Volume 56, Issue 1

Volume 56 - Issue 1 August 18, 2022 theeyeopener.com @theeyeopener Since 1967

THE EYE’S FROSHIE SURVIVAL GUIDE

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& w e N ved? o r p m i

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STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE YOUNG PEOPLE TAKING THE ONTARIO GOVERNMENT TO COURT

Queen’s Park Queen Toronto

Sunday , Sept 11 Sund 2022

2:00 - 3:30pm

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NEWS

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TMU students express disappointment over loss of new residence

By Aditi Roy Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) has scrapped its plan to build a new residence space on 202 Jarvis St., which would have created housing for 570 additional students.

These spaces were set to be built on one of the university’s three parking lots. The residence was part of a mixed-use development for the university, where academic, research and retail space would be built as part of a high-rise building.

In an email to The Eyeopener, the school said, “The rising costs of material, labor, and inflation” contributed to the university’s decision to stop moving forward with the project.

While the university is scrapping the construction of new residence spaces, it’s still going ahead with the development of the other planned academic and research spaces.

The efforts to expand housing were a part of the university’s 2019 Campus Master Plan, which aimed to improve campus by furthering accessibility, advancing sustainable development, and building more research centers and housing spaces.

The university also said, “the original cost estimate for the residence tower increased by 75 per cent between August 2020 and March 2022.” TMU did not provide The Eye with specific figures relating to the initial cost or the increased amount related to the scrapped residential space.

“I am not surprised to see that this plan was cancelled,” said David Am-

By Madison Schuliakewich Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) students are disappointed in the school’s lack of class accessibility and the persistent and numerous technical difficulties during the course selection period.

From classes not being run, to technical problems accessing the Ryerson’s Administrative Management Self Service (RAMSS) portal, to being put on the waitlist for mandatory courses. These problems seem to be unending for many students.

Alyssa Wong, a first-year business management student at TMU, said it felt like the school seemed to think that one schedule will fit all students.

The ‘Ted Pack’, a set-schedule for students in the Ted Rogers School of Management (TRSM), is meant to enrol students in specific classes so they are always with the same classmates. This is meant to help business students form connections. However, according to Wong, what the Ted Pack fails to

borski, a professor at the School of Urban and Regional Planning.

“Not only have prices increased dramatically in terms of market prices for the end product, but the supply cost has also increased exponentially,” he added.

According to the Toronto Star, as of mid-June, 1,000 students were on the residence waitlist. The cancellation of the planned spaces has led to an overwhelming sense of disappointment among TMU students.

Mohammad Aaquib, a secondyear economics and management science student, said this plan would have been beneficial, offering students safe and relatively affordable units.

He added that this is especially true given that, “TMU is located in the heart of downtown Toronto which is an incredibly competitive and expensive locality.”

The average market rent in the city of Toronto as of 2022 is $961 monthly for hostel arrangements and $1,225 monthly for bachelor apartments. These figures are likely to increase depending on their proximity to downtown.

While the cancellation of new residences is a setback for some, other students like second-year business and technology management student, Dhiren Kumar, said the prices the university already charges to live on campus don’t provide a viable affordable housing option either.

TMU offers student housing options in its three residences: Daphne Cockwell Complex (DCC), Inter-

national Living/Learning Centre (ILC), and Pitman Hall (PIT). The cost of a double room per year in ILC is $8,712.06, and PIT is $7,895.06, excluding the cost of the mandatory meal plan. The cost of a two-bedroom per year in DCC is $13,316.06, excluding meal plan costs. For reference, subscribing to the university’s seven-day meal plan requires you to pay an estimated $25.60 daily.

“I think most students found the existing TMU residences to be very expensive, so I am still not sure if potential new housing would fix those issues,” said Kumar.

Aaquib expressed similar concerns; he believes the current prices are not affordable, especially for international students who already have to account for a large number of expenses.

The average tuition fees of an international student at TMU range from $33,359 to $34,073, as of 2022.

Unable to secure affordable housing within the university’s residences, students are forced to hunt in Toronto’s expensive housing market, experts say.

“The Toronto housing market is very expensive and difficult to enter; I anticipate students will face trouble finding affordable housing near campus,” said Ambroski.

Aaquib has house-hunted in Toronto before. “Rent costs are outrageous here; even with all the rent ceiling the government has imposed,” he said.

Ontario laws allow rent for residential units to be increased after a 12-month cycle. The rent increase

account for is that schedules for a student in residence may not work as well for a commuter.

Wong said she tried to arrange her schedule so it would “work perfectly” since she didn’t want to commute down to campus every day.

“I tried making it so I could be there for at least...a whole day and still have time to come back home and do my homework,” said Wong.

up really quickly,” she said.

Fall 2022 course selection took place between Aug. 9 and Aug. 17.

Wong also had an an in-person class switched to virtual, days after the course selection period.

“I have a little bit of difficulty with math, so I said that I was gonna rearrange my schedule to accommodate an in-person math class. Yesterday when I checked on it, it just changed to virtual all of a sudden.”

“It was kind of misleading.”

Wong also said TMU provided little to no communication regarding the course selection process, something that was surprising to her, especially as a first-year.

“I didn’t know when to enroll, or when to start picking my courses. It was very scattered.” She said she also found out about course selection dates through other people. “Oh, it’s this day. Oh, it’s this day.”

For GJ Verellen, a fourth-year photography student, this meant not having the opportunity to learn about a topic that could support him in his career.

The studio lighting class that

“It was kind of misleading” But when she went to adjust her schedule to fit her needs, she ended up on the waitlist for a class that is mandatory to her as a first-year student and is a prerequisite for later TRSM courses.

She said the situation was stressful for her, especially as a first-year who didn’t know what to expect going into the selection period.

“Don’t get me wrong, there were a bunch of openings. But at that moment, when everyone was on at the same time, a lot of the classes filled

JES MASON/THE EYEOPENER

guideline as of 2023 is 2.5 per cent which is a 1.3 per cent increase from 2022’s percentage.

The sole requirement for the landlord is to send a written notice 90 days prior to increasing the rent.

These laws also don’t protect tenants of new residential units inhabited as of Nov. 15, 2018.

