Issue 17, Vol. 148. The Brunswickan

www.thebruns.ca

Volume 148 · January 21, 2015 · Issue 17

brunswickan canada’s oldest official student publication.

LENDING A HAND FOR 50 YEARS

UNB’S INSTITUTE OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING CELEBRATES FIVE DECADES

BY BENJAMIN CROUSE | PAGE 2

STUDENTS TO PAY EXTRA $20 IN UNBSU FEES

BY BENJAMIN CROUSE | PAGE 3

VINYL CLUB INTRODUCED AT BACKSTREET RECORDS

BY KEVIN LEMIEUX | PAGE 6

REDS HOCKEY EXTENDS WINNING STREAK

BY JOSH DANIELS | PAGE 10

2 • January 21, 2015 • Issue 17 • Volume 148

BRUNSWICKANNEWS

UNB’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering turns 50 Benjamin Crouse News Reporter

The Institute of Biomedical Engineering builds and fits prosthetics for amputees.

Brad Parker / The Brunswickan

UNB’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering has been changing lives for 50 years.

Founded by Dr. Robert “Bob” Scott in 1965, the Institute is a research facility and operational clinic that designs, builds and fits prosthetics for amputees. The Institute has offered this fitting service across Atlantic Canada since 1982. “[The institute] has grown from a small team of researchers and clinicians advancing the field of upper limb prosthetics to a diverse group with expertise in nerve and muscle modeling, biomechanics and human mobility,” said the institute’s director, Kevin Englehart.

Anne Smith, a Fredericton realtor, has personally been involved with the Institute since 1983. One of her twin daughters, Suzanne, was born without her left hand.

“We knew about the institute a little bit. In fact, I met Dr. Bob Scott on a plane one time when I was flying home with the twins,” said Smith.

“He spoke to us and we were able to come [to Fredericton] because there was nothing available in B.C., oddly enough.”

Smith and her family packed up their children and their lives and moved all the way from B.C. to Fredericton to be able to better access the institute’s services. “[The Institute] was extraordinary. It’s changed our daughter’s life.

It’s changed all our lives,” Smith said.

The UNB Biomedical Institute of Engineering is one of the first of its kind, and has had many firsts in the field of engineering throughout its history.

“We developed one of the first commercially available control systems in the 1970s which ... allowed amputees to control their artificial limbs with the electricity emanating from their own residual muscles,” Englehart said.

“The researchers and clinicians work closely to ensure that the research addresses important and practical issues that will improve the quality of life for amputees,” Englehart said.

The Institute offers both undergraduate courses and graduate courses to students in the field of bio-engineering. A total of 202 students have graduated from this field.

“Our students learn a variety of engineering skills such as signal processing, simulation and modeling techniques, data analysis and management, instrumentation and experimental design,” Englehart said.

The Institute’s celebratory activities will commence in May, during the Canada-Wide Science Fair 2015.

“We will have students participate in hands-on demonstrations of biomedical technologies and will host a public booth at the Currie Center,” the director said.

More events will also take place this fall.

“We will have activities incorporated into Homecoming 2015,” said Englehart. “We will have scientific demonstrations, a ‘mini-symposium’ that will include biomedical alumni, and a number of social events.”

A tree planting ceremony will take place on Oct. 15 this year, the official date that the institute was founded on in 1965. It will be in dedication to Dr. Robert Scott, the Institute’s founder, who passed away on Dec 21, 2014.

Dr. Richard E. Lee Optometrist

406A Regent St. 458-1580 (2 buildings past Harvey’s Hamburgers)

New Patients Welcome

January 21, 2015 • Issue 17 • Volume 148 • 3

THE BRUNS

NEWS news@thebruns.ca

Students will pay an extra $20 in fees next year.

Brad Parker / The Brunswickan

UNBSU fee increasing $20 next year

Benjamin Crouse News Reporter Students can expect to dish out an extra $20 in UNBSU fees next year.

The UNBSU council voted for a fee increase from $47.50 to $57.50 per semester, totalling $20 for the whole year.

The money from the raise will go towards funding for student services and increasing the wages of parttime staff within the union. It will also go towards working to erase the union’s $1,700 deficit and balancing the UNBSU’s budget.

“We spent a lot of the summer and this past semester looking at various places in our budget where we’re consistently having less than we really should,” said Greg Bailey, president of the UNBSU.

“There’s a lot of services that we have that are definitely underperforming because every year, rather than keep up with costs, people decide to pass it on to the next group.

At the end of the day, basically our budget as it stands is kind of what we’ve been left over the last four years.”

The possibility of an increase to the fee was initially brought up in council in November. On Sunday, the motion for the increase was put forward for debate.

The increase received mixed opinions although many councillors were in favour of it.

“I absolutely think that this is necessary and that it’s a really good idea to make sure that we keep up with inflation,” said councillor Edward Choi.

Other councillors voiced concerns about the vote happening without the input of their constituents.

“If [the students] think that we should, they should be able to tell us. We can’t say ‘I think we deserve a fee raise so give us one.’ I don’t feel comfortable with it at all,” Kelsey Morrissey said.

In the end, the vote was nearly unanimous with a 24 to 1 vote in favour of the fee increase.

“We want to be the exec that said ‘no’ a lot this year so that execs can say ‘yes’ a lot in future years,” said Lee Thomas, vice-president internal of the UNBSU. “We had to turn down certain things [this year] because we didn’t have the funding for it; but we want to make sure that Student Unions in the future are going to be able

to do everything they can to help students.”

Thomas used the #MyDefinition poster campaign, a new campus movement focusi ng on menta l health, as an example of the Student Union’s current financial situation.

“We were scrimping and saving to be able to find the funding in order to run that campaign,” said Thomas.

“Part of what being a Student Union is about is doing new things.

If you’re always constricted by these really strict financial boundaries, you’re never going to be able to do anything really interesting that’s going to benefit students.”

Students, too, have mixed reactions. Some, like Luke Bettle, welcomed the increase.

“I’m fine with it, it’s not that much of an increase and it the rea-

sons they gave for it seem reasonable,” he said.

Others were disappointed that they were not consulted.

“I think that we should have been consulted before the fee raise was official,” said Kali O’Dell. “I feel like in the past they’ve given us the option … It feels like there was little discussion with the general public before it was announced.”

“I don’t know that I necessarily am opposed to the fee, just kind of sour that they didn’t consult with us before doing it.”

The Student Union fee goes towards many services and facilities offered by UNB including elections, student council, various clubs and societies and Safe Ride.

With files from Emma McPhee.

