Newsletter42

Origami

October Issue

Think Pink Pg. 3 Society Startup Pg. 10

4

Students Students

www.mountstudents.ca | f /msvusu | t @msvusu

The Crow | October 2014 | 1

The Mount Library The Mount Library sends a warm welcome to all new and returning students! We’ve made many changes as we begin our transition to the Mount Learning Commons: new furniture, carpet, paint, and seating areas, a printer/copier work room, and new computers on the Main Floor. There is still more to come: additional group study rooms, an Express PC area on the Main Floor, and a fully-equipped Assistive Technology area, also on the Main Floor. Our collections are also on the move, in order that we can provide even more student space and quiet areas. Watch for updates, and a grand opening, in the future!

iPads, Laptops…Printing…and more!

Did you know you can borrow iPads? And laptops?

And earphones? And more? Android tablets coming soon! Construction noise bothering you, or need some serious quiet time? We have earplugs to give away, for free. Check with staff at the Access Desk for details. A reminder that printing at the Mount requires print credits; with print credits you can print from any lab on campus. This includes wireless printing from your own device. Purchase print credits at the IT&S HelpDesk on the Lower Level Academic Success (cash only), or at the Access Desk on the Main Floor We are your partner in academic success. Explore hundreds of (cash, debit and credit). Until October 31st, purthousands of print and digital journals, books and eBooks, on chase $20 or more in print credits, and receive 10% campus or off, and access material from other universities easily bonus credits. and free of charge. Get help with all your research needs with the Mount Library’sresearch services. Mount Library staff and Librarians are ready to help, and you can also get Chat IM assistance from the Novanet Live Help service. Got group work? For More Information Contact: Book our Group Study Room online. Need writing support? Be EMF Communications Centre sure to contact the Writing Resource Centre on the Lower Level. 902.457.6250 library@msvu.ca

Online Evening Workshops in October

The library is once again providing online evening workshops forstudents, faculty and staff. Great for those at a distance, but all are welcome! Learn about effective article searching, using RefWorks, working with eBooks, using Google Scholar, finding images and media for presentations, and a special session on Business sources. Details & registration. www.mountstudents.ca | f /msvusu | t @msvusu

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Your Wellness Matters

Hey Students!

Dr. Elizabeth Church wants to hear from you!

Students are invited to have lunch with Dr. Elizabeth Church, the Mount’s Vice President (Academic) in Rosaria Dining Hall. Share your ideas, meet other students, and enjoy a casual lunch. Come alone or feel free to bring a friend!

Wednesday, October 22, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Thursday, November 13, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

For questions contact Tracy MacKenzie at 457-6404 or by email at tracy.mackenzie@msvu.ca

EXAM BOOTCAMP

Workshops are Learning Passport approved!

Thursday October 16th, 2014 Seton 306

Puppy Power Hour With OSCAR!

MSVU very own therapy dog Rosaria SU, Thursday 2:00pm to 3:00pm Follow me on Twitter oscar_msvu

Looking for a career in science?

Watch sucessful woman talk about their careers Visit: www.wiseatlantic.ca/videos.asp

ON WEDNESDAYS WE WEAR PINK!

Wear pink on Wednesdays. Get noticed by our roving PINK PATROL and you could win prizes instantly!

Justin Corcoran, VP Advocacy vpadvocacy@mountstudents.ca (902) 457-6558 Kenney Fitzpatrick, General Manager MSVU Students’ Union Email: Kenney@mountstudents.ca Tel: (902) 457 - 6123 * Fax: (902) 457 - 0444 Website: www.mountstudents.ca #UTXT: (902) 809-MSVU (6788) Facebook: /MSVUSU Twitter: @MSVUSU

WELLNESS WORKSHOPS

Workshops are FREE to all students and are on a drop-in basis (no pre-registration required).

Students who are interested but unable to attend the workshops may contact the Counselling Centre at 457-6567 or counselling@msvu.ca to make an individual appointment.

Time: 2:30pm – 4:00pm Wellness Centre, Rosaria Student Centre Upcoming Workshops: October 7: Getting a Good Night’s Sleep October 21: Healthy Body, Healthy Mind November 4: Stress Busters November 18: Respect in Relationships

PHOTOPOLIS, The Halifax Festival of Photography

(Oct 1-31) presents a month long, city wide celebration of photography during October. It includes 35 photography exhibitions, 40 events and a one-day photography symposium.For more information on the Festival – the exhibits, events and symposium – visit: www.photopolis.ca.

