Opus by Opus Magazine

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April 2012 1

Editor & Designer

Rosemary Gosper

Assistant Designer Jamie White

(Horoscopes, Short Story)

Regular Contributors Matthew Sefton Heather Richards

Contributors

Matthew Peterson Lara Field Bradyn Stanaway Martin Shadwick David Kennedy Carlin McLellan Georgie Catchpole Jemma McGlynn

5. Presidents report 6. Save Our Major

What is happening with the Chinese Major

10. Transport Forum

25. I am an Agnostic Dicussion piece

26. Is love more than an appendix? Dicussion piece

Have your say April 24th

12. University: Medical Expert?

Does the university have the right to know about your illness?

16. Fruit & Vege Adventure 20. Student profile Vishnu Vigneswaran

28. First tutorial of the semester Short Story

30. Ask Mavis 34. Last Dinosaurs Band Interview

36. Horoscopes

21. Queer Collective report

38. Recipes

22. SSAF

40. Puzzle Page

Student Service and Amenties Fee update

Opus wishes to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land this book was created on, the Awabakal people of the Pambalong clan.

We pay respect to elders past and present. 4

Hello! and welcome to the April edition of OPUS, the students’ magazine at the University of Newcastle. We’ve rolled out some old favourites including horoscopes, puzzles & Ask Mavis along with articles from clubs and societies, short stories and the latest news. There is a special on the NUSA fruit and vege box service explaining how it works. A massive thanks to the volunteers who make this service possible! NUSA represents and advocates for students and in this edition we’ve covered a couple of the major issues currently affecting students including: unqualified teachers, illegal course costs, the student services and amenities fee, special consideration and student transport concessions. If you have ever had to pay for a uniform, steel-capped boots, personal protective equipment, studio fees, art supplies or a stethoscope in order to complete a course, then you may have been charged an illegal course cost. Don’t forget that on Tuesday 24th April, 12:00-13:30, NUSA Building, we’re hosting a student transport concession forum with MP Tim Owen. This is your chance to explain why you should be receiving a transport concession. Hope you enjoy this opus and I look forward to seeing you at the transport concession forum. If you want to write for OPUS, please send submissions or queries to media@nusa.org.au.

Heather Richards NUSA President president@nusa.org.au 5

SAVE OUR MAJOR Last year, an external review was conducted of the Bachelor of Arts Program. As a result of the review, the Chinese Major was downgraded to a minor, to be taught in the Confucius Institute. This was a controversial move as some contended that it was in effect handing over the education of Australian students to the Chinese Government. In addition, students in the major contended the reasoning for downgrading the major, claiming that the facts espoused by the University did not match their experiences. Nevertheless, the decision was made and students in the Chinese major were told that they would not be adversely affected. The recommendation in the external BA review stated: Chinese: This is an important subject for UoN, for strategic and other reasons; however it is not sustainable as a major on current staffing levels. It is therefore recommended this subject be offered as a minor, until such time that the subject is renewed by additional and appropriately qualified staff. By the time the decision was finalised, many students had lost trust in the University resulting in some applying and being accepted into other Universities. Appointment of Unqualified Teacher At the beginning of this semester, the remaining students in the Chinese Major were given another shock, when they discovered that their lecturer was being made redundant. A new course co-ordinator, Dr May, and a new lecturer were appointed, Ms Lili Mu. It is NUSA’s understanding that Dr May does not speak Chinese, but has qualifications in History and Australian Education. Meanwhile, Ms Lili Mu holds a Bachelor of Accounting, a Masters of Marketing and a Diploma in Linguistics (English). She does not hold any tertiary level qualifications in Chinese. Ms Mu has worked as an administrative assistant in the Engineering department of the University. Ms Mu assisted the previous lecturer of Chinese, Dr Li Xia, as a tutor for the characters component of one course.

The higher education provider ensures that staff who teach students in the course of study: • are appropriately qualified in the relevant discipline for their level of teaching (qualified to at least one Qualification Standards level higher than the course of study being taught or with equivalent professional experience); Ms Mu is not appropriately qualified in the relevant discipline; she does not have a qualification one level higher than the course of study being taught. Therefore, Ms Mu is not qualified for teaching Chinese at University level. The University had claimed that Ms Mu is qualified because she previously tutored the characters component of one course. NUSA submits that tutoring one component of one course, under supervision, does not qualify a person to teach either that complete course or any others. Many students during their degrees tutor components of courses they have already taken, yet they are not expecting to be appointed as lecturers for all courses in their program. Students raise concerns The students were unhappy with the appointment of a lecturer who they believed to be unqualified. On 29th February 2012, students attended a meeting concerning the Chinese Major and the qualifications of the new lecturer. The University representatives did not deny that Ms Mu was underqualified and confirmed that she would lecture for the duration of semester one. Dr May and Mr Jackson stated that Ms Mu was appointed as the lecturer to ensure continuity in the program. However, the students reject this stating that they have had limited contact with her.

Local and National Media Coverage On Saturday 3rd March, an article appeared in the Newcastle Herald questioning the qualifications of Ms Mu and reporting that the students were considering striking. Then on Wednesday 7th March, an article was published in the Australian questioning the qualifications of Ms Mu and referring to the Higher Education Threshold Standards. On Friday 9th March, students received an email from Dr May. In this email students were informed that the teacher NUSA submits that in the appointment of Ms Mu, the had stepped down, “as a result of trial by media”. University of Newcastle has not met all standards of the Higher Education Threshold Standards. In particular, A new lecturer, Ms Yan Liang, was subsequently the following clause from Section 4, Chapter 3 has not appointed to teach the major. She holds a Master of been met.

Applied Linguistics and Master of Educational studies as well as a Diploma of Chinese Education from Nanjing Xiaozhuang University in China, and has taught Chinese for seven years. At the first lesson with the new teacher, Dr May, Mr Owen and Prof. Germov attended. They talked about the media harassing Ms Mu, apparently putting a guilt trip on the students.

