Vol. CXXV, No. 1
11 August, 2014
University of Toronto’s student newspaper since 1880
News
Tuition fees on the rise again Pg. 3 Arts & Culture
Science
The changing landscape of Toronto’s music venues Pg. 14
U of T researchers work towards a modern form of anaesthesia Pg. 19
Sports Comment
Students share the highs and lows of summer work and studies Pg. 10
Women’s soccer team shoots for the playoffs Pg. 23
Feature
Dress up your dorm room with DIY tips Pg. 12
Students seek clarification on Student Societies Summit report Recommendations criticized for opening campus groups to administrative interference Iris Robin and Alex Verman VARSITY CONTRIBUTORS
Four months after the release of the Student Societies Summit report, student groups continue to seek clarification on the report’s eight recommendations. Over the summer, the Scarborough Campus Students’ Union (scsu) hosted a series of post- summit review meetings with student leaders from all three campuses, independent of university administration. Eight divisions were present at the most recent meeting hosted by scsu, including the University of Toronto Students’ Union (utsu), the University of Toronto Mississauga Students’ Union (utmsu), and the Association of Part-Time Undergraduate Students (apus). Representatives from the Victoria University Students’ Administrative Council (vusac), the University College Literary and Athletic Society
(UCLit), the Medical Student Society (mss), and Students of Sociology utsc were also in attendance. Thus far, scsu has hosted four meetings to discuss the final report of the Student Societies Summit, the structure of a new suite of summit sessions with increased participation from student groups, and proposals for changes to the layout of the utsu. Last year, university administration organized the Student Societies Summit, a series of meetings aimed at fostering conversation between different campus organizations and the university, after nearly a decade of disputes with various student societies and the utsu. A number of long-standing issues, including fee diversion and the autonomy of student societies, were brought to the table.
Summer summit responses Kriya Siewattan, president of the APUS, praised the scsu-led summer meetings for
including a variety of campus groups. According to Siewattan, university administration has not attempted to consult apus regarding the summit recommendations. “This lack of consultation emphasizes the need for the societies to work together to flesh out how to operate in an ‘open, democratic and accessible’ manner that is relevant to each society,” said Siewattan. apus previously expressed its discontent with administrative interference in a letter that threatened legal action against the university. Abdullah Shihipar, president of the Arts & Science Students’ Union (assu), said that the meetings have been a positive step in reducing some of the longstanding distrust between student societies. He added that the assu has found itself acting as a mediator at post-summit meetings. assu was not invited to participate in the summit. Althea Blackburn-Evans, director of media relations, confirmed that the office of the
vice-president and provost is analyzing the Student Societies Summit report and will provide a formal administrative response to Governing Council in the fall. All submissions and feedback received by the office will be considered in the response. According to Blackburn-Evans, the administrative response to the report will emphasize the importance of democratic principles and good governance, and may recommend possible policy development to enshrine such principles. She added that any policy development will also require broad consultation before being brought forward to Governing Council for consideration.
The Student Societies Summit Twenty student societies participated in the summit, which began on October 7, 2013. The summit took place after various divisions,
CONTINUED ON PG.7
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Vol. CXXV No. 1
THE VARSITY VOL. CXXV No. 1
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WHAT’S GOING ON THIS WEEK ON CAMPUS VARSITY BLUES FOOTBALL: U OF T VS. LAURIER Watch the Varsity Blues face off against the Wilfrid Laurier University Goldenhawks at the football homeopener.
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ORIENTATION FOR STUDENTS WITH FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES Learn about the resources available to student parents, and get advice on how to succeed in university.
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Thursday, September 4, 11:00 am-1:00 pm, Multi-Faith Centre, 569 Spadina Avenue Main Activity Hall Free
RAINBOW CUPCAKES Bake delicious cupcakes while discussing the sexual and gender diversity of U of T’s student body with members of the Sexual and Gender Diversity Office (sgdo). Allies and friends are welcome. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VARSITY BLUES
HELEN GARDINER PHELAN PLAYHOUSE: THE MISUNDERSTANDING The Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies presents The Misunderstanding, a production based on the play by Albert Camus.
Illustration Editor Julien Balbontin illustration@thevarsity.ca Video Editor Jamieson Wang
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Thursday, September 4 – Saturday, September 6, 8:00 – 11:00 pm Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse, 79 St. George Street $15
Associate Design Editor Vacant
TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Associate Photo Editor Vacant
TIFF is here and you have the chance to see film premieres from all over the world, and even do some star gazing. Don’t miss out on screenings on campus at the Isabel Bader Theatre.