Contact: Heather MacLeod, photopolisinfo@gmail.com 902-422-35245

THINK PINK EVENTS / OCTOBER BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH WIN WITH PINK SMOOTHIES

All Month Long, The Crow ‘N Go Snack Bar Buy a smoothie at the Crow ‘N Go and receive a ballot to win our BIG PINK BASKET. Buy a pink smoothie and receive 2 ballots!

www.mountstudents.ca | f /msvusu | t @msvusu

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Bookstore Announcements Distance Learning Textbooks

Convocation

United Way Tickets

For More Information Follow Us On :

Distance Learning textbooks are now ordered and shipped/ picked up through the Bookstore. You can pre-order online at bookstore.msvu.ca and have them shipped to you, or come into the Bookstore and pick them up.

Did you know that since becoming involved with United Way, the Mount Community has raised almost half a million dollars? The Bookstore is once again selling 50/50 tickets to help support the Mount’s 2014 United Way goal of $28,000. Draw dates this month are: October 2nd, October 16th, and October 30th. Stop by the Bookstore to get your tickets - $1 each or 3 for $2.

www.mountstudents.ca | f /msvusu | t @msvusu

Fall Convocation is quickly approaching. The Bookstore will once again have a gift shop set up on the 5th floor of Seton Academic Centre. Stop by and grab a Mount mug or place an order for your grad ring. A $75 deposit is required on all ring orders.

Facebook – MSVU Book Store Twitter - @bookstoremsvu

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I KNOW WHAT YOU’RE THINKING

The plight of the mature student in an Undergraduate world

I

know what you’re thinking. No, I am not a psychic, or a magician. Nor am I reading your mind. But, yes, I know what you’re thinking. How you ask? The answer is easy, I know because I WAS you.

Sure, it was many years ago, and at a different university, but I was you all the same. I too remember the excitement of my first days on campus – before the reality of the workload volume required for university courses sucked all that joy from my body - and how liberating it felt to finally be seen as an “adult”. If only “future me” could have enlightened “past me” back then, I wouldn’t have been so obtuse to the mature students I had encountered. Now that I am older, more mature, I can admit my position on the topic, although it exposes how self-absorbed I unwittingly was back then.

The sideways glancesfrom my open books in the library,the confusion onmy young facebefore purposely diverting myeyes with an internal cringe. The ambivalenceI felt at the sight of someone twice my age attending the same class or worse, myawkward lack of eye contact silently explaining my position on mature students in general.I remember the internalizedconfusion so many years ago. The mix of questioning “Why would someone so OLD be HERE?”and almost contempt for someone the same age as my parents (at minimum) infringing on my right to be a free spirited first year university student, harbouring this feeling that somehow I was losing possession of my self proclaimed rite of passage. It just doesn’t seem fair does it?I remember it all explicitly, but never imagined being on the receiving side until I recognized all these familiar things on your young faces today.

After all, who wants to be put in a work group with someone who has more in common with your parents than yourself? Someone who has to manage their time between school, work, children, spouses?

The internal desire to cry “FOUL!” in relation to this “obvious” conflict in time management that you envision will somehow affect your final grade; or at the very leastthe group participation portions. In the world of a younger first year student, whose job it is simply to BE a student, time is divided by papers, classes and all-important social events that consume almost every waking moment. It would be inconceivable to also work and have a family to look after and support on top of such a demanding workload. So, albeit slightly arrogant, the thought of someone older, with presumably less energy should be able to sustain, nay, flourish, is simply incomprehensible.

One thing you do not take into account however is that over the course of our lives, we have learned

to manage. To multitask.To prioritize. There is little doubt that most mature students can juggle more in a day than most of those just starting in university can accomplish in a week. Because over time, we HAD to. You forget that with age comes maturity. I am not speaking of maturity in a sense of wisdom. They are two completely different things, and do not come hand-in-hand. I do not proclaim to be wise. “Maturity” in the sensewe have LIVED. We have had rent payments or mortgages, car payments, and credit cards that had a bill attached in our own name. We have worked and studied. We have had babies and lost parents. There are a wide range of emotions and scenarios waiting for you over the next 20 years. Some are blissful, while others are,simply, painful. But all will mature you.

