mitZine v10.1

Volume 10, Issue 1 September 2010

FROSH ISSUE 2010

IN THIS ISSUE:

MITSC Profiles Guest Article by Dr. Kane X. Faucher Guides to academics, charities, and the USC and much more

“Boredom is always counterrevolutionary. Always.”

- Guy Debord

Disclaimer: The sole responsibility for the content of this publication lies with the authors. Its contents do not reflect the opinion of the University Students’ Council of the University of Western Ontario (“USC”). The USC assumes no responsibility or liability for any error, inaccuracy, omission or comment contained in this publication or for any use that may be made of such information by the reader.

www.mitsc.ca

ESAELP ELCYCER

PLEASE RECYCLE

CONTENTS 3

10

Editor’s Note

Putting the Extra in Curricular

A Summer of Spectacle

4

Ways for FIMS Students to Get Involved

More Than Just a Degree

11

A Professor’s Take on the Extraordinarily Unique MIT Program

DR. KANE X. FAUCHER

5

ZACH VALLIANT

Charity Starts With You

Philanthropy at Western and Around the World

ALICIA DEBOER

STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood zine.editor@gmail.com HEAD COPY EDITOR

Taylor Pearce zine.copyeditor@gmail.com LAYOUT EDITOR

Hello Friends

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Mary Wong zine.layouteditor@gmail.com

ERIKA CASUPANAN

Do You Want to Contribute to the Zine?

ADVERTISING AND WEB EDITOR

A Letter from Your MITSC President

6-9 Meet Your Council MITSC Profiles

6 “I Have to Study Now?”

A Guide to Western’s Academic Resources

LAUREN NISBET

7 The USC: They’ve Got What You Want

An mitZine Flowchart

Jonathan Forani zine.adteam@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTORS WRITERS

Erika Casupanan Alicia DeBoer Dr. Kane X. Faucher Lauren Nisbet Brandon Sousa Zach Valliant The MITSC PHOTOGRAPHERS

Scott McGillis

An Introduction to the University Student’s Council at UWO

BRANDON SOUSA

READ THE ZINE ONLINE www.scribd.com/mitZine

BE MORE THAN A READER:

CONTRIBUTE TO THE ZINE We’re always looking out for talented writers, illustrators, copy editors, artists and other contributors. Make your voice heard and your work seen in the official FIMS undergraduate student publication.

Contact Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood for information or inquiries: zine.editor@gmail.com Or visit us online at www.mitsc.ca

A ‘SHORT’ GUIDE TO ABBREVIATIONS You’re part of the Faculty of Information and Media Studies (FIMS), which is broken down into three undergraduate programs: Media, Information and Technoculture (MIT), Media Theory and Production (MTP), and Media and the Public Interest (MPI).

FIMS has its own undergraduate representatives who make up the Media, Information and Technoculture Students’ Council (MITSC). The MITSC is part of the campus-wide University Students’ Council (USC), which represents every student at the University of Western Ontario (UWO). Confused yet?

At some point this year you might find yourself wandering through the University Community Centre (UCC), North Campus Building (NCB) or maybe even the Social Science Centre (SSC). You’ll also get to know plenty of Teaching Assistants (TAs) in your larger classes. If you want to know who makes academic policy decisions for FIMS, look no further than the Undergraduate Affairs Committee (UAC).

EDITOR’S NOTE

A SUMMER OF SPECTACLE

Consider the BP oil spill and its bizarre media coverage. No one seems to have noticed that the 5 million barrels of oil that leaked into the Gulf of Mexico1 is nothing when compared to the 85 million barrels of oil consumed worldwide every single day2.

Consider the leaked balance sheet for the fifth Harry Potter movie, which generated $900 million in box office revenue for Warner Bros, but reported a “loss” of almost $200 million due to accounting tricks3. It’s an absurdly disingenuous justification for raising movie prices, and it’s particularly infuriating for the studios and actors that are supposed to get a cut of the profits.

Consider the G20 riots in Toronto, which saw thousands of activists flooding the streets for legitimate causes but journalists only reporting on the sporadic violence. Corporate mainstream media certainly doesn’t want us to notice that our economic and political climate is destined for failure and people are starting to take action.

