Dircksey Vol 9 Ed 1

CONTENTS CONTENTS

Taking the Leap: Getting Involved at ECU

Dylan Gills .................................................................. page 2

Has the Toga Had its Time?

Evan Smith ................................................................. page 4-5

What is it to be an EMU?

Sarah Staker .............................................................. page 7

More than a Place: a Slice of ECU

Evan Smith ................................................................ page 8-9

Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among a Fanbase

Danae McMiles ..................................................... page 10-11

A Guide to the Mt Lawlet Campus

Izabelle French .......................................................... page 14-15

The ECU Jets: Bringing Back the Culture

Dylan Gills .................................................................. page 16-17

Taking Matters Into Our Own Hands

Alexis Pallister, Maddy Watt .................................. page 18-19

Go Hack Yourself

Izabelle French .......................................................... page 20-21

WAAPA: The New Revo Fitness?

Izabelle French .......................................................... page 22

LABS (illustration)

Happiness Obidike ................................................... page 23

Procrastination Station

Anonymous, Danae Matthews ............................. page 24-26

A Critical Review of ChatGPT

Dylan Gills, ChatGPT................................................. page 27

DIRCKseyeditorial team

CONTRIBUTORS

Dircksey editorial team

Editor-in-chief: Evan Smith dirckseyeditor@ecuguild.org.au

Sub-Editor: Izabelle French

Marketing & Promotion: Lauren Reed

Graphic Design: Evan Smith

Contributing writers and artists

Dylan Gills

Evan Smith

Sarah Staker

Danae McMiles

Izabelle French

Alexis Palliser

Maddy Watt

Happiness Obidke

Mahdi Madelatparvar

Content Warning

Dircksey may contain topics that can be confronting for readers. These topics include racism, homophobia, violence, blood, hateful language, death, animal cruelty and mental illness.

No individual trigger warnings are given in the pages of the magazine, so please, take care.

The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Dircksey Editor, sub-editor, Edith Cowan University or the Edith Cowan University Student Guild. All reasonable care is taken to ensure Dircksey articles, and other information in the magazine, is current and accurate at the time of publication, however, no responsibility can or will be taken by the entities listed above, should an issue of Dircksey contain errors or omissions.

Dircksey acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which this magazine was created, the Whadjuck Nyoongar people.

If you would like to contribute to Dircksey, you can contact the editor at dirckseyeditor@ecuguild.org.au https://dircksey.com/contributors/ or via 0431 176 607

TAKING THE LEAP: GETTING INVOLVED AT ECU

WRITTEN BY DYLAN GILLIS

Campus culture is the one thing that everyone has on their minds when they first start considering studying at university. This may come in the form of questions such as, “what sports are there on campus?”, “is it like the movies?”, “will I make friends?”, and, most importantly, “where will I get my coffee fix from?”.

University opens the door for endless opportunities but can also be intimidating for first time and returning students. That being said, there is something for everybody to get involved in across any of our three campuses at ECU.

It’s no secret, studying at a university level can be strenuous yet rewarding, but so too is learning to have a healthy work-life balance. Campus culture is one element of university life that contributes majorly towards the enjoyment of the tertiary experience, providing students with an outlet for all the stresses that can come with being a young adult.

Getting involved with campus culture could mean joining a social club or becoming a part of an academic group, there are various ways and its entirely down to who you are as a person, your hobbies, and your interests.

This is a massive part of our culture at ECU because it gives people a sense of belonging and community among all the chaos and madness. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people on campus can be incredibly beneficial as it creates a social network and support system which can foster into something much bigger and brighter in the future.

It’s true, putting yourself out there can be a hard task. Its daunting, and to an extent, tiring. Opening yourself up to these situations, however, can be one of the best decisions that you ever make. It could be decision that brings you to a new best friend or even delivers you a group of people that you can truly express your individuality with.

From my personal experience, of being a social butterfly on campus, great friendships and memories are created by getting involved. The best part is, getting involved doesn’t mean running a mile or learning a new subject, it could be as simple as meeting up with other students over a coffee or pizza at Slice of Italy, or getting a drink at Birra Bar after putting in the hard yards at the library.

As a seasoned student, my advice to you is: put your best foot forward and always be yourself. Never let anyone dampen your individuality and always let your personality shine, as others will shine alongside you. Expose yourself to every opportunity to meet new people, step outside your comfort zone, and most of all, make sure to have fun.

PHOTO: ECU

PHOTO: ECU GUILD

CLUBS @ ECU

SPORTS - SOCIAL - ACADEMIC - EQUITY

ENVIRONMENTAL - POST-GRADUATE - FIRST NATIONS - INTERNATIONAL

VIEW THE FULL RANGE OF ECU’S CLUBS HERE

HAS THE TOGA HAD ITS TIME?

