the watch January 2018
Happy new year everyone! We are thrilled to be back in production and we have a lot of content lined up for the coming issues. But another big event coming down the pike is our executive elections at our annual general meeting in March. To vote, you must have contributed to The Watch at least once this academic year in some way, either in print or online, with an article or a photo. To run for an executive position, you must have contributed at least twice this academic year. There are four positions you can run for: publisher, online editor and co-editor-inchief (there’s two EIC’s). We’re really looking forward to what 2018 will bring! Kristen has 12 new year’s resolutions. The most important one is that she spend one hour every day looking at puppy videos. Can she do it? We’ll find out. Later on in the term, we plan to have a Wardroom night to celebrate our writers. That will mean free drinks, good company, possibly even food. We will release more information about that in the coming weeks. They will be keeping the Galley open during early happy hour for the rest of the year.
the watch VOL. 35 NO. 5 - January 2018 watchmagazine.ca editors@watchmagazine.ca online@watchmagazine.ca publisher@watchmagazine.ca TWITTER @kingswatch INSTAGRAM @watchmagz
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
Kristen Thompson Nick Frew
ONLINE EDITOR Hannah Daley
CONTRIBUTORS
Kristen Thompson Nick Frew Hannah Daley Evangeline Freedman Heather Norman
PUBLISHER Avi Jacob
TREASURER
Trent Erickson COPY EDITOR Fadila Chater STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER TBD
PUBLISHING BOARD Laura Hardy Mikylah Gillis Isabel Ruitenbeek Zoë Brimacombe David Swick Meredith Dault
LAYOUT
Kristen Thompson Nick Frew
Read about it in our next issue! Love, Kristen and Nick
We welcome your feedback on each issue. Letters to the editors should be signed. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. The Watch is owned and operated by the students of the University of King’s College.
But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people not be warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at watchman’s hand. — Ezekiel 33:6
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the watch IN THIS ISSUE
students want out of ksu page 4 saying goodbye to Michael Cobden
page 6
bye bye, dean page 8 king’s students make a difference
page 11
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With or without the KSU Kristen Thompson
At the Jan. 14 council meeting, the King’s Students’ Union (KSU) voted against two special resolution motions that would allow for two individuals to be expelled from the union. The motions combined had more than three hours of debate between councillors and executive members, and required a threequarter vote for the motion to pass. The first of the two motions was for student and King’s Theatrical Society (KTS) member Chris Tully to be expelled from the union, as he felt that the union’s actions did not match up with students’ expectations. “The reason that I wanted to leave the union was that I was uncomfortable with the way that the union deals with voices that it disagrees with on campus, and the way that the union handles itself when obstacles come up for it,” he said. Tully also expressed concern about the KSU’s protocols for following their own bylaws in the meeting, claiming that he believes that the KSU only adheres to their own governing principles when it is convenient for the members of the union’s executive. “I take issue with that because in an institution where we’re supposed to trust in our union, why would we trust in a union that doesn’t want to listen to the rules that they’re supposed to be following?” Tully continued. The debate about Tully’s motion took over two hours, having members of the KSU on different sides of the debate. Julia-Simone Rutgers, one of the union’s board of governors representatives, spoke out in support of both of the motions throughout the meeting, claiming that the choice to leave the union shouldn’t be anyone’s decision except for the person who is attempting to leave. Rutgers believes that the concerns that the students had brought forward were valid, and that the union should be taking the time to listen to these concerns and to strategize ways to solve them. “I think that we demonstrated a side of the union that is not the best way to serve the members, and so I’m disappointed to be representing an institution that would take measures like that. I realize that are many sides to the issue, and that there’s a lot of complexity to the questions that we’ve been asking, but I also think that we’ve been making a lot of mistakes that we’re not quite ready to atone for, and that’s a disappointing place to be in,” she said. Brennan McCracken, the KSU president, sat on the other side of the issue, voting against the motion. Though he does agree that the union needs to take the time to listen to student concerns and act on them.
