The Queen's Journal, Volume 143, Issue 19

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the journal

Queen’s University

Vol. 143, Issue 19

Rector debate draws full crowd and J osh

since

1873

Students question candidates

Four remaining candidates discussed transparency, sexual assault policy and student advocacy J ordana G oldman Journal Staff

F r i day , J a n ua ry 2 2 , 2 0 1 6

in Wallace Hall debates

M alm

Originally published online on Jan. 21 Not a seat could be found in Wallace Hall for the Jan. 20 Rector debates. During the relatively friendly debate, candidates highlighted their plans for the Office of the Rector. The Queen’s Rector, who serves for a term of two to three years, represents students at the Queen’s Board of Trustees and is responsible for a number of ceremonial duties. The Board of Trustees, one of Queen’s three governing bodies, oversees the University’s finances. Zac Baum resigned from the 2016 Rector election a few hours before the debate, which began at 7 p.m. Baum, CompSci ’17, made the announcement on his campaign’s Facebook page. Baum told The Journal via Facebook Messenger that his resignation won’t be an “out” from getting involved. “I have learned so much about myself from Queen’s, especially in the last few months. So much so, that I am determined to make this a place where others will do the same,” he wrote. Baum added that he doesn’t plan to endorse any candidate. The four remaining Rector candidates — Liam Dowling, ConEd ’18; Julia Fulton, ArtSci ’17; Rigers Rukaj, Sci ’17; and Cam Yung, ArtSci ’16 — discussed topics such as transparency, sexual assault policy and how each candidate plans to advocate for the student population. The debate consisted of 14 issue questions and four lighthearted “Fun Round” questions. The Journal has included three of the most contested topics debated on Wednesday. Each candidate was given 90 seconds to answer each question.

From top: Tyler Lively, AMS presidential candidate, and Julia Fulton, Rector candidate, were among those that debated.

PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE NIJHUIS

AMS executive hopefuls questioned on their platforms and promises V ictoria G ibson and M ikayla W ronko Journal Staff

What is the most serious issue facing Queen’s students?

violence on campus. Zarzour said that both response and prevention of sexual violence are lacking, and the team plans on focusing their advocacy on the creation of a sexual assault centre on campus.

While each candidate emphasized the importance of communication, they also stated ways they would advocate on behalf of students.

During the debate, Team LWT stated that increasing enrolment is the most pertinent issue facing students at Queen’s. Presidential candidate Tyler Lively, who answered the question, said issues of How can you increase opportunities strained health services and cramped study for diverse students in the AMS? spaces have become increasingly relevant as enrolment rises. Although both teams said they wish to Enrolment is an issue that has to be diversify the AMS, they plan to do so using addressed from a provincial standpoint, different means. Lively added, and if elected the team is Team CSG’s Vice President (Operations) determined to advocate to the appropriate candidate Sarah Anderson began by stating provincial bodies. that students wouldn’t involve themselves Team CSG agreed that enrolment was in an organization they didn’t care an issue, but presidential candidate Colin about, so combatting apathy towards the Zarzour said their concern was elevated to AMS was a priority. They believe that a level of “crisis” when it came to sexual recruitment into the AMS was its most prominent difficulty. Candidates from Team LWT said working for the AMS comes with long hours and difficult tasks, and creating an excitement about the work itself is crucial for attracting diverse talent. Walker also said that working for the AMS provides students with job experience, which needs to be highlighted more strongly in order to attract candidates. However, the point was raised in a question that the AMS salaries are among the lowest for student governments across Canada. While LWT’s Vice President (Operations) candidate David Walker said experience was more important than the salary, CSG’s Anderson said they came from a privileged position, and that many students can’t afford

See Rector on page 2

See AMS on page 2

Originally published online on Jan. 20 While the first half of AMS Executive debate was relatively tame, the second period became more contentious as candidates disagreed on matters of the environment, pay scales and services. During the Jan. 19 debate, which was held in Wallace Hall, Team LWT and Team CSG discussed issues as serious as sexual assault and non-academic discipline and lighter (and more contentious) topics like skate sharpening and panini presses. The Journal has compiled the most contested topics of the debate.

How will you advocate for all student interests on Board of Trustees?

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

FEATURES

EDITORIALS

OPINIONS

ARTS

SPORTS

When street harassment on campus crosses the criminal line

Tuition freeze only a short-term fix

How the American election will affect you

“Chick lit” puts down the work of female writers

Cut twice from the basketball team, Itskovich bounced back

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Online:

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@queensjournal

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