WRITTEN BY EVAN SMITH

Ah, the Toga, an American frat party staple. An item of clothing rich with history and debauchery, dating back to ancient Rome where noble men, philosophers and emperors ran wild.

What the toga has become however, after years of uncontrolled partying on university campuses, is a tarnished symbol. A symbol that has surpassed innocent intentions, and has solidified itself as a reminder of both traumatic events and poor connotations.

University events, no matter the format, must provide a safe space for all participants and attendees, and that is what our campus has worked towards upholding over the last few years.

The burning question pondered by many a student and staff member, should the Toga be retired like the relics of old, or is there still life left in the white cloth?

Dircksey met up with students at the ECU Student Guild’s annual Pantheon Party at Birra Bar Joondalup to gauge their thoughts on what the Toga means to them.

Is this your first Toga Party?

Of the people asked, 60% admitted to Pantheon being their first Toga Party, with the remaining 40% mentioning that they had only ever been to a toga party hosted at ECU or Curtin.

Where do you remember seeing a Toga for the first time?

Of course, having not attended a Toga party before did not mean that the concept was foreign to attendees. The majority of which noted having being exposed to Togas and Toga parties through notable pop culture films and media.

Further to this, they also noted social media as being a contributor to this as well.

When we say Toga Party what words come to mind?

With this question, surprisingly, only positive connotations were associated with the Toga such as “fun” and “party.” Some even described the event as a University right of passage, showing how ingrained it is in tertiary education culture.

Having said this, some attendees did acknowledge that the Toga has had a tarnished history, but suggested that it did not accurately represent its standing on Australian shores.

SOURCE: FREEPIK

Should the Toga stay?

Now to the main event – should the Toga stay?

Of the attendees asked, 80% said that the Toga should most definitely stay, with attendees noting it’s importance to University culture. For the other 20% that were against this, they suggested that the idea had been exhausted and required a refresh. It’s important to note, that these individuals had attended multiple Togas previously. Some even noted that the idea of wearing a Toga may be too daunting for some individuals, potentially scaring them away.

Of course, this survey only represents a small minority of university students; those who attended the event itself.

Could this be a a delineating factor for this experiment? Those who attend Toga parties, must, to a large extent, agree with their purpose. Therefore can the judgement truly be made on whether the Toga has a place on University campuses today?

In all honesty, such a macro question cannot be answered with such a small target base, especially considering the $15 Redbull cocktails.

For now however, it seems that the Toga at ECU will live to see another year.

WHAT IS IT TO BE AN EMU?

WRITTEN BY SARAH STAKER

Someone once asked me “what it is to be an ECU Emu player and why so many people have joined?”

In the moment I described an ECU Emu to be a person who wants to play sport and get involved with UNIsport nationals. Shortly after I realised this was the wrong response. To be an ECU Emu is so much more, and here is why.

Being a university student in 2023 isn’t just having to attend classes and write assignments anymore. It is trying to fit in a part-time job to pay rent, trying to find social time with your friends, and trying to keep your fitness up all while trying to live your fullest life.

Describing UNIsport Nationals would follow as, a week-long competition covering a wide range of sports, including basketball, football, tennis, athletics, and many others. The event provides students the opportunity to represent their university and compete against universities from all around Australia. The event finishes by naming the top competitive university in each sport.

• So, when asked “what it is to be an ECU Emu player and why so many people have joined”, my response will be: Playing for the ECU EMUS is a great outlet for escaping the pressure that comes with being a student at university. Playing in a team sport on campus allows the combination of fitness, socialising, common goals and excitement to flourish in the one place. On top of this great environment UNIsport Nationals is a great chance for teams to engage with other universities and compete at a high level. The annual UNIsport event, which takes place over a week and is being held this year on the Gold Coast, will be able to determine the top university in Australia for each sport. I highly encourage you to join our ECU EMU players in 2023!

PHOTO: ECU

MORE THAN A PLACE: A SLICE OF ECU

WRITTEN BY EVAN SMITH

When the ECU Joondalup campus was established in 1991, it opened its doors to what would become thousands of students over the years, starting them on their journey into tertiary education.

32 years on and our campus is now home to a diverse ecosystem of people and community. A place not only home to education, but also culture, stories and memories.

From students to on-campus vendors, past and present, the people at ECU have been the driving force behind our unfolding narrative. A narrative that becomes larger and larger each year.

At the heart of our campus is Slice of Italy, a family run Italian Pizzeria that has been a colossal part of ECU Joondalup for the past 15 years.

Bordering the lake, it has served many a hungry student since its grand opening in 2008, serving a variety of Italian cuisine, as well as every student’s main staple – coffee!