My point isn’t that our global love affair with oil is disastrous and misunderstood, or that unregulated media corporations exploit creative labour for profit, or that the public dissatisfaction with hypercapitalism is being repressed—even though it is, they are, and it is. My point is that there is so much going on in the world around us that we don’t see, read about, or hear about, and without taking an active interest in what’s happening we can never hope to get our heads around it. Context is vitally important in a world with so much spectacular information and so little genuine understanding.

So, welcome to FIMS. Welcome to MIT, MTP, and MPI. Welcome to Western. Welcome to an experience you can’t begin to appreciate the scope of.

“The torrential waves of bullshit thrown at you by every force imaginable won’t stand a chance when you’re done here.”

You are about to embark on a journey that will radically alter who you are and how you perceive the world. In FIMS, you will be challenged to think critically about what is presented as fact, evaluate the true impact of information technologies, and question the very nature of our society. You will interpret social networks, cyborgs, and libraries in startling new ways. You will develop creative and original solutions to a variety of historical and contemporary problems.

In this special Frosh Issue of the mitZine you will be introduced to a vast array of people, programs, and opportunities at Western and in FIMS. Treat this issue of the Zine as the resource that it is. Enjoy Professor Kane Faucher’s eloquent introduction to MIT, get to know the student council that represents you, and take a look at all the opportunities available on campus and in London.

photo by Scott McGillis Now get out there and do something about it.

Good luck.

Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood mitZine Editor-in-Chief

1 http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2010/gulf.coast. oil.spill/interactive/numbers.interactive/index.html In FIMS you are surrounded by students who care 2 http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/ene_oil_conas much about media as you do. From the activists energy-oil-consumption The torrential waves of bullshit thrown at you by in MPI to the journalists in MTP to the critics in MIT, 3 http://www.techdirt.com/ articles/20100708/02510310122.shtml every force imaginable—government, corporations, the bright minds of FIMS are united by a desire mass media—won’t stand a chance when you’re to understand what is really happening in the done here. world today.

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GUEST ARTICLE

MORE THAN JUST A DEGREE

A PROFESSOR’S TAKE ON THE EXTRAORDINARILY UNIQUE MIT PROGRAM written by Dr. Kane X. Faucher, Assistant Professor in MIT illustrated by Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood Who is that big, angry, bald man with the leather lungs gabbling on about proper semicolon usage?

That snarling, pacing, thug dyed in the scholastic wool who takes a diabolical delight in massacring your essays in swathes of slasher-film red ink, running his classes in a mix of a sermon from the pulpit and an arrant history boot camp? Why, that would be me. Welcome to MIT. I am but one of many different personages in this faculty’s cabinet of delightful curiousities, and we are all ensconced in arguably the most unique and multidisciplinary unit on campus. You have no doubt heard the spiel from counselors, advisors, and in the brochures so often that it has become a surfeit of promise wrapped in a litany.

Still, the question haunts: what is MIT? Ironically, it is powered by some of the misconceptions it seeks to dispel, and many a student discovers that being a consumer of media in general is not a precondition to understanding media. That is where we come in with our characteristic savoir faire and rigour, marching you across a vast scape where media is more than just YouTube, information is more than the helpful guide at a museum kiosk handing out brochures, and that technoculture is more than watching Bladerunner or Japanime while engaging in the thumbstruck activities of texting each other raw on social networks by means of our many gadgets. And, yet, MIT includes all of these aspects as well. Where else can you be exposed to such diverse topics as Second Life, car crashes, Disneyification, propaganda, serial killers, and graphic novels?

