March 5, 2014 by The Omega

Interior’s biggest job fair returns to TRU Pg. 9

The Omega Ω

Thompson Rivers University’s Independent Student Newspaper

News Pages 1, 2

Editorial & Opinion Page 3

Volume 23, Issue 21 March 5, 2014

Life & Community

Arts & Entertainment

Sports

Pages 5, 9

Pages 6, 7

Page 11

Senate updates suspension and honorary degree policies Jessica Klymchuk Ω News Editor TRU aims to update policies every five years, but some haven’t been updated in more than 20. The most recent policy updates were passed at the Feb. 24 senate meeting on the recommendation of the Academic Planning and Priorities Committee. The policies pertained to student suspension and honorary degrees. “It’s our intention at TRU that all the policies will get reviewed every five years,” said vice provost of open learning Gordon Tarzwell. Policy ED 7-0, suspension of students, formerly called debarment, had not been updated since 1989, although the review date on the policy was April 1, 1991. Tarzwell explained that the changes updated the language of the policy to bring it up to date to TRU, rather than UCC. He said it shouldn’t have any effect on students. “We were quite a ways behind in updating it,” he said. “What we’re hoping to do is do it more frequently. Fortunately this one didn’t require a lot of changes. It’s one of those cases where we’re changing the policy to be consistent with practices.” The policy no longer includes the ability to expel students. Tarzwell said expulsions occur at the level of the president, while suspensions can occur within the policy by someone other than the president.

“Part of it has to do with who can expel a student and who can suspend a student,” he said. Policy ED 16-2, Honorary Degrees, was last reviewed and updated March 26, 2007. The senate voted to add a section to the policy that gives the institution the ability to revoke honorary degrees based on the conduct of the recipient. TRU can now revoke the degree before or after it is conferred if the university was “unaware of the conduct at the time that the decision to award the honorary degree was made.” “We hope it never happens but if you think of the Governor General honorary degree or the Order of Canada, there has been three cases where the Order of Canada has actually been revoked because of actions by the recipient after they had received it,” he said. “The institution wanted to be able to in a situation where, if necessary, it could actually revoke an honorary degree.” Honorary degrees are “the highest from of recognition offered by Thompson Rivers University,” according to the university’s website. They are given to recipients who have demonstrated “excellence, in Canada or abroad, in the fields of public affairs, the sciences, arts, humanities, business or philanthropy.” The achievements must also be “relevant and appropriate to TRU.” Tarzwell said TRU gives out around five honorary degrees per year, usually one at every convocation ceremony.

TRU aims to update policies every five years, but some haven’t been updated since UCC became TRU. Latest updates refreshed the language regarding student suspensions and instituted the ability to revoke honorary degrees based on the conduct of the recipient. ( Jessica Klymchuk/ The Omega)

The dangerous online drinking game neknomination hit B.C. in early February. TRU responded with a statement discouraging students from participating and reminding them that disciplinary action could be taken if the activities happened on campus. ( Jessica Klymchuk/ The Omega)

You’ve got twenty-four hours

Kappa Sigma brings RAKnomination to campus Jessica Klymchuk Ω News Editor It varies from chugging a single beer to downing mickeys. Throw in some vodka, some gin and maybe a little red wine, or maybe swap your milk for tequila in your morning cereal. In extreme cases, the amounts are increased and a dangerous activity accompanies the sprint to the bottom of the glass or bucket. A recent case featured the nominee longboarding down the highway with a beer bong. Or, on the other hand, maybe it’s donating blood, buying someone a coffee, paying for someone’s parking, holding the door open, donating to a local charity or delivering care packages to the less fortunate. Neknomination is the latest Internet trend, but RAKnomination isn’t far behind. The former involves uploading a video of yourself chugging alcohol and possibly participating in risky or bizarre behaviour and then nominating

two people to do the same within twenty-four hours. Although the game started with individuals chugging a single beer, it evolved to feature harder liquors, increased amounts and more dangerous activities. Media reports say at least two deaths have been linked to the game. But rather than accepting the drinking challenge, nominees have started a new one by partaking in random acts of kindness. The Facebook page and website for RAKnomination shows people from across Canada accepting the new challenge. After noticing TRU’s statements condemning neknomination in the media, members of Kappa Sigma, TRU’s fraternity, decided to bring RAKnomination to Kamloops. On Feb. 26 they paid for 10 students’ parking for the day, bought five students lunch at the Terrace and held doors open for people. Will George spoke to both residences on campus and to student groups to find out if neknominations were catching

on and learned there had been some instances of the game. He said they used this opportunity to tell students about RAKnomination and to make a stand against participating in the alternative. Kappa Sigma has RAKnominated Enactus TRU and the Fusion Rotaract Club of Kamloops to follow up with random acts of kindness of their own. Kappa Sigma president James Acton said they noticed high school-aged students participating in the game and saw a need to counteract its growing popularity. “Our organization promotes leadership on campus and we don’t condone excessive drinking,” he said. “We wanted to do something that maybe curbs the trend and shows a more positive light and passes on something that will do good in the community from person to person instead of this excessive drinking trend.”

See BETTER ALTERNATIVE Pg.

News

March 5, 2014

A better alternative to binge drinking From KAPPA Pg.

