January 27, 2016 by The Cord

THE TIE THAT BINDS WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY SINCE 1926

WHAT ARE THEY PROMISING?

REPPIN’ BRANTFORD

A RISE IN CANDIDATES

Check out the platforms for candidates

Campus represented well by candidates

20 people go forward for board of directors

Campus, page 3-7

Campus, page 8

A CALL FOR ENLISTMENT

THE VIEW OF THE PRESIDENT

WHO WORE IT BEST?

The visions of the potential presidents

What is it like to be president and CEO?

A critique of the presidential campaigns

In Depth, page 12-13

Features, page 14

Arts & Life, page 15

PHOTOS BY ANDREAS PATSIAOUROS/PHOTO EDITOR, GRAPHICS BY LENA YANG/CREATIVE DIRECTOR

2 •

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016

VOCAL CORD

If you were president for the day, what would you do at Laurier?

@cordnews

The Cord

CordNews

@cordwlusp

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

“I’d make Greek Life more recognized on campus.” –Isabella Gambin, thirdyear communications

JESSICA DIK/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

“I would fix eduroam.” –Elias Ahonen, fourth-year political science

“Make people happy.” –Brendan Sequeira, thirdyear business

“Give us a day off.” –Aqsa Naveed, secondyear political science

During one of their scenes, the cast of 9-5, performed by Laurier Musical Theatre, used The Cord as a prop. We appreciate the shoutout and love.

Bag O’ Crime Location: Clara Conrad Hall Reported: Thursday, January 21, 2016 @ 7:23 a.m. SCS officers responded to a report of a suspicious male that was attempting to gain access to the student residence at Clara Conrad Hall. Officers were able to locate the male and stop him on campus. The male was not associated with the university and was verbally trespassed and escorted off the campus. Location: 345 King St. N. Reported: Friday, January 22, 2016 @ 12:10 a.m. SCS officers responded to a reported assault at the student residence. Two females had engaged in a physical altercation resulting in one student being struck in the back of the head twice. The struck student did not have any visible injuries but complained of a sore neck and head. The injured student was transported to hospital by EMS. Evidence gathered thus far suggests the fight was consensual and as such no criminal charges are being pursued at this time. Those involved will be forwarded to Residence Life and the Student Conduct office.

Location: Off Campus Reported: Saturday, January 23, 2016 @ 12:44 p.m. SCS is investigating a fraud complaint from a Laurier student. On January 21, ICT sent out an email to the Laurier community making them aware of an email scam that was targeting faculty, staff and students at Canadian and American Universities requesting banking information. A Public Service Announcement had been sent out by the FBI to this effect. A female Laurier student complied with the instructions and supplied the required information. It was later discovered that a substantial amount of funds had been removed from her bank account. A SAFEHawk Alert was sent out to the Laurier community. The matter is being investigated by the WRPS Tech Crime Unit.

SHELBY BLACKLEY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The election season is fucking long. By that, I mean that we’re already nine days in, students are voting in a week and we haven’t really seen much engagement from the candidates. This is at no fault — the candidates are given a lengthy time to connect with students, but we need to see more from the people that want to represent us. It’s important as a typical student to realize the importance of these positions. The president, the individual who is the face of the Students’ Union, has control over a very, very large budget. Do you wish they would do something for students? This person could very well do it. Or they could send the Union into debt. It depends on their plans. The board of directors are the people who make sure the president doesn’t send the Union into

debt. They oversee strategic planning and make sure the president is fulfilling their duties. The board is — and I’m open to contention — a corporate body that makes sure the Students’ Union is fulfilling policy and is compliant with the laws in place. Sure, they can advocate, but if the board sucks, the Union can get away with a lot. Don’t care about the Union? Fine. Those people you just randomly click to vote in for Senate decide whether or not you get a reading week or what programs the school offers. Pissed the school decided to approve a statue project? Upset that money is being cut? The board of governors takes care of both of those. These people may decide the future of Laurier’s revenue. Or lack thereof. My point of this harsh letter is this: from a former student to current students, take an interest in the elections. Even if these people don’t “represent” you, they will be making decisions that can affect the next year, two years, three years of your university career. They can make or break it. Don’t let them fuck it up. Make them work for these positions.

thecord.ca

“Make more computer labs.” –Kyle Morris, fourth-year biology Compiled by Maddy Cutts Photos by Jessica Dik NEXT ISSUE:

Location: 200 King St. N. Reported: Friday, January 22, 2016 @ 12:56 a.m. A Laurier student reported the theft of both marker plates (BSHA 249) from her parked vehicle (2013 Black Tiguan) from the underground parking garage. The theft occurred sometime between January 18–22, 2016. WRPS was notified of the theft. CCTV cameras will be reviewed for a possible suspect.

Editor’s note: Elections so far

FEBRUARY 3, 2016

LOCAL NEWS EDITOR Erika Ymana eymana@thecord.ca

PHOTO EDITOR Will Huang whuang@thecord.ca

CORD STAFF

FEATURES EDITOR Bethany Bowles bbowles@thecord.ca

VIDEO EDITOR Brian Phillips bphillips@thecord.ca

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shelby Blackley sblackley@thecord.ca

ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Zach Guitor zguitor@thecord.ca

LEAD REPORTER Maddy Cutts mcutts@thecord.ca

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lena Yang lyang@thecord.ca

OPINION EDITOR Mitchell Consky mconsky@thecord.ca

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Jessica Dik jdik@thecord.ca

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Joshua Awolade jawolade@thecord.ca

SPORTS EDITOR Drew Yates dyates@thecord.ca

SENIOR COPY EDITOR Caitlyn Sageman csageman@thecord.ca

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Mynt Marsellus mmarsellus@thecord.ca

GRAPHICS EDITOR Fani Hsieh fhsieh@thecord.ca

CAMPUS NEWS EDITOR Kaitlyn Severin kseverin@thecord.ca

PHOTO EDITOR Andreas Patsiaouros apatsiaouros@thecord.ca

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Kira Gelbard kgelbard@thecord.ca

CONTRIBUTORS

EDITOR’S CHOICE:

Manjot Bhullar Kanwar Brar Mira Busscher Samantha Chow Hayley Colussi Killian Cuppage Emilia Curcic Christopher Donald Alex Dulanovic Justine Falconi Serena Gill Brigitte Kloss Allison Lum Heather McLeod Don Morgenson Daniella Okiezi Marco Pedri Christina Somos Fatima Soomro Caroline Spicer Troy Williams

Responding to actions of racism by Kanwar Brar

EDITOR’S CHOICE ONLINE: The Students’ Union presidential debate by The Cord

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES All advertising inquiries can be directed to Care Schummer at care.schummer@wlusp.com or 519-884-0710 ext. 3560.

COLOPHON The Cord is the official student newspaper of the Wilfrid Laurier University community. Started in 1926 as the College Cord, The Cord is an editorially independent newspaper published by Wilfrid Laurier University Student Publications, Waterloo, a corporation without share capital. WLUSP is governed by its board of directors. Opinions expressed within The Cord are those of the author and do not necessarily refl ect those of the editorial board, The Cord, WLUSP, WLU or CanWeb Printing Inc. All content appearing in The Cord bears the copyright expressly of their creator(s) and may not be used without written consent. The Cord is created using Macintosh computers running OS X 10.10 using Adobe Creative Cloud. Canon cameras are used for principal photography. The Cord has been a proud member of the Ontario Press Council since 2006. Any unsatisfied complaints can be sent to the council at info@ ontpress.com. The Cord’s circulation for a normal Wednesday issue is 6,000 copies and enjoys a readership of over 10,000. Cord subscription rates are $20.00 per term for addresses within Canada. The Cord has been a proud member of the Canadian University Press (CUP) since 2004.

PREAMBLE The Cord will keep faith with its readers by presenting news and expressions of opinions comprehensively, accurately and fairly. The Cord believes in a balanced and impartial presentation of all relevant facts in a news report, and of all substantial opinions in a matter of controversy. The staff of The Cord shall uphold all commonly held ethical conventions of journalism. When an error of omission or of commission has occurred, that error shall be acknowledged promptly. When statements are made that are critical of an individual, or an organization, we shall give those affected the opportunity to reply at the earliest time possible. Ethical journalism requires impartiality, and consequently conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts of interest will be avoided by all staff. The only limits of any newspaper are those of the world around it, and so The Cord will attempt to cover its world with a special focus on Wilfrid Laurier University, and the community of Kitchener-Waterloo, and with a special ear to the concerns of the students of Wilfrid Laurier University. Ultimately, The Cord will be bound by neither philosophy nor geography in its mandate. The Cord has an obligation to foster

freedom of the press and freedom of speech. This obligation is best fulfilled when debate and dissent are encouraged, both in the internal workings of the paper, and through The Cord’s contact with the student body. The Cord will always attempt to do what is right, with fear of neither repercussions, nor retaliation. The purpose of the student press is to act as an agent of social awareness, and so shall conduct the affairs of our newspaper.

Quote of the week: “You chose him!” - Lead Photographer Jessica Dik to Creative Director Lena Yang after complaining about her “significant other.”

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016

Campus

• 3 CAMPUS NEWS EDITOR KAITLYN SEVERIN kseverin@thecord.ca

STUDENTS’ UNION

PRESIDENT

AND

CEO

TYLER MURDOCK

TYLER VAN HERZELE

The Students’ Union is an organization that exists to provide the tools needed for its students to succeed. Throughout my time at Laurier, it has managed to provide the tools I need in any endeavour. As your President of the Students’ Union, I want to make these tools easier to access for any student at Laurier. I will focus on strengthening relationships with internal and external campus partners, so that students may feel confident as to the fact that they are being represented well. I will continue to increase the transparency of the Students’ Union and the Presidential role, by consistently communicating what work is being done as well as engaging with students to better represent them and their interests. I’ve spent my time at Laurier connecting with students, and showing them what tools are available. Please check out my platform at tylermurdockforpresident.ca and remember to vote!

My platform is comprised of 4 pillars and 2 initiatives, which delve into multiple aspects of student life on campus. My pillars are Campus Safety, Mental Health, Connectivity and Awareness and Looking Forward. My Initiatives focus on Faculty Representation and enhanced communication through a segment called Prezent Questions. I strive to create strong relationships with the student body to best represent the student voice. This platform was built off conversations with over 50 people whom I have met with personally. These pillars are the result of those conversations. A platform cannot be explained in 150 words, so check out TyingItTogether.ca to get the full breakdown of each of the pillars and initiatives. I believe that we are only as strong as we are together and this year I want to create the strongest student experience possible, but I can’t do it without you. This year, Let’s Ty it Together.

The president and CEO oversees the Students’ Union and advocates on behalf of undergraduate students on both campuses and in the community

All platforms were cut off at 150 words. All platforms are as is and not edited for spelling, grammar or structure.

PHOTOS BY WILL HUANG/PHOTO EDITOR, ANDREAS PATSIAOUROS/PHOTO EDITOR, BRANTFORD PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY THE SPUTNIK

4 • CAMPUS NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016

STUDENTS’ UNION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Stephanie Bellotto

Jamie Bradshaw

Thanisa Chandran

Harry Choi

Matt DeSumma

I’m a third year Political Science Student seeking election to the Board of Directors. As a director, I will monitor the President through Executive Limitations and policy governance, develop the long-term strategic direction of the organization, and engage in critical discussion. I want to ensure greater communication with the student body and I will do this by participating in Board related events and inform members of the affairs of the board. I will voice student concerns through accurate feedback mechanisms and be accountable to members. Having been involved around campus with Laurier Law Society, Her Campus, Intramurals, I bring a holistic approach to the table. I have experience in policy as I have worked for a lawyer writing affidavits, analyzing documents and providing advice to clients. I will utilize my past skills which are relevant towards this position. I look forward to working in a team environment with other directors.

Hello, my name is Jamie Bradshaw and I am a second year BBA student here at the Lazaridis School of Business. I am running to be on the Students’ Union Board of Directors. Laurier has given me so much, and I feel like this is a great opportunity to give back to the Laurier community. Last year I swam on the varsity swim team here at Laurier. It is a true honour to be able to represent your school in something you love. That team opened my eyes as to what it is like to be a true golden hawk and the spirit and community we have here at Laurier. I would like to continue this honour of representing Laurier’s undergraduate community by voicing your concerns. Upon being elected for Director of the Board I will see to it that no voice goes unheard. Thank you.

My name is Thanisa Chandran. I’m in second year Law and Society. My interest in policy research encouraged me to run for board of directors. It’s come to my attention that not a lot of students are informed on what the board of directors does. The board of directors is the governing body of the Students Union that holds the president accountable. If elected, one of my main goals will be to make the student body more aware of the role of board of directors, board resources, and recruit more students with similar interests who are interested in joining the board. Having built relationships with many students from both the Waterloo and Brantford campuses gives me the opportunity to advocate on behalf of all students no matter the campus.