Improve you. Embrace these moments as much as possible is the best advice I can give.

To answer the burning question as to “Why?” I can tell you there are many different reasons. Do not assume, as I did so long ago, that the mature student in your class is ill educated. Most often this is the opposite. Some are furthering their current career, and require more certification to achieve a promotion. Others are finding themselves without a job for the first time in a long time and are realizing they are no longer “employable” as they have fallen behind on the ever-changing technology. These students may simply be looking to catch up on the technology, while others are looking for a new career instead of just a “job”. Some, like myself, have a passion that up until now were not able to pursue due to life commitments and are finally financially and emotionally supported and encouraged to follow their dream. I do not contend that myself, and others like me are the norm. We aren’t. Most mature students are looking for a means to an end and then return into the standard workforce as soon as possible to support their families or lifestyles.

www.mountstudents.ca | f /msvusu | t @msvusu

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What you can’t possibly realize is that you too, one day, will be US. In spite of what you think now, the truth of it is,we all age. Head’s up, our bodies age faster than our minds. Something I had never considered. I always assumed the process was more equal. I remember joining asports team over ten years ago and after the introductions one player exclaimed; “You are older than my mom!” That was the first moment I had to resign myself that I, quite possibly, was aging at a rate I hadn’t recognized before. It happens. It happens to everyone, and yet, I never thought it was my reality.

You too will regret squandering opportunities that you will realize,in hindsight, were actually gifts.

You will be looking back on scenarios in your life and wishing you could do it all over again. Commonplace, every day things and life changing moments will haunt you equally. The way you spoke to someone in anger, the handling of a certain situation, to the failure of a vital university course will all be lessons that will shape who you will become. You just may become the lone student over the age of 40 attending class for the first time in decades equipped with an armoury of emotions ranging from apprehension and anxiety to calm and collected confidence. I only wish I had enough previous insight into the journey of a mature student when I had the opportunity to embrace, rather than ostracize. One of those haunting moments I mentioned earlier.

I know what you’re thinking. She doesn’t KNOW me. Who I AM. And, you’re right, I don’t know you. But don’t forget, I WAS you. And someday YOU will be ME. Special Thanks to Professor Lesley Newhook (for her encouragement & advice)

www.mountstudents.ca | f /msvusu | t @msvusu

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H

ey Mount students!

My name is Haley Myatt and I am your new VP Communications for the Students’ Union! I am super excited for this school year and for all the great things that the Union will accomplish this school year. A main goal I have for this year is to increase the communication and Union support of societies. Last year, I was involved with multiple societies including Rec Society and the Business and Tourism Society. But I also was a founder and president of a brand new society.

The thought of starting a new society can be taunting but if you are passionate about something, it can be one of the most rewarding things you do. So if you are wanting to start a society on campus, let’s talk. Send me an email at vpcomm@mountstudents.ca and we’ll work out a plan to get your society on the road.

Feel free to email me if you have any questions about the Union or the university. I’ll find answers for you.

Haley Myatt

Stay classy, Haley Myatt

Katlynn and Shelby both started volunteering at the Fountain Play Centre in September 2013 and it has been our pleasure to welcome them back for this year. Shelby has been a big help with our opening month, both in and out of the centre. She shared her love of volunteering with the Mount community at the SU Mount Mash Up, and she makes it clear while she’s in the centre too. She says: “I love spending time with the kiddos, and seeing their personalities develop!”

Katlynn’s favourite thing about volunteering at the FPC is building strong relationships with the kids, gaining their trust and confidence. It is clear to see that Katlynn is well-loved by all the little ones at the FPC. Katlynn

Thanks Katlynn and Shelby for your dedication and hard work!

Shelby www.mountstudents.ca | f /msvusu | t @msvusu

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Society News Introducing the Meal Exchange Society Who they are: We are a group of students dedicated to improving our campus food system, and ensuring that all MSVU students have access to healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate food on campus Last year…

We collected over 600 non-perishable food items and over $350 for Feed Nova Scotia through Trick or Eat. We ran Hunger Awareness week to raise awareness about food insecurity on campus and in the community. We collected over $180 for food for our Wellness Pantry from unused meal plan dollars!

