Published by the Centennial College Student Association Inc.
l
November 2018, VOL 23 ISSUE 02
排他的
Photographer
Journalist
Graphic Designer
The Courier is looking for contributors to write, design or take pictures of anything Centennial College. Get some experience, get a little money and get your work published.
Email gmosher@centennialcollege.ca
Index 6
The CCSAI kicked off the semester with some carnivals. Take a look at the Campus Carnivals and the Carnival Party.
10
The Anime Guild is one of the CCSAI’s most active and successful clubs. Find out the secret to their success.
14
The AWC is full of inspiring people doing amazing things. We want to share two of those stories with you to get you motivated.
16
Catching up with the Colts gives you the run down on Colts varsity athletics. From the highs to the lows we bring you it all.
18
Am I on the right path, should I change what I’m doing, how should I respond? We try and read the stars for answers.
19
Do high textbook prices have you down? The CSA has an answer for you. Find out more and see how you can get involved.
MASTHEAD Editor-In-Chief Geoffrey Mosher
12
During the busy school day it can be hard to find affordable, filling and delicious food. Progress Campus has so many options and variety it can be difficult to choose. Here are our Top five picks, a guide to the best on-campus food!
Get your quick fix: CALENDAR PAGE 5
CLUB PROFILES PAGE 10-11
Graphic Designers Lora Denis Jaime Muñoz Fernanda Oliveira Contributors Sam Casais Stephanie Chan Alexandra Charles Zainab Chunawala Joshua Delgado Joshua Miller Jay Ramirez Lovey Reid Aaron Rothermund Jordan Tam Kajan Thiruthanikasalam
AWC UPDATE PAGE 14-15
11 14 17
3
1 2 3
QUESTIONS/ CONCERNS? Geoffrey Mosher Communications CCSAI 416-289-5000 Ext. 8713 gmosher@centennialcollege.ca
SERVICES
CALENDAR
GALLERY
NEWS
FEATRE
CLUBS
AWC
ATHLETICS
Letter from the
PRESIDENT
I hope you’ve had some time to rest or get involved during Engagement Week at the end of October. We’re here to support your student experience for the rest of the semester and your time at Centennial, so make sure you visit our offices and participate during our events, join one of our clubs or take advantage of the many services that we offer! During October we had our Annual General Meeting where we ratified our Board of Directors, approved amended by-laws, approved our operating budget and ratified many more student clubs. Now we have over 35 clubs that you can be a part of! Look out for Thrive Week happening the week of November 12 – 16, where you’ll see the CCSAI and many other college departments hosting events throughout all campuses. That week is also the International Education Week that brings many more events and engagement opportunities! Make sure you also keep your eyes open for our CCSAI Giveaway Week and our Destress Week in early December.
SAM CASAIS, PRESIDENT CCSAI SCASAIS@CENTENNIALCOLLEGE.CA 416-289-5000 EXT. 2324
If you’ve noticed a new course pinned to your courses in your eCentennial dashboard named “Leadership Passport”, make sure you check it out! The Centennial College Sloan Leadership Academy launched in October and is now open to all students who wish to pursue the Leadership Passport. If you’re looking for opportunities to volunteer, make sure you sign up with us by filling the volunteer form on our website http://ccsai.ca/volunteer-app/. We look forward to engaging with you and making your experience at Centennial the best it can be. Help us keep ourselves accountable to you by providing feedback through email or phone, and dropping by our offices at any moment!
GRADUATION PORTRAITS Book Now! 2018/2019 Fall Session Please book an appointment at:
www.centennialgradphotos.com LOCATION
Story Arts (Rm 113) Ashtonbee (A 106) Morningside Campus (Rm 113) Progress Campus Student Centre (Rm 3) Progress Campus Student Centre (Rm 3)
DATE
TIME
November 5 - 6 November 7 - 9, 12 November 13 - 16 November 19 - 23 November 26 - 28
9 am - 4 pm 9 am - 4 pm 9 am - 4 pm 9 am - 6 pm 9 am - 6 pm
Bring $10.00 (cash sitting fee) and your student I.D. number phone: (416) 290-5129 email: info@phoenixprolabs.com facebook.com/centennialgradphotos
Phoenix Pro Labs Professional Photo Printing Services
4
SERVICES
CALENDAR
GALLERY
NEWS
FEATURE
CLUBS
AWC
ATHLETICS
NOVEMBER
& DECEMBER
at a glance...