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What can you expect of your years with us? We could not, in good conscience, let you complete your degree without some forays into what is considered a broad liberal arts education, but one that is truly “wired”. Your instructors do not attire themselves in black, donning berets and “too cool for cool” affectation, but we are a young, bold, and truly dynamic faculty perhaps condemned to be resignedly hip and perpetually “with it”. We just may be cooler than you—for now. As students aiming to gain full admission into the MIT stream for second year, the incentives are plenty, for you will find that our faculty is highly approachable and that there is the whiff of belonging to an elite group of students who will use their MIT years as their springboard to careers where media savvy is de rigueur.

all the vital and scholastic skills that are designed to see you succeed. Do not be surprised when we tell you that, in terms of corporate media and advertising, nothing is as it seems as we cultivate your growing sense of suspicion and hone your critical apparatus that will put you on solid ground to be aware of how you may have been manipulated by media forces large and small. A degree in MIT is almost a certain guarantee you will not be fooled again, so keen you will become in revealing every wizard behind the curtain, and intimately aware of the machinery of media and its intended impact upon society at large.

All we ask is that you take Immanuel Kant’s motto to heart: sapere aude! Dare to know!

“We are a young, bold, and truly dynamic faculty... We just may be cooler than you—for now.”

What can you do with a degree in MIT? Doubtless, you have already been apprised of the successes of our graduates who have found themselves in a plethora of industries. However, to ask that bottom line question is not ours to answer, for you may as well ask us what you can do with a lump of clay.

The benefit of our program is that, by virtue of being exposed to such a variety of subjects marshalled under the rubric of what MIT stands for, you will be prepared to launch yourself in several career streams limited only by your own imagination.

Despite what may seem right now as a nebulous or vast program, be assured that we are smuggling in

If you truly want to obtain the insider information about MIT, you need not simply take your instructors’ word for it—get to know some of our brilliant MIT students in their senior years. Get involved—seriously—and consider joining the intrepid MIT Students’ Council who tirelessly plan great events, a collection of cool MIT geeks and a veritable hub for all things MIT. Rally to our MIT banner, for you will find it flutters over all that is wholly relevant, vitally obscure, esoterically chic, and simply a program like no other. I personally welcome—and incite—you to action: make your MIT years the most formative, compelling, and courageous they can be!

HELLO FRIENDS

A LETTER FROM YOUR MITSC PRESIDENT How are you? I hope you’re doing well. My name is Erika Casupanan. You may have seen me in previous appearances such as Summer Academic Orientation or a lovely piece of literature disseminated by the university in order to convince you to attend this institution. Today I come to you as Media, Information & Technoculture Students’ Council President.

You are probably expecting me to write you a welcome letter that will inevitably get lost in the sea of welcome letters that have already piled up on your desk. Perhaps this letter will include an inspirational welcome filled with advice about how to get involved and the opportunities awaiting you, “welcome to the family” messages, and statistics about how this _________ is the best __________ in ___________. Here’s a heads up: I’m not going to do that.

I’m not going to welcome you to this faculty and its traditions because first year students are not simply welcomed into it. Instead, students enter the faculty with fresh ideas, reconstruct it, and by the end of four-ish years they make it even more innovative, original, and progressive than before. Sure, the

Faculty of Information and Media Studies has traditions, but it is certainly not a traditional faculty.

I wish that the 500 word limit imposed on me by the fantastic mitZine editor (meet him sometime!) was enough to fully convey what the students in FIMS achieve.

will affect the way that you mold this faculty and the world around us, too.

Over my three years in FIMS I’ve witnessed a lot of change created by students. There is a fire burning inside each and every one of you that’s itching to say something or see the world differently. I can In short, there are students who intern around guarantee you that after you’ve had your way with the world, start their own non-profit organizations, it, this faculty is not going to look the same as when head their own design companies, hold leadership you entered into it. positions all around campus, speak their mind when On that note, if you consider a revolutionary, funthere is an issue on campus, and have a great time. loving, read between the lines-ing group of people a Sure, this is starting to sound like an inspirational family, then I’ll welcome you to the family. welcome message, but the achievements of these students weren’t inspired by a note written by the I can’t wait to see what you achieve, president of such and such during their first year.

