Bishop’s awarded a bike-friendly campus
Bishop’s University obtained a VéloSympathique certification on Jan. 18, after a year-long journey spearheaded by the Sustainable Development Office. Sonia Patenaude, Manager of Communications, welcomed a modest crowd surrounding the gazebo before Isabelle Goyette, the Vice-Principal Finance and Administration, introduced the certification’s connection to Bishop’s 2020-2024 sustainable development plan. Becoming a bike-friendly campus was in line with the plan’s four main priorities: operating Bishop’s in a more ecological and responsible manner, engaging the community in improving its sustainable performance, using education and research to instill curiosity in sustainable development, and promoting the wellbeing of the community through sustainable initiatives.
Magali Bebrone, a representative from Vélo Québec, then formally announced that Bishop’s University had been given the Bronze award in becoming a bike-friendly campus. The award was deserved because of a commitment to promoting bikes as “a viable mobility option” on-campus, Bebrone said. “This program is more than an award. It is a continuous process of spreading biking culture across Québec,” she said of VéloSympathique. Bishop’s is now one of 27 campuses across the province who have been certified under the program, Bebrone added. She clarified that these awards are given by an independent panel of judges who assess each organization, city, or campus by five pillars: environment, education, encouragement, evaluation and planning, and equity.
When asked about the challenges a small versus large campus faces in obtaining a VéloSympathique certification, Bebrone spoke about how judging processes were complex, “taking into account each campus’ reality,’’ such as by factoring in how many people might be coming to campus from much further distances. The judging tends to place a strong emphasis on the pillar of ‘environment’, looking at elements such as how many bike racks there were and whether there were showers for commuters or lockers for bikers. Laurence Williams, the Sustainable Development Advisor, later mentioned that improving infrastructure was one of the main focuses for the Bishop’s Sustainable
Development Office in the last year –the office sent out a survey last year collecting feedback on where bike racks were most needed on campus. Their office has an updated list of racks that can be found on an interactive map under their page on the Bishop’s website.
However, material infrastructure is only part of the equation– other pillars target cycling culture, and that is where Vélo Québec representative Louis Lalonde jumped in with “because Bishop’s is smaller, it is more agile.” He suggested that the sense of community here helps with building cycling culture, pointing out the number of people who were attracted by the press conference itself. “Bishop’s is tightly knit as a community,” he observed, “just because a school is smaller, that doesn’t mean it can’t build culture.” Williams suggested that Bishop’s small size made it easier to nudge “collective change.” One of the highlights of this certification process was seeing the amount of bikers on campus, and
knowing that “people are willing to make the shift.” She recalled work done during the national biking month of May to incentivise biking to campus and the free bike mechanic kiosk that had been offered in September.
When asked about the next steps after the certification, Williams said that “for sure” the Sustainable Development Office would be working towards a silver and gold certification. She recalled the transportation survey conducted the school year prior, which had found that on average roughly 10 per cent of people at Bishop’s cycle to campus in the summer, and 3 per cent do in the winter. As a winter biker for 10-15 years now, Williams sees a future for winter biking despite those numbers – but points out that “it’s really a matter of city infrastructure” of safe bike lanes that will push the transition. Furthermore, while that 3 per cent of winter bikers may ring low, for her it proves that the work they have been doing has touched the community.
Opulent observations: Karaoke night at the Gait
Acold night landscape on the eve of stress, wind blowing and carrying flurries of snow along half-cracked roads, students drifted along the various walkways, roads, and desire paths that serve as the arteries that connect the various buildings that serve as the organs of the university. This bleak plain, however, did not creep into the hearts of students as they walked to their favorite local watering hole for an evening of untold revelry.
On Tuesday, Jan. 17, I had the pleasure of attending Residence Life’s karaoke night at the Gait with several of my friends. While the night began slowly, the event beginning at 6 p.m., people steadily trickled in and sang their songs of choice, all the while cheering their peers on. From the Beatles to Nirvana, the dim room was saturated with the sounds of delight and risk-taking. Those not looking to sing
or dance congregated around the pool table, which was surrounded for the entirety of the night by both players and onlookers. Bartenders, administration, students, and RAs displayed their various aptitudes at singing, to the immense pleasure of the customers.
For those brave enough to step forth and try their hand at singing, a sticky floor and two microphones awaited. The low lights and myriad of smells disarmed brave singers and created an intimate and friendly environment. While there were gaps in songs at the beginning, after friends began to dare one another in exchange for drinks, a long line quickly formed, with interested parties submitting song requests on paper slips brought to the DJ at the front of the room. While the bar began empty, within the better part of two hours it was quickly full of frigid students seeking refuge from the cold in the form of drinks and laughter.
Along with the classic karaoke
sing-along songs and punk rock anthems, several talented singers performed songs like the Beatles’ “Blackbird,” “Hey there Delilah” by the Plain White T’s, and Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie.” This event, one of the first hosted by Residence Life this semester, was undoubtedly successful and demands an increase in the frequency of residence events in casual venues like the Gait.
While this event was likely conceived as a simple night of fun, it does herald in the new semester with a hopeful view on art at Bishop’s. In the late phases of the fall semester, similar events, hosted in Paterson Assembly Hall and the Art Lab, offered a venue for amateur artists to try their hand at creating visual art. Karaoke night will hopefully be the first of many opportunities this semester for upcoming artists to further hone their skills, growing the burgeoning creative scene at Bishop’s.
Open positions on the Board of
Student Representatives
AsBishop’s students acclimatize to the winter semester, on-campus events and opportunities are opening up. January marks a time of many deadlines for applications for extracurricular and student government positions. In the last week of January, the deadline for the B.E.S.T Project Fund and two positions on the SRC Board of Student Representatives (BSR) have passed. As working students who were well-established on campus have graduated or retired from their positions, a plethora of leadership opportunities have become available to the general student body. These positions are typically posted on the SRC’s Instagram and Facebook pages, as well as emailed to the student body and posted on the SRC website.
Several emails have recently been sent to student accounts, encouraging members of the student body to apply for several open positions on the BSR. Most recently, the SRC was hiring for the positions of Equity Representative and Vice President of Student Life, the deadline for applications having passed on Jan. 25. Interested candidates were instructed to send a letter
of intent or 250-word candidate statement, and will be interviewed by the hiring committee in the near future. Successful applicants will begin their positions at the BSR meeting on Monday, Jan. 30.
