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SRC talks summer initiatives, plans for new year
By Jillian French - News Editor
As Bishop’s wraps up its summer term and prepares to launch full speed into the fall semester, the SRC executive council has spent the summer working on plans and initiatives for the new school year. The Campus met with the council – SRC president, Drew Henkel, vice president of academic affairs, Roser Rise, vice president of student life, Lacey Baillairgé, director of events, Reagan Russel, and director of finance, Taylor Morgan – to hear all about their summer work.
Drew Henkel, SRC president, underwent training in Ottawa as part of the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations – an organization to represent students nationally. Bishop’s is a member of this association through the Quebec Student Union (QSU). These meetings with the QSU focused on “setting a provincial focus on education”, according to Henkel. Beyond that, he described his summer work as “getting ready for the year, looking forward,
and getting our strategic plan together as a team”.
Lacey Baillairgé, VP of student life, has been hard at work organizing events to connect with spring and summer term students, taking advantage of sunny weather for a barbeque in the quad and another indoor pizza day. William Forget, a physics student who attended these events, noted that “it was a great ambiance to hang out with friends and wind down”. Baillairgé has also been expanding third spaces for the fall semester, such as extending Purple Pod hours. She also hopes to open the Gait during the day as a place to study, talk or grab a pool stick and challenge a friend. Baillairgé has also been working to expand initiatives like the Menstrual Equity Project and the Community Cupboard through extra funding and donations to increase free supplies for students.
Reagan Russell, director of events, has spent most of the summer planning Orientation Week, including training and events. She’s excited to introduce new dry-team training, geared towards nondrinking students. She also traveled to
British Columbia with Morgan to attend the Student Union Development Summit, where she participated in workshops that dealt with media training and interaction with the government. She credited this summit as a “great experience, and great networking opportunity”.
As director of finance, Taylor Morgan has taken the lead on Safe Drive – an initiative the SRC has been working on for two years – to provide safe transportation for Bishop’s students to their desired location on campus or within 4 km. Morgan affirmed that the program “should be up and running in time for O-Week”. He’s also been working on the SRC’s annual budget, which is presented and approved by the board during the start of the school year.
Roser Rise, VP of academic affairs, noted her work with organizing summer activities, committee meetings, and coordination of academic tours. She’s excited to be working closely with two education students, Martina Berkers and Sofia Driscoll, who have been updating, and will be running, the education department’s academic tours. These tours take place
during O-Week along with the Student Success Fair, which she has been organizing alongside Baillairgé.
In addition to their workload, the execs have been undergoing training throughout the summer term to become better equipped for their responsibilities during the year. Morgan mentioned how the group collaborated in March with the outgoing executive team, who offered advice and guidance, and helped set up the new annual plan goals. Additionally, a brand new coursebased training plan has been implemented for the execs by Dr. Mike Teed, which runs for three hours twice a week. Baillairgé also mentioned that departments had stepped up to offer some more specialized training, providing diversity and balance in the guidance the leaders received heading into the year.
In broad strokes, Henkel says that he has been excited to implement student values into the new year. The team has worked on “conceptualizing those and turning them into clear, broad hitting points” that will benefit everybody on campus and “increase their well-being and belonging”.
Photo courtesy of Irma Susset
Crossing borders: Bishop’s Indigenous students embrace Japan’s cultures through intercultural exchange
By Julie-Ann Vollant - Contributor
On May. 6, five Indigenous Bishop’s students embarked on a three-week intercultural exchange to Japan to deepen international connections. The group, comprising members from the Innu, Mi’kmaq, Cree and Mohawk nations, brought their unique Indigenous knowledge to the exchange.
The Indigenous Student Support Center (ISSC) organized this initiative, and three ISSC staff members accompanied the students to provide support throughout the journey, which took the students through Tokyo, Sapporo, Shiraoi, and Nibutani. The trip created meaningful engagement with Japan’s Indigenous Ainu community.
The journey began in Tokyo, where students visited international schools, universities and the Canadian Embassy, providing insights into Japan’s education system and Canada’s role abroad.
In Sapporo, the group’s focus shifted towards learning about the Ainu people. University visits facilitated meaningful exchanges of ideas between Bishop’s students and their Japanese counterparts, laying the groundwork for deeper cultural understanding.
The most impactful part of the trip occurred in Shiraoi and Nibutani, where
students immersed themselves in Ainu culture. At the Upopoy Ainu Museum in Shiraoi, they witnessed traditional dances and songs, and sampled Ainu cuisine. In Nibutani, the group learned Ainu dance, woodworking, embroidery and language from community-led workshops.
This hands-on engagement with Ainu culture allowed Bishop’s students to draw parallels between their Indigenous heritage and that of the Ainu, highlighting the global nature of Indigenous experiences and the importance of cultural preserva-
tion and recognition. Samantha Godard, a participating Mi’kmaq student, reflected on how the trip “has made me realize how similar Indigenous cultures can be around the world. The Ainu people and Indigenous people in Canada are on opposite sides of the world, yet we both utilize the same foods and medicines, similar tools and percussion instruments, and create comparable crafts.”
The exchange not only broadened the students’ perspectives, but it also provided an opportunity for them to share their
own Indigenous cultures with the people they met in Japan. This two-way cultural exchange fostered mutual understanding and respect, reinforcing the importance of Indigenous representation on a global scale. As the students returned to Bishop’s University, they brought with them a wealth of new experiences, insights and connections. These collaborations between Indigenous communities in Canada and Japan emphasized the global nature of Indigenous solidarity and cultural exchange.
