Welcome! Hello first years! Let us be among the first to say welcome to Western University! It may not seem like it yet, but we promise that in a few months time, this place will surely be your new home away from home. Your time here will bring forth some of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of your young adult years and memories to last a lifetime. Our purpose as the Arts and Humanities Students’ Council (AHSC) is to ensure that your student experience is memorable, rewarding, and allows you to grow within the “Western bubble” the greater London community, and beyond.
Premier is brought to you by the Arts and Humanities Students' Council 2019 - 2020 Volume IX
Congratulations on picking A&H as a faculty! Arts and Humanities is one of the smallest (but mightiest!) faculties at Western. We are comprised of hundreds of passionate, talented, and unique individuals - and we are so excited to have you join us amongst our ranks! We cannot wait to see all the incredible things you’ll surely accomplish during your time at Western. Premier is your personal guide to everything Western and A&Hrelated. Use it during O-Week and throughout the year to become better acquainted with campus resources, events, and much more. We hope you have the most amazing Orientation Week, and we look forward to spending the next few years with you here at Western University!
VP of Communications: Shelby Hohmann Publications Editor-in-Chief: Rose Ghaedi Publications Layout Editor: Jess Attard Website Design Commissioner: Sophia Belyk
2
3
Fun Fact
Table of Contents
The AHSC ...................................................................................... 6 AHSC Social Media ....................................................................... 8 Your 2019-2020 AHSC Exec ........................................................ 9 Jerika (President) .............................................................. 9 Shelby (VP Communications) .......................................... 10 Diyasha (VP Events) ......................................................... 11 Deepiksa (VP Academics) ................................................. 12 Morgan (VP Finance) ....................................................... 13 Your 2019-2020 A&H Soph Team .............................................. 15 Academic Resources ...................................................................... 18 Health Resources ........................................................................... 20 Social Resources ............................................................................. 22 A&H Professor Recommended Books ......................................... 24 Get Involved! .................................................................................. 26 AHSC Publications ........................................................................ 28 What We Wish We Knew In First Year ..................................... 31
When Western first opened its doors it had only : Arts, Divinity, Law, and Medicine.
four faculties
4
AHSC Events .................................................................................. 34 FAQs .............................................................................................. 36
5
What is the AHSC? The Arts and Humanities Students’ Council
Who are we?
Comprised of students from all over the Arts and Humanities, we are a community dedicated to enhancing your experience in the faculty and Western as a whole. We are your advocates--your student voice to the Dean’s Office, University Students’ Council, administration, and more. We are your event planners and opportunity givers; from formals to night markets to publishing and theatre opportunities, we ensure that you have everything you need to enjoy your time here, feel at home, and gain valuable experience for life after university. We are also your ground zero for any and all updates about the faculty and university community. Do you have a concern you want addressed? An initiative you want to see? Information about what’s new and upcoming? Come chat; that’s what we’re here for!
What do we do?
Beyond meeting every other Monday evening at 5:30pm (location TBA)-and you’re invited, by the way--we operate in 5 portfolios: Presidential, Academics, Communications, Events, and Finance. We have a niche for just about everyone and everything. Our goal is to positively impact your Arts and Humanities experience in every way that we can, and we’ve got a hardworking team who knows exactly how to do it.
Where can you find us?
How can I get involved in the AHSC?
It’s the start of another school year which means--cue the drums-we’re hiring! Join the council family as a First Year Portfolio Associate and shadow one of our portfolio Vice Presidents, learning firsthand the inner workings of our student government and receiving insider information on the happenings of our faculty. Want to jump straight into advocacy? Run to be a First Year Representative: represent first years on our council and vote on all major council decisions. Check out our website below for more details and opportunities.
Contact us! For general inquiries email: usc.ahsc.exec@uwo.ca Find us on Facebook: @ahscwesternu Find us on Twitter: @ahscuwo Find us on Instagram: @ahscwesternu Take a look at our Website: ahscwesternu.com
Our office is open Monday-Friday from 9:30AM to 4:30PM. Come give us a visit at University College, room 2135--we’re always happy to chat, and sometimes we even have free treats.
