Student Life 101 eZine
February . 2010
eZine
Student Life 101 eZine
2 Table of Contents 3 Calendar 4 Athletics
Contents
5 Masks on Meds
February .2010
6Why you should become an
Orientation Week Leader
Student L ife 101 eZine
February . 201
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9 President’s Circle Awards
eZine
10 One Waterloo Black History Month
12 House Hunting Tips 13 Residence 13 Message from Health Services --Mumps
14 Safety Tips for Reading Week 15 We’d Appreciate your thoughts
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The Student Life Office Ezines are monthly online magazines for people that want information about the university experience. Our focus is on student life news and events. The online magazine is updated monthly with new event promotions, reviews, articles and rich media. Enjoy!
16 Retail Services 17 Clubs Day’s Faces 17 Call for teaching award nomination 18 Chilly Dog Run 19 Sexual Responsibility 20The Loneliness of difference
C February
alendar 2010
UPCOMING EVENTS 3rd– 6th Masks on Meds ---Page. 5 6th Chilly Dog Run--- Page. 17 10th Operatic Bass @ 12:30 pm Conrad Grebel Chapel Dennis Bender, bass vocalist Joanne Bender, piano 12th UWCSSA 2010 Lunar New Year Festival 25th Dance For Haiti 26th–27th Warrior Weekends
READING WEEK : 15th - 19th Family Day: 15th (University Closed )
ACADEMIC
Black History Month Valentine’s Day International Friendship Month
8th – 13th Class enrolment appointments 11th Final examination schedule 15th On - Campus Open enrolment 19th Deadline to receive a 50 % tuition refund 26th Class drop period 1 ends 27th Class drop penalty 2 period begins March 1st Intend to graduate forms due March 1st – 7th Pre-enrolment course selection week for Fall 2010
OSAP 3rd
Last day to submit OSAP Rollover Form to add Winter term to Fall only term 3rd OSAP Application Deadline for Winter only term 3rd Deadline to submit OSAP Signature Pages and Supporting Documentation for Winter only term 18th OSAP Application Deadline (full funding) for Winter & Spring term 26th Deadline for OSAP Reviews (appeals) for Winter only and Fall & Winter terms 26th Last day to submit Full-Time Bursary / Award Application for Winter term only
Warrior Athletics February Special Events Friday, February 5th Hockey vs. Brock, [M] 7:30pm (CIF Arena) Friday, February 5th Volleyball vs. Brock, [W] 6pm Warrior Night Draw Prizes after each set
(PAC Main Gym) Friday, February 12th Hockey vs. Windsor, [M] 7:30pm Final Regular Season Homegame
(CIF Arena) Saturday, February 13th Volleyball vs. Western, [W] 6pm, [M] 8pm Final Regular Season Homegame
(PAC Main Gym) Sunday, February 14th Hockey vs. Queens’s, [W] 7:30pm Final Regular Season Homegame
(CIF Arena) Add King Warrior as a friend on
Saturday, February 20th Basketball vs Laurier, [W] 6pm, [M] 8pm
http://www.facebook.com/UWkingwarrior
Final Regular Season Homegame
(PAC Main Gym)
Free Admission to all UW Students with their Watcard to any regular season home game! 4
Masks on Meds The Doctors of the Commedia dell’Arte Come and have a taste of our medicine! Masks on Meds presents a roller coaster of events featuring colourful masked characters inspired by the Commedia dell’Arte tradition, a form of popular theatre mostly performed in comic mode and based on the skills of the actors. Boasting doctors, confused bourgeois, cunning servants, and splendid lovers will feature in two farces: Molière’s The Flying Doctor and Rolfe’s The Dumb Wife. Both plays, directed by Gabrielle Houle with the Drama students at the University of Waterloo, provide the audience with a delectable taste of popular entertainment, masked performance, sense of improvisation and actors’ inventions. Step into a world where doctors and charlatans use both their knowledge and idiocy to cure their desperate patients! February 3 - 6, 2010 8 pm Studio 180, Hagey Hall, University of Waterloo $12 General $10 Students & Seniors Box Office: 519.888.4908 or tickets at the door Media Contact: Robin Atchison: ratchiso@uwaterloo.ca phone: 519.888.4567 x 35808
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Why YOU Should Become an Orientation Week Leader
Lina Sinan
It’s that time of year again; the excitement of Orientation Week leader recruitment has officially begun. You may be wondering why over 1000 students decide to volunteer for Orientation Week – well I’m here to tell you why. I had an incredible experience volunteering as an Arts Leader. I met a lot of great people, made some really good friends, developed a lot of skills, and had fun doing it! After talking to many past leaders, I put together a list of reasons why YOU should become a Leader for Orientation Week 2010.