As a fellow Golden Hawk, I have fallen in love with Wilfrid Laurier University and its culture. Feeling so welcomed by its environment, my goal is to tie Laurier together with its student body by running for the Board of Directors. My name is Harry Choi and I am a second year Business Administration student. With my relevant skills and experiences, I wish to help implement several improvements that I would strive towards if elected. Firstly, I would address the lack of study spaces available during midterms and final examinations. I wish to efficiently utilize Laurier’s campus to its most resourceful capacity to help everyone with their academic endeavours. Secondly, I wish to increase the transparency between Laurier’s executives and its student body. As the Board of Directors, I would be representative of the undergraduate population and will ensure that its opinions and concerns are voiced fairly.

My name is Matt DeSumma and I’m a Law & Society and Human Rights student seeking re-election on the Students’ Union Board of Directors. Coming into this position, I ensured that I would use my role as a Director to create a stronger presence of the Board in school functions and medias, as well as mend the communication gap between campuses. I have demonstrated this over my term by promoting multi-campus cooperation and through my involvement in many Board committees, including the Ownership Linkage and Board Vision committees. However, my work is not done. If re-elected, I aim to further carry out my past promises, but also bring on some new ones. This includes: taking more of a leadership approach with the Board; holding the board accountable for their actions (especially in regards to social media practices); and further promoting the multi-campus initiative—advocating for Laurier students from all environments.

Nick DeSumma

Jake Driver

Faraz

Kevin Jang

Shannon Kelly

My name is Nick DeSumma and I am a Concurrent Education and Human Rights student seeking re-election on the Students’ Union Board of Directors. Over the past year, I have had the privilege to serve as Vice Chair of the Board. It is the knowledge, experience, and leadership I have gained that led me to seek re-election for a third term. If re-elected, I plan on pursuing the role of Chair of the Board and Chief Governance Officer. If successful, I will work to increase transparency from the Board to students through marketing and providing updates, as well as ensuring that all Board members have their opinions heard before making decisions. I also intend to work closely with the departments to increase feedback from the Board. If re-elected, I will continue to be a passionate, vocal, and dedicated member of the Board, advocating that all Laurier students are well represented.

I wish to work with the existing nature of the previous Directors, which is to further the inclusive and progressive nature of our campuses here at Laurier, while at the same time staying true to our foundation as a University. I believe that promoting an environment that allows for flourishing personal and academic growth aids all who share in the experience. Through this and the intellectual pursuit of broadening our horizons I hope that we all will be able to take not just memories from Laurier and we all can leave our positive mark on a campus that has positively fostered our personal development. This is what I will work to accomplish if elected to the Board of Directors.

At Laurier I have worked with The Cord, foot patrol and the Indian students association; yet, I do not base my platform on experience. Experience alone does not always guarantee passion and right intention. With your help I hope to ensure the pursuit for the best interest of the Laurier community in both Brantford and Waterloo. I am excited to build greatly on the kind of Student - Board relationship already present but one which can be further extended. Transparency and accountability are more than buzzwords and cannot be addressed simply through open board meetings, rather, opening up the board itself. There are only a few who actually know what the board does. If we do not know what or who the board is, how then is accountability perfected? I want to help keep the president in check and ensure not limitations present to ensure students’ wellbeing are not violated. *Disclaimer: Faraz Iftekharuddin is an opinion columnist for The Cord

My platform made of three central pillars that I will strive to maintain if elected to the Board of Directors. My first pillar is Accountability. The Students’ Union and its members should make sure that their student body is represented fairly and resources of the Students’ Union are used to benefit the students of Laurier. My second pillar is Transparency. I want the students of Laurier to trust their student government. Staying connected with the student body and informing you of issues and current events of the Students’ Union will begin to earn this trust. Finally, my third pillar is Progression. My biggest goal is to see this school grow. I will conduct myself as a Laurier Director to think longterm, and create a foundation that present and future students can be proud of. If elected, these are the values I will uphold, and the values you should vote for.

My name is Shannon Kelly and I am a second year BBA student. This past year I have worked as the Board Secretary for the Students’ Union, and through this I have developed a passion for the organization. Using the knowledge I have gained over the year, I believe I possess the necessary skills to become an effective Director. If elected, I have three main goals: first, I would like to advocate for student experience by holding the president accountable to their promises; secondly, I would like to help improve communication between the Students’ Union and students; and thirdly, I plan to push for and promote a multicampus effort. Laurier is my home and has given so much to me. With your votes, I can give back to the Laurier community and help improve our (already amazing) institution!

Iftekharuddin

CAMPUS NEWS • 5

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016

STUDENTS’ UNION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Hubert Lee

Mynt Marsellus

Genelle Martin

Nick Molkoski

Tarique Plummer

I have been a Residence Life Don, a Students’ Union Volunteer, a club member under Lazaridis Student Society, and currently the Coordinator for the First Year Project. By running for Board of Directors, I will use my diverse experiences to ensure that the Union continues to be forward looking and grow as an organization. My platform highlights the following: ensuring diverse groups of students are always considered in strategic decisions through my experiences and outreach events, ensuring that all investments spent by all departments of the Union align with the ends, and using my experience to reach out and connect to students informing them about Union decisions. I will accomplish this by using my experience and reach to encourage students to be more interested in the Union. In doing so I can help the Union continue to deliver the best student experience, and to empower students to achieve more.

In my four years at Laurier, I’ve seen a huge cross section of the life and opportunities available to us all. From House Council in first year to donning in second, working at both the SI centre and The Cord, and volunteering through Foot Patrol and campus clubs I’ve been incredibly fortunate in the diversity of my experience here. I want to bring that experience to the Board of Directors and help more students succeed at Laurier. The Students’ Union Board of Directors has a lot of potential to influence the lives of students whether that be through the allocation of the budget to the research done in its committees, as well as keeping the President accountable in their role. With my experience at the school, I can promise that I’ll ask the right questions to keep the Students’ Union working for everyone. *Disclaimer: Mynt Marsellus is the Multimedia Director for The Cord

My name is Genelle Martin and my platform circles around 2 topics, mental health and first year engagement. The frustrating reality at Laurier is that many first year students are totally uninterested or unaware of the Students’ Union, and how it works. I’ve seen it first hand being a part of Residence Life. By getting students involved earlier, we will likely increase the turnout in elections, while also increasing the passion and connection generated early on for the Students’ Union. Secondly, mental health should continue to be a priority of the Students’ Union. The well being of students extends far beyond physical pain. Mental health is a serious topic that must be properly addressed because it affects everyone differently. There is a direct link between mental health and school performance, which means the Students’ Union must continue to work to make the lives of every student more comfortable.

I am a BBA student seeking election to the Board of Directors. As a Director, I will hold the President accountable to their executive limitations and prioritize the ends when making decisions. As former Student Trustee for the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA), I have experience at the board table representing 36,000 students in Niagara. Working with OSTA, I have seen modifications to policies and curriculums on behalf of students. Likewise, I intend to see policies modified and created with the Board’s Policy committee(s) to ensure the needs of students are met. Building on the work of this year’s Ownership Linkage Committee, I want to see further outreach to students for feedback and improved publications of the Board’s and Students’ Union’s actions. Currently, I am the Chair of House Council, a member of Waterloo Residence Council and once elected, I will represent the voices of students in Brantford and Waterloo.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ The name is Plummer, Tarique Plummer and I am one of your candidates for the Senate and Board of Directors. My strong dedication to the Laurier community has fuelled my desire to contribute in an even greater way. I strongly believe that you should elect me because of three core reasons and remember, the choice is ultimately yours: 1. I will make it my priority to ensure fiscal accountability and transparency within the Students’ Union body. 2. I have the best interest of the students at heart and will passionately argue for and promote academic modifications that will enhance the student experience. 3. lastly, to be analytical, direct, and rationale about all decisions brought to the board and senate while putting the views of the students forward. I am Tarique Plummer. Competence, diversity and experience; The choice is yours. *Disclaimer: Tarique Plummer is an opinion columnist for The Cord

Ryan Price

Jonathan Ricci

Eumin Song

Dana Toameh

Anthony Zambito

My name is Ryan Price and I am proud to be a student of Wilfrid Laurier University and a part of their BBA program. I am currently the Vice President of Finance on the Lazaridis Student Society. This has given me a great amount of experience on what it is like to represent the students, listen to what they want, and most importantly to fulfill my commitments seriously. I want to take this prior experience, passion, and drive for making sure students get what they deserve by running for the Students’ Union Board of Directors. Every student here at Laurier is entitled to their voice, whether it be comments, feedback, questions, or concerns, and I am here to listen. I am a very honest and direct person that wants to ensure no voice is turned down. Hope to see you at the polls.

My name is Jonathan Ricci and I will be seeking my third term on the board for the Laurier Students’ Union. During my time on the board, I have served on multiple committees and been very vocal at the board table. If re-elected, I will bring my previous experience back to the board table by pursuing the position of Chair of the Board and Chief Governance Officer. It is important as directors that we are approachable and communicate with the student body. I will continue my engagement with students over social media and in person. Lastly, it is important that directors collaborate to foster a multi campus mentality to benefit all Laurier students. It has been an honour to represent the Laurier Community and I hope you give me the opportunity to serve another term on the board. On February 3rd and 4th, re-elect Jonathan Ricci!

I am currently a second year Psychology Student seeking election to the Student Union’s Board of Directors. At Laurier, I have volunteered both as an Orientation Week Icebreaker and an executive on First Year Project. If elected, I will use my experience to help contribute to strategic and generative discussion, and provide a critical viewpoint at the Board table. I will also hold the President accountable by effectively monitoring them through Board-set Executive Limitations. Ultimately, it is my goal to provide two-way communication between the Board and our student-body. Since Board Members are representatives of students, I will always listen and adhere them. Finally, I feel that my passion for student leadership at Laurier will drive me far in being an effective Director.

My name is Dana Toameh and I am running for the Board of Directors of Wilfrid Laurier University. I am a Health Science student who has been incredibly involved since I was in my first year. A few things I did include, ERT, Winter Carnival, Eye to Eye, FOSSA, and I volunteer in the community. If I am elected to the board, I will be the voice of the students and always put your views forward. I will encourage transparency and use my experience to better the development of the Students’ Union. A record of accomplishment.

For years now, students have taken on seemingly endless loads of stress. They need to worry about getting good grades, having a social life, staying in shape, and, lest we forget, having enough money to pay for it all. My goal is to advocate on behalf of these overwhelmed students in a democratic fashion. As a member of the WLUSU Board of Directors, I would advocate these issues to the Students’ Union, and ensure that the President is spending its money in a way that best represents the interest of its members. As a member of the Board of Governors, I’d hold the university accountable to its investments, and remind them constantly of the problems being faced by WLU students. There are millions of people around the world who are deprived of their democratic voice. I do not want this to be the case for WLU students.

6 • CAMPUS NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016

WLUSP

PRESIDENT

MEGHAN ROACH

WLUSP

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

It is essential that the president and publisher of Wilfrid Laurier University Student Publications is an individual who understands for all of our publications to thrive as they currently do, all members must collectively work together. It should be understood that under this umbrella, we are capable of achieving greater accomplishments than we are now. I would like to continue to facilitate a work environment in both Waterloo and Brantford where our volunteers feel comfortable and are able to exhibit their creativity to produce the highest quality of publications. I envision a unified organization to produce consistent content including policies, production processes, and radio. During my four years at WLUSP I have been a street team member, a DJ, a street team coordinator, the promotions and branding director, and an advertising assistant. These positions have allowed me to see how a team should effectively collaborate in order to reach their end goal. This past year I have worked as the Radio Laurier Station Manager, which has developed and strengthened my skills in volunteer management as well as given me experience in creating, amending, and presenting a budget. Working with administration as part of the advertising team as well as a department head has taught me how crucial financial responsibility within this organization is. These experiences have shown me how this organization operates as a whole and it will be my responsibility to continue to grow from relationships that I have previously made throughout student publications and will continue to make.

BOD platforms were cut off at 150 words, president cut off at 250. All platforms are as is and not edited for spelling, grammar or structure.

Matt Burley

Maddy Cutts

Abdiasis Issa

Mynt Marsellus

I am excited to announce that I will be running for the WLUSP Board of Directors. If I get elected to the Board of Directors I promise to work hard and do my best to exceed the expectations of my team. I would spend my time focusing of distribution of the budget, creating new ideas and maintaining old traditions at WLUSP. I see myself being a valuable member of the team due to my ability to think outside of the box and to work well in a group.