Secondly, the University never addressed the claims that the teacher was unqualified, save from repeatedly saying she was.

Thirdly, the University attempted to guilt-trip the students for speaking out to the media about their concerns. Last time we checked, the University of Newcastle did not have any powers over freedom of speech. Students are most definitely within their rights to query their education when concerned. After all, for Students Happier but Questions Raised many students, their degrees will lead into careers and The students are happier with this teacher, and are every course counts. hoping to finish their program without further problems. However, there are many aspects Fourthly, the students in the minor are being of this fiasco which NUSA finds concerning. taught by two staff from the Confucius Institute: Jonathan Honggen Yi and Janet Yan Liang. Ms Firstly, the University appointed a person who Liangâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s qualifications are listed above whilst was not suitably qualified. This was unfair to both Jonathanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s are the following: Associate Professor her and the students. In addition, as all students at Central China Normal University, Master of pay some fee, be it deferred in HECS or upfront Arts in American Studies (University of Kansas) for international students, these students, and the and Bachelor of Arts in English Language and taxpayer, were paying for an unqualified teacher. Culture (Central China Normal University).

Deputy Vice-Chancellor McConkey Expels The Capitalist Evil Of InefficienCy And Increases Great Cultural Learnings 7

These qualifications would appear to make him qualified to teach in American studies, or similar, but it is not clear how they qualify him to teach University level Chinese. Coincidentally, Jonathan is the deputy director of the Confucius Institute. Fifthly, it is not clear that any hiring process was undertaken to fill the position of lecturer. Staffing in the Confucius Institute – University Staff? In an article in the Australian on 17th November 2011 regarding the University’s decision to downgrade the major, Prof. Germov was questioned about the teaching of Chinese at University and the employment of academic staff: “My expectation is that staff at the [Confucius] institute, employed by the university, would be involved in the delivery,’’ Professor Germov said. Asked whether these would be academic staff of the university, he said: “The Confucius staff are university staff, they’re employed by the university’’.

Now, NUSA has discovered minutes from a meeting of the International Advisory Committee in 2008. In these minutes, Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. Purcell gives an update on the agreement between Huazhong Normal University and the University of Newcastle. The minutes state: Update on Confucius Institute Professor Purcell advised that the agreement between the University and the Chinese Government had been signed. This agreement is likely to be one of the last ones signed for several years. This is an excellent outcome and will be of great significance for the internationalisation of the University. Huazhong Normal University, our Chinese partner in the venture, will send three lecturing staff here each year to teach in the Institute. Hang on a minute!

The University will determine who teaches Chinese, which is now being taught in the Confucius Institute, whilst the University in China sends three lecturing In the University of Newcastle Alumni Magazine, staff here each year to teach in the same institute. So, Edition 2 2011, the following is stated about Mr Yi’s either the University in China will be sending three staff to teach non-UoN courses whilst UoN appoints appointment: lecturers for UoN Chinese, or something does not add-up! Now, bearing in mind that at least one of the “Huazhong Normal University has appointed teachers for UoN Chinese was definitely appointed to Associate Professor Jonathon Li as the Chinese the Institute by China (the Chinese Government), and Deputy Director.” it is not entirely clear how he is suitably qualified to teach University Chinese, then it would seem fair to So, he was appointed by a Chinese University, and then assume that something does not add-up. made a staff member of the University of Newcastle?? The relationship between the University of Newcastle, the Confucius Institute and the Chinese Government seems blurred at best. NUSA calls upon the University How exactly does that mean that he has undergone the to clear away the confusion, and make public the University’s quality assurance? th On 14 November 2011, NUSA wrote to the agreement it signed with the Chinese Government regarding the acquisition of the Confucius Institute. Confucius Institute requesting confirmation that the University of Newcastle and China Normal University The quality of education being offered to these had entered into an agreement over the Confucius students has been called into question. As students, we Institute similar to the example agreement on the trust that the University staff who teach us are suitably Hanban (Office of Chinese Language Council) website. qualified, because otherwise our degrees become worthless. We also expect that if we raise concerns over On 9th December, we received a response from the the qualifications of our teachers, they will be taken University’s deputy vice-chancellor, Prof. Kevin seriously. McConkey: After reading about this case, has your trust in the University’s academic appointments been damaged? In terms of staff teaching Chinese courses, the University of Newcastle makes that Ours sure has. determination and such staff will meet the criteria set by the University of Newcastle. Report by Heather Richards Comic by James Putin

A Student Perspective

How should one write about this whole ordeal in less than 400 words? There seems to be no appropriate way to summarise what this university has put me through. To summarise this would be to simplify a huge and complex issue that entails various levels of staff vs. staff and staff vs. students. I have felt angry, stressed, scared, tired but most of all disappointed with how this university has managed the changes to the Chinese Major. I had wished for a long time for this whole thing to just end. The University finally sorted out the major issues facing students studying Chinese and it seems that for the foreseeable future, things should be fine. But this should not mean however, that we forget the mismanagement and internal conflict that has caused students to be significantly disadvantaged with adverse affects on health and the people around them. I decided to study at UoN because UoN seemed to offer something great; it offered a chance at a better life through better career opportunities, but most of all it offered a fantastic Chinese Major program. All of this was soon taken away in just a few short months last year when the Bachelor of Arts External Review recommended that Chinese should be disestablished as a major. For the first month I became somehow involved with the internal conflict amongst staff. In that time staff members were grossly unprofessional, revealing many secrets that no student should have the burden of keeping secret. When other students AND I voiced our concerns over the External Review accuracy, we were shut down. I felt isolated and targeted. I had high amounts of stress that had effects on my health, grades and relationship with my partner, forcing me to seek counselling. The stress that had been placed on our lecturer was enough to cancel Chinese classes for weeks until the university could find a provisional lecturer. For half a semester I had to deal with a substandard course that was constantly interrupted. As I have said at the start “there seems to be no appropriate way to summarise what this university has put me through” and there is plenty more to say. But what I can summarise is how I now see the university. I no longer see it as the prestigious tertiary institution I was once led to believe. I have no confidence in the university or it’s many staff members. At the end of the day I’m paying student whose been viewed as revenue.