6
7
Follow us on Social Media!
2019-2020 Executive Team
For updates, contests, opportunities, and more!
@ahscwesternu @ahscpubs @ahscuwo @ahscwesternu @ahscuwo
Hi, my name is Jerika Caduhada I am the AHSC President! My Degree: Double Major in English Language & Literature and Spanish with a Minor in Transitional Justice. Stuff I Do on Council: Represent A&H students in the University Students’ Council, manage council’s relationships with Western and the city of London, and ensure that council itself runs smoothly and makes a positive, meaningful impact on A&H students’ experience. What I Wish I Knew in First Year: You are still growing. It is okay to not have everything figured out--to change your degree, find new interests, struggle with the university transition. Learn to embrace this and pursue your curiosity relentlessly. Give time and space for the things that nurture and restore you, especially and even if they don’t relate to your academics or extracurriculars. Western and London may not be exactly like home, but they’ve got their own treasures. Start with watching the sunset from the back of Brescia--it’s stunning and sometimes the breath of fresh air you didn’t know you needed.
8
9
Hi, my name is Shelby Hohmann I am the AHSC VP of Communications! My Degree: I’m going into my third year of an Honors Specialization in English Language & Literature! Stuff I Do on Council: Being the AHSC Vice President Communications for this year means that I’m in charge of our social media, publications, and a lot of other stuff. What I Wish I Knew in First Year: If I was to give advice to my first year self, I would tell her to not stress over a couple of bad marks because when you put in the hard work everything ultimately turns out just fine. I would also tell her to go to Argo sooner because that place is the best.
10
Hi, my name is Diyasha Sen I am the AHSC VP of Events! My Degree: Honors Specialization in Women’s Studies. Stuff I Do on Council: As VP Events, I’m lucky enough to play the leading role in organizing all the amazing events that shape our faculty’s culture and community. I work alongside my phenomenal portfolio to highlight the fun, vibrant, and singular aspects of our faculty and ensure that Arts and Humanities is making its mark on campus! What I Wish I Knew in First Year: Google Calendar will save lives - write every single date down (and colour-code it!) because, trust me, it will be important. Also, it’s important to remember that even on your worst days the bare minimum is better than nothing; this means that going to class and not taking any notes is better than skipping altogether or sending in a last-minute application for sophing is better than not sending an application at all (but try your best when you can!).
11
Hi, my name is Deepiksa Singh I am the AHSC VP of Academics! My Degree: Honors Specialization in Women’s Studies along with a second major in Psychology. Stuff I Do on Council: My role on council is to oversee the Academic Portfolio. I chair the Department Representatives and represent the Arts and Humanities Students’ Council on the Educational Policy Committee and the roundtable committee. I am responsible for promoting the academics, education, and self-improvement of Arts and Humanities students. I work with the A&H Associate Dean academics and Academic Counselors to address students’ academic needs and concerns. I also help to oversee and plan events with Department Representatives to promote academic and student welfare.
Hi, my name is Morgan McAuley I am the AHSC VP of Finance! My Degree: Dual degree with SASAH and English + the Ivey HBA. Stuff I Do on Council: Send a lot of emails, hold meetings with the Dean’s Office, manage ~$90k of annual council expenses, create the budget, and attend as many council events as I can! What I Wish I Knew in First Year: Go visit your profs. They are lonely and this is their job. They want to get to know you and help you, and you never know how having this connection will manifest itself in the future. Also, Spoke bagels are just as good as everyone says; don’t wait to try them (also the mochas from The Spoke are amazing).
What I Wish I Knew in First Year: What I wish I knew in first year is that your mistakes do not define the person that you are. Also, forgiving yourself is one of the best gifts you could give yourself. So go ahead and make mistakes - you will always learn from them.