Accusation of prof’s racism draws attention to academic freedom Emma McPhee News Editor A recent accusation of racism to a professor at UNBSJ has left some wondering how far is too far when it comes to academic freedom in university communities.

Last summer, a Vancouver city councillor, Kerry Jang, accused UNBSJ sociology professor Dr. Ricardo Duchesne of racist comments towards immigrants. UNB has defended Duchesne by saying he was within his rights of academic freedom.

“The idea of academic freedom is the freedom to explore, discuss, critique, research and publish ideas, whether or not they are popular or controversial,” said Barbara Roberts, human rights officer at UNB. “Academic freedom enables people to debate controversial ideas without fear of consequences, so that we can engage in rigorous examination of assumptions, attitudes or beliefs.”

Like freedom of speech, there are measures in place in case of accusations like racism.

“There are principles, like clarify-

ing that one is or is not speaking on behalf of others or the university; and that opinion statements or allegations of fact are based on solid research, not anecdotes incorrectly quoted,” Roberts said.

The concept of academic freedom is taken seriously by professors.

“Academic freedom is foundational to our profession and must be defended,” said Dr. Miriam Jones, an English professor at UNBSJ. “Our whole profession relies on conversations about ideas and research, and anything that limits

conversation, limits knowledge. Some ideas are offensive — sometimes very offensive — but the remedy is to expose those ideas, not to suppress them.”

Siddharth Raval, president of the UNB International Student Association and student at UNB Fredericton, agreed with this view on academic freedom.

“I believe that if there’s a study that is backed by strong evidence then it should be allowed to be expressed,” he said. “Like without academic freedom we would still be learning that the sun

revolves around the earth.”

Raval also said that the accusations towards Dr. Duchesne of racism shouldn’t have an effect on international students who are considering attending UNB. “While selecting a university, professor rankings, labs, instruments, reputation and courses being offered are the major factors in my opinion,” he said.

“As an international I believe that it’s my prime duty that I respect the culture and the people of the country that I live in.”

BRUNSWICKANNEWS

4 • January 21, 2015 • Issue 17 • Volume 148

UNB Robotics Competition continues to grow Marc Gagnon Staff Reporter While they may not be assembling the next Terminator or Robocop, the brainiacs behind the annual UNB Robotics Competition will definitely have sparks flying when they meet the weekend of Jan. 23 to 25.

Now in its 14th year, the competition will pit 16 student teams from across the country against each other in a challenge to complete secret tasks with a scratchbuilt robot.

But don’t expect a “BattleBots”style throw-down — this competition emphasizes strategy and speed over combat (cool though it may be to watch robots smash each other to bits).

“As the competition lasts only a single weekend, participants are thrown into the deep end — no prepa rat ion, just bu ild ing a nd tinkering fueled by adrenaline and plenty of caffeine,” said Mitchell Small, co-chair for the UNB Robotics Competition organizing committee.

“Competitors are given junk and tools to put together the robot as

fast as possible with minimal time to spare. It’s cheap, it’s fun, it’s challenging and it’s a level playing f ield between those experienced in robotics and those who are just here to learn.”

Founded by engineering student Marc Cabot in 2001, the competition has not only become more popular, but has pushed technology forward as well.

Prior teams had their controllers hard-wired to their bots, but in 2009 the competition unveiled new UNB-developed wireless controls that let the robots be controlled over the expanded 150 square foot competition field.

While some may be expecting the robots to clash in battle, Small said that the UNB Robotics Competition is based around accomplishing difficult tasks in order to get points.

“We find this approach involves more strategy,” said Small. “As well, since these robots are built on the weekend of the event, they often aren’t made very strong, let alone able to attack each other.”

One element t hat ma kes t he U N B R obot ics C ompet it ion unique is the secret theme, with previous years revolving around

challenges themed to The Hobbit, Mario Kart and even a zombie apocalypse.

“Every year it’s top secret, and I have the hardest time keeping it from people,” said Small. “Regardless, [this year’s theme] is the coolest theme we have ever done.”

While the breakneck pace of the competition doesn’t leave much time for socializing, over his four years of involvement Small is still astounded by the enthusiasm that participants bring to the table.

“My most memorable moments are when teams are celebrating a win after each round or being so engaged in the challenge in front of them,” he said.

For Small, robots aren’t just a hobby, they’re a passion. He studies mechatronics at UNB, a unique f ield combining mechanical and electrical engineering — essentially, the science of robots.

“Robotics is the next big thing that everyone should be involved in,” Small said. “Engineering, science and technology are what is driving our world now, and I think that everyone is starting to see the potentials of robotics and how simple it can be to make one.”

UNB Robotics Competition will meet Jan 23.

“VEX Robots at VRC World Championships 2009” by Rick Tyler -Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

It’s carnival time at UNB

Mélanie Michaud Staff Reporter The UNB Student Union will be putting on the annual Winter Carnival at the end of this month.

The carnival is one of the Student Union’s longest running traditions, and will begin on Jan. 23 and continue until Jan. 30. The week will feature a variety of events that will get students to enjoy the outdoors.

The first event to kick off the carnival on Jan. 23 is the Rail Jam, a student favorite that is back again this year.

“They’re going to be setting up a park rail for people to do skiing and snowboarding tricks on. That’ll be done in the SUB quad,” said Bess Teague, UNBSU vice-president of student services.

Another event coming back this

year is the free trip to Crabbe Mountain.

“This is put on by the ski and board club. They have their weekly trip to Crabbe, but this one’s special because the Student Union pays for everyone to go. So, even non-members can go for free,” Teague said.

“It includes the free ride up, and when you get there everyone’s going to get half priced lift tickets and rentals.”

The Student Union is also serving up some new events this year.

The Snow Day on Jan. 27 is one of these. It will be held behind the Old Arts building and will feature sledding, a snowman-building contest and hot chocolate.

Another new thing this year is the Cash Cab. On Jan 26, a few lucky people riding in the Saferide van will be chosen at random to play a

few rounds of trivia to win money.

Wednesday will have some new entertainment as well. Spidey the mentalist, a finalist on Canada’s Got Talent, will visit UNB for an evening in MacLaggan Hall.

Teague said that planning events like the Winter Carnival is why the UNBSU was created in the f irst place.

“We’ve gotten more into lobbying over the years. But, we are really here to provide the fun side of university life that the university isn’t really responsible for providing,” she said.

“Every student pays a Student Union fee, so they’re already paying for these events anyway … It’s a great way to get involved with the school.

There’s the social aspect to it, and its nice to be able to break from day-today school life.”

THE BRUNS NEWS

THE BRUNS OPINION editor@thebruns.ca

POLITICAL CHATTER

Mark Mancini Idon’tfindmyselfoftenagreeingwithMicah O’Donnell.

