September 2013
Mount Saint Vincent University Students’ Union Newsletter
HELLO THERE MYSTICS
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President’s Message
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Meet the Executives
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Elections
We’ve got a lot of great things planned this year for you, starting with our Frosh Week festivities! VP Student Life Tyler Bechard and the rest of the Union have been working hard to make sure that this year’s theme, “Mount Games 2013” is as exciting and memorable as possible!
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Re-branding
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Used Textbook Fair
There are lots of opportunities for you Mystics to get involved this year, whether you are first years or entering your final year! The President’s Street Team is kicking off mid-September again, and we’re looking for students to come out and promote our events, services and campaigns! Email me if you want more information or like us on Facebook at facebook.com/MSVUStreetTeam.
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Construction Update
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Campus Updates
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Tips for Students
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Keep in Touch
Welcome back to another great year at Mount Saint Vincent University. I’m excited to come back for my second term as Students’ Union President and continue working for what YOU want to see happen this year.
My hope this year is to make sure students are accessing our services to the best of their abilities, and to tackle any issues, concerns, or desires that students have to make this year go by as smoothly as possible. My door is always open, and so is my mind, so feel free to share!
Anyways! Look forward to meeting with you soon, and if you ever want to grab a HOMEMADE ice cream sandwich from the Crow N’ Go, I’m down! I may even treat ya ;) Sincerely,
Zach Gallant President, MSVU Students’ Union 457-6434, president@mountstudents.ca @MSVUSU 1
Photo by Kiana Riego
September 2013
Mount Saint Vincent University Students’ Union Newsletter
MEET THE EXECUTIVES Zach Gallant—President The President has three main roles; to provide leadership within the Union, to act as the Union spokesperson, campaigner and/or lobbyist and to be a promoter of Union activities and campaigns.
Tyler Bechard—VP Student Life The Vice President of Student Life has three main roles; to be the lead student activities event coordinator for the Union, to be the liaison and lead person on Grad activities and to be the lead student on University committees dedicated to student activities and student life.
Joey LeBlanc—VP Communications The Vice President Communication's main roles are to manage a number of communications for the Union, be liaison with the university Alumni Affairs department and to be lead person for the Union Constitution, policies and by -laws. 2
September 2013
Mount Saint Vincent University Students’ Union Newsletter
ELECTIONS The campaign period will take place with nominations beginning on September4, 2013 and closing September 13. September 16-17 are speeches with the 18-19 being SRC voting. We are looking for a dedicated student to join our executive team as Vice President Student Advocacy. The VP Advocacy has three main roles; to provide leadership to the Union’s activities surrounding the promotion of awareness and diversity, to act as a lead student on University Committees dealing with academic issues and to be an advocate for various student rights. Council Positions available: Arts Rep Education Rep First Year Students Rep Graduate Studies International Student Rep Off-campus Rep Mature Students Rep Science Rep Positions Filled: Board of Governors Rep (BOG) – Alissa Ali Councilor at large – Caroline George Professional Studies Rep – Nick Deal Residence Rep – Alyssa Roy
Voting will take place on myMount this year. However, we will still have a few voting stations on campus.