Erika Casupanan The students in this faculty take hold of what they MITSC President 2010/2011 are learning, apply it to their views of the world, ecasupan@uwo.ca deconstruct then reconstruct what they see, and project it back to make a difference. This faculty p.s. I’m always down for a chat. Hit me up, yo! goes far deeper than that graphic novel on your book list, LOLs about hashtags and trending topics, and the OMG series finale of The Hills. You’re going to be challenged to think, act, and observe differently, and how you interpret these challenges [mitZine v10.i1] 5

MEET YOUR COUNCIL MITSC PROFILES

The official mission of the Media, Information and Technoculture Students’ Council (MITSC), as stated in its constitution, is to “promote the interests and welfare of the undergraduate students of FIMS through the development, promotion, and supervision of academic, cultural, philanthropic and social initiatives”.

The students that make up the MITSC are committed to making your undergraduate experience as incredible as it can be. Get to know them and what they can do for you!

BRANDON SOUSA

LAUREN NISBET

VP External / USC MIT Councillor

VP Academic

You can Tweet about it, Facebook it, or if you’re really darn classy, LinkedIn all over it, but no matter what your web two-point-oh weapon of choice, this’ll be the best four years of your life! My job is to make sure that you have the best student experience at a research intensive university OUTSIDE the classroom. Along with your University Students’ Council, the MITSC is here to continue to provide you with the best opportunities to discover yourself in the Western Bubble, from clubs, to your O-Week, to student services. If you ever have a question about what’s going on with your USC, or want to learn how to get involved, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Welcome to Western! I’m really excited to be on council this year, not only because it means helping you guys with the transition from high school to university (which is both terrifying and awesome), but also because I get to share with you my two great loves: MIT and academia. I’ll be around to help put you in touch with the many academic resources available on campus and help you with your courses when you need it. So if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed with all this crazy book-learnin’ don’t hesitate to call, email or visit your trusty VP Academic. ;) lnisbet@uwo.ca

bsousa2@uwo.ca

In addition to its President, the intrepid Erika Casupanan, this year’s edition of the MITSC is made up of 17 exceptional FIMS students.

On pages 6 and 7: MITSC Executive Members On pages 8 and 9: MITSC Non-Executive Members

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“I HAVE TO STUDY NOW?” A GUIDE TO WESTERN’S ACADEMIC RESOURCES Lauren Nisbet, MITSC VP Academic You made it! After four years of toiling through high school, it’s time to begin your undergrad life at Western. This means: independence, learning your way around campus, and meeting new people during O-week, in residence, and in your classes. During the initial excitement, the academic aspect can be overlooked but it’s important to remember the real reason we’re all here is to learn, which in MIT will be different from anything you’ve ever experienced.

The transition from high school to university may be tough but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Keep these resources in mind as you settle into the beginning of your education, MIT-style!

Academic Counseling Like your high school guidance department, academic counselors help with course selection or changes as well as academic advice needed to understand MIT degree specifics. MIT Academic Counselor Jeff Childerhose says this is especially beneficial for first year students given the competitive nature of FIMS, as they can “seek advice before making course changes, especially if it involves dropping courses after the add date has passed.” He also stresses the importance of the many other services available at Western. “We may not have all the answers but we can help point you in the right direction,” he explains.

To contact Jeff Childerhose or Senior Academic Counselor Kathie Hess, email mit@uwo.ca, or call 519-661-3542 Learning Skills Services Within Western’s Student Development Center, Learning Skills Services will

help you take a real look at your courses and how best to approach them.

If you’re having any trouble adjusting academically, this is a proactive way to handle the stress and develop an action plan. Free presentations and counseling sessions deal with anything from time management and how to learn from lectures and textbooks to strengthening concentration. These can be exactly what you need. You can access this resource online at www.sdc. uwo.ca/learning, or visit room 4100 of the Student Development Centre located between Weldon and the UCC. Writing Support Center This is also part of the Student Development Center and is a great resource as a first year when writing essays or short assignments. Even those of you who excelled at writing throughout high school may find that professors are looking for a different style and have different expectations. Make an appointment with a writing counselor, attend a workshop, and find tips online at the writing center website: http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/writing Professors / Teaching Assistants During first year, never forget that profs and TAs are an educational asset. It may seem like enough to listen in class, read your syllabus, and never have any other contact with your professor, but office hours are scheduled for a reason. They know what they’re looking for from you as a student, understand the material the best, and can help you succeed. You don’t have to rely on your peers or your own interpretation of a topic or idea if you are unsure; TAs and profs are there for you, so take advantage!

