The SMC roadmap for the coming year The air is cooling, coffee brewing, and new and old faces are popping up in Brennan. Welcome home kids; we’re in for quite the year. SMCSU has a new(ish) council, UTSU continues to provide services to students, and the administration has been working hard to ensure this year is a success for everyone.
SMCSU Mike Cowan, president of the Saint Michael’s College Student Union (SMCSU), is optimistic about the coming year, despite two council members resigning over the summer. Both Danielle Fallico, arts officer, and Olivia Rasekh, athletics officer, resigned for personal reasons. Eliana Seochand has been appointed as new arts officer, and the athletics officer position will remain vacant until it can be filled by the SMCSU by-election in October. Despite the shakeup, Cowan is proud of the performance of his council so far. “Council has moved quickly since the beginning of the school year, as one unit and team.” SMCSU was extremely active during the recent Frosh week. Cowan is excited to begin his new presidency by “re-branding” St.Mike’s. He plans on promoting professionalism within SMCSU, and to “create a
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much more energetic atmosphere for everyone at St. Mike’s.” He admits that there have been times in the past year that the professionalism of SMCSU had been questioned, but asserts that new emphasis will be placed on maintaining a professional image of the council. Cowan cited multiple reasons for feelings of optimism. The renovations of Brennan lounge are complete (except for new 50” TV’s that should arrive within the week), which should increase traffic in the lounge and spur a more active community. SMCSU also recently amalgamated commuter life into community life, to forge a more efficient, inclusive community. He also stresses a more responsible distribution of funding for events, by holding more events on campus. Cowan, who cited an expensive event held off campus last year that only accommodated a few students, believes the funds would be better spent planning events like free meals, which would reach more students.
UTSU
pleased to say that even though there has been “various disagreements between the two in the past, we look forward to having an open relationship this year.” President Cowan added that “Aside from some controversial remarks made by Sean Sheppard (UTSU president) during his campaign, when we (rarely) interact it is nothing but friendly.” Brown hopes that students take advantage of many of the services that UTSU provides, such as their health and dental plans, student metropasses, BIXI bike discounts, etc. Be sure to visit utsu. ca/section/3 to get a full list of services and discounts. If you would rather not take advantage of these deals, you can opt out by October 5th. Like every year, the biggest issue facing UTSU is student apathy. Only 12% of students voted in the UTSU election last year. Brown actively encourages all students to get involved, use the services, and be informed. “There is a lot of scrutiny on UTSU this year, so I think that it will perform more efficiently if students remain interested.”
St. Mike’s Administration
The relationship between St. Mike’s and the University of Toronto’s student Union in the past has been turbulent. However, SMCSU’s UTSU representative, Cullen Brown, is
St. Mike’s President, Sister Anne Anderson, is very optimistic about the 2012-2013 school
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year. The school’s administration is entering in a $50 million campaign to do their share of the U of T “Boundless” campaign. It kicks off on September 29 in the SMC quad. It will feature a “Feast of St. Michael’s” that runs from 4-7pm. Everyone is welcome to attend the event. Anderson would also like to stress that the administration’s doors are always open— students are welcome and encouraged to speak to their faculty and administration. There has also been a facelift to the Canada Room over the summer, and she believes this year will be a strong year for St.Mike’s and its community.
The Mike The Mike itself is working full steam ahead to hammer out new editions of the paper. As last year, the Mike will be available bi-weekly Wednesday on stands all across campus. Students are also encouraged to visit the redesigned Mike website (readthemike.com) where you can access exclusive web content, comment on stories, and read the latest edition of the Mike. Be sure to follow The Mike on Twitter and Facebook. Welcome back, kids.
Cam Anderson|News Editor
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