Having served two years as a reporter for The Cord, I have already been fortunate enough to experience the opportunities which WLUSP has to offer. The people I’ve had the privilege of meeting through this organisation have shaped my time at Laurier in ways I never could have anticipated. If granted the honour of serving on the Board of Directors, I promise to work to afford those same opportunities and relationships to others within the organisation. Part of WLUSP’s vision is to provide meaningful opportunities to students, and this can only be achieved by ensuring that as an organisation we are performing at our absolute best. I believe that my enthusiasm for, and dedication to, this organisation ensure that I am in an opportune position to help WLUSP thrive.

It is with a great honour that I announce my re-election the Wilfrid Laurier University Student Publications Board of Directors. This year has been my second term on the board, and it has been nothing short of phenomenal. Each and every day I am reminded why WLUSP is not only special but important to the Laurier and Kitchener/Waterloo Community. Our publications have continued to produce yet another year of award winning content and has provided endless possibilities to volunteers and members of WLUSP. Going forward I will work to ensure that WLUSP continues to foster a strong volunteer culture, continue to provide the right and adequate resources for our publications to grow and prosper. Furthermore, having served as Vice Chair for two terms I believe that I have the right experience, a firm understanding of our organization and its strategic vision.

In my four years at Laurier, I don’t think I’ve been challenged more than in my time with WLUSP. My bosses push me to always do better, think broader, work harder. And while I know there is always more to do and learn, what the people at WLUSP instilled in me was a sense of purpose. The desire to do better, the confidence to know you can, and the drive to get it done. That’s the key to the volunteer experience at WLUSP, and it’s why I want to continue my work on the Board of Directors. To help contribute to the atmosphere that makes this organization such a success.

CAMPUS NEWS • 7

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Jake Driver

Mynt Marsellus

Tarique Plummer

Dana Toameh

Anthony Zambito

The nature of the Board of Governors allows for a lack of stagnation through two year term length as well as prompting an active follow through on important matters; with every year the board consisting of new and returning members. This nature of the board demands cohesion from its members, for they are the body which maintains fiscal responsibility of the University as a whole. Therefore I would work, if elected to the board, with this notion in mind and work in perpetuating this cohesive nature which allows for a functioning board. I would work actively, if elected, to hold Laurier to its foundation as a University, but to also not hinder the nature of active progress which embodies the mentality of not only the board but our campuses as a whole.

The Board of Governors is a weird and elusive body. To tell you all the truth, I don’t fully understand all of its functions and machinations myself. When you go to their website it’s a confusing mess that feels completely inaccessible to the average student even though the power this body has on the average student is enormous. What I do know, though, is on February 4 the undergrad students of Wilfrid Laurier University get to elect one of their own to sit on that body to represent them. I would like for you to elect me to that position. If elected, I promise to be available to my fellow students to clear the air around this part of the school, and to try and translate the jargon into language that the average student can understand so that they can be informed. *Disclaimer: Mynt Marsellus is the Multimedia Director for The Cord

Platforms for Senate can be viewed online at thecord.ca All platforms were cut off at 150 words. All platforms are as is and not edited for spelling, grammar or structure.

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8 • CAMPUS NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016

MULTI-CAMPUS

Brantford’s role in the elections The rise in Brantford students running for positions is a positive for the Students’ Union elections KAITLYN SEVERIN CAMPUS NEWS EDITOR

With the first Brantford presidential candidate in three years running in the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union elections, the participation rate of Laurier Brantford students are slowly but surely increasing. This year, current board of directors members Nick and Matt DeSumma, as well as newcomer Thanisa Chandran, will be running in the elections, bringing the total number of Brantford candidates to four. While this may seem like a low number, Nick DeSumma, a concurrent education and human rights student on the Brantford campus who is rerunning for the board of directors, believes the rate of students running is slowly increasing compared to past years’ elections. “This year it’s four [Brantford candidates] again with the presidential candidate, so I think the numbers are slowly increasing and I’m happy to see an election for board and president this year,” he said. Matt DeSumma, a law and society and human rights student also re-running for the board of directors, said the number of Brantford

“It will encourage more voters to come out, which I know has been a problem on both campuses recently.”

“Hopefully one day we’ll have more candidates come out, but for now it’s just a matter of timing.”

-Matt DeSumma, board of directrors candidate

candidates, particularly presidential candidate Tyler Van Herzele, will prompt more students to vote on February 3 and 4. “It will encourage more voters to come out, which I know has been a problem on both campuses recently, so I’m just excited to see how it will turn out.” The questions of whether the number of Brantford candidates will decrease or increase next year all depends on the outreach of Laurier students during the campaign period, according to Nick DeSumma. “It depends on the time and that outreach of Laurier votes in the elections and what’s going on, so we need to kind of attract those things, so students on this campus so they’ll say sure, I want to run for

-Nick DeSumma, board of directrors candidate

FANI HSIEH/GRAPHICS EDITOR

this one day.” “Hopefully one day we’ll have more candidates come out, but for now it’s just a matter of timing.” As a Brantford student, Matt DeSumma hopes to better represent not just Brantford, but Laurier as a whole. “My focus is on multi-campus efforts like every other student, I love looking out for Brantford, but I just want to ensure that the entire university and both campuses get the best experience they can,” said Matt DeSumma.

“As long as I provide the opportunity for students to be well represented then that’s my goal to represent them, but I know that unfortunately you just can’t get everybody even though you’d like to,” said Nick DeSumma. As for how the Students’ Union could get more Brantford students to run in the elections next year, Nick DeSumma suggests promoting the multi-campus structure. “I think keeping this whole multi-campus kind of structure and kind of promoting it that way

that anybody at Laurier could be part of the elections then have the same voice as other students, I think that’s the way more students will want to run.” Matt DeSumma however, believes better training for the board members and more communication to students as to what the board of directors do for the Students’ Union will help increase participation. “I would like to think better training means we would try and mend the communication gap on what the board actually does and maybe that will sway other people to run.” Two Brantford candidates will be elected regardless of voting on board of directors to represent Brantford students.

ELECTIONS

The race to the board of directors MADDY CUTTS LEAD REPORTER

The race is underway for the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union board of directors. The campaign period for board of directors opened last Monday evening, at which point the official candidates were free to begin actively campaigning across campuses. Though candidates have since been affixing posters, promoting themselves across social media platforms and engaging with members of the Laurier community in person, most have opted to ease themselves onto voters. “It looks like it started off slower than most past years, which I actually like because it shows that the

candidates are focusing on being students more than running,” said Colin Aitchison, chair of the board and chief governance officer. “A lot of the times candidates’ academics slip because they feel that they have to go all out all the time, and then they burn out by the end of the race.” This year’s candidates are unique not solely in strategy, but in numbers. The fear of the possibility of low candidates turn-out or acclamations, as has occurred in years past, were dispelled when an incredible 20 nomination packages were submitted by board of director hopefuls. “At first I was kind of nervous, but I think we got 10 or 11 nomination packages in that last 45 minute gap [before the deadline],

“It will be very interesting to see when it comes down to decision making that we hear all these voices.”

-Jonathan Ricci, board of directors candidate

for the board specifically,” said Aitchison. “We thought we were going to have to reopen, but then we didn’t.” High candidacy this year, in particular the increased number of female candidates, is seen by many as a positive indication that interest and engagement amongst students is on the rise.

“It’s definitely nerve racking to see so many candidates,” said Shannon Kelly, candidate for the board of directors. “But it’s good to see because this is a really important position, and realistically it really should be elected because they’re making major decisions like approving the budget.” Turn-over, a common feature in all student run organisations, has been much discussed in this election given the low number of directors who have opted to run once more. Though the high volume of fresh faces will inevitably bring an adjustment and learning curve, the benefits which accompany this diversity will be an asset to the board. “Amongst this year, when we had the new directors that came in, we

had people from [Residence] Life, we had people from science, so we have all these different perspectives that come in and bring all these different voices to the board,” said Jonathan Ricci, current board member re-running for the board of directors. “It will be very interesting to see when it comes down to decision making, that we hear all these voices.” With such an array of candidates, the Students’ Union is hopeful that this will motivate the student body at large to make their choice known come election days on February 3 and 4 to increase voter turnout. “Whether I get on or don’t get on, I’m just excited to see so many people involved in an election,” said Ricci.

CAMPUS NEWS • 9

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016 RECOGNITION

DANIELLA OKEZIE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The focus on student opportunities such as co-op, entrepreneurship opportunities, community service learning, students’ unions, among others set Laurier apart from other universities.

Laurier top in first choice applications Wilfrid Laurier University saw an 11.3 per cent increase in applications from high school students ALLISON LUM CORD NEWS

The release of the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre numbers comes with cause for celebration at Wilfrid Laurier University as the school saw an 11.3 per cent increase in total application numbers from Ontario high school students. However, the real achievement according to Jennifer Casey, assistant vice president of enrolment services and registrar, is the increase in first choice applications. These increased by 25.2 per cent from last year and was the second-largest growth among all 20 Ontario universities. “That wholeheartedly speaks to the reputation of the institution

and how strongly students want to attend Laurier,” said Casey. So what is the cause for the rapid increase in students selecting Laurier as their number one choice? According to Casey, the focus on innovative programs, such as the bachelor of arts in community health, management option for arts students and bachelor of science in environmental science, have set Laurier apart. “We know that the number one reason students come to Laurier is academic excellence”, said Casey. On top of that, Laurier continuously focuses on engaging career development partners to help students understand what skills they will acquire from their programs and how they can apply it to situations outside the classroom.

“We know that the number one reason students come to Laurier is academic excellence.”

-Jennifer Casey, assistant vice presdent of enrolment services and registrar

“There are so many opportunities to develop skills to compliment what [students] are learning in the classroom,” Casey explained. This includes the co-op program, entrepreneurship opportunities, community service learning, student unions and volunteer opportunities, among others.

After conducting market research from last year’s class, Casey learned how students who accepted their offer of admission had very high participation rates in terms of campus tours, or open houses or visiting faculty members. “Laurier students love Laurier and that comes through when you’re on campus,” Casey said. “That’s why I’m so adamant that everyone has a role to play in this because our current students are our best ambassadors.” Looking towards the future, universities recognize the demographic trends in Ontario show a decrease in the number of 17 and 18-year olds. Casey expressed how even though the numbers are declining,

the fact that Laurier’s market share continues to grow is very encouraging. However to combat the demographic trends, the need to come up with strategies and programming that resonates with these groups will continue to be a focus for the university. “We need to be looking at all the other kinds of learners that want to come to Laurier whether that’s international learners, aboriginal learners, career transitioners or transfer students,” said Casey. As high school students will be selecting which offer of admission to accept in the next couple of months, Casey stressed, “Our current student body has a huge role to play in all of this and we welcome their engagement.”

for last year with our other president, was that there really needed to be more student involvement in that process,” said Dove. The elections will be held later in the semester, in part as an effort to allow the executives and the society time to settle into the changes and evaluate the type of leadership the society requires moving forward. “I’ve just now hired my exec team, and I want them to get a bit more familiar with it,” said Dove. “I really do see a lot of potential in the exec members who are there,

and we’ve had our eye on a few people outside of the society.” The biggest change AUS is hoping to see come out of elected presidency is a heightened visibility across Laurier, providing them the opportunity to engage with a broader spectrum of students. “Being able to promote the fact that this is something that we want to do this year, we’ll get more traction with that,” said Dove. “Then we can bring it up to the students, and hopefully get more of a voter turn-out when we do [elections] later on.”

