SINCE 1944
MARCH 15, 2021
Vol. 76, No. 9
Student run since 1944
Donald Lecture hosts Dr. Jane Goodall | Page 3
Review of Little Oblivions | Page 8
International Women’s Day | Page 4
New anti discrimination committee | Page 10
SRC update | Page 6
Steps toward your dream job | Page 12
The beginning of the end
Photo courtesy of Theresa Graham
Design by Jess Lapenna & Hugh Godman
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NEWS
THE CAMPUS MARCH 15, 2021
Cassie MacDonell, News Editor » thecampus.news@gmail.com
THE EDITORS 2020-2021 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF HUGH GODMAN
thecampus.editor@gmail.com
SENIOR COPY EDITOR CASEY HEBERT
thecampus.copyeditor@gmail.com
COPY EDITOR JUSTINE TREMPE thecampus.jce@gmail.com
LAYOUT EDITOR JESS LAPENNA
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BUSINESS MANAGER JUSTIN BRANT
thecampus.business@gmail.com
NEWS EDITOR CASSIE MACDONELL thecampus.news@gmail.com
OPINIONS EDITOR SAFIA HAFID
thecampus.opinions@gmail.com
FEATURES EDITOR JEREMY AUDET
thecampus.features@gmail.com
ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR BRIDGET BOUCHER thecampus.ac@gmail.com
SPORTS EDITOR DAVID ROSSITER
thecampus.sports@gmail.com
The 2021-2022 SRC team On Feb. 23 and 24, students were invited to cast their vote in the 2021 Bishop’s University Students’ Representative Council (SRC) Executive Elections to determine the new student leaders for next year’s SRC team. The positions up for election included President, Vice-President Academic Affairs (VPAA), Vice-President Student Life (VPSL), and VicePresident External Affairs (VPEA). Only the president position ran unopposed, with Enzo Evangelisti running for a second time and securing the role once again. Each VP position had two candidates running, with Sufia Langevin squaring off against Doan Duy Vo for VPAA, Ana Santos against Wishah Mahmood for VPSL, and Joel Cook against Luca Juhel-Salvaggio for VPEA. In the end, Langevin, Santos, and Cook were victorious. This year, three out of four winning candidates had Instagram accounts where they shared content about their platforms. This was a change from last year, in which posters and Facebook were a more popular medium. “One thing that was different this year was the missed opportunity of talking to people one-on-one,” says Santos. “I wanted people to know I had their best interests at heart, and I felt leading a very open and proactive social media campaign was the best way to do this. Especially because of the days we are living in, most people are active
Cassie MacDonell News Editor
on their phones, and many have Instagram awareness towards sensitive topics” and accounts… [Social media] is the best way “inform students on current world problems.” to get people involved and raise awareness She also plans to introduce an anti-racism about not just my campaign, but about the workshop for every student rather than only election.” first-years. All victorious candidates this year SRC representative and senator positions discussed equity, diversity, and inclusion are now open, with voting taking place on (EDI) on their campaign pages. Evangelisti, March 23 and 24. re-elected president, discussed the progress the SRC made in his leadership, including the first-ever anti-racism seminar during O-Week, the creation of an EDI Committee, and being in the process of creating a culture week. Langevin, elected VPAA, references her time spent as both the Equity Representative of the SRC and the Vice-Chair of the Joint Senate and Board Task Force on EDI. Additionally, she plays an active role in the aforementioned creation of culture week. Cook, elected VPEA, promises to “designate two part-time volunteers within the student body to collect student experiences on how the school can be more equitable and inclusive.” Santos, elected Winners of the SRC Executive Elections. VPSL, promises to create Photo courtesy of the Bishop’s University Students’ Representative hands-on workshops to “create Council
Bishop’s first 5 Days for the Homeless campaign underway
The challenge of experiencing food. These challenges are designed to give people an opportunity homelessness extends beyond to reflect on things they may take for granted. Throughout the week, having nowhere to live. Those people will begin to gain a better understanding of what it feels like for affected face an extreme level of loneliness, with many friends and people who live like that every day and not just for a week. SAMY CAUVET thecampus.businesseditor@gmail.com family having turned their backs on them. They often have no food or This year, the Bishop’s University Commerce Society (BUCS) is support, which, in turn, can lead to drug participating for the first time. BUCS paired GRAPHICS or alcohol abuse as a coping mechanism. with La Source-Soleil Inc., a non-profit LEEA REBECA RUTA 5 Days is a campaign run by the organization that helps homeless people thecampus.graphics@gmail.com Canadian Association of Business aged 18 to 30. La Source-Soleil does this by SOCIAL MEDIA Students (CABS) since 2005. Universities securing these people a safe place to stay, across Canada, including Bishop’s food, and any other assistance they need, COORDINATOR University, participate to create such as emotional support. FIONA DORAN awareness and raise donations for those The 5 Days campaign isn’t solely for experiencing homelessness. In years business students. BUCS is encouraging PHOTOGRAPHER past, participants would sleep outside all students to participate in at least three THERESA GRAHAM for five days. This provided a first-hand of the five activities, which will help raise opportunity to understand all we take even more awareness, especially if students THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS for granted and evoke a sense of empathy post about their experience on social Sydney Wilson for those who live daily without these media. Bishop’s University has a 5 Days Amanda Mumford luxuries or even basic necessities. 5 Instagram page with more information Rhiannon Day Days attempts to encourage students to about the campaign as well as facts about Georgia LaPierre experience the life of homeless people in homelessness. Karl Szabo a safe and supportive environment. Additionally, 5 Days is an opportunity to Jakob Laplante Instead of sleeping outside for five donate to organizations that are supporting Marlene Canuel days, this year, participants will have the homeless people. Charities like La SourceGraphic courtesy of Sydney Wilson and Amanda Mumford opportunity to experience five different Soleil depend on donations to be able to challenges homeless people face. Starting continue their inspiring work. To donate March 14, the challenge will be to remove meat from diets and stop to the 5 Days campaign, visit the link on the CABS website (https:// showering for the week. On March 16, 5 Days Bishop’s is challenging cabsonline.ca/5-days/). All donations directed towards Bishop’s people to stay off social media for 24 hours. To better understand University as the Donation School will go directly to La Source-Soleil the luxury of having a bed to sleep in, on the night of March 17, Inc. participants are asked to sleep on their bedroom floor. On the final Everyone’s involvement in the campaign is encouraged to create day of the 5 Days Bishop’s campaign, March 19, all meals and snacks the greatest impact. are encouraged to be replaced with rice, a cheap and readily available
ECONOMICS & BUSINESS EDITOR
Sydney Wilson and Amanda Mumford Contributors
NEWS
SINCE 1944
Estrie turns orange amidst declining cases As of March 8, the Estrie region exited the Level 4-Alert (red) and entered the Level 3-Alert (orange) amidst a fall in the number of COVID cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. However, with the emergence of new variants, the situation continues to be monitored closely. The curfew measures in the Estrie region remain in place; however, the curfew has been extended from the original 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. in the red zone to 9:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. in the orange zone. The Service de Police de Sherbrooke (SPS) continues to give out tickets for noncompliance with fines ranging from $1,000 to $6,000. The president of the public security committee of the City of Sherbrooke, Danielle Berthold, indicated that there were 97 infractions issued in the week of Feb. 22 to Mar. 1 by Sherbrooke police for non-compliance with curfew and gatherings regulations. Of these, 35 were in the Bishop’s University area. This number is approximately 34 per cent of total infractions from the Sherbrooke
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Cassie MacDonell News Editor
Census Metropolitan Area, an area which boasts 212,105 residents, where approximately 2,867 of this figure are Bishop’s students. Sherbrooke has seen a rate almost two and a half times higher than the provincial average. Orange-zone measures allow restaurants to open, but with more restrictions when compared to the orange zone from 2020. Now, two people from the same household are permitted to sit at a table, accompanied by their children under the age of 18 or with occupants of the same household. Additionally, only customers with proof of residence in a region whose alert level is identical to that of the local region may access the restaurant. Providing proof of residency has initially posed confusion for students who were unaware of these measures. Many students are from out of province, international, or from other areas of Quebec, and reside in Lennoxville for nine months of the year. “I went to a restaurant in Sherbrooke but was denied access because the address on my driver’s
licence and other pieces of ID shows that I live in British Columbia. I’m sure if I brought my lease or my electricity bill I’d be good to enter, but I wasn’t aware of these new rules beforehand,” says Cameron Balodis, a Bishop’s student. Some indoor sport and recreational facilities will be permitted to open, including Bishop’s own John H. Price Sports Centre. (See David Rossiter’s article in Sports.) Social gatherings beyond one household are still not permitted. As of March 9, there are 35 active cases and 4,088 cumulative cases in Sherbrooke. Quebec reported 792 new cases and one death within the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of people infected to 294,652 with 10,503 deaths. Sherbrooke has seen a curfew infraction rate of almost two and a half times higher than the provincial average.