NOV
12-16 No Stress Zones - CCSAI Lounges As part of Thrive Week all CCSAI lounges will be transformed into No Stress Zones where students can kick back and relax in their free time.
NOV
20-27
NOV
15
Thrive Succulent Planting Progress Main Events Hall 12:00 - 2:00pm Students can sign up to plant and decorate their own succulents!
NOV
NOV
16
27
Transforming The Future Deadline
Progress Athletics & Wellness Centre
Submit your suggestions for Transforming The Future. http://ccsai.ca/ transforming-the-future/
Breakfast with Santa is our annual holiday children’s party. The children of Centennial students, employees, and alumni are invited! Cost is $15/child (infant to age 12, includes entry for up to 2 adults). Additional child tickets $15/child and additional adult guest $10/guest
Giving Week - All Campuses Register online at ccsai.ca/event/santa by November 16.
At all CCSAI lounges we want to give you a positive message and hopefully brighten your day. Drop in to our offices and take a positive note, and leave one for someone else too!
Giving Week: Timmies Tuesday All Campuses 10am - 2pm
As apart of Giving Tuesday CCSAI wants to brighten your day and buy you a coffee. CCSAI reps will be passing out Tim Hortons gift cards to students at random!
Giving Week: Free Breakfast All Campuses 9:00am
Drop in to the CCSAI lounge for a free breakfast, while supplies last!
DEC
10-13
Giving Week: First Impressions Free Store
CCSAI Giveaway - All Campuses
Come check out CCSAI’s First Impressions and help yourself to 3 free items of gently-used formal business wear!
Progress Lower Lounge
CCSAI wants to celebrate the holidays by giving away great prizes for four cheerful days. Want to receive a gift from CCSAI? During the giveaway week we will post daily clues of the location of our CCSAI Logo. Find the logo and bring it to your CCSAI office to claim a prize! 5
SERVICES
CALENDAR
GALLERY
NEWS
FEATURE
CLUBS
AWC
ATHLETICS
The CCSAI welcomed students back to school with the Carnival Party. The AWC was filled with all kinds of performers, djs and dazzling lights.
6
SERVICES
CALENDAR
GALLERY
NEWS
FEATURE
CLUBS
AWC
ATHLETICS
Photo Credit: Jay Honey Boy Ramirez
排他的
7
SERVICES
CALENDAR
GALLERY
NEWS
FEATURE
8
CLUBS
AWC
ATHLETICS
SERVICES
CALENDAR
GALLERY
NEWS
FEATURE
CLUBS
AWC
Alexandra Charles, Geoffrey Mosher, and Lovey Reid snapped some of the fun at the Campus Carnivals Follow us on social media to see photos of all of our events on Facebook: CCSAI, on Instagram @CCSAIToronto and on Twitter @CCSAI.
9
ATHLETICS
SERVICES
CALENDAR
GALLERY
NEWS
FEATURE
CLUBS
AWC
ATHLETICS
By: Joshua Miller
The CCSAI Anime Guild boasts an online community of over 230 members on Facebook and plays a key role in providing a welcoming space for all anime and manga fans at Centennial College. The Courier wanted to catch up with the club to see how they’re doing. The Courier spoke with the current president of the CCSAI Anime Guild, Kyle Doroja, to discuss the club, its origins, future, who should join, and what are some recommendations he has for those new to anime.
What are some of the activities or programs that the club offers to its members? We’re currently doing something new for the Anime Guild that I suggested that we did in my role as president and that was we have different months based on different genres of anime and within those months we do certain activities and screenings related to those themes. During the beginning of the school year, it was school related, so a lot of our events and screenings were school related anime and help students get used to the college atmosphere. This month is horror because it is the month of Halloween and scary stuff. We plan a lot of screenings of anime, a lot of activities, and a lot of outings.
What is the mandate of the Anime Guild?
What are some of those activities and outings, if you could expand on that?
Our mandate, our goal is that we want to provide a space for students who enjoy and meet other people who enjoy anime and encourage them to keep the Japanese culture of it and the Japanese culture in general so we are a social club. That’s our mandate.