ARTS SOCIETY

Election process changes in the works for AUS The Arts Undergraduate Society will now be holding elections to choose their presidents in upcoming years MADDY CUTTS LEAD REPORTER

It’s a year of change for the Arts Undergraduate Society at Wilfrid Laurier University. AUS, formerly known as Council for the Intellectual and Cultural Development of the Arts, is an umbrella society whose role is to offer support to all faculty of arts societies and special interest clubs at Laurier. AUS is comprised of a team of executives, led by a president, who in turn create a community through which members and executives of clubs and associations can connect and share across

“Being able to promote the fact that this is something that we want to do this year, we’ll get more traction with that.” -Chasya Dove, president of Arts Undergrate Society

interests and departments. AUS, like most organizations at Laurier, operate according to the academic year, though they were thrown for a loop when at the end of the fall semester their president was offered a full-time position elsewhere that he could not refuse. “Because we were already behind, like he had to leave for this full-time, and we were already doing a lot of restructuring and stuff, we figured it would be better with a bigger group,” said Chasya Dove, current president of AUS. Thus along with a new president, the AUS chose to rehire their entire executive team, including all five of their vice-presidents as well as first-year executive assistants. Executives were hired by Dove at the beginning of the winter semester, shortly after having taken on the role of president herself. Little time for transition, an emphasis was placed on moving members directly into their new roles in order to make the move as seamless as possible. “There was a time commitment for AUS, because we’re really doing a lot right now to ensure that the community that Laurier promises

“We’re really doing a lot right now to ensure that the community that Laurier promises is there, and so we had a lot to get done.” -Chasya Dove, president of Arts Undergrate Society

is there, and so we had a lot to get done,” said Dove. Following this complete rehire, AUS is preparing itself for a change in hiring procedure with regard to president. Following in the steps of the School of Business and Economics Students’ Society which has elected its president for years, AUS and the Faculty of Science Students’ Association will be holding elections by which to choose their future presidents. This is in contrast to the AUS’s previous policy by which candidates went through an interview process, to then be hired by the outgoing executive team. “What we’ve noticed, especially

FANI HSIEH/GRAPHICS EDITOR

10 • AD

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016

Local

• 11 LOCAL NEWS EDITOR ERIKA YMANA eymana@thecord.ca

RESETTLEMENT

First of three refugee families arrives

FANI HSIEH/GRAPHICS EDITOR

WLU sponsored family equipped with OHIP, translator and other resources from the community EMILIA CURCIC STAFF WRITER

On January 15, after months of preparation, Wilfrid Laurier University welcomed a sponsored Syrian refugee family. They mark the first of three families to arrive in Canada that Laurier is sponsoring through the blendedvisa sponsorship program. After more than 24 hours in transit, the family flew into Toronto Pearson International Airport on a government-chartered plane to a special terminal sectioned off from the public. The family of four had previously spent four years living in a refugee camp in Beirut, Lebanon. Robert Donelson, vice-president of development and alumni relations and chair of the university’s sponsorship committee, described their meeting as an “amazing moment.” “The airport hotel lobby was packed with people picking up refu-

gees, the refugees themselves, there was luggage everywhere. The hugs, the embraces and the smiles in that lobby, I felt like I was a part of something really historically significant in Canada,” said Donelson. With only three days of notice before their arrival, the committee needed to be prepared well in advance. Volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure accommodations and household items were collected and accordingly distributed in time. The family was brought to a townhouse in Kitchener after their arrival. An Arabic speaking volunteer was able to show them around the house and explain how things worked, while a local restaurant donated a hot meal that was waiting for them. In less than a week, the family had already set up a bank account and OHIP cards. They made connections with a local public school that their eldest son would be attending and had the chance to connect with other Syr-

“When the community helps the refugees ... this breaks down a lot of barriers for the refugees.”

-Dr. Ghada Al-Shufara, MAC’s Embrace Syria Waterloo Lead

ians at the local Islamic community centre. Both parents will be attending English as a second language classes starting within the next few weeks to ensure they are able to learn English and secure employment. The father has experience working as a wholesale grocer for a grocery store in Syria, which has since been bombed. He is looking forward to being able to provide for his family once again. The outpouring of generosity from

the community plays a key factor in the success of any sponsorship. Other local initiatives describe the importance of continuing with this kind of work. “When the community helps the refugees in improving their language, well being and encouraging participation, this breaks down a lot of barriers for the refugees and directly improves the socioeconomic level of the society as they become motivated to advance their education and career. The quicker the community works together in the settlement process, the faster and easier it is for the refugees to settle,” said Dr. Ghada Al-Shurafa, Muslim Association of Canada: Embrace Syria Waterloo Lead at the Kitchener Masjid in an email. Students on Laurier’s campus have also been nothing but supportive of the initiative. “It sets a good precedent, not only for other universities but the rest of the community too. [Sponsoring]

three families is huge, but there’s so much more that can be done. One of the largest barriers is people who are uninformed. Hopefully, it helps counter the misinformation that goes around,” said Chelsea Brown, fifthyear global studies student at Laurier. Laurier’s original goal of $60,000, was greatly surpassed when the final sum of donations totalled almost $85,000. Donelson said the extra funds came at a great time considering new complications that arose with the second family. “The second family that’s coming to Kitchener is actually related to the first family. The moms are sisters. What we’ve discovered is that this woman has just had a baby at the refugee camp. She had the baby just before the end of the year. So we’ve now had to ensure that we’ve got the kind of things that they’d need,” said Donelson. The next family is expected to arrive within the next few weeks, with no exact date known.

START-UP

Uber-like phone app focuses on efficiency MowGoSnowGo provides snow plowing and lawn mowing ERIKA YMANA LOCAL NEWS EDITOR

Jason McCann, a fourth-year Wilfrid Laurier University business student, just launched an app that will handle long and tiresome snow removal this winter for residents and small businesses in Guelph, Waterloo and the surrounding areas. The app, MowGoSnowGo, also does lawn maintenance and operates similarly to Uber by connecting the contractor to the customer. The customer can access contractors in the area by making a request on the app and available contractors are able to view job listings. When a job is accepted, the contractor must take before and after photos for the customer and the payment is finalized when the customer rates and “completes” the job on the app. According to McCann, there is an hour window for the job to be accepted and each job will approxi-

mately take three to five hours. This range depends on the snowfall, as some days may be busier than others.

“Going through school I’ve always been interested in starting my own business. It has always been a part of my life.” -Jason McCann, fourth-year business student and founder

Thus far, MowGoSnowGo has worked for residential areas, but is also used by the Huether Hotel and other hotels in Waterloo. McCann said other businesses such as restaurants have used the app “randomly” but the constant demand comes from residents. The immediacy without commit-

ment is what draws clients to use the service, said McCann. The biggest benefits are speed and convenience as there is no contract required and most would rather wait for a big snowfall before having to pay for a snow plowing service. Also, this enables the customer to place a request and ensures the job has been received on the app and will be done in a timely manner. “It’s much different from taking a call, writing down the address, knowing what they want and giving a quote. It’s already done for them [on the app] so all they have to do is accept it,” he said. “It’s really convenient for the customer as well as the contractor.” Initially, to test consumer demand this past summer, McCann personally completed on demand requests in Guelph. The expansion to KitchenerWaterloo was decided after the success of the idea. McCann currently has partnerships with six contractors, and before

JESSICA DIK/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

Jason McCann, a fourth-year BBA student, launched MowGoSnowGo.

they are able to work, the contractor must have the right equipment. The contractor must also have $2 million in liability insurance. When these requirements are met and the location is set, the contractor is then able to use the app. To get the idea off the ground, McCann made connections with Kairos Society of Canada and LaunchPad Laurier. He also specialized in entrepreneurship, which allowed him to learn more about starting his own business as entrepreneurship has always been a career goal. “Going through school I’ve always been interested in starting my own

business. It has always been a part of my life,” McCann said. McCann credits most of his guidance from Kairos, a non-profit organization that brings together entrepreneurs to build connections. The society is also where he met his programmer for the app. Feedback from the Guelph and K-W communities has been positive thus far, said McCann. As for next steps, McCann hopes to expand across Ontario and nationally in the next three to five years. “I know there’s a demand for it. So it’s basically continuing expanding across Canada and see where it goes from there.”

12 •

FEATURES EDITOR/BETHANY BOWLES/BBOWLES@THECORD.CA

FEATU

Features Editor Bethany Bowles and Camp with the Students’ Union presidential cand

How/when/why did you decid

Why are you the best candida

Can you critique one aspect o

If president, how are you goin Brantford/Waterloo campus? Platform-specific question

Yes, that’s a big question. It’s been on the back of my mind probably since third year. I joined a presidential team then, and I was on one last year, as well. So, I find it very interesting to be around elections. I decided officially at the end of last year, during winter term. I sat down with one of my good friends, Nicole Dilliot, and we just caught up, it had been some time. We talked about elections, she wanted to be on a team. It was right then and there that I made up my final decision. That was after two and a half weeks of struggling between what I wanted to do, but my heart’s set on it now. That’s for sure. Why am I the best candidate? Wow. Well, I know my passion is true. I know my goal to really enhance the student experience runs through every inch of my body. It’s something I really want to accomplish. As for me, personally, through my experiences, I have really been around the university, outside of the Students’ Union, as well. I understand the organization that way through the volunteerism and being a member of the staff teams in the past. But, it’s my experience outside of the Students’ Union that has really opened my scope to understanding what student life means outside of volunteerism with the Students’ Union, so I feel like that makes me a great candidate. I can connect with those students who might not be volunteers. I really do want to bring to the fold that everyone is a member of the Students’ Union; those services are available to everybody. Critique one aspect of Olivia’s performance? She is a go-getter and she never stops going. I think that she has put her entire body and soul into this job and I think that could be weighing on her quite a bit. I think she’s done an incredible job on paper and in person, as well, but I think that she needs to take some time for herself, especially in the upcoming months. I know transition will be tough, but I think she’s done a phenomenal job. As for her performance, I don’t know if I could critique much about it. She’s a lot of what I look to and look to become, hopefully, if elected.

All interviews were transcribed verbatim with minimal stylistic changes made. PHOTOS BY ANDREAS PATSIAOUROS/PHOTO EDITOR, GRAPHICS BY LENA YANG/CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Advocating for all Laurier students is something I’ve really put my focus towards. When you want to look at the volunteer side of my, if you want to call it, portfolio or experiences, it’s been very Brantford-centric because I’ve been on that campus more. I’ve spent the past four years being on and off of the Waterloo campus, as well and like I mentioned, last year I was volunteering with the multi-campus training committee. So I really got a chance to see the student experience on both campuses in some light. As for making sure that they are being represented, it’s my goal to make sure that all students are being represented and heard. I feel that there might be a stigma around the Students’ Union and I don’t know if that’s necessarily what we want to have as a Students’ Union, so hearing students, making those personal connections, listening and then acting on what the student voice is saying is the job of the Students’ Union president and I want to make sure I embody that for all students, regardless of program or campus. I’m not a music student, I’m not a journalism student, I’m not a business student, but I am a Laurier student. So I absolutely understand what it means to be a Golden Hawk. In your platform, you discuss the importance of breaking stigmas surrounding mental illness. Why is this important to you and how will you do this if elected? The mental health pillar is probably the one that’s closest to my heart. I’ve had personal interactions with mental health and mental illness. On an individual level, I struggled for a year with depression. Getting over that was much to do with the services that we have at Laurier. I want students to really understand that those services are there for you. I want students to be comfortable with the stigma. I want them to understand that talking about mental illness is not something that you aren’t supposed to do. You’re supposed to be comfortable in that and ensure that these partnerships with the Students’ Union and the Wellness Centre and the Diversity and Equity Office are strong. We can really get that word out there for all Laurier students. Mental illness affects everybody, regardless if it’s you personally or a friend. I’m in Residence Life as a don this year, and I can see it. I see stress turn into anxiety, or depression or something more. So, it’s definitely important to touch upon that.

URES

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016 • 13

pus News Editor Kaitlyn Severin sat down didates to discuss their vision for the role

de to run for Students’ Union president?

ate for this job?

of the current president’s performance?

ng to advocate for students on the ?

It’s kind of an interesting story. I had finished Orientation Week this year, I was kind of wrapping up all of my stuff in the office, I had a lot of lieu time built up so I was kind of doing a lot of work at home, relaxing, and in that point in time I was like, ‘okay this is a nice kind of cap in my Laurier career, I’m ready to graduate and head home.’ I had a couple of conversations, I’m going to say jokingly because they weren’t serious at the time but I was kind of joking about it in a sense of … you should consider running for president and I was like ‘oh that’s kind of funny, I don’t know, maybe.’ Then it was Orientation Week and at volunteer appreciation I had a couple of volunteers say to me kind of just, not even intentionally just tell me how good of a positive effect I had on them and how thankful they are that I was in that position, how they’re really sad that I’m leaving and I had so much more to offer, and that was the first time I was like, ‘maybe what people are telling me is real, maybe I do have a lot to offer to these students and I can still affect the student experience in a positive way.’ I kind of went home and thought about it for quite a bit and I mentioned to a couple of friends that I wanted to do this but I don’t know, it’s a lot to commit, it’s a lot. Like do I want to do all of this? I met with Olivia [Matthews] and I was like, I worked here all summer, I like your job but there’s a lot to it, I want to learn more about it and went from there and I had a lot of positive experiences along the way like, ‘I’m so happy you’re doing this, this is a great idea.’ So the more that I was [thinking] I don’t want to do it, the more I was like you should do it, and so that’s where it originally clicked. From there, people have been saying I still really want you to give a positive experience to others as you gave to me, so that’s where it all came from. I would say I’m the best candidate for the job not only based on experience, having the past is definitely beneficial, but more so just my passion for helping students find what they love. That kind of directly kind of comes down to my passion for advocating on behalf of them. That’s a huge part of that role is advocating on behalf of what students want and the passion I have for helping students find the tools they need to succeed, is the tools that I can find through advocacy. I’ve done a lot of work on both campuses through both advocating on their behalf and working with students on both campuses, I think that’s really beneficial going into to this role. I think it comes down to my passion to increase or improve the student experience for them, my passion for wanting to see students succeed in one way or another and I think that’s something that I could really help with. Olivia has done a really, really good job when it comes to advocating on behalf of students in the big picture, so whether that be the transportation in Brantford or whether that be any of the big advocacy stuff that she’s done, but one thing that I want to really improve next year is enhancing the current committees and programs that we have within the Students’ Union that not having been done. I really want to focus on promoting what we have because there’s a lot of change to those this year and a lot of students are still kind of confused to those changes. I really want to improve on communicating what those do, what they offer, how they got on my platform about pairing up certain committees as a group like Residence Life or communicating certain university programs that could benefit students, so that’s my thing that I want to improve on or enhance next year.