ZACH VALLIANT

JESSICA BRONSTEIN

KEVIN BANG

VP Communications

VP Events

VP Finance

My name is Zach Valliant. I am a third year student in the Honours Media, Information and Technoculture stream. My role on council is Vice-President of Communication. My primary role is to be the communications liaison between the Council and the students as well as the Council and the Faculty administration. One of my primary responsibilities this year will be sending out emails and podcasts to the faculty updating them on current events. Get ready to hear my voice and see my name all the time! Have a great year!

‘Sup wild children! As the VP Events on this year’s MITSC, it is my duty to ensure that your social calendars are more than full! We have some great things planned so that you can meet the rest of the MIT family. I don’t want to ruin any surprises, but I will say check your emails because you don’t want to miss out. Oh, and just so you know, I am the world’s best dancer and I can’t wait to see you on the dance floor at our first event!

Hey you MIT froshies! Welcome to Western! I’m glad you decided to come and I can guarantee that you will not regret your decision over Queens.

Trust me. I’m your VP of Finance for the year and yes, all I do is crunch numbers and make financial statements. Just kidding! Being the VP of Finance, I have to manage all the cash flow in the MITSC. I also get to handle large sums of cash on a daily basis (probably the most I’ll ever get to handle in my lifetime). I work closely with the VP Events to set event prices, but don’t worry; I will strive to lower admission costs for all events. You’ll definitely get the most “Bang for your buck!” ;).

jbronst2@uwo.ca

zvallian@uwo.ca

kbang@uwo.ca

THE USC: THEY’VE GOT WHAT YOU WANT AN INTRODUCTION TO THE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ COUNCIL AT UWO Brandon Sousa, MITSC VP External / USC MIT Councillor We hear it time and time again; we read it on pens, folders, and letterheads; we listen to it being repeated in speeches, pitches, and advertisements: The University of Western Ontario with the “Best Student Experience at a Research Intensive University”. Well, what the heck does that mean and how can you be a part of it?

Western is committed to providing opportunities to help you succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Luckily, the USC is leader of the charge on the best student experience outside the classroom.

Maybe you have a unique interest, like juggling or tango. Well, the USC is dedicated to feeding talent like that and uniting like-minds across campus.

Over 75% of the student population participates in one or more of the 180 clubs at Western! You’ll find something that tickles your fancy at westernclubs.ca.

What’s more, the USC actually owns several different operations around campus. Looking to escape that residence cafeteria food? Check out The Wave, our on-campus restaurant and nightclub. Are you 19 and need a pint after a three-hour lecture on Panopticons? The Spoke is the on-campus bar and lounge offering a thirst-quenching adventure called the Beer Tour of the World. Bored of studying and want to catch a cheap flick? Head to Western Film on the second floor of the UCC.

The University Students’ Council is the all-encompassing aspect of student life on campus. It consists of representatives from 29 different faculties and residences as well as an Executive Council with a Communications Officer, a President, and four Vice Presidents. Each of the latter has their own area of Whether it’s a club, an event, or just a cold drink, the USC has all the outlets to focus: Finance, Student Events, University Affairs, or Campus Issues. Together, bring you the BEST Student Experience. they bring to you the opportunities that make up the “best student experience”.

Now don your moustache and join the party.

For the activitist in you, the USC provides 5 key services under its Campus For further details about what the USC can do for you, visit usc.uwo.ca or Issues portfolio: Ally Western, Pride Western, Women’s Issues Network, contact your USC MIT representative, Brandon Sousa.

EnviroWestern, and Ethnocultural Support Services. Each open to every student on campus, and has opportunities for involvement.

