The Confluence | September 3rd, 2019 by The Confluence

Confluence

September 3rd 2019

YOUR OFFICIAL COLLEGE MAGAZINE

The

Fairness to International students

“Swing” by Agyapal Singh

It’s the Chief - Editorial Hello everyone! Welcome back to the college for another great year! This is always an exciting time of year and I want to welcome back all the returning students along with the new ones as well. The Confluence webpage is up and running, and can be found at “www.cncsu.ca/confluence”. All of our submissions that are published will be published there as well. We hope that this will make it easier for students to share and access their written works. The overall goal of the Confluence was to spread your voice as far as possible, so this project has been very exciting for me. I am also pleased to announce that The Confluence will officially be handing out three $200 bursaries to students who have their submissions published in the magazine or the website. The criteria for the bursaries are this: - How actively involved you are with The Confluence - The quality of your work published in The Confluence On another note, we are actively recruiting volunteers, and this is especially true for The Confluence. People who work with video and photography are especially needed in what we are hoping to accomplish.

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I hope you all are excited for the upcoming semester and I truly urge you to submit anything you got to the magazine. There is pleny of money on the table for you all to get!

Submit your works today! You can send what you have to editor@cncsu.ca. Upon publication, you will recieve a $20 cheque and be automatically entered to potentially recieve a $200 bursary in Spring 2020.

Cheers!

Damon Robinson Editor-in-Chief, The Confluence

Hey Dudes- Editorial Happy August everybody! The summer is, finally, beginning to look like a hot one. The college wrapped up Summer Bash last week, and boy oh boy, it was a scorcher. There was a ton of you guys out there playing with the volleyball, bean bag toss, and of course, the wheel of trivia. Not to mention all of the free pizza we handed out. We even had water guns that we let loose. It was like watching a bunch of giant children running around spraying each other. Good times, good times. In other news, intersession just ended, which means those students who worked so meticulously over the summer can finally sit back, soak in the sun, and relax. I am sure you all passed your courses with flying colors, so take it easy folks. The month of August has many things to offer and I encourage you guys (and myself) to make the most of it! As for me, I will be relentlessly focusing on article writing, to get my absolute best work out to you guys. I am particularly excited for one article I am in the process of, but I am keeping it on the down low until further notice. Basically, it will be the first article I am writing to involve true journalism, which is a potential future career I am looking at. Though the need for journalists in today’s world may not be in incredibly high demand, I might as well shoot for the stars, y’know? For now, however, it is time to make the most of my News Editor position as possible. I am so freakin’ excited about it all.

Raegan Cote News Editor

Finally, the Student Union has just said goodbye to Harman Dandiwal, a treasured employee of the college for five whole years, that I had the honor of spending a few short months with. His efforts to make the college a better place for all students will not be forgotten, and on behalf of myself, the Students Union, and CNC as a whole, we will miss you!

Ian Petrie Trades Rep.

Amy Barry Organizer

Shaun Edwards Health and Science Rep.

Rebecca Clark-Gray Office & Services Coordinator

Navjot Singh Brar Business & Technology Rep.

Carman Hill Quesnel Office & Services Coordinator

Brandan Jack Indigenous Rep.

Brittany Idiens Quesnel Rep.

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Leila Depenau Executive Director

Confluence The

Fair ness to Inte r nat i ONA L S T U D E N TS

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Raegan Cote, News Editor

Throughout the entirety of Canadian Post-Secondary Institutions, British Columbia hosts one-third of all international students (Celeste 2). The reason behind BC being such a common choice by students from abroad, amongst all of the Post-Secondary schools in Canada, is due to the high reputation the institutions hold (Celeste 1). Not to mention the dazzling landscapes, the buzzing cities, and all of the other beautiful ways BC captures the hearts of many, the beautiful province is easy to call home. International students can see exactly what this province has to offer, though not all of it is as transparent as one may initially believe. Canada is using its excellent reputation for Post-Secondary education to its advantage (Celeste 1). British Columbian schools drive students to attend, however, since there is no regulation for fee increases, the institutions have the power to sky rocket tuition fees at any given time (Celeste 4). Annual budget planning is not possible with this law. Thus, the current model of International Student tuition is un-

regulated, unpredictable, and unfair. Economically, the unregulated fees for international students in British Columbia institutions could lead to significant risks for not only the province but for Canada as a whole (Celeste 4). While the government has placed a cap on domestic tuition increases at two percent per year, there is nothing holding back the college and universities from increasing international fees (Celeste 5). This lack of regulation is not reflective of the values that Canadians hold dear to their hearts, though it is the reality for so many. The BC government is very aware of how much money international education brings in (Celeste 2). English training programs alone bring in $919.4 million, per year (Kunin). Furthermore, international education contributes $9.3 billion to the Canadian GDP—BC providing 23.4 percent of that. British Columbia’s economy depends so heavily upon that of international education that it has become one of the seven principal industry sectors; the other six are agrifoods, forestry, mining, natural gas, technol-