So, our outings will be going to see movies, all the things related to Japanese culture, trying out new food. We have done origami classes, Japanese lessons, video game events. We recently had a big event happening which was a cosplay café so we have had a lot of different activities.
When was the club started and how did the club come to be? Who do you think should check out or join the club? Our club started in 2014 or 2013, and it started, from what I was told from the original president that it was a bunch of him and his friends in the now club room and they were hanging out and CCSAI approached them to make a club and they did and that’s how our club got started.
Students that already enjoy anime or people who want to find an area where they can explore and discover the culture of anime and what it’s about and just a place where people can socialize and meet new people. We don’t only focus on anime but on comics books, video games as well, and other sorts of things.
10
SERVICES
CALENDAR
GALLERY
NEWS
FEATURE
CLUBS
AWC
ATHLETICS
What are some next steps for the club, any new programming or expansion? Regarding the future and stuff that we would like to see change, for a long while, a lot of the club’s activities and events and meetings have been held at Progress (campus). We are trying to expand and go to other campuses so we can meet the students at their campuses compared to coming to Progress all the time. We also want to create a club that is more involved with its members . . .we see it as a place where we feel safe and we really have a family dynamic to our club where everyone is welcome. I think the only changes I would like to see in the future include more of the culture and history of Japan, not just the anime side but also their food, their dialect, so it’s more of a Japanese club than an anime club.
What does anime mean to you? I see it as a medium where you can use it to sometimes escape reality. Where you can sometimes see characters and emotions you are currently experiencing and sometimes it can help you in certain situations, be it family problems or romance, all kinds of stuff because a lot of the time anime tends to teach you lessons and goals through their animation and stories. In my life, personally, I have gained a lot of knowledge and friendships through anime. When I came to the college I didn’t know anyone and then the original president noticed I like anime, introduced me to the club and I went from a member to a president.
If you were speaking to someone who never saw anime before, what is your elevator pitch to get them to start watching? It is originally a form of animation unique to Japan, just like how cartoons are for us. But has greatly evolved in a sense where it is a genre with genres of its own, where it’s like TV shows here in Canada and the U.S., there are anime about love and romance, about horror and gore. There are anime that are sports related. If you have an interest in a certain genre, you will most definitely find an anime that relates to it.
What is one big misconception about anime that you find isn’t true? I think the one huge misconception is that the whole “anime is for kids” deal where “you like anime? Isn’t it a kid’s things?” Yes and no because as I’ve mentioned, it is a thing that has evolved so much. Yes it can be a kid’s thing with anime like Pokémon but then there is anime like Tokyo Ghoul, Attack on Titan, and Corpse Party. You wouldn’t dare show that to a kid... It (anime) can be enjoyed by people of any ages.
If you could recommend one anime for students to watch, what would it be and why? I think for me I couldn’t really recommend one, because I would likely recommend something that I have watched and enjoy a lot, a lot of people have different tastes. But I think some anime that people should watch, there is one, it’s a newer anime that is called My Hero Academia. It’s a show about a school of students who have powers who are trying to be the next generation of superheroes. Attack on Titan, which is more of a darker show, about a somewhat apocalyptic atmosphere and there are these titans that want to invade this walled off city, and there’s a bunch of people trying to defend the city against these titans. These are more the mainstream ones you are more likely to see at a Hot Topic, they are well known, but there are a bunch of hidden gems as well.
Do you have any final words? If you are interested in the club, feel free to join, we are always looking and always accepting. Don’t ever be embarrassed if you want to show interest in the Anime Guild because we have members who enjoy anime from different genres and enjoy characters of different types... Our club is one of the more popular clubs, we don’t do a lot of the embarrassing things you may think an anime club does. We may do it on occasion but not a lot, not all the time. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
11
SERVICES
CALENDAR
GALLERY
NEWS
FEATURE
By: Zainab Chunawala Photography: Stephanie Chan
Our Top 5 picks! A guide to the best on campus food! In a world where fast, fresh food is the norm, Progress campus has stepped up their game to cater to its students and feed the smart minds and large appetites. The Market Place (aka Cafeteria) on the 1st floor of C Block at Progress campus has regular food options, home to Tim Hortons, Pizza Pizza and Subway which are familiar and established brands built around a communal seating area. For those lunch rushers looking for options outside the main cafeteria, we bring you a handy list to figure out where you can get the best (and best-hidden) food. If you study at Progress, you’re in luck! And if you’ll be visiting soon, well, don’t pack yourself lunch and check out these options. The Student Association run Union Bar & Grill has made a name for itself in the foodie circle with their great options at affordable prices. Its cafeteria style dining features fresh cooked-to-order food with hearty portions, that’ll keep you going the entire day! Another option worth exploring is the Local Cafe. If you’re looking to impress and don’t want to burn a hole in your pocket, this is the place to go. The café is situated in the Hospitality wing, also connected to the Residence building. It gives you the real fine dining feel with its restaurant style setup. Run by the students of the Culinary and Hospitality program, there’s always interesting options.