The Student Life department is committed to numerous programs and events to keep life on campus entertaining. From Western Idol and Charity Ball, to the Public Art Gallery Program, there is a taste of everything. [mitZine v10.i1] 7

JESSICA SEGAL

JENNIFER FERGUSON

MEGAN MCDONALD

Faculty Representative

MTP Representative

MPI Representative

Hello fresh faces of MIT, allow me to introduce myself as your Faculty Rep! I’m a lanky brunette in my third year of MPI, and while I might blend in, it’s my job to make sure that your opinions stand out in faculty meetings. I’ll be sitting in on weekly MITSC and UAC meetings and voicing my opinion, and I’d love to hear yours! Simply put, I’m both liaison and spokesperson between faculty and students.

You can find me at our fabulous MIT events, Zine meetings and hurrying around our lovely campus.

Come say hello, I don’t bite.

Welcome to MIT... and UWO... and, most Hello everyone! importantly, the possibility of MTP! Don’t be This year, my biggest goal is to see a more cohesive overwhelmed if that was one too many acronyms, faculty. I’m going to do my best to help with that.

I’ll get you sorted out.

I enjoy homemade brownies, etymology, riding my I’m a newsie (a.k.a. in the Broadcast-Journalism bicycle, and adventuring. stream of Media Theory and Production) in my third year. For all you MTPs and MTP wannabes, amcdon24@uwo.ca I’m around to keep you connected, answer your questions, and make MTP better than ever.

jsegal6@uwo.ca

For now, just remember this: only MTPs rock out in M building at Fanshawe in the morning, and then steal the spotlight at MIT events at night. jfergu48@uwo.ca

SIMON CROMWELL

BROOKE NOLAN

Street Team Coordinator

Head Soph I’m Brooke. I love peanut butter and jam, reading magazines, and Mary-Kate Olsen. I also love O-Week, which really works out, as I happen to be your Head Soph. That means I love MIT/MTP/MPI so much that I want all of you incoming youngin’s to love it just as much as I do from the first day you step on Western campus. I have put my heart and soul into this year’s Orientation Week and I’m so excited for the year to start. It’s going to be a good one. Say hi if you run into me, I love meeting people, and keep your eyes peeled (ew) for the clothing sale coming this fall!

MIKE PALOMBO

bnolan3@uwo.ca

mpalomb5@uwo.ca

Production Coordinator Yes, that guy from O-Week.

I’m in charge of keeping you entertained while promoting different MIT/MTP/MPI events. Aside from that, the Production Committee this year will be launching a bad-ass web show and we’re looking for volunteers just like you. So stay tuned, get involved, and get aggressive. This is going to get a little out of hand.

What’s poppin’ Frosh!? MIT Street Team Coordinator at your service! I’m in second year MTP, in the Radio Broadcasting stream. Jamie and I are going to make sure you guys get the gritty details of all MIT events and we hope you join us as we rock this campus all year long!

If there’s one thing I want to share with you, it’s that first year is going to be the greatest year of your life thus far, and you shouldn’t close any doors or opportunities. Get out there, meet people, join clubs, and have the time of your life. It’s university.

You’ve made it this far. Now go enjoy yourself! scromwel@uwo.ca

DANIELLE FOSTER

ALICIA DEBOER

AIDAN O’LOUGHLIN

Graduate Representative

Charity Commissioner

Chairperson

It doesn’t matter whether you’re in first year, graduating, or anywhere in between; if you’re at all like me any new situation makes you feel everything from nervousness to excitement. Hopefully I can help you with those nerves. Although my main objective is to represent those of you who are graduating and make this transition less daunting, I’m here for the rest of you too. Graduation will come a lot sooner than anybody realizes and it’s my job to make everyone as prepared as possible.

My suggestion: get involved, get to know yourself, have fun!

Charity. By definition the word means to help others.

In MIT, charity is not just about writing a cheque. Your faculty is unique because they can spot worthwhile issues and put a creative solution to action. We recognize that students have the chance to facilitate change, which is exactly what this MITSC member intends to see happen in 2010/2011.