ogy, and transportation (Celeste 4). The model also does not account for the overwhelming cost of living and presupposes the idea that all students coming from abroad are able to easily finance Canadian education. The current system in place that allows tuition fees increases at any time is irresponsible and may cause students to search for other options outside of BC, and even Canada (Celeste 1). BC views international students strictly as a commodity by evening out budget shortages for the year and filling the funding gaps with student tuition increases (Celeste 4). Even though the international students significantly benefit Canada’s economy, the government has yet to become involved, leaving the decision making in the hands of people whos responsibility and devotion is strict to that of their own institution (Celeste 4). Not only do international students struggle to pay their unregulated tuition fees, they also do not receive the support, neither emotional, nor financial, in order to successfully complete their studies (Celeste 9). They face

an overwhelming burden of work,

simpler than it may appear. The Brit- great economic support it gives to the

school, and life, at an exceptionally greater cost than the average domestic student. Many international students are afraid to seek emotional support out of fear of getting deported, or the denial of a work permit (Celeste 10). For many students travelling from abroad, they also face the language barrier, therefore effecting their ability to pass classes, and create bonds with Canadian students (Celeste 10). The students are not the only ones feeling pressure to pass; faculty across all colleges and universities and feeling compulsion to pass students whether they are meeting criteria or not (Celeste 9). The pressure to pass unprepared international students places the reputation of Canadian education at risk when faced against other higher education institutions (Celeste 9). Through this, BC shows that although international students are valued financially, they are not shown the same sociocultural and physical appreciation as domestic students are (Celeste 9). The solution to these issues is much

ish Columbia Federation of Students (BCFS), also known as the student union, has proposed a two-phase solution in order to create fairness for international students. Step one would be for the government to: “amend the Tuition Fee Limit Policy to include international students.” The first step would create the predictability and fairness that domestic students have had since 2005 (Celeste 11). The second step would be to strategize and provide a sufficient increase in support to international students to help in the integration socially, culturally, and academically (Celeste 11). The second step is there to create a platform for international students to feel comfortable and secure, while enjoying their time spent in classrooms in Canada—as opposed to the government thinking of international education in terms of increasing numbers. In conclusion, British Columbia’s government must act sooner, rather than later, to avoid a complete crash in international education, and the

government. With BC hosting such a significant number of international students in Canada, there is a significant amount of room for the current tuition fee model to fail miserably. Though the cost of education is high, international students are also dealing with the burden of not having access to support. The current model is irresponsible, unregulated, unpredictable, and finally, unfair. The mission the BCFS has been given, is to flip that around. The BCFS is campaigning for fairness for international students, using the two-step initiative they have designed. The first is to amend the Tuition Fee Limit Policy, and the second is to provide more support in all areas to the international students, to create a successful post-secondary experience. Laura Celeste. “International Students in British Columbia.” British Columbia Federation of Students. http://www.wearebcstudents.ca/w p-content/uploads/2018/04/bcfs_booklet-FINAL.pdf Roslyn Kunin. “Economic Impact of International Education in Canada.” Global Affairs Canada, 2016. https:// www.international.gc.ca/education/report-rapport/impact-2016/index.aspx?lang=eng

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Articles

Confluence The

The Ethics of White LiES

SHOULD YOU? SHOULDN’T YOU?

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Damon Robinson, Editor-In-Chief

Have you ever bought into something to only find out that it is not entirely true? Lying is typically known to be harmful in all aspects, at least that is what is commonly thought to be true. The irony of that belief is that lies are used excessively in the world of design. With the prominent use of lies, the real question remains: is it wrong? There are many conflicting opinions in the world of design; some say that honesty is the best policy, whereas others believe that convenience trumps the truth. The ethics of this topic are debated often, is it false advertising or playing to people’s mental placebos? The ethical dilemma between

these two topics has been a focal point in the digital age. In October of last year, the executive director of National Elevator Industry Inc. revealed that the “close door” button does not close the door. The button does not do anything at all, unlike the “open door” button. As Ellen J. Langer of Harvard University put it: “Perceived control is crucial... It diminishes stress and promotes well-being.” When the effects are laid out, the lies seem harmless, but they are still lying. In a society that cries out for open information and truth, is being a lie enough to be considered unethical?