The chosen Equity Representative will be paid an honorarium of $260 for approximately 5-10 hours per week of work between Feb. 1 and April 30. The VP of Student Life will be paid $5,000 total in bi-weekly increments for 25 hours a week of work between the same time frame. Applicants can be full- or part-time students at Bishop’s, and those who are interested in the VP Position
Eva Rachert- News Editormust also be present on campus between May 1, 2022, and April 30, 2023.
The VP will be a voting member on several SRC and university committees, and assign student representatives to sit on other university committees. The Equity Representative, while not expected to participate in committees to the same extent, will be expected to attend committees as asked, co-chair the SRC Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee and may be expected to sit on university hiring committees. While these are the first openings on the BSR this semester,
in the fall semester, after the election period, the BSR sent out emails regarding openings in the positions of School of Education Student Senator, On-Campus Representative, Graduate Student Senator, and Humanities Academic Senator. Only 23 per cent of students participated in the student elections at the beginning of the academic year. With the elections for the 2023-2024 Executive Team on the horizon in February, the SRC will have another opportunity to engage the student population and examine voting turnout.
A lack of variety in dining options on campus
Bea Rouse - ContributorOn the Bishop’s campus, the company of Sodexo reigns supreme as the primary provider of food options for students and staff. Excluding only the Tim Horton’s in the Sports Plex, Sodexo is responsible for food in the Purple Pod, Dewhurst Dining Hall, the Library Café, the Bus Stop Café and catering for campus events. If someone wants to eat on campus, they are nearly guaranteed to be ordering from one of the Sodexorun food options. Students in any of the traditional- or bog-style residences are also required to be on the meal plan for the duration of their time in residence, providing them a streamline to the oncampus dining options.
The Sodexo website promotes their sustainability and communitycentered focus, proclaiming that they provide food services in 56 countries. Despite this, Dewies’ offerings for allergies or alternate diets are often complained about
as severely limited — students with dietary restrictions can find themselves struggling to feed themselves on-campus.
The Bus Stop Café runs out of food options extremely quickly in the morning rush, and has only half a dozen seats. The Library Café, which was re-opened this year after being closed for much of the previous year under covid-19 restrictions, is similarly understocked. It rarely has the products on its menu, running out of staples like bread. The Purple Pod, which is relatively new to campus, offers little in the way of healthy food. The majority of the menu items are deep-fried, and students are not able to order from the cold food section if using the meal plan to pay. The Purple Pod does have smoothies, but they are extremely sugary, and count more as dessert than healthy. Dewies, the main dining option for students in residence, has had a troubled history of food poisoning,
especially for those with food allergies in quarantine during the pandemic. In addition to this, in 2017, students had the misfortune of finding a dead mouse in the spinach container of the stir fry bar. Beyond the lack of diversity amongst the food options on campus, students looking for a late-night snack are out of luck. The Purple Pod, the campus dining option that is open the latest, closes at 11 p.m. Late night Dewies, which students who attended Bishop’s pre-pandemic will recall, is a thing of the past, now replaced by the Purple Pod, which closes several hours earlier, is not self-serve, and is not fully covered by the meal plan. Tim Hortons closes between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. and the Library Café and Bus Stop Café are closed on weekends.
In the past, before the pandemic, the campus had a Quiznos, the Gaiter Grill, and a smoothie bar. Adding more variety – more healthy options and options
inclusive to those with allergies and dietary restrictions — is something Bishop’s should strive for in order to provide students in residence with a better experience.
OPINIONS
Colin Ahern, Opinions Editor » thecampus.opinions@gmail.comI don’t know how to celebrate Lunar New Year
Gabrielle Liu - Junior Copy EditorIn my culture, adults give hong bao, red envelopes with cash, to younger family members during Lunar New Year. It symbolizes elders passing blessings and wealth on to younger generations, preparing them for the future. I wonder what kind of future that is.
I wonder what it means to be Asian in majority white spaces “post” pandemic. Despite the pandemic’s lengthy duration, a few years is a short time to process the violence we now know can arise from the more common micro-aggressions, ignorance, and disdain we have experienced in our day-to-day lives. Having conversations about racism is awkward because entrenched racism affects other minorities to a deeper extent and the model minority myth has designated East Asians a status where they’re neither fully accepted nor rejected in majority white spaces. One thing is clear, however: we should acknowledge that Asian racism sits within a context of white supremacy, genocide, and ongoing violence against Indigenous and Black people on the continent – this
is the responsible way forward.
According to Statistics Canada, reported hate crimes against East or Southeast Asians rose by 301 per cent in 2020. Similarly, in 2021, there was a targeted shooting in Atlanta killing six women of Asian descent and in 2023 a university student was repeatedly stabbed on a bus for being Chinese. One Canadian youth reported that their principal allegedly said “my ‘kind’ was not the one that started the virus” when asked to put on a mask. These are only a handful of accounts.
And, Lunar New Year – in all its joy, food, and tradition – cannot shelter us from this reality. Eleven more people have died in a shooting during a Lunar New Year celebration at Monterey Park, L.A.
We live in a culture of invisibility and constant messaging not to subvert order. I was taught not to draw attention to oneself, not to speak up, to listen and learn from authorities and from elders. Deference and “hunkering down and moving on” is typical in many Asian cultures, compounding the resistance to speaking out lest we sacrifice the white man’s favour. Apart from some current privileges we hold, I think
that is why we rarely examine Asian discrimination in North America, and why there is no Asian student association at Bishop’s. Last year, I did not even mark Lunar New Year on my calendar. It was my non- Asian friends who invited me over to make dumplings. This year, we did so once again.
The dumplings we made looked more like xiao long bao rather than jiaozi, but they warmed and ached my heart at once. The experience left me wondering when and how we, as an Asian community, can begin talking about the toll these last few years have had on us.
Having AI write your essay is not the flex you think it is
Theadvancement of artificial intelligence has caused controversy in many areas, from AI making art based from existing works to AI that can write full essays. ChatGPT is an AI chatbot that was launched at the end of 2022 and has recently garnered lots of attention from educators since it allows users to create essays written as if done by students. It is also very accessible to students as it is a free program.