Yo YO YOOOOO! Hi newcomers. For those who don’t know what a chairperson is, I am not a scary wooden, half-chair half-person Pinocchio type. Nor do I make sure that everyone else on council has a chair. My job is actually to mediate the discussions during council meetings, take minutes, and kick ass... OK, I lied about that last part, but the rest is 100% fact. It’s my job to make sure the sexay folks in FIMS are informed about all our goings on. So stay tuned, and stay beautiful. Rawr.

adeboer2@uwo.ca

aoloughl@uwo.ca

dfoste@uwo.ca

JAMIE RAJF Street Team Coordinator Do you hear that? That’s the sound of 300 brilliant minds at work. Welcome to MIT, froshlings.

Now that you’re in MIT, you’ll soon learn the truth.

We’re the creators, innovators, and leaders of the next big thing. We’re on top of every trend before it’s even a trend, and we need to show everyone just how brilliant we are. So I invite you to grab a stick of chalk and draw the next greatest ad since FedEx put an arrow in their name. Countdown and freeze on Concrete Beach, just because you can turn heads. Come out for Street Team and get ready for the best year of your life in one of the best programs Western has to offer! jrajf@uwo.ca

BETTINA THUMIGER Webmaster Hello hello and welcome to what will surely be an amazing year! Please allow me to introduce myself; this year I claim the title as master of the online world—keeping you up to date in your second life, cyberspace. I am going into 4th year Multimedia and Design and by now can claim to be fluent in three languages: German, English and HTML code.

Did I mention I can type on French and German keyboards? Questions, comments, obscene gestures? You should drop me a line. ;) bthumige@uwo.ca

HADRIAN MERTINS-KIRKWOOD mitZine Editor The mitZine is the official FIMS undergraduate student publication. Combining critical analysis and imaginative design, the Zine is the alternative student publication on campus.

The audacious Zine staff are here to provide you with a totally unique platform of free expression, and we couldn’t be more excited about getting you involved. Have something to share? Something to show or tell? Make yourself heard with the mitZine. hmertins@uwo.ca

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PUTTING THE EXTRA IN CURRICULAR

WAYS FOR FIMS STUDENTS TO GET INVOLVED written by Zach Valliant, MITSC VP Communications photo by Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood

For those who want to take on more than academics and a Monday night commitment to Jacks this year, take note. As a first year, you have the chance to work with talented people just as passionate as you are; not to mention bolstering your resume, which in just four short years could be your ticket to your dream job. Here’s an overview of a few ways you can get involved this year!

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The Big Purple Couch (BPC) Western’s own TV show is unique because it is produced for Western students, by Western students. Furthermore, BPC covers what students want to see. On screen, a host, co-host and ‘host’ of corresponding reporters are the face of the BPC. Off screen, editing, sound, and camera crews are the neck that supports it. Do you want to work on your on-screen persona or fine tune your technical skills? If so, the Big Purple Couch might just be the place for you.

CHRW If you have always been told you have the voice for radio, let it be heard on Western’s own radio station, CHRW, and get hands-on experience starting now.

Phil Pallen, a recent MIT grad, got the chance to interview Much Music’s Video On Trial star, Trevor Borris, for his own radio show, Song On Trial. Yes, that’s right. Students can develop their own shows, which provides invaluable experience and the chance to flex those creative muscles.

MIT Students’ Council (MITSC) Like in high school, the MIT Council brings together a group of elected/appointed students to create social and academic events. Unlike high school, this is MIT. There are close to 20 positions on council, which include MPI/MTP reps, Charity Commisioner, and First Year reps, where students can be leaders and meet other MIT students in every year. Speaking from experience, I highly recommend it. You may

have heard of Liz Trinnear, the new Much Music VJ? She was the MITSC’s VP Events last year.

The Gazette / mitZine If the Globe & Mail is where you see your future, why not write for Western’s own daily newspaper, the Gazette. The five W’s not cutting it for you?

Then consider our faculty’s own magazine, the mitZine. The mitZine differs in that it is geared to what MIT students are interested in, and allows for a less constricted writing style. Either one is perfect for building your professional portfolio.

Even better, both are always looking for writers, along with editors, illustrators, photographers, and more!