While it’s not the responsibility of the provincial government to provide funding to build post-secondary residences, MPP Kristyn WongTam still believes the province should step in, especially now with the difficulty of finding affordable housing.

“We can’t increase the campus population without making accommodations for people to have places safe and decent for them to live in,” Wong-Tam said. “The Ministry of Universities and Colleges should be meeting the president of Toronto Metropolitan University to work together to build that type of solution forward.”

Students are calling on the university to help in the difficult process of

finding housing as the challenge of finding a place to live increases.

Aaquib said the university should actively look into other methods of providing affordable housing, like leasing properties further away from campus. “Two things matter to students: connectivity and affordability. I would choose traveling fifteen minutes-over paying $500 extra a month.”

Aaquib also said it boils down to the university’s motive. “Toronto Metropolitan University has to decide if they want to earn money or if they want to help people.”

Amborski believes residents of Toronto can help by providing the best information possible on the housing options available while pushing for the creation of secondary units to house students.

The university said it “will continue to explore more affordable methods to expand residence space near campus and support students,” but did not mention any specifics when asked if they plan on building new residences.

is offered is a hands-on learning experience where upper-year students can get real-life experience using “controlled lighting, precise exposure, and the techniques of electronic flash as they apply to studio photography.”

Verellen explained that most of the photography program focuses on practical knowledge of the field rather than getting hands-on experience, which he and his classmates were forced to turn to YouTube for. This is why when he was unable to get into this class, he was very disappointed.

perience, you might get a little bit more flustered and feel a bit more stressed out.”

He explained that this upper-year class is one of the most popular classes in the program, and yet there is only one section available that caps at a maximum of 20 students.

Verellen said this is frustrating because hands-on experience can make a difference for those students who are looking to go into commercial photography.

“Taking photos is the main thing about photography, and knowing more about the production side of things sets students up for a more financially stable future.”

Verellen also said the exclusivity of the class is frustrating, considering its popularity. When tuition fees amount to thousands of dollars a year, students should at the very least be able to take the classes they want, he said.

“You don’t want exclusive classes.

You just want them to be accessible,” said Verellen.

“You don’t want exclusive classes.

You just want them to be accessible” “Once you get to know the studio lights, you feel a lot more comfortable taking on jobs from clients that might ask you to shoot for them, or companies that approach you,” said Verellen. “If you don’t have that in studio ex-

Read more at theeyeopener.com

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EDITORIAL

Editor-in-Chief Abeer “HARRY STYLES!!” Khan News Edward “Booked” Djan Thea “And” Gribilas Prapti “Busy” Bamaniya Photo Jes “Camera!” Mason Vanessa “Boating” Kauk Peyton “Camp” Keeler-Cox Online Alexandra “Disco Baby” Holyk Abby “Bangin’ Bangs!” Hughes Features Mariyah “Where’s Baymax?”

Salhia Arts and Culture Madeline “Air Miles” Liao Business and Technology Christina “Fashion Icon” FloresChan Communities Asha “Band Camp” Swann Sports Gavin “Nap God” Axelrod Fun and Satire Zarmminaa “Corndog Connoisseur” Rehman Media Sonia “Succulent Mom” Khurana General Manager Liane “Don’t Piss In My Breakfast Cereal” McLarty Advertising Manager Chris “Adding & Vertising” Roberts Design Director J.D. “Fucking Angry” Mowat Contributors Nihan “Name Change Expert” Siddiqi Aditi “Extremely Patient” Roy Madison “Computer Rage” Schuliakewich Ryan “Clutch” O’Connor Bashair “Transcript Trouble” Ali Julia “Absolute Angel” Lawrence John “Exquisite Taste” Vo Fatima “Public Transit Pro” Raza Reema “Mental Health Master” Najjar Andrew “Jr. Jays Sundays” Yang Armen “CEBL Woj” Zargarian Mitchell “Not De’Aaron” Fox A message from our publisher: Froshies! (and 2nd, 3rd and 4th years, too) You will hear a lot of bullsit about: classes, training, professionalism and accreditization over the year here at TMU. BUT remember you are actually here to learn, develop a style and question authority. So always call out their bullshit and FUCK SHIT UP!

SONIA KHURANA/THE EYEOPENER

By Abeer Khan Last year, I remember walking around campus, slowly taking everything in. It was my last year of undergraduate studies and I wanted to fully immerse myself in campus life a few last times before I finally left it all behind as a student.

I would walk up and down Gould Street, stroll through the Kerr Hall Quad and aimlessly study at the fifth floor of the Sheldon and Tracy Levy Student Learning Centre (SLC).

And while I did so, there were few people around me. Slowly life had started to return to Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) as classes began coming back, some hybrid, some in-person. But still, it felt lonely and a little bit hollow.

Sure, there were people here and there milling around, but there were not many students. There weren’t heaps of engineering majors with their bulky backpacks marching to their building, there were very few people dressed for fashion runways and the Balzacs chairs were often only half-filled. It felt surreal—like I was at university, but was I really at university?

Luckily, this year is different.

Now, when I come to work and walk through Gould Street on the way to the Eyeopener’s office at the TMU Student Centre, it’s a heart-warming walk. The seating on the street is always lined with folks chatting and soaking up some sun, there are students running to summer classes and the SLC steps are no longer barren, but full of life. It feels like a brand new beginning. And really, it should be a brand new beginning.

This year will be the first year, after two-and-a-half pandemic-consumed ones, that students will be making their full return to campus life. Classes will be offered in person, clubs and activities are resuming and campus spaces are allowed

to be properly populated. This is also the first year that we will be coming to campus under a new name—Toronto Metropolitan University, or TMU, or Toronto Met, whatever you want to call it.

I hope this new name and this new beginning will inspire you, the next generation of leaders at our school, to make the most of your time here and get involved in your community.

Hold the TMSU accountable In February 2022, the student body elected a new independent candidate as the new Toronto Metropolitan Students’ Union (TMSU) president, ousting the former president who served two terms, ending a period of slate-run unions. In February, students used their voices and made sure they were heard. And the result? A change, a new beginning, a hopeful step forward.