Associate Copy Editor Vacant Associate News Editor Iris Robin Associate Comment Editor Vacant
MEDIA PHOTO
Associate Features Editor Vacant
THE EXPLAINER Ten Ways to Make the Most of Frosh Week
Associate A&C Editor Vacant Associate Science Editor Emma Hansen Associate Sports Editor Vacant
Contributors Resha Alvarez, Jasleen Arneja, Christina Atkinson, Salvatore Basilone, Amey Charnalia, Claudia Dessanti, Nabi Dressler, Lee Eames, Caitlyn Fleming, James Flynn, Sara Gajic, Kevin Grace, Joseph Ianni, Sage Irwin, Spencer Knibutat, Wax Xian Koh, Sofia Luu, India McAlister, Alex McKeen, Peter Nash, Sarah Niedoba, Li Pan, Samantha Relich, Iris Robin, Jeffrey Schulman, Samina Sultana, Alex Verman, Sandy Wang, Victoria Wicks, Nadezha Woinowsky-Krieger, Sean Xu Copy Editors and Fact Checkers Kristina Adhikari, Selene Ali, Kayla Chaterji, Jacob Hogan, Rabena Ravikaran, Rose Tornabene Designers, Kawmadie Karunanayake, Dwayne White, Mari Zhou
Photographers and Illustrators Julien Balbontin, Eric Chung, Brittany Gerow, Wendy Gu, Elena Lourtaeva, Elham Numan, Denis Osipov, Samantha Relich, Ann Sheng, Jennifer Su, Shijie Zhou
Business Office Business Manager Vacant
Tuesday, September 9, 1:00-3:00 pm, 21 Sussex Avenue, Suite 416 Free
business@thevarsity.ca
Business Associate Vacant Advertising Executives Anna Afshar Rachel Choi
anna@thevarsity.ca rachel@thevarsity.ca
The Varsity is the University of Toronto's largest student newspaper, publishing since 1880. The Varsity has a circulation of 20,000, and is published by Varsity Publications Inc. It is printed by Master Web Inc. on recycled newsprint stock. Content © 2014 by The Varsity. All rights reserved. Any editorial inquiries and/or letters should be directed to the sections associated with them; emails listed above. The Varsity reserves the right to edit all submissions. Inquiries regarding ad sales can be made to ads@thevarsity.ca. ISSN: 0042-2789
1. Get lots of sleep. Frosh week is jam-packed with activities. If you’re not meeting eight hours a night, you should at least squeeze in a nap. 2. Stay hydrated. The average human needs to drink at least two liters of water per day. That’s 68 ounces, for all you Americans.
September 4-14, screenings around the city Prices vary
the summer in tweets Julianna Romanyk @julromanyk Woke up at 5:30 am, finally got all my courses at 7:30 am, fell asleep at 2 pm, then WOKE UP at 1 FREAKING AM. Love you ROSI. #uoftproblems — Friday, August 8
3. Be nice to people from other colleges. It may not seem like it right now, but we’re all in this together.
Yvonne Ly @yvonnexly
4. Don’t overstretch. The year ahead is dark, and full of shadows.
just about to eat anyone named rosie to vent my frustration. #uoftproblems — Friday, August 8
5. Meet new people. With nearly 15,000 students entering first-year, you’re bound to meet someone cool.
Catarina Tinta @xCatarinaRaquel
6. Find your classrooms. Once frosh week ends, you’ll be thrown into classes. Make sure you know where they all are, or risk the wrath of your professor on the first day.
Logged into facebook and everyone’s complaining about ROSI #uoftproblems loll — Friday, August 8
7. Get all the #swag. Campus groups will be throwing around all sorts of free things. You gotta catch ‘em all.
Eman Cheema @emaaanc
8. Call your mom. Seriously. She misses you.
Not a freshman but I can’t wait for school to start, either! #StartUofT #UofTLife
9. Fill up on free food. If you have to pay for food during frosh week, you’re doing it wrong. 10. Find the best bathrooms on campus. We’re talking about you, Jackman Humanities Building.