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EOPLE – As an orientation leader, you will have the opportunity to meet tonnes of amazing people from every faculty, and even form some lifelong friendships. URPOSE – We’ve all been first year students at some point. We all know what it’s like to step on to unfamiliar territory trying to find our place. As an Orientation Leader, you will be able to extend a helping hand to someone who needs it.
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ERKS – Did I mention free lunch almost every day?
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XPERIENCE – Orientation Week is a great opportunity to gain volunteer experience that looks great on your resume.
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EMORIES– Create memories that will last you a life time! Leaders have the opportunity of attending the Orientation Leader Conference which will be held on June 19, 2010. This one day conference is filled with activities, food, and FUN!
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KILLS – As an Orientation Week Leader, you will have many opportunities to develop your skills including communication, organization, leadership and problem solving. 7.
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PIRIT – Re-learn those crazy cheers from your Orientation Week, help build team and faculty spirit, and show some Warrior spirit at Black and Gold Day! WATER WATER WATER! LOO LOO LOO! 8.
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UN -Being a leader does not mean it’s all work and no play. There are many opportunities for leaders to join in on the fun! Dress up for Monte Carlo, participate in team games, stuff your face with food, and best of all, learn the LEADER DANCE!
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Past Leaders’ Experiences: “Being an orientation leader isn’t just for super outgoing students. Some students can’t identify with the leaders out at the front of the group cheering their heads off and for those students you need leaders who are going to be in the back or on the sidelines to help them feel welcome and like they fit in too.” -Cassie Gilpin, FOC 2010
WHO can become an Orientation Week Leader? Any full-time registered undergraduate student in the 2010 Fall Term (including Co-op)
“I made a lot of friends during my own orientation week, and had a ton of fun. Becoming a leader was an opportunity to give back. I liked being a leader because it was so much fun. It was O-week all over again, but better, because I knew people better -Sarah Johnston, AHS Leader 2009 “I’ve learned that sometimes stepping out of your box is probably the best thing to do. You can meet new people, and maybe change someone’s life.” -Diana Hanna, Arts Leader 2009
HOW do you become an Orientation Week Leader?
1. Go to www.orientation.uwaterloo.ca/leaders and find out how to apply 2. Send in your application 3. Attend an interview and be selected for the position.
WHAT do you do once you become an Orientation Week Leader?
1. Complete four Orientation Leader Training Sessions 2. If you can, come to the Orientation Leader Conference which is going to ROCK. It will be held on June 19, 2010. 3. Commit to being on campus for Orientation Week: September 5th – 11th.
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Now that you know why and how you can become an Orientation Week leader, I encourage you all to consider applying. I know I’ve said this many times, but it truly is an amazing experience. In next month’s eZine, you will be able to meet the FOC (Federation Orientation Committee) who are responsible for planning Orientation Week 2010!