In the past, TMU students haven’t had much luck with our student unions. In 2018, the infamous credit card scandal overtook headlines across the country when The Eye reported on TMSU financial statements which showed purchases— some upwards of $2,000—with a credit card under the then-TMSU president’s name. Last year, questionable partnerships with organizations like FundQi and a lack of action from the union in general when it came to the elections and humanitarian crises was striking.

It’s important that students use the momentum we have now to hold our new student union accountable.

This year already, we have reported that the TMSU has let go of their financial controller and there has been in-fighting amongst student union directors. Now more than ever, we should be watching what’s happening in student politics. Now that there is a new union, hold them accountable by attending meetings,

asking questions and staying informed. This is our chance to get our students’ union back to working for us and making sure our school hears our voice.

people behind the decisions that impact your time here, and participate by going to board meetings, taking surveys and finding opportunities to voice your opinions.

Keep up with the institution you pay thousands to During the pandemic, the Toronto Star reported that Canadian universities raked in record profits while students still continued to pay fees for services closed to them on campus and were subject to tuition hikes. Across the country, universities saw a record-high surplus revenues of more than $7 billion dollars.

Meanwhile, students at TMU had to continue paying high tuition, which is currently upwards of $11,986 for domestic students and upwards of $38,472 for international students.

On top of high tuition rates, students are also facing rising inflation, with higher costs to commute to campus and a lack of affordable housing options, all without any support from the university.

It’s time we start looking closely at how our school treats us and demanding a better life for us here at TMU. And the best way to do this is by staying informed and finding ways to get involved.

This year, get involved in your community and engage with the people around you. Take the time to care about the issues that impact you and your peers. Take note of any mistreatment or unprofessionalism you may experience from those in positions of power and higher authority and for goodness sake, call it out. Keep up to date with campus news, both TMU news and updates from the TMSU. Hold those in power accountable and make sure you’re not being taken advantage of.

Follow our coverage but also do your own research: look into the bylaws that govern your student life and experience, get to know the

Follow COVID-19 protocols As we come back from our two-year hiatus, it’s also important to salvage the safety net we’ve put in place to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks from occuring on campus. If someone is wearing a mask, choose to wear one as well in order to make them feel comfortable. If you find yourself in a crowd, create distance, mask or remove yourself from the situation. Now that we’re finally back on campus, it’s important for us to also remain on campus and re-establish student life in a new way. Adapt to COVID-19 and implement safety in all of your on-campus activies in order to ensure that you will continue to have on-campus activities in the future.

Create the best campus experience for yourself And last but most importantly, have fun this year. I truly believe that university life will only be as good as you make it. Don’t hesitate to make friends, sit next to new people in lecture halls and step out of your comfort zone.

You get to decide how your next four years will go at this school. It’s up to you to make the most of it by knowing what is happening, finding ways to be involved and making sure that your voice is heard.

For two years, students have had no choice but to remain dormant as the world changed around them. But that time is finally now long gone.

Now, you finally have a chance to reclaim your identity as students at this school and make your campus life the best that it can be. Change starts with you.

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COMMUNITIES + NEWS

Potential GO Transit strike raising concerns for commuter students Two long-distance commuters weigh in on how the potential GO Transit strike will impact their trek to campus

By Fatima Raza On Monday, Aug. 8, the union representing over 2,000 GO Transit employees issued a release accusing Metrolinx, an agency of the government of Ontario, of refusing to negotiate on critical issues, including job security, wages and improved work-life balance.

In a Metrolinx vote, 93 per cent of union employees voted in favour of going on strike if a deal is not met— the largest mandate in the union’s history, according to CBC News.

Although the strike is not guaranteed, many trains have suddenly been cancelled due to staff illness, leaving some TMU commuter students in the dark wondering how their trips to campus will be affected.

and a half each way to get to campus.

“If suddenly the trains were cancelled and I still had to come to campus, to be honest, I’m not sure what I would do. I don’t drive and I don’t own a vehicle,” Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald said she still supports the transit workers and appreciates them speaking up about their concerns.

“I definitely think that as a union, they need to fight for fair wages and work-life balance,” she said. “It only makes sense that they strike and get what they deserve.”

Fitzgerald said public transit is an

efficient and environmentally friendly way to get around, and therefore thinks the concerns of essential transit workers should be heard.

Saarah Riaz, a third-year student in the creative industries program who commutes from Ajax, said she already allots two hours each way for her commute and can’t wrap her mind around what the strike could mean for her.

“Imagine having to figure out your commute after a long, stressful and tiring day because the schedules might be up in the air due to the

strike,” Riaz said.

Riaz’s school schedule is heavily influenced by her commute. Though it may be ideal to space classes out, she finds this unreasonable when she has to travel so far.

“I would not want to be paying an extra 30 bucks every day to get to a one-hour class,” she said.

Riaz is especially worried for firstyear students who might be commuting for the first time. However, she’s still mindful of the workers’ need to strike.

“As much as it is an inconvenience JES MASON/THE EYEOPENER

for me, I do understand that the workers are fighting for a living wage,” she said. “The workers deserve the treatment that they are asking for.”

GO Trains cancelled this month include morning trips on the Lakeshore East and Kitchener lines.

Fitzgerald said she was recently affected by an abrupt cancellation of her Lakeshore West train at Union Station.

“I would not want to be paying an extra 30 bucks every day to get to a onehour class.”

“It was announced very suddenly that the next Lakeshore West train would only be going to Exhibition, which is the first stop in the route, and is cancelled beyond that,” she said.

When she asked the staff at Union Station what was going on, Fitzgerald said they were also unaware. Riaz feels that as a commuter, she already has a “watered-down version” of the university experience. “I know a lot of people say that everyone has the same 24 hours in a day but I don’t really think that’s true,” Riaz said. “If you are a commuter, you may lose four hours in your day compared to someone who lives on campus.”

“If you are a commuter, you may lose four hours in your day compared to somone who lives on campus.”

Maeve Fitzgerald, a third-year computer science student who commutes from Burlington, said the potential strike is concerning as she doesn’t know how her commute might change. She has to allot an hour

Mixed feelings about ‘Toronto Metropolitan University’ as students enter new year

By Nihan Siddiqi Nearly four months and almost a whole summer break later, students at the newly re-named Toronto Metropolitan University are still divided about the new name.