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Photo by Caitlin Dumaresque
September 2013
Mount Saint Vincent University Students’ Union Newsletter
SU SERVICE REBRANDING The MSVUSU has rebranded a lot of the services beginning the reclaiming Rosaria as the Students’ Union Building (SUB). The SUB is the campus core for student service, interaction, experience and social activity. Some of the other services that have gotten a facelift include: The Crow’s Nest Café is now the Crow-n-Go Snack Bar. Open Monday to Friday, the Crow-n-Go is the Mount’s one & only on-campus student owned and operated grab and go convenience store. The Crow-n-Go offers a wide range of convenience items as well as a wide variety of quick meals for students on the go. This includes baked sweets, yogurt, wraps, coffee, smoothies, pizza, soups and more. This service will continue to grow and evolve as renovations begin to take place this year. You can also find Mount clothing here. Open 7 days a week, the Crows Nest is the Mounts only 24hr student computer lounge. Attached to the Crow ‘n Go, the Crows Nest has a lounge space and offers students access to a number of computers, Wi-Fi, group meeting space, modular furniture, a bookable meeting room, printing ability and a bookable meeting room. The Crows Nest is monitored by campus security for any students and groups working late nights. Lots of furniture changes were made last year and now it has a new logo. The HUB is the new name for the Students’ Union information desk which provides Mount students with a large number of services. The HUB is every Mount students one stop shop for: Printing (B/W, Color and large format printing), photocopying, faxing, clothing, Mount gear, school supplies, International Student Identity Cards, ticket sales, stamps, society mail, outgoing mail pick up and more! In addition the HUB also provides the SUB lobby with wifi, music, vendors, events and a cell phone charging station. suinfo@mountstudents.ca The MSVUSU Wellness Centre is now a combination wellness and diversity centre and Food Bank that provides Mount students with a variety of services, information & resources. Physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual wellness is an integral part of our university community and is embraced by the Students’ Union. wellness@mountstudents.ca 4
Photo by Sarah Williams
September 2013
Mount Saint Vincent University Students’ Union Newsletter
USED TEXTBOOK FAIR The MSVU Student’s Union Textbook Fair is a Union-run fair that allows students to submit books to be sold for the price they desire. Come submit your old books to make some extra money or come buy the textbooks you need at a price much cheaper than you would find anywhere else! Hours of operation: Monday/Tuesday 9-5 Wednesday/Thursday 9-6 Friday 9-4 Important Dates: September 4—6 September 9—13 September 16 –20 September 23—27
Drop Off Only Drop Off and Purchases Purchases Only Book and Money pick-up at the Hub
Please pick up your remaining books or money by September 27th!
If you require any more information, visit the Hub!
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Photo by Zoe Dixon
September 2013
Mount Saint Vincent University Students’ Union Newsletter
WE’RE MAKING BIG CHANGES Construction: The construction of the Margaret Norrie McCain Centre for Teaching, Learning and Research (McCain Centre) is well underway. This will be the only building on a Canadian campus dedicated to celebrating and honouring women, and it is scheduled to open in December 2014. Safety: As construction continues, be advised that the pedestrian access between Rosaria and the EMF is limited. Please use the alternate pedestrian pathways. Safety barriers and fencing have been installed around the construction site for your protection and must be respected. Parking: There will be some changes to the parking areas on campus this coming year due to the ongoing construction of the McCain Centre. We are doing our best to accommodate the parking requirements for everyone on campus, and we are encouraging members of the Mount community to consider car sharing or Metro Transit. Information: For more information about construction of the McCain Centre, including frequently asked questions, the updated campus map and live video feed, please visit msvu.ca/construction. For specific questions, email construction@msvu.ca
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September 2013
Mount Saint Vincent University Students’ Union Newsletter