Bishop’s to elect its first ever Sexual Culture Representative on the BSR: Everything to know about the fall election you should really be paying attention to
By Jillian French- News Editor
Turn off that American news for a second: we know what fall election you’ve all been waiting to hear about. Ahead of the yearly fall elections, The Campus sat down with Karen Dymond, SRC secretary general, to discuss how the SRC has been revving up for the fall election. Starting Sept. 2, students will be eligible for nomination for the positions of first-year representative, on-campus representative, graduate senator, and (two) general councilors. These students will serve on the Board of Student Representatives (BSR), representing the interests of their particular group. Also making its electoral debut is the sexual culture representative, who Dymond stated will “advocate on behalf of all students on issues of sexual health, awareness, inclusivity and issues pertaining to sexual culture”. Although the sexual culture representative is new, the Sexual Culture Committee has been running for four years, working to encourage safe sexual culture in the university. They’ve organized events like annual Take Back the Night marches and speaker events regarding topics such as racism in sexual culture. This work has officially moved them from an ad-hoc to a standing committee. Safe sexual culture
is also a pillar of the SRC, which Dymond described as an “openness to all aspects of the gender spectrum” and an environment for people to “speak out against abuse and violence”. She adds that “even though it’s one of our pillars, we thought it was important to have someone on the ballot able to do that direct work with the committee”.
Nominations for this position are open to all Bishop’s students.
The first-year representative is responsible for connecting with students to address and communicate issues with the first-year experience. Although it may be intimidating, Dymond emphasized the benefits of jumping into student government early: “If they want to dive right into student life, being on the board is a great opportunity”. She went on to explain that the SRC prepares reps by providing a weekend leadership retreat early in the year, creating opportunities to solidify the team. The formal environment of the SRC, she added, also prepares students who are interested in working in the non-private sector reporting to boards or committees. While first year representative and graduate senator nominations are limited to students in those respective categories, all other open positions may be filled by any student. Dymond encouraged students to consider applying, adding that it’s a great
way to “serve students in a meaningful way”.
To get involved, students are encouraged to attend the student success fair and the SRC extra day, both of which take place during Orientation Week. Election tables will be up and running to answer questions and hand out nomination forms. Additional information will be provided at the Agora in the Library Learning Commons at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, a few days before nominations close on Sept. 9. When asked about how she hopes the fall elections will proceed, Dymond answered,
“I’m passionate about student government, and the student right to vote. My hope is that we’ll have candidates who bring their passion and their commitment, and student’s who vote on the election date”. Bishop’s has seen the importance of connecting student voices with university governance during the 2023 announcement of Quebec’s tuition hikes, which was followed quickly by student protest and leadership. Dymond affirmed that the open positions are “an opportunity for people to really hear the student voice and advocate for students”.
Photo courtesy of Julie-Ann Vollant
A Summer of Scientific Diving
By Sara Di Girolamo - Contributor
If you’re looking to spend the summer swimming around, helping to mitigate invasive plants in lakes, and having an experience of a lifetime, look no further than scientific diving. This summer, approximately 20 students participated in an internship, getting practical fieldwork as scientific divers at local lakes. Scientific diving is a specialized branch of underwater research and a vital tool for exploring and understanding marine environments. Unlike recreational diving, scientific diving is guided by research objectives that require meticulous procedures and safety protocols to ensure accurate data collection and minimal risk. This field encompasses a diverse range of disciplines, from marine biology and ecology to underwater archaeology and geology. The students participating in the course and the internship focus principally on ecology.
To participate in the internship, students must first complete ESG 288, underwater environmental assessment. The six-week spring semester course is intense: two weeks are spent in the classroom; two weeks in the Bishop’s pool; and the
last two weeks at Orford lake, around 50 km from campus. This class examines the human impact on the underwater environment, as well as the monitoring and restoration of ecosystems by invasive species. The course is dedicated to learning how to dive not just recreationally, but scientifically - learning how to do underwater assessments and scientific missions in freshwater environments. The tasks range from collecting samples, to environmental monitoring and aquatic inventory, to restoration operations. Once the class is completed, students receive specialized training in scientific diving, which includes an open water certification from PADI. Students must also receive certification from the Canadian Association for Underwater Sciences, as a diver in training. Dr. Elisabeth Levac, head of the ESG department, told The Campus that this program and course is very new. “[We] started in 2022. We had the course, initially, ESG 288, and then last fall we proposed the new courses [and] the internship, and then the scientific diving minor was approved just last fall.”
Once the class is completed, successful students may register for ESG 290, which counts as credits towards a degree, as it gives them field work experience and hours counting towards future diving endeavors. The diver’s objective is to remove Eurasian
Watermillfoil from lakes. The millfoil is an invasive plant species that is transferred to lakes through improper cleaning on boats or birds dropping fragments into new lakes or
zones. The main way to mitigate millfoil is by manually removing the plants: students dive down and pick the plants, making sure to get the roots, and filling bags to bring to the surface. Another technique to combat denser zones of millfoil is to lay down tarps that will disintegrate over time, which blocks the sunlight and prevents the millfoil from growing. Although this method is quite effective, it also prevents the indigenous plants from growing, so the zone must have a density of at least 70 per cent millfoil to proceed with tarps. The main objective of this work is to control this aquatic invasive plant and to return the lakes to their previous status.
Many challenges arise when doing this job: being reliant on the weather, they have to stop sometimes because of thunderstorms. It also requires divers to be responsible for their equipment. Many divers also experience a learning curve when starting the internship, as they spend upwards of five hours a day in the water, but Levac notes that most students are comfortable within a week. She jokes that others are “like fish… they would do nothing else”. She also noted the benefits of the internship on students’ careers in environmental fields: “They’re gaining field work experience, they’re working as teams… they’re learning to coordinate for transport, for equipment, for everything.”
Empowering today’s youth and tomorrow’s leaders with Bishop’s Forum: Giving a voice to visible minorities during the hiring process
By Megane Masson - Contributor
The Bishop’s Forum, an intensive leadership week for English-speaking youth in Quebec, held its final panel on Aug. 14 at the Gait and Centennial lobby. The event was attended by peers, guest speakers, fellow observers and journalists. Participants discussed various issues facing the Quebec population, such as healthcare, education, language rights and equity amongst minorities. Individual groups presented their ideas and engaged in rebuttal-like sessions with feedback from judges, followed by questions from journalists. One notable presentation focused on workplace equity during their pitch, and addressed a journalist’s question about how implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) might counter human biases in the hiring process.