12
13
2019-2020 A&H Soph Team
Fun Fact
Hello fellow Arts and Humanities students and welcome to Western more importantly, welcome to the most creative, diverse, and fun faculty on campus! I am the Head Soph representing the Arts and Humanities faculty through the Orientation Program. You are probably curious what my role means, and to me it means that I am so passionate about my faculty, as well as the people and opportunities within it, that I decided to take part in organizing and planning Orientation Week for incoming students of this faculty. Alongside my Programming Assistants, we created events to give you the warmest welcome to our home as we possibly could. It is our goal to meet you and have fun with you so that you feel you can start to find your place in the Western community. We lead a team of 25 sophs (upper years students in your programs) whose purpose is to guide and support you through a big transition in your life. The presence of sophs on this campus truly adds to the positive atmosphere we want to experience at our school and are a resource to make sure you make the most of your time. In short, ask a soph ANYTHING! I am here to make sure the operation of Orientation Week is smooth and sophs are there for you yearlong. Your opportunities are rich in your academic community here and we want to encourage you to take them! Do not hesitate to become immersed fully in our faculty of intellectuals, problem-solvers, and creative minds because we will welcome you fully. Welcome to a space where you can push yourself and discover your passions. On behalf of the Arts and Humanities Soph Team 2019/2020, welcome to the Arts and Humanities.
-Pebbles, AKA Jenna Bozzo
...a message from your Head Soph
Western’s Trois-Pistoles program, established in 1932, was Canada’s
French Immersion program.
14
first 15
Hi, my name is Pandora! I’m one of the Arts and Humanities programming assistants this year! I’m Greek British and moved to Canada two years ago. I’m doing a double major in SASAH with an Honors Specialization in English Language and Literature and a minor in Italian. My favorite class that I’ve taken so far is YA literature. If I could give first years one tip it’s to look after yourself! Put yourself first; self-care is a must!
Hello A&H, my name is Tadpole! Hello A&H!! My name is Tadpole and I am one of the programming assistants for your Orientation Week! I am a fourth-year student pursuing an Honors Specialization in English Language & Literature with a Major in Theatre Studies. I’ve been involved passionately with the arts throughout my university career, notably as a frequent player with the USC’s Theatre Western (an organization you need to absolutely check out!). Even if you are not studying it, I highly recommend any Theatre or English class taught by Professors Solga or Kidnie because they have such a unique way of invigorating students’ creativity - it is a definite must-attend for any A&H student! My honest advice to all incoming students is that you need to trust your instincts. For some reason you felt compelled to study with this faculty over others, so don’t stop now and pursue whatever you feel passionate about studying because that is where your best work will show!
Hey arts, my name is A-Choo! I’m one of the Arts and Humanities programming assistants for this year’s O-Week! I also have a position on Arts and Humanities Students’ Council as the incoming Associate Vice President Finance! One of my favourite classes is English 3316E with Professor Moll. It is so much fun - I remember the first day I came to class and he started reciting something in Middle English I felt literal fear; however, I can attest that it is not as bad as it initially seems. To incoming students my number one tip is to enjoy your first year and take time to adjust at your own speed – it’s more than okay to take a few steps back to re-evaluate your standing because success isn’t measured by time :)
16
17
Academic Resources Academic Counseling For any help regarding course advice and course registration, visit your Arts and Humanities Academic Counselors. Ben Hakala and Amanda Green are extremely knowledgeable and are here to make you feel comfortable with all aspects of your degree requirements. Visit them often, get to know them (because they are wonderful people), and ask them questions!
We are located in the University College (UC) Suite 2230. Contact Us: arts@uwo.ca or (519) 661-3043 *Please note we prefer email - always include your student number* Drop-in Hours: Monday Thursday 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Friday mornings 9:30 AM 12:00 PM
Student Central We are located in the Student Services Building, room 1120. Contact Us: contact@uwo.ca or (519) 6612100 *Helpline hours are the same as drop in hours* Drop-in Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, & Fri: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Wed: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
18
Visit Student Central for a variety of different services from receiving a transcript, replacing a lost student card, to chatting with a financial counselor. Some services they offer include processing tuition fee payments and distributing government loans. Contact by phone for general questions regarding course enrollment and registration assistance.