12
CLUBS
AWC
ATHLETICS
SERVICES
CALENDAR
GALLERY
UNION BAR & GRILL: MAKE YOUR OWN POUTINE SMALL: $4.50 AND LARGE SIZE: $5.50 This is a hot favourite on campus! Stressed out, huddling over a quick group lunch before a presentation; sounds familiar? Find comfort in this cheesy gooey classic that’ll take your mind off things, at least for a bit! Unlike most poutine gravies, this one is vegan, which is the standard option. You could add/customize your poutine with different gravies and additional veggies, chicken or bacon bits to choose from.
UNION BAR & GRILL: CHANA SAMOSAS WITH MANGO LASSI $8 If you are at Progress campus and there’s one option you can try; it should be the Mango Lassi! The Union Bar & Grill orders more than 35 cases of mango pulp each week! It has a rich creamy texture and is extremely flavourful, almost like savouring the real fruit. The small size Lassi is a whole 500 ml while the large is 780 ml, works like a complete meal! The team at the Union Bar & Grill recommends pairing it with the Chana Samosas and you’re set for the day, the most delicious way! The whole deal falls under $8.
NEWS
FEATURE
CLUBS
AWC
ATHLETICS
UNION BAR & GRILL: CHICKEN STRIPS AND FRIES OR WINGS AND FRIES $6.75 Another classic, this one is another winner that students vouch for! At a cost of just $6.75, this is a reasonable and delicious option at this venue.
UNION BAR & GRILL: SC ANGUS BURGER $6.30, OPTION WITH FRIES: $8 The mighty Angus comes with beef, bacon and cheese in BBQ sauce and is a meat eater’s delight!
SUPREME BURGER $5.40 OPTION WITH FRIES: $6.30 The Veg Supreme Burger isn't far behind. It comes in special Harissa buns that are layered with North African spices offering a sprinkle of heat that’ll make your taste buds dance!
LOCAL CAFE: MOST DESSERTS UNDER $5, MOST MEAL OPTIONS UNDER $7. (ALL PRICES INCLUDE TAX) Looking for something quick on your way to class or a formal atmosphere for a business lunch? The Local cafe is your place! This student-run restaurant in the residence/hospitality building, boasts of chia and fresh fruit yogurt parfaits to gourmet salads, sandwiches, desserts, and take-out meals on its menu in addition to relatively cheap and specialty coffee and tea. The best part is the Laboratory meals that change every day, showcasing the talent of the students! Therefore, every time you go, there are probably different options to try! Try out these campus favorites and indulge in the joy, taste and community that truly good eating brings!
13
SERVICES
CALENDAR
GALLERY
NEWS
FEATURE
CLUBS
AWC
NAME Pearl Vas POSITION Manager, Global Experience, International Education
ATHLETICS
GOAL Consistency: show up three days a week and continue through the winter MEMBER AT AWC 4 Years
budget. I think just for me, having a group with me, we push each other. If the trainer was to say do this jump with four steps – I’m very scared of jumping – and if it was just me and them I would probably stop at the four, but if I see my group mates doing five or six I would push myself to say “maybe I can do that.” It helps me push myself to see other people doing it and that keeps me going, that excites me.