CAMPUS UPDATES Students’ Union Upcoming Events: September 11th—Mount Mash Up September 20th—Homecoming September 25th— Union Day September 30th—Opt-Out Deadline Shinerama Since 1999, Mount Saint Vincent University students have participated in the largest university and college student fundraiser in the country…SHINERAMA. Shinerama is one of the most rewarding and fun events you will participate in during orientation week. You will be one of over 35,000 students from coast to coast raising money for Cystic Fibrosis Canada, a non-profit organization that funds Cystic Fibrosis (CF) research. CF is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting young Canadians. In 2012, as a nation, we raised approximately $1,035,000 towards finding a cure or control for CF and continue to raise the bar. In 1960, a child with CF rarely lived to attend kindergarten, let alone university. Since Shinerama was introduced in 1964, the life expectancy of CF patients has increased substantially. Today, half of all Canadians with CF are expected to live into their 40s and beyond. This year marks Mount Saint Vincent University’s 15th anniversary being involved with Shinerama, raising approximately $150,000 towards this extraordinary cause. Join us on September7th, 2013 as Mount Saint Vincent University students take the streets of Halifax to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis research and care. The MSVU Shine team has set our 2013 goal at $15,000 to help reach our nation-wide goal of $1.16 million dollars. 7
September 2013
Mount Saint Vincent University Students’ Union Newsletter
CAMPUS UPDATES Vinnie’s Pub Vinnie’s Pub has added some new items to their menu including vegetarian Black Bean Sliders! Come down for some evening pub fare with your friends. Also, you won’t want to miss Wing Night on Thursdays. Upcoming Events: September 5th— "Welcome Back Pub" wet only September 7th—"Toga Love Pub" 1st wet/dry September 12th—PUB NIGHT “Open Mic” September 13th—CLUB NIGHT "Stop Light Pub" September 17th— "Trivia Night" September 19th — PUB NIGHT "Karaoke" September 20th—"Pep Rally" September 20th—CLUB NIGHT "Homecoming semi-formal" September 24th—"Trivia Night" September 26th—CLUB NIGHT/DJ September 27th—PUB NIGHT October 1st—"Trivia" October 3rd— PUB NIGHT "Alexander Keith's B-Day Party" October 4th— CLUB NIGHT/DJ
Spiritual Life Celebrating the 'heart and spirit' of everyone's journey. Peace Room (Evaristus, 3rd Floor, Rm C410) - A quiet space to pray, meditate, read, reflect, and just be. Looking for the right church, mosque, or meditation centre for you? Interested in spiritual diversity? Need someone to talk to? Want to cultivate a ‘Compassionate University’? Contact the Spiritual Life Coordinator, kim.macaulay@msvu.ca, 457-6446, msvu.ca/slc 8
Krista Hill Photography
September 2013
Mount Saint Vincent University Students’ Union Newsletter
CAMPUS UPDATES Parking Information Parking passes for 2013-2014 will be available to purchase beginning Monday August 19, 2013. Staff at Assisi Desk are available 24 hours a day, and are happy to answer questions or help you calculate the best option. In keeping with our sustainability efforts and to reduce our paper usage, an electronic application form on myMount will be used this year. The forms will be processed by Security and you can arrange for payment and pass pick up 24 hours after you’ve submitted your form. You can drop by or call 457-6412 for more info.
Career Planning Services (CPS) Workshops Sept 6—Earn While You Learn: (How to find a part time job!) 10:00 AM, Seton Aud C or Sept 11: 12:00 PM, Seton Aud D Sept 9—Winning Resumes 1:00 PM, Seton Aud C Sept 12—Get Hired! (Find a Job BEFORE you Graduate!) 12:00 PM, Seton Aud A Sept 16—Career and Academic Planning 3:00 PM, Seton 529 Sept 17—Networking at the Halifax Career Fair 1:00 PM, Seton Aud A Sept 18—CPS Road Show 11:00 AM—12:00 PM, Rosaria Terrace Sept 20—Interview Preparation 12:00 PM, Seton Aud A Sept 24—HALIFAX CAREER FAIR: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, CUNARD CENTER Oct 1—VOLUNTEER FAIR : 1:00 AM - 1:00 PM, RBC SETON LINK 9
Krista Hill Photography
September 2013
Mount Saint Vincent University Students’ Union Newsletter
CAMPUS UPDATES Counselling Services Study Skills Workshops Sept 24—Time Management and Procrastination 1:15 – 2:30 pm Evaristus 108 Sept 26—Reading Text/Lecture Note-Taking 2:00 – 3:30 pm Evaristus 108 Sept 27—Exam Preparation/Multiple Choice Test-Taking 2:00 – 3:30 pm Evaristus 108 Sept 30—Writing a University Paper 7:00 – 8:30 pm Evaristus 108 Oct 1—Reading Text/Lecture Note-Taking 2:00 – 3:30 pm Evaristus 108 Oct 3—Exam Preparation/Multiple Choice Test-Taking 1:15 – 2:30 pm Evaristus 108