Financial Aid Don’t stress about your finances! You can make an appointment with a Financial Aid Officer to speak about bursary options, OSAP, budgeting, or anything else financially related. All appointments are confidential. You can schedule an appointment online through your Student Center (student.uwo.ca). Just select Financial Aid Counseling on the left-hand column.
We are located in the Student Services Building, room 1120. Contact Us: kpypstra@uwo. ca or (519) 661-2100 *Helpline hours are Monday - Friday 9AM - 4PM* Appointments are booked one week in advance; new appointments are open on Thursday afternoons, around 2pm, for the following week. Students are only able to book one appointment in a seven day cycle.
Writing Support Centre We are located on the 4th floor of the Western Student Services Building, Room 4130. Contact Us: wsc@ uwo.ca or (519) 6613655 Our Hours: Monday - Friday 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Need essay writing advice, cover letter tips, or help with your thesis? The Writing Support Centre is here to help! You can visit a counselor by appointment in the Student Services Building, or drop by the office at Weldon Library (located on the main floor by the Argo Tea Cafe). They offer online writing resources and clinics for students transitioning to university writing (aka you!). Make use of these fantastic resources and note that appointments book up fast during heavy essay times (November and March).
19
Health Resources
Student Development Centre
A number of resources are available to you at the Student Development Centre, including Psychological Services and Individual Counselling. Please reach out if you need someone to talk to, if you find you’re having trouble transitioning to university life, or if you don’t know where else to go.
We are located on the 4th floor of the Western Student Services Building, Room 4130. Contact Us: To book an appointment call (519) 6613031 or visit us in-person. Our Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 4:00PM
Wellness Education Centre The Wellness Education Centre is a supportive, safe and comfortable environment for Western students to ask questions, learn about mental wellness, and find further resources on and off campus to help fit your needs. You can drop in anytime they’re open - there’s no need to book an appointment.
20
We are located in the UCC, room 76. Contact Us: (519) 661-2111 ext. 87127 Drop-in Hours: Monday - Friday: 10:00AM - 6:00PM
Student Health Services An appointment based medical clinic that provides all types of medical and counseling services to registered students. Located in the basement of the UCC, it’s convenient and quick, whether you need to be seen immediately, need a doctor’s note to verify an absence, or want to discuss options surrounding birth control, allergies, immunizations, etc.
We are located in the UCC, room 11. Contact Us: To book an appointment call (519) 6613030. Our Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00AM 7:00PM, Friday 9:00AM - 4:30PM, & Select Saturdays (see student health services website for details).
Student Emergency Response Team (SERT) In the event of an injury or medical emergency on campus, call SERT by cell or campus phone. This response team is comprised of students who are trained in emergency medical care. They will be the first to arrive to your medical emergency.
To Reach us...
Call 911 from a campus phone OR (519) 6613300 from a cell phone.
21
Residence Counseling For students currently living in residence, counseling services are provided. They provide short-term confidential counseling to help students manage a variety of mental/emotional challenges and promote healthy living. For more information contact your Residence Advisor or Residence Manager.
Our offices are located in Ontario Hall, Room 3C10. Contact Us: Any student living in residence on main campus can contact us at needtotalk@uwo. ca to schedule a meeting with one of our Residence Counselors
Social Resources The Rec Centre
Membership to our campus Student Recreation Centre is included in your tuition — make use of it! Not only is there a pool, but there’s also yoga, Zumba, countless organized sports for the most (or least) exerciseinclined among us, and there’s a
22
booster juice that has a waaaay shorter line than the UCC’s. There are a variety of drop-in classes (e.g. spin, sculpt & sweat) scheduled each week, as well as 46 varsity teams and a plethora of intramural sports to play!