My column-mate in the Brunswickan recently penned an article decrying poverty, and lauding as a solution a guaranteed minimum income for all Canadians. Lo and

behold, this is not a bad idea, not at all. It just needs a bit of explanation to dispel some of its more persistent myths. It also requires some bold leadership. That’s where the real problem lies.

We should all, no matter our position on the political spectrum, first acknowledge that poverty is both socially, economically, and morally repugnant. To this end, those on the left have a jump on my friends on the right—they consistently and powerfully at least acknowledge the effect that poverty has onCanadaandCanadians.Whiletheirpolicy prescriptions for this social ill are nebulous, ill-conceived, and normally unsustainable (for example, raising the minimum wage over and over again is not a solution), at least they discuss the deleterious effects of poverty.

And what are these effects? Currently,

Minimum income a hand-up, not a hand-out 3.5 million Canadians are in poverty. In dollar terms, the sprawling effect of this social scourge is a whopping $72-86 billion annually. Poverty generally creates a burden on our healthcare system, is a determinate of criminal activity (which creates a crisis of overrepresentationinourprisons,particularly of aboriginal people), and an obvious lack of critical mass for skilled workers. This is a national scandal of sorts, and all people should want to do something about it.

Between provincial and federal schemes, some overlapping and some interlocking, poverty has engendered a welfare state of epic proportions, which only grows year over year. This is not financially sustainable—not without cutting these very entitlements, or by raising taxes on Canadians. Neither are politically or economically desirable.

So, what is the best way to respond to this nationalscandal?Thisiswheretheminimum income idea comes in. Contrary to its appearance, this is not some pie-in-the-sky idea. In fact, this is an idea advanced by some prominent conservatives, and it’s actually rooted in a sustainable way of thinking about welfare entitlements. The whole idea behind it is that all people in Canada should have the chance to make something of themselves. In our country of bounty, there should be no people who can’t succeed if they have the drive, skills, and want to do so.

The minimum income idea, in its various formulations, would generally set a poverty line threshold. Without getting into specifics, anybodybelowthiscertain line would receive a minimum income yearly proportionate to their poverty, in dollars. In return, we could

theoretically scrap the complex, expensive welfare programs that simply put people in a never ending cycle. The minimum income is a hand-up, not a hand-out like the current system.

In theory this sounds great, but we need the political will. Problems arise right out at the outset—social programs of this sort are generally administered at the provincial level.

The federalgovernment transfersfundingfor social programs using the federal spending power. Ultimately, if this were to be implemented on a national level, it would probably require some level of agreement. This isn’t to mention the political will it would take to even get the ball rolling in the first place.

In a perfect world, we want to give people a hand up. If only we could get our politics to actually do it.

Professor’s racist comments not about academic freedom AN OPINION

Micah O’Donnell-Gillies UNB sociologist Ricardo Duchesne’s comments on Asian populations marring Canada’s European character read like some relic of the past.

Peruse through Dr. Duchesne’s long bibliography and you’ll find no end to titles which champion the West as a beacon of light and salvation for the rest of the world.

And he has the audacity to surmise that we’re scared he’s talking. All these years, some group of us have been keeping secret that ‘white is right’ and he’s spilling the beans.

What’s actually scary is that no one has stepped up to publicly declaim what

Duchesne is preaching. No voice has publicly called out Duchesne for evangelizing racism while veiling it as a critique of multiculturalism.

Instead, we’ve heard defenses of academic freedom. The term is being used in the same way Americans use free speech: “by golly, I got a right to say what I wanna!” Academic freedom is not the first amendment. Rather, this liberty within the institution is the result of years of collective bargaining, conflicts with university administrations, and campaigns by faculty unions.

Academic freedom is a vital institution to how the university functions. It maintains an atmosphere where knowledge can constantly be tested, refined, and produced.

There was a time when a professor could be removed from a university if they criticized the administration or the government which an administration aligned with. There have been arguments that UNB was even a front of academic freedom in Canada with the 1968 Strax Affair.

Dr. Norman Strax was removed from his position at UNB for having bussed students

the brunswickan

Editorial Board

Editor-in-Chief • Tess Allen Business Manager • Liam Guitard News • Emma McPhee Arts • Sebastian Maynard Sports • Jamie Tozer Photo • Adam Travis Art Director • Andrew Spindler Copy • Sarah Dominie Multimedia • Devin Patterson Web Developer • David Ackerson Staff Advertising Sales Rep • Bill Traer Delivery • Dan Gallagher Arts Reporter • Kevin Lemieux News Reporter • Benjamin Crouse Videographer • Avi Diggle Sports Reporter • Sarah Rouse

Contributors

Lee Thomas, Mark Mancini, Grace Gallow, Seb Arseneault, Brad Parker, Melanie Michaud, Emily McPhee, David Milley, Siddharth Raval, Stephanie Sirois, Barbara Roberts, Stacey Taylor, Armin Afrough, Marc Gagnon, Alec Boudreau, Travis Piercy, Alex Warman. Waleed Khokar.

The Brunswickan relies primarily on a volunteer base to produce its issues every week. Volunteers can drop by room 35 of the SUB at any time to find out how they can get involved.

About Us

The Brunswickan, in its 148th year of publication, is Canada’s Oldest Official Student Publication.

We are an autonomous student

across the border to attend an anti-Vietnam war rally. He also held a protest at the Harriet Irving Library against the mandatory use of photo ID. To make the long, short: it was eventually decided through a series of events that, in the words of Kanye, one man shouldn’t have all that power. That a professor’s employment or position should not be threatened by vocal criticism or opposing politics.

Fast forward to 2014/15 and we have Dr. Duchesne using the long fight for freedom to lament that one might see a lot of Asians on their way to school in Vancouver. That a European heritage perpetuated by colonialism might be dying. Or, that us whites need to get it together and be proud of all the land we’ve taken.

God fuckin’ forbid.

As Dr. Duchesne’s comments were being publicised on the CBC, AUNBT president Miriam Jones was in the same article discussing how academic freedom is under threat, that it is “something to go to the wall for.”

I am wholeheartedly on board with Dr. Jones. However, I don’t think that the default

when a professor spouts racism should be to champion academic freedom. The default should be to show to the public what academic freedom is and does.

Instead of espousing how vital academic freedom is in the face of bigotry, the university, specifically Dr. Duchesne’s own department, should perform academic freedom. Whether this be opposing views being put out through media or through a colloquium, we should work to show that academic freedom means discussion. The public should see that we, as an institution, are not gathering around Dr. Duchesne to shelter him. Instead, we give him the space to speak and then immediately renounce his bigotry.