The Donald Lecture Series hosts Dr. Jane Goodall On Feb. 25, as part of the Donald Lecture Series, Bishop’s University hosted a talk with Dr. Jane Goodall. As an online lecture, the spectatorship was no longer confined to Centennial Hall, and as such, approximately 2,000 attendees tuned in. After the usual opening remarks from Principal Michael Goldbloom, Kailey Karahkwin Nicholas, a first-year student and the University’s Turtle Island intern, introduced Jane Goodall. For over six decades, Dr. Goodall’s research and work have transformed the scientific perspective and relationship between humans and animals. She has become famous notably for her work with apes, and, remarkably, Dr. Goodall introduced herself in chimpanzee language, explaining how every chimp has a different, unique call for its name. Speaking to us from London, in the house of her youth, Dr. Goodall touched on her childhood loving animals, her mother who supported her ambitions, and the many challenges she faced as a woman who hoped to be a scientist. Dr. Goodall managed to save up enough money to visit Kenya in 1957—by boat—to visit a friend. There, she met Dr. Louis Leakey, a British paleoanthropologist at the National History Museum, and became his secretary. Dr. Leakey would bring a young Jane Goodall along to study chimpanzees, beginning her lifelong interest in the animals. On her visits, Dr. Goodall noticed that one chimp, which she named David Greybeard, began to lose his fear of her. As such, it was easier for young Jane to study its behaviours, and she eventually observed that the chimpanzee would sit on a termite mound, break off grass stems, and use them to fish out termites. David was making and using tools. Until then, it was understood that a primary distinction between humans and animals was the former’s ability to use tools. Dr. Goodall mentioned the striking similarities she noticed in studying chimps between their behaviours and ours. Though these ideas may seem common today, they were quite controversial for the period. Seeing her promise, Dr. Leakey sent her to Cambridge to earn a PhD in Ethology, but Dr. Goodall found the experience quite limiting. She could not discuss the emotions of, or even name, the chimps. The assumption was that these things were unique to humans. At a conference in Chicago, she could not bear to see the images of chimps isolated in small cages. Telling the story, she repeated her famous line: “I went in as a scientist and left as an activist.” Since then, her work has expanded to defend all wildlife and its environment. In 1977, Dr. Goodall founded the Jane Goodall Institute for Wildlife. The organization has found, and continues to study, ways to restore fertility. It also provides scholarships for girls in school, empowering women everywhere through small loans and suggesting ways Jeremy Audet Features Editor
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to make a living. The organization also uses cutting-edge technology to help rural communities plan out the use of their land for a sustainable future. Travelling around the world to talk about environmental problems faced in Africa, Dr. Goodall met many young people who seemed, despite all efforts, to have lost hope. “We have compromised their future,” she says. “We have stolen from our children and are still stealing. We brought COVID on ourselves by our absolute disrespect of the environment and of animals by bringing species within too close contact with humans. Selling them in wildlife markets, crowding them together in horrible conditions—this pandemic was our own making.” Dr. Goodall also recognizes the problem of poverty and how it contributes to environmental destruction. “These Jane Goodall. things happen in poor places. If we can’t Drawing by Leea Rebeca Ruta eradicate poverty, we can’t save our world. People can’t afford to ask themselves if their products harm the environment, harm animals, or use child slavery. The poor are struggling to fish the last fish and feed themselves.” Despite the grim understanding of our world, Dr. Goodall maintains many reasons for hope. “We are coming up with more and more ways to make things better. We’re beginning to think, in our own lives, how to leave a lighter ecological footprint.” Dr. Goodall continued: “then there’s the resilience of nature. Places we’ve absolutely destroyed are beginning to come back. Above Gombe, we don’t see the bare hills anymore. The forest regenerates itself, and animal species on the brink of extinction are given another chance.” After answering a few questions, Dr. Goodall thanked the University and urged everyone to do their part, leaving some 2000 attendees with a feeling of hope rather than despair.