Last year, students tried to raise their concerns about the downgrading of the Chinese major. They did not feel that anyone listened and so we ran an awareness campaign with the following posters. No sooner had the posters been put up though, then they were torn down. We were informed that these posters could not even go on the notice boards in the Hunter building. What was the University so desperate to hide?

On Tuesday 24th April , 12:00-13:30, NUSA Building we will be holding a student transport concession forum which the Newcastle State Member, MP Tim Owen has agreed to attend. To recap, the following students are not eligible for a transport concession: • Domestic students who work (even one hour) • Part-time students • Full-fee paying international students • External Students We ran a detailed article on this in the last edition of OPUS. It is possible for domestic students who work and part-time domestic students to rort the system. For part-time students, you enrol in a full-time load, get the concession sticker and then remove the extra subjects. For students who work, you just don’t tell them that when you go to get your sticker. Our position is that students should not have to break the law in order to receive a transport concession. Also, there are students who qualify for centrelink but not for a student transport concession. So remember to attend the forum so that you can have your say and tell MP Tim Owen why this needs to change.

You’ve got the flu, uncontrollable bowel movements, endless vomiting, pains in the private parts of your body, uncontrollable itching, an ear infection, conjunctivitis, syphilis or maybe just a virus. Perhaps you’ve had an anxiety attack, are severely depressed, have got post-traumatic stress or you’ve just got the worst migraine ever. Whatever the cause, you need special consideration for a personal medical matter and you’ve obtained a medical certificate. Does your lecturer need to know the specifics of your problem for you to be granted this special consideration? Would you be comfortable in supplying this information? Would you view it as an invasion of privacy James* was denied special consideration for a mid-trimester examination. James had been unable to attend the first exam and had obtained a medical certificate and was duly given special consideration. Unfortunately, on the date of the rescheduled exam, James was again unable to attend and obtained a medical certificate that day stating that he was “unfit for duty”. James immediately requested advice on how to proceed as he wanted to take the rescheduled exam. To his surprise, he was refused special consideration and came to NUSA requesting assistance. The University policy concerning this states: Except in exceptional circumstances, as approved by the Head of School, a student will be able to apply for consideration of special circumstances on only one occasion for a particular assessment item. There is no definition of what constitutes an, “exceptional circumstance”. In James’ case, this did not prevent members of University management from attempting to justify the decision to refuse special consideration by

referring to, “exceptional circumstance criteria/category”. These criteria and categories do not exist. NUSA argues that a medical certificate stating that a person is, “unfit for duty” constitutes an “exceptional circumstance” because normally a person is “fit for duty”. As such we appealed to the Pro Vice-Chancellor (PVC) of the relevant faculty. In the response from the PVC, he indicated that he would have expected some indication of the “seriousness” of James’ problem. He also stated: The fact that the medical certificate does not provide any evidence that might be considered an “exceptional circumstance” indicates that the application does not meet the “exceptional circumstances” criteria. NUSA was surprised at this response, since a cursory search of the policy library returns no results for, “exceptional circumstances criteria”. We sent a screenshot of the empty search to the PVC and questioned under what authority he was qualified to interpret any additional information on a medical certificate.

In the response received from the PVC, he did not explain how he was suitably qualified to interpret any additional information on a medical certificate. He did say: As you have identified yourself, “exceptional circumstances” in relation to clause 3.3 of Policy 000641 is not clearly defined by the University. Therefore, the Head of School and now, myself, must make a judgement on the documentation provided by James. This appears to be an admission that the criteria used to justify the decision are non-existent. It also appears to be an acknowledgement that the head of school, and PVC, have discretionary powers in this matter. The PVC continues, As communicated previously, I do not believe James has shown “exceptional circumstances”. Therefore, I am denying James’ request for special consideration in relation to [his course]. “I do not believe James has shown exceptional circumstances”. Conversely, NUSA believes that the University has not shown that James has NOT shown exceptional circumstances. No further justifications have been given since the previous communication for deciding that the medical certificate does not qualify for special consideration. To recap, the justifications given were: • The medical certificate does not contain any additional information about the ‘seriousness” of the condition. • The medical certificate does not contain additional information which meets the, “exceptional circumstance criteria”.

We have already argued that these are not justifications, leading us to believe that really, the decision is based on little more than: “It’s up to me, and I say no.” NUSA did not consider this to be correct process and so we escalated the matter to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Kevin McConkey. He upheld the decision of the PVC stating that it was a, reasonable and justifiable decision whether your situation fell into the category of “exceptional circumstances”. It is NUSA’s opinion that Kevin’s assurance that a “reasonable and justifiable decision” has been made is untrue based on previous arguments. During this matter, we also drew the University’s attention to the Personal Leave section of the University’s Staff Enterprise Agreement which does not stipulate that staff have to have certain information about the “seriousness” of their medical problems on medical certificates when required. We received no response on this matter.

Key facts • There is no definition of what constitutes an “exceptional circumstance”. • University management attempted to justify their decision by referring to non-existent criteria. • It has not been explained under what authority university staff are qualified to both interpret our medical certificates and make decisions on whether we are “sick enough”.

NUSA concerned that staff the • isIt isdeeply not stipulated that University University has treated a student in must supply additional informationthis in manner. During o-week wewhen collected their medical certificates required. student responses to the statement,

“In your opinion, does a medical certificate which states that a person is, “unfit for duty”, constitute an exceptional circumstance for special consideration?” Of the 96 respondents, all indicated yes in their responses. It would appear the interpretation of this clause is different for University officials and students. NUSA is also concerned that the University attempted to obtain further information about James’ condition, as it was not relevant and they are not qualified to interpret it. This is a serious issue and could happen to any student - none of us are infallible. If you have had a problem with a medical certificate and the University, we would like to hear from you. If you would like to support James, please go to the NUSA building and sign a petition in support.