It precedes many of ECU’s current landmarks, including the library and building 34. With its long stead history, Slice has seen many changes at ECU, and has both survived, and prospered through them all – including the dreaded pandemic!

Most recently, Slice expanded its ECU roots, opening Birra Bar on both Joondalup and Mt Lawley campuses early in 2022. Birra Bar, being ECU’s only metro licensed premises, provides students and staff alike a place to gather over some much deserved “refreshments.”

With a new vibrant location now locked in, Slice has solidified its position as the proprietors of campus life.

Dircksey met with Slice of Italy, and Birra Bar owner, Rob Pascale to get his opinion on campus life at ECU.

What should students know about campus life at ECU?

PHOTO: ECU

“The ECU campuses have a lot happening on a daily basis. Students should seek out these events from bars to cafes, Student Guild events and parties. There is always something happening at ECU.”

How does Slice contribute to this across both Mt Lawley and Joondalup campuses?

“Slice of Italy has contributed and will continue to contribute to campus life as it has done for the past 15 years, by providing a comfortable, consistent eating and drinking experience.”

“Our customers can feel at home when they walk into our store, we will always greet them as if they were our own family and make sure they have a great experience.”

What is the best part of being a vendor at ECU?

“The best part of being a vendor at ECU is of course meeting so many amazing people. Many of our students have gone on to great things, including becoming heads of schools and departments at ECU.”

What is the best way for new students to get involved on campus?

“The best way for Students to get involved on campus is to attend as many events as possible, regularly hosted at Birra Bar. The Guild also had a tonne of awesome events going on, as well as many clubs to join. There is also the ECU Jets sports club and Red Star Soccer Club, which both have ties with ECU and are a fantastic way to meet people and enjoy the university experience.”

As mentioned by Rob, when you walk through the doors of Slice, and now by extension Birra Bar, you can’t help but feel a sense of ease and comfort, a similar feeling to coming home after a long day at work.

A family run business that has, over the last decade and a half, sheltered, fed, and entertained a revolving door of students and staff.

A place that has truly cut its own slice out of our university.

PHOTO: SLICE OF ITALY

GET IN TOUCH WITH SLICE OF ITALY HERE!

DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS: HONOUR AMONG A FANBASE

WRITTEN & illustrated by DANAE MCMILES

Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves was truly a gem to players of the tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG), Dungeons and Dragons.

As a long time player (and now Dungeon Master) myself, I was excited yet wary when the news of this movie came out. Family and friend’s alike were also a mix of excited yet cautious in regards to this movie announcement, so a question ran through all of our minds; would this movie be any good? Was it just another cash grab for a dedicated fanbase? Another rendition without heart?

Well, I can confidently say that Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves honoured its fan base whilst simultaneously making it new viewer/ player friendly. As a stand alone movie, it is a good and charming movie. Whilst it was predictable; that predictability did not take away from the overall narrative. All the characters were likeable, followed a trope and had a natural chemistry that didn’t feel forced (which is always a plus).

However as a Dungeons and Dragons movie, I believe it is a fantastic attempt in that regard. While yes, it was predictable, but it still didn’t take away from the story, nor did it take away from the overall enjoyment of it all.

Now does this movie perfectly portray what it is like to play a Dungeons and Dragons campaign? No, it doesn’t, but it does hold a lot of the tropes in regards to playing the game.

• O vercomplicating a situation that had a simple fix? Check!

• Tragic backstories for a majority of the characters? Check!

• Hot random NPC/character? Check!

• Moments that make you go “Ha! I’ve done that!” in a campaign? Check!

• Betrayal? Check!

• Unexpected allies? Check!

• Moments where you can tell a Natural 1 or a Natural 20 were rolled? Absolutely!

PHOTO: IMDB

Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves also had a fantastic mix of CGI and practical effects. You can truly tell the budget was put to fantastic and wonderful use! Magic in this world felt believable and fantastical. The different races shown in the forgotten realms also looked and felt real! tieflings, elves, humans, halflings, (although comical!) dragonborns, (I can’t express the absolute unit that is the dragonborn in this movie!) aarakocra, and dwarves to name a few. The Forgotten Realms, which is the map setting the movie uses, also felt believable. The spine of the world, the mention of Baldur’s Gate, Waterdeep and the overall look of the city of Neverwinter, absolutely stunning!

When I went to see this movie with 4 of my friends, (one of them I play Dungeons and Dragons with weekly), we all had an absolute blast following the stories and adventure of Edgin, Kira, Simon, Doric, Holga and Xenk. I would recommend everyone to give this movie a watch, and like what I plan to do myself, watch it again! There is so much heart in this movie, and the honour it gave to its players and fan base is something I shall cherish. GET

GUILD ADVISORY SERVICE

WHAT IS THE GUILD ADVISORY SERVICE?