and Acknowledgement. We acknowledge the Abenaki people and the Wabanaki Confederacy, the traditional stewards and protectors of the territories upon which we are learning. In performing land acknowledgement, we make what was invisible visible, and invite the land, the First Nations people, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission into our conversations. This act of naming - of inviting something into language - is an underlying principle of advocacy and lies at the heart of higher education. The etymology of advocacy is ad (to add) + vocare (call or voice): the origin of the word’s meaning is to give voice to something or to call out in order to initiate dialogue. The “ad’ prefix makes explicit the importance of multiple voices - and by extension multiple perspectives. In this sense, advocacy compels us to acknowledge a diversity of thoughts and opinions as a starting point rather than as an ideal outcome. In institutions of higher learning, we have a responsibility to honour spaces for emerging and established voices to engage in productive, respectful, and sometimes even uncomfortable conversations where individuals are safe to speak truth to power, explore and challenge dominant ideologies, and call out injustices and inequalities in order to imagine new ways of existing.” Dr. Jessica Riddell
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OPINIONS
International Women’s Day
Courtesy of Collectif 8 mars, Molotov communications. Illustration by Valaska
THE CAMPUS MARCH 15, 2021
Safia Hafid, Opinions Editor » thecampus.opinions@gmail.com Justine Trempe Copy Editor
March 8 was International Women’s Day. For the past few years, the day marked a moment of acknowledgement, during which men and employers gave women flowers to show appreciation for their work and struggles. But how can flowers help? How does it change the remaining injustices between the sexes? Rape culture, discrimination, violence, reproductive limitations, and inequalities have remained unaddressed by the roses given each year. It may be time to retire this empty symbolic act. In Quebec, this year marks the 50-year anniversary of the Front de libération des femmes’ biggest protests in the movement, as they fought in the streets of Montreal and in court for women’s rights. They worked especially for reproductive rights, freedom of choice, and to be admitted on a jury. During the movement, many women went to prison for their activism after being judged by an all-male jury. But rather than admit defeat, they used their time incarcerated as fuel for the movement, pointing out the flaws and the discrimination in the system and creating lasting change.
To be sort-of English in Quebec At the moment, Legault’s government is ramping up the discussion on barring French students from attending English CEGEPs in the province. CEGEPs are the stepping-stones between high school and university for those who live in Quebec, and the two years spent there give students the time to consider different study paths and life choices. At Heritage College, I saw friends drop out and pursue careers that make them happy to this day; I saw friends change programs entirely after deciding they were more interested in another domain; and I saw myself choose a few different paths before deciding, in my last year, to pursue studies in literature. These institutions provide students with essential experiences at a pivotal point in their lives. But what happens when the freedom of choosing your CEGEP is lost? What happens when the program you wish to go in as a 17-year-old is only available at your local English CEGEP, which is fine because you are bilingual, but because you are French you have been barred from enrolling? What happens when the government decides to limit the individual freedom of choosing your academic path, and, quite literally, your future? If Legault and his government decide to follow through with this tyrannical policy, the resulting loss of opportunity will be significant. Historically, Quebec’s anti-English laws (thinly veiled as French-promotion laws) have subjected English speakers to innumerable complications, barriers, legal cases, headaches, and marginalization. In close second are the bilingual folk whose mother tongue happens to be French. Not all bilinguals are created equal; some people find more comfort in English than in French, or vice versa. Personally, coming from a French-speaking family but having grown up abroad for the first twelve years of my life, I have always been more comfortable speaking and writing in English. This in and of itself was not a personal choice, made at the ripe old age of three, to dissent from la fleur-de-lys; it happened because there are unfortunately
In 2021, we can look back and congratulate ourselves on the progress made since 1971. Women can now serve on a jury, abortion is fully legal, and there is visibly more representation in most professions. During Women’s Day, I give thanks to the previous generations of women who dared to stand up and risked imprisonment and persecution for my right to be judged as equal to my male counterparts and to choose my path for myself. However, my heart aches for the women of yesterdays, todays and tomorrows who continue to suffer. I think about the young girls of Iran, forced to walk veiled and disfigured by the acid thrown on their faces; the women of Bangladesh working in sweatshops, and, closer to home, I think about the women of Canada: we may not get overtly persecuted, but true equality is still far from achieved. In our own beloved country, a woman is killed approximately every 2.5 days, mostly at the hands of a partner (Statistics Canada). BIPOC women especially suffer disproportionally from femicides, brutality, and acts of sexual violence. The
issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) remains unresolved in Canada, even though the National Inquiry was presented in 2019. The general loss of jobs during COVID impacted women more than men because a bigger number of female-gendered professions were affected by the economic difficulties, while parental obligations in the pandemic concerned women more heavily than men. In March 2020, 167,900 women were laid off compared to 96,100 men (Statistics Canada). And let’s not forget the women stuck with abusive partners in lockdown, homeless women unable to find refuge and receive sufficient supplies, and singlemoms working hard to make ends meet. My heart goes out to them all. I do love flowers, but I would love them better as a side dish to meaningful actions and discussions so that the next generations of Canadian women can access even more opportunities, feel safe walking down the streets late at night and raising their voices. Until then, I’ll keep my head up high.
Jeremy Audet Features Editor
not many French schools in Saudi Arabia or Sweden available for Canadian diplomatic families. When I moved back to Quebec, just in time for high school, I was denied my choice of attending an English public school. Despite the fact that I could barely write a word in French, the government’s “French-promotion laws” forced me to attend school in French. Why not attend private school, then? Problem solved! Except, of course, for the fact that my family did not necessarily have the money to put me through private school, as is the case for many other families.
The Quebec Flag Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Quebec
I remember it quite vividly; it seemed that every day of high school, I was looking forward to attending Heritage, finally able to continue my education in my comfort tongue–English. Under the proposed policies of Legault’s government, I would not have had that choice; assuredly, I would have continued my studies in French, probably enrolling in a French university for the sake of continuation. To put it quite simply, I would have suffered. The truth is that I am not that good in French, despite it
being my mother tongue. I am bilingual, yes, but in reality, I am sort-of English. In Quebec, that means I have always had limited opportunities. Throughout high school, opportunities for me to perform music at public events such as Outaouais en fête were hindered, due to the “French-promotion laws.” High school itself was no different; every time I performed, it needed to be in French. Given that I wanted to be a musician, I conformed and did it anyway, but not being able to showcase my art in my own way was absolutely demoralizing. In my final year of high school, I decided at one point to sing in English anyway, after having bamboozled the selection committee by singing the same song in French. Ten seconds into my English performance, and in front of a few hundred people to boot, they cut my microphone. This was not an isolated incident. I once signed up for a song competition with a piece that discussed mental illness and depression only to be refused because of the Englishness of the words. The competition was only accepting entries in French, you see. Again, my freedom to perform and to create art was limited just because I was sort-of English. In CEGEP, during a stint at the Gaspé institution, things changed only a little. I was finally allowed to perform in English, but at the competition CEGEP en spectacle, the jury disclosed to me that, had I sung in French, my chances of winning would have been much higher. Once again, completely demoralizing. The sort-of English people in Québec constantly have our microphones turned off, our opportunities limited, and our freedoms subtly constrained. To now impose a new restraint on CEGEP students by barring French speakers (whatever that truly even means anymore) from attending English public institutions is another attack on our rights and freedoms. The government is continuing to limit the choices of their citizens; in this case, their right to choose the pathway of their future.
SINCE 1944
This, to me, is sad because the government is also sacrificing a rich history of English in the province. English speakers have been living everywhere in Quebec for the past 300 years, and in many rural areas, the population is significantly more English-speaking. Moreover, they have a passionate history of the land to share.
For Legault and the government of Quebec, the priority is to promote French. I understand that; maintaining your culture, in a world where so many are being swallowed whole, is necessary. Yet, it should not come at the expense of another culture. The promotion of the French language does not equate
Proctorio and privacy
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to an attack on the English language. If the government wishes to promote French, by all means, do so; finance the French art scene, pour money into French institutions, and support local French businesses. Do this, rather than focusing on hurting and limiting the English language, and those who speak it, at all costs.