Western Film
Great for movie dates, or a night out with your friends! They have an amazing selection of movies, it’s in a convenient location (the second floor of the UCC), and it’s right next to The Wave, which offers a dinner and movie combo (and has the best chicken fingers TBH). Western Film
also plays “Midnight Cult Movies” every Friday. You haven’t truly experienced Mean Girls until you’ve seen it in a theatre of university students quoting it word for word.
The Spoke & the Wave We have two words for you: “Spoke fries.” They taste like happiness and rainbows. Also, the Spoke bagels are to die for. Pretty much all the food offered at the Spoke and the Wave is amazing, and the staff are incredibly friendly. For
those who are 19+, check out Rick McGhie (a staple of UWO culture) playing every Wednesday night at the Spoke. Both establishments are located in the UCC.
Writer in Residence The Writer in Residence and Student Writer in Residence can help you to workshop creative pieces (or an essay you’re struggling with) in a more relaxed environment. It can be intimidating to go and talk things through with your prof (although most of them are super friendly), so it’s nice to have a professional writer or fellow student to talk to about your work.
For the 2019-2020 school year, Jane Urquhart is the writer in residence and Gabrielle Drolet is the student Writer in Residence.
23
Recommended Reads By your A&H Professors!
For more recommendations & information on each book choice, check out https://www.ahscwesternu.com/recommended-reads-by-your-a-h-profs
Kathyrn Bush of Visual Arts recommends...
Mont-Saint-Michel and Chartres by Henry Adams Why?
Adams imaginatively journeys back in time to the medieval cathedrals of northern France, contrasting the “coherence” of the thirteenth century with the uncertainties of his own day; promoting the appreciation of Europe’s Middle Ages in North America.
Practical Ethics, 3rd edition by Peter Singer
Why?
Singer argues controversial views on a range of ethical issues, including killing and eating animals, abortion, euthanasia, our treatment of the global poor, climate change, and our obligations to the environment. Reading it will likely dislodge many of your current ethical opinions. Enjoy!
Christopher Keep of English and Writing Studies recommends...
Manina Jones of English and Writing Studies recommends...
The Renaissance by Walter
Mckay
Pater
Why? All students in the Arts &
Humanities face the question of why one should devote their lives, or at least a part of their lives, to the study of novels, poems, plays, paintings, films, and the other arts. Pater provides the best answer. And the most beautifully written.
Kim Veryaawen of Women’s Studies and Feminist Research recommends...
Pale as Real Ladies by Joan Crate
Why? It is one of the most
powerful things in literature.
24
Anthony Skelton of Philosophy recommends...
Birding, or Desire by Don Why?
Not enough people read poetry. This book takes you unawares and swoops into your life like the swallows in the tunnel leading to UCC -- surprisingly feisty, shockingly beautiful, and often laugh out loud funny, McKay asks readers to bring “poetic attention” to the natural world, wherever they find it.
Charles Stocking of Classical Studies recommends...
Jo Deuereux of English and Writing Studies recommends...
Sarah Bassnett of Visual Arts recommends...
All of Barbara Pym's novels
24/7: Late Capitalism and the Ends of SLeep by Jonathan
Why? Jane Austen pared-down, with
beautiful subtle humor about gender relations and the austerity of life in Britain after WWII. I have a hard time choosing my favorite novel of hers! So here are four I love to reread: Some Tame Gazelle (1950), Excellent Women (1952), Jane and Prudence (1953), and The Sweet Dove Died (1978).
Crary
Why? This book is an eye-opener for the sleep deprived and a glimpse at the extreme consequences of neoliberal globalization.
Mary Helen McMurran of English and Writing Studies recommends...
Gabrielle Ceraldi of English and Writing Studies recommends...
Tenth of December George
Atonement by Ian McEwan
Why? Recommended for its
Why? If you put Agatha Christie in a blender with Virginia Woolf and then added in a bit of Harriet the Spy, you might get something like this book, a postmodern fairy-tale/old-fashioned whodunit.