This year…

We are going to be working with the Student’s Union to form a new campus food systems council, so we can have a voice about the food on campus. We will be working with the Wellness Centre to promote the pantry, and offer resources such as workshops to those who use it. We will be working closely with community and national partners, including Food Secure Canada, Sierra Youth Coalition, FoodARC, Ecology Action Centre and the Applied Human Nutrition Department.

We need you! Student Leaders who are interested in food, and ensuring that our Mount Community is Food Secure!

MSVU@Mealexchange.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/MealExchangeMSVU

Time To Get Ratified!

If you are part of a society or multiple, is your society ratified? Ask your executive if you are.

Ratified societies receive benefits from the Student’s Union including: Event insurance / Promotional support / Funding / Booking meeting space / Banking Networking Opportunities To become ratified, there are no costs. Societies need to fill out a ratification form found at mountstudents.ca under “Clubs and Societies” and also create their constitution. Sample constitutions can also be found at mountstudents.ca under “Clubs and Societies”. Submit both of these forms in person or via email to Haley Myatt, VP Communications, at vpcomm@mountstudents.ca. www.mountstudents.ca | f /msvusu | t @msvusu

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More News!

2015 METRO UNIVERSITIES RELAY FOR LIFE

T

he Metro Universities “Relay for Life” is a special Relay organized and comprised of participants from the HRM Post-Secondary schools: The Mount, SMU, NSCC and Dalhousie.

Teams of students as well as departmental and club teams enter the Relay and enjoy a 12 hour night of remembrance and activity in honour of those who are struggling with, beat or lost the battle with cancer. Throughout the night there are various ceremonies held as well as many mini-games and events enjoyed, live music performances and a variety of other entertainment.

We’re looking for this year’s Mount teams to get registered early and begin your fundraising!

To register your team or join a team simply go online to http://convio. cancer.ca/ or you can come to the Students’ Union HUB in Rosaria and we can accept your offline registration. Registration is $10.

We are also looking for new committee members from the Mount. If you are interested in becoming a MURFL committee member please like the MURFL Facebook group or contact the Mount Students’ Union committee reps: Tyler Bechard, VP Student Life – vplife@mountstudents.ca Justin Corcoran, VP Advocacy – vpadvocacy@mountstudents.ca Kenney Fitzpatrick, General Manager – kenney@mountstudents.ca MURFL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroUniversitiesRelayForLife2014

W

ellness Workshops presented by Counselling Services in partnership with the Wellness Centre Free to all students & are on a drop-in basis (no pre-registration required) “Getting a Good Night’s Sleep” on Tuesday, October 7 2:30 pm 4:00 pm “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind” on Tuesday October 21 2:30 pm 4:00 pm Grand Opening of the Wellness Centre and Pantry October 22 Volunteer Opportunities Pop in by chance or email wellness@mountstudents.ca for enquiries Get experience, hours, participate in awareness programs/campaigns and chill during breaks www.mountstudents.ca | f /msvusu | t @msvusu

Student Success Course (Winter 2015)

Feeling unsure of your acadamic skills Need a refresher on study stratigies Mondays 4:30 -7:00pm For Information Contact: Your acadamic advisor OR Heather Graham or Erin Tomlinson at 457 6400

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More News!

Society Start Up

Hello Science Communication Students!

My name is Courtney Clarke and I’m a first year Science Communications student at the Mount. I am interested in getting a society set up for all those who are currently studying or are interested in the science communications program. It is a great way to meet other students who are also studying science communications, as well as some of the faculty members involved in the program!

As a society, we can host many events to raise money for our participation in ongoing science communication events locally or around the world! I believe it would be a great way to explore this program in depth and to see what kinds of opportunities we have as science communicators!

Meetings do not have to occur weekly – as a society, we can choose when to meet and if you are interested in just showing up to any events and not being a part of the society that is also okay! I would just like to create a group that would allow everyone a part of the science communications program at the Mount to get together and become familiar, unify!

If any of this interests you, or you have your own ideas that could contribute to creating the science communications society, please email me at Courtney.clarke3@msvu. ca Thank you for your time!

A dinner to come together and celebrate ourselves as

queer and trans students and faculty.

Those who attend must pay for their own food and drink.

Pizza Delight Spring Garden Saturdayat 5:30pm

www.mountstudents.ca | f /msvusu | t @msvusu

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October 2014

www.mountstudents.ca | f /msvusu | t @msvusu

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www.mountstudents.ca | f /msvusu | t @msvusu

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