Rhiannon Day Contributor
A screen capture from Proctorio’s website. Image courtesy of Safia Hafid
Now that we are well into the second semester of online learning, one of the most notorious names on the syllabus that each student loathes to read has an ominous ring to it: Proctorio. For those of you who have not endured a proctored online exam, this software is an extension used to monitor cheating by recording video and audio through a student’s webcam and microphone. Yet, this is not the end of its abilities; Proctorio can also gather data on the websites you have visited, how many times a student looks away from their screen, or if there are other people in the room. Moreover, Proctorio has the ability to record your screen in order to have both points of reference on the test. In the face of the pandemic, online learning has been the most common way to conduct schooling and academia to date. As such, teachers must adapt their in-class tests to an
The “French” reflection
OPINIONS
online setting, which is a breeding ground for cheating. In that sense, Proctorio has been a saving grace for teachers, replacing the ability for teachers to monitor exams in class with software that emulates a similar environment. Nevertheless, the question that teachers, administrators, and students alike must ask themselves is this: is cheating worse than the violation of a student’s privacy? As we continue moving further into an online learning setting, becoming more comfortable with the circumstances, Proctorio has “improved” some of the features that were evident from the first semester. Now, the extension can require random environment checks–forcing students to give a 360-degree view of their testing environment, which is often a bedroom or another private space–in order to show whether there are supplemental documents or notes present that are being used to cheat. I am not alone in believing that this is a gross violation of privacy. Not only are students being recorded, but they may also be asked to expose their private living areas to a professor or teacher in order to assess cheating! This has crossed the line. Yes, professors have their own controls on Proctorio that manage what to record and how the software is being used, but many professors are new to this and do not necessarily have the training or information to use the system wisely. Most importantly, students have little to no control over what will be asked of them by Proctorio, especially with the new random, unannounced environment checks–short of dropping the class, of course. Additionally, it is worthwhile to question how exactly Proctorio manages the recordings and how this private data is stored. Moving forward, I suggest that professors move away from Proctorio by adapting their in-class tests in order to be taken online without invading their students’ privacy. Rather than asking questions that can be readily taken from notes or the internet, such as definitions, professors could ask for a demonstration of learning through essay questions or showing work. We must all adapt to this new online world, but there are limits; I believe that this should not go so far as to require students to show their entire lives to professors in order to prevent cheating.
Casey Hebert Senior Copy Editor
The two and a half years I’ve spent in Quebec have been an overall smooth and pleasant experience. My move here went by without a hitch, and having spent most of my summers in the United States, the culture shock of living in Canada was virtually non-existent for me despite coming from Europe. I quickly came to love the food here in Quebec, inhaling poutines without a second thought; became accustomed to the accent; learned to switch out words like “pastèque” for “melon d’eau” and “voiture” for “char” or “auto…” I even came to tolerate the biting cold of the Canadian winters, despite the 20- or sometimes 30-degree difference from the winters I was used to back home in France. As a result, I sometimes like to consider myself a sort of French chameleon posing as a Canadian while I complete my degree. Yes, adapting to life in Quebec has been a fairly easy process for me. There’s just one thing… Coming from France, I have no choice but to define myself as French, since that is the only term to designate my cultural background. My struggle has been the Quebecois, and more generally French-speakers in Canada, adopting that designation of “French” for themselves and stripping me of a meaningful identifier. Because if you’re French, then what am I? We use the same designation to denote two entirely different cultural identities. I understand the redundancy of calling yourself “French-Canadian” within Canada. I also understand that the linguistic divide in the country does have a heavy bearing on Canadian culture, one that merits a name for these distinctions. However, I hope you can also appreciate the redundancy of having to call myself “France French” when the term French means “relating to France.” Over Reading Week, I went on a walk with a Quebec native. My dual citizenship came up, daughter to a (France) French father and an American mother. She asked how my parents got together, and I told her the story of how they met backpacking in Vietnam and how what my mother describes as her “French fling” turned into a lifelong union. My walking partner immediately jumped on the story, identifying herself with my mother because her fiancé was from French Quebec. For her, an international love affair was the same as one from two linguistic groups within the same province, simply because they both hinged on the “French” denomination. The complexity of the relationship was reduced to one of languages, effectively erasing cultural and geographical divergences
Graphic by Casey Hebert
and the difficulties that ensued in terms of visas, citizenships, deciding where in the world to live, and one partner necessarily being uprooted from their home. This erasure is not an isolated event. In fact, it has been a constant current in my time at Bishop’s and in Canada more generally. The use of the term “French” to designate predominantly French-speakers makes sense within Canada since the adherence to the French language and the cultural divides it generates are undeniably noteworthy, but it is complicated when you introduce any foreign element. To most of the world outside Canada, French means something completely different, and in order to properly understand each other, it is important for Canadians to broaden their understanding of the term “French” so that it may include experiences that are not their own. Continue calling yourselves French within Canada, the term has a well-deserved meaning here, but be aware that your experiences of and associations to the definition are not universal. Don’t erase complexities and differences based on one similar term. Hopefully, this will foster a better sense of understanding for us all.
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FEATURES
SRC update
THE CAMPUS MARCH 15, 2021
Jeremy Audet, Features Editor » thecampus.features@gmail.com
Safia Hafid Opinions Editor
Following the SRC’s Executive Elections in February, the new team begins on May 1 with Enzo Evangelisti re-elected as SRC President, Sufia Langevin the Vice-President Academic Affairs, Ana Santos the Vice-President Student Life, and Joel Cook the Vice-President External Affairs. Apart from Enzo Evangelisti, all are new to the roles. The current executive team is preparing their transition documents as well as transitional training for the newly elected members. Nevertheless, there are still two months until the end of the year, and now that Reading Week is over, there are several topics of importance the SRC wishes to impart to the Bishop’s community. First, they have recently moved offices and are now located in the basement of the Student Union Building (SUB). Accessible by the entrance facing Abbott field near the Molson building or by the stairs and elevator in the main lobby, the new location is open to receive students.
Everyone is welcome to visit the new offices and to reach out with any comments or questions. Secondly, in preparation for this year’s graduating students, the SRC will soon be looking at Convocation. Due to COVID-19, the Convocation for the 2020 graduating students had been pushed back in the hopes of having the event in person. It was subsequently held virtually as the lockdowns persisted, and the situation remained the same. Now a year into the pandemic, the situation is both similar and different; the vaccine is currently being circulated and some provinces–such as Ontario–are moving out of lockdown again. Quebec, on the other hand, still has a curfew. Given that it is hard to tell exactly what will happen in the next few months, the SRC will be assessing many possible scenarios with the administration in order to organize a memorable convocation with the restrictions
Grace Village in the COVID era
brought upon by the pandemic. Thirdly, the SRC is already looking at the Fall sessional dates. With the possibility of a Fall Reading Week, more in-person classes, and the decisions of both the provincial government and the university, there is much to consider. As such, they will be assessing the timetable in order to determine the modes of delivery for classes–which ones will be online, in-person, or hybrid. Thus, with the rest of the semester before us and with remaining questions about the pandemic restrictions, the SRC has much to focus on. Most importantly, Enzo Evangelisti wishes students to know this: “It will soon mark one year since we’ve entered this pandemic; while we have faced many challenges since, it has demonstrated the resilience of the BU community. The SRC remains committed to supporting students, as well as ensuring that the remainder of the semester is as enjoyable as possible.”