President’s Circle Awards for Leadership and Volunteerism
The 2009 President’s Circle Awards for Leadership and Volunteerism have been announced. Each year, members of the President’s Circle donate funds that recognize students for their outstanding accomplishments within UW and their community. The President’s Circle Award for Leadership was established in 2007 to acknowledge the outstanding performances of student leaders at the University of Waterloo. The awards recognize students who have left a lasting impression on the UW campus through encouraging of student participation, acting as a role model, enabling others to become leaders, or taking initiative to lead by example to make the university community better. The President’s Circle Award for Volunteerism was established in 1997 to recognize the significant contributions of students in volunteer work both within UW and the community at–large. The award honours the extra–curricular contributions of students in a variety of service areas, some of which may not be highly visible but nonetheless important to the community.
The 2009 President’s Circle Awards Recipients are: Leadership
Barbara Macdonald, Math Catharine Hay, Engineering David Pritchard, Math Kieng Iv, Arts Nick Soave, Environment Volunteerism Catharine Lau, Science Dragana Kukic, Science Elissa Cooper, Applied Health Sciences Erika Murray, Engineering More information about the awards and recipients can be found at: www.pca.uwaterloo.ca.
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Updates on the 2010 President’s Circle Awards nomination process will be posted soon.
C E L E B R AT I N G U W B L A C K H I S T O R Y M O N T H
BMH Expo
Tuesday, February 9, 2010 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM SLC, Great Hall
Panel Discussion Tuesday, February 9, 2010 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM SLC, Great Hall
Gala 10 February 27, 2010 Saturday, 8:00 PM Bomber
Black History Month
is an opportunity to share the historical and present contributions of African Canadians in our society. Background: Black History Month initially began in the United States in February 1926, through the work of African American scholar Dr. Carter G. Woodson. His aim was to raise awareness and understanding of the national, social, scientific, and political contributions by black Americans. Since 1995, Black History Month has been officially recognized and observed across Canada. Theme: For 2010 the One Waterloo Diversity Campaign will be observing the month with several fun events. The theme for Black History Month 2010 is
“Aspire to Inspire”
— we will be profiling exceptional UW alumni whose accomplishments and goals can be a source of current students in the African Canadian community at UW. Events: EXPO February 9th (11:00am to 4:00pm) @ SLC Great Hall The EXPO will exhibit such things as art, cultural artifacts, music, food from the African Canadian community Discussion Panel February 9th (4:30pm to 6:00pm) @SLC Greal Hall The Panel will be composed of experts and notable UW students discussing the current issues facing the African Canadian community and Black History Month. Black History Month Gala February 27th (8:00pm to 11:30pm)@Bomber The Gala will be a celebration of African Canadian culture through a musical performance, a fashion show, and much more. Make sure you don’t miss it!
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House Hunting Tips
Lina Sinan
House hunting can be both a very exciting and stressful process. There are many things to consider such as the location, price, who you will be living with, etc. There are also many other things you should consider that may not be as obvious. Before you sign the lease, make sure you have considered the following:
1. Are you allowed to sublet? This is especially important for co-op students and students not planning on staying in Waterloo over the summer. 2. How long is the lease for? When would you have to inform your landlord whether or not you would like to renew your lease? 3. What expenses are included in your rent? (Hydro, Gas, Cable, Internet) 4. Is parking available? Do you need to purchase a parking pass? 5. What is allowed and what is not allowed? (Pets, Barbeques, Sub woofers, painting, nailing things on the wall) 6. How long have the current tenants been living there for? This may very well be a strong indication of how happy they are with the place and their landlord. 7. What is necessary to you and what is not? (Dishwasher, furnished vs. unfurnished, A/C, bike storage, accessibility) 8. Are there any leaks or traces of mice infestation? Look in the cabinet under the sink to see if there are any leaks or evidence of mice. 9. Is everything in working order? (Fridge, stove, shower, toilet). Turn on the tap to check out the water pressure. It’s better to know what you’re getting into. 10. Is laundry included? If so, is there an extra charge? 11. Who controls the temperature? 12. Is there a smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector and fire extinguisher? 13. Who is responsible for repairs, snow removal and cutting the grass? There many things to consider when looking for a place to rent. Be prepared, take notes, ask lots of questions, and have fun! For a complete checklist to bring with you when house hunting, visit the Off-Campus Housing Website at www.och.uwaterloo.ca
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UW Residences s UW Residences are now accepting applications for the spring ’10 term. Living on campus is a stress-free way to enjoy the spring term while not having to worry about landlords, sublets, and the commute to class. When you live in residence, you’ll get the chance to meet new people, partake in the academic support that’s provided in residence, and develop lifelong friendships and memories. Spacious green space surrounding all residences will give you the chance to enjoy the warm summer weather while you study outdoors, have a picnic with friends, or participate in fun summer activities. Spring term residents have the choice of suite-style residence; Mackenzie King Village (airconditioned for those hot summer days), UW Place, or Columbia Lake Village-South. If you prefer the convenience of a traditional-style residence you can also live in Village 1. Residence is a great way to stay close to class and receive support only available through the residence life experience. Application available from www.housing.uwaterloo.ca.