Note*: The identity of the student has been protected – the student’s name is not really James.

NUSA Believes • That only medical professionals, aware of your medical case history are qualified to interpret your medical certificate. • That you, as a student, are entitled to privacy concerning your medical problems when applying for special consideration. • If there is ambiguity in the policy, then the University should act in the manner that is in the best interest of the student. • That this case demonstrates a double standard in University approach to contents of medical certificates from staff and students. • That in supporting a decision by referring to non-existent criteria, University management essentially tried to mislead the student. Few students are well versed in University policies and it is expected that when a person in University management refers to a criteria or category, these are not fictitious.

Once you have supplied a medical certificate, should the University be able to interpret it and invoke discretionary powers to determine whether you are sick enough to qualify for special consideration? Our opinion is: NO. 14

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The NUSA fruit and vegetable co-operative is a popular, affordable and useful service which runs during semester time. Usually it runs from week 1 to week 13 (STUVAC) of each semester. So far we have been attracting up to 200 orders a week! There is a lot of food in the boxes, and often student households share a box.

Value Comparison The fruit and vege boxes are extremely good value, we estimate that each box provides a saving of $20-40 on Supermarket prices. In week nine of semester two 2011, a student conducted a price comparison for us. The NUSA fruit and vege box offered a saving of $35.20 that week.

How does it work? Students or staff order fruit and vege boxes before Wednesday 4pm for Thursday. On Thursday morning, a group of bright-eyed volunteers get up between 4-5am and go to the Shortland Fruit Markets by 6am. They then haggle with the various merchants in order to get the best quality, most produce and variety for the boxes. They then begin the laborious process of packing the produce so it can be brought to NUSA.

On weeks with large orders, there has been a need for two trips between the markets and NUSA. Typically, the produce arrives at NUSA by 7:30am. Once the produce is at NUSA, a much larger group of volunteers is required to sort it into the boxes. In order for all the boxes to be ready by 11am, at least five volunteers are required. The produce is distributed as evenly as possible between the boxes.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the box? The produce is seasonal and varies accordingly. We try to have a good mix of fruit and vegetables, though any particular product cannot be guaranteed. Flooding has a habit of intervening, at the beginning of last year the Queensland floods meant bananas were prohibitively expensive and this year there has been a shortage of vegetables because of flooding.

As if studying to be a Medical Radiation Scientist weren’t enough, Vishnu Vigneswaran, a student at our very own University of Newcastle, was recently honoured as a finalist in the Higher Education category of the NSW 2012 International Student Awards. Add it to Vishnu’s achievements at University of Newcastle and you’re simply extending an already impressive resume of accomplishments. He’s a council member of the Newcastle University Student Association (NUSA; you know, the people with the free food). Vishnu is also a member of the National Malaysian Students’ Council of Australia; a welfare officer on the Council of International Students Australia; and President—you heard it right—President of the Malaysian Youth Society of Newcastle (MYSUN). The Bottom Line: He’s involved. Originally from Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malysia, Vishnu came to Newcastle in 2010 and was elected Student Advisor of MYSUN in the same year. “I’ve always had a passion for working with students. I really enjoy working to help the community as a whole.” In 2011 he was elected President of MYSUN and began working hand-in-hand with NUSA and the International Office.

“We gained a great standing amongst the other clubs and societies on campus,” Vishnu said of his first year as president. The year 2012 brought more of the same for Vishnu: campus involvement. He ran uncontested to become President of MYSUN for the second straight year. And where is he when he’s not working with one of the afore-mentioned organisations? He’s studying Nuclear Medicine. That is, the study of applying radioactive substances for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. “As time went by I realized how much it benefits society today to diagnose and, in certain circumstances, treat a disease using radiation. It’s a great area of study because it’s developing so rapidly,” he said. Vishnu said it was a great feeling being a finalist for the Higher Education Award. “It’s required a lot of time and dedication. When people congratulate me on the award I feel driven to do more for society. I must say a special thanks to Nicole Latham, Manager of Student Experience and Community Engagement at Newcastle, for helping me get involved and nominating me for the award. Thanks again, Nicole.” That’s Vishnu Vigneswaran, as classy as ever, making University of Newcastle proud Written by Matthew Peterson

Another month, another Queer Report, written by yours truly. Collective had an awesome turnout to our first meeting and subsequent meetings have continued to have strong attendance. Submissions for students to attend Queer Collaborations were opened, with good response and we are aiming to send seven students to Adelaide in July provided we get the funding to do so. IDAHO Day (International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia) is coming up on Thursday May 17th and the Collective has been discussing some amazing ideas. More info on those to come in the next report, but I will tell you that there will be ways for all students and staff to show their support in fighting queerphobia. Speaking of which, did you know there is an ALLY network on campus? What is the ALLY network? I’m glad you asked. Taken directly from the University of Newcastle ALLY network website www. newcastle.edu.au/service/ally-network/ “The University of Newcastle ALLY Network consists of a number of contact people (staff and students) who are

informed about, sensitive toward and have an understanding of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) people and their issues, and are willing to affirm their experiences and rights. The UoN ALLY Network aims to extend the current diversity initiatives of the University into the area of sexuality and to promote a more welcoming, diverse and inclusive culture by facilitating greater visibility and awareness of GLBTI issues.” If you would like to speak with an ALLY in your faculty a complete list can be found at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/ ally-network/list-of-allies.html Alternatively, you can send me an email at queer@nusa.org.au or come to one of our weekly meetings held on Thursdays at 2pm in the Queerspace at the NUSA building. Part of my role as Queer Convener is to support and advocate for students who do not identify as hetero-normative. If you do have an issue that you would like our support for, you can email me on the above email address. Moon Prism Power! Lara Bear

At the time of going to print, the University of Newcastle has spoken to NUSA and NUPSA about the SSAF and indicated that they will support our services. The University started consulting students late last year with the intention of introducing the fee for Semester two this year. We have been told that the University intends to charge the full fee to full time students at Callaghan, City and Ourimbah campuses. It will charge a partial fee to part-time and students on the Port Maquarie, Sydney and other small campuses. Signapore campus students will not be charged. It has indicicated that it will not charge International Students this year, however it will begin charging them next year. NUSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position is that international students should not be charged as their fees not only pay for their education, but support the education of domestic students.