The Guild Advisory Officers (GAO’s) are professional staff who form a core component of the Guild - providing advocacy, support and referral services for you.

Being independent from the University; they are your voice in any disputes with ECU, and represent your interests during your time at university.

They have an inclusive policy welcoming all students to access Guild Advisory services. Please feel free to contact a Guild Advisory Officer if you need help! There are Guild Advisory Officers located on each metro campus. Guild Advisory Officers can conduct appointments face to face on campus or by phone and Telehealth.

Joondalup Building 34.215

(08) 6304 2640

studentadvisory@ecuguild.org.au

OUR GUILD ADVISORY OFFICERS CAN:

• Guide you through the appeals process when appealing a result, academic progression status, or other university decision

• Advise on ECU’s various rules and requirements relating to your individual circumstances

• Assist you with writing appeal letters

• Help you resolve grievances (informally or formally)

• Attend University meetings with you as a support person

• Provide support if you are accused of academic misconduct

• Refer you to relevant services if you have legal, housing or tenancy issues

• Advocating on your behalf in instances where ECU staff are not following the correct processes

• Refer you to the appropriate University support services if you are unsure where to go

REMEMBER: Guild Advisory Officers are independent and therefore do not have access to your records. Please bring all relevant documents with you to your appointment.

Mt Lawley Building 12 (08) 6304 2640

studentadvisory@ecuguild.org.au

South West by telehealth (08) 6304 2640

studentadvisory@ecuguild.org.au

ACADEMIC ADVOCACY

Are you having issues in relation to your studies? The Guild Advisory Officers can help you navigate your way through a range of different issues including:

• Appeals against grades, exams, decisions

• Academic Misconduct issues (Plagiarism, collusion, etc.)

• Academic Progression Status Reviews

• Complaints

• Deferrals, extensions, exams and assessments

• Informal/Formal reviews

• General Misconduct

• Recognition of prior learning

• Applications to resume your course

• Special Consideration/resubmission

• Student Appeals Committee Meetings

• Withdrawal Without Financial and/or Academic penalty

Students are our priority. We can provide advice to individual students about your rights and responsibilities within the University and advocate on your behalf if you need us to.

PERSONAL/FINANCIAL SUPPORT

We are here to support and empower you. We can provide a range of advice, guidance and referrals to help you with:

• Food poverty, including referrals to local foodbanks

• Information about welfare and health services

• Guidance and referral to support for personal issues

• Information about emergency financial support options for those experiencing financial crisis

• Applications for ECU grants and scholarships

• Referrals to financial counselling

• Referrals to other professional services.

BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT

We can facilitate appointments face to face on our Joondalup or Mount Lawley Campus or can provide telephone or telehealth appointments where requested for South West, external and overseas students.

You can make an appointment online, via this link: https://ecu-student-guild.cliniko.com/bookings

A GUIDE TO the mt lawley campus

WRITTEN BY IZABELLE FRENCH.

Amongst the beautiful suburbia-scape of Mount Lawley, you’ll find a variety of sandstone buildings and squiggly constructions. You may think nothing of them, you may think “o! Mount Lawley Senior High School is bigger than I thought”, or you may even think “do those curvy buildings have a purpose?” Why yes they do, for they make up the Mount Lawley ECU campus, where hundreds of students go in each day to learn valuable lessons and build towards their successful academic career!

What once was a quaint College of Advanced Education, the Mount Lawley campus is the Legendary Hyperforce Megazord remains from its formation with the Claremont Teachers College in 1991, under the name of the amazing and constantly significant Edith (Dircksey) Cowan. And what a beautiful site for a significant part in the history of tertiary education! Traditionally known as Jinjeeejerdup, or the place of the honeyeater, though its inhabitant’s faces may be devoid of all signs of life, the flora that surrounds them is truly alive, with beautiful flowers, lawns, trees, and yes, even the occasional honeyeater.

Unlike Mount Lawley’s labyrinthian and more marketable brother, the Joondalup campus, Mount Lawley’s tiny size allows students, lecturers, visitors, and random wanderers to only sort of get lost while walking around campus! Some may find it annoying, but I believe it allows for you to truly appreciate the architecture and life around the university. Maybe, while trying to figure out which building 13 you’re supposed to be in, you’ll stumble upon the beanbags and beach chairs that litter the lawn, perfect for relaxing in the beautiful Mount Lawley sun.

You might discover other amazing places, like a tavern that tries to insist it has its own name, but will never be referred to as anything but “the Tav”, or you might find yourself in Chatterbox, an amazing and affordable Asian food experience inside a mock-cafeteria built for the film students. You may even find yourself in the wind tunnel they (maybe accidentally) made under building 10! Truly amazing how many great experiences they can funnel into the Mount Lawley campus.