If we don’t act out academic freedom, then we stand still and defend people like Dr. Duchesne, we allow them to have a platform.

By not actively playing out what it means to work in an atmosphere of freedom of thought means to implicitly agree to allow bigotry to be vomited into the public realm.

The foundations of academia are critique and knowledge. If the institution does not utilize

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academic freedom properly, harmful remarks like Dr. Duchesne’s make it to becoming knowledge. However, if we involve ourselves in the discussion, such vitriolic comments won’t stand the refining fire of critique.

To close off this week’s column, I want to step away from my argument on how academic freedom should act and take a moment to apologize for Dr. Duchesne’s comments.

I am a long time student of UNB. I believe in what this university can be, what it can do. One of our professors has made comments which ignore the fact that our nation put Japanese-Canadians in internment camps, maintained eugenics programs into the eighties, played a very real role in slavery, and established itself on stolen land. This is a history I am not proud of. A history I refuse to be proud of.

ForDr. Duchesne’scomments, Iam sorry.

THE BRUNS

ARTS arts@thebruns.ca

Owen Pallett, Buck 65 and Hey Rosetta! will play at this year’s Shivering Songs Festival.

Adam Travis/The Brunswickan

Shivering Songs back for fifth year Marc Gagnon The Brunswickan Get ready to shake the frostbite out of your limbs. This week, the Shivering Songs Festival will be taking place for the f ifth time, with a slate of acts designed to appeal to music and book lovers alike.

While acts like Owen Pallett, Buck 65 and Hey Rosetta! were a n nou nced i n November, t he lineup has been expanded to include folk artists like Andy Shauf, introspective rockers like Zeus, and dreamy instrumentalists like

Fredericton’s own NUAGES. Shivering Songs co-organizer Brendan MaGee said that the slate of artists ref lects the eclectic mix of genres that Shivering Songs is known for.

“There’s a little bit of everything — from straight-ahead folk like Amelia Curran and Skydiggers, to cinematic pop music from Owen Pallett, as well as bluegrass, rockabilly, blues, some late night rock, even a literary element with reigning Giller Prize winner Sean Michaels. We’re ecstatic.”

That last name is a hint that Shivering Songs isn’t just your

regular festival — with special sessions like the Songwriters & Storytellers Event and the Songwriting Intensive Showcase, it’s clear they aim to go deeper into the creation process.

“Musicians are the biggest music fans out there, and most relish the chance to share what was going on when they wrote a particular song or album,” MaGee said. “It adds to the appreciation of a song, when you can understand where it came from, emotionally. It’s a very personal thing to discuss in a large group of strangers, which makes for a really unique afternoon.”

Beyond songwriting, Shivering Songs also includes a literary element, with authors and academics in attendance to share their work — including Henry Adam Svec, U NB’s current media artist-inresidence.

“As a festival that’s very much concerned with the words that go along with music, having literature was a natura l f it for Shivering Songs,” explained MaGee. Of all the acts playing at Shiver i ng Songs t h is yea r, MaG ee named two in particular that you do not want to miss: Owen Pallett, Academy Award-nominee for the

Her soundtrack, and whose album In Conf lict was one of the most critically-acclaimed of 2014, and Bry Webb, who MaGee believes is one of the top artists in Canada.

“In my opinion, he is the best songwriter in Canada at the moment. Def initely in the top 10.

Both of his solo albums are so stirring, but at the same time, so nicely comforting.”

The Shivering Songs Festival runs from January 22 to 25 and will be taking place around the city, at venues like Wilmot United Church, The Urban Almanac and Boyce Farmers Market.

Backstreet Records launches Vinyl of the Month Club Kevin Lemieux Arts Reporter As cousin Eddie from Christmas Vacation would say, it’s “the gift that keeps on giving the whole year.”

Backstreet Records is launching the Vinyl of the Month Club, which will be a subscription program for music lovers in Fredericton.

Eric Hill is the owner of Backstreet Records and he’s excited for the new project to begin.

“We’ve had an awesome response so far. This is like an extension of what we do in-store, suggest things to people who are open to new genres or artists.”

The club is simple. For $25,, you receive an album on the third week of the month.

Along with this, members also receive 10 per cent off other purchases in the store.

For Hill, the tough part has not been to get the club going, but to choose something people are willing to listen to.

“The challenge is to pick something that appeals to a large group, something that isn’t disposable.”

Once Hill makes his pick, members will receive an email to tell them when the vinyls are in.

“We’re going to have a variety of styles.

It’s like a throwback to the Columbia Record Club.”

The plan is for people who are signed up to eventually have input in the records and styles that are featured.

Hill also explained that starting in the spring, a bike delivery option of the records

may become available.

Though the project is starting small, Hill is hoping it will grow.

“We’re limiting membership in January to 10 people so that we’re not stuck with extra copies we can’t sell. Also, we need to make sure record companies can supply us with the amount we need.”

The club is set to begin this week and already has a handful of people registered.

Most members have only committed for the first month, but one has already signed up for the entire year.

To find out more about the club, you can drop into the downtown store or check out their website at Backstreetrecords. blogspot.com.

The club will be a subscription program for music lovers in Fredericton.

File Photo

BRUNSWICKANARTS

7 • January 21, 2015 • Issue 17 • Volume 148

W E I V OINT P

on What’s YOUR s week? i h t d n i m

What do you think of the UNBSU fee increase?

Maroon David

Ayesha Raza

Kristen Adams

Kendra Belding

Nakia Spencer

“I think it’s O.K, but I’m not here next year.”

“I think a lot of people don’t know about it. They should tell people.”

“It’s acceptable.”

“It’s good because we need those services.”

“I support the increase.”

Sira Diakite “As long as they provide more services”

Aiden Schenkels “It’s only $20.”

Mandy Smith “It’s not that much for something so important.”

Eric Saulnier

Mélanie Michaud

“It’s not that much, compared to tuition.”

“$20 fee increase? How can you complain? Just don’t go out one weekend. Crisis averted.”

BRUNSWICKANARTS

8 • January 21, 2015 • Issue 17 • Volume 148

THE BRUNS

UNB Dance Team prepares for first competition of the year Kevin Lemieux Arts Reporter With a new year and semester, everyone wants to start things off on the right foot, and for the UNB Dance Team, they will get that chance later this month at their first competition of the year.

The Atlantic Collegiate Dance Competition will be taking place on Jan. 31 at the Currie Center, and Deanna Molnar, who is president of the team, is feeling good about how the team is looking.

“Things are coming together well.

The Christmas break really puts a halt on practices but now that we are back into the groove of things, rehearsals are starting to become more intense as competition creeps up.”