Registrar’s Office Students! Please remember that the add/drop deadline for registering for courses is September 11th myMount now provides quick access for students to do a program evaluation and check their progress as they complete courses towards their degree – in the ‘I want to.. Choose Task bar’ select “Review my degree requirements” from the drop down menu. If students have questions about the evaluation they can contact the Registrar’s Office at registration@msvu.ca. As well, students should always seek academic advising within their department or through the Deans’ Office at advising@msvu.ca! 10
Photo by Alfred Yao
September 2013
Mount Saint Vincent University Students’ Union Newsletter
CAMPUS UPDATES Bookstore For your convenience, the Book Store will be offering extended hours. Come in and pick up your textbooks, school supplies, and Mount gear! The first 500 people to purchase their textbooks and spend over $300 will receive a free reusable MSVU cloth bag! Sunday, Sept 1 – 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Monday, Sept 2 – 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Tuesday, Sept 3 – 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Wednesday, Sept 4 – 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Thursday, Sept 5 – 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Friday, Sept 6 – 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday, Sept 9 – 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Tuesday, Sept 10 – 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Wednesday, Sept 11 – 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Thursday, Sept 12 - Back to regular hours (9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday) Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on what’s happening in the Book Store.
Mount Recruitment The 2013-2014 Student Ambassadors have been confirmed for this year! You can meet the team and learn more about them online at www.msvu.ca/studentambassadors. If you see our ambassadors giving a campus tour, or at an oncampus event, be sure to stop and say hello! If you want to learn more about becoming a student ambassador or joining our volunteer group, contact Nicole LeBlanc in the Recruitment Office at Nicole.leblanc1@msvu.ca 11
September 2013
Mount Saint Vincent University Students’ Union Newsletter
CAMPUS UPDATES Chartwells We are very excited to be your food service provider. We can assist you with many meal option for Lunch, Breakfast and catering events! Join us for coffee and muffins at Seton Cafe, our retail provider, or at Rosaria Dining Hall for an “all you care to eat” experience. There are numerous meal plans that will fit your needs. Visit our website at dineoncampus.ca/msvu to find the best plan that will suit you!!! There is an amazing deal in the Rosaria Cafeteria advertised in this newsletter, check it out and join us!
Varsity Athletics 2013-2014 Mount Mystics Varsity Tryouts Women’s Soccer Tuesday, September 3rd 8:00pm-10:00pm at Mainland Field Meet at Gym at 7:30pm Wednesday, September 4th 8:00pm-10:00pm at Mainland Field Meet at Gym at 7:30pm Thursday, September 5th 8:00pm-10:00pm at Mainland Field Meet at Gym at 7:30pm
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September 2013
Mount Saint Vincent University Students’ Union Newsletter
CAMPUS UPDATES Varsity Athletics Continued... Men’s Soccer Tuesday, September 3rd 8:00pm-10:00pm at Mainland Field Meet at Gym at 7:30pm
Men’s Basketball Wednesday, September 11th 8:00pm-10:00pm A. Garnet Brown Gymnasium
Wednesday, September 4th 8:00pm-10:00pm at Mainland Field Meet at Gym at 7:30pm
Friday, September 13th 4:00pm-6:00pm A. Garnet Brown Gymnasium
Thursday, September 5th 8:00pm-10:00pm at Mainland Field Meet at Gym at 7:30pm
Saturday, September 14th 11:00am-1:00pm A. Garnet Brown Gymnasium
Women’s Basketball Wednesday, September 11th 6:00pm-8:00pm A. Garnet Brown Gymnasium
Women’s Volleyball Wednesday, September 11th 4:00pm-6:00pm A. Garnet Brown Gymnasium
Friday, September 13th 2:00pm-4:00pm A. Garnet Brown Gymnasium
Thursday, September 12th 5:00pm-7:00pm A. Garnet Brown Gymnasium
Saturday, September 14th 1:00pm-3:00pm A. Garnet Brown Gymnasium
Sunday, September 15th 3:30pm-5:30pm A. Garnet Brown Gymnasium
