

Both are free services run by McGill student volunteers. Walksafe (www.walksafe.ca) provides a student patrol to walk you home so that you do not walk home alone. Similarly, Drivesafe (www.ssmu. mcgill.ca/drivesafe) provides vehicular transportation home. While provided by McGill, these services can be used by anyone, anywhere on the island of Montréal. HOT SPOTS The Main St. Laurent Boulevard, known around North America as “The Main,” is home to historic pubs, clubs, shops and bars and is one of the most culturally-rich areas of Montréal. It leads all the way from the Old Port up through downtown, the Plateau, the Mile End, and beyond. You will probably spend a lot of nights out on this street bar hopping. Check it out here: http://montreal.streetviewtours.com/ hotspots/montreal-boul-saint-laurent/ Crescent Crescent Street is a few blocks west of campus and is a more upscale area. It has a fantastic night-life strip and is home to great bars, luxurious clubs, and retailers. Check it out during the day, too! Ste. Catherine If it is in Montreal, you can find it along Ste. Catherine. The city’s major artery, this street is home to department stores, shopping malls and runs parallel to both the underground city and the metro’s Honoré-Beaugrand (green) line. Go far enough east (Beaudry Metro), and you will end up in the Village, Montréal’s bustling queer neighbourhood. The Milton-Parc Community Probably the most widely-used term you’ll hear at McGill as it pertains to living arrangements. This community is immediately east of McGill’s campus, bounded on the east by Parc Ave, to the North at des Pins and to the South at Sherbrooke. As for nightlife, house parties are the norm here.

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MUSIC Montréal has an amazing music scene. Every North American tour seems to have a stop here. Use the Internet to find out where your favorite bands are playing, and check the sites for the following locations constantly so that you do not miss your favorites! ... Live Music CLUB SODA (p) 514-286-1010; 1225 Blvd St Laurent; www.clubsoda.ca Club Soda is a popular destination for Carnival events, but during the “off-season,” it turns into a club that hosts established acts including jazz, avant-garde groups, heavy metal, and comedy acts. CAFE CAMPUS (p) 514-844-1010; 57 Rue Prince Arthur Ouest; www.cafecampus.com This popular student club has great live acts, most of which are French rock and Québecois bands. ... Concerts BELL CENTRE (p) 514-932-2582; 909 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal; www.bellcentre.ca/en This is downtown where the beloved Montréal Canadiens play hockey. This venue hosts the biggest (and most expensive) acts that come through town. Our advice: try to buy tickets early! METROPOLIS (p) 514-844-3500; 59 Ste. Catherine Street East; www.montrealmetropolis.ca/ This large venue is for bands that cannot quite pull a stadium-sized crowd but are popular among university students. There are always great shows here for around 30 bucks. LA TULIPE (p) 514-529-5000; 4530 Avenue Papineau; www.latulipe.ca This more intimate Mile End venue boasts an authentic atmosphere for lesser-known acts that are still touring. Also look up La Sala Rosa, Le National, and Il Motore for similar style venues! PUBS AND BARS BRUTOPIA (p) 514-323-9277; 1219 Rue Crescent; www.brutopia.net Relaxed atmosphere with live music, booths and a shuffleboard. Pints here are $2.50 all night on Monday and until 8pm every other day of the week. BAR DES ARTS (p) 514-398-1993; Leacock Building B-12; Thursdays, 4pm – 8pm One of your AUS student services! Every Thursday, “BdA” provides $1 beers as well as $2 grilled cheese sandwiches to get the weekened off to a great early start.

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LE ST. SULPICE (p) 514-844-9458; 1680 Rue St Denis One of the largest outdoor terraces (if not the largest) in Montréal is boasted here. A great place to go in the early days of fall, St. Sulpice is spread over four levels in an old Victorian stone house, a cafe, several terraces, disco, and a sprawling back gaden. PEEL PUB (p) 514-844-6769; 1107 Rue St. Catherine Ouest; www.peelpubmontreal.com This is your classic student pub. It has cheap pitchers of beer, great deals on shooters on Thursdays, and delicious greasy-spoon food. The 30 big-screen TVs are a big draw during any playoff season...but be prepared for a very sticky floor. CLUBBING CLUB 737 (p) 514-397-0737; 1 Place Ville Marie; www.promoclub737.com This is an exclusive, glamourous club set on the 43rd floor of an office building. The romantic skyline never disappoints. TOKYO (p) 514-842-6838; 3709 Blvd St Laurent; www.tokyobar.com A big draw for first years, especially on Thursdays when admission is lowered for students. Watch out for this club’s water-filled backlit bar, sunken circular sofas, rooftop bar, and two dance floors. MONTRÉAL ATTRACTIONS LA RONDE (p) 514-397-2000; 22 Chemin Macdonald (Parc Jean-Drapeau Metro); www.laronde.com This amusement park has several large roller coasters for the thrllseekers and some smaller attractions for those intimidated by high speeds and steep drops. Tickets are about $40 for a day pass, but if you plan on visiting often, it may be more cost-effective to buy a season pass. The park closes in late October, but October is Fright Fest: the park is decorated for Halloween with haunted houses! OLD PORT 303 Rue Notre-Dame Est; www.vieux.montreal.qc.ca Transport yourself to Europe just by taking a quick metro ride to Place D’Armes or by walking all the way south along St. Laurent. Cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and delicious Beaver Tail treats meet to bring you a wonderful retreat from the hastiness of downtown city life. Check it out! MONT ROYAL http://www.lemontroyal.qc.ca See the mountain in the middle of the city? Yeah, you can climb it! There is a staircase that leads directly to the top. You can access it from Upper Rez between Gardner and Molson. There’s a little cut in the fence you can go through. Or you can go up Rue Peel past Pine, and you will see a set of stairs. The views are beautiful! There is also a small ski slope, an observatory, and a man-made lake.