James Purkis of English and Writing Studies recommends...
Tricia Johnson of Visual Arts recommends...
The Black Dahlia by James
Dubliners
Ellroy Why? This book exposes a horribly
Why? He is so visual in his story-telling.
Saunders’ short-story collection mastery of the narrative form and its striking alignment of cheerfulness with precarity and gloom.
misogynistic world, and is the best fictional exploration of obsessive sexual desire. A very nasty book, but incredibly well written.
by James Joyce
The Mahabharata by
Jonathan Boulter Department of English and Writing Studies recommends...
Taiwo Adetunji Osinubi of English and Writing Studies recommends...
Why? The Bhagavad-Gita offers an
The Unnamable by Samuel
Black Boy by Richard Wright
Bhagavad-Gita
important alternative perspective, one that may provide some vital stress relief and allows students to live more in the moment. As Krishna says to Arjuna “You have a right to action, but never to the fruits of action” (Bhagavad-Gita 2.47).
Beckett Why? This is a novel that questions the
very grounds of fiction and being; read it at your peril.
Why? It is a compelling read about the history of race relations in the American South.
25
Get Involved! Departmental Committees
The Coterie: Undergraduate English Society The Coterie seeks to improve experiences relating to English on campus through opportunities to share work, connect with peers, and create awareness regarding where English can take you beyond Western. They host a variety of events, such as poetry events, writing socials, and academic and career information sessions.
WUFS: The Western Undergraduate Film Society WUFS dedicates their time to help students explore their interest in cinematic storytelling. They organize Western’s Annual Undergraduate Film Festival and plan a variety of filmmaker workshops and student production based events.
VASA: Visual Arts Supporters Association VASA is a collection of students dedicated to supporting the visual arts scene on Western’s campus. They host many different events throughout the year, such as art sales, bake sales, social nights, and screenings.
Classics Society The Classics Society is a place for any student, whether studying classics or those who are generally interested in the history, culture and languages of the ancient world. Through the school year they will be hosting events such as movie nights, trips to the Royal Ontario Museum, book auctions, trivia nights and much much more.
26
WSSC: Womens Studies Student Collective WSSC expands on the creative thinking and learning outside of traditional standards promoted by the department of Women’s Studies and Feminist Research. WSSC focuses on creating safe spaces on campus for Women’s Studies students and aims to challenge any injustices present on campus.
Iconoclast Iconoclast is a brand new interdisciplinary publication dedicated to content about art, culture, and politics. Their publications will feature visual art, photography, media and film, musical critiques and reflections, creative thinking, think pieces, personal essays, and fashion writing.
School of Thought Philosophy Club Everyone, at some point in their lives, asks the big questions: Who am I? What’s right? What is? Some of us never stop asking. The School of Thought Undergraduate Philosophy Club is the place where those who love to ponder these questions gather. We welcome anyone with an interest in philosophy to come to our events and learn something new!
Other Clubs and Opportunities: Western Undergraduate Film Festival, Theatre Western, Nuit Violette, Purple Shorts, Purple Sex, AHSC Play (be a cast or crew member!), AHSC Alumni Student Interviews
Visit the AHSC website for info on how to join our Departmental Committees! 27
Symposium
Publications
Symposium magazine is a biannual publication that showcases a myriad of creative writing, poetry, visual arts, photography, and more. We accept submissions from current Arts and Humanities students and hope to see your creative work published while you’re here at Western!
We are now accepting submissions!
Submit to ahscpubs@gmail.com
Semicolon
Semicolon magazine is a biannual publication that demonstrates the academic achievements of current Western students. We accept A level essays from any Arts and Humanities course offered on campus; you do not need to be registered in the Arts and Humanities faculty to submit. We hope to see your writing talents in Semicolon soon!
Read our publications online at https://issuu.com/ahscpubs For Symposium Submissions: • • • • • • •
Subject line: 2019 Symposium Submission Include your name as you would like it to appear Send photos of visual art in .jpg or PDF format If any pieces were written for a class, please include the course code If applicable, include any formatting specifications (poetry, etc.) Multiple pieces should be sent as separate documents Word count: 1500 words max.