Vince Watson and Jessyka Gagnon impress the audience with their black tie outfits. (Sih’le Msiska/ The Omega)

TRUSU collaboration is a fashion-forward success

Originating in Australia, neknomination hit B.C. in early February. University officials were quick to respond. Dean of students Christine Adam said she saw the game was trending in Europe and two days later noticed TRU students participating. “To us, that was just a sign of how quickly it was growing,” she said. Concerned about student safety, TRU released a statement on Feb. 3 warning students that participating on campus could lead to disciplinary action from residence housing or the university. Adam said the game is especially concerning because

it has a competitive nature and is fueled by peer pressure. “It was the fact that it included publicly tagging someone, that there was a one-upmanship to it and it involved drinking a lot quickly,” she said. “By the time it got here we were watching people do 11 shots of vodka. That really worried us because there is nothing safe about that.” There have been no major problems related to the game at TRU and Adam said that it’s likely that would have been the case even if the university hadn’t released a statement. She said the National College Health Assessment demonstrated that students typically make very responsible decisions around drinking.

Models worked the runway in outfits dressed to work, play and impress Ashley Wadhwani Ω Arts & Entertainment Editor Created, planned and organized by 10 TRUSU groups, the Mosaic Fashion Show not only brought the Kamloops community and TRU together, but forged new ground for TRUSU club relations. The fashion show took place in the Grand Hall in the Campus Activity Centre Feb. 28. The Human Resource Management Club, Pride Club, Visual Arts Student Association, Enactus, Professional Convention Management Association, India Club, Finance Club, and Marketing Club came together in the fall 2013 semester to begin organizing the show. As seats filled quickly, the bright lights on the catwalk dimmed and Lettie Jones, a fourthyear human resource management student and Mosaic event coordinator, welcomed all the attendees. The audience mirrored the selection of models, with a mix of university and high school students. Local high school student Quentin Tecumseh Collier shared his newest ensembles from his QTC label, and Madison Olds performed three covers on her guitar. The idea of the show was to redefine the idea of the student. “The committee and I wanted to show students how

to transition. Having a student audience filled with potential TRU students was basically through word of mouth and connections,” Jones said. The show included outfits to the themes of “dress to work,”

journalism student. Seventy volunteers from TRU and the community helped to keep the show running smoothly. “We got such a response from TRU and the community. We could not have done it without them. From clubs, from students that aren’t a part of a club … [the show] brought everybody together on so many different levels,” Jones said. For Jones, this was a dream come true. With a passion for fashion, it was Jones’ initiative to organize and plan the show. “It’s really exciting to see arts students mixing with business students. Something [one of us] may not be strong at, someone else is. We are all kind of specialists, so to come together we are actually stronger,” Jones said. “Coming together, working together… that commonality. Really —Lettie Jones, opening it up to what’s at the base of it all. We are Event Coordinator and all students.” When asked if there Resource Management student will be a Mosaic 2015 event in the future, Jones excitingly responded with a definite “yes.” In meetings, the group has “dress to play,” and “dress to already started talking about impress.” ways to create a show again next “[The show] was very year. stressful, but also fun. “We made an unofficial pact “I love the rush of backstage for the clubs involved to do this and having such good models in subsequent years,” Jones said. and volunteers to keep me sane,” “It goes beyond the fashion. We said Cameron Staff, production formed relationships with each and marketing coordinator and other.”

“

It goes beyond the fashion. We’ve formed relationships with each other.”

More upcoming events can be found on page 7 this week. If you have an event in April, let us know to get it in next month’s listings.

James Acton and Will George pay for a students parking on Feb. 26 for RAKnomination (random acts of kindness) to counteract the dangerous online drinking game neknomination. ( Jessica Klymchuk/ The Omega)

Community corner Kamloops’ World Kidney Day and Health Fair Thursday, March 13 Northills Mall 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Various organizations will share knowledge about health promotion and disease prevention. TRU School of Nursing students will be in attendance to teach community members about their blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol health in partnership with Extra Foods pharmacy staff. For more info contact: Allison Perry at allisonperyy05@gmail.com

Editorial & Opinion

The Omega · Volume 23, Issue 21

The Omega www.truomega.ca

March 5, 2014 Volume 23, Issue 21

Published since November 27, 1991

editorialstaff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The face of Canadian journalism should know better The discussion around Peter Mansbridge, speaking fees and objectivity in journalism

Mike Davies

editor@truomega.ca

250-828-5069

@PaperguyDavies NEWS EDITOR

Jessica Klymchuk news@truomega.ca @jjklym

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Ashley Wadhwani arts@truomega.ca @ashwadhwani SPORTS EDITOR

Adam Williams

sports@truomega.ca @AdamWilliams87 ROVING EDITOR

Karla Karcioglu

roving@truomega.ca @0_kmk_0 SCIENCE & TECH EDITOR

Mark Hendricks

sci-tech@truomega.ca @MarkHendicks5 COPY/WEB EDITOR

Sean Brady

copy@truomega.ca @iamseanbrady

omegacontributors Alexis Stockford, Carli Berry

publishingboard EDITOR-IN-CHIEF * Mike Davies INDUSTRY REP * Vacant FACULTY REP * Charles Hays STUDENT REP * Travis Persaud STUDENT REP * Hugo Yuen STUDENT REP * Adam Williams

letterspolicy

Literary and visual submissions are welcomed. All submissions are subject to editing for brevity, taste and legality. The Omega will attempt to publish each letter received, barring time and space constraints. The editor will take care not to change the intention or tone of submissions, but will not publish material deemed to exhibit sexism, racism or homophobia. Letters for publication must include the writer’s name (for publication) and contact details (not for publication). The Omega reserves the right not to publish any letter or submitted material. Opinions expressed in any section with an “Opinion” label do not represent those of The Omega, the Cariboo Student Newspaper Society, its Board of Directors or its staff. Opinions belong only to those who have signed them.

All material in this publication is copyright The Omega and may not be reproduced without the expressed consent of the publisher. All unsolicited submissions become copyright Omega 2014.

