ON the Radar

MASSIVE PARTIES AT U OF G RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, TICKETS, ARRESTS

Between Sept. 10 and Sept. 17, a combined total of approximately 1,750 students attended outdoor parties at the University of Guelph, leading to intervention by campus safety officers and damage to a residence drainpipe.

At least 19 tickets were issued due to non-academic misconduct and open alcohol. In addition, two non-students were arrested.

Investigations regarding the Sept. 10 party, which took place outside a residence building, and the Sept. 17 party, which happened on Johnston Green, are ongoing, and campus safety officers are reviewing security camera footage.

“The university has protocols, policies and standards that those on campus must abide by including the provincial and university's COVID-19 protocols and the university’s policy on non-academic misconduct,” said U of G Communications Coordinator Deirdre Healey to GuelphToday. “Students living in residence must also abide by the residence community living standards.”

By failing to do so, students may face a number of penalties including but not limited to fines, suspension, and eviction.

Public safety warnings were also issued by the U of G’s Campus Safety Office (CSO) following Sept. 17 when students reported feeling unwell after unknown substances were reportedly placed in their drinks during an off-campus party. The investigation on these substances is also ongoing.

Healey encourages anyone with information on the gathering to contact Crime Stoppers or U of G’s campus safety office, and students are urged to be vigilant and contact the CSO at (519) 8405000 ext. 2000 if they have any information regarding the unknown substances.

STUDENTS WALK OUT OF CLASS IN SOLIDARITY WITH THOSE AFFECTED BY GENDER AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE

On Sept. 23, hundreds of U of G students walked out of classes and marched across campus to raise awareness of gender and sexual violence.

GuelphToday states the event was held following reports of female students at the U of G having unknown substances placed in their drinks, as well as the recent reports of sexual assault and ensuing walkout at Western University.

On Sept. 17, Western University saw thousands of students walk out in protest of sexual violence after four students issued formal complaints of assault after frosh week and other allegations began to arise on social media.

Public Educator at Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis Jensen Williams spoke at U of G’s demonstration, stating “sexual violence should never be a part of the student university experience” and that converstation on consent need to happy before students arrive on campus.

U of G’s Interim Vice-Provost of Student Affairs Irene Thompson called the demonstration “a movement by the students in support of making sure that we have a sexual violence-free campus.” She also acknowledged that not all those who experience sexual violence feel comfortable coming forward.

The Guelph Police are still investigating the reports.

The university also released a statement in support of students’ rights to participate in such demonstrations, explaining that sexual violence is a problem that is not limited to campuses and must be combatted with “communal, collaborative action.”

HOMECOMING WEEKEND RESULTS IN LARGE UNSANCTIONED GATHERING

Following a large unsanctioned gathering at Chancellor’s Way on Sept. 25, the U of G released a statement expressing disappointment and thanking local police and fire services for their services during the gathering.

Although the U of G did not host its annual Homecoming football game this year, thousands of students took to the streets to party anyway.

The Guelph Police Service and U of G’s campus safety office issued “numerous” fines and tickets throughout the weekend for various violations, including trespassing and alcohol consumption.

As a result, police presence has increased on Chancellor’s Way and nearby areas.

“It is unfortunate that the actions of some people distract us from the many wonderful and important contributions the University and our students make to the life and energy of this city,” said President Charlotte Yates in the release.

“We will continue to work collaboratively with the City of Guelph, students, neighbourhood associations and other community partners to find effective solutions to the serious concerns associated with unsanctioned street gatherings.”

In light of the many unsanctioned gatherings happening in Guelph, an open letter expressing concern for public health was also published by Yates, the Mayor of Guelph, and the medical officer of health for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph.

STUDENT REFERENDUM TO BE HELD FOR UNIVERSAL BUS PASS

Between Oct. 4 and 8, The Central Students Association (CSA) and Graduate Students Association (GSA) will be holding a referendum on the UPass, the Guelph bus pass for students at the U of G.

The UPass, or Universal Bus Pass, is an affordable bus pass offered to all U of G students via their tuition fees. The last UPass contract was priced at $150 per semester, making it cheaper than other Guelph Transit passes. The contract expired on April 30, 2021.

The CSA and GSA have negotiated a new contract with the City of Guelph, pricing the UPass at $151 per semester with an annual increase capped at two per cent each year.

Unlike the last contract, which was limited to a five-year term, the new contract is indefinite unless the annual increase exceeds two per cent, in which case another referendum must be held.

The referendum asks students if they support the UPass fee for all U of G students. If the majority of votes are for ‘yes’, the new UPass contract will be made effective as of Jan. 1, 2022.

An electronic ballot will be sent to U of G students’ email accounts on Oct. 4.

#ONTHERADAR @THEONTARION

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