Shreya Savant, a Master’s student at Concordia University (whose thesis concerns AI), answered: “There is simply not enough research on the subject”. She explained that both AI and humans are biased in their ways: AI, being human-produced, is not developed with open-mindedness because humans are
Tprejudiced. Therefore, AI bias towards minorities still exists. She explained that an AI model that is asked to draw a Canadian citizen will likely depict a white, middle-aged man with a flannel shirt and maple taffy, reflecting existing Canadian stereotypes. This bias means that non-stereotypical Canadians are 1.67 times more likely to be disregarded for job positions than their white counterparts, largely because they have “non-white-sounding names”.
The human and AI bias issues must be tackled at their source. The team suggested reforming outdated policies concerning foundational hiring strategies, which have not been updated since 1998, according to l’Observatoire Québécois des Inégalités. Olivier Lamoureux and Bishop’s student Markayza Mitchell proposed implementing an intersectional framework. This approach considers multiple overlapping social identities (e.g., race, gender, ethnicity) to address systemic biases and promote equity in employment practices. Adopting this practice would significantly reduce preconceptions and racism in the workplace. Savant and her team stressed that hiring bias cannot be resolved by AI as long as humans are developing and
controlling it: people and institutions need to change.
This presentation was one of many bright projects showcased during the Forum’s final banquet. The Bishop’s Forum provides a platform for young leaders to engage in meaningful discussions and develop actionable solutions to impact their communities positively. Students leave with enhanced leadership skills and broader perspectives. The continued support and development of such initiatives are crucial for cultivating a generation of leaders aware of the complexities of modern societal issues such as human influence over AI. The Bishop’s Forum stands as a testament to the power of youth engagement and the profound impact it can have on shaping a more equitable future.
he Campus acknowledges that the land on which we operate is stolen land, the traditional territory of the Abenaki people. We live, learn, work, and play on this land, home to Indigenous peoples still living. Canada was founded through colonization, a system rooted in oppression and the abuse of power over others, continuing to affect First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities today. As a student newspaper, The Campus has a responsibility to highlight truth. We are committed to prioritizing underrepresented voices in our community and proactively highlighting Indigenous peoples’ histories and ongoing realities, including their resilience and achievements. We recognize our work plays a role in shaping public perceptions, being able to call-out injustice but also call-in action. We emphasize that we must go beyond a land acknowledgement, which is only one step towards reconciliation. It is the stories in our paper – told with respect, accuracy, and integrity – and the respect and humility we show to the land and others that is more important than what is written in a land acknowledgement. Actionable steps to go beyond a land acknowledgement include educating ourselves and others, and supporting Indigenous traditions, movements, and businesses. —The Campus Team
Photo courtesy of Megane Masson
Photo courtesy of Sara Di Girolamo
Halle Brindley, Opinions Editor » thecampus.opinions@gmail.com
The back-to-school rush
By Rachel Gold - Contributor
There’s no better feeling than when it’s the start of a new school year; that feeling where anything can happen, where there’s endless possibilities. In elementary school, there’s that excitement of who’s going to be your teacher and who’s going to be in your class that year. There was the excitement of your friends being in your class, which always made class better.
I always look forward to a new school for so many reasons. For one, I’m always excited for all the new things I will learn, a lot more since going into higher education. Now, I have the chance to take classes in subjects that I like and have an interest in, rather than taking classes that I have to take (like math). Because of this, I confirmed my love for history, and my wanting to make a career out of it.
School has always been a struggle for me, and I never thought I would get my high school diploma, let alone go to university. For me, the fact that I’m in university, getting a degree in something I love is unreal. I’m constantly pinching myself to make sure that this is real, and that I’m not dreaming. I’m so grateful that I have a chance to go to university and study in something that I love so much and eventually make a career of.
When you go into higher education, you have the chance to meet new people, which can be super cool. In high school, you see the same people for five years and it gets boring after a while. But when you get to higher education, there’s going to be a lot of new faces. When you’re stuck seeing the same faces for five years, seeing new faces is a blessing.
The thing I love about coming to BU is the
excitement of coming back to school after being gone for so long. When I go back, I can see that people are happy to be back. Fellow students are excited to see their friends after not seeing them all summer. I also love when the colors start to change in the fall, and I feel that crisp Autumn air. It’s so beautiful and refreshing to see. For a lot of people, it can be overwhelming to be around so many new people, yet there’s that urge to find your people; the people who you can laugh or cry with, the people who won’t judge you for all the weird stuff you may or may not do. The people who when you look back at your fondest memories, they’re there with you. That’s the joy of going to cegep or university. It’s the time where you and so many people are figuring themselves out and becoming who they truly are.
“You never know who you’ll meet and become friends with. There Are people from all walks of life and backgrounds, which makes it fun. “
The Value of learning an ancient language
By Virginia Rufina MarquezPacheco - Contributor
We have probably all been told at some point in our educational careers that there is value in learning multiple languages. Popular languages are often Spanish, French, Mandarin or Korean. Seldom anymore do people consider learning an ancient and dead language. I am currently in my third year of classical Greek and in my second year of classical Latin, and I have seldom had a more fulfilling learning experience.
Language courses were never my favorite when I was in elementary school and high school, mainly because I found grammatical concepts to be too arbitrary and abstract for my liking. I remember desperately trying to understand what the points of direct and indirect objects were and why they mattered when it came time to conjugating the verb avoir in French class. I eventually fell back on memorizing the conjugations rather than understanding the linguistic structure behind them. Once I had finished CÉGEP and mandatory language courses, I swore never to take a language class again. Flash forward two years, and I found myself sitting in an ancient Greek course, specifically classical Greek, with Dr. Jenn Cianca. Admittedly, I had not switched into the Classical Studies program for the study of the languages—it seemed to be but a necessary evil to be withstood along the way to better studies. However, I was taken aback by how quickly the study of classical Greek captured my interest. We started at the very building blocks of language, learning the alphabet, then basic conjugations, and the minutiae of cases. Since modern European languages come from the Indo-European language
tree, they are descendants of ancient languages like classical Latin, and to a lesser extent classical Greek. So, learning these ancestors greatly impacts your understanding of modern grammar and syntax. As my classmates and I advanced our knowledge of grammar and syntax, I began to understand all the concepts that my French and English teachers had tried to explain to me in the past. For example, after all these years, I fundamentally understood how and why the objects of the verb avoir matter in conjugating it in the passé composé. Now that I understand the building blocks of a language, I found that my writing in English, French and Spanish—languages I already knew— significantly improved.