Cariboo Student Newspaper Society (Publisher of The Omega) TRU Campus House #4 900 McGill Rd, Kamloops, B.C. V2C 0C8 Phone: 250-828-5069 E-mail: editor@truomega.ca Ad Enquiries: accounts@truomega.ca (Correspondence not intended for publication should be labelled as such.)

Editor’s Note Mike Davies Ω Editor-in-Chief The graduating essay that I wrote as the completion requirement for my Rhetoric and Professional Writing degree was entitled, “There’s no such thing as objective journalism,” and I truly believe that. Every decision that is made in regards to how a journalistic story turns out involves a human element and humans are incapable of making any decision without the inherent (and often subconscious) input of previous knowledge, attitudes of the writer towards what’s being discussed – even the decisions made about who to interview on each side of the debate — all have an effect on the final product.

Featured in the aforementioned essay is one Peter Mansbridge, who I had the privilege of interviewing when he was in town for a speaking engagement. On the matter of objectivity, he said that his opinions have no bearing on his ability to do his job. “It’s like saying, if you’re a heart surgeon and you hate the patient, you’re going to let that impact the way you do the surgery? No, you’re not,” Mansbridge said to me. “You’re going to do the best job you can to save that person’s life. It’s no different for a journalist, in my view.” Until recently, I don’t know many people that would have questioned him on that. He has long been held in the highest esteem as one of the country’s most respected newsmen – the face of the national broadcaster, CBC. There are those questioning it now, though, and even those who are not (like myself), still have to ask themselves how he made such a terrible decision and invite this type of credibility-questioning into his life. You see, there was recent acknowledgement that Mansbridge gave a speech to the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) Investment Symposium in December of 2012. Mansbridge defended his actions in a blog post on CBC.ca shortly after the uproar began, saying, “I do not give advice on how those

I speak to should advocate. I do not weigh in on matters of current sensitivity, and I go out of my way to make clear that the nature of being a ‘news’ journalist is about being there to assemble information and tell an honest story, no matter who it pleases or who it offends. And let me be clear about something else: I would not, do not, and have not, given a speech either promoting oil sands development or opposing it.” Having seen one of Mansbridge’s speeches first hand, I know a couple of things about the way he presents his thoughts to a room. He speaks of his history in journalism and broadcasting, using the unlikelihood of being discovered for his voice at the Churchill, Manitoba airport, as a springboard for his stories about what it means to be a Canadian, and how much respect Canada and Canadians have around the world because of who we are and what we stand for. I have no doubt whatsoever that he said nothing in his speech to the CAPP about the energy sector, resource management, environmental issues within our borders or anything else that would imply his standing one way or the other on what the CAPP itself stands for. But he had to know, with all his years in this business, that it wouldn’t look good. It’s one thing to speak to a room of random students and members of the general community in

Kamloops at the local university as part of a lecture series, or, as Mansbridge points out in his blog post, “a food bank, a financial services group, a teacher’s association, nurses, lawyers, doctors, police officers, environmental organizations,” etc. that he’s given speeches for, but it’s another thing altogether to speak to a gathering of the major players in the Canadian oil and natural gas industry. Why? Because as the face of the national broadcaster and one of the most respected newsmen in the history of journalism in Canada, you can’t even appear to support one side or the other on a matter as contentious as resource management. The appearance of impartiality is the same as actual impartiality in the news business, and even those of us who truly believe your “speak for pay” arrangement with CAPP won’t affect your coverage of this nationally relevant discussion, you have to know that some people will, and that harms and distracts from the discussion itself. Discussions like those one don’t need any more distractions or harm done to them. They’re too important for that, and Mansbridge should have known better than to be a part of harming them, especially since his job is, and has been for decades, to promote them. editor@truomega.ca

Mental health is half the fight Trying to stay focused and happy is the way to conquer mental health issues Kelsey Pye The Aquinian (St. Thomas) For me lately, it’s been a mixture of denial and brownie bark. It’s thin, crispy brownies with chocolate chips in it. Seriously, that stuff is good. The new semester is starting to becoming old news. Everyone has settled into classes and no doubt professors are already piling on assignments. Fourth years are trying to soak up everything they need to — or just trying to pass — so they can graduate and move on. You just want some sunshine but Old Man Winter hates when people are happy. And that’s when your mind hits the panic button. I’ve had issues. I’m having issues right now. As a fourth year I have the usual litany of class assignments and deadlines. But, and most of my brethren can vouch for this, thinking about living in the real world is scary shit. I haven’t been able to think more than a week ahead before the dread, insecurities and hopelessness sets in. I should start charging rent. Mental health has been a big issue in our society as of late. Things like suicide are becoming more common, and the ages of those committing the act are heartbreakingly young. The problem

is only now starting to be addressed, but action is needed. Action has been needed for years. I’m used to giving out fitness tips and fun ways to stay healthy in my articles. But given the time of year, I think people just need some support. The biggest thing is to talk to people who care. If you’re having problems or notice your friend is, don’t be afraid to open up. You’d be surprised how often a kind word can

(Photo courtesy Manarianz5/Flickr Commons)

change everything. Lots of little things can make a huge difference, even if it doesn’t solve the whole issue. Meditation can be super helpful if you’re stressed and falling into a funk. Grabbing a pal and having a Netflix night (which is probably every night, but whatever) might take the edge off. Exercise your body and your mind. Don’t be afraid of asking for help.

I’m not an expert. I can’t diagnose people and I can’t tell you what will work. Mental illnesses like depression and anxiety are common at university and can happen for any reason, and unfortunately there’s no set formula for getting back on track. But if you realize that people do care and things will get better, it can make a difference.