Message from Health Services Mumps are not just a kids disease.
There have been several cases of mumps in young adults during this past fall term within Ontario. Health Services urges those in the following categories to seek mumps immunization: •
People born after 1970 and before 1992 because this cohort may havemissed the second dose to effectively immunize against mumps. • People immunized outside of Canada who may have received the firstdose of mumps vaccination before the age of 12 months or vaccine which was not properly refrigerated. If you are unsure whether or not you have been immunized with the recommended two doses of vaccine please check your health records by contacting your family physician or the public health department where you attended high school. Health Services welcomes students, faculty, staff, and union members in the above categories for mumps immunization between the hours of 9:30 - 11:00 and 2:00 - 4:00.
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Jacob McLellan
Safety Tips for Reading Week:
W
ith reading week coming up this month (February 15-19, 2010), you (like many other students) may be preparing to leave campus for a well-deserved break. It’s important to be prepared and take precautions when leaving your house or residence room unattended for an extended period of time. The rates of break-ins and theft increase during reading week due to the number of unattended homes; however, there are some strategies that you can take that will help keep your possessions safe this break.
1. Lock all doors and windows 2. Hide any expensive items from plain-sight 3. Keep a few lights on such as the front stoop or hall, bathroom, and kitchen lights 4. You can pick up automatic timers from most department stores that will automate turning the lights on and off at certain hours to help save energy and deter potential intruders. 5. Leave your curtains the way you normally would to avoid arousing suspicion 6. Have the post office hold your mail 7. Do not leave spare keys outside 8. Secure sliding doors with a wooden board 9. Don’t announce that you will be leaving on social networking websites 10. Register your laptop serial numbers with Police services so they can track your laptop if it is lost or stolen. Visitwww.police.uwaterloo.ca
The above tips will be very useful in keeping your home as secure as possible while you’re away. Break-ins are an unfortunate reality within any large community. If you are heading home for the holiday, it is also wise to take your most important possessions such as your laptop and sentimental gifts with you. For more information visit: www. police.uwaterloo.ca Have a safe and productive break.
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We’d appreciate your thoughts
The University of Waterloo is developing new initiatives for future university students, and we’d appreciate your thoughts. Help shape the future of Waterloo’s publications at
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/waterloofeedback
freedom to read
book sale February 9 & 10
beat the February blahs!
9:30am - 4:30pm
South Campus Hall
Send Some Love with the
sidewalk new sale February 2 & 3 9:30am - 4:00pm
Somebody Loves Me Bear
Facebook Fans: cheer for Canada and save
Olympic Mania
details on waterloo store’s facebook page
artstuff at writestuff
South Campus Hall
South Campus Hall
15% off Macally
ECOFANFebruary 1 - 26
Student Life Centre
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South Campus Hall
retailservices.uwaterloo.ca
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Clubs Day’s Faces Photos by Melody Mui
1. Christine Hillis [1B] 2. Jason Wang, Joe Wood, Aram Bernardos [1B] 3. Marie Kwan and Shupui Lui [1B] 4. Jacky Wan, Jackson Hsu [1B] Angela Tai [2B ]
Call for Teaching Award Nominations
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Heal+h Services As Valentine’s Day approaches it is a good time to remind people that Sexual Responsibility begins with you. Please read the following A to Z Guide about sexual health, safer sex, personal responsibility, and healthy relationships. Enjoy!