Not only did I become more
proficient in writing, but my reading comprehension improved. You might believe this is an obvious result of learning a new language. After all, once one has learnt a new language, one could now read a whole new selection of untranslated texts. This fact is undoubtedly true, I increasingly have the ability to read ancient texts that are untranslated. Yet, building a vocabulary in ancient Greek and Latin has helped me understand the depth of meaning behind English, French and Spanish words. The etymology of much of our modern European vocabularies originates in the Latin and Greek languages. Words have meaning and their meaning is powerful. Knowing the Greek and Latin etymology allows me to harness the depth of that power
to write purposeful pieces. I found that one of the most rewarding and empowering experiences was to learn in my ancient language courses. I do not believe that learning new languages, especially ones that no one speaks anymore, is easy. I have struggled to learn ancient languages. And learning new languages is not for everyone. I am by no means a language master, but I now have the confidence backed by knowledge to better communicate. Learning an ancient language opens up new possibilities and understandings—without the pressure of trying to talk to a native speaker of the language. I encourage everyone who can to sit into an ancient language course as you will undoubtedly take a valuable lesson from your experience.
Graphic courtesy of Payton Langevin
Halle Brindley, Opinions Editor » thecampus.opinions@gmail.com
A Lennoxville summer
By Ilona Plat - Contributor
As a student, summer is the ideal time to gain experience in your field. This is why my priority was to obtain an internship this summer, but the only one I found was in Lennoxville… I vividly remember my great despair when I realized that I would spend my summer in the ghost town of Lennoxville, when no students are around. However, Lennoxville offers way more activities than we can imagine. One of my first surprises was the barbecues organized by Bishop’s during the summer. I attended this event thinking I would leave 30 minutes later, but I stayed way longer. On top of the free food and drinks, there were more people than I anticipated. It turns out that I was not the only student to do their internship around here; there were also locals from the Sherbrooke area who were very friendly and looking to socialize. The place for the event, the quad, with its nice purple chairs, allowing you to tan in the sun with your friends, was also a great addition. Another activity offered by Bishop’s that made this summer better than expected were the free bike rentals in Patterson Hall. The entire
rental experience was pleasurable as we were allowed to rent a bike for 5 days at a time, and I got to choose the bike of my dreams from all the bikes they owned. Renting the bike was probably one of the best things I did, as it allowed me to explore Lennoxville in a different and fun way. The bike is also an excellent way to get to some parts of Sherbrooke, while enjoying the nice weather this region has to offer. Also, there is a path that takes 1 hour to get to North Hatley, which I highly recommend!
Of course, this would only be a proper Lennoxville summer if I enjoyed the Massawippi river to its fullest, another of my top activities. There are many places where we can swim or tube in the river, such as the Optimist Park and from the bike path on Massawippi Road, my favorite. However, one thing that is less popular among students is the public pool situated at Centennial Park. This pool is very popular among families, so it was sometimes crowded. Still, I found that the best times to go were in the evenings, on weekdays, if you prefer a calmer environment.
Across from the pool was another great Lennoxville discovery: the Uplands Cultural and Heritage Center. For those who like history, this is a great place to learn more about the creation of Lennoxville. For those like me who like to eat out, this place also offers English tea and snacks for a reasonable price, but you need to reserve. Finally, my last discovery was the vibrant scene at Queen Square. During the summer, there were many events to attend such as painting activities, farmers markets, and concerts with local artists during the evening. Queen Square is a great place to relax while sipping on your freshly bought coffee, regardless of the events. With the Borough of Lennoxville office nearby, you can also find free books for donation daily in a yellow box and read them at Queen Square. For a summer that I thought would be boring, the beautiful town of Lennoxville surprised me in many ways and offered various activities. I probably did not experience all of Lennoxville during my summer, but I am sure there is a little bit of everything for everyone.
Photo courtesy of Irma Susset
Gaiters sports : A look back at last year
By Owen Kitzan
The 2024-25 school year upon us brings a new year of Gaiters Sports to look forward to.
With ten Varsity teams featured at Bishop’s, there will be plenty of exciting action ready to be put on display. To kick off the new semester, let’s look back on how they performed last year.
Gaiters football finished the 2023-24 campaign with an impressive 6-2 conference record, which saw them finish second behind St. Francis Xavier University (STFX). Bishop’s would eventually go on to beat Mount Allison 34-15 in the Atlantic University Sport conference semi-finals, sending them to the Loney Bow. In their bowl game, they would sadly fall short against STFX with a final score of 34-23, finishing just shy of a spot in the U Sports football playoffs.
The Women’s hockey team in only its third season, finished with an impressive record of 16-9-0, good enough for second in the RSEQ conference behind powerhouse Concordia, who went undefeated in regular season play. The Gaiters would face off against Université de Montréal in their playoff match up, winning the first game by a narrow margin of 1-0. They would go on to lose their next two games, and fall short of making the
next round at the hands of the UdeM Carabins. The season was headlined by standout rookie Gabrielle Santerre who became the first player to receive both rookie of the year and MVP honors in the same year in U sports.
The Men’s basketball team finished 8-9 with a conference record of 8-8. They faced off with UQAM in their semi-final playoff matchup on the road in Montreal. They would eventually lose that game by a score of 74-65, being marginally eliminated by the Citadins, spelling an end to their season.
The Women’s basketball team finished with an overall record of 10-8, and a conference record just slightly better than the men’s team at 9-7. They would square off with Concordia in round one at home, beating the stingers by 10 points in a 77-67 final score. ULaval would be the next team in their way, sadly putting an end to their season in the RSEQ finals 56-33.