The reaction to ChatGPT has been varied. Some educators and educational institutions seek to ban the program, as it can be used to cheat. Submitting an essay written by an AI program for grades and credits is a form of plagiarism, since it is not content written by the person turning it in. Programs are being developed in response that would have the ability to check if a piece was written by AI, similar to the existing programs that check if pieces are plagiarized from sources online. Others view it as a tool, and are finding ways to show students how to utilize it positively, creating boundaries so that students still create their own work.
While the pandemic and online learning saw a shift to take-home exams and essays as opposed to inperson timed exams, the existence of an AI program that can write a student’s final exam in a mere fraction of the time may lead to a turn back
to in-person or proctored exams. Educators that use the program seek to introduce students to technology that they will likely interact with in the workplace. Educators who ban the program fear students cutting corners and cheating.
Since the pandemic, students have been feeling overwhelmed, drained, and fatigued in many ways. The idea of being able to create an essay using AI to save time and stress while still getting a decent grade feels really attractive.
Even without considering the use of AI plagiarism, there are important reasons why students need to resist the temptation to let ChatGPT boost assignments. In the end, copying an essay from a friend or an AI amounts to the same thing: no engagement with the material and not learning the lesson the assignment was meant to be about. The purpose of higher education is to learn the process of gaining knowledge, rather than a diploma. The essay format involves engagement with course material while developing and defending opinions through research. Cutting corners with ChatGPT robs the student of class lessons and the skills necessary to think for oneself.
There are useful and positive ways to use AI tools to enhance learning and engage deeper with material being presented, but having ChatGPT give you a completed essay to turn in is certainly not one of them.
“post-pandemic”Photo Courtesy of Gabrielle Liu Colin Ahern, Opinions Editor » thecampus.opinions@gmail.com
Lack of engagement with the B.E.ST. scholars’ fund
on campus
The Bishop’s Exceptional Student Talent Project Fund (B.E.S.T Project Fund) was created in 2010 after an anonymous donor and Bishop’s graduate contacted the school to establish the fund. It is intended to provide students with the opportunity to attend conferences, take on internships, and further their careers, providing them with mentorships in the school and monetary support for travel, program, and living expenses. It is a scholarship unique to Bishop’s, relying on the already-established rapport between students and professors to help students make connections in their chosen field while still completing their undergraduate degree.
Several emails about the B.E.S.T. Project Fund have recently been sent to the student body, providing information about the total amounts that students are eligible for, encouraging interested students to reach out to past recipients of the Fund, as well as what is required of applicants. Individual applicants are eligible for up to $7,000, with $42,000 being allocated annually to successful proposals.
Interested students are encouraged to apply, and their proposals are reviewed by a selection committee composed of administrative and academic staff. The initial application requires that students
have at least a 70 per cent cumulative average and full-time student status at Bishop’s. Student proposals are required to include a proposed timeline for their project, an approximate amount of money needed, the usage for the funds — suggested to be either travel, room and board, insurance, or supplies needed for work – the goal of the project, and an explanation of how the project will assist the student in achieving overarching career connections.
The application deadline recently passed on Jan. 23,. However, as with proposals for Arts Fest, submissions for the Mitre, and hiring positions for Residence Assistants, the deadline is being extended, suggesting that the number of applications was lower than expected. A dearth of applications for the Fund is indicative of a wider lack of engagement on campus with opportunities offered to students. The opportunities that are supposed to make the Bishop’s experience beneficial to students have been struggling in popularity since covid-19 hit the campus in 2020. While enrollment has increased, this is not reflected in the student body’s academic engagement.
Students are encouraged to apply for the B.E.S.T Project Fund, since the deadline has been extended to provide another opportunity for those who were unaware of the Fund. In order for the
Eva Rachert - News Editorcampus to heal from the disruption of the pandemic, students will need to reconnect with the academic opportunities that Bishop’s offers.
Delaying Survive the Gait
have exams but rather final essays instead.
OnJan. 17, Survive
the Gait was postponed from its original date, Jan. 21, to March 18.
This delay, while entirely understandable based on the cause, has pushed Survive the Gait to a tumultuous time in the semester. Now, Survive the Gait will occur from March 18-23, just a little more than two weeks before the end of classes. This places a greater strain on students who have exams closer to the final day of classes. By having Survive the Gait so close to the final day of classes, students have less time during a pivotal point in the semester to prepare for exams. For students in the humanities, this date is largely inconsequential, since they are less likely to
It must be said, however, that there is not a clear alternative that works better than the dates presented. An earlier week would overlap with midterms, and a later week would be even more overbearing on the exam period. Overlapping with the March break does provide an opportunity for a week that does not explicitly overlap with class. However, this does not account for any assignments due after March break. It would involve weaker engagement from the student population (since many students will be off campus), and if the contestants do not need to attend class it compromises the difficulty of the competition.
As a potential contestant, I believe that the choice of dates
seems reasonable due to how busy the semester gets after March break. Yet, this schedule does feel slightly imbalanced in favor of liberal arts students. My own semester has few exams so it does feel like I have a leg up over any contestants in STEM.
One glowing positive that comes from this delay is more favora ble weather for potential outdoor competitions. For the previous edition of Survive the Gait, found on YouTube, there were some challenges that were particularly brutal due to weather conditions. Laying in the snow and the scavenger hunt were far more challenging as a result of the cold. The presence of warmer weather might bring a more diverse group of challenges.
I believe that this change in
date is the best choice as a result of the more versatile weather as well as the most forgiving week possible for students. While it obviously favors students in the humanities, this seems to be the most equitable date available before the end of the semester.
is indicative of a disconnect
Gaiters captain Théorêt brings home gold
Owen Kitzan - Sports EditorThechance to represent your country on a world stage is something nearly every kid dreams of. We have watched moments such as Sidney Crosby’s golden goal in 2010 or the recent World Cup win for Argentina bring whole nations together. This past weekend, that is exactly what one of Bishop’s very own athletes got a chance to experience. Star defence for the Gaiters hockey team, Marie-Camille Théorêt brought back gold from her time in Lake Placid representing Team Canada at the FISU World University Games.