New to the Mount? Complete the online recruiting form at msvu.ca/athletics Unable to attend? If you are unable to attend one of the tryouts, contact June Lumsden, Director of Athletics at: june.lumsden@msvu.ca, (902) 457-6370, Rosaria SUB Room 127 13
September 2013
Mount Saint Vincent University Students’ Union Newsletter
CAMPUS UPDATES Library The Library warmly welcomes all new and returning students! Drop by and see us in the E. Margaret Fulton (EMF) Communications Centre to begin your path to academic excellence! Explore hundreds of thousands of print and digital journals, books and ebooks on campus or off, and access material from other universities easily and free of charge from the Library’s homepage on or offcampus. Get help with all your paper and assignment research needs with the Mount Library’s services. Check out the Library homepage (http://www.msvu.ca/library) and library guides by program (http:// libguides.msvu.ca/) for a great starting point. Library Fall Hours Fall hours begin on September 3rd. Check out building, circulation, and research assistance hours at http://www.msvu.ca/library, click on Hours to stay up to date. ID Cards Get your ID card any time the Library is open! HRM UPasses will also be available in the Library until September 6th (and then from Financial Services in Evaristus Hall).
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Krista Hill Photography
September 2013
Mount Saint Vincent University Students’ Union Newsletter
CAMPUS UPDATES Library Continued... Workshops Register for one or more of the online workshops offered by the Mount Library. For Business and Tourism students, these count toward your Learning Passport Program. Topics include: Sept 16: Effective journal article searching, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Sept 23: Using RefWorks for bibliographies, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Sept 30: Using Google Scholar and finding quality resources from the Internet, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Oct 7: Finding and using eBooks at the Mount Library, 6:00-7:00 Oct 21: Finding and using images and other media for your presentations, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Oct 28: Research to go: Accessing Mount Library resources on your mobile device, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Although sessions are designed for distance and offcampus students, all are welcome. Each will be held via BlackBoard Collaborate. If the date or time does not fit your schedule, please contact denyse.rodrigues@msvu.ca to set up an individual appointment with your Liaison Librarian. Read the Same Book, Share the Same Story The Mount Library is pleased to once again be hosting a One Book Nova Scotia author reading on October 3, 2013 @ 1:00pm in the MacDonald Reading Room, Mount Library. Which book will it be this year? Check out The One Book Nova Scotia site (http://1bns.ca/) for the unraveling details. The Mount Library, and libraries all across Nova Scotia, will have multiple copies of the winning book available for loan as soon as the book is unveiled. 15
September 2013
Mount Saint Vincent University Students’ Union Newsletter
CAMPUS UPDATES Library Continued... Chat with a Librarian Let a librarian be your guide! Set up a library orientation or request assistance with your program research from any of our Liaison Librarians. Go to the Library homepage (http://www.msvu.ca/library), click on Contact Us and then Liaison Librarians. Can’t make it in to the Library in person? Call, email or chat with a librarian! Find the LiveHelp chat widget on the Library homepage and ask your question, we are ready to assist. iPads for loan A reminder to students that the Library has iPads for loan, check one out today and try out some new research apps. There are 24 hour and 3 day loans currently available. We also have laptops for loan, too. Mount Library Photo Contest Calling all photographers! Show us your favourite space to read or study. Tell us why you like it, and how you would make it better. All current students are invited to participate. Win gift cards, print credits, and research gadgets! Vote for your favourite photo! More details to follow. #msvulibpix Follow the Library on Twitter, like us on Facebook Keep up with library resources, events and services throughout the year by liking us on Facebook (http:// www.facebook.com/MountLibrary) or following us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/MountLibrary). From all the Library staff, best of luck this term!