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GETTING AROUND MONTREAL Montréal is a large city with a wonderful public transportation system. You can virtually get anywhere you want by taking a metro (subway) or bus ride. There are many diverse neighbourhoods to explore. Do not feel limited to just the McGill Bubble! Here is a guide to getting around the city. Bixi “Bixi Bikes” are a revolution in individualized transport. They are rental bikes that belong to the city and are available from around mid-April to mid-October. Subscriptions are available at any Bixi bike stand or online; they are available only with credit card. Subscription fees vary based on duration: $5 per day, $28 per month or $78 per year. Check out https://montreal.bixi.com for more information. Buses Buses are a fantastic, above ground method of transportation that will bring you almost anywhere: (just check the routes and schedule before planning your trip. Students living far from campus might want to consider investing in a monthly pass: check out www.stm.info for more information. There is a student discount that reduces the cost of a monthly fare from $72.75 to approximately $41. For more information, visit http://www.carteopus.info/redirection_en.html. Cab A cab is a good option if you are splitting with people. Just do not forget to factor in the tip (~15%)! Taxi Diamond - 514-273-6331 Atlas Taxi - 514-485-8585 Royal Taxi 514-274-3333 Metro The metro runs from 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM from Sunday to Friday and until 1:30 on Saturday. Students living far from campus should consider buying a monthly pass: visit www.stm.info for more information. There is a student discount that reduces the monthly fare from $72.75 to approximately $41. There is a day on campus on which you can purchase a student metro pass at the Brown Building. Check your email for information on that. You can also buy 6 tickets for $14.25 at the station. Suggestion: Buy a student transport pass for a month and try to use it as much as you can, even if it is just a random bus trip for no purpose. There is so much of this city for you to explore that you might not see otherwise! In Summary... The transportation options in Montréal are great. Don’t be afraid to ask people for help with directions or getting around. There is so much to explore and discover because there are so many unique neighbourhoods. Investing in a student pass is much more cost-effective than buying single tickets.

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TRAVEL Whether you like it or not though, there will come a time when you have to make use of some means of travel to come to McGill, visit home, get around the city, or fly away to the Alps to meet that beautiful Italian pen pal of yours. If this is your first time away from home, you might want to consider booking your first visit home around Canadian Thanksgiving at the beginning of October. Going home too soon can make it difficult to establish yourself in your new home, and if you tell yourself that you will brave it out until winter, you might regret your decision when it is a bit too late.This gives you time to adjust. There are several options to consider as means of travel: plane, train, bus, and automobile! By Plane: - Recommended for all overseas or cross-country travel needs. - This can be an attractive choice for points (Air Miles, etc.) collectors. - Be sure to book EARLY, because it can save you chunks of cash. - The Montreal airport is the “Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport” (975 Romeo Vachon Street North, Dorval, QC), and its airport code is “YUL”.

The airport is not located downtown; you will have to take a bit of a trip to get there. Cabs offer a flat rate for getting to the airport, but you must remind them about it before they start the trip. The cost is $38 and the duration of the ride is usually between 30 and 45 minutes. Remember to tip! The best way to get to the airport on the cheap is the “747” shuttle offered by the STM (Service de Transports de Montreal – Montreal’s public transit service). For a $8 fare, you can take one of the shuttles driving between Montreal’s Trudeau airport and the Berri-UQAM metro station in downtown Montreal. The shuttle service runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Note: The $8 fare is payable ONLY in coins, not bills or other payment method. You can buy tickets at Berri-UQAM, the airport, and to the bus driver. For more information: www.stm.info/english/info/a-747.htm. By Train:   If you are traveling from Montreal to another big city in Canada more than a couple times a year, the Via Rail 6-pack is perfect. If you buy your tickets in bulk, you can save a lot of money. You will need an ISIC card (see page 19) in order to get student rates. You can pick up your card at most travel agencies and most train stations. It will cost you $16 a year, but it will save you much more. On campus, the ISIC card is available at Travel Cuts in the University Centre (Shatner) building on the first floor. If you can, make sure you get on an express train. It will cut the trip length considerably. For information on Via Rail, please visit www.viarail.ca. If you live in the USA, you can take Amtrak to New York City. For more, see www.amtrak.com.