Théorêt has been outstanding from the beginning of the year, posting 11 points in 15 games in U-sports play this year, something that certainly factored into her selection. The Gaiters captain joined Canada’s roster for the tournament as one of only nineteen skaters out of all of U-sports women’s hockey, seven of those being defence. She played an integral role in helping lead Team Canada to a first place finish, which saw her and her teammates awarded with gold medals. The 23-year-old defender recorded an impressive 3 goals and 5 points in 7 games from the point, including goals against Czechia, Japan and Great Britain in a three-game goal streak.
The Canadian side went undefeated with a 7-0-0 record in Lake Placid and Théorêt proved to be an important cog in the machine en route to Canada’s thumping of the tournament. They won
every game by a score of 4 or more goals, barring one narrow 2-1 victory over the United States roster. Canada’s defence was the focal point of their tournament, despite posting 31 goals in 7 games, they only allowed 2 goals in the same time period. This success can be attributed to
the stellar play of the d-core, including Théorêt, as well as the team’s goaltending.
Théorêt got a chance to fulfil a lifelong dream with her selection to Team Canada for the FISU University Games and came away a champion with memories to last a lifetime. On top of that,
BU women’s hockey busy weekend
TheGaiters women’s hockey team had a busy weekend. They began Friday, Jan. 20, with a local game against the Concordia Stingers at the Jane and Eric Molson Arena. Unfortunately, your Gaiters fell short to the powerful Stingers in a 4-1 loss.
Mackenzie Borgfjord buried the only Gaiters goal. Gabriella Goodall and Justine Turcotte picked up an assist on the goal. The Bishop’s goalie turned away 21 of 24 shots. The Gaiters were in it until the end but the Stingers added one empty net goal in the final minutes, putting the game out of reach.
Your Gaiters looked to snap their three game drought on the road against the McGill Martlets. The Gaiters did not waste any time. They quickly put Friday’s loss behind
them and Maude Pépin and Majorie Bolduc scored a pair of goals in the first period. Neleh Vigneau Sargeant found the back of the net with three seconds left in the second period to make it a 3-0 game going into the third. The women picked up where they left off in the third, adding three goals to the scoreboard thanks to Regan Garreau, Ella Watson, and Neleh Vigneau Sargeant. In net, Charley Wing’s wonderful performance kept the Martlets to only one goal, since she turned away 22 shots.
Marie-Camille Théorêt, the team’s captain, was named Athlete of the Week, due to Théorêt representing Canada at the World University Games. Her 5 points helped push Canada to a gold medal. Marie-Camille Théorêt made it back for the game against McGill where she recorded an assist in the win. The
captain will look to ride the momentum for the team’s last seven regular season games. The Gaiters have yet another big weekend ahead of them. This time around, the team will be facing Université de Montréal’s Carabins at 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan 27, at home. On Sunday, Jan. 29, the women play the University of Ottawa Gee-Gee’s at 3:30 p.m., at the Jane and Eric Molson Arena.
she proved that dreams are achievable if you put in the time and effort necessary to propel yourself to the top. All of the Bishop’s community wishes to congratulate Marie-Camille Théorêt on her gold medal and wish her the best with her upcoming semester.
BU Snow rail jam at Optimist Park
Kieran Pike - ContributorLastSaturday, Jan. 21, was an unforgettable day as the Bishop’s University Ski Club hosted a fantastic rail jam beside Optimist Park. Many people showed up and joined in, taking on some big rails and even bigger falls. The rail jam included great music, barbeque provided by the BU Snow executive team, Red Bull representation, and a lot of great memories with new bonds made between new friends as the Bishop’s ski community got to interact with each other for the first time this season.
This session was a great warmup for the contestants looking to participate in the annual Winterfest rail jam and gave them a slight look at
what type of features may be present during the competition. There will be a lot of runs to come up with creative new tricks that will impress the judges on Feb. 11. Many skiers ranging from beginners to almost expert were present on the hill taking their best shots at hitting a rail or spicing it up with a little more flare. Cheers could be heard ringing throughout the crowd, with friends gathering and getting a chance to watch people achieve a level of skiing that they may not be capable of themselves.
The executive team of the Ski Club took this as an opportunity to introduce themselves and meet the community as well as gather information about what the ski community
Bishop’s goes 3-1 vs. Concordia
Coming off last weekend’s tough losses, both teams came up short by just a few points. The Gaiters entered the new week with a bitter taste in their mouths, hungry and motivated to get back in the winning column. The game against the Concordia Stingers was set to be a prime opportunity to regain some confidence and momentum, since each game becomes more critical heading towards the playoffs.
For the women, this was a chance to remind the league of their ability to dominate, and for the men, to show that although they got off to a slow start, they are more than capable of making some noise in the second half of the season.
Thursday, in the first matchup of the two-game series, the game got off to a slow start, both teams struggling to find the bottom of the basket. After the first quarter it seemed as if the tale of the tape would be a scrappy and defensive battle. Though, as the game transpired, both teams picked up the pace and found their offensive groove going into the half with Concordia leading only 2928.
The Stingers started the second half ferociously, gaining a considerable lead in the third quarter, at one point leading by as much as 10 points. Despite this, the Gaiters’ energy and focus never wavered.
The women stayed locked in and took control of the game down the stretch, outscoring the Stingers by 10 in the final period and escaping with a 4-point win. Amaiquen Siciliano and Jael Kabunda provided the majority of the scoring, combining for 50 points on efficient shooting at all three levels. Jennifer Louis and Katerina Stoupas both contributed strong efforts as well, both nearing double-doubles.
The men followed at 8 p.m., eager to leave Montreal with two wins for the programs. The boys started the first half slow and were out-competed by a poised Concordia team, strong contenders in Quebec in the season so far. Going into the second half down 12, the Gaiters needed to take control, and quickly.
They entered the second half with urgency, attention to detail, and a doglike mentality that took the Stingers by surprise, turning the game around with speed and efficiency. Bishop’s took the lead late in the final period of regulation, and in the last seconds were able to get a critical stop to force overtime. The following events were as unexpected as ever.
The game saw three overtime periods, a rarity in any sport and certainly the criteria for a suspenseful and exciting match the whole way through.