If president, advocating for Brantford students first thing, I guess, would be kind of ensuring that I could completely understand what’s going on over there. I think I have an understanding of the experience from working over there. One thing I want to get across is I am from Waterloo, but it’s a multi-campus candidate position and I have worked over there a lot even though I’m from this campus, vice versa for Tyler, that’s really what I want to get across. I kind of want to go over there and ensure that I understand what’s going on over there, whether that be through surveys or just walking around with students. One thing I’ve done when I was there [on January 20] was kind of chatting with them because I have a lot on my platform about Brantford ideas and just chatting with them to make them understand where I’m coming from. That is something that is going through their heads at the same, so I guess it would just be about student data and making sure that their thoughts are on the same page as mine because a lot of the stuff I have came from Brantford students that were on my team and I met with them over there and I want to make sure that I’m understanding fully the situation to be able to advocate on their behalf, I guess. You mentioned in your platform that the Students’ Union has provided you with the tools you need to succeed and as president you hope to make these tools easier for students to access. What are these tools and how will you make them accessible to students? The tools I’m kind of referring to is the stuff that I’ve been fortunate to tap into. There’s a lot of mentorship-type programs that aren’t necessarily there on purpose but there’s just stuff to look through getting involved in different things. Even through being involved in Orientation Week, I had upper-year students in my program help me when I was in second or third year. They kind of gave me advice on what classes to take or that kind of stuff. The simpler tools I want to [use, but] also kind of the bigger scale tools. There’s a lot of tools you could use to succeed through hiring recruitment, that idea of how to actually apply to jobs and that kind of stuff, whether that be through the tools just on campus safety, like Foot Patrol or Emergency Response Team, making those easier to access for students and know they can use that program when they’re not feeling safe. There’s a lot of tools within Peer Connect about the resources on campus and who to talk to or maybe you’ve suffered mental illness. I want students to understand those tools are available, but as a whole, the Students’ Union has provided me a lot of tools through being involved with it. I learned a lot with myself getting involved in it [and] I want students to understand that’s something that’s available here, too. It’s not just about committing to a committee; you learn a lot of real life skills whether it’s direct or indirect, you learned a lot about yourself and what to do in situations and those are the kind of tools I want students to understand are available, and also comes out of campus clubs. There are a lot of clubs out there you can get involved in that’ll teach you a lot about yourself and all those tools also. I want them to know they’re directly there for you to use and that’s something a lot of students, like I said before when I came to university, I came from a really small farm town, so students that come to Laurier or any university from my area don’t necessarily come with the most drive to get involved because that’s just not the way the life is up there. In that sense, I want students to understand … those students who come from any area come here and even come from the city, that idea that like I don’t know what I want to get involved in and I want them to understand that drive and just put yourself out. There’s a whole lot you can learn outside the classroom; there’s a lot of experience outside the classroom that can teach you also.

14 •

Features

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016 FEATURES EDITOR BETHANY BOWLES bbowles@thecord.ca

PRESIDENT FOR A DAY Editor-in-Chief Shelby Blackley followed Students’ Union president Olivia Matthews to understand what her job is

PHOTOS BY ANDREAS PATSIAOUROS, GRAPHICS BY JOSHUA AWOLADE

Olivia Matthews doesn’t have a regular day. The president and chief executive officer of the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union can find herself in and out of meetings, conversations and consultations around campus daily. Sometimes she’s in Brantford, while sometimes she’s in a heated discourse about upcoming advocacy initiatives. On January 19, I followed Olivia around for a day. It began bright and early at 8:45 a.m., as we met in the Students’ Union office on the second floor of the Fred Nichols Campus Centre. Her cubicle is the closest to the front entrance, tucked away in the left-hand corner. It is furnished with a couch and a side table for anyone to come and talk to her at any time. Her desk, while kept tidy, is decorated with cards from friends, family and co-workers. Olivia finishes up her round of emails and we go to meet Ian Muller, president of the Graduate Students’ Association, at Veritas Café for a 9 a.m. meeting. On our way down, Olivia stops to say hello to everyone, even a mechanic that once fixed a shower head in her residence building. Olivia grabs her regular — a coffee and a poppy seed bagel — and buys Ian and I a beverage. She sits down at a table, while chatting casually with Ian. They meet bi-weekly, Olivia explains, because they are “both advocates for their respective student body” and often are the student representatives on committees. It’s important they meet so they know what to bring up when on these committees. “I always say he’s the rational president and I’m the one that’s kicking and screaming,” Olivia laughs. The meeting finishes as Olivia and I head back to the Students’ Union office. She assures me about the importance of keeping a good relationship with the GSA, something she’s proud of this year. We end up back in Olivia’s office so she can respond to her second round of emails. She explains to me she’s trying to delegate to her team of vice-presidents more so she doesn’t work long, 12-hour days like she did first term, but sometimes it still happens. I ask her what her favourite part of the job as president and CEO is. She laughs and takes some time to think about it. “My favourite part of the job is the advocacy piece. And it’s not a piece that always exists in this portfolio,” she says. “We live in such a university setting, but I feel some people can be so out of touch with that setting.” “There’s a very big difference between saying ‘I need this’

Blouw mentions the fact Laurier saw an increase in people and ‘we need this because 17,000 people want it.’” putting the institution first on their OUAC applications and At 10 a.m., Olivia meets with Dan Robert, associate directhe grade point average of entering students. He mentions tor of development with athletics, student affairs and the that students are often afraid of what university will bring, Library, and Megan Lacoursiere, the director of marketing but Laurier “brings a sense of comfort.” communications with the Students’ Union. “I’m still afraid,” Olivia laughs. The meeting is about bursaries, awards and scholarships “So am I,” Blouw responds. in the Union’s name and how to market them to students. The meeting ends with Blouw shaking each individual’s “I don’t want to lose the good news story of the Students’ hands and thanking them for their time. Olivia and I part Union being a donor,” Dan says. ways for an hour as she has a closed-door meeting regarding The meeting is quick, and we return to Olivia’s desk. the upcoming university budget. I meet back with her at 1 As we sit down at Olivia’s cubicle, she is quickly joined by p.m. to head into a meeting with food services. Laura Bassett, the vice-president of university affairs and In this meeting, they discuss Matt McLean, the associate vice-president of data about food choices at Laurier university affairs at the Waterloo campus. with Dan Dawson, assistant viceThe three of them, accompanied by president of student services, and Chris Hyde, director of policy, research and Dave Shorey, associate director of advocacy with the Students’ Union, have a “YOU HAVE TO residence education with Resivery important meeting with the president of dence Life. The meeting is long, but Laurier, Max Blouw. DROP WHAT Olivia — who has a background And so we walk from the Students’ Union YOU’RE DOING with Residence Life — asks often office to 202 Regina Street North. We apabout the best choices for students proach the second floor and walk to the right, FOR STUDENT and why students may not be past the Service Laurier area, and down to the CONCERNS.” happy with the choices they have. end of the hallway. On the left is a door that Shortly after, Olivia and I part has the words “office of the president” written ways. She has one final meeting on it. of the day, but it’s another closedWe wait a few moments for Blouw to be door meeting. ready. Olivia, Laura and Chris speak with felAnd this is just one day in a 365-day presidential portfolio. low administration in the office. “You have to drop what you’re doing for student con“It’s important we have a good relationship with adminiscerns,” she says. tration,” Matt says. “We’d rather have a seat at the table than And with the Students’ Union election just around the be banging at the door.” corner, Olivia offers advice to the presidential candidates, And this was evident, as Blouw is approachable to the saying it’s important to see how the Union works with exterrecommendations the Students’ Union members have. He’s approving of having the Union president sit on Senate, ques- nal and internal partners, especially during the shadowing period. tioning if the Union’s “voice has been as effective as it could “We accomplish a lot of our goals through relationship be.” He continues to have an in-depth, intense conversation building as an organization. My biggest piece of advice for about the funding formula currently in place for universities them, if they’re successful in the role, is to learn as much as across Ontario. you can in the months that they’re here. Don’t be concerned The members talk about the “Laurier experience” and about making a name for yourself in those months.” while enrolment overall is low, the decisions Laurier makes While it can be stressful and overwhelming at times and are “for the students.” has a very large portfolio, Olivia has no regrets about run“Focusing on numbers doesn’t always focus on quality,” ning for the position. Blouw says, emphasizing Laurier’s reputation. “We do a “I still find [the] election period to be a scary period of the great job selling the student experience at Laurier.” year, I would never do it again,” she laughs. “But I absolutely “How do you quantify the reputation of Laurier?” asks love my job. And I’m going to miss it when I leave it.” Olivia, looking for tangibles.

For the full article, visit thecord.ca

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016

• 15

Arts & Life

ARTS & LIFE EDITOR ZACH GUITOR zguitor@thecord.ca

First impressions are everything

Election season is well under way at Wilfrid Laurier University and the candidates have had a week to flaunt their nice, shiny platforms — but that’s just one piece to a much bigger puzzle. At the end of the day, the winning candidate will largely credit their campaign team for success. So, out of the two presidential candidates, who’s got the stuff?

SOCIAL M E

DIA

COLOUR Right off the bat, many will notice that the competing colours this year are the same as two of last year’s candidates; Tyler Van Herzele’s purple echoes current president Olivia Matthews while Tyler Murdock’s red is the same as candidate Frank Cirinna. For the sole purpose of sticking out amongst a sea of Laurier propaganda, Murdock appears to have the upper hand. Sean Nishimura, the co-campaign manager for Murdock’s campaign, said they chose the colour, as it

reflects Murdock’s core values. “In using the colour red, simultaneously with warmth, you think of love and caring and compassion,” said Nishimura. Van Herzele’s choice of purple projects a sense of Laurier patriotism. It’s a safe choice and it may work in his favour given its association with Matthews. “Purple is a very approachable, welcoming and warm colour where I feel like other colours are a bit more aggressive,” said Nicole Dilliott, Tyler Van Herzele’s campaign manager.

WINNER: MURDOCK

Both candidates have strewn themselves across Facebook newsfeeds. Murdock has shown more activity on his Facebook page with constant photos, but Van Herzele counters this with a greater diversity of platforms, including Twitter and Snapchat. Murdock also has a Twitter page, but the effort appears abandoned. Much of Murdock’s activity relays back to his slogan, “Your voice. Your experience.” where students are photographed sharing what their “voice will be heard for.” It’s inclusive, it’s relatable and most importantly, it’s shareable. “With our social media channels, we’ve been trying to use our hashtag, #PaintItRed to cover people’s [Facebook] news feeds with the colour red, using the profile picture and the cover photo,” Nishimura said.

G BOOTHIN Arguably the most important facet of a campaign. Boothing is the opportunity to put in some genuine face time with potential supporters. Both Van Herzele and Murdock have done a solid job engaging with students at their booths — where the difference lies is in their design. Van Herzele went big, with a nice projection screen to display their promotional video or to video chat with their team on the opposite campus. People also had a chance to interact with Van Herzele’s rope

The #PaintItRed has instilled a sense of ubiquity that Van Herzele’s campaign hasn’t quite reached with his campaign. However, Van Herzele has put a greater emphasis on having his own voice heard across platforms by hosting a Q&A on Snapchat called “Prezent Questions.” The reach to new voters is questionable, but the intro video for the Q&A gives the Laurier audience the opportunity to familiarize themselves with Van Herzele’s demeanor and personality without having to attend a booth. Additionally, Van Herzele’s “Tying it together” promotional video was shared 41 times on Facebook — the most between the two campaign pages. “Almost 9,000 people it reached on Facebook, with lots of comments, likes and shares,” said Dilliott.

DRAW prop, which signifies his desire to tie the campuses together. Murdock’s camp went for a simpler booth, with the expected posters and platforms available for voters to interact with. Murdock’s booth stands apart with their “blitz” strategy, where Murdock-clad campaigners disperse across campus, committing good deeds or handing out bookmarks to give positive reinforcement to Murdock’s name.

WINNER: MURDOCK

SLOGAN The embodiment of a campaign in a sentence — or two. Van Herzele brought his pun A-game with “Let’s TY it together,” echoing his desire to strengthen bonds between the Waterloo and Brantford campuses. It’s a corny twist, but it really makes Van Herzele a memorable candidate. Murdock went a safer route with

“Your voice. Your experience.” which emphasizes Murdock’s dedication to giving Laurier students a voice. Sadly, the effort marks a missed opportunity to stand out. As much as Laurier students appreciate transparency and democracy, these are nearly expected facets of all Students’ Union campaigns.