Women’s Soccer would go 4-8-2 in conference play over the course of the 23-24 campaign, holding an overall record of 6-11-4. This
would not qualify them for a playoff berth ending their season after the regular season.
In a league filled with powerhouses, Bishops’ Women’s rugby team would also miss the playoffs last year. The team would finish 0-6 on the year after facing off against McGill, Concordia, UdeM, Carleton, Laval and the University of Ottawa.
The Men’s rugby team would fare better than their female counterparts, finishing with a record of 3-3 over six games. They picked up their wins against Concordia, Carleton and UdeM, but fell short at the hands of ETS, University of Ottawa and McGill.
The Gaiters golf team would produce an excellent campaign, headlined by Ryan Massicotte, the eventual Gaiters male athlete of the year. The Men’s team would take first place in RSEQ, dethroning ULaval from their twenty-year chokehold on the conference before coming in 11th in total in U sports action. The Women’s team
would make a push for nationals, needing a 2nd place finish to qualify, but sadly came up just short placing third in their final event.
Gaiters cheer would see themselves in their third year of existence in 2023-24. Their most notable moment came at the FCQ Regionaux where they would finish with their best placement in team history to date coming in 5th place overall.
Lacrosse rounds out the final of the ten varsity sports. The 2023-24 season would see them go 3-8 overall, and 3-7 in conference play. They would face off against Carleton in the playoffs being beaten by a close score of 12-9, thus ending their season in front of the Raven’s crowd.
With a new year of sports quickly approaching, it will be interesting to see what’s in store for all of the phenomenal student-athletes that Bishop’s has. Stay on the lookout for the release of schedules, and make sure to come out and support your fellow classmates in what is sure to be an exciting 2024-25 campaign for all of them!
Rugby season preview: Gaiters gearing up!
By Angus Whyte - Associate Editor
Though Bishop’s still awaits the return of its students for the upcoming school year, your gaiters have been hard at work, preparing for their various sports seasons. Among them, both your men’s and women’s rugby teams have begun the preparations for what are sure to be grueling seasons. With a new coach at the helm, Bishop’s Men’s Rugby team is hopeful for a successful season this year. Captain Will Parry, entering his third year with Bishop’s, shared the following insight into how preparations have been going for his team: “I am incredibly excited to kick off our rugby season this year. Our training camp has just begun and excitement and energy has been fantastic. It has been great meeting and practicing alongside our team’s new players. I’ve also seen a lot of great improvements from our returning players from all their hard work over the summer. Tom Whyld is doing a great job with practices, team events, organization and leadership. I am looking forward to our first game at the swamp.”
men’s program fielded a development squad against Dawson College, making for a great day of rugby for both squads.
Additionally, despite having lost a talented graduating class, the women’s rugby squad remains hopeful about their future. Helen Stoney, a fourth year veteran on the women’s side, had this to say about the upcoming season: “After week one of preseason, I think it’s safe to say that we have a ton of potential for the season – despite having a young team. Our team has clicked both on and off the field and we are excited to make our mark on the RSEQ. As a 4th year, I have done a few preseasons, and it is clear this year that we are starting off with a lot of talent and drive. As our season comes closer, we are looking forward to sharpening our skills to prepare for our first game against Concordia!”
On September 1st, the women’s team kick off their season against Concordia, while the men take on Carleton on September 8th!
Photo courtesy of Mikayla Geraghty
The
Photo courtesy of Robert Sergant
Kitzan,
Gaiters home games 2024-25
FOOTBALL
STFX - August 31st (Sat) - 2:00PM
Acadia U - September 14 - 2:00PM
SMU- September 28 ( Sat) - 2:00PM homecoming
Mount allison U - October 25 (Fri) - 7:00PM
WOMENS HOCKEY
Concordia - October 27 (Sun) - 3:30PM
Montreal - November 8 (Fri) - 7:00PM
Montreal - November 17 (Sun) - 3:30PM
McGill - November 23 (Sat) - 3:30PM
Montreal - November 29 (Fri) - 7:30PM
McGill - January 12 (Sun) - 3:30PM
Montreal - January 19 (Sun) - 3:30PM
Concordia - January 26 (Sun) - 3:30PM
McGill - February 2 (Sun) - 3:30PM
Montreal - February 9 (Sun) - 3:30PM
MENS BASKETBALL
University of Ottawa - October 10 (Thu) - 8:00 PM
Ontario Tech - October 11 (Fri) - 4:00 PM
McGill University - November 21 (Thu) - 8:00 PM
Université du Québec à Montréal - November 28 (Thu) - 8:00 PM
Concordia University - November 30 (Sat) - 8:00 PM
Université du Québec à Montréal - January 18 (Sat) - 8:00 PM
McGill University - January 25 (Sat) - 8:00 PM
Université Laval - January 30 (Thu) - 8:00 PM
Concordia University - February 8 (Sat) - 8:00 PM
Université Laval - February 20 (Thu) - 8:00 PM
WOMENS BASKETBALL
Ontario Tech - October 10 (Thu) - 6:00 PM
McGill University - October 11 (Fri) - 2:00 PM
Université du Québec à Montréal - November 21 (Thu) - 6:00 PM
Concordia University - November 28 (Thu) - 6:00 PM
Université du Québec à Montréal - November 30 (Sat) - 6:00 PM
McGill University - January 18 (Sat) - 6:00 PM
Université Laval - January 25 (Sat) - 6:00 PM
Concordia University - January 30 (Thu) - 6:00 PM
Université Laval - February 8 (Sat) - 6:00 PM
Université Laval - February 20 (Thu) - 6:00 PM
WOMENS SOCCER
Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières - September 6 (Fri) - 7:00 PM
McGill University - September 13 (Fri) - 7:00 PM
Université de Montréal - September 27 (Fri) - 6:00 PM homecoming
Université Laval - September 29 (Sun) - 4:00 PM
Université du Québec à Montréal - October 6 (Sun) - 4:00 PM
Concordia University - October 11 (Fri) - 7:00 PM
Université de Sherbrooke - October 20 (Sun) - 4:00 PM
WOMENS RUGBY
Concordia University - September 1 (Sun) - 1:00 PM
Carleton University - September 8 (Sun) - 3:15 PM
McGill University - September 27 (Fri) - 8:15 PM homecoming
MENS RUGBY
Carleton University - September 8 (Sun) - 1:00 PM
McGill University - September 29 (Sun) - 1:00 PM
Concordia University - October 20 (Sun) - 1:00 PM
LACROSSE
University of Ottawa - September 7 (Sat) - 7:00 PM
Carleton University - September 14 (Sat) - 7:00 PM
Queen’s University - September 15 (Sun) - 1:00 PM
Trent University - September 22 (Sun) - 1:00 PM
McGill University - September 26 (Thu) - 8:30 PM homecoming
CUFLA Playoff Game - October 26 (Sat) time TBD
Photo courtesy of Robert Sergant
FEATURES
Katlyn Stoneburner, Features Editor » thecampus.features@gmail.com
Sleep your way to success: Why students need quality rest
By Katlyn Stoneburner –Features Editor
Starting another semester at Bishop’s—where deadlines loom and social opportunities abound— means sleep often becomes an afterthought. It is common to hear students bragging about pulling all-nighters or surviving on just a few hours of sleep. However, the importance of sleep cannot be overstated. The reality is that adequate sleep is not a luxury but a necessity for maintaining both mental and physical health, academic success and overall well-being.