Science & Technology

March 5, 2014

Protecting the wilds The Wilderness Committee presents at TRU on the tactics of protection Mark Hendricks Ω Science & Tech Editor Protecting the environment is a difficult task. It’s one of the reasons why we have so many non-governmental organizations spring up with protection as their mandate. The Wilderness Committee, an organization which was founded in 1980, believes that the key to making a difference is citizen support and political advocacy. Two members from the Wilderness Committee, Gwen Barlee and Isabelle Groc, gave a talk at TRU on Thursday, Feb. 27 about how they are attempting to raise awareness of environmental issues and show what the Wilderness Committee is. “The primary reason that wilderness committee was created was the type of logging that was happening in British Columbia in the 1960s, ‘70s, ‘80s and even into the ‘90s,” said Barlee, policy director for the Wilderness Committee. “It was just devastating.” Barlee was the primary speaker for the talk. She made a move from working in the film industry in Vancouver, where

she worked 18-hour days on shows such as the X-Files, to a 13-year relationship with the Wilderness Committee. With 60,000 members, the group is the largest environmental NGO in Canada. They are active in the protection of the environment through both scientific research and political activism. According the Barlee, the members are key to their success. “They aren’t just listening to the Wilderness Committee,” Barlee said. “They’re also listening to the will of 60,000 people.” “It’s really important for our students to hear a lot of different viewpoints and a lot of different approaches to environmental issues,” said Karl Larsen, TRU professor of environmental science. “This is a great example of another group that involves science to some extent but feels there are other ways that are more powerful.” One of the other ways the organization believes to be a better approach to environmental issues is the legal system. “We don’t want to do it, but we do do it,” Barlee said. “We engage in lawsuits, and increasingly we’ve been taking

the federal government to court over species at risks.” The Wilderness Committee recently took the government to court over being years behind on the creation of recovery strategies for multiple at-risk species along the Enbridge pipeline.

This week in science Self-adjusting eyewear, Mars and its water debate, and Body Mass Index to be replaced as a health tool? Mark Hendricks

new eyeglasses can be prohibitively high.

Ω Science & Tech Editor

Eyewear that changes as your eyes do Our eyes naturally degrade as we get older. That’s why optometrists recommend yearly eye exams. So imagine a pair of glasses that could change as your eyes do without the need for new lenses. Thanks to Adlens, a U.K.based startup, that may become a reality. The glasses, which are still in the research stage, have a dial on the side and a lens that is filled with a highly refractive liquid. Turning the dial will allow more liquid into the lenses which will alter the curvature of the lens, resulting in varying prescription strengths. The product is primarily marketed towards developing countries, where the costs of buying

Find out more: www.adlens.com

The water on Mars debate rages on A team of scientists has discovered possible evidence pointing towards the past existence of water on Mars by examining a Martian asteroid on Earth. The team of scientists, led by Lauren White of the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, examined the asteroid Yamato, which was found on the Yamato glacier in Antarctica. The asteroid was dated to 1.3 billion years ago and contained tunnel structures and spherules between the layers of rock which are distinct from the surrounding layers. Both these features are indicative of biotic decay which sug-

A new type of eyeglass developed by startup company Adlens will allow users to change the prescription strength as their eyes change.

(Image courtesy Adlens)

gests that these features were caused by liquid alterations. “While robotic missions to Mars continue to shed light on the planet’s history, the only samples from Mars available for study on Earth are Martian meteorites,” White said in a press release. “On Earth, we can utilize multiple analytical techniques to take a more in-depth look into meteorites and shed light on the history of Mars.” Find out more: www.jpl.nasa.gov/news

A body shape index may provide a more accurate picture of health A new study by researchers at City College in New York has revealed that for predicting mortality, a body shape index (ABSI) is a better indicator than body mass index (BMI). ABSI is a measurement that takes into account height, weight and waist circumference. BMI only takes into account height and weight. The study looked at how increases in both ABSI and BMI affected mortality rates. ABSI had a stronger correlation than BMI. Those in the top 20 per cent for ABSI had mortality rates 61 per cent higher than those in the bottom 20 per cent of ABSI. This makes ABSI a far better indicator of the risks associated with obesity than BMI. You can find out your ABSI and how it compares to the average online at http://absi-calc.appspot.com/. Find out more: www.ccny.cuny.edu/news

The organization has a longstanding relationship with students, and part of the reason they were speaking at TRU was a recruiting campaign seeking student involvement. The lecture was attended by roughly 30 people, mostly students. “I learned a lot about the

Wilderness Committee and the type of work that they’re doing,” said Sarah McArthur, a student in the masters of environmental science program. “I think it’s really important for British Columbia and I think we need a little more awareness in Kamloops of these issues.”

(Photo courtesy Sean Brady)