For Semicolon Submissions:
• • • • •
Subject line: 2019 Semicolon Submission Include your name as you would like it to appear Essays must have received a grade of 80% or above in an A&H course on main campus *please include the course code and grade received* A works cited page must be included at the end of the essay; essays without works cited will not be considered, unless specified that the essay contains no borrowed material Word Count: 2500 words max.
For more information our submission guidelines, please visit the Publications page at https://www.ahscwesternu.com/submission-guidelines
28
29
If Only We Knew...
Fun Fact University College was one of the built on campus.
buildings 30
the things we wish we knew in first year
first two
To make the first week of classes easier, it really helps to get acquainted with the buildings beforehand. Even try to find the exact rooms of your classes so you’re not wandering around lost in the Arts Building for a few minutes before class starts!
It’s okay if O Week isn’t the best week of your life! There are amazing events offered and Western’s welcoming of first years is fantastic but sometimes it can be a little overwhelming. There are tons of awesome events. So choose the ones that appeal most to you.
Writing support is for everyone! Fresh eyes on your paper can make up to a 10% difference to your grade. There's actually an essay writing clinic hiding in the UCC. Who knew?
Don’t be worried about participating in classes! Answering questions is cool, and A&H classes are much smaller, so there’s a lot of opportunities for class discussions.
Try not to take the bus around campus. Some days, walking to class may be your only exercise. Most of the time it takes longer to bus around campus than walk anyways.
Make sure you spend a good amount of time at the Club Fair, even if it’s overwhelming. First year only happens once and there’s SO much to do.
Don’t be afraid to go to your professor or TA's office hours! Office hours can be located at the top of your syllabus. Come prepared with specific questions or concerns.
Go to O Week events! From there you can learn about the ways to more involved.
31
Call Western Health Services as soon as they open to get a same day appointment. You may have to set your alarm for 9AM, but it’s worth it. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and make a friend in class or join a club, even just for a semester. There are 30,000 students on this campus - no one is really paying attention to what you’re doing so take a chance. The key to doing all of your readings is sometimes not doing all of them - choose the most important ones if you’re running out of time.
32
Gain work experience and some extra cash by applying online to the Work Study Program at Western!
Try all the different Spoke Bagels, even if you think you’ve found your favorite - they’re all amazing, and you’ll always be rewarded with surprising new flavours!
See both your TA and Prof about possible thesis - both will mark papers and both have different input.
Don’t lose sight of how you got into Western and why you wanted to come in the first place. You belong here!
It’s never too early to try to get your work published. Student publications and online magazines are a great place to start!
Make an effort to go to office hours and get to know your professors. You never know how having this connection will manifest itself in the future, and profs are always happy to chat!
Your Sophs are here for you - reach out to them. They’re pretty cool people that want to be your friend and help you through your transition to university.
Taylor Library is in the Natural Science Building. This was a mystery to A&H kids for some time.
There is a Tim Horton’s in the basement of UCC that NEVER HAS A LINE!
It’s ok to send a follow up email to your prof after you get a grade back asking how you can improve the next time around (maybe your grade will even increase...).
Embrace the changes you will see yourself going through. We are meant to grow and change. Looking back, I feel like a different person than who I was in first year, but I wouldn’t change a thing. You just finished grade 12, and I’m sure you feel the same way looking back at yourself in grade 9. Don’t forget about that.
University is stressful and overwhelming at times, but you will be okay. Thousands of students graduate from Western each year, and you will too.
33
Upcoming AHSC Events Check the AHSC website for details and updates
Throughout the Year...
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Arts Formal FAM market Purple Sex Trivia Night Wellness Events (wellness wheel, scrapbooking for stress relief, ect.) Pubs Workshops Pubs Launch Parties USCxFAM Concert AHSC Play Undergraduate Film Festival Alumni Networking Event: What to Do with Your Libral Arts Degree And many more!