The most common foundation for a lack of belief in a deity or deities is usually formed through scepticism and further enquiry. Faith is the submission of critical thought in the face of, or in spite of evidence to the contrary. Having made the positive claim of a deity of deities’ existence, the ‘Burden of proof’ still lays on a theist or polytheist to demonstrate the merits of their If, when you’re asked about your religious views you claim(s). response with “I’m agnostic” – You may not realise it, but you just made a rookie error; let me explain why. This can be quite difficult when there are fundamental inconsistencies in the standards of Agnosticism is a conjunction of two Greek words: evidence accepted and presented from both theists and atheists. The prefix ‘A’, meaning “No” That is why an atheist will retort to a time tested The Word ‘Gnostic’, meaning “Knowledge” method of understanding the universe; Science. This poor use of Ancient Greek leads to two direct Conflicts also arise between faith and science, definitions meaning: ‘No knowledge of ’, or ‘One when methodological naturalism discovers a new cannot know’. fact about the world, where sometimes sincerely held religious convictions and beliefs cannot adjust So, saying you are agnostic merely means you don’t without contradiction; it dichotomises adherents know something, or you can’t know something and promotes anti-intellectualism (Remember when because both of these definitions deal with the Sun revolved around the Earth?) epistemology, theology, knowledge, not a belief. “Do not believe in anything simply because you have Theism/atheism is a position on the belief of a God heard it. Do not believe in traditions because they have or Gods existence. been handed down for many generations. Do not believe Gnosticism/agnosticism is a position on knowing a anything because it is spoken and rumoured by many. Do not believe in anything because it is written in your God or Gods existence. religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on A person can believe in a deity or deities (theist) the authority of your teachers and elders. But after and still ‘not know’ or be 100% sure of its or their observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conductive to the good and existence. benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.” This makes then an Agnostic Theist. - A quote from Buddha, or is it? Likewise, a person can lack belief in a deity or deities (atheist) and still ‘not know’ or be 100% sure of its or their non-existence. This makes then an Agnostic Atheist.

Start asking questions!

A³ Atheists, Agnostics and Antitheist Society of So, if someone asks you about your religious view Newcastle University you should now be more able to answer with more accuracy and less ambiguity.

It’s all about the evidence! Even ardent atheists such as Richard Dawkins identify as an Agnostic Atheist, simply for philosophical reasons (Google: Russell’s Teapot). The most common foundation for a belief in a deity or deities is faith; this is shared among many of the dominant monotheistic and polytheistic doctrines.

By Bradyn Stanaway

“I’d explain love by saying that strong emotional attachment (and all social behaviour for that matter) is an advantageous trait and has evolved, like any other of our characteristics.” This quote comes from the Atheist Society’s article in the March edition of Opus, addressing ‘just plain dumb’ things that people say to atheists. But to me, “How do you explain love?” is a profound question, not a stupid one, and the Atheist Society’s answer seems a little lacklustre. Consider other “advantageous traits” which have evolved, such as our gag reflex, nasal hair and toenails. Is love no different to these? Perhaps love is like our appendix – useful at a past stage in our evolutionary development, unnecessary now, but still capable of inflicting much pain when it breaks. You see, this question isn’t really probing whether or not you can come up with an evolutionary explanation for love. In my view, evolutionary explanations for such high level interpersonal qualities will tend to be speculative rather than strictly scientific. But what the question is really asking is whether there is any significance to love beyond its biology. We all treat love as if it matters – and matters far beyond the propagation of our species’ DNA. Is there any purpose to love? Does it have any ultimate meaning? Is it of greater value than our appendix or our gag reflex? Jesus taught that love is at the heart of what it means to be human. When asked which was the greatest of God’s commandments, Jesus said: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

It is as if Jesus is saying, this is your very purpose as a human being – to love God, and to love other people. Our purpose is love, because we were made in the image of a God who is love. Love is central to the very being of God, who exists eternally as three persons in loving community – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now this understanding of God’s love is not wishful thinking and fairy tales. It is grounded in what God has done in history. God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 4:10) Clearly, love in the Bible is about much more than romance or our feelings. Love is to desire and live for the good of another. It is to seek their good ahead of your own. Indeed, it is to find your good in seeking their good. When you live in love, not only are you fulfilling your purpose as a human being, but you are also reflecting the character of God. Love does indeed matter. It matters because it resonates deeply with ultimate reality. It resonates with your true human nature, and it resonates with the nature of the living God who gave his Son to save you. This explanation of love need not exclude it also being an “advantageous trait” that has evolved. But it is a far more profound explanation. And it is certainly a more satisfying one.