Jeremy Audet Features Editor
It’s an overheard truism that the ongoing pandemic has not been easy for anyone. Although many groups, such as students and small-business owners, have lamented their many sacrifices over the past year, seniors’ residences, such as Grace Village, have been disproportionately struck. Most of the province’s major outbreaks have occurred in residences, where most occupants are typically amongst the most at-risk individuals. We have officially passed the one-year mark of COVID-19 infiltrating our daily lives, and although some sense of normalcy has returned, for the residents of Grace Village the past year has been spent adapting to an entirely new normal. The physical separation from family members—many residents have now not seen their family in over a year due to regulations prohibiting visits—means that residents have had to turn towards a digital connection. Dara Barton, a third-year psychology student, works as the student coordinator for Grace Village and the liaison between the residence and Bishop’s. She organizes and coordinates activities for the residents but also connects students and seniors for oneon-one virtual meetings. “When I started in September, group activities were still a thing through a bubble system, but around November things changed [due to the red zone], and since then it’s been changing almost every week,” she says. “Things are a bit looser now and they can resume their bubbles.” Barton recognizes that life at Grace Village has been difficult for the residents, but as the liaison, she hopes to implement programs that help the loneliness and isolation of both the seniors and the students. In the fall, Barton organized a book club between students of Bishop’s College School (BCS) and Grace Village. “The student and the senior read stories together, but most of the time they end up talking for a lot longer.” Because the course hours at Bishop’s are a bit more complex, scheduling has been a challenge for Barton. However, she’s begun initiating connections between students and seniors this winter. “It’s like a seminar program,” she says, “where Bishop’s students who are doing or have completed a project can present it to the residents.” When I spoke with Barton in late February, the mood at the residence was exceptionally high. “They’re all very positive and appreciative of everything, and they’ve accepted for the most part that this is how we live now,” she says. “The biggest problem is not seeing family for almost a year now.” Although designated family caregivers have been able to visit their seniors, most family members have been confined to window or virtual visitations. The past year has also let residents slowly adapt to the technological learning curve. Barton tells me they’ve become “a lot more open” to the digital screens and machines that have infiltrated their social lives. The adjustment has been difficult, but with time, the residents have become increasingly interested in trying it out. “Recruiting residents for the programs in September was harder—talking to strangers on camera wasn’t very appealing at first,” Barton says. Students at Bishop’s who wish to connect with a resident at Grace Village are welcome to contact Barton via Webmail. She is working towards implementing more projects this semester, projects which she hopes will last into the following years. “I’m slowly working on getting things in place [for volunteers to connect with residents]. There is a want and there is a need, we just have to figure out the coordination.” There are many ways that students can offer to help, and Barton is always looking for volunteers, ideas, or projects. Any interested student is welcome to contact her at: dbarton16@ubishops.com
Graphic by Leea Rebeca Ruta
FEATURES
SINCE 1944
Sexual Culture Committee hosting forum What is sex? What is sexuality? What is gender? Often, these terms raise confusion for many, and as a result, those who identify outside of societal norms are left ostracized. Bishop’s is not an exception to this reality. Even through the hard work of groups on campus, many within the community are still uncertain about what pronouns are, what gender identity is, what the gender binary is, etc. On Thursday, March 25, at 6:00 p.m., the Bishop’s Sexual Culture Committee, the Bishop’s University Pride Alliance, and Spectrum will be hosting a forum on the topic of Sex, Sexuality and Gender. This forum will be a space for open dialogue centred around an educational format that will lead to actions we can take to make Bishop’s University a more inclusive and empowering space. We began to plan the Sex, Sexuality and Gender forum after a need for education within the Bishop’s Community was identified. Sex education in Canada is skewed, and only sometimes does it include proper safe sex protocol. The presence of gay sex education, however, is absent in sex education across the country. As a result, many know little about the LGBTQIA2S+ community and find it quite daunting to begin to educate themselves. No educational, discussion-oriented event has taken place at Bishop’s University despite this lack of understanding within our community. At this forum, we will be using the knowledge of Bishop’s students and participants to understand what the LGBTQIA2S+ community needs, and then we will educate following what was suggested and discussed in the forum. We will be having speakers come in to present on subtopics, and then, in order to communicate in a better way, will be split up into breakout rooms to further discuss the topic in question. These subtopics vary from the gender spectrum to terminology. By running this forum, we hope to be able to understand the gaps in our university’s services in order to make them more inclusive and accessible for individuals who identify within the LGBTQIA2S+ community. If you are interested in educating, offering your opinion, or even just learning in a safe environment, this forum is for you. Follow this link in order to sign up with your Bishop’s
Georgia LaPierre Contributor
email: https://forms.gle/uCBbrVSmS8rjuqPD8. A link to the Microsoft Teams event will be sent to you before the forum. We look forward to speaking and learning with you! If you have any questions or concerns feel free to email us at busexualculturecommittee@ gmail.com. The Bishop’s Sexual Culture committee is on Instagram and Facebook. @busexualculturecommittee
Spectrum: a safe-space for all genders The discussion surrounding the gender spectrum has grown louder over the past few decades, with trans*, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary individuals initiating much-needed dialogues. Although it is becoming increasingly recognized and accepted that there are more than two possible genders, individuals that find themselves outside of the socially accepted dichotomy are subject to marginalization. The problem lies mostly in misinformation, stigmatization, and misrepresentation. As such, trans*, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming individuals are disproportionally subject to harassment and abuse. It can be difficult, therefore, for these individuals to explore and express their identities safely. Bishop’s University is no different. Despite significant changes (hopefully) being instilled to reflect values of a healthy sexual culture and of equity, diversity, and inclusion, the University still has a long way to go to make trans* individuals feel safe and welcome. The new group, Spectrum, was formed by two students who wish to better the environment at Bishop’s. Spectrum is a community and safe space for transgender, nonbinary, and gendernonconforming individuals at Bishop’s to gather, explore, and learn. K.—a third-year student—says the community was “created because there is a need on campus for gender-nonconforming individuals to be able to meet and communicate with each other, and get support from one another.” I.—a first-year—said they were personally looking for a community like Spectrum. “I was asking myself a lot of questions and thought it would be nice to have a community to talk to. Creating a safe-space on campus for people of like-minded views, questioning, and exploring