WINNER: VAN HERZELE

WEBSITE A campaign website is the perfect platform to reflect branding with a vibrancy that social media cannot achieve. Van Herzele’s site is solid, with high-resolution visuals and an intuitive user interface. Visitors will have little issue finding his platform and reading about the multiple facets of his campaign. The site also integrates multimedia elements in a less-than-sexy fashion, but it is still enough to come away with a positive impression.

FINAL SCORE Murdock’s effort is respectable with a nice, big visual main page, but navigating to his platform felt insignificant, largely attributed to the use of Squarespace as the platform. It also appears Murdock’s team used a potato of a camera for the website promo pictures, as his face blurs to jagged pixels on even a modestly sized screen. Additionally, Murdock’s site fails to reflect the branding of his campaign, leading to a disjointed experience.

WINNER: VAN HERZELE

MURDOCK

VAN HERZELE

DRAW

With two wins for each party and a draw, it remains unclear who has the upper hand. Van Herzele will continue to draw a strong following through his compelling website, while Murdock’s vigorous boothing tactics will challenge these efforts.

16 • ARTS & LIFE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016

VIDEO GAMES

Decade-defining game

ALBUM REVIEW

That Dragon, Cancer marks a shift in the gaming industry

CONTRIBUTED IMAGE

Brantford banger Laurier student’s debut is a pop gem CONTRIBUTED IMAGE

CHRISTOPHER DONALD STAFF WRITER

That Dragon, Cancer is the best game of the decade. Part documentation of the short life of cancer victim Joel Green from the perspective of his parents Ryan and Amy — who largely designed and wrote the game — and part abstract reflection of their state of mind as they watch their child slowly die. It presents a staggeringly tender look at the effect of cancer on those who suffer. From the propensity to remember those who have passed away to the effect a stranger’s work can have on someone you love, as well as more unifying concepts like the reason we create art and devote ourselves to religion. That Dragon, Cancer dives head-first into exploring so much of what makes humanity grandly beautiful. It is such an encompassing look at human behaviour, emotion, memory, perception, faith and other essential aspects of our lives that it feels limiting to call this a product available on the Steam store page for $17. It might even be limiting to call it a work of art.

That Dragon, Cancer is a window into the soul, probing our collective thoughts and feelings in a way that feels at once real but with sweeping flourishes so as to constantly invigorate. That Dragon, Cancer is not a work of fiction, yet it contains cosmic seas so vast and majestic that inevitable graphic limitations can’t stop them from replicating infinity. Even the real-world environments are lit so elegantly and composed so melodiously — as is the gorgeous music — that it puts multi-million dollar productions to shame and casts a gentle sun onto the mundane staples of our daily lives, like a pond or a hospital. But occasionally that hospital contorts into a wasteland, riddled with pitch-black cancer cells and watched over by that dragon. The dragon is always there even when you can’t see its shadow. Back in “reality,” Ryan sits in a bedside chair while watching over Joel; powerless to stop the child’s pained and dehydrated howls. “I know you’re thirsty buddy but you’ll throw it up,” he desperately reminds the both of them, head in his hands. He prays for peace and Joel goes to sleep. “Thank you,” he says, tone hushed so as to not wake his son. The game jumps between time and point of view, allowing moments like this to be seen from the perspective of his mother, Joel himself and even the doctor who

tells Ryan and Amy how long their son has to live. He cries a little. I imagine a lot of pediatric doctors do. You probably will too. I know I did. Even if you have no hard experience with cancer, the game’s use of the audio from the Greens’ home movie collection blends with community submitted stories and letters from experienced cancer survivors or relatives of victims to tap into the universal human experience.

It might even be limiting to call it a work of art.

This isn’t about a family, but about all of us and why we bother to empathize with each other. We are connected by universal truths, and the way That Dragon, Cancer hones in on this fact makes it larger than any open-world sandbox, grander than any choral score and more detailed than any facial-rendering technology. The future of games is here, and how overpowering is its arrival.

Jenna Pemkowski & Memorecks

Follow Self-released January 15, 2016

Exploring new music is always on my mind. However for some reason, when someone too familiar, or too close to home releases music, it becomes hard to find its credibility. Perhaps it’s the blatant familiarity with a person that renders them immune to the “pop-star pedestal.” Artists like Drake, Rihanna or Beyoncé are hardly perceived as people, but rather these figments of wonderment. It’s hard to attribute this status to a Wilfrid Laurier University student, but Jenna Pemkowski got that “good good.” Earlier this month, the current fourth-year business technology management student on the Brantford campus released her full-length album Follow on January 15. Despite preconceived notions about the familiarity and ability to connect with the audience, Pemkowski has pulled off an impressive debut. The album begins on a strong and eerie note with the title track, “Follow,” which has a particular flow to it with a disparity between the soft lyrics paired with a strong beat. Effectively bringing the listener up into her vision and

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settling us back down numerous times, Pemkowski takes control of the listener, setting the tone for the album. The album takes a subdued turn with “Bruce Wayne.” As one of the most streamed tracks from the album, the song speaks to many listeners. And rightfully so as Pemkowski’s soft vocals and upbeat sounds make it a perfect song to study, or sing along to on those long drives home. “King Killa” brings forth similarity with artists likr FKA Twigs. One may mistake this song as just another gem, a part of their secret Soundcloud playlist they spent hours creating, as this song definitely makes an impact and has a statement it wants to make. A personal favourite is “Slow Down,” a sultry song to set you into a trance and just before you find yourself lost in the fog, Pemkowski brings in the beat. Pulsating and deep, this Calvin Harris-esque track could definitely be accompanied with supermodel visuals. The lyrics juxtapose the deep beat, eliciting that the album has yet to show its full potential. The nine-track EP ends on a powerful note with songs, “Deep End” and “Rescue Me.” For 20 minutes, the artist has led the listener to this final destination, and once there, leaves you feeling numb and sonically sedated. The album definitely explores a few dark emotions and rightfully ends in the perfect climax. -Manjot Bhullar

ARTS & LIFE • 17

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016 THEATRE

JESSICA DIK/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

‘Frothy to the point of worthlessness’ There’s not much to like about Laurier Musical Theatre’s production of Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5

CHRISTOPHER DONALD STAFF WRITER

9 to 5 left me in a state of numbness. While watching Laurier Musical Theatre’s stage production of the play based on the 1980 film, 9 to 5, I wondered if I just didn’t like this kind of musical theatre. That’s not to say I disliked this particular show, per se, but that it was completely representative of the artificial qualities that define the “dialogue-song-dialogue-song” subgenre of insufferable musical theatre. A lot of it has to do with not just the writing, but the manner of delivery. The jokes and story feel like they are catered to the whitest of the white bread. The closest thing resembling a

clever yuk taking the form of the dastardly boss Franklin Hart Jr. having a framed picture of himself on the desk in his office. People laughed, but I honestly thought it was better handled in Sharknado, where its status as a joke was masked by the movie’s weird tone and the subtle background framing of the picture.

The jokes and story feel like they are catered to the whitest of the white bread.

Comparably, when the play blatantly pauses for laughter, the joke falls flat as a result. Still, it might have worked more potently if the actors weren’t

constantly speaking and acting in that super-annunciated, very belaboured musical theatre way. I can’t call it bad acting because it’s just the way these plays must have their actors perform — more important they be understood than be nuanced — but it’s a style that distances me greatly from the proceedings onstage. I can’t get absorbed into the story and characters if they all put emphasis on every word and flail their bodies about so that I have the privilege of understanding their state of being at every given second. It feels, for lack of a better word, stagey. This is compounded by the show being frothy to the point of worthlessness. There’s a lot of disposable nonsense I absolutely love, but it requires a sense of exuberance to reach the giggly heights that make that kind of delicious junk memorable. This play doesn’t. There’s some big moments — the elaborate costuming of the songs “The Dance of Death,” “Cowgirl’s Revenge” and “Potion

It feels like a low budget rendering of a play made blandly acceptable ...

Notion” is a nice change of pace from the beiges and browns of the sets and the professional clothes of the employees of Consolidated Companies. Sadly, nothing in the show bursts with joy or honest-togod feeling. It feels like a low budget rendering of a play made blandly acceptable in order to bring in as much of the Broadway audience as possible. The low budget part can’t be helped, but maybe this shrugworthy play wasn’t the best choice

for an exciting show even if it was a good choice to produce an inexpensive one. I didn’t come away with absolutely nothing, however. The “I Just Might” number is decently constructed, not because of any one great element, but because of how it comes together nicely. The dancers deserve a lot of kudos for doing their best to inject this show with energy, and I smiled when the paper Hart Jr. was reading was The Cord. The cast and the rest of the audience seemed to enjoy themselves but I don’t think this is my preferred type of play. The material was too massproduced to tickle my artistic or indulgent side, and the presentation was too small-scale and sparse to transcend the source’s mediocrity. It’s written by normal musical theatre-enjoying people and performed by normal musical theatre-enjoying people for normal musical theatre-enjoying people, and I don’t think I’ll ever truly be one of them.

By Levin C. Handy (per http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cwpbh.04326) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

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18 • GAMES

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016

Dear Life

ELECTION WORD SEARCH

Can you fill it out? Tweet at us at @cordnews with #LaurierVotes when you finish! WORD BANK Advocacy Board Brantford Campaign Candidates Debate Directors Governance Governors Laurier Murdock Operations Posters Representation Senate Students’ Union Tyler Van Herzele Waterloo

Dear Life is your opportunity to write a letter to your life, allowing you to vent your anger with life’s little frustrations in a completely public forum. All submissions to Dear Life are anonymous, should be no longer than 100 words and must be addressed to your life. Submissions can be sent to dearlife@thecord. ca no later than Monday at noon each week. Dear WLUSU Presidential Candidates, Glad to see you think that dogs are objects you can use to promote yourselves. Perhaps instead of playing with dogs you could, I don’t know, write a good platform? Dogs have rights too. Dear life, Wilfs charges you extra for the box when you get take-out...? Next time I’ll just take the food in my hand. Thanks. Mac-n-cheese bites Dear Life, I found the chamber of secrets at Laurier. If you go into the GIE building and plug your phone into an outlet on the 3rd floor the entrance will show itself.... Oh wait there’s restricted access because the GIE building still isn’t done yet... Never mind. The Quarter-Blood Prince Dear Accessible Learning Centre note-takers, I just wanted to give all of you wonderful people a shout-out. Thank you so much for your hard work and willingness to help out students like myself. I could not imagine how I could get through this past year without your volunteering. Keep up the great work! Thankful Lady Dear Life, I’m not sure which is more concerning - the thought of Trump being elected, or the possibility that we might elect Murdock. A concerned voter

WEDNESDAY.

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GAMES • 19

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016

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20 •

Editorial

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016 OPINION EDITOR MITCHELL CONSKY mconsky@thecord.ca

Laurier should use the ‘safe choice’ to its advantage Last week, it was announced that Wilfrid Laurier University saw a major increase in students applying to the school, as well as students that placed Laurier first on their OUAC preference of choices. The number of those applying to Laurier rose around 11.3 per cent over last year, and the number of students that said Laurier was their first choice was up 25 per cent over last year, placing the university first in the province for the respective statistic. It’s a good sign for Laurier to see not only a rise in applications — which, if it translates to enrolment, could be a positive turn. But what stands out is the amount of people that this year put Laurier as their number one choice. Why is this? To some, Laurier may be seen as a safe alternative to its counterparts in Ontario. Laurier is well-known for its emphasis on the student experience. It prides itself on what it can offer outside of the classroom and while the programs may not be elite, they offer tangible opportunities for a student just out

of high school. Publicity such as being recognized as a top school for volunteerism and the recent renaming of the business school can work in favour of the Laurier’s reputation to first-year students. It could be that Laurier offers that “real university” experience where students can get a good education without having cut throat demands like business counterparts at University of Toronto or Schulich, and experience other opportunities such as co-op, exchange, volunteerism and a middle-sized city with a community vibe. Put simply, it’s the safe alternative to its competitors without jeopardizing the university experience. Laurier shouldn’t be afraid to market itself as a safe choice. It’s common knowledge Laurier doesn’t have the “elite” academics, but it should pride itself on targeting a specific audience, and use this to its advantage. The numbers show people still look positively on Laurier, so the school should use it.