Martin Shadwick - Newcastle Christian Student

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Authorised by Rosa Sottile, NUS Education OfďŹ cer

First tutorial of the semester, gotta get it right. Wednesday, 11am, Maths building, room 103A. Here it is, early as well. Didn’t think I had it in me. Fingers crossed missing the lecture doesn’t matter too much. I mosey on in and sit near the back. A few are there already. The room soon fills and our tutor begins. She reviews the lecture; I hear ‘conservational laws’ and similar terms. I think maybe I’m in the wrong place. I’m there for linguistics but I reason that she could mean laws of language. So I sit tight, waiting for the veil of confusion to be lifted. I’m starting to think that it may be stuck where it is. Next she begins to talk about parliament, and can anyone name the local member or any member for that matter. This is confirmation that I’ve stuffed up again. I quietly pack my bag ready to slip out unnoticed. It’s a certain kind of optimism that makes me think it’ll be that easy for me. I’m almost off when ‘our’ tutor exclaims brightly, ‘Now let’s everyone introduce themselves. I want your name, home town and something crazy about yourself.’ Oh crap! Before I can ask to leave someone starts. ‘Hi, ummmm, my names Tracy, ummmm, I’m from Tamworth and ummmm, I like horses!!’ said the first girl, almost blushing at this admission. Wow Tracy, aren’t you just the definition of unique? What am I going to do? I can’t really leave at this point can I? How rude would that be? Some nervous kid will be telling us how much they like xyz and I’ll highlight just how interesting that is by leaving during her 15 seconds of fame. I’ve gotta stay. The introductions are making their way toward me, but what can I say? I start to worry, then think; why am I worrying, this is a law tutorial. Why do I care? I’ll probably never meet these people again, and probably not want to. I consider creating a ridiculous story of some kind but in the end I conclude that the truth will set me free. ‘Hi, my name is David Kennedy, I’m from Coffs Harbour, and I’m pretty sure I’m in the wrong tutorial.’ Without skipping a beat, the tutor asks me what subject I am looking for. Upon hearing that I’m hoping for linguistics she tells me that I am in the wrong tutorial, but she’ll give me points for trying. I laugh, leave, and it’s only back home do I realize the class I wanted was tomorrow. I’d gone to wrong rooms, or right rooms at wrong times, but never missed by a whole day before. I shake my head as I think about it all. Suddenly I remember her parting words: ‘I’ll give you points for trying.’ She didn’t give anyone else points for anything. For that one shining moment I was on top of the class. And I didn’t even go to the lecture. Suckers.

For those of you who are still unaware, my older sister Maude, whose regular editorials for OPUS magazine captured the hearts of dozens of students, died last year from an unfortunate bout of syphilis. While it is in all of our god-bound duties to remember her with the dignity and fondness she deserves (may the lord have mercy on her heathen soul), the time for grieving must eventually, like all good things, come to an end.

Therefore I have decided to pick up where my sister left off, advising you, the university readership, in all aspects of your tertiary and personal life. Upon accepting the position, I wish to make one point indisputibly clear: I am not seeking to emulate my sister or her writing style in any way. On the contrary, I will be making a number of crucial adjustments to her monthly submissions. While I bear nothing but fond memories for my older sister, she did have a rather fruitless tendancy for pussy-footing around the sensitive issues, that is to say, the old bitch was too soft on you little shits. Dea r Aun t y Ma vis He l p! I ha v e ass i m en t d ues tomoro w an d ha v en t e v e n started! What do I do!? Trisha

Dear Trisha, Did your mother smoke opium when she was pregnant? Because that was just terrible. Honestly. I’m not quite sure which aspect of your personality to correct first, your poor organisational skills or your complete inability to construct grammatical sentences. As far as your assi(gn)ment goes, I can only advise you to get your fake tanned ass off the beach and back to the library. It’s time for you to pull, as the students say, an all nighter. If the assignment still isn’t finished by tomorrow then grow a pair of ovaries and take the 10% cut. And for christ’s sake get some spelling lessons...

Dear Aunt Mavis I’m hungry and my centerlink payments still haven’t gone through. Where’s a good place around campus to get a cheap bite? Thanks, Taryn Dear Taryn What are you handicapped? How about turning off the day time informercials and getting a job like the rest of us tax paying citizens. That is unless you enjoy the taste of rancid rat meat. Honestly dear, budget dining is hardly my forte, but I have heard that NUSA hosts free barbeques for students on a regular basis. Personally I wouldn’t go near a sausage If my elderly mother asked for one on her deathbed. They’re just not ladylike... Dear Aunt Mavis I’m 24 and am currently enrolled in the fourth year of a combined science and law degree but my real passion is music. I’m afraid if I drop out my parents will disown me but I reaalllly want to. What should I do? Thanks, Wen. Dear Wen Thank you for your question. You could start by moving out of your parent’s basement. While you’re at it take down all the dumbass poweranger crap you probably have lying around. Or how about you show some goddamn initiative and take control of your life? I’m not going to tell you what you should or shouldn’t do at university because it’s not up to me. For all I know you could be the next Gershwin, but probably not. Listen, I’m not going to give you some candy-ass advice like ‘Follow your dreams and the money will come,’ because it won’t, not unless you’re really lucky or really talented. You know how tough it is out there, so if you’re passionate enough to risk utter failure then give it a go. For Petes sake you’re twenty-four! you should be married by now, not mewing over your mother’s breastmilk.

THE LAST DINO SAURS MUSIC REVIEWER CARLIN MCLELLAN ASKS SAM GETHIN-JONES FROM AUSSIE BAND THE LAST DINOSAURS A FEW QUESTIONS

WHERE IN THE UNIVERSE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO VISIT, AND WHAT WOULD YOU DO THERE? Haha I haven’t explored earth enough to be ready to venture out into the rest of the universe. Really want to head to Europe and go back to Japan again… but for the sake of the question I’ll say Pluto because I reckon it got stooged when it got it’s planethood stripped away from it. WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING WITH YOURSELF IF YOU HAD NEVER PICKED UP THE BASS GUITAR? Haha probably playing the drums, I’ve been drumming since the 5th grade and only picked up the bass because the guys asked me to join. That being said I’m enjoying the bass so much now that I consider myself a bass player first and a drummer second. If I had never picked up a musical instrument I’d say my dream job would be a professional Rugby Union player for the Reds… I hope the other guys don’t see that because I will cop a lot of shit for that haha. WHAT SONG FROM THE NEW ALBUM, IN A MILLION YEARS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? I love the last track ‘Repair’, the process of writing that song felt incredibly genuine and natural. We just sat in the room together and built the song up from nothing. My favourite song is probably Weekend, I love the lyrics Sean wrote for the chorus and it’s got a really laid back vibe.