Life & Community Childcare conflicts with class scheduling

The Omega · Volume 23, Issue 21

Evening classes cause concern for some parents as they are forced to make tough decisions around education and their families Carli Berry Ω Contributor Evening classes are posing a problem to some single parents who attend TRU. With oncampus daycare hours only extending from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., some parents have no choice but to drop classes to take care of their children. Darryl Carlyle-Moses, chair of the geography department at TRU, has had students visit him expressing concerns over the university daycare hours and the conf licting evening class times. “The issue has not been around for years. This is the first year the new scheduling policy has been in place. I have heard the complaints in the hallways and a couple of times in the class room. I am not sure how many students are impacted,” CarlyleMoses said in an email. “It’s a form of discrimination,” Carlyle-Moses said. “Parents can’t take these classes because the daycares don’t run.” Carlyle-Moses suggested that certain three-hour classes, especially those required for a degree, be moved to a different time slot. “Wouldn’t it be nice if the three hour classes could start at 1:30 to give people time to pick up their kids? Ideally even 12:30 to have those three hour classes,” Carlyle-Moses said. Amanda Hill is a working single mother in the bachelor of education program with two children, who attend a daycare and preschool in Brock. One of Hill’s previous evening classes ended at 5:15, so she had to leave her evening class 15 minutes early to pick up her children or she’d suffer a late pick up charge of $15 for every 15 minutes she is late. “I’m losing a half an hour a week in a two-and-a-half-hour class,” Hill said. She had to drop her class due to the scheduling conf lict. “I didn’t even try for the on-campus daycare,” Hill said. “I heard it was too backlogged.” Although the campus daycare does prioritize spaces for students and faculty at the university, it only offers 24 spaces for children under three and 50 spaces for children three to five. In an email, Hill said “[the campus] rates are actually $100 more than the licensed daycare that I use for my son every day, so even if I did get a spot with the one on campus, it would cost me much more than the time and gas it takes to get across town.” Other daycares in Kamloops cost between $500 to $700 a month for toddlers. The Cariboo Child Care Society costs $824 per month for a toddler. Marian Hardy, executive director of the Cariboo Child Care Society, defended the higher rates.

TRU student Amanda Hill sits with her sons, three-year-old Jackson (right) and five-year-old Jude (left).

“It depends who you are comparing us to. Every year we do comparisons to like-sized daycares,” Hardy said. “We’re a group-licensed daycare. There are family-licensed daycares, and there are family non-licensed daycares, so it’s a bit like comparing apples and pears.”

to, I am comfortable in bringing her to my classes. The instructors are mostly very understanding.” The daycare’s fees are set to increase five per cent in July 2014. “It was part of our long term plan. We are non-profit and we’re operated by a board of directors and we were reluctant, but then there comes a time where you realize the staff needs to be paid, the cost of living needs to be paid, so we came up with a three-year plan,” Hardy said. Hardy did offer a possible solution to the scheduling conf lict for student-parents. “What could work is if someone in the student services, like the wellness department or the union, could organize a co-op system for students. “We had a trial period where we tried to do seven days a week, 12-hour days, and it was so bad we had —Marian Hardy to stop after three months it wasn’t good for the Executive Director, Cariboo Childcare Society because staff or for the children.” “Students aren’t all the single youngsters. There’s “We’re also one of the few Cassandra Schifferns is a third- a lot of families on campus now, daycares that still provides year nursing student who has so I think that should be part of meals,” Hardy said. resorted to bringing her eight- the university’s responsibilities to The conf lict between childcare year-old daughter with her to help assist,” Hardy added. and class scheduling is causing evening classes. Angelique Saweczko, the Hill to sacrifice the education she “I have been lucky the past associate vice-president strategic would like to pursue because of couple years and haven’t had too enrolment and university the conf lict. many evening classes, Schifferns registrar at TRU, is responsible “There are a couple classes said via Facebook. “And if I need for overseeing the scheduling of

“

I would like to take like in the poli-science department, but I can’t since they are only offered in the evenings. It’s frustrating. I feel like I have to take courses I don’t want to take. There should be more f lexibility [with the scheduling].” Hill isn’t the only student-parent affected by the class scheduling.

There’s a lot of families on campus now, so I think it should be part of the university’s responsibilities to help assist.”

(Carli Berr y/ The Omega)

courses on campus. Saweczko said that there are a number of factors that affect the scheduling of courses, including instructor availability, room requirements, room use, or if a program involves a required practicum. “The way we do scheduling is changing right now,” Saweczko said. The registrar will be implementing new software that will do the course scheduling. The new software will be programmed with all the rules and requirements of each class. This will make it easier to schedule classes and meet the needs of the students. A change that might take place in the scheduling is the shift between daytime and evening schedules. By starting the evening classes earlier and making little shifts in the schedule this may help some of the students with scheduling conf licts, according to Saweczko. Until a solution is found, student-parents like Hill and Schifferns are forced to make tough decisions about prioritizing education or parenthood while pursuing their post-secondary education at TRU. Editor’s note: Are you a parent affected by the university’s scheduling and lack of childcare options in Kamloops? Chime in on this story at truomega.ca

Arts & Entertainment I read him like an open book!

The Living Library will facilitate intercultural dialogue between the diverse individuals who make up our TRU community, by lending out human "books" who will speak with participant "readers" about their own cultural points of view and experiences. Wed. March 12, 10:30am-1:30pm Student Street, Old Main

Undergraduate Research Experience Award (UREAP) program Did you know that you could receive a $4500 scholarship, plus up to $1000 for expenses, to complete your own research project? UREAP awards are available to undergraduate students in all faculties.

Heroes rocks out to local talent at the Battle of the Brier

Six local bands battled it out rock-and-roll style at Heroes on Feb. 27 for an opportunity to open for Shred Kelly at the 2014 Brier Patch on March 3. Put on by TRU tourism professor Billy Collins and his EVNT 2070 class, the event was organized by his students as an assignment for the class. The show sold out, resulting in every one of Collins’ students receiving an A+. “I didn’t know how to grade them, but a real promoter looks at how much money [they] made and the attendee number. So based on how many people showed up at the door, they killed it,” Collins said. The Dave Coalmine Band won the battle, winning $500. Royal States were runners-up, taking home $300. Both bands will be opening for Shred Kelly. Check out more coverage of the show at truomega.ca.