Key plays included a big-time shot by Zachary John to force the second overtime. This shot, as well as
timely baskets and lock-down defense down the stretch by Carl Dubois, solidified the win for the Gaiters by a final score of 98-94.
Head Coach Matt McLean said that the key to turning the game around was “to get back to what we do best: battling for rebounds, competing on defense, and getting the ball inside.” Charles Robert had a career-high 36 points and 15 rebounds, playing the entire game and registering an unheard-of 55 minutes of playing time. Étienne Gagnon was also a big player with 17 points and 14 rebounds.
In the second game of the week’s series, Concordia’s women arrived in Lennoxville with chips on their shoulders. The Gaiters, unsure of what hit them, found themselves in a 26-point deficit, struggling to finish and hit shots that they have become accustomed to hitting.
A strong response in the third quarter held the Stingers to just 2 points, and continued control for the rest of the game, but it still was not enough to come back. The Gaiters came up just 4 points short of coming out with a win despite a valiant effort, and big rebounding performances from Jael Kabunda (23 points and 13 rebounds), and Katerina Stoupas (11 points and 10 rebounds). The women finished the week 1-1, now 7-2 on the regular season, and ranked ninth nationally.
here at Bishop’s wants. The club spoke to everyone about upcoming events and surprised the crowd with unveiling new merchandise. This gave the spectators and participants a chance to get their hands on some new and exclusive BU Snow merch.
Those who were not able to attend lost out on the opportunity to buy this round of merchandise, but stay tuned for the new merch coming your way during the Winterfest festivities. Also, remember to check up on the BU Snow socials (@ bu_snow), as well as the SRC socials (@bu_src) on Instagram for news on this year’s Winterfest on Feb. 11 and other upcoming events throughout the semester.
The men, eager to prove themselves once again, playing with no time to waste, took control from the tip and found themselves in the second quarter with an 11-point lead. Feeding off the home crowd’s energy, which continued to stoke the fire, they extended the lead to 21 points entering the fourth. Some late mistakes in the final minutes during a last-ditch push by Concordia had the Gaiters on their heels, but the large lead they had held the entire game gave them the cushion and breathing room to cruise to victory, giving them their second win in a row. Zachary John distributed the ball well, totaling nine assists in the game. Charles and Étienne combined for 42 points and 22 rebounds. The pair are proving to become a frontcourt to be reckoned with and look to keep their hot streak going into an important matchup Saturday, Jan. 28 against Laval in Mitchell Gym.
Studying abroad: Participating in the International Mobility Program
Christina Lépine - Features EditorDuringthe fall semester, the International Mobility Program held an information session online on Nov. 15 and in Cleghorn on Dec. 5 to offer more information to students interested in studying abroad for one or two semesters. Throughout these information sessions, students interested in participating could ask questions and receive information on the selection process and the funding needed, among other topics.
Chloé Rouleau, pursuing a mathematics major at Bishop’s, mentioned she decided to participate in this program to spend a semester in Australia, since she has a passion for travelling and she would like to experience another education system that differs from her experience studying in Sherbrooke. Rouleau mentioned she had been interested in participating in the student exchange before going to the information sessions, but attending these meetings permitted
her to answer questions she had not thought of but that other students asked. She wishes to develop her sense of autonomy and to make new friends abroad.
Fabrice Blais-Savoie, pursuing an honours in international studies and a minor in political studies, mentioned: “Learning international studies from one university, in one country, is limiting oneself to a narrow understanding of the field. The exchange semester will allow me to gather knowledge from a different perspective. It will allow me to truly immerse myself in the European systems of governance and be much closer to the historic core of this field.” He is excited to study abroad since “the exchange will allow me to experience varied perspectives afforded by the opportunity to learn from professors with distinct scholarly experience and who can share it from their unique cultural standpoint.”
When asked about the selection process to participate in the International
Mobility Program, Blais-Savoie answered: “You must be present at one information session and then fill out an online form. The form requires you to select three universities and rank them by preference. You then need to write a 400 word maximum essay for each, justifying your choice, and then select eight prospective classes for each university. These classes must be approved by your department chair to ensure that they can be credited to your Bishop’s degree. The form also requires you to write a 1000 word maximum essay justifying your decision to go on exchange.”
However, unlike Rouleau, Blais-Savoie’s desire to study abroad was more academic, since he must complete a student exchange as part of his honours degree. Nonetheless, he mentioned that the information session served “as a question-and-answer session so any worries that students might have can be assuaged by the international mobility advisor.”
Rare first editions of the Winter David
Library Learning Commons
Amajority of the Bishop’s University library is papered wall to wall with textbooks or dense nonfiction publications dealing with subjects ranging from coup d’états to theoretical physics to early childhood education. But did you know that it also houses an impressive fiction collection in a small section of the basement? I did not until I started throwing my favourite authors’ surnames into the online directory and a few popped up.
This is how I happened upon a stack of Cormac McCarthy novels, my first thought being: wow these look old! McCarthy is an eccentric writer, first published in 1965 and gaining fame in the 90s. I became enamoured with his descriptive prose and unorthodox style
when reading his 2006 Pulitzer Prize winning novel The Road. Here in the basement of the Library Learning Commons I spread out the half dozen or so books. The Orchard Keeper and Suttree looked especially old and worn. Turns out they are both the first editions of the hardcover publications.
Wow. These are some of McCarthy’s earliest works. The Orchard Keeper was his debut novel in 1965 and Suttree was published in 1979. Both came out when he was relatively unknown and therefore neither had large scale printings for their first editions (making this even more rare!).
I love that this means Bishop’s likely has had them since they came out. I love the thought that I am sitting here on campus analyzing the themes of a novel just like a student over 50 years before me did. Reading a physical copy that is so old
Rossiter - Contributormakes me romanticize the timelessness of this hobby.
Looking up the value of these editions for fun, I see that in certain conditions they could be quite expensive. In perfect condition and with a nice dust jacket (which none of the hardcover books in the library seem to have), these two novels are sometimes sold for a few thousand dollars each!
However, that is not super important to me, since I cannot keep my favourite books in that kind of condition for five years. How could people enjoy them for over 50 years and be expected to do the same?