LAST DINOSAURS HAVE TOURED JAPAN, HOW WAS THE AUDIENCE REACTION THERE? WHAT WAS THE MOST BOMBASTICALLY AWESOME AND/OR MAGICAL THING YOU SAW THERE? We only played one show in japan but it was a crazy experience. They set up tables and chairs after the show and there was all this food and the bands just chilled out and anyone that wanted to stay would. The crowd was funny… it’s a strange experience playing to a “polite crowd”, I prefer Aussie audiences! The country itself is amazing, I was lucky because all the other guys are half Japanese and can speak the language somewhat, otherwise I would have been shit scared with out knowing the language. But yeah cycling around the cities at night was a highlight for me, also Dan and I went to a baseball game which was a ridiculous experience. WHAT DO YOU DO TO STAY SANE ON TOUR? I like skyping people back home, it’s a good way to escape the routine of tour. But we all get along really well so touring is a really enjoyable experience for us. WHICH AUSSIE BANDS DO YOU LOOK UP TO? I really love Tame Impala, they created such an amazing album that is true to there sound and have been touring off the back of it for quite a while. I always look up to bands that are able to take their music overseas, it’s definitely something we are looking to do in the near future. Growing up I listened to Silverchair, The Whitlams and The Presets pretty religiously (Three bands that couldn’t sound any more different haha) WHAT’S THE FIRST WORD THAT COMES TO YOUR MIND WHEN THINK OF NEWCASTLE? Silverchair WHO DO YOU THINK WILL WIN THE US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION THIS YEAR? To be honest, I haven’t really been paying much attention to the lead up to the election. It does make me smile when a dickhead like Sarah Palin is exposed as the idiot she is. But right now I’m focusing more on issues closer to home. DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM PIZZA... Pepperoni! I’m a man of simple taste.

LAST DINOSAURS RECENTLY RELEASED THEIR DEBUT LP IN A MILLION YEARS. THE ALBUM HAS RECEIVED A STRING OF POSITIVE REVIEWS, AND HAS BEEN GETTING A FLOGGING ON NATIONAL BROADCASTER JJJ. 35

Horoscopes Aries

Gemini

Taurus

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

The position of Jupiter suggests your aura will be focused on the past. You will be contacted by an old friend, perhaps from primary school, who wishes to discuss an exciting new buisness venture. Be careful letting him back into your life, he is actually a serial killer that has stolen your friends skin and assumed his identity. Try overwhelming him with your superior vocabulary. If this fails, hit him over the head with a brick.

Due to the alignment of the sun and the earth, you may experience some slight tanning around your shoulders and your left ankle. As tempting as it might be to strut your thing down at the local bowls club, Zeus urges you to practice caution; your new, healthy glow will lead to a distorted sense of optimism. Your best option now is to lock yourself inside and curl up into a weeping, naked ball on the bathroom floor.

Your natural aptitude for leadership will finally be recognised this week when you are put in charge of a small african nation. As your initial intentions of good-will slowly degrade into a blood-soaked power orgy, remember to take some time off to treat yourself. Take a warm relaxing bath, assassinate your political rivals, throw money out of a blimp. This week is all about you! 36

Some vague astral event will impact on your life in a way that may or may not effect your relationship with your mother/sister/neighbour’s dog/ estranged lesbian aunt. When dealing with certain situations, try and think proactively and consider all outlying factors. Remember, subtlety will be your most important tool. Your star-vegetable is the capsicum.

You may be pleasantly suprised this week when you run into Wesley Snipes rummaging through the discount DVD bin at K-Mart. Don’t lose your cool! Remember, even Hollywood actors start out as tiny Vietnamese prostitutes. Divert his attention by throwing The Complete Series of Daria at an elderly woman’s face and then proceed to extract the drivers . license from his back pocket. You are now Wesley Snipes

All that time you spent wandering around carparks and scratching yourself will pay off this week when your friends decide to admit you to a psychiatric hospital. Now you finally have a solid, medically validated excuse to stay indoors all day and watch the Disney Channel. Remember, stay away from the colour orange and never let anyone know you’re not crazy.

Libra

Capricorn

The moon is in its spiral phase; now would be a good time to throw out that ‘So Fresh 2008’ CD that is lodged in the glove box of your Mitsubishi Lancer. This week is all about getting your life back together again. Take a sprig of sage and waft it through the air, this will promote weight loss and good reasoning. Your spiritpokemon is the Diglett.

The Horsehead Nebula is in the ninety-eighth position, ensuring rest and good fortune. This week you will seek to justify the morality of your decisions, inevitably reaching the conclusion that nothing exists but empty space and your own consciousness, thus rendering all actions intrinsically meaningless. You will decide to illustrate this by covering your naked body in mayonnaise and galloping through a crowded intersection.

You go Scorpio! This week is all about looking fab-u- lous! Try wearing a brightly coloured tube top over a pair of mahogony slacks . This will divert his attention away from your pustulous facial tumors and back to your feminine love pegs. Now is not a good time to be conservative with your money, within a week you and your entire family will be dead.

Dionysus brings about a week of high spirits and indulgence. Upon failing to produce a convincing excuse, you will be coerced into playing goon-of-fortune with your elderly grandmother. Try to remain nonchalant when she begins to bombard you with stories from her ‘wild college years’. Especially the one about Marlon Brando and the pickle jar. Your soul-instrument is the bassoon.

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Uranus, your lord and master, imbues you with an inner radiance and a fiery penchant for holepunching. A contentious issue may arise during a heated debate, challenging your newly formed friendship with the actor who played Malcolm’s Mum in Malcolm in the Middle. Try drinking soda water with a fresh slice of lemon. This will appease your unholy thirst for blood while at the same time helping to bring out your zesty personality.