Part of the 8 Event US/ Canada West Coast Tour, March 5-8 2014

& The Case of the Cuban 5 His Excellency

Mr. Julio Garmendía Peña

Cuban Ambassador to Canada Speaking about Cuba Today Also Featuring:

Mrs. Miraly González González

First Secretary and Political Attaché of the Cuban Embassy to Canada Speaking about the case of the Cuban 5

Friday March 7

Join us for a UREAP workshop and find out more:

6:30PM

March 3, 12:30 –13:20, S 375 March 11, 12:00 –12:50, OM 1752 March 19, 12:30 –13:20, AE 266

Thompson Rivers University

Irving K. Barber Centre - 900 McGill Rd. Kamloops, British Columbia

Co-organized by:

100

MONTHLY PROTESTS E SINCE 2005! V RE OU ETH E 5 VA N C

Part of the campaign to mark:

UBAN HER 5 C OE LL S A

tru.ca/research/undergraduate

(Photo by Ashley Wadhwani/ The Omega)

CUBA TODAY

RESEARCH is everywhere

Image: vwake.deviantart.com

March 5, 2014

TRU Socialist Club | trususocialists@hotmail.com Free the Cuban 5 Committee -Vancouver w w w. Va n c o u v e r 1 0 0 C u b a n 5 P r o t e s t s . c o m

Endorsed by:

Kamloops & District Labour Council

The Omega · Volume 23, Issue 21

Arts & Entertainment

Improvaoke puts TRU audience center stage The interactive comedy put the audience on the spot, leaving plenty of laughs

Events calendar: March Live Theatre: The Beaux’ Stratagem March 6 to 8

Alexis Stockford Ω Contributor Audience members got a chance for the spotlight during improv-theatre show Improvaoke, held in the Clock Tower Alumni Theatre on Feb. 27 as part of the Live at TRU! performance series. Around 30 people showed up to enjoy the comedy talents of Vancouver-based actors Taz Van Rassel and Noah Lepawsky, with some getting the chance to be on stage themselves. Unlike traditional theatre, Improvaoke engages the audience as an active participant. According to the Vancouver TheatreSports League, which owns rights to the show, Improvaoke is “a combination of karaoke and improvisation, where audience members challenge themselves with improv professionals.” One such audience member is Grant Bennett, who was tapped for a hilarious exercise in which he acted as Lepawsky’s arms while actors played out a scene according to audience prompts. “It’s different when you’re participating as opposed to watching,” Bennett said. “My wife told me afterwards that I used my arms too much. You just don’t really know what you should be doing, but it was fun.” According to Van Rassel and Lepawsky, improv comes with both unique challenges and unique rewards. “Things are going to go wrong constantly,” Van Rassel says. “There’s always variables. But then if you can use those

Black Box Theatre 7:30 p.m. $12 Adapted by Thornton Wilder and Ken Ludwig, the Actors Workshop Theatre presents a live stage production of two men who have fallen on hard times and take up theft.

Kamloops Film Festival 2014 March 6 to 15 Paramount Theatre. See website for ticket details: www. kamloopsfilmfest.ca

Actors Noah Lepawsky (left) and Taz Van Rassel (right) ham it up during Live at TRU!’s Improvaoke on Feb. 27. (Alexis Stockford/ The Omega)

variables and then make them part of the scene, that’s sort of the whole concept of improve – just use what you have and go along with it.” “I think one of the treats about improv is that it’s more open to what is actually happening.” Lepawsky adds. “You’re not tied down to a script, so if something happens between two actors, as actors you can acknowledge that and incorporate it into what’s going on. So that becomes part of the entertainment and it’s fun for us and fun for the audience.” Van Rassel and Lepawsky are currently in the middle of a five-week tour, bringing Improvaoke to schools across British Columbia. While the two ordinarily preform for

younger people, the more mature audience at Thompson Rivers University allowed them to incorporate some more adult themes. “This is the first sort of community open show that we’ve done. We’ve got a couple more of those on the tour, and they’re a little bit different. They’re a little more open than we might do at an elementary or high school.” Lepawsky says. Improvaoke is one of the last Live at TRU! events scheduled for this year. Fans of the series will get one last chance on Mar. 20, when classical quintet ARC Ensemble will preform. Anyone interested should visit the university’s website at www. tru.ca for more details.

Including independent Canadian & international films, the Kamloops Film Festival is showing 14 different films in various categories including comedies, thrillers, dramas, romance and documentaries.

Live at TRU! ARC Ensemble March 20 Alumni Theatre 12:30-1:30 p.m. FREE. An all-instrumental performance, noted for ignoring the political changes and shifts in the musical world. With every member of the group senior faculty of The Glenn Gould School, the performance includes a range of instruments and sounds.

Waiting for the Parade March 27 to April 5 Sagebrush Theatre show times and ticket details available online at www.wctlive.ca Set during the Second World War, the play takes a look into the war from the point of view of the women that were left behind during the war.

Mindfulness and Momentum: Life strategies for gaining clarity and inviting joy into your life March 26

Kamloops

Alumni Theatre 7 p.m. Tickets $5, RSVP to alumni@tru.ca

Startup

Keynote speaker Trisha Miltimore will talk motivation, passion and the 13 elements to flourish at her presentation on igniting passion in your life.

coffee IDEAS + MENTORSHIP + FREE COFFEE

MARCH 6 @ 8am

MARCH 28 @ 1pm

Common Grounds

Kamloops Startup Coffee is a regular informal meetup for entrepreneurs, students and anyone interested in the #startuplife. Details 250.434.0200 www.kamloopsinonovation.ca

If you have an upcoming social event, fundraiser or otherwise entertaining occasion, tell Ashley so she can get it in the monthly calendar.