AWC PROFILE By: Geoffrey Mosher
How did you get started at the AWC? I work here so it’s an easy option. I started running in 2012 and I ran a lot for those two or three years and then I was starting to get a little bit bored. I had a couple of colleagues who did these classes so I thought I would join them. Your main focus is the HIIT class? Yes, I do that three days a week. I try to anyway. That’s pretty much the only activity I get at this point, which is why I try and make time in my schedule. I have it in my work calendar so I try to move appointments around it and meetings around it. Most of the time I make it work. What is your favourite part of the class? I like that there are different trainers. Every semester and every year there are at least one or two new trainers and they each have their own style, which is exciting. A lot of them are very creative so there are a lot of moves we’ve never heard of before. I really enjoy that each person has their own style. The groups are quite small so there are not more than five of us each time; it’s almost like having a personal trainer, but
in a group setting. It’s not just a one-on-one type of thing, which may be intimidating. I know it might be a bit too much attention for me, this is a nice way to divide the attention, but not be lost in a big class. Some classes at other bigger gyms can be 30+ people. This is much nicer and smaller. The trainers tailor the exercises to the person. If someone is much stronger they’ll get a bigger weight or a different kind of movement. What drew you to the HIIT class specifically? I accidentally started it because a colleague of mine started it. A couple of us did it together. I stuck it with it because now we have our core group of three or four of us that always do it and we hold each other accountable, we’ll give each other a call and see if they’re coming. So that keeps me going. Do you have any advice for others looking to get fit? We have an amazing facility and I’m sure that all the other campuses have some really cool facilities and it’s free for employees, which is amazing and almost unheard of in any workplace. It’s convenient, you can book it in between your meetings and just jump out, do a quick class, and get back to work and you’re more energized. I think if you can find a buddy to hold you accountable and you both sign up for it that really helps. The key is just to take advantage of these cool programs that we have on offer. Why do you find the group format so much easier than individual training? One aspect would be the cost of having a personal trainer oneon-one is quite expensive, so that may not be in everyone’s 14
Is there anything else you would like to add? I know it’s a scary thought to come to this place that has all these fancy machines and all these people with all their gear and knowing what they’re doing but there are always people willing to help either at the front desk or upstairs. So if there is a little of interest they should come by and talk to whoever is available. They are more than happy to guide them and get them started. You just have to take the initial plunge and it’s a good place to be, a good community. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
CALENDAR
GALLERY
NEWS
FEATURE
CLUBS
AWC
ATHLETICS
BY JOSHUA DELGADO
RON SIMEON Fitness & Health Promotion, Alumnus
MANAN SHAH Strategic Management, Accounting
IAN EVANYSHN Business Administration, Marketing
On Saturday October 6th, 2018 the Centennial Weightlifting Club participated at an open level competition in Oakville at the Radix Performance Centre. The event hosted over 50 athletes from over a dozen local weightlifting clubs including three schools: Centennial College, McMaster and U of T Mississauga. Three Centennial athletes participated in three separate weight classes. Two were novice athletes competing for the first time. AWC trainer and Centennial College alumnus Ron Simeon won a gold medal in the Men’s 61kg category. This event is among a series of open level events within the competitive season leading up to our annual extramural on February 9th, 2019.
Centennial College athlete Ian Evanyshn Left to right are: Manan Shah, Ian Evanyshn, Josh Delgado (Coach), Jordan Tam (Assistant Coach).
Photo Credit: Jordan Tam
SERVICES
15
SERVICES
CALENDAR
GALLERY
NEWS
FEATURE
CLUBS
AWC
ATHLETICS
By: Kajan Thiruthanikasalam
catching up with the
colts
SOCCER
A ROUNDUP OF HOW THE CENTENNIAL COLTS ATHLETIC TEAMS HAVE FARED SO FAR.
As the soccer season wraps up, both the women and the men are at opposite ends of the spectrum. It has been a trying season for the women as they lost their first ten games of the season, with the last two games being outscored, 13-0, against the Durham Lords and the Seneca Sting, heading into their final road game against the Loyalist Lancers on Sunday, October 14. However, the lengthy losing streak came to an end on that afternoon as they defeated the Lancers, 2-1, on the strength of goals from forwards Faby Monteiro and Sayla Peters. Currently sporting a 1-9-1 record on the season, the ladies hope to end their season on a high note at home against the Fleming Knights. Midfielder Jessica Friend has been a bright spot, making the transition from a playmaker at Western University to the offensive focal point at Centennial, scoring three goals so far. Goalkeeper Sabrina Rizzo, in her first season as the starter, has kept her team in games, ranking second in the OCAA in total saves made with 134.