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“I definitely don’t want my vote to be reflective of whether or not I think the concerns of the students are invalid. I think it’s our responsibility to listen to what students have to say, and to hear them out and take those opinions into consideration. I hope that students don’t take from this decision that we’re not willing to listen and don’t want feedback, because of course there’s always room for improvement,” he said. “I did vote specifically the way that I did because this is not something that there are mechanisms in place to deal with at the moment. It was unclear to me in the meeting and still don’t think I fully know (how) voting in favour of this motion, or having a student be expelled from the union, would be a good thing for the students’ union.” The second motion was for Beth Hawco, a fourth-year student and SNARC (Students Advocating Representative Curricula) member who also wished to be expelled from the union. Hawco’s reasoning for wanting to leave the union is because she considers the actions of the union’s executive as inappropriate and doesn’t want to have herself tied to the union during the remainder of her time at King’s. Though Hawco did not want to be interviewed, she prepared a short statement to The Watch about her intentions moving forward: “I don’t think I want to do an interview. I don’t trust the union not to create/perpetuate unnecessary drama,” she said. She is instead choosing to take her remaining days at King’s and focus on academics and her work with SNARC, hoping that she will be able to avoid any interaction with the union. Tully, however, has another plan. “I think if they want me to be a member of their union so badly, that I will take an active role and more of an interest within the union. A problem that I have with that though is that when you’re a voice that goes against what the executive of the union wants, it’s very hard to bring forward any kind of change,” he said. “I think one thing that will really allow for changes to be made will be to get new people in these positions. To really disrupt the culture that is in the KSU executive and council and letting people into those positions who are willing to listen to the membership.” The union has committed to facing these concerns and according to McCracken, is in the discussion stages for what their next course of action will be. For now, McCracken is encouraging anyone to bring forward any concerns about the union’s bylaws or governance to the communications vice president Cassie Hayward. She can be reached via email cvp@ksu.ca. |w
Thank you, Michael Nick Frew
Over the holidays, former journalism school director Michael Cobden passed away at the age of 77. Cobden oversaw the j-school through a time of transition, helping integrate audio and radio into the journalism curriculum. But Cobden was also instrumental to the founding of The Watch in 1989. Without him, it’s likely the magazine wouldn’t be where it is today. Bruce Geddes, a founding editor, e-mailed The Watch executive after news of Cobden’s passing. Geddes says he came up with the idea of the magazine because he saw a demand for it in the King’s community and it would give a platform for students to get a byline in a publication. He approached Cobden with the idea. Other than a sum of about $1,000 granted from the university president, “we had no money whatsoever and no understanding of how to put a newspaper together in a more official way,” Geddes said. “He could have easily said ‘No’ — no one would’ve blamed him — and The Watch might not exist today without him. “Personal computers were still pretty rare in ‘89, not everybody had one. And so (Cobden) allowed us to use their Macs and their printing facilities.” Geddes added that the magazine was also put in touch with people who could help with production. “Because he allowed us to use the equipment, the paper could actually look like a real paper, instead of a typewritten thing, on linear graph sheets, put through a Xerox.” That being said, according to Geddes, The Watch’s beginning was met with some animosity from other journalism students. The magazine took time away from resources that journalism students’ were paying to use and, at the time, The Watch was comprised of 6 The Watch | January 2018 | @kingswatch
students not in the journalism faculty — Geddes being one of them. “I’m sure he got pushback from other people in the department,” Geddes said. “But he still supported The Watch. Outside of that setting, Geddes didn’t know Michael Cobden well enough to speak about him as a person and doesn’t want to “make shit up.” However, Tim Currie, the current j-school director was a former student of Cobden’s. Currie says he remembers Cobden being an excellent editor, forthright (in some ways) and really enjoying working with students. “He had high standards and really pushed his students to meet those high standards,” Currie said. “He would tell you if he didn’t think you put the work into something. “Working through stories with him was a pleasure; he always had an anecdote to bring from his past.” Currie also said Cobden was quirky, with a dry and lively sense of humour. Though, Currie couldn’t think of a particular anecdote, he says Cobden “always had a smile on his face and brought a sense of humour to everything he did.” In an attempt to learn what Michael Cobden was like on a more personal level, outside of the j-school, I reached out to his wife, Jane, to interview her for this piece. Unfortunately, we ended up playing voicemailtag and couldn’t talk. The Watch expresses our deepest condolences to Jane and their children, Josh, Joe and Daisy.|w
Hatt’s off Hannah Daley
After about 15 years at King’s, it’s time for Nicholas Hatt to don his hat and move on to a new adventure.
absolute heart of gold. He’s the most helpful, even in the hardest situations.”