What I think is cool is that this may be just the tip of the iceberg. What is the oldest original physical book in the Bishop’s University collection? What is the rarest? The most valuable?
Ways to break up the winter blues
Connor Kay - Staff WriterDuring the timeframe of seasonal depression which begins in the fall and lasts until the end of winter, students of Bishop’s University look to preserve their mental health and stability through a large selection of personal activities and hobbies.
A commonly known tactic in improving one’s mental health is listening or playing music. In saying this, Bishop’s will be hosting a concert by Duo MacDonald-Picard, a traveling pianist and guitarist set to perform Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. in Bandeen Hall, and George Canyon is set to perform on Feb. 20 in Centennial Theatre. In terms of playing music, the Golden Lion Pub hosts acoustic Tuesdays among other musically-cen-
tered events where people can dance and socialize.
Exercise is one of the most noteworthy aspects when relieving stress, making the Bishop’s Sports Centre a favored feature of the campus since it is backed with multiple gymnasiums including basketball, badminton, and volleyball courts within the facility; this also includes one of the most popular places in the complex, the weight rooms. Being able to care for one’s own body and be healthy boosts overall mood and reduces anxiety for those who pride themselves on taking advantage of the Sports Complex.
Though the programs and courses offered at Bishop’s students do a fair share of reading and writing, being
able to read for pleasure when time permits can be beneficial in breaking up the standard of having to read for academic purposes. Getting a break from academic reading offers the opportunity for students to enjoy personal selections of literature and not associate all literature with academia, thus making it more enjoyable in the long run. As for writing, students often use journal entries to unload stress in a fun and playful manner to reflect on one’s thoughts and document success and progression.
According to research done by York University, taking part in outdoor activities improves positive emotions and decreases anxiety, which is why club organizations such as BU Snow and the Outdoors Club bring a lot to the table.
To learn more about the International Mobility Program, you can participate in the next information session during the fall 2023 semester or reach out to the administrative team by emailing exchange@ubishops.ca
If you find this as interesting as I do, maybe you will search for your favourite authors in the fiction section and wonder how many decades of Bishop’s students have handled the same books as you.
The two clubs hold events throughout the year, most recently the cross-country skiing and snowshoe getaway at Mt. Megantic or the tailgate and rail jam as a way to break up the academics with leisure and fresh air.
An inside look at the new residence hall
The new, yet unnamed residence hall that has been in construction since May 2021 is now housing students for the first time. Featuring multiple common rooms, recreational spaces such as a yoga room, and design elements like floorto-ceiling glass, modern lighting, and exposed cement textures – it is quite the suave upgrade for students moving in from NoPo. According to first-year RAs Malika Bédard and Alice Roberts, NoPo students who were still on-campus on Dec. 19 started moving into the new residence before the break. The day before classes began, Jan. 10, was the other main move-in day, where moving services were available to assist students.
The main entrance features automatic doors into an intermediary lobby before a card reader is tapped to bypass a second set of doors. Multiple common-use and recreational rooms occupy the first floor. Immediately on the left hand side of the entrance is the pool table room. Bédard and Roberts wholeheartedly agreed that this was the most popular room of the residence. “Around 5 p.m., the same group of guys will be down here,” Roberts said, smiling. On the weekends, by 11 in the morning, people would fill the room. “People from all residences will be here. People will bring their friends over,” Roberts added.
Nearby is a yoga room – floor to ceiling windows, yoga mats rolled up in a box, and a hanging chair in a corner. It is still sparse in its first few weeks of use, but Bédard and Roberts mentioned that a massage chair and TV are supposed to arrive soon. Going one room down the hall, they pointed out the study room. Dividers separate the space into tucked-
in nooks for tables and chairs. “Views from the common rooms are amazing,” Bédard mentioned – the floor to ceiling windows are a front seat view to sunsets, and on upper floors, you can apparently see the Massawippi river from some bedrooms.
Moving down the hallway is what Roberts and Bédard called the hanging chair room. The clean white space and
students to bring their garbage bags. The waste facilities include compost bins, something Bédard noted they did not have in Munster.
Bédard and Roberts, who had been living in Munster last semester, praised the new residence’s improved accessibility. There is an elevator close to the entrance and almost all locks in the building function by card-tap.
The second floor and third floor is where all bedrooms are located. Its bogstyled rooms echoed Munster, Abbot, and Keuhner’s layout, but unlike these buildings, two bogmates share a common entrance that leads into a mini-foyer (for changing into shoes and jackets). The shower and toilet flank the two sides of the foyer instead of being a unified bathroom like in the other bog-styled apartments. Then, each student has their own door into their bedrooms from within the foyer, giving an added sense of privacy.
swaying chairs appear to offer a peaceful space to relax or read.
At the end of the building, a sprawling, spacious lounge with high ceilings and soft grey carpets is still midway in its furnishing, and comparable in size to Paterson Hall or MacKinnon’s first floor common room. Bédard and Roberts said this will eventually become a multipurpose room for conferences and meetings. The first floor also houses a common kitchen, which Bédard said residents have already begun getting comfortable with – especially during late hours – and a waste room for
Bédard found that this feature added a layer of hassle when doing RA rounds. If there was a student making noise, RAs can only knock on the door directly connected to the hallway, not the bedroom doors within the foyer. Bedrooms are comparable in size to other bog-styled halls, but feature noticeably higher ceilings.
Students go to the basement to use the laundry room and a storage room that can only be accessed upon request with security or the RAs. Inside are a few bikes, but the room can also keep sporting equipment like skis or hockey bags. Bédard thought this was an especially great perk for securing gear, since in other residence halls anyone could walk in and steal items from the storage space. A multimedia room and an adjacent
enclosed space are yet to be decorated, but according to Roberts, the Games Club will potentially begin meeting there soon.
Both Bédard and Roberts expressed that the rapid construction meant that the building still had its “quirks” to work through, and that many spaces were still not 100 per cent furnished. But overall, they had few complaints from the residents. “We’ve been here for just two weeks, but there’s already a sense of community,” Bédard said.
Health activists share Indigenous perspectives on
medical science
Wednesday’s lecture on health science from an Indigenous perspective opened with a greeting to the universe, mother earth, the moon, the sun, and all living beings. Spoken in Mohawk and translated to English, this greeting is traditionally performed every morning and encourages a worldview where human beings are part of a larger circle of life. The presenters, Alex McComber, Amelia Tekwatonti MacGregor, as well as MacGregor’s daughter, used this opening as a way of describing holistic science, medicine, and lifestyle.