BASKETBALL Men’s and women’s basketball have wrapped up their pre-season schedule in which there were standout moments and performers.
For the men, after a 6-2 loss in the crossover match last year against the Sheridan Bruins that left a bitter taste in their mouths, they were determined to take that next step this year and advance to the provincial championship weekend for the first time in 20 years.
This year’s recruiting class has made an impact so far as Isaiah Cromwell-Wright (15.2 ppg), Isaiah Adeboboye (10.7 ppg), Kyrin Henlin (10.9 ppg), and Dieu Merci Betoukoumessou (8.4 ppg, 8.0 rpg) have provided the Colts with an injection of youth and energy. With a relatively new roster, Centennial looks to gel together quickly and make a statement in the OCAA.
With one more game left to go in the regular season against the Fleming Knights, they are currently in third place in the OCAA East with a 5-2-2 record (17 points). Striker Liam Cox has taken his game to another level, leading the team with eight goals thus far. Meanwhile, on the backside, the defensive quartet of Ostap Hamarnyk, Rodion Matveev, Kevin Segamanasinghe, and Kyle Cohall have been nothing short of fantastic while rookie goaltender Chim Oneyeka has quietly had a solid season, with four clean sheets.
Meanwhile, for the women’s team, Cori Browne has provided the Colts with a much needed scoring spark on the perimeter, as she averaged 22.0 ppg in the two games that she played in the preseason. As the team shifts to more of a guard-oriented roster, Centennial hopes to make some noise during the regular season.
It is not determined who Centennial will play in their crossover match this year as it remains to be seen where they finish in the standings. But it is confirmed that it will be held at the warm confines of home in Progress Turf Field on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 6pm.
16
Get a finance qualification that can take you places. ACCA is the fastest-growing gateway to a global accountancy career, with members and students in 180 countries. ACCA has accredited accounting and finance programs at Centennial College, accelerating your path through the ACCA qualification.
To find out more visit accaglobal.com/canada or email us at info.ca@accaglobal.com
Go further. ACCA is not affiliated with any Chartered Accountant (CA) or Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) organization.
17
SERVICES
CALENDAR
GALLERY
NEWS
FEATURE
CLUBS
AWC
HOROSCOPES By: Aaron Rothermund
ARIES (March 21 - April 20)
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)
The RAM of Mars is ambitious, enthusiastic and full of energy. You don’t discuss it, you just do it. Instead of selling your soul to Social Media, consider who you are behind the persona. Make sure everyone knows that you’re in charge of your own image.
The SCALES of Venus are inquisitive, reflective, and fair. You tip the odds in your favour by listening to your gut. This will feel unusual because you hold yourself prisoner in thinking you are not okay with the decisions you have made. What I want you to know is that the work you are doing is HUGE.
TAURUS (April 21 - May 21)
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)
The BULL of Venus is brooding, pushy, and confrontational. You have what it takes to reach the goals and targets you recently set for yourself. Put down the remote control, get up, and get to work. Try delivering something this week that was not expected.
The EAGLE of Pluto is strong-willed, confident, and rigid. You must learn to fly with pleasure. Let others go their own way and do their own thing. If you try to force them to follow your lead you will create resentment. Remember that everyone processes things in an unique way.
GEMINI (May 22 - June 21)
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21)
The TWINS of Mercury are argumentative, progressive and outgoing. You don’t need permission, before making your escape from activities that are driving you crazy. If the world is crowding in on you then do whatever it takes to bust out and taste freedom again. Do it now, and a new path will open up!
The ARCHER of Jupiter is courageous, bold, and sensitive. You may think you can get away with anything, and it is true that your remarkable self-belief protects you more often than not, but you need to remember that you are not untouchable or unbeatable. Be brave but know your limits too.
CANCER (June 22 - July 23)
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20)
The CRAB of the Moon is stubborn, prepared, and skillful. You change when you are ready to change — and just because something was, doesn’t mean it will always be. A feud of some kind is likely to erupt into open warfare. This is one of those occasions when it really is all or nothing.
The MOUNTAIN GOAT of Saturn is creative, compassionate, and caring. You have the antithesis of the millennial mindset. It is your cosmic duty to fight a losing cultural battle. You need to make more of your talents and get paid a premium rate seeing as you are the best at what you do.