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Image from the BSCC Facebook page
Jeremy Audet Features Editor
themselves, is something that needed to be done.” Jordi Hepburn, a counsellor for Student Services, connected the two students. In the month of February, the two got together and formed Spectrum, setting up a social media platform and biweekly meetings. “It’s very new. We don’t have a lot planned, but we have
Image from @bu_spectrum Instagram
some rough ideas,” says K. But the pair seems to have a lot planned, nonetheless. I. says “we have a two-headed approach. We want fun discussions about exploring and discussing gender-nonconforming culture, but we also want to educate through videos and discussions. We also
hope to bring in guests in the future to discuss aspects of the community.” K. continues: “one of the weeks we have planned will focus on gender expression, where we’ll talk about what gender is, how people experience gender. Another week we’re going to do an art project or a movie that focuses on trans* representation. These are fun activities that build a sense of community.” For their first meeting, Spectrum planned a book club, which will be ongoing throughout the semester and “focus on books with trans* characters and nonbinary characters,” I. says. “At the meeting, we’ll talk about different artists that express anything on the spectrum, to provide validation and confirmation. Having role models is very important.” The meetings will be held bi-weekly on Thursday from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. All are welcome. For now, they are online, but the organizers hope they can have inperson meetings in the future. I., being in their first year, hopes to see the community expand in coming years: “I want to see how it grows, how having more people will influence it and how the people who do come want to cultivate it and grow it. As long as it stays a safe and open space.” K. echoes these sentiments: “My biggest hope is that we can grow a really strong supportive community. I would really like to educate the wider BU community and put an end towards the stigma against trans* and gender-nonconforming people.” The first meeting was held on February 25, and according to both, it went really well. There was a much larger turnout than initially anticipated, and both are fondly looking forward to the next meetings. Spectrum is on Instagram: @bu_spectrum
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ARTS & CULTURE
THE CAMPUS MARCH 15, 2021
Bridget Boucher, Arts & Culture Editor » thecampus.ac@gmail.com
The Book
Safia Hafid Opinions Editor
Resting on the white-painted wood, Innocuous–yet containing A thousand words and a thousand worlds, The maker of a generation. There it is, shimmery and black Blood-red stone gleaming on its front The gilt letters–six words–faded with time Revealing the black underneath; Edges worn, round and white and puffy White lines all along the spine, A testament of hours and years Spent pouring over its pages; On its cover a precious stone, Can turn objects into gold, can provide immortality Its story much like that object, Yet its author as false as the Mirror of Desire.
Review of Little Oblivions by Julien Baker
Indie darling Julien Baker recently put out a new album in 2021, and she really knocked it out of the park with this one. Written mostly during 2019 while she was struggling with sobriety and mental health, this album hits hard if you’ve ever struggled with similar issues. From the opening notes of the gut-wrenching “Hardline,” Baker’s delivery is near perfect. The haunting piano ballad “Song in E,” while feeling a little out of place among its highly produced siblings, is very beautiful and highlights the trickiness of guilt after being forgiven. Of course, at only 25, Baker’s songs portray emotions and experiences far beyond her years. Baker is a queer woman who was raised Christian; it’s interesting to see how these themes intersect in her music, particularly in the song “Faith Healer.” This album is so different from her previous two in a way that I think paints Baker in her best light. Her first two releases were more aligned with Bridget Boucher Arts & Culture Editor
Graphic by Leea Rebeca Ruta
the singer-songwriter genre, made of soft indie guitar with little to no production. Her latest effort in comparison shines, with its produced and polished sound, while still retaining the intimacy and vulnerability that fans of Baker have come to expect. Her lyrics are both uncomfortably honest and similar to a deep conversation with a friend at 3:00 a.m. over a bottle of wine. Little Oblivions is an incredible soundtrack to when you’re feeling stuck in your life, for when you don’t know where or who to turn to. Julien Baker will hold your hand through any breakdown you could possibly have, rest assured. Favourite song: “Hardlines” Least favourite song: “Relative Fiction” Honourable mentions: “Song in E,” “Repeat” Similar to: Historian by Lucy Dacus, Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers, Melodrama by Lorde Rating: 5/5
SINCE 1944
ARTS & CULTURE
St. Patrick’s Day cocktails and mocktails
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Bridget Boucher Arts & Culture Editor
Still under lockdown for the second St. Patrick’s Day in a row? Missing the Reed Street block party from the bottom of your heart? Yearning for good times spent at The Lion, drinking green beer and dancing to sea shanties with your friends? Of course, since you’re a responsible, COVID-conscious individual, you won’t be doing any of these things this year. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the St. Paddy’s day experience! Instead, try making one of these drinks for yourself at home while listening to Irish jig music to recreate the vibe of St. Paddy’s day at Bishop’s. Midori Sour Delightfully green with hints of honeydew melon. • 2 oz Midori • ½ oz lime juice • ½ oz lemon juice • Shake and serve over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and slice of lime. Death in the Afternoon Invented by Ernest Hemingway. • 1 oz absinthe • 1 tsp simple syrup • 4 oz champagne or Prosecco • Pour absinthe and simple syrup into a martini glass. Top with champagne. Green Hawaiian Bring the spring break vacation vibes to your backyard. • 1 oz coconut rum • 1 oz vodka • ½ oz blue curacao • ½ cup pineapple juice • Splash of Sprite • Combine coconut rum, vodka, blue curacao and pineapple juice in a cocktail glass over crushed ice. Top with Sprite. Garnish with pineapple and maraschino cherry. Leprechaun Mimosa Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day brunch. Makes a pitcher. • 1 bottle champagne or Prosecco • 3 cups pulp-free orange juice • 1 cup blue curacao • Pour orange juice into a pitcher and slowly add champagne. Top with blue curacao. Serve over ice in a champagne flute. Fool’s Gold Milkshake (Mocktail) • 1 ½ cups Lucky Charms marshmallows • 2 cups milk • 4 cups vanilla ice cream • 1 tsp vanilla extract • Whipped cream • Blend marshmallows separately until powdery. Add milk and blended marshmallows to a large bowl, and allow to sit at room temperature for 30 mins. Add ice cream, marshmallow/milk mixture, and vanilla extract to blender. Blend and pour into glasses, top with whipped cream.