Articles that has been “touched-up.” In an age of social justice, many cry out to the designers and manipulators to stop falsifying and creating unnatural and nearly unattainable body images. When looking closer at the topic of visual fallacies, it is essential to note what harm it could be possibly caused to the general public. Harmful side-effects of altered images may, for example, cause self-esteem issues with how the average person’s body size. The reason why this skill of manipulating photographs is so popular, however, is because they outright look good. Whether it be properly showing off certain sets of clothing or products, it has in the past been very useful. Even though photoshopped models in the grand scale of things is a minor concept, the fact that this fallacy exists is Smart word usage is prominent in white lies, as stated above. enough to cause uncomfortable feelings in the general public. Advertisements or signs claiming things such as “Best Pizza in Town!” are fascinating in this aspect, as they cannot be proven When summed up, the buttons that do not have any funcwrong. The reason why these advertisements cannot be dis- tion may not be as bad after all. Of course, outright statproved is due to the matter of opinion. The usage of opinion ing false information is unethical generally, but overall white is widespread in the world of advertising; it is seen in movie lies do have benefits. In the age of consumerism, the balance trailers, for example. This form of “white lie” is so common shifts every day between whether white lies are worth it or because it cannot possibly be disproved as it is a personal opin- not. However, I think most can agree that being in a universe ion. Whether the view is genuine or not is up to debate on a where there is not a “closed-door” button in the elevator at situational basis, but any statement could be used to justify the the end of a long day may make your life just a tad more ads. Generally, that local pizza place may not actually be the stressful than it needs to be. best in town, but it is to somebody, and that is all they need. A sub-type of the white lie tends to lie unnoticed to most, but it in itself is very controversial in no small portion of people. Visual lies are used all the time in the digital era, with the rise of programs such as photoshop. Covers of magazines are plagued with what is technically lies. Many magazines that you look at have covers that are falsified with the usage of photoshop. Whether it be the manipulated body shapes of models or faces cleaned up of blemishes, there almost always is something

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Playing devil’s advocate, advertisements are notorious for using the phrase “up to..” in the ads. For example, a company could state that a client could “save up to 15 percent” on a particular service, product or plan. This statement by technicality is correct, you can save up to 15 percent in most cases, but this is true for any number below that as well. The phrase “up to” is misleading to some people, as some may cut that phrase out as a whole and focus on “save… 15 percent”. “Up to” in this case is similar to what could be called a verbal fine print. Even though this is true, is it ethical if it misleads people into thinking naively? The conflict of ethics between truth and lies is very situational.

Confluence The

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OPEN CALL for your submissions

Poetry-Photography-Articles-REVIEWS-PAINTINGS GRAPHIC DESIGN-CARTOONS-CREATIVE WRITING-ESSAYS Submit now to: EDITOR@CNCSU.CA

Students are applauding the BC governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s announced funding infusion for the development of open education resources (OERs). The $3.26 million in additional funding for BCcampus will enable the agency to create and enhance open resources such as textbooks, online assignments, and practice exams that will be available free for students and instructors at BC postsecondary institutions.

The cost of textbooks and course materials has long been a financial challenge for students: between 2002 and 2012 textbook prices rose by 82%. These costs

have a real impact on student success: 65% of students report opting to not purchase an assigned textbook; 49% report taking fewer courses to reduce the cost; and 27% report that they have dropped a course because of the cost of the textbook. In 2012 the BC government tasked its agency BCcampus with creating the Open Textbook Project with $2 million in funding for the initiative. Since then, OERs have saved students more than $9 million by creating free and openly accessible textbook options.

The BC Federation of Students has advocated for the creation and use of OERs for three years with its Open Textbooks Now! campaign. Most of the advocacy work has focused on students raising awareness on campus and working with faculty to adopt OERs in their classes; provincially the BCFS has called for an infusion of funding to further expand availability, particularly in under-resourced areas such as trades.

For more articles like this, check out the official BCFS blog at https://www.wearebcstudents.ca/blog

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Students Applaud Open Education Resource Funding

LOV E Just like the purest elixir wells, inside the heart, love dwells. Meeting of lost souls make love complete, even its a place where two solitudes meet. Love is the greatest gift and sacrifice, even sometimes, it is the sweetest suicide. The way we think, love doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t begin or end, it is the thing that happens without any intend. Sometimes, love is a kind of unique beautiful dream, while opening eyes, it fades away like steam.

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If ever, love is explained in a summary, then it is a tale of encounter and discovery. Love is a disease which has no cure, only thing you can do is to love MORE. @silent_writer__

Hea r tw o r m

By Damon Robinson

It’s hard to describe But the ever wondering desire That’s been rooted in the back catalogue Of my heart has sprouted into A life of its own. There was no flash before the rumble And the flames birthed by the remaining ember From meeting you three years ago Under a shoddy build wall painted star gaze Surprised me.

Perhaps it was expert craftsmanship, But I was always decent at creating fire Out of words laced with secondhand desire. And while you can’t shape much out of it, You can produce a flame. Perhaps in a different life Would one be able to see the shadows Of two whisps playing in the dark, And making fire out of the words They shared amongst them.

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I wonder what it feels like, To be unsuspecting, And be labeled dangerous by One who I only shared words with, Unknowing of the flint plating crafted around them.

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