LEO (July 24 - August 23)
AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19)
The LION of the Sun is brave, protective, and fierce. You will see reflections everywhere. You have a clear choice this week: you can work with someone who shares your overall aims, even though you disagree on a few details; or you can let those details come between you and go your separate ways.
The WATER BEARER of Uranus is relaxed, giving, and malleable. You may be feeling depleted. The once flowing waters are drying up. Your interest in something or someone now borders on the obsessive. Whatever the reason don’t let it take over your life completely. Find that eternal spring within yourself.
VIRGO (August 24 - September 23)
PISCES (February 20 - March 20)
The GODDESS of Chiron is pure, ageless, and positive. You map out your life, so that you are on the right track. Once in a while you have to unplug in order to find your footing again. You have so much energy at your disposal at the moment. Be selective in your choice of allies.
The DREAMER of Neptune is flexible, fluid, and intuitive. Your energies are ideally suited for poetry, divination, and energy healing. Unfortunately, the world is consumed by business, industry, and war. You need to get serious about something that you have not always been serious about in the past. 18
ATHLETICS
SERVICES
CALENDAR
GALLERY
NEWS
FEATURE
CLUBS
AWC
By: Geoffrey Mosher What would an OER for a program like nursing look like then?
The Courier spoke with Brittany Greig, president of the College Student Alliance, about the #textbookbroke campaign which seeks to raise awareness about textbook affordability, and bring open educational resources to campuses around the province. The CCSAI was one of many college student associations to run the campaign. The Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance also promoted the campaign across the province.
ECampus Ontario has over 200 textbooks that can be used and adapted. What we’re looking at is promoting to faculty to create these open educational resources. So to have faculty create and adapt textbooks that would be made open that could be put on ECampus. That’s the start of it. For a nursing program it would be having professors get together and collaborate and create these OERs so future nursing students can have them.
What is the concept behind #textbookbroke? To raise awareness among students about what open educational resources (OERs) are. The majority of the student population doesn’t know about them because they are a fairly new thing. They are, essentially, free textbooks and resources that students can use in place of the traditional textbooks that they have been buying. And faculty would be using these instead of the resources they have, they would be creating them and adapting them.
We are promoting to faculty to do that and there are grants from ECampus Ontario, so we explain that to professors so they know they have the opportunity to get grants to pay for the creation of these textbooks. Have you heard any response from faculty or colleges?
The reason we want student awareness around these OERs is because when students are aware they can advocate. So it’s more than just the student associations advocating, it’s actual students that are going to their program coordinators, going to their professors … “Have you heard about OERs?” and explaining to them so that we can adopt them in the school system.
The faculty really cares about students and they care about the students’ success. They understand and were once students themselves, so a lot of them are onboard with this. Some start with being skeptical of the quality if it’s free. It’s helping them understand that they get to create the textbooks, they get to help with that, they can adapt the textbooks. So because it’s an OER if they want to change or add a chapter they have that right to do that. As opposed to being restricted to the use of this one textbook that may be outdated or may not have something that just happened, they can add to that textbook.
I know that I went to my program coordinator and talked about it and now at Conestoga my program is looking at moving as many of our courses to OERs as we can. So one student advocate can make a huge difference. It’s making the general population of students aware about these awesome tools and resources that they have.
Another really cool thing is that students can add to the textbook. So when a student does an assignment if the assignment is in line with course material of the textbook it can be added, say it was a case study, it can be added if the professor finds it went well. Students spend hours on these projects and they’re never seen again. So it’s being able to use different avenues… having students help write the textbooks and understand the course materials.
What has the response from students been? I think the response has been pretty good on all campuses that we’ve heard from and creating that awareness. I think students really opened up to this one, because especially during the first couple of weeks, there’s a sticker shock that comes with buying textbooks. I know that we on our campus had a student that spent $1077 in one semester on textbooks. They were in the nursing program. It’s just that high shock sticker value “I could have done so much more with this, this is over a month’s rent, groceries, this is my car payment.” There’s just so much that comes with that sticker shock, so it’s just promoting it and I think students take really well to this campaign.
What are OERs and where can I find them? https://www.ecampusontario.ca/open-education-resources/
19
SAV
E
Stud ent
Visit any
CCSAI office to activate your Go Transit discount. visit ccsai.ca/transit