The university announced its new name on April 26, following a recommendation from the Standing Strong Task Force in August 2021 to rename the school.

The move came after years of pressure and advocacy from Indigenous students, faculty, staff and allies for the university to distance itself from JES MASON/THE EYEOPENER

its namesake Egerton Ryerson.

Ryerson played an influential role in the formation of residential school system. His literature recommended that Indigenous peoples be taught in separate Christian English boarding schools to assimilate them into Euro-Canadian culture. Ryerson’s recommendations are considered the framework the Canadian government used to create residential schools.

The university received 30,000 responses for prospective new names, prior to the announcement of the change.

According to university president Mohamed Lachemi, the new name embodies being located in the heart of Toronto, with a diverse and inclusive community that creates the essence of being “Metropolitan.”

Some students consider the new name a mouthful and are still having trouble accepting it, while others are pleased with the change.

“I think I was slightly embarrassed when it came to saying it to friends and family” Gohul Tharmakulaseelan, a fourthyear business technology management student, said he feels the name was “a little lazy” and “not something he could be proud of saying.” Tharmakulaseelan said that when mentioning where he goes to school, he tries to avoid saying the name altogether when possible.

“I think I was slightly embarrassed when it came to saying it to friends and family. However for employers I just said I go to Ted Rogers School of Management,” said Tharmakulaseelan.

For other students, the problem lies in the length of the new name rather than its originality.

Kiran Minhaz, a third-year psy-

chology student, said she “would prefer to say TMU than the whole name since the name is long and sounds like a subway station.”

While some students are unhappy with the new name, others are simply satisfied with the university distancing itself from its former namesake.

Rebecca Ilmer, a second-year politics and governance student said that as much as she appreciated the name change, the name seemed like a rip-off of the University of Toronto.

“It was long overdue and it’s good that they changed it because a school shouldn’t be named after someone so horrible. I mean it makes me feel better that they changed the name because of (a) good reason,” said Ilmer.

Even though he understands why the university changed its name, third-year business student Huzaifa Syed, said the university’s choice was “really disappointing given the amount of people that worked together to create it.”

Aside from students and allumni having to refer to TMU as “previously named Ryerson,” when applying for jobs, Syed doesn’t believe it will affect students’ chances of landing a job.

Amna Khan, who is going into her second year of politics and

governance and wants to eventually go to law school in the future, said the new name won’t affect her ability to land a job, “as long as my GPA is good.”

Some students are expressing concern the new name will act as a distraction during the application process for a job.

“It was long overdue...a school shouldn’t be named after someone so horrible” Masih Khalatbari, who graduated from TMU’s journalism program this past June, expressed his concern of the loss of “an internationally recognized name with prestige” when networking within his field.

“Because I want to break into international journalism and network with people in the United States and around the world, I feel like I especially have to spell out the name change for them so they know what I’m talking about,” said Khalatbari.

TMU has stated that the name change should not affect its students’ or graduates’ ability to follow the career path of their choice as employers will recognize the qualification, skills and experience of TMU applicants rather than the name on their degree.

FEATURES

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spotted: new sites on campus Words By Mariyah Salhia

O

Visuals By Sonia Khurana and Vanessa Kaulk

welcome to the new and (kind of) improved TMU

n April 26, 2022, a lot changed for Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) students scrolling through Twitter when they came across a video of president Mohamed Lachemi announcing the new name, along with a definition of what it means to be “metropolitan.” A cheerful Lachemi, standing in the light of a city facing window at the Sheldon and Tracy Levy Student Learning Centre (SLC), invited the TMU community to join him in writing the school’s new chapter together.

With the news making national headlines, the school got to removing some of the campus’ most well known references to the former Ryerson name, like the neon “RU” sign that used to adorn the front window of the SLC. Still, a short walk down Gould Street will quickly reveal that there is still much to be changed.

“Ryerson University” signage still lives and is visible throughout campus and inside buildings.

And while these nods to the school’s past can still be found on most buildings, the rebrand has slowly but surely begun. The new name comes with some fun, new physical changes around campus that will hopefully help us all feel a little more like the new chapter is being written. So, from the corner of Yonge-Dundas Square, to the very end of Gould Street, here are some new sites students should look out for.

A new sign on the SLC window Running up the grimy steps of the SLC, most likely while holding their breath, students will notice in place of the school’s old, neon “RU” is a new sign on the SLC’s front window, telling students that their “new chapter” is beginning, while also reiterating Lachemi’s message on our new identity as being “metropolitan.” If there was ever a time for urban planning students to feel seen on campus, apparently it’s now and specifically in front of the SLC. Just past this window, students will find another TMU staple; the SLC Starbucks.

Rumour has it that nobody has ever seen this Starbucks have adequate stock of all three cup sizes at once.

New Met-cetric puns...literally almost everywhere After passing the SLC and hopfully avoiding being hit by a truck turning out of the alleyway, students will notice signs with the new TMU logo, as well as the revamped “Toronto Metropolitan University” logo. With the loss of the “RU” puns, including the ever-favourite RU-Secure Wi-Fi network name, students can look forward to the new onslaught of “Met” based puns, many of which they’ll probably have to read against their will, like across the new signs on the Campus Store windows. From “Have we Met?” to “It’s nice to have Met you,” the puns are

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FEATURES

coming in pretty hot and there is seemingly nothing anybody can do to stop them.

Art at Lake Devo

Once students make their way past the Campus Store, they can look to TMU’s Devonian Lake, better known as Lake Devo, for some much needed rest from the sites and smells that waft over from the corner of Yonge and Gould streets. A favourite hangout spot for students who like to peoplewatch and live out their dreams of feeding ducks, or in this case, pigeons, Lake Devo’s iconic Precambrian boulders recently got a facelift. Floe/Flow, an installation by Inuk artist Jimmy Manning features an original photo-

graph of an Arctic iceberg, painted onto the boulders. The installation makes for a beautiful addition to the campus, and creates a rather poetic juxtaposition between it and the pond’s ever-changing pollution.

TMU banners. All over the place.