Sexual Responsibility: The A to Z Guide
Abstinence is a healthy choice. Decide for yourself. Dialogue with your partner and choose a partner that will respect your decision.
B
irth Control. Both partners are responsible for effective birth control. Various options are available. Become aware of which option is best for you. Health Services offers counselling for birth control options.
Condoms protect both you and your partner from STIs, and reduce the risk of pregnancy.
Use condoms with a spermicidal gel or foam to increase its effectiveness. Use condoms 100 per cent of the time.
D
ental Dam. A dental dam or latex barrier can be used to protect you and your partner during oral sex. Dental dams reduce the risk of transmitting STI’s during oral sex by acting as a barrier to vaginal and anal secretions. You can use a condom to make a dental dam with two easy snips: 1) Cut off the tip and 2) Cut down the side. Unroll, and viola, it’s ready to use. Remember, just like condoms, dams are for one-time use only.
Education. Learn about birth control options and safer sex practices. websites.
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See “W” for reliable
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ertility. Protect yourself against unplanned pregnancies. Protect yourself against STIs that can lead to infertility (i.e. Chlamydia).
GLBTTTSQQH Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgen-
dered, transsexual, two spirited, queer, questioning, heterosexual. Regardless of sexual orientation, it is everyone’s responsibility to practice safer sex and be respectful.
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ealthy relationships are built on honesty, trust, care, and respect. Both partners should be involved in decision making. Communicate with one another. Listen to one another.
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ntimacy has more to do with feeling close or connected to another person than it has to do with sexual interactions.
Judgement is affected by alcohol and drug use. Both impair your decision making abilities and cause you to do things you would not normally do.
Keep it safe and sober. Plan ahead. Be prepared at all times. Have protection with you if you think you are likely to have a sexual encounter. Drink responsibly.
Limit partners. It’s not cool to have many notches on your belt. Multiple partners greatly
increase your risk for STI’s. And remember, you are sleeping with that person plus every person they have slept with. 1+1=2x2=4x4=16x16=256, etc. Wow, they can certainly add up fast!
Monogamy. It’s back. Enjoy the intimacy of knowing you are in an exclusive relationship with one another. How sexy!
No means no! Feeling pressured to have sex? Find a partner that respects your choices. O
ral sex. ALL STIs can be passed through oral sex even if there are no symptoms. For example, Herpes Simplex Virus can be passed between mouth and genitals without the presence of symptoms.
P
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lan B. If you’ve had unprotected sex or failed contraception (i.e. missed pill or broken condom) emergency contraception is available. Plan B is an option to prevent unplanned pregnancy. It is available at Health Services and pharmacies.
Question your partner’s sexual history. Share your sexual history with your partner and inquire about theirs. Ask questions.
Respect yourself. Respect your partner. Respect your body. S
exually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are on the rise. In Canada, Chlamydia rose by 70 per cent to almost 30 000 cases in 2004. Gonorrhoea went up 80 per cent; Syphilis, a whopping 908 per cent. Yet, STIs are preventable. Use protection, limit partners and be monogamous.
Talk to your partner. Communication is the key to healthy relationships and sexual responsibility.
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rinary health. Pain or discomfort while urinating could be a sign of an STI or a Urinary Tract Infection. See your health professional.
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alue yourself, value your health. It only takes one unprotected sexual encounter to change your life forever. Value your health. Although most STI’s can be treated and cured, a few of them stay with you forever. For example, HIV, Herpes, and Hepatitis C are life-timers! Not to mention the impact of an unplanned pregnancy. Sometimes, what happens at university doesn’t stay at university.