Now in its fourth year, the competition is hosting dance teams from Université de Moncton, Dalhousie University, St. Francis Xavier University and Mount Allison University.

One of this year’s judges is Natalie Lyons. Lyons is originally from the East Coast but is now living in Los Angeles. Along with being a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance Canada, she has danced with Beyonce, Usher, Nelly Furtado and Willow Smith.

Lauren Guitard is a f irst–year student on the team. She is excited

to dance with her new teammates.

“I feel excited about competing with a new team. I think it will be a good experience as is any competition. I think we will do our best.”

For Molnar, this year is the start of something new for the group.

“This team is different from other years, it’s extremely diverse. We have people from all over Canada and the world as well as different backgrounds in dance. We tried to be more accepting this year and move into a new year with an open mind.

We all became super close really quickly and are all very accepting of our own individual personalities and

styles of dance.”

The dance team is made up of UNB and STU students and alumni.

They are a self-run team without a choreographer.

After the competition, Lyons and the other judges will be hosting a workshop for the competitors and others who want to take part.

Later this year the team will be having a show on the weekend of March 21 and then head to Halifax for Cheer Expo on March 28 – 29. If they win in Halifax, they will go to Disney World for the United States All Star Federation Dance Worlds.

The UNB Dance Team will have their first competition this month.

File Photo

SlippAdvisor: The Diplomat Brock Slipp SlippAdvisor Every good restaurant has its specialty. When I want Mexican food I go somewhere I know has good Mexican; if I’m in the mood for Italian food (which is pretty much always), I like a place with fresh pasta or pizza. Not only does a good restaurant want its dishes to have consistent flavours and techniques but they also want an atmosphere that suits the brand and ultimately the price point. So this begs me to ask the question, what is the Diplomat?

The menu is jumbled with the likes of sandwiches, seafood, steaks, and an abundant amount of Chinese inspired dishes; I have even seen a curry dish on the menu. All this, and arguably their most famous meal choices: their all-day breakfast options along with the ever- so- popular Diplomat buffet.

I can’t comment on the Diplomat’s buffet simply because I would never order it. Something about me having to stand up and serve myself whilst “going out to eat” just doesn’t seem right.

So, is this establishment the causal upper-scale restaurant they perceive themselves to be?

Or is it just a place I only think of while intoxicated at 3 a.m., after all I have left in my pocket is $30 and I certainly don’t want to give Klub Khrome one more dollar. Regardless of why I think to eat at the Diplomat, it’s apparent that after 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday many club goers of Fredericton seem to love the place.

After all, every great restaurant is open 24 hours, right?

When I visited the restaurant about a month ago I was greeted by a nice hostess at the door and was kindly shown to my seat.

Water came immediately which is always a good thing, but as I hinted at, the menu is overwhelming and seems to offer far too much for the restaurant to really focus and be great at certain dishes.

The Chinese dish itself was presented cleanly on the plate and really did look quite appetizing. However, in terms of flavour I found the dish ultimately too heavy on the stomach and overly salty. The chicken balls seemed to have more batter than chicken and the rice, well, I guess it’s hard to screw up rice.

I did enjoy the spare ribs to an extent but those also left me feeling the need to go straight to the gym.

I would have liked the dish to make me feel better about eating it. Dessert was an option but the main dish left me far too full to even consider it.

Though the food didn’t excite me, the service was excellent and I have great respect for any restaurant who can master the art of good service.

Overall I don’t hate the Diplomat (except for the buffet) and can certainly see why some do enjoy the experience.

I just don’t love the food and a true identity for this restaurant is foggy.

BRUNSWICKANARTS

January 21, 2015 • Issue 17 • Volume 148 • 9

Songs of the week Sebastian Maynard Arts Editor

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21

The Decemberists – “A Beginning Song” The Decemberists latest album, What a Terrible World, What a Wonderful World was not only released on Jan. 20, but it also marked Decemberists Day in the city of Portland. The mayor of the city was set to be present, with the band announcing a community art project that is inspired by the new album. The album itself, which is the bands seventh, does not try and reinvent the wheel, but continues with the successful folk sound that has made the band one of the biggest in the scene. Though it is a little more radio friendly than some of their previous work, tracks like “A Beginning Song” prove to be more complex as well, with different instruments coming in and out, while Colin Meloy pairs his distinctive voice with vocal harmonies that creates an interesting close to the album.

Music on the Hill: Souvenir de Voyage Memorial Hall, 7:30 p.m. $10 (Students)

THURSDAY, JAN. 22 Shivering Songs Various Locations, Jan. 22 – 25, $89 (Pass)

FRIDAY, JAN. 23 Lupe Fiasco – “Mural” In a recent interview with Billboard, Lupe Fiasco stated that he doesn’t “want to be relevant today.” Fiasco, who is never one to shy away from saying some strange things, went on to talk about how there is a new generation of rappers, such as Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, who speak to a younger generation. “I don’t have the same lingo. I don’t sip lean or smoke weed,” he continued. While he may not be popular among 12-year-olds, Fiasco’s newly released Tetsuo & Youth is arguably his best work since his early career. On “Mural,” which comes in at close to nine minutes long, Fiasco raps like he is happy again. No pop chorus, no complaining about record companies, just Fiasco proving that he is still relevant, and that he still has a lot to say.

Fredericton FROSTival Various Locations, Jan. 23 – Feb. 15 Dine Around Freddy Various Locations, Jan. 23 – Feb. 7, $29 Exhibit Opening: Rebecca Belliveau Charlotte Street Arts Centre, Jan. 23 – March 2, Free

SATURDAY, JAN. 24 Frank Ocean – “At Your Best (You Are Love)” Hip Hop’s obsession with Aaliyah has long been documented, and on what would have been the R&B singer’s 36th birthday, Frank Ocean shared a cover of the Isley Brother’s “At Your Best (You Are Love),” which Aaliyah also covered in 1994. Ocean’s version comes as exciting news for his fans, as it is only the second track he has released since his critically acclaimed Channel Orange, which came out in 2012. While there has been no real information on a follow up, Ocean has apparently been working with the likes of Pharrell Williams, Hit-Boy and Danger Mouse.

The Brunswickan’s Food & Liquor: The Best Pizza in Fredericton

Winter Drinks Taste Testing NB Liquor (380 York Street), 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Free

SUNDAY, JAN. 25 Comedy Night with La Revue Acadienne Centre Communautaire Sainte-Anne (715 Priestman Street), 8 p.m., $30

TUESDAY, JAN. 27 Crabbe Mountain Speed Week Crabbe Mountain, Jan. 27 ­­— Feb. 1

Luna Pizza The flavours of Luna Pizza have kept my friends and I coming back for some time now, but while the toppings are probably the best quality around, the cheese often slides off. After some extensive research, it seems that this could be because there is too much sauce on the pie, and a good ratio is essential. That being said, we ate every slice of pizza and didn’t regret a thing.