Looking just past Lake Devo, students will see a row of brand new TMU banners hanging from the lamp posts, lining Gould Street and beyond. With the font and colour scheme exactly the same as the school’s previous branding, the signs might make students feel like they’re witnessing a real life glitch in The Matrix. Rest assured, students, as far as The Eyeopener knows,

The Matrix does not have you. Yet. The bridge (almost)

When students get to the corner of Gould and Church streets, they’ll be greeted by the brand new KHE-RCC bridge. This pedestrian bridge connects Kerr Hall East (KHE) and the Rogers Communication Centre (RCC), which makes traversing campus and getting to class without facing the elements much, much easier. Last year, the bridge was closed down to repair its leaky windows and skylights. After a year of construction, the bridge is finally done! On the outside of the new bridge, students can see images that seem to have been painstakingly chiseled into its exterior, some even depicting TMU’s best known architecture,

like the SLC. Based on real life accounts of reporters at The Eye trying to walk across this bridge, it’s not actually open for pedestrian use, despite the latest update from TMU Facilities Management and Development stating the bridge was to be opened for use in April 2022.

F

rom what our school’s new mascot is going to be, to whether or not the SLC Starbucks will ever have ventisized cups, this next semester is sure to have everyone full of curiosity. And while TMU’s new aesthetic changes are the least pertinent to the school’s new identity, everyone on campus is hoping for this first chapter in our school’s new history to be one that we’re all proud to be a part of and hopefully new signs will help move it forward.

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ARTS & CULTURE

Babyteeth Productions’ ‘Dandelion Green’ explores queer friendships and foster care

By Julia Lawrence If you’ve ever felt lost, never understood the five-year plan, or known the difficulties of creating meaningful friendships, Babyteeth Productions’ short film Dandelion Green will leave you feeling comforted and understood.

The film showcases the bitter and realistic aspects of what it’s like to be in foster care, dealing with physical violence, caseworkers, the impact of being in and out of the system due to parental behaviours and much more.

But Dandelion Green doesn’t just show the negatives of growing up, it also embraces the value of finding friends who understand you and encourage you.

Babyteeth Productions is made up of students who graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University’s media production program in 2022.

Kathleen Burgess serves as director and co-editor, Maria Barr as writer and co-editor, Olivia Solo as producer, Daniela Lasso-Neufeldt as director of photography and technical lead, Samantha McNulty as audio lead and Abigail Chevalier as art director.

The narrative follows the lives of Kay Murad (played by Liz Ariho), a non-binary teen about to turn 18 and age out of the foster care system and Olivia Marquez (Cian Boyd), a 16-year-old artist who often goes in and out of the system due to her

Although they both share similarities of always moving homes and feeling misunderstood by adults, they still have their unique interests and experiences.

Marquez wants to pursue art and Murad encourages her to achieve this goal, while Marquez also pushes Murad to strive for the independence they’ve craved. This narrative amplifies the message of embracing individuality and following your own path in life.

DANDELION GREEN VIA YOUTUBE

mother’s mental illness.

The two share moments of vulnerability and intimacy throughout the film, like when Marquez shares her aspiration of being an artist, Murad expressed their goal of living a life where they are in charge. Having bonded over shared experiences in the foster care system, the two share a deep respect that enables them to care for each other in their platonic friendship.

“Just as their experiences in the foster care system do their queer identities” Queer identity is just one of the many topics explored in this coming-of-age story.

“We believe that it’s important that stories of queer characters go

This media production student group’s queer voices and evaluates the idea of home

beyond the traditional coming-out narrative,” the team described on their Indiegogo page. “Just as their experiences in the foster care system do not define them, neither do their queer identities.”

While some films may have the character’s queer identity at the forefront, the Dandelion Green team uses it as just one factor in the narrative.

The characters are queer, but it’s not blatantly mentioned every time they talk to each other.

The main characters are inspired by stories collected from real-life foster kids and the team’s friendships growing up. Marquez and Murad’s friendship challenges the idea of what family and romantic relationships need to be.

As characters with complex stories, they exist at a crossroads of marginalized identities. They embody intersectionality in a way that is relatable to diverse audiences.

“I think it’s beautiful and something to be celebrated” Barr said the team spoke with former foster kids, experts, social workers, foster parents and those with first-hand experiences in the system.

They also watched documentaries and podcast interviews that featured people in the system. Stepstones for Youth, an organization dedicated to helping foster youth navigate the difficult transition of ageing out, also acted as a sensitivity reader for their script before filming.

During the Q&A session of the film’s Toronto premiere in April, Barr expanded on the theme of queer friendships instead of queer romantic relationships. She said there is a grey area that queer people feel with friendships and romantic relationships. Barr hopes others can relate

to the experience portrayed in the film that she’s gone through herself.

“I think it’s beautiful and something to be celebrated,” Barr said.

The 25-minute short seamlessly combines animation with live-action, impacting viewers with visual storytelling and sending goosebumps down their arms as they watch sequences of the characters run freely with their system records or display acts of emotional vulnerability when talking about each other’s parents.

The film also uses animated drawing sequences to provide euphoric and intimate feelings and reflect the range of emotions the characters feel, without producing an overly cinematic feel that takes away the storyline’s authenticity. These animations represent Marquez’s art, creating a sense of surrealism in something that is genuine and tangible in the film.

Dandelion Green leaves the two on screen with Murad and Marquez feeling hopeful and inspired to start a new chapter in life despite the previous challenges of abuse and neglect they felt in the foster care system.

Since Dandelion Green’s premiere, it has opened at the 2022 Femme Fatale Film Festival in Toronto on June 17 and screened at the 34th annual Vancouver Queer Film Festival on Aug. 13. The film has also just been nominated in the summer season of the Montreal Independent Film Festival.

10 songs to help you close out your ‘Hot Girl Summer’

By John Vo As corny as it may sound, music has the power to move people in both a literal and figurative manner and bring them together. The soundtrack of this summer, brought to you by The Eyeopener, did just that. With diverse music genres and thematic lyrics, we’ve tried to encapsulate what summer 2022 has been all about.

To wrap up this summer we never want to end, here are 10 songs that we think truly represented this year’s “Hot Girl Summer.” So, whether you’re at the beach or in your own bedroom, these tracks are sure to give your summer a worthwhile final bow.