Aquarius

Pisces

Pluto is in the missionary position, anticipating social evolution and change. While this week is all about expressing yourself in exciting and unorthodox ways, don’t expect new growth to come quickly. Genital reconstruction surgery is just the initial stepping stone in the long road of sexual reassignment. Remember to sell off those old Uni textbooks, medical bills alone can rack up tens of thousands of dollars. 37

Some delicious simple and cheap recipes using ingreidents from your NUSA Fruit and Vege Box!

Babaganoush 1 medium-Large Eggplant Tahini 1 Lemon

2 cloves of garlic olive oil salt & pepper

1. Cook your eggplants until the skin is soft. 200c 30min-1hr, depending on size of the eggplant. 2. Cool the eggplant for at least 40mins. Seriously, you will burn yourself if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. 3. Split the skin and scoop out all the eggplanty goodness into a bowl. 4. Mash it up a bit. 5. Add lemon juice to taste, I use about 1 lemon to 1 medium eggplant. 6. Add garlic to taste. I use 1-2 cloves per eggplant. 7. Mush it some more. 8. Add two large spoons of tahini. 9. Add a large dash of olive oil to make it smooth. 10. Add salt and pepper to taste. 11. Mush it some more. 12. Refridgerate over night, it allows the to flavour improve. If you have one, you can make this in a food processor. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, a potato masher or a fork will do the job. Great as a dip. Or use it on sandwiches. I like to put it on potatoes and red meat for dinner. Or eat it out of the bowl, because, you know, garlic breath is sexy.

Recipe by Rose & Michelle Gosper

Pear Crumble 3-4 Pears 2 Teaspoons of sugar Sprinkle of cinnamon (optional) 1. Preheat oven to 180Â°C 2. You can choose to peel the pears or leave their skin on for a slightly

healthier option. Remove the core and cut the pears into pieces, about 2cm chunks are good but you can leave it chunkier, just increase the cooking time to make sure the pears are cooked.

3. Put the pears in an oven safe baking tray or casserole tray and sprinkle sugar and cinnamon (if you are using it) over them.

Crumble Top 2 tablespoons (40g) of butter 2 tablespoons of brown sugar 2 tablespoons of desiccated coconut

2 tablespoons of rolled or quick cook oats Âź cup of self-raising flour

1. Mix butter and sugar together then add all other ingredients, you need to get your hands in and mix everything together.

2. Sprinkle this over the top of the pears and place in the oven for 20-30 mins or until golden and pears are cooked.

3. Serve hot with ice cream or custard.

Recipe by Georgie Catchpole

z u

e l z

e g a

Position taken from Mehan - McIveen, Newcastle District Championship 2010 White to play and win

GOONION MERLOT MOSCATO

CAB SAUV

CHARDONNAY

BOX

PINOT NOIR

FRUITY

RIESLING SACK CHAMPAGNE

WINE

CASK RED WHITE

Use the left over letters to answer this question: Who does the Goonion love even though he wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t probably touch goon with 4 foot cane?

Across 3. Name of street in Newcastle central to the recent fig tree controversy. (5) 5. The ban against which Samsung tablet was lifted la te last year? (6) 7. The Australian born international media mogul who was summoned to give testimony before a British parliamentary committee regarding phone hacking accusations against one of his papers. (6,7) 8. This local state MP will attend a forum on 24th April re student transport concessions. (3,4)

14. NUSA runs a free BBQ on Thursday lunch times. NUSA has begun to run a second free BBQ through our affiliated clubs on which day? (7) 15. On which night does NUAC (Newcastle University Anime Club) holds weekly board game nights in the NUSA build ing? (6) Down 1. Capital city of Azerbaijan. (4) 2. Whose â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;a nti-tourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; reportedly sold out in 15 minutes? (5,7)

4. The 21st of March is known in Australia as Harmony 10. Name of campaign run by students concerning the Day. What is the United Nations name for this day? abolition of the Chinese Major. (4,3,5) (4,6,3) 11. Russia and China have twice vetoed U.N. Security Council resolutions condemning the attacks of which government on its own people? (5) 12. Name of ancient monotheistic religion and philosophy believed to have been founded in ancient Iran about 3500 years ago. (14)

6. ab + c = 20. If c=10 and a is half ot c, what is b? (3) 9. The European Union have placed an embarago on oil exports on which country? (4) 13. Acronym for international day against homophobia, 17th May. (5)

Did you know NUSA is an authorised Pro-Ticket outlet?

You can buy your Knights and Jets home game tickets from the NUSA Building.

2012

WATT

SPACE

OPEN SHOW

Curated by Emily Coutts, Elric Ringstad and Sigourney Nicholson

Watt Space Gallery, 16 May - 3 June Entry forms and exhibition fees due 27 April, 2012 Would you like the opportunity to exhibit a work at Watt Space, The University of Newcastle studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art gallery? Students from all disiplines are eligible to exhibit in the open show, which this year, has the theme:

GARAGE SALE

The curators pose the following question: As we become more aware of our impact on the environment, art makers are using types of materials they use to make their works; they are reusing found objects, mixing materials and disciplines, old stuff/ new stuff/ recycling.

Check www.newcastle.edu.au/groups/watt-space for details on the exhibition, or email the curators: emily.coutts@uon.edu.au elric.ringstad@uon.edu.au sigourney.nicholson@uon.edu.au

Watt Space University House Cnr King and Auckland Streets, Newcastle Open Wednesday - Sunday, 12 noon - 6pm Ph: (Office) 02 4921 5188 (Gallery) 02 4921 8733 www.newcastle.edu.au/group/watt-space Watt Space is funded by UoN Services Limited and supported by the University of Newcastle School of Drama, Fine Art and Music.

Run by students, for students 44