Sebastian Maynard

Devin Patterson

Pizza Twice

Pizza makes everyone’s list of top three favourite foods, and if it doesn’t, there is something wrong with your taste buds. Although Pizza Twice is a little out of the way for most students, it is definitely worth the hike up the hill. With awesome service and awesome pies you can’t really ask for more from a pizza joint. Just be sure to avoid the high school rush at around noon.

Colin McLean Jack’s Pizza Jack’s Pizza is a staple for those hungry at two in the morning, which kind of guarantees that people will love it. Tasting it when you are sober is a different experience though, as it is a big slice but very flat, and the easiest way to eat it is by folding it in half. I went for the works this time around, but the overwhelming flavors were the cheese and sauce, making it a pretty basic pizza by my standards.

Mathieu Wong

Greco Greco always satisfies those empty stomachs during the day and late at night. Cheese pizza, the works, and garlic fingers are always a safe and delicious choice. Always be sure to keep an eye of deals such as cheap party-sized pizza, as well as free flavored crusts. The opportunities to order from this place are endless: Having a party Saturday night and people want pizza? Order from Greco.

Watching a hockey game? Order from Greco.

People in residence sitting around the lounge at midnight not knowing what to do? They will probably order from Greco …

January 21, 2015 • Issue 17 • Volume 148 • 10

THE BRUNS

SPORTS sports@thebruns.ca

The V-Reds posted a 3-0 win on Friday and 3-1 victory on Saturday.

Adam Travis / The Brunswickan

REDS ON A ROLL Josh Daniels The Brunswickan

This past weekend was an important one for the UNB Varsity Reds men’s hockey team.

Riding a seven-game winning streak, the V-Reds were looking to solidify their spot atop the Atlantic University Sport standings with wins over the St. Francis Xavier X-Men and Saint Mary’s Huskies.

They delivered, posting a 3-0 win on Friday and 3-1 victory on Saturday.

On Friday night against the X-Men, David Shantz started between the pipes for the Varsity Reds and was opposed

by Drew Owsley. The first period was

Sarah Rouse Sports Reporter

scoreless with UNB outshooting StFX 9-3. 2:43 into the second period, forward Dana Fraser put the Reds in front 1-0.

Philippe Halley and Philippe Maillet drew the assists on the goal. Four minutes later, UNB doubled their lead as Halley put the puck past Owsley to make it 2-0. Maillet notched his second assist of the game on the goal and Adrian Robertson had the secondary assist. Shots were 15-10 in UNB’s favour in the second frame.

UNB led StFX 2-0 until Cam Braes scored his fifth goal of the season 8:57 into the third period. StFX failed to take advantage of their seven power play opportunities and were held off the score sheet. The Reds outshot the X-Men

38-20 in the 3-0 shutout win. With the victory, UNB’s win streak extended to eight games.

On Saturday night, UNB hosted Saint Mary’s on Military Appreciation Night.

Playing in front of many members and veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces, Shantz made his second start in as many days for the Varsity Reds. Anthony Peters was in goal for the Huskies. The first period remained scoreless until Maillet continued his hot streak with a goal to put UNB in front 1-0. The goal came with 18 seconds remaining in the opening period.

Dylan Willick and Adrian Robertson assisted the goal that gave UNB the momentum heading into the intermission.

The play in the second period opened up as Saint Mary’s began to generate several nice scoring chances. UNB took a string of penalties in the second period, which proved costly. Shantz was up to the task until Huskies captain Matt Tipoff scored the equalizer on the power play 12 minutes into the period. The second period ended with the score deadlocked at 1-1 with SMU outshooting UNB 15-9.

The top line of Halley-Fraser-Maillet continued their domination with Halley putting the Varsity Reds back in the lead just over a minute into the final period.

Fraser and Maillet drew the assists on the go-ahead goal. With fives minutes left in the game, the Huskies were buzzing as

they were seeking to tie the game tying goal but Shantz was not willing to allow that to happen. The Reds netminder made several crucial stops in the final minutes of the game to keep UNB in the lead, highlighted by a huge save on a partial breakaway with 1:45 left in the game. The Reds were able to hold off the Huskies late attack and Fraser potted an empty net goal with one second remaining in the game to ensure the 3-1 victory for the home team.

UNB outshot SMU 38-27.

The win extended the Varsity Reds winning streak to nine games. UNB’s next action is this weekend when they go on the road to take on Dalhousie and Acadia.

Fraser proving his worth

Dana Fraser wasted no time in making an impact in his first week with the UNB Varsity Reds men’s hockey team.

Fraser has five goals and an assist in five games with UNB, including one goal and two shots against his former team, the UPEI Panthers.

When asked about playing against his former teammates, the forward was quoted as saying, “I was in front of the net and the puck came to me

and I just slid it home. It was nice to get that first one off my back — especially against my old team. I know a couple of the other boys were heckling me out there so it was nice to get that.”

“I was there four years and I made a lot of good friends and stuff. It was fun to play them. It was good to see that they still had that respect for me [after] switching teams. I know I still have that respect for them.”

Fraser’s stint with the Panthers could only be described as illustrious, as evidenced by his senior year in

which he led a fledging UPEI team in scoring against a highly competitive Atlantic University Sport conference.

While he has fit in quite nicely with the V-Reds, who currently sit first in the AUS, Fraser didn’t intend to end up in Fredericton this season — or Canada, for that matter.

In fact, the Tatamagouche native signed his first professional contract with the Evansville IceMen of the East Coast Hockey League in July.

Interestingly enough, fellow V-Red R.D. Chisholm had also signed with the IceMen that summer.

Unfortunately, his stint in Indiana didn’t last long as he suffered a high ankle sprain in training camp and was sidelined for the beginning of the season. After four weeks away from the game, Fraser re-injured his ankle in his return to practice.

“I was pretty disappointed when I first got injured,” he said in a recent interview with Ryan Cooke of The Guardian. “It sucked. I worked hard for the opportunity and had to go home.”

Fraser returned to the Maritimes following his disappointing removal

from the team, but was almost immediately contacted by UNB’s head coach Gardiner MacDougall.

While the team was battling for first place in the AUS, MacDougall believed that Fraser’s experience and skillset could solidify the starstudded roster.

Heading into the home stretch of the season, UNB leads the Acadia Axemen by three points in the battle for first place. The team will be heading to Nova Scotia this weekend, with games against Dalhousie and Acadia.