arts@truomega.ca

March 5, 2014

KAMLOOPS

FILM FESTIVAL kamloopsfilmfest.ca

KAMLOOPS

FILM KAMLOOPS

FILM KAMLOOPS FESTIVAL Paramount Theatre MARCH 6 15, 2014 FILM FESTIV AL FESTIVAL MARCH 6 15, 2014 –

Paramount Theatre

–

( s o r r y, n o s t u d e n t d i s C o u n t t i C k e t s ava i l a B l e at t h e s e l o C at i o n s )

IAL

TE N D AT

regular tic ket s also available at M ovie Mar t & at t h e door

ST I N

$5 * tickets

for students only available at the TRUSU desk

N CE S

saturday, MarCh 15 at the ParaMount theatre. As PArt of the KAmlooPs film festivAl

watCh trailer

The Omega · Volume 23, Issue 21

Life & Community

Students to explore opportunities at Job Fair University will host 59 employers in the CAC on March 6, help available for candidates ahead of event Tayla Scott Ω News Collective Intern

The TRU job fair will take place on March 6. A pre-fair workshop will be held on March 5 to help students make the best impression on potential employers. (Tayla Scott/ The Omega)

There are only six weeks left in the semester and it’s that time of year again, when students begin their panicked search for summer jobs, internships or full-time positions for new graduates. Where do you even start? A good place might be the annual TRU job fair. On March 6, TRU will be host to 59 employers from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Campus Activity Centre’s Grand Hall. “A strong criteria for the employer when they’re coming to our job fair is that they do actually have jobs that they’re posting for other students or new graduates,” said Sarah Gibson, TRU’s international student employment coordinator. “For the most part, the employers that are at the job fair actually have real jobs that they’re seeking for summer or new grad employment.” Gibson recommended researching companies that interest you in advance. The full list of attending employers is available on TRU’s website at tru.ca and follow the links. Marion Oke, career education department member, stressed the importance of being open to opportunities at the job fair. “Sometimes the most unexpected thing can launch your career: an introduction, a chance encounter. Be open and take risks,” Oke said. There will be a free workshop on March 5 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the TRU Student Union Lecture Hall.

This workshop intends to answer any questions about the job fair and give tips on how to make a good impression on employers. “You would never approach an employer and ask ‘So, what jobs do you have?’” Gibson explained. Feedback from employers over the years shows that they are most interested in students who take a personal interest in the employer as a person and develop meaningful conversations with the employer. Susan Forseille, a student employment coordinator who wrote the presentation to be shown at the job fair workshop, recommended not only preparing your resumé and portfolio, but preparing to market yourself. This includes sharing information about your schooling, experience and skills. Along with being polite and enthusiastic,

“

Forseille recommended paying attention to non-verbal communication from the employer. Certain employers consider the TRU job fair “one of their primary recruitment tools,” Gibson said. Employers in the forest sector and mining sector return to the job fair every year to hire students, and so do the financial institutions Royal Bank, CIBC and Toronto Dominion, according to Gibson. Many TRU alumni are now working at these financial institutions full time. To those who might feel overwhelmed or intimidated by the event, Gibson recommended hanging back and watching how other students are approaching employers before starting the search yourself. “We have incredible success stories of students getting actual meaningful work out of the job fair,” Gibson said.

You would never approach an employer and ask, “So, what jobs do you have?’” —Sarah Gibson,

International Student Employment Coordinator,

Job Fair Start Your Career Today!

2014

Thursday March 6 10:00–3:00 pm Grand Hall, CAC

MC118537

tru.ca/jobfair Attend one of these free workshops to learn tips and strategies for maximizing your time at the Job Fair… Friday, February 28 12:30–1:30pm • TRU Student Union Boardroom

Wednesday, March 5 4:00–5:00pm • TRU Student Union Lecture Hall

Coffee Break 7 6

7 8

2 9 6

3 sudokueasy

7 5

6 2 1 5

9 3

1 8 2 5

4 3 5

“Meet The Beatles”

MYLES MELLOR AND SALLY YORK

March 5, 2014

crossword

4 2 7 1

8 4

3 2

1 7

6 5

Puzzle of the week Puzzle of the Week #16 – Sausage! Mom cooked up some sausages and left them out for her guys (Dad and three sons) to fend for themselves. The first son took the average of the amounts that the other two sons took. The second son took twice what Dad took. The third son took the average of the amounts that the first son and Dad took. Dad got something this time: three links. How many sausages did Mom cook? This contest is sponsored by the Mathematics and Statistics department. The full-time student with the best score at the end of the year will win a prize. Please submit your solution (not just the answer but also why) by noon the secondto-next Wednesday to Gene Wirchenko <genew@telus.net>. Submissions by others are also welcome. The solution will be posted the Wednesday after that in my blog (http://genew.ca/) and in the Math Centre (in the HOL, fourth floor study area). Come visit: we are friendly.

Across 1. Rapids transit 6. ___ print 10. Arizona’s governor, to friends 13. Toothpick fruit 14. Defiant one 15. Arapaho foe 16. 1966 Beatles hit 19. Alexei’s father, for one 20. Times to call, in classifieds 21. Sweet drink 22. Blue eyes or baldness, e.g. 24. Endings for ecto- and proto26. Zesty 29. Hollywood pole 30. Nymph 31. Almanac tidbit 32. Latin “I” 35. 1963 Beatles tune 39. Nonclerical 40. Squander 41. ___ the moment 42. Splendor 43. Ridges 45. Wets 48. Analyze, in a way 49. Neurotransmission site 50. Commend 51. 100 paisa 55. Songwriting partnership 59. College frat. 60. Newspaper chain 61. Skip off 62. Put away