PHOTO: ECU GUILD

But, with all of the amazing features of the campus, why are there so little students here? As someone who’s been here four years, I’ve seen countless (3) iterations of students all excited at the start of the year, looking at all the wonderous facilities here, and then, month by month, less people start to show up. Is this a symptom of the pandemic? Heck it might be, I came here in 2020, and I only know as much as I know. But you look at all of ECU’s marketing, and it is always Joondalup campus this, Joondalup campus that, never a shot of Mount Lawley, not once. As a Mount Lawley primitive, the first time I went to Joondalup I was shocked at what a modern university actually looked like Actually impressive architecture! Interesting vending machines!

But looking at Joondalup’s campus gave me a deeper appreciation for the campus that I call home. The Mount Lawley campus is small, it has mismatched architecture, the Grindhouse is… the Grindhouse (please don’t sue me for libel thaaaanks), but it’s endearing. Looking back at Joondalup, what does it even represent? The constant gentrification of our beautiful land? Or even worse, Murdoch University Two? The Mount Lawley campus doesn’t have a unified identity, but does any of us? It doesn’t hold itself to an impossible standard, with a crazy walkway that’s apparently a portal if I’m to believe the advertising. It’s honest. It’s a little bit strange in places, but aren’t we all? This is a campus that gets us. If you love underdog stories… you probably should look to the Bunbury campus, but if you love underdog stories where the underdog is already vaguely successful, then the Mount Lawley campus, with all of its sandstone, and odd shaped buildings, is for you.

Mount Lawley: you could do the impossible, or you can just be yourself.

PHOTO: ECU

PHOTO: ECU GUILD

The ECU Jets: Bringing Back The Culture

WRITTEN BY DYLAN GILLIS

Remember those old-school, feel good, sport films? You know, the ones about the underdogs and misfits who come together, form a strong bond, and become more than just a team?

At ECU, we have exactly that; The ECU Jets.

As the current president of the ECU Jets, I have had the pleasure of watching our humble club grow in size and numbers since joining in 2019. I have met countless incredible people, had many a joyous laugh, and, of course, played many a close gameeven picking up some injuries along the way!

For those who are unfamiliar with our story, the ECU Jets Amateur Sport Club, known to most as simply “the Jets” was built from the ground up by students, for students. At the time of formation, there was little to no sport on-campus at ECU. From seeing this, the founders of the club teamed up with the help of the university to create the Jets to provide a more captivating sporting pathway for the ECU community and help increase campus culture.

We originally started as a single AFL team with the aim of playing in the local community football league; very similar to that of the Curtin Wesley and UWA football clubs. As traction gathered around the sport of AFL, so did the demand for other sports that were craved by students. Knowing this, we created clubs in these, such as Futsal, Touch Football, and Netball. Across our four sports, we’ve fostered comradery among our members, and have proudly done so for nearly a decade.

Since establishing the Jets, we have grown to include two sporting competitions. This includes mixed social netball, on campus, at Joondalup’s ECU Sports and Fitness Centre, and our Touch Football association at Heathridge’s Admiral Park

All our sports have managed to create a great space for our members to come together, develop sporting skills, create new social networks within the club, and personally develop and grow themselves further.

PHOTO: ECU jets

One of the best parts about being on campus, as a Jet, is when you see other students, staff, and occasionally alumni wearing the Jets’ merch. From that instant, immediately, other members, past and present, will recognise the logo and think, “I’m going to have a chat with that person.” That’s how ingrained the Jets’ culture is within ECU.

We also aim to provide students with as many opportunities as possible to obtain practical experience within their studies. Although these are not actively on campus, we usually give students a chance to fulfil their study requirements/criteria, while providing a considerable amount of industry experience at the same time. In the past we’ve had multiple students (including myself) participate in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programs for their undergraduate bachelor’s degrees at the club. This has included hospitality, tourism, exercise science and sports and events management disciplines. We have also helped multiple PhD students complete research within the School of Exercise and Sports Science.

As COVID has affected us all over the past years, it’s time that we all come together to bring back that campus culture we all, to some extent, crave. To bring it back to what it was in its glory days. Sport will never go away, so neither will we. The Jets are here for all the students, staff, and alumni of ECU. GET

PHOTO: ECU jets

Taking Matters into Our Own Hands

WRITTEN BY ALEXIS PALLISTER, Illustrated by maddy watt

Angry. Appalled. Frustrated. These were the emotions we felt at We Are Womxn when the National Student Survey results were released. The results made it evident that students from universities were unsure and confused about the services their campus’ offered concerning the reporting of assault and associated supports.