BRUNSWICKANSPORTS

January 21, 2015 • Issue 17 • Volume 148 • 11

Veteran McFee guiding V-Reds

Sarah Rouse Sports Reporter

In order to be a star at the university level, athletes today must be “the whole package.” Being highly skilled simply isn’t enough — one must also inspire their team along with providing leadership and encouragement.

Will McFee serves as a prime example of the well-rounded athlete, providing leadership both on and off the basketball court. Currently in his fifth and final season with the Varsity Reds, the Northbridge, Australia native is anticipating a long playoff season for the team.

“The season has been very good so far, and I thought we really made some good strides during the pre-season which got us some national recognition,” said McFee. “To sum up how the regular season has gone to date, I think we’ve continued to improve as best we can. As a team we learned last year that the season is very much a marathon and not a sprint, so we’ve made a much more concerted effort in trying to stay healthy as a unit over the course of the season.”

While McFee believes that the team

has improved immensely over the course of the season, there were also a number of challenges that arose.

“I think our team lost focus at the end of 2014 when we lost on the road to Cape Breton and StFX. We’ve also had a few injuries here and there, which can make it hard to keep moving forward.”

Despite these setbacks, McFee commends his team for their strength and will to overcome these inevitable hurdles.

“It all goes back to how we’ve learned and progressed from our experiences last year, when we were riddled with injuries all year and practically crawled past the regular season finish line only to lose a heartbreaker to StFX in the playoffs.

That experience really made us learn the hard way that it’s a marathon and that we can never get too high or too low over the course of a season.”

McFee believes that the perception of UNB basketball has changed dramatically over the past two to three years, noting that other teams in the league now view the Varsity Reds as a legitimate threat each night.

In regards to his own game, McFee explained that he was forced to make adjustments due in large part to the

physical style of play in Canadian Interuniversity Sport.

“When I got to UNB, I looked to get to the rim a lot more — it was always my first option. Over the years, I started to look for other ways to score by developing a mid-range game and being able to step behind the three-point line.”

McFee also focused extensively on his shooting during the off-season and the hard work has certainly paid off. Boasting an astounding 39.4% three-point shooting accuracy, McFee has been a force to be reckoned with on the court.

The star’s final season was made even more special by a visit from his sister in November, flying in from Australia just to see him play.

“Rose is the first person from the family who has been able to come over and watch me play in the flesh, so I was pretty stoked to have her here.”

His mother is also planning a trip across the globe just in time for the AUS playoffs and — perhaps more sentimental — the annual senior game, where the families of graduating players are invited to honour these dedicated athletes.

“I think the plan was for me to walk

Will McFee anticipates a long playoff season for the men’s basketball team.

Adam Travis / The Brunswickan

out with coach Baker’s beloved bulldog Toni [aka ‘T-Bird’] Baker, but it would be great if she could make it — no disrespect to T-Bird,” quipped McFee.

McFee hopes to continue his solid play in this weekend’s games, in which the V-Reds take on Cape Breton and UPEI in crucial four-point games.

Mixed results for basketball teams Jamie Tozer Sports Editor

After losing three of their past four conference games, the UNB Varsity Reds men’s basketball may have gotten their mojo back with a commanding 98-57 victory over the Dalhousie Tigers on Saturday at the Richard J. Currie Center.

Five different Varsity Reds reached double-digits in points while two others came close. Javon Masters and Jordan Irvine led the way with 19 points each.

Ryan Smith added 12 points while Jesse Kendall and Will McFee chipped in with 10. Matthew Daley had 13 rebounds.

UNB and Dalhousie were tied 20-20 after a hard fought first quarter. Things remained close in the second but the Reds were able to pull ahead by 10 points at the half, leading 45-35.

The women’s basketball team fell 68-56 on Saturday.

Adam Travis / The Brunswickan

PANEL

In the third, UNB put the throttle down and outscored Dalhousie 30-9 to go up 75-44. Irvine and Kendall each hit two three-point shots in the frame. The V-Reds continued to roll in the fourth, posting 23 more points.

The Varsity Reds had a strong game from the three-point line once again, hitting just under 55 per cent of their shots. The Tigers hit 26 per cen from downtown.

The victory improved the V-Reds to 8-3 on the season with 18 points. They host the Cape Breton Capers on Friday at 8 p.m. and then travel to Charlottetown on Saturday to battle the UPEI Panthers. Both are four-point games.

The Varsity Reds’ women’s basketball team didn’t fare as well against the Tigers on Saturday, falling 68-56. The loss was UNB’s fourth straight and

dropped them to 5-6 on the season with 12 points.

In Saturday’s game, the Tigers jumped out to a 22-8 lead at the end of the first quarter and were up 38-23 at the half. The Varsity Reds tried to pull off a comeback in the fourth and outscored Dalhousie 19-7. But it was too little, too late for UNB as they fell by 12 points.

Nicole LaFleur led the way for UNB with 11 points. Kiley DeLong chipped in with 10 points while Rachel Cleary and Katelyn Mangold each had eight rebounds. The V-Reds committed 28 turnovers in the game, which resulted in 33 of the Tigers’ points.

The women’s squad hosts the Capers on Friday at 6 p.m. and then travels to UPEI on Saturday. Both are four-point games.

All-star games: love them or hate them?

THEY KNOW WHAT’S UP

Scott Hems

Jonathan Copeland

Devin Patterson

Columnist

Sports Fan

Multimedia Editor

I think they’re only a good idea when something is at stake. Some leagues offer something for the winner, meaning the all-star game actually means something and that’s the way it should be — like in MLB. Other sports just seem to be a money hoax with a bunch of individuals showing off. If they have something to play for, that’s when it’s a true display of the utmost talent in the league.

As a general rule, all-star games are horrible. Baseball and basketball all-star games are tolerable because the games are recognizable. But, hockey and football allstar matches are so far removed from the genuine game that it’s laughable. However, it is important to recognize that these games are more for kids and casual fans.

As a kid, all-star games were the COOLEST. But, as an adult, I find them extremely skippable entertainment.

Hate them. I think the idea of it being a prestigious event in the past made sense, but now with fan voting it’s become a farce. Take for example Zemgus Girgensons getting voted into the NHL All-Star Game this year as a starter even though he’s only got 20 points in 45 games. There are way more deserving players, and it’s a shame to see them not there instead. Yes it’s a fan event, but as a fan I want the best players there. With that in mind, the all-star draft concept is okay, especially when Kessel got picked last.