Arts Formal '19 34
Arts & Hu-manatees Appreciation Day '19
Date With a Book '18 35
If You're Still Wondering...
Frequently asked questions
About Health... Where do I go for Mental Health assistance? There are multiple resources to provide you with mental health accommodation and assistance. The Mental Health Helpline is available both online (mentalhealthhelpline. ca) as well as over the phone (1-866-531-2600). The Student Development Centre (sdc.uwo.
ca) is a resource located on campus that provides psychological services, wellness education and Sexual Violence Prevention Education, to name a few. The Peer Support Centre located on the 2nd floor of UCC also provides support for mental health.
Where do I go if I get ill or need a doctor's note? Where do I go if I get ill or need a doctor’s note? Students are encouraged to book an appointment with Student Health Services in the lower level of UCC, Room 11. This is where students can obtain doctor’s notes, counseling and psychiatry, birth control information, allergy injections and immunization,
36
and STI Testing. Western also has two pharmacies. One is located in the basement of UCC (519-661-4058). The other is located on the corner of Western and Sarnia Road in BooksPlus.
About Safety... Is there a resource available that will help me get safely across campus at night? Western Foot Patrol is a free service that assists in keeping campus a safe place to study, work, and live. Simply call (519) 661-3650 and two students will join you on your walk home. Other safety resources on campus include Campus Police (dial 911 from any campus phone)
and the Student Emergency Response Team (SERT).
How do I get involved with the AHSC? Great question! On Faculty Day during O-Week, applications to join the AHSC as either a First Year Representative for a residence or a First Year Portfolio Associate will be available for you to take home and
later submit. Check out our website for online applications at ahscwesternu. com or email our executive (usc.ahsc.exec@uwo.ca) for more information!
Where do I go for help with an essay? Western Student Services Building, Room 4130 offers one-on-one counseling appointments for students who would like writing support.
37
Where do I go if I want to learn more about events happening with A&H?
Do I have to buy all of my books from the book store?
There are many different resources available to you. The AHSC website has all of that information and more! Some A&H departments also have their own Twitter and Facebook pages. You can also always drop by the AHSC office to learn about new events in the faculty.
NO! There are several Western Facebook groups tailored specifically for students to buy and sell books, but you can also ask your Soph if they know anyone who has the books you need. Chances are, they will. Many readings can also be found online, but double check to make sure they are the correct edition.
What opportunities are there for my work to be published? Symposium, Semicolon, Iconoclast, and The Gazette are great places to start! If you have any questions regarding the publishing process for Symposium or Semicolon, please email Rose, the AHSC EditorIn-Chief, at rghaedi@uwo.ca or ahscpubs@gmail.com for more information!
Where do I go if I need a space to pray?
University Community Centre room 269 is known as the Multifaith Space, where students, student groups, and the UWO Chaplains have a space to express their faith, religion, and spirituality.
How do I manage all of my classes?
Organize yourself, plan everything out beforehand, and make lists. Checking items off a list not only feels so satisfying, but it will help!
Who do I see if I need academic accommodation?
You can buy and sell used textbooks with other students attending Western at www.facebook.com/groups/uwousedtextbooks/
What is the best way to get a high mark in a class? Look at your syllabus and see how everything is weighted. If you have a tutorial that requires presence/participation and is worth 10%, don’t miss a single tutorial and you’ll get all ten of those marks (speaking from experience). Don’t stress too much about something that’s worth 2 or 3%, but keep in mind that those small assignments can add up and be an easy way to boost your mark. There are also Learning Skills seminars run by Student Success Services year-round, which will help you develop vital skills to ensure your academic success. Feel free to reach out to your Department Representative if you need department-specific advice or resources. And feel free to go to office hours for extra help or guidance - that’s what they’re for!
Arts and Humanities has two Academic Counselors, Amanda and Ben, located in University College (UC) Suite 2230.
38
39