Understanding the need for adjustment to journalism There is no denying that the future of journalism is unclear. We’ve seen constant layoffs, and the formats of long-time papers changing due to the evolving landscape. The exchange of information is a rapidly changing field. With new resources continuing to surface in our technologically dependent society, newspapers as we know it need to find their place. A demand for information will never die. Society requires news, regardless of where that news comes from. So what is the appeal to printed pages when info can be uploaded onto cellphones in a fraction of the time? Are papers being made obsolete by click bait, flashing newsfeeds, video clips and 140-character tweets? Are pixels replacing the printed page? What is the appeal of tradi-

tional media? Perhaps some will never disregard the feeling of holding a newspaper, feeling the crinkling pages beneath their fingertips, being greeted at their door with their local paper and flipping through the latest developments. Regardless of any ‘old school’ appeal, journalism is a charging train that does not stop for sentiment. Newspapers are changing, but journalism is growing stronger than ever before. Social media may be taking the wheel, but papers don’t need to jump out of the vehicle just yet. They are not the anchor of our media’s history, they are the launching pad for greater innovation. For those that are still planning to find a career in news, all hope is not lost. Instead of walking away, we must simply learn to adjust.

These unsigned editorials are based off informal discussions and then agreed upon by the majority of The Cord’s editorial board, including the Editor-inChief and Opinion Editor. The arguments made may reference any facts that have been made available through interviews, documents or other sources. The views presented do not necessarily reflect those of The Cord’s volunteers, staff or WLUSP.

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When smoking isn’t cool BETHANY BOWLES FEATURES EDITOR

The first time I saw one of my peers smoke a cigarette, I was 13-years old. It was after school, behind the dumpsters and I was so upset with my friend I stormed home alone. Fast forward four years. I was 17 and drinking socially with friends at a bush party. Some people were passing around cigarettes, “hacking a dart.” When someone asked if I wanted to try, I took it and inhaled without hesitation. I don’t remember why I so casually put that cigarette between my lips; I don’t remember why I didn’t think twice. I was raised in a family of nonsmokers. I was, in fact, raised by a mother who taught me smokers were bad people, criminals even. This was her way to protect me from ever picking up the dirty habit. Despite her efforts, I rebelled. I started socially smoking when I was 17, because I never really thought I’d become a regular smoker. I thought regular smokers were pathetic. Why would you regularly do something that could kill you? Why would you regularly spend money on something so stupidly expensive? Socially smoking was cool and badass when I was a teenager, but those kids who stood outside our school’s fences over lunch break to smoke everyday were losers. As I started university, my habits remained the same. I would

buy a pack of cigarettes here and there, smoke when I was drinking or partying and that single pack would last me months. Slowly, however, I realized my habit was becoming more regular. There were two people in my life that I was close to who smoked regularly and I found myself smoking more and more if I was around them, even without a drink in my hand. In 2015, I officially labeled myself a smoker, something that was really hard for me to come to terms with. I wasn’t just a social smoker anymore. I was officially addicted to nicotine. I smoked on my morning commute to work and school. I smoked in between classes. I smoked on my lunch breaks at work. While I was still a moderate smoker, I was doing it everyday without hesitation. For non-smokers, this habit may not make any sense, but an addiction to nicotine is a strange thing. It almost feels like anxiety. When the thought you want a cigarette pops into your head, it is followed by the extreme urge and panic that you must have one. This anxiety only lasts maybe five minutes, but the craving is so strong, which is why most people give in. Fighting that craving and convincing yourself that you will be okay if you don’t smoke, is a battle that all smokers who are trying to quit must face. I was at a point in my life where I felt like I was old enough to make my own decisions, while young enough to abuse my body without major consequences. It wasn’t until my sister asked me one day, after I came inside from having a smoke, if I could wash my hands before playing with my baby nephew, that I realized I had to

stop. Standing outside in the cold, alone, smoking a cigarette isn’t cool. Excusing yourself from enjoyable social situations to go smoke also isn’t cool. Asking a room full of people if anyone has a lighter, only to find out you’re the only smoker is humiliating. If you’re old enough to buy cigarettes, you’re also old enough to know how to properly take care of your body. In November, I caught a pretty bad virus that basically forced me to stop smoking. It had been in the back of my mind for months that I needed to kick the habit, but getting sick is what really forced me to do it. After I was better, I smoked the odd cigarette when a craving would kick in, but I found myself not being able to finish a whole cigarette. I didn’t enjoy it anymore. My goal was to be completely smoke free by 2016. I have not reached that goal, as I still smoke the odd cigarette when I’m feeling stressed or drinking with friends who also smoke, but I’ve made a serious dent in my habit. Like most goals, it takes time and patience to fully quit smoking. Bottom line is that so many social smokers think that they won’t get addicted to nicotine, but they will. You can argue that you don’t have an addictive personality — whatever the hell that means — but nicotine is addictive. To everyone. Most smokers are aware they should kick the habit. They don’t need a condescending lecture from a non-smoker about how smoking gives you cancer. Everyone knows smoking is bad for you, especially smokers. They also need to know that while quitting is hard, it’s a mental battle that will only have positive results after winning.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016

Opinion

• 21 OPINION EDITOR MITCHELL CONSKY mconsky@thecord.ca

FOR THE LOVE OF NEWSPAPERS ANDREAS PATSIAOUROS/PHOTO EDITOR

DON MORGENSON COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTOR

My fascination with newspapers began many years ago. I remember my father sitting in the only “easy chair” in our living room, his entire being buried behind the Rochester Post-Bulletin: our daily newspaper. For me, a young boy, reading newspapers was such a grown-up thing to do. But every Sunday, after church, as an Iowan, my father bought the Des Moines Sunday Register and my brother and I would spread our gangly selves on the living room floor and digest every piece in the “Peach section” (sports section) of that great paper. And as one whose intellectual survival critically depends on the print media, daily I read The Record, The Globe and Mail, The New York Times and Wilfrid Laurier University’s student newspaper, The Cord.

For many reasons, I love newspapers and it was always so. While studying at the University of London’s Institute of Psychiatry, I would take the Northern Line to the Institute reading The Times of London (pre-Rupert Murdoch) and on the ride home, I would read the Manchester Guardian. I do remember on occasion, when “skinheads” invaded the Underground and would physically hassle those reading the Guardian, thought to be too far to the left for those on the “fascist right.” Immediately following the “Velvet Revolution,” while on a teaching sabbatical at Charles University in Prague, my wife and I survived the newsprint fast, with the International Herald Tribune and The Economist, both of which were available. When I was growing up, we were all able to purchase a daily newspaper; they were not that expensive and buying a newspaper was an essential democratic experience. The pages of our newspapers reveal the comedic and the catastrophic, a wide open door to

our many dreams and our hopes, reflecting our collective idealism. Over the 80+ years of reading newspapers, I have been somewhat dismayed by changes. There seems to be less depth of coverage and more focus on the superficial contours of life. One example might be the current state of New York Times Magazine Section. Leon Wieseltier (The New Republic) writes that the magazine section of this great newspaper “has no dissent and no seriousness, hence no ideology. It is merely ‘interior design’ … more happy to talk about itself.” Yet there are reasons to worry about our newspapers. In a speech about “What Will Become of Newspapers?” delivered to the American Society of Newspaper Editors, John S. Carroll, former editor of the Lost Angeles Times said, “We have seen a narrowing of the purpose of the newspaper in the eyes of its owners. Under the old local owners, a newspaper’s capacity for making money was a small part of its value. Gone is the notion that a newspaper should lead, that it has an obligation to its community …

that it is beholden to the public.” And at a conference hosted by Harvard’s Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy, speakers repeatedly referred to journalism as a “calling rather than merely a job.” Journalists are “guardians of democracy — interpreters between society and knowledge.” You may remember that famous quote from Thomas Jefferson: “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” Jefferson knew that newspaper readership correlates significantly with an electorate informed with solid social and political knowledge. My family also appreciated what few magazines came to our home during those dark days of the Great Depression. And while a young boy, I wore a little magazine bag and went door to door selling both The Saturday Evening Post (often graced with Norman Rockwell illustrations) and The Ladies Home

Journal. I think the price of The Post was 10 cents and The Journal may have been 15 cents. As well, my brother and I had the obligatory newspaper routes. My brother Jack delivered the Minneapolis Tribune and I delivered the St. Paul Dispatch. A devoted newspaper reader, when my father came home from his high school classroom, he would hunt for the afternoon paper. If it had not arrived, he would “stew” (my mother’s term) until the newsboy gracefully sailed the newspaper onto our front porch. What Marshall McLuhan said about newspapers was true of my father. McLuhan said, “People don’t actually read newspapers. They rather get into them every morning (or evening) like a hot bath.” The memories of my father remain fresh and I feel them all over again, reading the newspapers today. The smell of newsprint and the audible wrinkle of the pages are all combined in the warm nostalgia of days past. Surely, I hope they may go on forever!

Just drinking and thinking ALEX DULANOVIC OPINION COLUMNIST

There’s a weird taboo around the subject of drinking during university. It’s only discussed when it bubbles and spills out on to the institutional side of things — an example being my piece on Winter Carnival last week. Many of those cases are extreme and are not representative of the average experience a student has with alcohol. I believe drinking is important to think about and discuss. The nature of drinking itself is one that discourages reflection. To live so intensely in a night and forget large chunks of it the next morning. Let’s chug a bottle of water and eat a big breakfast and think about it. What’s up with drinking at university? It seems logical to associate it with a surfaced sense of freedom. Understandably, parents steer their kids away from liquor consumption. They fear potential alcoholism, as well as stupid drunk decisions and the negative physical effects. For students, drinking becomes a symbolic act

of defiance. Additionally, it has a lot to do with a spike in social interactions. Living with roommates, dealing with co-workers, projects with peers and the expectation to “enjoy university” have us constantly dealing with other human beings. Depending where you find yourself on the extrovert-introvert scale, that can be psychologically taxing. “Liquid confidence” has more to do with what alcohol takes away than what it gives you. It numbs our concern with how we are perceived. For a night, it shatters Cooley’s looking glass self. Stressing about how we’re viewed in class, refreshing Spotted At Laurier’s page and wondering the best way to tell our roommates to clean the dishes are examples of the mental energy we dedicate to our perception. Alcohol hits that off switch. Therefore, drinking can be viewed as a symbol of our independent adulthood as well as a culturally prescribed antidote to constant connection. Yet, there’s something deeper that I believe drinking illuminates. “Drinking is like borrowing happiness from the next day,” I was once told. It’s a focus on the present and a disregard for the future. Within drinking we find the philosophical tightrope that the

ANDREAS PATSIAOUROS/PHOTO EDITOR

Drinking plays a large role in university culture throughout North America, often enhancing social situations.

student walks. On each shoulder there are voices. One is a devil in a red dress exclaiming, “You’ll only be a student once! Enjoy the moment!’” The other, a business formal suit, explaining, “Think about how your actions right now will impact tomorrow. Are your marks good enough? What job are you going to get?” The tightrope exists. There is no way around it. Therefore, we must learn to balance. Aristotle used the term “golden mean” to describe the desirable middle between two extremes. Instead of ignoring the phenomenon of drinking, let’s learn from it.

In one sense, drinking creaks open the door to the experience of many spiritual ideologies. Learning to find happiness in the moment in order to alleviate the imagined stresses of the past and future. Pay attention to what makes you happy when you drink. It is not the tingly feeling in your lips or a sense of imbalance. It is your willingness to invest yourself in the now, whether that be dancing or expressing how you really feel to someone. You don’t need to drink in order to appreciate the moment. Experiences will teach you about other experiences. It’s all

interconnected. Lessons learned drinking can be lessons learned about university. About life. Don’t spend the whole night Snapchatting, concerned about your appearance and what you’re doing tomorrow. Don’t spend your whole university time worried about your grades and career that you miss out on the whole experience. Don’t drink so much in one night that you’re hungover for the next two days. Don’t party so much you mess up your next couple of years. Everyone has a different “golden mean.” Learn from everything and find yours.

22 • OPINION

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016

Responding to actions of racism KANWAR BRAR OPINION COLUMNIST

On Friday night, after having a casual night out with friends where we played Cards Against Humanity, and caught up, I was walking home when something quickly changed my mood. As I was approaching my house, I saw a group of people hanging out on the front lawn and the balcony across from my house engaging in conversation and drinking. I then heard a loud, “YO!” from across the street followed by a pause. I ignored it as I’ve been through these situations before, intoxicated people yelling at me on a Friday night. College, right? Usually, I tend not to take it personally, mind my own business and keep on walking. However, I wasn’t aware that the words following would have such a profound impact on me, causing me to be overwhelmed by anger, frustration and anxiety. “Go fuck yourself and fuck your turban!” I processed what had been said and remained quiet for a few seconds. Then I yelled back. “What the fuck did you just say to me?” The group went quiet and I heard giggles. I walked away and went home hoping to cool down. I didn’t. I couldn’t. I have been subjected to racial

FANI HSIEH/GRAPHICS EDITOR

slurs in the past, including being called “Osama” and being called a “Muslim” in an attempt to use it as a slur when it isn’t one. I tend to ignore these slurs and not let them impact me personally because that is not who I am. This exemplifies the ignorance and lack of knowledge as people tarnish two completely separate religions, Islam and Sikhism, by calling me a Muslim. However when people are generally curious, I do engage in positive dialogue explaining who I am. But what was said to me on Friday night hit deep. The person

was attacking a part of my identity, an article of faith I have affection towards and something I wear with pride. Instead of making comments regarding something I wasn’t, slurs were targeted at my identity, which triggered outrage. After coming home, I went back out in an attempt to talk to those guys but they had left. I wanted to talk to them regarding what they had said, how I felt about it and trying to educate them on how their comments impacted me. I was angry, but I decided it was best not to make rash decisions

based on anger but rather resort to rationale. After waiting a few minutes, I went back home to bed. The guys who thought it’d be funny to say this were large in numbers, of Caucasian descent and under the influence of alcohol. Obviously, none of the aforementioned factors give them a right to say what they did or justify their intolerant behaviour. In my past experiences, these three factors have been present when I have been subjected to racism and I use each instance, as a learning opportunity on how to react.