John Robb

cellarpub.ca

V-Reds Fan

Hate them. Not since I was very young — well, before I learned about the money behind sport — have I enjoyed all-star games. I find the games themselves are for the most part snooze fests.

Sure there are lots of scoring and joking around and likely some nice highlights but to what end?

Skills competitions are fun to watch and I am more likely to tune in to watch the dunk contest than the actual NBA All-Star Game. These players need a break, not a chance to catch an injury in a meaningless game.

BRUNSWICKANSPORTS

12 • January 21, 2015 • Issue 17 • Volume 148

Giving up is scarier than anything else ONE STEP AT A TIME

Scott Hems Columnist I’ve always heard that you never know how brave you can be until it’s your only option. Despite my depression-riddled past that involved several trips to emergency rooms, I never had the fear of God. It was a frequent thing to feel like my life was in jeopardy. But when death stares you in the face, you have no option but to face it with a part of yourself you never knew existed.

Weight loss is simply a way of finding that part of you.

When I decided to run a full marathon, I consulted a doctor to make sure I was taking the proper medical steps. This same doctor told me when I was 16 that it would be shocking had I reached the age of 20 without a heart attack due to my obesity.

His reaction when I told him my plan was simply, “are you fucking insane?” I laughed but he followed it up with, “you can’t handle it, you weren’t made for that.”

Yes, the fear of God was in me. I was already terrified of the road ahead of me.

I had enough to worry about, now I had to question whether I was going to live or not when this was over. I’ve said it before though, I really believe if you know what you want to die for in life, it’s a gift. You know the value of your life when you know what you’re willing to die for. I haven’t seen this doctor since. I contemplate going in with a picture of me at the finish line, but he’s not someone I need to impress. Life isn’t about that, and neither is weight loss.

I happen to suffer from a fear of heights.

This summer a buddy and I went on an adventure running through some cliffs

in the east end of P.E.I. After falling off a 30-foot high cliff and into the water, we came across a rope tied to a tree on top of a cliff that was at least 70 feet up. I hadn’t been this scared since the marathon. I had no choice but to climb it, much like having no choice but to face the fear of falling, failing or of course dying. I faced what I was most afraid of. Every pound I ever lost was in some way facing my fear of obesity.

I had to learn that facing something you’re afraid of is terrifying, but not as much as giving up.

I couldn’t do this in my obese days, neither physically nor mentally. But I had no other choice on those slippery cliffs that were being slammed by ten-foot-high waves. I chose to climb upward, I chose to overcome something that could have killed me and live a life I deserved.

Often these types of things happen when you face a fear — or even death. I always justify it by knowing something bigger is in store for me than falling off a cliff or not accomplishing a goal such as a marathon. Someday I’m going to be at my smallest, I’ll overcome things I’m afraid of, and I’ll remember the time I almost died on a cliff in PEI as much as I’ll remember the marathon or any other time in my life I was sure that my number was up. Even if I died, I would have died doing something I love. It was only in times of fear that I realized there was truly no limit to what I can accomplish.

“When a goal matters enough to a person, that person will find a way to accomplish what at first seemed impossible.”

—Nido Qubein

Program getting students into big leagues Jamie Tozer Sports Editor A master’s of business administration (MBA) program offered at UNB is not only getting students prepared to work in the sports industry, but also landing them jobs and internships in the f ield.

Jonathon Edwards, a professor in the program who also reviews applications and sets up student i nter n sh ips , say s t he M BA i n spor t a nd recreat ion ma nagement program is the only one its kind in Canada after programs at the University of Alberta and Laurentian University came to an end. There are 10 or so similar programs offered at schools in the United States.

The program is a 50-50 split between the faculty of kinesiology and the faculty of business

administration, giving students both business and sports management courses.

“This is purely course-based and purely MBA,” said Edwards. “The unique part about it is that we offer the internship route and we also take [students] to the Primetime Sports Conference. Those are the two big selling points and the uniqueness of the program.”

Graham Welsh is wrapping up his MBA SR M graduate degree with an internship at Tennis Canada’s head office in Toronto. Welsh completed his bachelor’s degree in recreation and sport studies at UNB, choosing the management stream of the undergraduate program. Having diff iculties f inding a job, Welsh decided to get his MBA. “I looked at other MBA programs specif ica lly but t he fact

that this one was directly in sport management really drew me in,” he said.

Welsh will be helping the organization create a fresh look.

“They’re doing a big marketing rebrand for the country right now,” said Welsh, noting the huge increase in popularity the sport has had in Canada over the past few years thanks to stars Milos Raonic and Eugenie Bouchard.

Tennis Canada is just one of many high prof ile organizations that hired MBA SR M students a s i nter n s. O t her not able organizations in the past include the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Commonwealth Games, Ottawa Senators, Edmonton Oilers, ParticipACTION, Bobby Orr Hockey Group sports agency, CFL head off ice, Los Angeles K ings and a number of different sports marketing f irms.

Edwards said UNB is starting to become well known in the sports industry as a school that produces solid sport management interns and graduates.

“The quality of the work these students are producing … [UNB is] starting to produce a reputation

for sending great grad students.”

The hiring rate for MBA SR M graduates has been good. Edwards added that two years ago, f ive out of six interns got jobs within the sports industry.

“Probably 90 to 95 per cent of our students may not get hired by that organization but they are working in the sport f ield within six months. That’s a pretty good rate.”

There are five first-year students currently enrolled. Edwards said, considering the number of professors they have, the program could probably hold a maximum of 12 f irst-years w it h eight being an ideal number.

“Enrolment has been up and down in it but we are starting to get a steady f low of at least f ive to six per year. It’s kind of a unique application procedure in that you have to take a GMAT — which can be more beneficial but, on another side of it, it limits the enrolment.”

Admission requirements include an undergraduate degree from a recognized university, a minimum GPA of 3.0, a score of 550 on the GM AT (an exam used by many graduate business programs) and

The program gives students both business and sports management courses.

Adam Travis / The Brunswickan

successful completion of a university-level economics course, and applicants must be accepted into both the business administration and kinesiology faculties.

T he prog ra m wa s or ig i na l ly the idea of Dr. Ian Reid, a former UNB professor.

“He just recogn ized t he industry need and worked with the faculty, developed a relationship with the business faculty and from there came up with the idea,” said Edwards.

A nother unique aspect of the program is the diverse background of its students. Applicants are not required to have a business or kinesiology background and its attracting students from all over the world.

“T here’s t he u n ique fac tor.

That’s really what it comes down to — there’s a uniqueness about this. When you come out of it, yeah you have the sport management, but you are certainly not limited and you’re still getting all the business courses. What it does do is that it gives you two options as opposed to one option and that sets you apart.”