The science behind sleep
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and Sleep Research Society (SRS), the recommended amount of sleep to achieve optimal health will vary across a lifespan with adults requiring between seven and nine hours of sleep. In the joint statement by the AASM and SRS, “young adults who slept less than seven hours were
more likely to report poor general health and low overall physical, and mental health-related qualityof-life measurements than those sleeping at least seven hours”.
During sleep, the brain processes and stores information gathered throughout the day, making it easier to recall and apply that knowledge later. Moreover, sleep helps regulate mood and stress levels. Lack of sleep has been linked to increased feelings of anxiety, depression and irritability—emotions that can severely affect a student’s ability to cope with the pressures of higher education. Physically, sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, reducing the risk of chronic conditions and supporting overall energy levels.
Academic performance and sleep
It is a common misconception that staying up late to cram for an exam will lead to better results. The opposite is true. Research published by the National Institutes of Health has shown that students who make a habit of sleeping better learned more deeply, having the ability to
connect new information with prior knowledge, comprehend larger-scale ideas while studying and seek out the implications of newly acquired information.
The social and emotional impact
This time at Bishop’s is not just about academics; it is also a time for building relationships and developing social skills. However, sleep deprivation can negatively affect these aspects of life as well. When you are sleepdeprived, you are more likely to be irritable, less patient and more prone to conflicts with friends, roommates or classmates. This can strain relationships and make it harder to form meaningful connections.
Furthermore, Columbia University department of psychiatry found that sleep disturbances were linked to higher levels of psychological distress. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of developing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Prioritizing sleep is a simple yet effective way to support mental health and emotional well-being.
Here are a few tips to creating healthy sleep habits:
1. Stick to a sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock and improves the quality of your sleep.
2. Create a relaxing bedtime routine: Engage in calming activities before bed, such as reading, listening to music or practicing mindfulness, to signal to your body that it is time to wind down.
3. Limit caffeine and screen time: Avoid consuming caffeine in the afternoon and reduce screen time before bed, as both can interfere with your ability to fall asleep.
4. Make your sleep environment comfortable: Ensure your sleeping area is conducive to rest—this means a comfortable mattress, a cool room and minimal noise and light.
Studying abroad: A daunting journey that which everyone deserves equitable access
By Virginia Rufina Marquez-Pacheco - contributor
Travelling abroad is an activity I had always imagined would take place after my studies. However, I discovered a couple of years ago that studying and travelling can go hand in hand. Studying abroad is a scary yet incredibly rewarding experience that more students should have access to.
To begin, I discovered that travelling and studying form an excellent pair. The act of studying is a set of activities and reflections taken with the goal of learning, like reading a book, taking a course, or doing an internship. When one tries to study, one needs to open one’s mind to a world of possibilities. The same is true when travelling. The traveller needs to be open-minded when going out into the world, at least if they aim to get the most out of their experience. Moreover, both the student and the traveller need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable and they both need to learn humility. Travelling and studying are activities that mutually reinforce each other’s ability to open a student-traveller’s mind and spirit. I can think of no better way to live up to Bishop’s motto: Recti cultus pectora roborant, or “sound learning strengthens the spirit.”
Individually, studying and travelling can be very stressful activities. Together, studying abroad can become overwhelming. Whether we like it or not, currently, studying abroad is a privilege that few students can enjoy. First, going abroad to study for a semester is a financial burden: not only is there a large cost, but you will likely be unable to work for the months that you are away. Luckily, there are governmental and university scholarships and bursaries that one could benefit from, though finding and applying to them usually takes some labour. Second, studying abroad can be a big mental strain, especially if you are neurodivergent like myself. Here, strong support networks and counselling services are key to ensuring your success abroad.
For those students without access to a strong support network, whether its family, friends, or professionals, mental wellbeing becomes another barrier. Both the financial and mental burdens of studying abroad rapidly become ingrained in the system, especially when considering the intersection of broader systemic issues within university systems. To offer students the best opportunity for “sound learning” by studying abroad, it is imperative that institutions create the material and social conditions necessary to their participation.