As of Feb. 14, Nicholas Hatt, current dean of students at King’s, will be the new rector of St. George’s Round on Brunswick Street.
“From what I’ve heard, everyone in general seems to adore Nick Hatt. I don’t think I’ve ever heard an unpopular opinion about him. He’s someone everyone looks to whenever they’re in need,” says Blais.
Feb. 13 will be Hatt’s last day at King’s. Even though he’s looking forward to something new, he’s also got some great experiences at King’s to look back on. Hatt was first a student. Then he became a don in 2005. In 2008, he became the dean of students. Originally, his office was behind the Alex Hall front desk. Hatt graduated from the classics and contemporary studies program at King’s and later went on to become ordained. Bein’ dean Being dean of students was a bit different when Hatt started in the position compared to now. His original title was dean of residence, and that was his main responsibility. “Over the years, there was a growing sense that we have a responsibility not just for residence students but also for day students, so I gradually started to work more and more with some of our day students.” Hatt has enjoyed working regularly with the Day Students’ Society and other students across campus while dean. That particular society considers him to be pretty great.
Hatt’s main responsibility is to the students, particularly first-year students and those in residence, making sure that “students are thriving in their school and personal lives.” “The main mission of the university is the academic mission,” says Hatt. “My work as dean of students is always in relation to the academic programs and trying to find ways to support their work so students can engage fully.” If Hatt has any regrets, it’s that he didn’t get to spend a lot of time with people “just getting to know them.” “Where I’ve really loved this community the most is when I get to do that.” A yearly highlight for Hatt is the Easter vigil in the chapel, held at midnight. “It brings together such a diverse crowd of people of various faiths, people of no faiths and people who simply want to come together and join as a community and a college.” Blais hopes to keep seeing Hatt around.
“Our true guardian angel and we’re very sad to see him leave, but so happy for him,” says Cédric Blais, president of the Day Students’ Society (DSS).
“I’m sure he’ll still be going at those chapel parties. I think it would be a shame to just lose touch with him. I’m looking forward to seeing him on campus,” he says.
It’s students like Blais that Hatt has had the chance to get to know over the years.
Hatt is in for a new adventure, but it isn’t entirely unfamiliar. He’s known the parish of St. George’s for years. It’s one with many King’s connections. There are King’s students that work with community outreach programs or worship there, as do some professors and faculty members.
“One of the aspects of my position that has always been the highlight is working with students. I love it. You’re always learning new things and students are always sharing with you what’s going on in their studies and in their lives,” says Hatt. And it seems the students love him back. “(He’s) the kindest, sweetest human being there is. An 8 The Watch | January 2018 | @kingswatch
Even though he already knows many of the people within the St. George’s community, Hatt is looking forward to the new connections he’ll be making as rector. “One of the things I’m also looking forward to is working with people in the area.”
The position
among other things.
Hatt has been taking care of a small parish and small church about 40 minutes away in Mount Uniacke for about two and a half years now, so he already has some experience.
“And above and beyond all that, looks out for students,” says Lahey. “Someone that students can come to talk with about what’s going well, or what problems and difficulties they’re having.”
To get the position at St. George’s, Hatt had to go through interviews and be approved by the Archbishop of Nova Scotia and P.E.I. St. George’s holds many of the same values as Hatt has carried while working at King’s. “It has a tremendous sense of obligation to its local community. That is one of the most important things for me.” “One of the reasons I wanted to work at King’s was for the same reason. Here we are dedicated to living together and living in unity together,” says Hatt. “It’s a very local situation, and this parish that I’m going to has this same sense.” King’s replacement Bill Lahey, president of King’s, says finding a suitable replacement for Hatt will be difficult. They’re looking for somebody who understands the way in which the academic experience and the community are woven together at King’s, he says. “Somebody who has the knowledge of the history of King’s and the importance of residential life at King’s or has other experiences that will allow them to catch hold of that relatively quickly.