It shed light on a state-wide issue that students on university campuses were not aware of the support services avaiable to them concerning assault and rupporting assault, and so, were not accessing them. With all this in mind, We Are Womxn wanted to enact change, needed to take matters into our own hands, and thus we launched our project ‘Taking Matters into Our Own Hands’.

We Are Womxn is a health promotion organisation working to reduce women’s stigma in Perth, Western Australia. Bringing evidence-based and traumainformed bespoke health programs to young women. We Are Womxn works to channel the power of education and honest conversation to empower young women.

We Are Womxn provides a safe space to allow an opportunity for young women to ask tough questions, destigmatise typically “taboo” topics and enable women to feel empowered and confident. “

At We Are Womxn we strive to empower women by educating them about their bodies, sex, consent and how to communicate their wants and needs in today’s world, Co-founder Kate Raston said. “We want to change women’s lives. We want to empower them to be bold and loud and to take up space. And the way we do this is through education” Co-founder Nicolette Beard said.

The ‘Taking Matters into Our Own Hands’ project is a rally for better consent education through posters that visually depict consent. To create such posters, we had the honour of collaborating with local artist Maddy Watt. “I wanted to use sharp and chaotic imagery, with bold and loud colours, to reinforce the complex nature of consent.

Consent is not a simple yes or no, it is complex and confusing and at times can be really awkward and so I used a layering technique to act as a metaphor for just that; with each layer representing a different aspect of consent” said Maddy Watt.

The posters also act as a virtual educational platform guiding students to a range of resources created by We Are Womxn co-founders Kate Raston and Nicolette Beard, and engagement officer Alexis Pallister. These resources include mental health guides, consent guides, and links to websites detailing how to report and what to expect when reporting. By having all of the consent resources in one place, students that access to our platform will be left with a complete picture of what their next steps are in relation to reporting and accessing support.

We anticipate these easy-to-use resources will provide students with an in-depth knowledge of consent and what to do if consent is violated, and what support is available both on and off campus. We hope these posters instil confidence in students to access services and encourage them to continue the consent conversation. Through these resources students we believe students will feel empowered, educated, and equipped to deal with any issues that may arise around consent, changing their lives for the better!

GO HACK YOURSELF

WRITTEN BY izabelle french

Being online is constantly slightly terrifying. Despite the warnings, I’m always putting my silly little email and the password I came up with when I was 13 into a lot of places to get free trials and sign up for newsletters. I’ve been online for a long time, and it wouldn’t take too long to steal my identity.

Thankfully, my lack of position or notoriety has meant that it hasn’t happened that much over my life, but I still routinely check my password and usernames on the Google to make sure that there isn’t any extra information leaking around.

After having my Spotify account hacked and watching a TikTok about data security, I thought maybe it would be a good time to look at what impact I left on the internet, which can be existential, but also good to see if someone is impersonating you or whatnot. And trust me, it does get existential. I’ve been online and posting for over a decade, and the only sign of me in the public eye is a year-old Tweet with 10k likes or whatever. It’s humbling, it’s soul-eating, it’s making me question my place in the world wide web, but it’s not the most interesting thing that happened on this security check up (we’ll get to existential stuff later).

Whiles searching around, I found a link to my Facebook, probably generated via someone looking at my profile from somewhere else. At least that’s what I’m telling myself, so I don’t actually get worried. As expected, Facebook didn’t like this. Externally accessing a website through unintentional means symbolise a weakness, an exploitation. So it took me a while to realise what Facebook thinks I did: I stole my own identity.

Unlike the semi-popular 2014 song “Mask of my Own Face” by Lemon Demon, which positions the idea of stealing your own identity as a chaotic, suave venture where you put everything on yourself while distancing yourself from who “you” are, accidentally posing as yourself on Facebook feels like someone ripping your identity away from you, losing control over who you are.

One must also consider the outsider’s perspective. When Facebook detected I was hacked, it locked my account for a brief window of time, which is fair. If a friend of yours suddenly had their account locked, what does that mean? Are they dead? Have they been hacked? Did they say something racist? Did they anger a racist who are glued to the “Report” button? Or, worst of all, are they just… gone. Forever out of reach, off the grid.

PHOTO: FREEPIK

Most friendships disappear, people move, and it’s sad, but at least most of the time you can see their footsteps trailing in a direction further and further from yours. I imagine it’s a pain ineffible when someone you know, someone you’re close to, just disappears, not through death, but is just suddenly not there. Was it your fault? Was this something you couldn’t control? Something so far out of your reach? Why didn’t they tell you about it? Maybe you weren’t as close as you thought you were. There’s no answer that can satisfy you because there is no one to answer. Just questions, floating in an empty void of un-read messages…

I’m almost 100% sure this isn’t what the person who tried to invite me to their birthday party felt, but they were the one to ask about my inaccessible profile first. I, at the time, was blissfully unaware, for I had not accidentally opened Facebook that day. I was having a good day, I went to the movies, and then I got a blip from my Facebook messenger, which was miraculously still up: Izzy’s facebook (has) seemingly dissapeared oop”.