Studying abroad will always be a stressful activity, yet the benefits are enormous. Though it may sound like platitudes, studying abroad is truly a chance for self-discovery, and personal and professional development. I had the opportunity to study abroad twice—in Greece in the Spring 2023 semester and in Italy in the Spring 2024 semester. These trips were an opportunity for me to learn practical skills in archaeology - my preferred field of study - to be exposed to ancient material culture, and to learn foreign languages. For example, I was fortunate enough that I was able to visit the Vatican Museums and see one of the famed Fayum mummy portraits. Yet, the greatest benefits were my increase in confidence and the amazing people I got to meet along the way; people whom I would never have encountered had I not gone. Andrée Laroche, a fourth-year history student, participated in the Torre Mordillo Archaeological Project last summer. She enthusiastically claimed that it was a life-changing experience, writing that, “It sets you up to make lifelong friends, learn a language, and live some pretty crazy stuff you’ll look back on one day with wispy nostalgia. Personally, it’s given me a push to be more ambitious with my life goals.” While recognizing that there are many barriers to studying abroad, she believes that “it should be standard practice for undergraduate students to study abroad at some point in their degree.”
So, if you ever get the opportunity to go study abroad, I highly recommend that you take it; it will be a life-changing experience.
Photo courtesy of Virginia Rufina Marquez-Pacheco
Katlyn Stoneburner, Features Editor » thecampus.features@gmail.com
WE ARE HIRING
Staff Writer
Looking to push your writing skills to new limits? The staff writer position may be for you!
Staff writers are responsible for writing a minimum of one article per issue, and for helping recruit, retain, and raise awareness about The Campus.
Graphics Editor
Want to create art in a journalism setting? Do you enjoy collaborating with others? The graphics editor position may be for you!
The graphics editor is responsible for creating one humorous comic every other issue and graphics/illustrations to complement articles within the newspaper.
Send your CV, letter of intent, and artwork samples to thecampus.editor@gmail.com Deadline to apply Thursday, September 5
WANT TO WRITE FOR US?
Community contributors are paid a 25$ honorarium for each published piece. Articles submitted by Wednesday, Sep. 11 will be considered for our next issue. Students are encouraged to contact section editors before they start writing. Articles are 400-600 words, and must contain reliable sources.
Not sure how to write an article?
Reach out to a section editor and visit thebucampus.ca/article-guidelines/
Submissions to The Campus will be considered if they are received prior to the deadline at midnight on the Wednesday before the publication date. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit all submissions for length, style, accuracy and/or appropriateness. The editorial staff also reserves the right not to publish submissions, including assigned stories or solicited material.
ARTS & CULTURE
Abby Epstein, Arts & Culture Editor » thecampus.artsculture@gmail.com
The Eastern Townships art scene: Where creativity shines
By Christina Lépine - Staff Writer
When studying in the Eastern Townships, we are often told how beautiful the scenery is year-round, how fun it must be to spend time outdoors skiing, hiking, paddle boarding, and going on walks and how lovely it is as seasons change. We are indeed reputed for our stunning landscapes, but I recently discovered the wide arts scene in the townships. As I looked through different activities to diversify date nights with my partner and activities to do with friends, I stumbled upon various occupations to try while in the region. Here is a guide to discovering new art ventures in the townships.
Music festivals are very popular during the summertime as many travel around the country and the world to watch their favorite artists perform. A fun aspect of the Eastern Townships is the wide array of music festivals offering diversified programs showcasing local artists as well as renowned names. Sherblues & Folk, a music festival now free for all visitors, showcases many local artists each summer in downtown Sherbrooke. This festival represents a great option for students who reside in the area during the summer. A year ago, I had the pleasure of attending a Vance Joy concert as part of Sherblues & Folk with friends which now features as part of my favorite summer memories. A tradition for many townshippers, every summer, is to attend the Festival du Lac des Nations as the organizing committee surpasses itself every year with mesmerizing fireworks representations, drone showcases, amazing concerts for all ages, and fun kiosks regrouping small businesses, university recruiting teams, foundations, big businesses and more.
A great alternative to music festivals is attending
a concert taking place in the many concert halls of the region. A new concept that is gaining popularity around Canada is the Candlelight concerts featuring classical adaptations of popular artists and works. In September, there will be a classical adaptation of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons successes, and in October, a Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics is set to happen on the Bishop’s campus in Centennial Theatre. Other shows are also happening at the Centre Culturel de l’Université de Sherbrooke, both in French and English for music, comedy and theatre fanatics.
One activity I recommend to anyone spending some time in the Eastern Townships is booking an evening in Coaticook to experience Foresta Lumina. This year, the Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook celebrates its 10th season of Foresta Lumina, a creation transporting all visitors into a magical story orchestrated through a show of lights and music carefully chosen and placed around this hiking trail to create a visual spectacle for visitors. Lastly, the Eastern Townships are composed of many observatories for all constellation observers. L’ObservÉtoiles, situated at Glen Sutton in the Au Diable Vert complex, is produced in partnership with National Geographic to offer the experience of an augmented reality outdoor planetarium, narrated by astronomers. Visitors who attend the shows are seated at over 1,000 feet of altitude in a multilevel mountainside amphitheater which offers a cozy but impressive setting to observe the natural artworks of the night sky.
The art scene of the Eastern Townships is far more vibrant and diversified than most students and community members know and can imagine. Discovering these events and experiences allow us to immerse ourselves in all that the townships have to offer during our studies in the region.
Photo courtesy of Christina Lépine
Courtesy of Payton Langevin
The black girl urge
By Damita Melchi
The Black girl urge to loc my hair, adorn myself with noisy gold jewels, a symphony of defiance and grace.
The Black girl urge to fight oppression, defy stereotypes with every step, breaking chains and shattering ceilings.
The Black girl urge to be engulfed in incense, bathed in the fragrance of ancient wisdom, wrapped in the warm embrace of sultry neo-soul, melodies that tell my story.
The Black girl urge to dance under the moon, celebrating my blackness with every move, turning pain into poetry, struggles into music.
The Black girl urge to love fiercely, to nurture our communities with boundless compassion, to stand tall and unapologetic, to rise like the phoenix from the ashes, soaring high.
ARTS & CULTURE
Abby Epstein, Arts & Culture Editor » thecampus.artsculture@gmail.com
Watermelon in the mines
By Damita Melchi
From the river to the sea, Watermelon hung from the tree, We will be free.
One Congo and it silently wails, the west trembles because we awaken. Two children play amongst the rubble, their laughters turn to screams, t hey haunt us.