63. Watering holes 64. Garment slits Down 1. Egyptian Christian 2. Wistful word 3. Mangrove palm 4. Upset 5. Ballad’s end? 6. Side 7. Exasperates 8. ___ Age 9. Bobble 10. Asian plants 11. Special Forces unit 12. Uncool candies? 14. Lifeboat support 17. Vetch or lupin 18. Prayer leader 23. Optical phenomenon 24. Somewhat, in music 25. Mythological plants 26. “Murphy Brown” bar owner 27. Part of the Corn Belt 28. Jetty 29. Aircraft compartment 31. Elite group 32. Broadcast 33. Palestinian city 34. Half of binary code 36. Offering 37. Some jazz 38. Move 42. Ivy League team

43. Trick 44. Organic compound 45. Model material 46. College leave 47. Gift recipient 48. They remained undefeated by the Romans 50. “Time’s a-wastin’!” 52. Bartlett’s abbr. 53. Set aside 54. Roll call calls 56. It’s a wrap 57. Prefix with profit 58. King’s title: abbr.

C O N L

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“We have based our decision not on the correct answers, but on the question you missed,” said the Department manager. “And just how would one incorrect answer be better than the other?” the rejected applicant inquired. “Simple,” said the Department manager, “Your fellow applicant put down on question #5, ‘I don’t know.’ You put down, ‘Neither do I.’”

A 61

They both had the same qualifications. In order to determine which individual to hire, the applicants were asked to take a test by the Department manager.

“And why would you be doing that? We both got nine questions correct,” asked the rejected applicant.

Two young engineers applied for a single position at a computer company.

The manager went to the first applicant and said, “Thank you for your interest, but we’ve decided to give the job to the other applicant.”

RANDOM JOKE Upon completion of the test, both men missed only one of the questions.

D 31

M E

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53 59

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46 49

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LAST ISSUE’S ANSWERS

sudokuhard

5 1

Sports

The Omega · Volume 23, Issue 21

WolfPack Bites Mike Davies Ω Editor-in-Chief Brad Gunter, who was named to the CIS All-Rookie team in his first season with the Wolf Pack men’s volleyball team in 2011-12 has followed that achievement with a first for the program: CIS Player of the Year. Gunter led the CIS in kills per set this season (5.31) as well as in total points scored (404.5) and placed second in total kills (356). He led the ‘Pack to their highest national ranking in

the program’s history this past season (they were ranked fourth in mid-January) and set the new single-season kills-perset record in the Canada West division. He was also — some would say obviously — named a FirstTeam CIS All-Star. Gunter’s teammate Colin Carson was named the winner of the prestigious Dale Iwanozko Student-Athlete Award for outstanding achievement in volleyball, academics and community involvement. It’s a fitting award for the man who many would consider the

heart and soul of the team for the past few years. He has completed his final year of eligibility, and will be moving on now, however. “Colin is very deserving of this award and epitomizes what every student athlete should strive to be,” head coach Pat Hennelly told TRU Athletics after the awards wera announced. “We will miss his leadership on and off the court and know he will successful in any venture he chooses to follow.”

Anica Arduini and Lacey Banman have returned from the CCAA Badminton National Championships with a fifthplace finish in women’s doubles in Edmonton at NAIT. The pair didn’t make it to the medal round, winning only the last of their six matches during the preliminary rounds of the tournament, but should be happy to have made it to the tournament and proud of their season. The pair took bronze at the PACWEST championships held in Surrey the weekend of Feb. 15.

Ta’quan (“Tootie”) Zimmerman of the Wolf Pack men’s basketball team has been named a Canada West (CW) First-Team All-Star. Zimmerman shot an astounding .452 three-point field goal percentage this past season, good for tops in the CW division, was third is scoring average (19.3 per game) and had an .802 free-throw percentage.

The biggest men’s curling tournament in the country is happening downtown at the Interior Savings Centre this week, and we’ve got the action covered (photographically, at least). Check out more from our updated-daily Brier photo galleries at truomega.ca

Top left: It’s still in the early stages of the 2014 Brier, but despite the empty seats, the Interior Savings Centre is already getting loud. Top right: Northwest Territories/Yukon lost 8-5 in 10 ends to Saskatchewan during draw 2 on March 1. Bottom: Kevin Koe of Alberta puts the finishing touches on Gushue and the boys from Newfoundland and Labrador in draw 5.

(Mike Davies/ The Omega)

(Sean

Brady/ The Omega)

(Mike Davies/ The Omega)

March 5, 2014

ELECTION NOTICE POLLING WILL TAKE PLACE ON: Wednesday, March 26th, 8:00AM-8:00PM & Thursday, March 27th, 8:00AM-4:00PM in the TRUSU Boardrooom Nominations open Monday, March 4, 2013 at 9:00AM for the following positions: • • • • • • • • • •

President Vice President External Vice President Finance Vice President Internal Aboriginal Students’ Representative Graduate Students’ Representative International Students’ Representative LGBTQ Students’ Representative Women Students’ Representative Director-at-Large (4)

Nominations close Friday, March 15, 2013 at 4:00PM To nominate yourself for election to the Board of Directors for 2014/2015 you must pick up a nomination package at the Members’ Services Desk in the Students’ Union Buidling and submit the completed nomination package before 4:00PM on March 15. Nomination packages will be available starting March 4 at 9:00AM. The campaign period begins at 9:00AM on Monday, March 17, 2013 and runs untill 4:00PM on Thursday March 27, 2013. If you have questions regarding the TRUSU General Election please contact the Electoral Committee at elections@trusu.ca, 250.828.5289, or visit trusu.ca

/TRUStudentsUnion

@TRUSU15

trusu.ca