Now I could tell the tale of getting my account back, but that’s just the tried-and-true narrative of finicking with IT. If you want that part of the story, call your internet provider, I’m sure the infuriating energy of glitchy hold music and text-to-speech will be a suitable metaphor. In the end, I got a part of my life back.

Is it one I particularly wanted back? No.

STAY

PHOTO: FREEPIK

INFORMED OF POTENTIAL CYBER SCAMS HERE!

WAAPA: The new revo fittness?

WRITTEN & ILLUSTRATED BY izabelle french

For the blissfully unaware, ECU is moving to the city! The new campus will house the future of business and arts at ECU from late 2025 onwards. But what will become of WAAPA? The historical site where Hugh Jackman and… other people once walked? Who will take care of the yellow brick walls, the posters of concerts long past deteriorating over the red door-frames, the weird modernist chairs that aren’t designed for humans to sit? Though officially it’s going to the high school directly next to the university, I have a better idea.

Vice-Chancellor, Mr Steve Chapman, this article is now directly aimed at you! I hope you’re doing well. Now I know I am but a humble student with naught a penny or brain-cell to thine name, but I ask that you listen up and listen well. The WAAPA building is prime location for many businesses. I could see a law firm fitting neatly inside its walls. It could become a mall, cozy, sure, but with a charm and history that is sure to lure in patrons. But all that pales in comparison to the true fate of WAAPA, the one correct future for that magnificent space: you should make it a Revo Fitness.

Revo Fitness is a franchise of gyms across all of Australia, and like a plague, is expanding its reach across all suburbs and towns.

Now, if there’s anything I know about Australian culture, we just love colonialist ideology, and should engage with it as much as possible!

ECU! Now’s your chance! Assimilate into the masses! Become a Revo Fitness.

The ballet rooms, with their hardwood floors and floor-to-ceiling mirrors, is an amazing place to spot one another. You want to lift something heavy but can’t find anything? Grab one of the nearby pianos and get swole! Use the audio cables as skipping ropes! Those sound proofing foam thingies? Put them in a leather sack to create the perfect punching-bag! Tackle a speaker! Practice your nunchuck skills with two microphones!

Not only would it be easy to transform WAAPA’s facilities into a Revo Fitness, as it turns out, WAAPA already offers a lot of the gym experience: the background sound of doors and a cacophony of voices, jacked men who are constantly listening to music that doesn’t fit their whole vibe, and a bunch of people who don’t know how to use equipment, the only thing we’re missing is a peloton.

You have the power to do this, Vice-Chancellor. Make WAAPA a Revo Fitness.

NEED TO KNOW AS EXAMS APPROACH

ILLUSTRATED BY HAPPINESS OBIDIKE

PROCRASTINATION STATION

THE LAST OF US

For those who haven’t played the PlayStation original game series by Naughty Dog, The Last of Us follows Joel and Ellie, a non-biological fatherdaughter duo as they traverse a post-apocalyptic world following a viral outbreak that zombifies the infected. Headed by everyone’s ideal father-figure, Pedro Pascal, and the foul-mouthed Bella Ramsay, HBO Max’s adaptation is a real tear-jerker that stays true to the source material, traumatising any fan of the original games all over again.

Rating: Just put Pedro in everything.

HUNTERS

This one is for all the history buffs out there. Hunters, set in the late 70s, follows Jonah, a young Jewish man navigating a changing America, in an era where post-war tragedy afflicts the Jewish community greatly. There’s no easy way of leading into this next part, so to put it bluntly, the show is about a team of rag-tag Nazi hunters set out to avenge the traumatic events of the Holocaust. Featuring Logan Lerman and the veteran Al Pacino as the main protagonists, viewers beware, this one gets very, very violent.

Rating: No one likes a Nazi.

THE BOYS

ILLUSTRATED

Superhero movies and shows have always been a big draw for audiences, but lately they’ve started missing the mark – whether that be because of burnout or quality control. The Boys, however, is a refreshing take on the genre, mainly because it inverts the definition of a hero, showing them as flawed, narcissistic and sadistic bunch, in an ultra-violent way. Helmed by Antony Starr and Karl Urban, this tale would surely make any would-be Avenger blush.

Rating: This ain’t no Disney flick.