Having said that, it is imperative to understand this an example of a few bad apples. In the greater contextual framework, blaming a large group of people for the actions of a few is not reasonable. For the guys who made this comment, if you are reading this, all I want you to know is I am willing to engage in a positive dialogue regarding who I am. I am not angry at you. I am not upset with you. I am not scared of you. If you see someone who looks different, wears something you don’t know a whole lot about or have general questions about someone’s background you are not familiar with, ask them about it politely and engage in a discussion instead of yelling slurs at them. Knowledge and education is the key to overcome hatred and ignorance. Anyone, regardless of their gender, race, religion, background, sexual orientation or any identity implication, should feel safe to walk alone at night and not have to fear that they will be harassed or attacked for being who they are. This is a fundamental concern amongst university students and if you’ve been in a similar situation like me, just know that it is okay to be angry, frustrated and upset and you are not at fault for being so. Be proud of who you are and embrace your identity, values and morals. In the end, those core values are the foundation of a person. Don’t let little gust of winds knock you down.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016

Sports

• 23 SPORTS EDITOR DREW YATES dyates@thecord.ca

FEATURE

From rookie to veteran Third-year guard Sarah Dillon moves into starting role KILLIAN CUPPAGE STAFF WRITER

MARCO PEDRI/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Guard Sarah Dillon solidified herself into a new starting role for the Hawks.

Sarah Dillon is growing into a new role with the women’s basketball team. After spending most of the time last year as a bench player, the third-year guard for the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks has grown into a starting role. Dillon has averaged just over 22 minutes per game off the bench this season after averaging under 15 minutes in her last two seasons. Dillon also doubled her points production, shooting 9.1 points per game against her previous 4.5 points per game in the 2014-15 season. Over the weekend, Dillon was also in double-digits scoring, totaling 11 points against the Nipissing Lakers and 14 points versus the Laurentian Voyageurs. The third-year guard shot an impressive 56 per cent from the field, and nailed three out of her five three point attempts. Dillon is excited about growing into her new role with the team, “It’s challenging because it’s completely new, but it’s exciting to see an increased role and how I can come in and help the team out

in any way I can,” she said. Dillon has become one of the go-to scoring options off the bench for the Hawks this year, sitting fourth on the team in both scoring, and field-goal percentage at 9.1 points per game and 43.6 per cent respectively. She attributes much of her success to the learning process of playing behind upper-year veterans early on in her university career. Dillon is continuing to work on improving her game with the help of these more experienced players. “I was very fortunate to get to watch them and learn from them every day in practice and games,” she said. Dillon also prides herself on a commitment to improving her skills during the offseason, as well as strengthening her mindset for the game by figuring out what she parts of her game are working when she applies them on the floor, and what she needs to get better at if she hopes to take her game to a higher level. She prides herself on her work ethic and believes it’s a huge contributor to her success. As mentioned, Dillon attributes much of her success to how she

SOCCER

Budalic southbound to ‘gulf state’ Hawk coach hired as assistant general manager of Orlando City Soccer Club DREW YATES SPORTS EDITOR

Niki Budalic is taking the next step in his soccer career. The assistant coach of the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawk men’s and women’s team was hired as the assistant general manager of MLS team, Orlando City SC. The deal with Orlando SC closed late last week and came about quite quickly. Budalic started his new position with Orlando City effective January 25. Head coach Barry MacLean of the women’s soccer team worked with Budalic for seven years as a coach, and coached Budalic back in 2001 when he played for the men’s soccer team. He said that it wasn’t much of a shock Budalic was hired by Orlando City. “It was just something we had been working on, and it’s come to fruition,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for him and it’s one I’m excited about for him.” MacLean said he and Budalic started talking to Orlando City in the beginning of January and from there it moved fairly quickly, finalized late last week. Budalic has been extremely involved with the Hawks as a coach and as an athlete, picking up many accolades, including two Ontario University Athletics championships as a coach with the women’s soccer team and a Canadian Interuniversity Sport championship with the men’s soccer team

NICK LACHANCE/FILE PHOTO

Niki Budalic (right) worked with MacLean (left) for seven years as the assistant coach for Laurier’s women’s team.

in 2001. Budalic was also nominated as an OUA first-team all-star in 2001 and 2002. The former coach also played for the Montreal Impact, the Toronto Lynx as well as clubs in Norway and Sweden. “He’s had a decent soccer career as a player. He helped us at one of the high points in Laurier men’s soccer,” MacLean said. As a coach, Budalic helped lead the squad to an overall record of 76-14-16. During this time, Budalic was an influential member in the decision-making process with MacLean in regards to training sessions and was one of the keys

in recruiting. Budalic also coached with Mario Halapir, head coach of the men’s soccer team for four years. MacLean has known Budalic for most of his life, and said he’s a “very smart, good soccer guy.” “He’s been a very loyal, honest, hard-working kid that’s intelligent in the way he’s done things,” MacLean said. “This was a great opportunity for him and one that we both discussed and thought it was the right thing for him in his career advancement.” Budalic also worked alongside MacLean as the director of operations for K-W United Football Club,

a squad playing in the Premier Development League, where MacLean is the president. Budalic was with the club when they won their first PDL championship in 2015. “He’s been great over the years,” MacLean said. “He’s been one of the keys in our recruiting, he’s been an influential member in decision-making and our training sessions. ‘He’s been a guy in some interesting involvement, not really looking at an assistant more like the co-coach.’” “He did a great job all the way through.” Budalic couldn’t be contacted for comment.

has grown as a player. Now as a third-year with plenty of experience at the varsity level, Dillon hopes to give back to young first and second-year players. “If I see something on the court I’ll help them out, converse with them,” she explained. “I just think that it’s important as a veteran that you mentor the younger players, as I had with many of the players in my previous years.” “I really hope I have a positive influence on the younger players coming up,” she continued. With the team currently sitting with a record of 6-5, Dillon could be a big part of getting this team to build on the momentum of the two wins over the weekend on the way to reach that high calibre of basketball Laurier has become accustomed to in the last few seasons. “I hope we carry a lot of the learning experiences that we did this weekend, and that momentum we get from the winning feeling,” Dillon explained. “We have big games coming up against Windsor and Western, so I think those two big wins will help us contribute with everything we learned.”

24 • SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016

OFFSEASON

PLAYING AFTER THE FINAL WHISTLE A look at training for Laurier’s varsity teams in the offseason WILL HUANG/PHOTO EDITOR

DREW YATES SPORTS EDITOR

For the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks’ varsity teams, the season doesn’t end after the final whistle. For most fall teams, it’s just an extension of the next regular season. The offseason doesn’t mean a break from sports to focus on schoolwork, but a means to get back into the gym and continue training. Faulds said the situation for football is a little different in accordance to other sports in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport conference in that they are only allowed to have 20 practices during the offseason. “During the season we spend a lot of time in the practice room and a little bit of time in the weight room, versus the offseason where it switches — you spend most of your time in the weight room working on strength, speed, power, endurance,” Faulds explained. “We have our early morning workouts. It’s only 8 a.m. right now but all 100 of our players have been through their workout

in the gym.” Faulds said athletes are in the gym five days a week and then every Friday from January to the beginning of March they practice — giving the Hawks half of their 20 practices. Coaching staff are with the players every step of the way, helping them in the gym, training them. “We have all of that given to them. We don’t send them to the gym themselves — we have a strength coach, many members of our coaching staff that are there every single lift. They are by no means on their own,” Faulds said. Like football, Ian McLeod, head coach of the men’s rugby team, uses the offseason to have his athletes concentrate on the core skills and putting the systems and velocities in play, such as tackle and running line. Much like football, the men’s rugby team go to the gym once a week, but they maintain a rugbyspecific strength and conditioning program built by Alena Luciani, the strength and conditioning

MEN’S HOCKEY

coach, over the course of the winter. The offseason gives the team a chance to work on the technical skills of each player. “They’re given a rugby-specific program from Alena, and they’ll follow through on that and I will get updated on that through the course of the winter, and then as far as the team gets together in the gym, three weeks out of four from the months of January all the way until the end of April,” McLeod said. McLeod said at the moment, it’s the onus of the Hawks to train strength and cardio on their own. The athletes have to make sure they are in the best shape that they can be. As far as the involvement of McLeod and the coaching staff, they focus on strength and conditioning and working on the core skills that they would during the season. McLeod also gives the Hawks another program that targets specific skills he feels athletes need to work on over the offseason as he moves towards making his workout regime a 12-month program. “There’s an expectation that

they’ll meet those requirements if they expect to be playing for us next year,” McLeod explained. “We want to make sure that we’re the best we can be.” Head coach Mario Halapir of the men’s soccer team makes sure the boys train in the gym once a week, but the onus is on the athlete to train during the offseason. Halapir said the team focuses on technical skills and getting on the ball in January. When February rolls around, Halapair gives the Hawks a specific program to follow, but brings the focus onto specific techniques for now. “The boys are training in the gym right now, a couple times in the morning. We’re trying to see if we can get on turf as well,” he said. “I’d really like to get them on the turf so we can do some functional training.” That being said, the biggest challenge Halapir faces during the offseason is finding time to practice these technical skills on the turf. Halapir said that every facility — including the one he trains his other teams at — is booked between 3 or 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and it’s important to find a consistent

time because some of the athletes travel to Waterloo from out of town. Halapir also stressed the importance of time on the turf because it gives him a snapshot of how potential new recruits play on the field. Seeing recruits on the turf allows Halapir to see their progression on the field before he makes any sort of commitment in terms of scholarship dollars. That being said, Halapir stressed athletes should be training with the ball, and wants to recreate the structure for athletes to train. “They should be on the ball as much as possible,” Halapir said.

“It’s only 8 a.m. right now but all 100 of our players have been through their workout in the gym.”

-Michael Faulds, men’s football head coach

Merante stands tall

Goaltender survives 45-shot barrage en route to 4-1 win TROY WILLIAMS CORD SPORTS

SERENA GILL/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The Hawks celebrate their 4-1 victory against Waterloo on Saturday night.

The Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks were victorious for the second time this year against their cross-town rivals, the Waterloo Warriors, with a 4-1 win on January 23. The win catapults the Golden Hawks to .500, with an overall record of 11-11-0. This victory was courtesy in large part to solid team defence and the play of goaltender Vinny Merante. Merante turned aside a 45-shot barrage en route to the victory. Although the Golden Hawks allowed many shots on goal, Merante stood tall through the pressure from the Warriors. The rest of the team kept the quality scoring chances from a talented Warrior team to a minimum. It was the first time the Hawks have swept the season series with the Warriors in 13 years. “It was a good one for the boys.

They kept shots on the outside. That’s all I could ask for. They did the rest and put the puck in the net,” said Merante on his team’s play in front of him. The goaltending tandem of Merante and Furlong have been good for the Hawks of late and have contributed to their recent three game winning streak. Both Furlong and Merante have nearly identical save percentages, which gives the Hawks some stability between the pipes — a refreshing change from last season. Currently, Furlong has a .921 save percentage while Merante has a .919 save percentage. Puhalski is content with the play of both of the Laurier goaltenders and how they are contributing to the team. “Both Colin [Furlong] and Vinny [Merante] have played well of recent and also played at a high level of recent, for our team that’s been a good lynch pin and they’ve

really given the rest of our team a lot of confidence,” he said. “Coming off last year we went a stretch for eight or 10 games not having any of our goaltenders with us.” The two points the Hawks took from the Warriors are a massive two points as Laurier sits just a win away from tying the Warriors for fourth in the Ontario University Athletics West conference. Merante said that the rivalry between the two teams is always an exciting one, as it’s always a close game. “It’s always a lot of fun and a lot of intensity and at the end of the game we’re all good with each other, that’s the nice thing about it,” Merante said. “On the ice we battle, when we get off the ice everything goes back to normal.” The Hawks are back in action Friday, January 29 as they take on the Brock Badgers. Puck drop is at 7:15 p.m. at Seymour-Hannah Centre in St. Catharines.