This event, organized by the Indigenous Student Support Centre (ISSC) and the Dean of Science, shared some of the challenges facing Indigenous people in a colonized country, while also presenting an alternative way of looking at knowledge, nature, and power.
Knowledge can come from many sources, not just traditional education, and Indigenous scientific knowledge comes primarily from observation of nature. McComber described how European colonizers were not able to see harmony with nature as civilization because they associated progress with the exploitation of the natural world.
McComber and MacGregor are Kanien’keha:ka, known to Europeans as Mohawks, from Kahnawa:ke, an area on the south shore of the St. Lawrence that is now a First Nations reserve. They are both Bear Clan, a Clan commonly associated with medicinal knowledge, partly due to the story of bears sharing medicinal knowledge with humans. Now living in Montreal and teaching at McGill, McComber shared the difficulties of feeling close to nature in a busy urban environment, but also the benefit of cultivating a respect for nature in that
situation.
The presenters also spoke about the stress and the baggage caused by colonial systems that continue to affect Indigenous people. MacGregor shared that it is a part of her life to come to terms with those feelings, and it can cause anger, frustration, and sadness, which is something that non-Indigenous people can be aware of. The loss of community members to residential schools continues to cause incredible grief for the community. MacGregor urged the audience to be free from this baggage, whether Indigenous or European, but not to forget the story behind it.
McComber and MacGregor have both been involved with diabetes prevention programs, and MacGregor mentioned the “white sisters” or colonized food of flour, sugar, and salt that has infiltrated Indigenous diets and caused harm, as opposed to
the traditional three sisters of corn, squash, and beans. The speakers emphasized how health is more than the body, but has everything to do with broader systems and environments. The lecture ended by asking the students in the room to be caretakers of the future for the generations to come.
The lecture was preceded by a smaller event for faculty and advisors about how to best support Indigenous students. The ISSC, led by Vicki Boldo and Shawna Chatterton-Jerome, has an office in the bottom floor of Centennial and are available by email at indigenous@ubishops.ca
What is the value of a dollar?
Foreman Art Gallery’s new exhibition
Iwas intrigued by Foreman Art Gallery’s new exhibition “What is the value of a dollar?”, curated by Matthew Kyba. It will be displayed on campus from Jan. 20 to March 18. It showcases seven artists who examine capitalism and systems of oppression through a series of videos, collages, pictures, and murals.
When I entered the minimalist gallery, I was overwhelmed by the bright and colorful walls. On the righthand side of the room, there was a huge installation of a pink price ticket, created by Sean Weisgerber. “The series asserts and criticizes art’s contemporary and primary function as commodity, positioning the artist as the servant of the commercial art markets,” wrote Matthew Kyba in the exhibition’s pamphlet.
It was quite an ironic experience for me since, as editor of the arts and culture section for The Campus,
Lifespan of a Poem
Poems comefrom much deeper down. Like the well reaches through my heart, into the soft tissues of my body.
Poems make me stop to listenwhat is my soul saying today?
It says the magnolialeaf leaves traces even through winter; A thumbprint of life once vibrant and seenLike me.
My words, they come and they go, but leave a small mark in the mud saying, “I was here!”
Because although snow piles on the magnolia leaf, it is there all the same.
I am also part of the mechanism of consumerism. Indeed, I am in charge of recruiting artists who would please the readers.
On the other side of the room, I saw a series of pictures by TJ Shin’s Universal Skin Salvation (2018). I could see pictures of flawless skin and slick cosmetic products. I became uneasy looking at, and – in a way – fetishizing the Asian woman’s perfect skin. This perfection, probably
Fanny Essel, Arts & Culture Editor » thecampus.artsculture@gmail.comcreated by Photoshop, was, for me, an apparatus of capitalism. Pictures of perfect skin usually influence the consumer to take part in beauty trends, while emphasizing “lactification,” which is, according to the pamphlet, a term describing “the desire to whiten one’s race.” It is a direct consequence of colonialism and the domination of the white western society.
In the back room of the gallery, some visitors were debating over three clay wall reliefs named Spoils (2018), created by Patrice Renee Washington. From afar, they looked quite plain, but when I scrutinized the details, I could read “don’t cry brand Louisiana sweet potatoes.” I understood why the visitors were talking about the reliefs. They looked like former racist ads created to appeal to the white-middle class consumers in North America.
For me, the artist showcases how capitalism forces consumers
to buy products cultivated by African-American minorities, who in return, receive a minimum wage and live in poverty. Kyba writes: “[The reliefs exploits] racist imagery [which] have routinely typecast marginalized bodies for North American commercial exploitation.”
“What is the Value of a Dollar?” is a beautiful exhibition that can pique one’s interest. It questions our role in the machinery of capitalism when it comes to racism, exploitation and domination.
It sleeps like words written long ago: even when it decays, the leaf colours the mud.
Even when mud becomes rock it is there, waiting in subdued whispers.
Changing the landscape of my world. Being the ground that holds me up.
Spoken words were sounds that charged the air in a hot moment, now brushing my skin on the arch of a breeze…
Too gentle to be seen.Reaching deep like the sea.Pulling on a simple heart string and saying, “This was me.”
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
As dusk saturates the hour, orange, pink, and purple streak
Along the canvas, dispelling any blues that clung to the fabric of the sky.
With darkness comes the moon, a bright white spider weaving stars together
In the void. It works diligently to catch planets in the many constellations that Detail its stylistic web.