ALL THE SHOWS YOU NEED TO KNOW AS EXAMS APPROACH

BY DANAE MCMILES

THE WITCHER

Ever wondered what Superman would look like wearing armoured leather, yellow contacts and your grandma’s hair? Well, this show has the answer for you. Yet another video game adaptation that does its fan base justice, The Witcher follows Gelart of Rivia, a famed monster hunter and mercenary as he sets out to protect a young would-be queen, all while navigating their intertwined destiny. Featuring Henry Cavil in the headline role, this show is perfect for those stormy winter days.

Rating: Biceps/10

ARCHER

Now, Archer has been around for a long time, it’s an oldie, but is most definitely a goldie. Airing in 2009, this animated adult-comedy follows Stirling Archer, a savvy James Bond-esque character without any of the suave British charisma or an ounce of sense. The only similarity being his very apparent drinking problem and crisp suits. This 13-season-long adventure is rife with all the tropes of the spy genre and knows exactly how to poke fun at the genre as a whole and itself. Featuring a star studded voice cast, Archer will have you laughing all over the shop.

Rating: Welcome to the Danger Zone.

WEDNESDAY

Nothing is original anymore, with franchises, remakes and adaptations growing in popularity. But when you mix the powerhouse of gothic filmography, Tim Burton with the talents of the eerily committed actress, Jenna Ortega, and the quirky source material of the Addams Family, you get 8 episodes of prime time entertainment; Wednesday. Set at Nevermore Academy, the show follows Wednesday Addams as she tries to solve a string of murders, while trying to survive both a prophecy and high school.

Rating: Wednesday is a mood.

Stranger Things

Is this a surprise to anyone? If you haven’t watched this future cult-classic then you must be living in the upside down. Taking a page out of sci-fi great James Cameron, this otherworldly saga follows a young group of friends, unbeknownst to the evil that hides in the sleepy town of Hawkins. Monsters – check, great character archs – check, guitarwielding bat fights -check!

Rating: 11/10 ;)

Supernatural

Oh Supernatural, how dear you are. A story as old as time; two brothers against the world. Sam and Dean, played by Jared Padelecki and Jensen Ackles, truly go through hell over this 15-season saga. From vampires and werewolves to angels and demons, Supernatural carves out its own mythos while using every lore and legend known to man. Mostly following a monster-of-the-week format, this is an elite level binge (especially if you can make it to the very end).

Rating: So good it’ll send you to super hell.

Riverdale

We’re not even going to try and justify this one, our editor told us that we needed another entry on this list to fill the page. If you want to feel better about yourself and everything going on in life, this show’s mere existence will do exactly that. Like a dog that just won’t die, this show has somehow made it to 7 excruciating seasons featuring murder mystery, magic, time travel and the multiverse (all in a small American town that needs to be nuked).

Rating: For those who want to watch the world burn.

A CRITICAL REVIEW OF CHATGPT

WRITTEN BY Mahdi Madelatparvar, ILLUSTRATED BY CHATGPT

We all benefit from technological advancements in various ways, such as staying in touch with loved ones, making purchases, accessing learning resources, and enjoying entertainment. Some devices, like smartphones, enter our lives suddenly, while others, like smart TVs, find their place more gradually. ChatGPT is one of the latest facilities that has seen a boom in usage. It is a free online AI platform that can communicate with people on a wide range of topics, offering smart, funny, and knowledgeable advice. However, the beginning is half of every action. ChatGPT is not without its concerns. In fact, some developed nations, like Italy, have already banned its use due to privacy and control worries. There are also concerns about potential job losses and the impact on apps and websites.

If you’re a student, ChatGPT can be a helpful tool to assist with assignments, calculations, research, and report preparation. It can even provide psychological advice based on your personality and lessons. However, relying solely on ChatGPT to write an assignment is not the right approach; “If you give a lazy student a ‘write’-bot, they’ll still find a way to avoid doing the work themselves!” While it’s smart to use ChatGPT for brainstorming, researching, and proofreading, students should still write their own assignments to ensure academic integrity.

In my opinion, the emergence of ChatGPT can be compared to the advent of Google. Although concerns about privacy, jobs, and learning are rational, no one can deny the power of humans. Privacy will be fortified, jobs will be changed, and smart usage will be developed. The rate of progress is now higher.

Looking at the before and after of Google usage, no one is angry about it. We just had time to embrace the change, which we don’t have now. Google once became the most reliable search engine among others, which was able to provide accurate search results. However, this facility faced a number of problems in its early days of usage.

Many companies believed that they were not appearing in the search results, which was the outcome of their unfamiliarity with the search engine’s priorities. Additionally, there were some issues regarding snippets of text from websites appearing in search results. However, many of these problems have been addressed by Google’s algorithms and policies.

ChatGPT has a longer and more complex pathway ahead of it until it can be accepted, but it’s worth using it as a tool to pave the way to a new page in information technology and human progress.