Sophing During O-Week it’s hard to miss the enthusiastic upper years cheering and dancing, whose biggest responsibility is to lead first year students through Orientation. Beyond the crazy fun that is O-Week, Sophs partake in a yearlong commitment to mentor and tutor their Frosh both socially and academically. MIT has around 30 Sophs each year, so if you’re outgoing, enthusiastic, and above all, love to dance, then this is a perfect fit for you! All positions are appointed. I encourage every one of you to find your inner soph!

MIT Clothing Sale For those who love graphic design and/or have a skilled hand in Photoshop, this is a great opportunity to show it off! Every year the MITSC organizes a faculty clothing sale. To do so, we reach out to the FIMS students to submit designs. Those of you whose graphics are selected to be on clothing get it free. It’s like a trophy you can wear!

Leadership and Mentorship Program (LAMP) Like Sophs, LAMP consists of selected upper years to help you adjust to life at Western.

Their main job? Make sure you find plenty of opportunities to get involved, develop leadership kills, and excel in your academics. MIT first years can become part of the Service Learning committee, attend prof meet & greets, examtime de-stressor events and workshops on what to expect after first year. After first year, you can become peer mentors or team leaders with the chance of being paid through Work Study!

MIT may only account for a fraction of Western’s population but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for with quality opportunities for our students to become a part of the action.

The years fly by so take the time to get involved before you take off!

Best of luck to all of you!

CHARITY STARTS WITH YOU PHILANTHROPY AT WESTERN AND AROUND THE WORLD written by Alicia DeBoer, MITSC Charity Commissioner illustrated by Mary Wong The Western community offers a wide variety of opportunities for those interested in volunteering time for the causes they believe in. Whether it be humanitarian, environmental, or political, here are three important resources to get you started.

On Campus The clubs system at Western is a great place to start. Browse the list of clubs online at http://www. usc.uwo.ca/westernclubs/clubslist/#all or check out anything that strikes your interest at Clubs Week, which takes place in the University Community Centre in September.

In the Community If you’re looking to put your beliefs into action,

http://www.pillarnonprofit.ca provides a database of volunteer opportunities in and around the London community.

Abroad Many students at UWO extend their help beyond the immediate community. From Alternative Spring Break trips that travel all around the Americas to volunteer opportunities in Africa, the Student Success Center can hook you up with your large-scale volunteer experience. Check out http://success.uwo.ca/index.cfm/experience/ international-opportunities/volunteer-abroad/ for more information. [mitZine v10.i1] 11

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FLOWCHART

DO YOU WANT TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE ZINE?

no

no

yes!

5TH YEAR?

no

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED IT?

TEEN STEREOTYPES CALLED. THEY’D LIKE THEIR APATHY BACK.

ARE YOU IN 1ST, 2ND, 3RD, OR 4TH YEAR? yes!

no

NO ONE’S CHECKING ID...

ARE YOU IN ANY FACULTY AT UWO? yes!

no

YOU’RE ADOPTED

BY FIMS. WELCOME TO WESTERN!

WHICH ONE ARE YOU? Writer

First sentences to an article, story, or poem will randomly pop up in your head at any moment, making pens/keypads a necessity.

Illustrator

Photoshop is your playground. To you, Photoshop’s layers are like Lay’s chips; you can’t have just one.

NOW YOU’RE THINKING, “BUT WHY WOULD I REALLY WANT TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE ZINE?” SO NOW YOU HAVE MEANS AND MOTIVE... HOW ABOUT OPPORTUNITY?

Copy Editor

You’re more than a spell checker; you can help parse others’ ideas so the reader can understand and engage.

You’re critical. We like that. With the Zine you’ll have the chance to express your ideas in a published forum other than Facebook, and you’ll have something to put up on your fridge old school style.

Email zine.editor@gmail.com or come out to one of our information sessions: Wednesday, September 15th at 5:30pm in SSC 3024 Tuesday, September 21st at 5:30pm in SSC 2028

With the Zine there is no intimidation.

We’re just looking for people with ideas. Any year. Any faculty.

Whether your ideas take the form of an article, an essay, a comic, fiction, artwork, photography, or anything else is up to you.

Learn more at mitsc.ca