“This Hell” by Rina Sawayama Rina Sawayama continues to reinvigorate pop music with her eclectic weaving of musical genres. “This Hell” is is a modern pop, rock and country song all in one. Pop music will never be dull when there are artists like Sawayama producing fantastic music and breaking barriers as an Asian-American artist.

“About Damn Time” by Lizzo It was certainly about damn time (pun intended) that Lizzo came back and she did so with one of her most feel-good songs to date. In “About Damn Time,” Lizzo urges listeners to move forward and celebrate the good moments in life like we all deserve to.

“POP!” by Nayeon You can always count on K-Pop artists to release fun tunes for the summertime. TWICE member Nayeon’s solo debut song “POP!” brought colourful outfits, danceworthy choreography, and melody that’s sure to get stuck in your head.

With a catchy chorus, bold instrumental and overall refreshing energy, Nayeon’s song cemented that bubblegum pop is here to stay.

“Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” by Kate Bush It’s safe to say that Stranger Things is one of the most influential shows of the decade. This latest season reintroduced one of Kate Bush’s hits to a new generation. “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With

God)” became an unexpected song of the summer and also sparked a hilarious conversation about what song everyone would play to escape from Vecna’s mind.

“Bad Habit” by Steve Lacy Steve Lacy’s “Bad Habit” is the ideal song to sway back and forth to in your room alone. The chill production and layered vocals are soothing to the ears. Listening to the track feels like watching a late-night sunset filled with orange hues. Lacy may be singing about bad habits, but listening to this song on repeat is nothing but a good one.

“Glimpse of Us” by Joji Contrary to popular belief, not all summer songs have to be upbeat.

Japanese singer Joji slows it down with “Glimpse of Us,” a piano ballad featuring breathtaking vocals recounting memories of a longlost love. For anyone dealing with a broken heart or feeling a bit melancholic, this is the perfect song to play in the background during a late-night thinking (or crying) session.

“Late Night Talking” by Harry PEYTON KEELER-COX/THE EYEOPENER Styles “Late Night Talking” is a groovy and laid-back track Harry Styles delivers with a perfect playfulness that matches the rest of his album, Harry’s House. A great addition to any road trip playlist, this song can be the soundtrack to your picture-perfect movie moment as you cruise down the highway with the wind in your hair.

“Massive” by Drake Fans of Drake were in a frenzy when he surprise-dropped his latest studio album Honestly, Nevermind. Sonically, the album ventures into experimental territory for the Canadian artist with its emphasis on house music, most evidently heard in “Massive.” The song is the quintessential tune to be played at any club or late-night party.

“Summer Renaissance” by Beyoncé Drake wasn’t the only artist who surprised fans with a new album.

Beyoncé’s newest album Renaissance opts for a dance-pop and house-infused sound. “Summer Renaissance” works as both an uptempo song

perfect to dance to and a callback to disco icon Donna Summer.

“Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift Rounding out the list, how could we forget the song heard on every other TikTok you scrolled through this year? Released in 2019, “Cruel Summer” garnered mainstream attention this year as the song trended on social media and was used in the teenage rom-com The Summer I Turned Pretty’s soundtrack. This dreamy song makes you want to live your best “main character” life.

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BIZ & TECH

AlumnEye in Tech: developing a knack for writing Founded by Ted Killin, Knack teaches newcomers the art of English

By Bashair Ali What was once a hobby has now become a fully equipped writing service company for Ted Killin, the creator of Knack—an educational writing program. Knack, which officially launched in 2021, provides hands-on workshops to newcomers and refugees across Toronto, helping them improve their language skills and combat everyday barriers.

Killin developed a passion for helping immigrants to the country while working at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) as a research communications coordinator from 2016 to 2021. During that time, he also volunteered to tutor a pilot English class and completed his mas- their Coordinator for English lanters in immigration and settlement guage development. The program studies at the university. acted as a stepping stone for refugees applying to universities or for “I met some newcomers, and those who are in need of English because I’m a professional proficiency. writer, I was able to help with Later that year, applying his dethe language.” gree in professional writing and work experience in copy editing, “I met some newcomers, and be- Killin came up with Knack. cause I’m a professional writer, I Killin’s ultimate goal is for his was able to help with the language,” students to develop an understandsaid Killin. ing of the English language to the After the class ended in 2021, he best of their ability, so they can joined the University of Toronto’s express themselves clearly in any Cultural and Exchange Support circumstances.

Initiative at the department of near “Refugees, when they first arrive, & middle eastern civilizations, as need Canadian credentials, some

You pay for your education, and sometimes, your education pays you back

By Ryan O’Connor University is the central hub for building careers, making connections and forming friendships. But the investment in a degree come with steep tuition that can put a hole in student’s pockets. Luckily, there are financial services available to help students manage costs headthroughout the school year.

Here are some of those resources that are available for eligible Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) students.

Ontario Student Assistance Program The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is the main student loan program in Ontario that provides students with financial assistance throughout their postsecondary education. The program offers money through grants, which can be kept, and loans, which need to be repaid once you’ve graduated or finished attending school. Once your application is completed, the OSAP

itive feedback system.

Now, Killin’s services are open to anybody looking to improve their writing, and charges a fee for

“I think a lot of the time when people get slapped down in their writing, it stings.”

JES MASON/THE EYEOPENER

experience, language skills and they also could use a little pocket money,” said Killin. “I thought, ‘Well, wait a second, what if I was able to create a training program that did all of these three things?’”

Killin provides an understanding of what he likes to call ‘the mechanics’, which involve “solid sentence structure, proper punctuation and more concise phrasing,” according to the introduction video featured on his website. He also emphasizes the importance of vocabulary and the flow of ideas.

“The motivation behind it is to pay refugees for their time and help them gain English skills,” said Killin.

The writing projects range from professional pieces, including cover letters and resumes to personal stories and essays.

Knack’s editing process is unlike generic marking schemes. He changes the game, using a colour coding system based on emojis. For instance, a purple highlight means that there is too much repetition in the paragraph, while blue signifies excellence. Most importantly to Killin, criticism is never symbolized by a frowning face.

“I think a lot of the time when people get slapped down in their writing, it stings,” says Killin. He wants Knack to be known for a pos-

his workshops.