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Getting to the Train Station The train station is located right on University, just south of Rene Levesque. If it is a cold day - and let’s face it, you live in Montreal now - you can walk all the way there through the underground city. It is about a 15-minute walk from campus, but it will take longer if you are bringing a lot with you. Make sure you leave lots of time to get there early. It is not easily accessible by metro or bus. If you do not want to walk, we recommend taking a cab. By Bus: Buses are reliable and cheap, but they do take longer than planes or trains. Check out the Greyhound website at www.greyhound.ca and www.greyhound.com or Coach Canada at http://www.coachcanada.ca to find schedules, fares and specials. If you are traveling from Montréal to another Canadian big city, then the buses offered by Coach Canada run often, and you do not need to purchase a bus ticket ahead of time. To get a student price, you must present your student ID card along with your ticket as you get on the bus. For travels to the US, you must purchase your bus ticket ahead of time. If you are really on the ball, buying a round trip ticket more than 2 weeks in advance is often a better deal than the student discount, but you must know exactly which you will be traveling on. Remember that your ticket does not guarantee you a seat on the bus. Arrive early, especially on holiday weekends! Megabus is another company which runs the Montreal - Toronto corridor. They sometimes they have amazing seat sales. People have been known to find a trip to Toronto for as little as $1. Check out http://ca.megabus.com. Getting to the Bus Station Station Centrale d’Autobus / 505 Maisonneuve Est. The bus station is farther from campus than the train station but easier to get to by metro. You can also take a cab. To get there by metro, make your way down to the McGill metro station and take the green line towards Honoré-Beaugrand. Get off at the Berri-UQAM station and follow the directions to the Station Centrale. It is within walking distance, but it will be difficult with your luggage. By Car:  Rent-a-Wreck: (514) 343-5500, www.rent-a-wreck.com  Discount Rentals: (514) 286-1929, www.discountcar.com  Enterprise Rent-a-car: (514) 844-9794, www.enterprise.com   Note: Discount and Enterprise both allow individuals under the age of 25 rent cars, if you are a registered student at McGill. They also both provide a discount to McGill students. You may also want to consider Ride-Sharing. Check out Amigo Express (www.amigoexpress.com) and Allostop (www.allostop.com) for more information.

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FEARC

FRESHMAN EVENTS AND ACADEMIC REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL Interested in getting more involved next year? Want to make a difference in the First-Year community? FEARC just might be the right committee for you! FEARC (pronounced “fierce,” the committee that made this handbook for you, is the first-year council for Arts students. Appointments for the committee are made in late September or early October. The goal of FEARC is to represent first-year Arts students within the Arts Undergraduate Society and to plan events for the Arts first-year community. FEARC has about six or seven positions, but the entire committee works together to plan events and to build camaraderie among first-years. Some events that FEARC 2010-2011 held were: • First-Year Bar Des Arts: Bar Des Arts is an event the AUS holds each week on Thursdays. FEARC sponsored from its budget one free beverage for each first-year Arts student who attended. The goal of this was to get first-years involved in existing AUS events. • Making the Transition to Second Year: Many students are nervous about the transition to second year, which involves living off-campus, declaring a major, getting more involved in student life, and more. This event had many student resources available, so students could ask questions and get answers! Such resources included included Arts advisers, Off-Campus Housing, and more. • First-Year Apartment Crawl: The First-Year Apartment Crawl was an event FEARC hosted to help students find apartments in the McGill Ghetto and Lower Plateau. They took two groups of approximately twenty people each to six apartments. Some students even signed their leases the next day!

If you are interested in getting involved in student life and/or student politics, FEARC just might be the a great stepping stone for you. It is a great way to learn about how the AUS works and to meet older students. For more information about getting involved in FEARC, please contact VP Internal Casey McDermott at internal@ausmcgill.com.

Freshman Events and Academic Representative Council, 2010-2011.

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Where can I find more information? Arts Undergraduate Society www.ausmcgill.com | (514) 398-1993 Online advising for new students is now available! 9am - 5pm from June 1 - August 27 www.ausmcgill.com/advising

See you in Montréal! À bientôt! 54