Three mothers mourn until morning, in Gaza’s alley they seek solace.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Irma Susset thecampus.editor@gmail.com
SENIOR COPY EDITOR
Olivia Norby thecampus.copyeditor@gmail.com
JUNIOR COPY EDITOR
Eryn Costello
LAYOUT EDITOR
Melanie Toppa thecampus.layout@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
PHOTOGRAPHER
NEWS EDITOR
Jillian French thecampus.news@gmail.com
OPINIONS EDITOR
ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS EDITOR
thecampus.businesseditor@gmail.com
Christina Lépine STAFF WRITERS thecampus.juniorcopyeditor@gmail.com
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Kai Luginbuhl thecampus.business@gmail.com
Kate Vandermeulen
Emily Crunican thecampus.photographers@gmail.com
GRAPHICS EDITOR
Payton Langevin
Angus Whyte thecampus.associateeditor@gmail.com graphicseditor.thecampus@gmail.com
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Halle Brindley
thecampus.opinions@gmail.com
FEATURES EDITOR
Katlyn Stoneburner
thecampus.features@gmail.com
SPORTS EDITOR
Owen Kitzan
thecampus.sports@gmail.com
ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR
Abby Epstein
thecampus.artsculture@gmail.com
THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS:
Virginia Rufina Marquez-Pacheco
Damita Melchi
Ilona Plat
Rachel Gold
Joseph Aubert @thebishopscampus Instagram
Julie-Ann Vollant
Megane Masson
Sara Di Girolamo
Courtesy of Payton Langevin
ECONOMICS & BUSINESS
Joseph Aubert, Economics & Business Editor » thecampus.businesseditor@gmail.com
Tuition hikes in Quebec: A new reality for out-of-province students
By Owen Grand - Contributor
Tuition hikes in Quebec: A new reality for out-of-province students
Owen Grand - Contributor
As students return to classes, Quebec’s new tuition hikes for outof-province students are a significant topic of discussion. The provincial government has raised tuition fees from around $9,000 to over $12,000 per year - a 33 per cent increase for new out-of-province students. This move is part of a plan to balance the funding between French-speaking and English-speaking universities in the province.
The government argues that English-speaking institutions, which attract more out-of-province students, have been receiving a disproportionate amount of funding, especially since many of these students leave Quebec after graduating. By increasing tuition fees, the government aims to reduce its financial support for these schools and redirect more resources to French-speaking universities, which are seen as crucial for preserving the French language and culture in
Quebec.
This change has significant financial implications, particularly for major institutions like McGill University and Concordia University, which rely heavily on out-of-province students for income. McGill, for example, could face serious financial challenges if fewer out-of-province students apply. This could hurt the university’s budget, making it more difficult to fund important initiatives such as research, faculty salaries and student services. Concordia may encounter similar issues, with potential budget cuts affecting academic programs, extracurricular activities, and support services that are vital to student success.
On the other hand, Bishop’s University is exempt from these tuition hikes, making it a more appealing option for incoming students. This exemption could present a big financial opportunity for Bishop’s. An increase in the enrolment of outof-province students could generate an additional $2 million to $3 million annually for the university. These funds could potentially be used to improve campus facilities, expand academic programs, hire additional faculty, or enhance student services.
These improvements would not only benefit current and future students, but also help Bishop’s in remaining competitive in attracting top students from across Canada.
As these tuition hikes take effect, the impact on Quebec’s universities will become clearer. While Bishop’s may see positive changes, other
schools may face tough challenges. The long-term effects of these policies will shape the future of higher education in Quebec, potentially leading to shifts in where students choose to study and how universities manage their budgets.
Owen Grand is part of the BU Investment Club.
The Impacts of Artificial Intelligence and financial uncertainty on the evolution of risk management: Implications for university students
By Jack Aitken - Contributor
The Impacts of Artificial Intelligence and financial uncertainty on the evolution of risk management: Implications for university students
Jack Aitken - Contributor
Risk management first emerged as a concept to help avoid unfavorable outcomes by weighing risks against rewards. Once primarily associated with the financial industry, particularly with the stock market, it has become a crucial part of most business fields. With the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the fluctuation of global markets, risk management is continuously being redefinedthis has the potential to impact a large number of current, as well as future university students.
Before the introduction of AI, risk management relied heavily on historical data, statistical models, and human experience to predict losses and instabilities. However, this reactive approach often proved to be insufficient, posing a massive problem for financial corporations, big data companies, and governments. In response to this problem, many institutions decided to adopt a proactive approach instead of a reactive one.
AI was introduced to risk management to accomplish tasks that
humans could not. By developing AI programs and algorithms specific to their needs, companies gained the ability to analyze vast amounts of data in real-time, identify patterns, and predict potential risks with greater accuracy. The evolution of task automation has never been as critical as it is now, as industry leaders strive to develop better programs to gain a competitive advantage in the market.
Despite the significant impact of AI, financial uncertainty often overshadows its role in the evolution of risk management. Shifting politics, global pandemics, wars, and other factors all affect the global economic environment. The economic stability that existed in the years prior to the 2008 financial crisis is a distant memory, necessitating changes in how risk management is assessed.
For students, financial uncertainty is not a positive development. It could lead to an economic downturn, affecting job prospects and the quality of education available amid budget cuts. However, students can use the importance of risk management to their advantage.
The development of modern risk management - driven by AI and financial uncertainty - could significantly affect students in the future. For those who can understand and manipulate modern
risk assessment tools, numerous prosperous job opportunities await after graduation.
It is also important to understand how risk management impacts students in the present. Many institutions now use AI technology to fast-track the job application process. AI scans candidates’ résumés to see if they possess the key skills sought by employers. If not, the résumé is typically discarded, saving companies money, time, and
human capital that can be redirected elsewhere.
In the ever-changing economic climate we live in, and with the constant progression of AI, the notion of risk management has remained the same, but the way we evaluate it has been completely altered. If students can adapt to this new environment and its inevitable changes, understanding risk management can become a tool for success in their personal careers.
This image was created with artificial intelligence
Photo courtesy of Emily Crunican