Image courtesy of Bridget Boucher
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SPORTS
THE CAMPUS MARCH 15, 2021
David Rossiter, Sports Editor » thecampus.sports@gmail.com
Gaiters form new Anti-Racism and Discrimination Committee Days after the Bishop’s Gaiters announced their Student-Athlete Leadership Council, they spread the news about another new initiative in a similar fashion. Through their website and social media channels, the Gaiters shared a list of members for the Anti-Racism and Discrimination Committee (ARDC). Later in the week, they posted graphics with mission statements and goals for the committee. Members of this committee include student-athletes from all of the men’s and women’s varsity sports offered by Bishop’s. The athletes are joined by coaches from the soccer, football, and men’s basketball teams. Stephen Adekolu, a former Gaiter and professional wide receiver for the Montreal Alouettes, joins the committee in the role
of alumni support. So far, the ARDC has worked hard on setting the foundation for the future. They created a mission and a list of values and goals. According to a news release from Marty Rourke and the Bishop’s sports information department, the ARDC has also heard from guest speakers, collaborated with other campus groups, and created subcommittees. The three subcommittees were created to each focus on an area relevant to the committee. They are Branding & Media, External Education, and Student-Athlete Education. Education appears to be a main theme of their anti-racism and discrimination objectives. Two members of the ARDC, football head coach Cherif
Gaiters LAX 2021 season preview With the development of the new COVID-19 vaccine and slow yet steady improvement of the overall coronavirus situation, Bishop’s Gaiters are looking forward to the next school year. For the vast majority of teams across campus, the 2020 season was stolen from under their feet. This includes the 31 returning members of the Gaiters varsity lacrosse team. That being said, if the situation does continue to improve and if Premier François Legault and company succeed at getting the province out of the slump it is in, then there is a great deal of lacrosse yet to be played. Here is what to expect for the upcoming 2021 season. Defensively, the 2019 team was fortunate in that we did not graduate a single member of the Gaiters lacrosse defence. That was not the case in 2020; the 2021 season already poses a challenge on the back end as six of our seniors have graduated, including long pole defender and captain Thomas Bakeeff. Fortunately, through a culture of hard work, dedication, and relentless competition, the younger members of the squadron are hungry to fill the available starting positions. We are also really excited about a talented group of defensive rookies joining us in the fall. Despite not playing any games this fall, it’s clear that our defensive side will be successful going forward. Our players have worked hard to understand and master our systems, and the athleticism on our defence is hard to match. Finally, with one of the league’s best goalies returning in Ian Connors, there is much to look forward to. As with the defence, important roles in the Gaiter’s midfield will need to be accounted for as starting O-midi Devlin Kauffeldt and D-midis Mark Seward and Breac Baker graduate. Retrieving the ball on face-offs and creating opportunities in transition are both essential aspects of the game that we worked hard on this fall and must continue to
David Rossiter Sports Editor
Nicolas and women’s basketball veteran Sabrina-Binta Koné, are also part of a similar group within the Bishop’s University administration. A joint venture between the university’s board and senate, called the Task Force on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, was created last summer in the wake of racial unrest in the United States and around the world. The ARDC represents an important and exciting look at discourse taking place between Gaiter’s athlete’s coaches, staff and the greater community. Still in its early stages, the committee looks to grow and present future opportunities for initiatives, discussions, and the like.
Karl Szabo Contributor
improve for the 2021 season. The midfield and their ability to do the little things right are often the difference-maker in games. We really tried to emphasize that this fall and are confident that it will be what gives us an edge coming into next season. Last, but not least, comes what many would consider the most exciting unit in the game: the offence. The only graduating member of the offence unit this year is Andrew Nielsen, who many would argue is like losing more than just one player. That being said, captain and recent Georgia Swarm draft pick Sam Firth is confident in his unit’s ability to deliver on the front end. As with the defence, the offence’s strength lies in its systems and its ability to be reactive and creative when faced with adversity. CUFLA has always been known for having dominant box lacrosse players amongst its ranks. This will once again be the case for the 2021 Gaiters lacrosse edition, and it will be interesting to see the way in which they convert their indoor game into a more open and fast-paced environment. The longawaited return of Vermont-based head coach Rob Engleken from across the border is also to be looked forward to. To conclude, what it really comes down to for the 2021 season is how teams reacted and prepared over the course of the past year—what we have been calling a year-long pre-season. As with the majority of Gaiter athletics, the lacrosse team was fortunate to have had the opportunity to practise and train consistently over the course of the first semester. This will likely be to our advantage as not many of our adversaries were granted this chance. This also leaves us with very few excuses as to the way we are to perform come next fall.
Mitchell Broussard on Coulter Field. Photo courtesy of David Rossiter
SPORTS
SINCE 1944
A look at the Old Lennoxville Golf & Ski Club For some Bishop’s students, being aware that your university campus also holds an entire 9-hole golf course isn’t the most surprising thing you might hear. However, you might be surprised to know the golf course and ski resort have both been relatively thriving in these difficult times. For the first time since 1964, the golf course located in the heart of Lennoxville has changed its name to suit its new role in the community. Prior to then, the Old Lennoxville Golf Course was simply known as THE Lennoxville Golf Course to all the members of the community. However, when Le Club de Golf de Milby was built, it had to change its name. Milby itself was previously known as the NEW Lennoxville Golf Course. All this confusion led to multiple name changes and very confused tourists who, to this day, still book tee times in the wrong places. Over the winter, Bertrand Collins, the golf course’s manager, and a few of his aides decided it was in the golf course’s best interests to change its name due to the increasingly popular sport of cross-country skiing. This is now the third name the golf course has had in its 124-year history. Old Lenn holds the title of oldest 9-hole golf course in the province of Quebec. This
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Jakob Laplante Contributor
small but deceivingly hard course layout still offers a very good test for amateur golfers of the Eastern Townships. Its 5718 yard, par-70 layout offers an amicable trail for golfers of the surrounding area. With a few doglegs and a couple of short par-4’s, do not be surprised if this course gets the better of you. After a surprisingly good 2020 season, filled with all sorts of COVID-19 uncertainties, Collins and his staff were still able to hold a weekly men’s league led by Jeff Bray and his crew of captains. Old Lenn hopes to see a return of its women’s league this summer, led by captains Sue Meseen and Dawn Patterson; they hope to restart the league, which took last year off because of the pandemic. The course looks forward to receiving BU students during the summer. With very affordable rates for Gaiters, starting as low as $12 for a 9-hole course, the golf course is aimed to be enjoyed with friends and maybe a few drinks. Collins and his crew invite you to book tee times this summer where you will most certainly be received like family. Old Lenn has a few BU students in its staff, including myself (Jakob Laplante), Liam Pankovitch, Alexandre Audet, and Annika Bradley, to name a few. We will all be happy to greet you, and we hope to see you at a few tournaments. See you this summer!