Knack features a variety of options, from a $25 writing analysis workshop in which Killin will reveal ones’ strengths and weaknesses, to a $450 coaching package which consists of five coaching sessions.

“I don’t charge newcomers and refugees. The charges you’ll see online are for white-collar workers,” he said.

Killin plans on expanding his audience in September to target the student population in Toronto.

“The lessons I’m trying to put out there are useful for everybody and the idea is to create these community workshops where refugees can meet Canadian students and give people a bit more of these networking and social connections,” said Killin.

He hopes to not only make a difference in the lives of refugees in the country, but also international and Canadian students.

VANESSA KAUK/THE EYEOPENER

website will automatically consider you for both grants and loans. Once their funding has been calculated, students have the option of taking just the grant, or the grant and the loan.

First-year TMU students can apply by creating an OSAP account online and filling out the required criteria. Returning students can repeat their application process on the website as well. OSAP applications are currently open for full-time and part-time students heading into the 2022-23 school year.

TMU AwardSpring AwardSpring is a scholarship management platform that allows students to apply for and receive money through scholarships, grants and bursaries. Last year alone, $20 million in postsecondary awards were administered to over 25,000 students through the platform, according to the website.

From academic achievement awards to background-based grants, scholarships in all program categories are available to stu-

dents. Even if you aren’t confident that you will receive a scholarship, shoot your shot at some applications if you are eligible! The application period for 2022-23 school year begins in September.

Personal Banking Services Most banks in Canada offer financial services for students studying in the country. Banks such as TD and RBC provide flexible services

to those studying in Canada, offering unlimited everyday banking and interest-free lines of credit.

CIBC even offers a chance to win $35,000 towards tuition when you open a CIBC Smart for Students account or a line of credit with the institution. If you aren’t already taking advantage of these student services, visit your local branch or check if you can apply for a student account through your

bank’s website.

TMU Student Financial Assistance TMU also offers online and inperson assistance to help broaden your external search for financial aid. The school offers in-person appointments at the Service Hub during the school year, as well as round-the-clock help with TMU’s Student Financial Assistance.

10

SPORTS

Men’s basketball set for big bout with Oregon Ducks

By Armen Zargarian

ANDREW YANG/THE EYEOPENER

Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) men’s basketball program is no stranger to playing powerhouse National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) teams. The squad welcomes another big name—the Oregon Ducks to the Mattamy Athletic Centre (MAC) on Aug. 26.

It’ll be the end of a three-game slate against high-level U.S. programs, which also featured contests against Northern Illinois University and Saint Michael’s College throughout August.

“When these schools come to Canada, they recognize who they think will give them good games,” said head coach David DeAveiro. “When bers grabbed takeout, watched game they choose your school and program film and hung out until 4 a.m. folto play, it’s pretty important.” lowing the contest.

“It brought us all together,” said veteran centre Liam O’Leary-Or“It was a stepping ange, who is entering his fifth-year stone, bringing us of U Sports eligibility. “It was a stepmore reality of what ping stone, bringing us more reality we need to work on” of what we need to work on.”

The late-night film session and TMU was on the losing end of a team bonding activities paid im112-82 blowout in their pre-season mediate dividends in the program’s opener against the Northern Illi- game last week against Saint Minois University Huskies earlier this chael’s College. TMU controlled the month. However, the game helped contest and looked like they’d been bring the team closer together and playing together for years, winning started to develop their chemistry.

96-91 with a combined 63 points At least half a dozen team mem- from former Carleton Raven Simon

CHRISTIAN BENDER/TMU ATHLETICS

By Mitchell Fox Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) women’s soccer team is excited to pursue a third-straight postseason berth with their season just around the corner.

Sam Naus, a senior defender and one of three captains on the team, said players are “hyped up,” as it feels like it has been forever since the 2021 season ended. Senior midfielder Brooke Pearson—a SecondTeam Ontario University Athletics (OUA) East All-Star in 2019—added that the team is feeling the adrena-

line as the season approaches.

“The vibe going into the season is optimistic, excited, curious [and] really driven,” said Pearson.

TMU finished the 2021 regular season with a 5-3-2 record and qualified for the postseason riding a six-game unbeaten streak. However, their playoff run was cut short, falling 2-0 to the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees in an OUA quarterfinal match.

The squad will kick-off its 2022 season with a rematch against them on Sept. 4 at Downsview Park.

Pearson said the team is expecting

and Toronto’s own RJ Barrett.

“In my head it’s like…if I’m guarding someone in U Sports, well, I’ve guarded Zion and RJ before, said Jones. “If I’ve guarded those guys, I can guard this guy.”

“When they choose your school and program, its pretty important that way”

Chamberlain and third-year guard Ankit Choudhary.

“To learn you have to go through ups and downs, a lot of downs especially, to get to a great place in the future,” said fourth-year guard Jaren Jones.

The Ducks had a 20-15 overall record last season and made it to the Sweet 16 of the 2021 NCAA’s men’s division one National Championship Tournament, also known more popularly as March Madness.

Although the Ducks are crossing the border to play U Sports teams, they have strong basketball ties to the country. Canadians Dillon Brooks, Chris Boucher and Chris

Duarte suited up for the Ducks before making it to the NBA. Their 2022-23 roster also features three Canadians in Ethan Butler of Toronto and Keeshawn Barthelemy and Quincy Guerrier from Montreal.

“I just can't wait for that game, I’m on the edge of my seat right now talking about it,” said O’Leary-Orange. “It brought back memories of playing Duke.”

O’Leary-Orange and Jones are the only current TMU players on the squad that played Duke University in 2018 at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre in Mississauga.

The event featured future top-three NBA Draft picks Zion Williamson

nothing less than the competitive programs the Gee-Gees have fielded in years past.

Naus is also looking forward to the match even though TMU only holds one victory over UOttawa in program history.

“We're so pumped to go out and put on a good performance on the field,” said Naus.

“I have the utmost faith in our girls that if we go in with a clear mindset and a clear gameplan, we will have a positive result,” they added.

One big change the team will face in 2022 is the OUA moving back to a two-division format.

Last year’s soccer schedule was condensed to 10 matches and featured a Central Division in addition to the usual East and West divisions to allow for more regional play in the face of the pandemic.