Websites: www.canadian-health-network.ca www.glow.uwaterloo.ca www.healthservices.uwaterloo.ca www.lgbthealth.net www.plannedparenthood.org www.region.waterloo.on.ca www.sexualityandu.ca E
xaminations.
New health concerns should be addressed immediately.
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ou are in control. It is your body, your health. You decide who, what, where, when, why and how.
Zest for life! Whether you are single or in a relationship, being sexually responsible puts a smile on your face, a bounce in your step, and a wonderful feeling in your heart!
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The Loneliness of Difference
Photo by Melody Mui
Are you lonely tonight? Change can make us feel lonely and you have faced many changes coming to university. Whether you have come from a rural Alberta or northern Ontario town or from a village in Trinidad or Pakistan, or from a bustling city like Beijing or Bombay, you may long for what you left behind. Your high school pals, your family members and neighborhood, the sights, sounds, weather, food, music-all that has been familiar to you and contributes to who you are may now seem far away and out of reach.
The experience of being “different” can also contribute to an experience of loneliness. As a teenager it may have been so important not to be different in order to avoid being targeted or made fun of, or feared, or disliked. Your difference here in university may be a result of the belief you are alone in your experience: “No one but me feels shy,” or “I am the only one who is struggling in my class”, or “Everyone else has made friends except me.” Your difference may be amplified by the fact that you have not found others who share your difference, perhaps your language, culture or worldview, sexual orientation, unique abilities or challenges.
Is loneliness a disease? No. Loneliness is part of the human condition and has been the theme of our human story across cultures and through generations. Loneliness, whether it be because of a broken heart, or from an experience of being misunderstood or unaccepted, or judged, or ignored - can inspire great art and invention. It can also propel us to connect, to reach out, and to seek out others who share our own unique difference.
How do you know if your loneliness is hurting you? Humans are a relational species. It is not only a part of socialization, it is a physiological necessity imprinted in our genetic code to help us survive. These connections also need to feel meaningful. It is important to know that someone else in the world “gets” you, or believes you, or accepts you, or loves you. For some of you, these connections may have been left behind or have shifted in all the change.
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Some warning signs: If your loneliness cuts you off from interacting and engaging in everyday events, if your eating and sleeping patterns are erratic or imbalanced, if you have thoughts of self harm or are contemplating death as a solution, this is not loneliness. This is depression and you need help. Talk to someone: a doctor, a counselor, an advisor, or a friend, because depression can be treated effectively and there are many resources on campus and in the community to help you. It is a challenge to construct meaningful connections in university. Perhaps the friendships you made in the beginning changed because you went away for work terms. Perhaps the burden of workload and school demands discourage the time it takes to seek out and build these connections. Perhaps the process of making connections creates intense feelings of anxiety you would prefer to avoid.
Some suggestions for connection building: allow your differences to lead you to those who share similar experiences. Allow your interests to sustain connections so even if people come and go, the activity continues to draw new people. Nurture your curiosity. Learn something new, a new skill or hobby like dancing, yoga, badminton or cooking! Give your time and skills to help others. There are many places on campus to volunteer such as The Office For Persons With Disabilities or The International Students Office or Federation of Students. Take a workshop at Counselling Services where you will get support, build skills, and realize many other people share similar struggles and concerns.
There may also be benefits to spending time alone. It may help you to rejuvenate and reenergize. It may help you organize your thoughts and plan or set goals. What can you learn about yourself from your loneliness? How can you soothe, nurture, and care for yourself in healthy and compassionate ways? Maybe this is the very thing that will inspire you to write that poem or song, or create that great work of art or science.
“Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents which, in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant� Horace, 65-68 BC
Check out our website for information about individual counseling appointments, or how to register for workshops and for other resources and links: www.adm.uwaterloo.ca/infocs/
by Linda Mackay, MSW RSW, Counselling Services
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