Lennoxville golf & ski club. Photo by Marty Rourke
John H. Price Sports Centre reopens David Rossiter Sports Editor
In early March, Quebec premier François Legault announced that regions all across Quebec, including Estrie, the home of Sherbrooke, would be entering an orange-alert zone as of March 8. The switch from red to orange brings a lessening of many restrictions, a major one being the reopening of gyms and fitness centres. At Bishop’s University, the state-of-the-art John H. Price Sports Centre has been closed for the whole winter semester so far. The reopening will return the Sportsplex to the reality it enjoyed earlier in the fall. The doors reopened on Tuesday, March 9, with many restrictions still in place. A main focus of many of the COVID regulations is limiting capacity in the indoor facility. A limited number of spaces for the gym, pool, and basketball courts, have been made available for online registration. The news was well-received and celebrated by many members of the Bishop’s community. “It makes it so much easier to stay active. I’m very excited to start a gym routine again,” said fourth-year student Hayden Boreham. John H. Price Sports Centre. Courtesy of David Rossiter
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ECONOMICS & BUSINESS
THE CAMPUS MARCH 15, 2021
Samy Cauvet, Economics & Business Editor » thecampus.businesseditor@gmail.com
Top five remote, part-time student jobs Due to the current worldwide pandemic, most stores and restaurants had to close, leaving their workers unemployed, mostly students who worked part-time. As students, the stress we face has to do with more than just taking classes or writing exams. We crawl under expenses, and having enough money to pay our bills can rapidly become a challenge. Since the current labour market is changing, what could be some alternatives for students to keep getting a steady income every month? Thankfully, there are many remote part-time jobs for students in Canada. Unlike typical jobs that used to be done in an office setting, you get the freedom to work from your dorm room or wherever you happen to be. Whether it is from home, at the library on campus, or at a coffee shop, there should be plenty of places to use. You can also go to a local co-working space. There is actually one located in the centre of Sherbrooke next to Maison du cinema. Additionally, you get the flexibility to organize your time. You can work in-between lectures, during weekends, or even at night as long as you get your tasks done before the deadline. Let’s look at some of the best remote part-time student jobs you can find.
Samy Cauvet Economics & Business Editor
Online Tutor. The average pay is 20 dollars per hour. As long as you have a good GPA, you can consider tutoring students in the subject areas in which you excel. It usually needs to be a class in which you have an average of 85 percent or above. In addition to working online, you might be able to find a job on campus. Social Media Manager. The average pay can range from 15 to 30 dollars an hour. Start-ups are actively looking for students who can help them grow their public exposure and client base through social media marketing. Do not hesitate to reach out to local businesses and let them know how you can help them engage with customers to grow their brand. Data Entry Clerk. The average pay is 10 dollars per hour. Despite the fact that this job does not pay well, the basic requirements are easy to meet for students. You just need strong written communication skills. Careful, this job is known for online scams, so take the time to make sure that the company is legitimate before accepting a job offer.
A few steps closer to your dream job Very soon, with a diploma in hand and long hours of studying behind you, you will be looking for your first job, or maybe you have already started. In the face of a constantly changing labour market, adopting a job search strategy is key in order to successfully land your dream job. Here are several points to remember. Have a good knowledge of yourself. It is the starting point of a good job search. The mistake most people make is applying for everything they see and not clarifying what kind of job might be right for them. The opposite exists too. You might be afraid to apply on job postings because you don’t know what you have to offer, or you might think you will be disqualified because you do not have all the requirements listed on the job posting. Before sending your CV to potential employers, take the time to identify what type of work environment and challenges would stimulate you. Then, make a list of your values, skills, strengths, and weaknesses you would like to improve on. By having a good knowledge of yourself, you will be able to take a critical look at job offers. Have an up-to-date CV that appeals to employers. The CV is a reflection of your professional identity. Human Resource professionals receive a tremendous number of them daily, so in order to catch the eye of a potential employer, your CV must stand out while remaining professional. You can use a free professional template such as Word or Canva. Make sure the information in your CV is accurate, organized and precise. Avoid long sentences, grammatical mistakes, and keep the information on one to two pages maximum. If you have specific software training or licences required for the position, make sure it is listed on your resume. Remember that recruiters will only have a quick look at it! Keep up with the news. Be curious and stay aware of local and global social, political, and economic issues. Job creation, new technologies, and available financing are good indicators of future labour demands. A good starting point is to follow the Chambers of Commerce in your region. They are connected with businesses and often know which new start-ups could need your knowledge and creativity! Develop and maintain your networks of contacts. Your network is a gold mine for your job search. A single contact can allow you to meet a key person in an organization. Keep in mind that people should know that you are looking for a job, so do not hesitate to reach out, your contacts can help! Start by managing your Facebook and Instagram profiles. Keep it professional and make sure employers do not have access to information that is irrelevant to them. Then, create a LinkedIn profile and connect with recruiters, past employers, friends, classmates, and follow people from your industry that inspire you.
Virtual Assistant. The average pay can range from 15 to 20 dollars an hour. You have to handle phone calls and emails, as well as create spreadsheets and documents. You might also have to do some invoicing and pay bills. Call Centre Agent. The average pay can range from 15 to 20 dollars an hour. This job is best suited for students who are multitasking and have excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Positions are available mainly in customer service, telemarketing and sales. Most would say that a perfect student job is one that pays enough money to cover tuition fees and leave you with some extra cash to host an occasional party, unfortunately not currently allowed due to the pandemic regulations. This past year we learnt the hard way that online flexible jobs are the future for students.
Marlene Canuel Co-op & Academic Advisor
Have a defined action plan. Identify job opportunities via job search engines or websites, send resumes, and follow-ups after two weeks. With so many tasks, it’s easy to get lost. Have a clear, organized, defined action plan and follow up on your efforts. Looking for a job can become a full-time job at first. Prepare for your job interviews. In order to get the job, you will need to differentiate yourself during job interviews. An interview can be a stressful situation that can make it difficult for you to showcase your skills for a position. In order to be successful, prepare yourself in advance and avoid improvising. Have a good knowledge of the company (values, products, history) and the position (requirements, tasks, projects). Finally, prepare a good fifteen to thirty seconds punchline to answer the famous question: Why should we hire you rather than another candidate? Stay flexible and open-minded. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and get involved. You can participate in club activities, networking events, and case competitions. You can also volunteer for not-for-profit organizations, contact start-ups, and offer your time. Anything can turn into an opportunity. Despite everything being online due to COVID-19, you can still participate in all of the above to socialize and expand your skillset. To sum up, don’t wait until the last minute. Start developing your own network now by participating in professional and social events, whether it is in person or online. Finally, stay strategic and organized in your job search. That way, you’ll get a few steps closer to your dream job.
Image by Sean MacEntee*
*Image by Sean MacEntee, title: work, used under CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/), retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/smemon/5121772432/in/photolist8NAqvf-2f22UCd-3W5Qg-4dxhpt-5iDwmV-5VQbb8-34bqQw-8jbsEX-8z9smv-5Pv6PE-72gsXk-eUF8K-9oV3s6-3vVdbS-78PF8c-bwZwf1-4FQWGg-5RtCkL-nrp1G-6Hkkp-59q9DU-7K3kLTaXJcf-bvBqiv-3Xv7x-bSAkRD-5FYJBn-6Hkm7-8VtSX-2fQuAFp-9w26ZW-aduvRD-nUear-7cvF6-cDu1Zu-2bEbc-5kQpHi-7cuG4-2hR4X8W-2o6bQ5-7vLzu-7vLAg-6wexFu-i92w6-7vLzX57KMAD-nrpp4-2bAuyrV-7tN2K-6HkmA