TheCampus Newspaper acknowledges that it operates on the traditional territory of the Abenaki people. As a student-run newspaper, we have the responsibility to uphold the principles of Truth and Reconciliation. As students at Bishop’s University, we are committed to furthering our education regarding the truths of the land, peoples and languages that we reside. Our team is devoted to using our platform to amplify the voices, stories and resources of Indigenous students.—The Campus Team
ARTS & CULTURE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Isabella Halliday thecampus.editor@gmail.com
SENIOR COPY EDITOR
Leo Webster thecampus.copyeditor@gmail.com
COPY EDITOR
Gabrielle Liu
BUSINESS MANAGER
Duncan MacIsaac thecampus.business@gmail.com
NEWS EDITOR
ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS EDITOR
Erik Morrison
thecampus.businesseditor@gmail.com
Connor Kay
Micah Della Foresta
OPINIONS EDITOR
Colin Ahern
FEATURES EDITOR
Christina Lépine
Eva Rachert thecampus.news@gmail.com thecampus.opinions@gmail.com thecampus.features@gmail.com
SPORTS EDITOR
Owen Kitzan
LAYOUT EDITOR thecampus.sports@gmail.com
Mikyah Fortune thecampus.layout@gmail.com
ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR
Fanny Essel
thecampus.artsculture@gmail.com
GRAPHICS EDITOR
Leea Rebeca Ruta
graphicseditor.thecampus@gmail.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Katrien Vandermeulen
PHOTOGRAPHER
Emily Crunican thecampus.photographers@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Sufia Langevin thecampus.associateeditor@gmail.com
This issue’s contributors:
Bea Rouse
David Rossiter
STAFF WRITERS thecampus.jce@gmail.com
Recce Bastien
Kieran Pike
Gabrielle Mazeran
Isabelle Callan
Catalina Villanueva
Lilith Louise
Economics & Business
Erik Morrison, thecampus.businesseditor@gmail.comBishop’s podiums in Ottawa for JDCC
Gabrielle Mazeran and Erik Morrison - Contributor and Economics & Buisness EditorDuring the weekend of Jan. 21-22, the Bishop’s Jeux de Commerce Central (JDCC) teams travelled to Ottawa to compete in the JDCC case competition. Bishop’s sent 20 students to compete in the competition, divided into six different teams that each compete within specific disciplines: strategy, finance, marketing, digital strategy, entrepreneurship, and social. The digital strategy team finished on the podium, just behind McMaster and Laurentian University.
In preparation for the competition, the digital strategy team, consisting of Mikaela Rohac-Grenier, Annabelle McLean, and Jabez Jonkam, met several times throughout the fall semester to crack previous cases related to digital technology. During those sessions, they discussed their evaluation of the case but also what else could have been included and how technology is used in that
specific context. Dr. Elisa Gagnon, a Williams School of Business (WSB) professor and the JDCC coach, gave them some readings on topics related to technology. Gagnon mentioned the team had two members experienced in case competitions, helping guide the team through how case competitions are structured. Each member brought their own strengths to the team throughout the competition.
This is the first year that Bishop’s sent a team to compete in the digital technology stream, and the team placed third. WSB is just about to launch its new BTA concentration (business technology & analytics,) and it is very exciting to see that the program can compete against other schools. The fact that we are a small school allows students to have many opportunities to practise in internal competitions before attending bigger competitions, and provides direct access to coaches and support.
Gabrielle Mazeran, the team captain for JDCC said: “I was very lucky to have the opportunity to be the captain of JDCC for Bishop’s. From May of last year up to our big competition that happened this past weekend, I have been working on preparing this event. I had the opportunity to work closely with the Dean of the Williams School of Business and other faculty advisors. Working towards this event allowed me to gain a lot of valuable experience. I learned how to manage
a team and put into practice different notions we have learned in class as business students. Additionally, the JDCC case competition allowed me to build a network after socialising with other team captains and delegates from other schools. I was very impressed to see the amount of work put in by the students in preparation for this case competition. The delegates and I were really proud when they announced we had made the podium for digital strategy.”
Tips when applying to internships in finance
OnWednesday, Jan.25, Reena Atanasiadis, the Dean of the Williams School of Business, hosted a workshop on opportunities for internships in finance and provided some of her best advice on how finance students can excel and stand out from other internship applicants in such a competitive industry. The event was organized by the WSB Cooperative Education Office, Marcia Boisvert, and WSB student Mika Rohac-Grenier as a way to guide students looking to enter finance as a career.
Atanasiadis’s goal of the bootcamp was for students to leave knowing something new about the critical steps to succeed in finance, the barriers that exist to enter the capital markets space, and how to knock down those gates. Atanasiadis also explained tips to perfect your CV, succeed in different interview styles, and make sure you prepare for interviews in a way that is catered specifically to each firm. The person interviewing you likely has 10 to 15 years of experience, and it is important to use facts and be confident in your responses.
Not every finance role is similar. The boot camp focused on careers in the two sides of market finance. There is the “buy side” and “sell side.” The buy side of market finance performs proprietary
research to decide which companies to purchase. Some examples include pension funds that provide returns to the pensioners, or mutual funds that provide returns to investors in that fund. The sell side, which represents the vast majority of careers in finance, is the investment banking side. Major banks, such as the Royal Bank of Canada, make up some of the largest players in Canada.
To become an investment banker, it is important to work hard to obtain an average of at least 85 per cent. You also must prepare to work long hours. It is not uncommon to add up to 120-hour work weeks. Atanasiadis shared her passion for the investment banking industry: “You’re never going to work with more intelligent, driven, and passionate people than a bunch of investment bankers. It’s probably the most thrilling job on the planet.”
Atanasiadis spoke about some of the necessities for finance students to prepare their resumes. Your CV should not be three pages long or you will not get an interview. Keep it to a maximum of one page as a junior applicant. You should always include your GPA on the resume and it should ideally be one of the first things the hiring manager sees at the top. Additionally, when preparing your resumé, make sure you do not
stretch the truth about your skills or abilities. The company will question you and when you get caught in a lie, you lose any chance at landing that job. Atanasiadis was clear that a large variety of first-time jobs can
out.” These are transferable skills that make you worthy of a career in finance. As long as you can sell yourself and make it clear that your experience as a busboy can apply to their industry, you have a chance. Atanasiadis told students, “I promise it will be the most amazing career in your life.”
open the door to a career in finance. “It bothers me when people say the only experience they have is being a busboy. The things you learn being a busboy are exactly the things that you need to be successful in life. First of all, you must deal with people such as customers, bosses, and coworkers who can be hard to work with. You are constantly under pressure. Mistakes are going to happen, whether it’s in the kitchen, or with your colleagues. You must work as a team. You need to communicate effectively and politely, even when you feel like walking