TMU is back in the East Division this year, which includes the 2021 OUA Champion Queen's Gaels, the Nipissing Lakers, who only lost once in last year’s regular season and the Gee-Gees, who went undefeated before being eliminated by the Gaels in the semi-final.

Naus said the competition in the division is higher than what the team faced last year, but they will still treat it like any other season.

“Better competition means better soccer,” said Naus. “So we're very excited to—not even step up to the challenge but I believe that our team is at that level with the competition in our grouping this year.”

Making the playoffs would see TMU gain a third-straight postseason ticket for the first time in program history.

Naus said accomplishing that feat would be “very meaningful” for them and other senior players on the team, especially since they were on the first TMU women’s soccer outfit to make the second round of the playoffs in 2019.

“If we do it again this year and get to the second round, even third round, even nationals, that would be amazing to break history again for the school,” said Naus.

While a playoff berth is something the team wants to repeat from last season, there are other areas in which the 2022 campaign will differ from 2021. Lead assistant coach John Yacou is stepping into the interim bench boss role while coach Natalie Bukovec is on maternity leave.

Naus and company want to play hard under Yacou, a coach the group has gotten to know over the years.

“We're up for the challenge that he brings us,” said Naus. “Hopefully

The two hope the inexperienced players will bring the same confidence as the 2018 squad.

“I think it’s important for the guys to see what it’s like competing for a job,” said O’Leary-Orange. “Whether it’s basketball or not, you have to compete for what you want in life.”

Playing against NCAA schools also offers a positive benefit for players who may be on TMU’s recruitment radar. It’s also an opportunity for the university to generate more excitement around its sports teams and pack the MAC stands.

“This is something we want to do every year in terms of having these schools come to Toronto in the summer and play games against our program,” said DeAveiro. “Maybe it’s a two or three day build up before the game, maybe we tie in our camp with it. Let’s work on making it an event, there’s so much potential.”

[we can] get a good result for this season and go further than we have before, especially for coach Johnny.”

A strong start to the campaign will also be key because the short length of the OUA season leaves little room to catch up if the team hits a slump. Getting decisions at home will be crucial because five of the team’s matches in the second half of the year are on the road.

“We’re so pumped to go out and put on a good performance on “The first half of the season is probably more important than the second half,” said Pearson. “Everybody's fresh, that's less injuries, that's when you gotta get those three points.”

In addition to reaching the postseason again, Pearson said the team hopes to create a long lasting legacy for the program. “[We want to] continue to build this program so more and more people say ‘Hey, I want to go to TMU and play on their soccer team’ and sort of build that legacy, that respect, that I think our university deserves,” said Pearson.

FUN

11

We’re back, now what? Your 2022 Curated by past and present students to be even more useless than ever before

By Zarmminaa Rehman Now that we’re back to starting school in-person, it is only fair that you, freshmen, learn the ancient methods to having the best first year imaginable using the wisdom of haggard, affectionate, seniors and alumni.

Unfortunately—and also fortunately—at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), we’re very generous when giving freshmen advice. A little too generous, maybe.

Not everyone wants to hear how you’ve never had problems with course intentions. Save that for family events. The Eye has taken the liberty of sectioning off the various tips and tricks left to you by your less cool and older TMU honorary siblings.

Parties, Parties, Parties Don’t go to them, don’t think about them and certainly do not try to host one. When parties are in question, it’s best to revert back to your pandemic selves—we’re trying NOT to have an eighth COVID-19 super spreader mixer in the dingy Pitman dorms. It would truly be a better use of time if you picked up a few shifts at our esteemed, overpriced and mediocre on-campus coffee staple, Balzacs. The extra money and people skills (burden and stress) will surely build an ounce of confidence so you can ask your business professors what Bitcoin really is.

Class Times and Professors These are kinda tricky. On one hand you’re paying for them, and on the other, they are three-hour lectures.

If by some miracle you find yourself in a lecture hall, raise your hand, but not, like, too much. Just raise your hand twice tops, or professors learn your name and become integral mentors for longer than your university career. If you’re used to having those deep talks and connections with teachers, Godspeed to you. Not because it’s hard to talk to teachers or anything, but because they create office hours with the mindset that you only take their class and totally don’t have a full course load. When the situation arises where you end up having to stare at your mandatory class professors in the face on a weekly basis, remember that you don’t need to do any readings.

Instead the enthusiatic forehead wrinkles will guide you through the exam’s multiple choice answer ...but as always, your 50 per cent is guaranteed regardless.

Meeting Friends AND Foes It goes without saying that you WILL meet some friends, but who’s

to say what they actually want from you? University students are a lot like toddlers: do they want to play games on your phone? (steal notes) or ask “but why?” every given minute (take a philosophy class). Always keep an open mind when meeting and introducing yourself to new people on campus, but also keep your eyes and ears open because some sneaky minxes might coerce you into those dreadful WhatsApp group chats that never seem to shut up, even when its four in the f-ing morning and the syllabus literally exists online.

Being in the heart of 6ix The benefits of being at a superior Toronto university is living right downtown and having access to all the possible junk your parent’s hid away from you. We have bubble tea shops on every corner and burger joints five metres away from the Sheldon and Tracy Levy Student Learning Center doors. If bubble tea and burgers aren’t what you’re looking for, then perhaps the abundance of shawarma and taco restarants that waft the smell of their cooking chicken to passing by student may interest you.

PEYTON KEELER COX/THE EYEOPENER

As we come back to campus, many things may look and feel different, but remember to look at the silver lining. Don’t try and focus on all the things you can’t do (invade the space other people in line, kiss random strangers, sneeze without covering your mouh, drink out

of your friend’s iced coffee), but anticipate all the possibilities at TMU. Eat to your heart’s desire at the food compound everyday, buy that $15 blended smoothie and jump into fun and lengthy conversation with the Dundas Square Christian preachers.

FREE dental exam, cleaning & x-rays for students!

Free electric toothbrush on your first visit, when you book Teeth Cleaning and a Dental Exam.

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scan for more info & to book your appointment online!

We are located at: 10 Dundas St E B 102, Toronto, ON M5B 2G9 (647) 343-1171

info@rusmilingdental.com

12

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