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Krista Hill Photography
September 2013
Mount Saint Vincent University Students’ Union Newsletter
TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL YEAR By: Joanne Mills, Psychologist
Coordinator, Student Counselling Services
Set your intentions for the term / Plan: Starting out with a goal and structure will help you stay on course. A helpful strategy for time management and goal setting is the general rule of planning to spend two hours of independent study for every hour you are in class. For a student who is taking 5 courses (standard full course load), that would be approximately 15 hours in lectures each week, so if we double that, that would be 30 hours of homework a week. Many students, especially those coming straight from high school, do not spend the time that is required. It seems like a lot, but if you treat being a student like your full time job, the 45 hours a week doesn’t seem so overwhelming.
Limit outside paid work: If your full time job is being a full time university student, we recommend that you limit outside paid work to 10 to 12 hours a week. Remember, your “full time job” is a busy 45 hrs/wk, and you also need time to relax and have fun. Anymore than 10 to 12 hrs/wk may interfere with either school work or social life or self care – and all are important. If you must work more than 12 hrs/wk, consider lowering your course load.
Study environment - be honest: Do an honest “audit” of your work environment, including the time of day you study. How many distractions are around (eg., roommates, TV, facebook on your task bar opened). How focused do you “really” feel at 11:00pm? Set yourself up for success by providing the right environment for study: turn off the TV, tell your roommates that you are unavailable for a set time frame, if you must have background music on be sure it does not have distracting lyrics that draw you in, log off of facebook/twitter and close your email so if you are on your laptop you aren’t tempted “just to check quickly”. If you turn your phone off you can always get your texts after you have finished your reading, your emails will wait and if you continue to remind your roommates/family that school is important and you must work hard this year, they will respect your intentions.
Continued...
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Photo by Ryan Kennedy
September 2013
Mount Saint Vincent University Students’ Union Newsletter
TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL YEAR Use a planner It is hard to hold all your work assignments and tasks in your head, and when things get busy, you are bound to forget and/or get stressed trying to juggle everything in your memory. Have you ever had trouble at night trying to get to sleep because you have a to do list running through your mind? Then empty it out – jot it down on a note pad or day planner, or use your cell phone for your calendar and to do list. This also helps to avoid procrastination. If you use a planner – either old fashion pen and paper or electronic – it allows you to set specific goals for the day and week. You will be more apt to go to the library and read pages 22 to 30 in Psychology if it is down in your calendar. It is a good idea to set aside a time each week – I like Sunday evenings, to review what you have on your plate for that week, and then set daily “to do” items to make sure they get done.
Break your readings down into manageable “chunks”. University courses often move at a faster pace than high school, and there tends to be much more reading. Breaking up your reading assignments into to smaller, more manageable chunks, it a helpful strategy. You will be less likely to procrastinate and more apt to do it if it isn’t so daunting. To do this work backwards: for example, if you have a midterm in Psychology in 6 weeks time on 3 chapters (300 pages), then you will need to read 50 pages a week to make sure it all gets read in time. Even better, break the 50 pages a week into a smaller chunks, say 10 pages at a time, and plan 5 times in the week to read your psychology textbook. It is much easier to sit down to read 10 pages than 50!! This strategy also helps with concentration and focus.
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September 2013
Mount Saint Vincent University Students’ Union Newsletter
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR SU Like us on Facebook to stay up to date with our events, contests, and more. facebook.com/MSVUSU
Follow us on twitter to stay informed with what’s going on campus and how you can win prizes. @MSVUSU
Find out more about upcoming events, societies, services for students, & current contests all in one place on our website. mountstudents.ca
If you have any questions, you can just text 1-902-809-MSVU (6788)
You are always welcome to bring your questions or concerns directly to Students’ Union. Rosaria Student Centre, 118
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