Lahey says there will likely not be a permanent replacement right away and someone will have to fill in during the intervening period. “We’ll have to make arrangements for ensuring that the functions of the dean of students are attended to between Hatt’s departure and the commencement of employment of the new dean.” Lahey is optimistic that King’s will eventually have another great dean, but it’s going to be hard to see Hatt go. “I really admire him. I know the students have tremendous respect for him, he’s made very important contributions to the college,” says Lahey. “I really appreciate the advice he’s given to me. I came to the community as somebody from outside and Nick Hatt has been one of my more important guides in understanding what makes King’s tick.” Even though he won’t be on campus all the time, Hatt will somehow make his way back. “This is a wonderful place, and I’m not going very far.”|w
“In other words, someone who wants the college and the life of the college to be a big part of their life.” Blais agrees. “I think that the best thing that we could have is someone who’s as kind and open-minded as he is. Someone who, short of having all that (institutional) knowledge still has that attitude of ‘everything is going to be fine…’,” says Blais. “If his replacement is capable of having that attitude, then in the long run we’ll recover.” A committee to find a new dean of students has been established, chaired by Peter O’Brien, vice president of King’s. The committee is made up of O’Brien, Julie Green from the registrar’s office, faculty member Susan Dodd, staff member Sharlene Salter and two students, KSU student life VP Lianne Xiao and Blais of the DSS. They’ll be looking for someone who can be responsible for students in residence, but also day students, someone who can hire and manage dons on campus and work closely with the Chaplain and others on anything related to student life, The Watch | Janurary 2018 | @kingswatch 9
King’s students help revive Youth Advisory Council Heather Norman
Halifax will be bringing back the Youth Advisory Council next year after it was dissolved in 2013.
When sea levels rise “it’s going to immediately affect our lives,” she says.
The youth council was unanimously approved by Halifax regional council’s executive standing committee last month.
Before their presentation in April 2017, iMatter presented the regional council with an environmental report card in February, giving the city a C+ overall. The city received a C in ‘carbon removal,’ as well as a C- in both ‘zero emissions plan’ and ‘renewable energy.’ However, the city also received an A+ in the ‘waste’ category, which considers the waste reduction per person in Halifax.
Students from the University of King’s College and Halifax West High School partnered up with iMatter, a youth climate change action group. They made a presentation in April 2017 to the Halifax City Council to bring back the council, which was previously cancelled after issues with attendance. Lilian Barraclough, a second-year student at the University of King’s College and program facilitator for iMatter, says the new council is “a really important way to engage with where [we’re] living and [our] community.” The Youth Advisory Council will be comprised of young adults, aged 15-24, who will advise the city council on issues that affect local youth. In an interview with The Signal, Coun. Lindell Smith said that he considers youth to be the driving factor of society, futher claiming that engaging youth in the process now will be beneficial. “Everything about engaging youth is important,” he said. Barraclough, 20, says that climate change is one of the most important issues for youth to have a say on. “It’s really valuable to have youth at the forefront, pushing for climate action because we’re going to be the ones living with effects of climate change, especially in coastal cities like Halifax,” she says.
Majoring in environmental science with a minor in the history of science and technology, Barraclough works for iMatter approximately 10 hours a week and will be directly involved in the creation of the council. Barraclough also emphasized the importance of municipal government when it comes to tackling climate change. “Things can get moved through in cities a lot faster than at the provincial or federal level. You can see more immediate changes.” It’s also important for youth to be involved, says Barraclough, because it provides a community for young people who otherwise might find their activism isolating, especially for those in high school. In her high school, Barraclough was known as the “eco geek.” “People always used to say to me, ‘well, if the world doesn’t end in 50 years, it’s because of you.’” Barraclough laughs. “But I don’t actually want to be the only one who is doing this.”|w
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