— Friday, July 25
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VARSITY NEWS
MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2014
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Tuition fees continue to rise International students hit hardest, domestic students see slight increase Caitlyn Fleming
VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR
This year, undergraduates are being asked to reach even further into their pockets to pay for university. International tuition fees are set to increase by an average of 7.2 per cent, while domestic tuition fees are set to increase by nearly three per cent. Domestic tuition fees are regulated under the Ontario Tuition Framework. Under the framework, domestic tuition fees are capped at three per cent per year for most programs and five per cent for graduate and professional programs. However, international tuition fee increases are not covered under the framework. International tuition fee increases are at the discretion of individual post-secondary institutions. High tuition fees are, in part, the result of federal cutbacks to provincial education funding in 1995. That year, $7 billion dollars was deducted from the capital reserved for provincial social programs, including health care and education. Nearly 20 years later, this funding has not yet been replaced. Although the federal government continues to give financial aid to each province for postsecondary education, there is no system in place to guarantee that this reserved capital is sent to Canadian colleges and universities. Educational funding is contingent on the priorities of each provincial government, thus accounting for the varying degrees of tuition fees between each province. Alastair Woods, president of the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS), said that this provincial imbalance could lead to a negative trend in some provinces, with potentially harmful long-term consequences. “Government divestment is dangerous… It not only has consequences for individual students through increased student debt loads and financial barriers to attending school, but it has a broader economic effect since many students leave important decisions such as starting businesses, families, or buying a house to later in life as they attempt to pay off student loans,” said Woods. “[T]here is a very negative ripple effect of tuition fee increases that damages not only individual prospects, but the economic health of our communities,” he added. Undergraduates in Ontario are at the largest disadvantage. Over the past 20 years, the province held the record for the lowest perstudent funding, with its average education capital reserve around 24 per cent below the national average. Ontario also has the highest post-secondary tuition fee rates in the country. Althea Blackburn-Evans, U of T director of news relations, attributed rising tuition fees to provincial government underfunding. “The Government of Ontario provides this province’s universities with the lowest level of per-student funding in Canada — by a wide margin. Provincial grants have remained flat the last few years. This means Ontario universities, including the University of Toronto, must rely increasingly on tuition revenues,” BlackburnEvans said. According to May Nazar, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities, the provincial government increased funding to post-secondary institutions by 83 per cent over the past 10 years. Per-student funding for universities increased by 29 per cent over that period. Nazar added that Ontario has one of the most comprehensive student financial aid programs in Canada, with over $1.1 billion in grants and loans given to students each year. “Investments in student financial assistance over the past 10 years have resulted in more than double the number of students qualifying for aid, while enrolment has increased by 40 per cent,” she added. “Tuition fee increases are simply unethical,” said Yolen Bollo-Kamara, president of the University of Toronto Students’ Union (UTSU), adding: “Our peers at UBC and McGill are pay-
Simcoe Hall, home to the University of Toronto’s Governing Council. DENIS OSPIOV/THE VArSITy
ing $4,890 and $2,270 respectively for Arts & Science programs while we are paying $6,040.” According to Bollo-Kamara, the situation is even worse for international students. “At the University of Toronto, our international students pay the highest tuition fees in the country, and do not have the same access to services and healthcare that domestic students have,” she said. In 1994, Ontario disqualified international students from the Ontario Health Insurance Program (ohip). “I feel like I’m in a violent circle of debt,” said Rebecca*, a third-year archaeology and religious studies major. “I initially went to school to get a degree so I can have a higher paying job after I graduate, but I feel unprepared for life after U of T. It seems [that] for social science and humanities students, there is no other option but further education, which means more debt,” she added. Before attending university, Rebecca, a mature student, spent three years saving money for her time at U of T, only to have spent it all in the first two years on tuition and course materials. She now has no choice but to apply for osap. While many undergraduate students view student debt as a questionable burden, some see U of T’s high tuition as justifiable. “Tuition is ridiculously high, but in a way you are paying for the name of the university,” said Peter*, a fourth-year pharmacy student, adding: “U of T has a prominent global reputation that in turn, we pay to be associated with. The university also provides a lot of services and benefits that students are free to take advantage of. “ Bollo-Kamara called on U of T students to mobilize and influence provincial government policy. “We should respond by mobilizing against these increases and telling our government we simply will not accept this any longer,” said Bollo-Kamara, adding: “Our opposition in the form of petitions, lobbying and rallying to defeat flat fees led to a change in the tuition fee billing structure that is saving some students over $2,300 per year. We need our government to invest in our society’s future, and if we need to take it to the streets to make that happen, then that’s what we should do.” Nazar said that tuition fee figures used by Statistics Canada for Ontario are not entirely comparable with those in other provinces, due to data limitations and differences in the structure of postsecondary education systems across Canada.
BY THE NUMBERS
$10,222 Alberta
7.2 % International
Per student funding Increase in tuition fees
$25,469 Ontario
3% Domestic
Arts & Science base tuition (full year) University of British Columbia McGill University
$6,040.00 $5,328.80
University of Toronto University of Alberta Average Canadian student debt load “Indeed, PSE systems vary widely among provinces and territories. One reason is that the mandates of colleges differ widely. In Ontario, colleges focus on labour market oriented programs whereas in some other provinces… colleges often act as university feeder institutions, delivering the first years of degree programs,” she added. According to Blackburn-Evans, U of T provides the most generous financial assistance of any Ontario university or college. Nearly half of U of T undergraduates are eligible for osap. On average, these students pay less than half of the university’s full tuition cost. According to the university’s Policy on Student Financial Support, “No student offered admission to a program at the University of Toronto should be unable to enter or complete the program due to lack of financial means.” On March 28, 2013, the Ministry of Train-
$4,890.30 $2,273.10
$26,300
ing, Colleges, and Universities issued a new four-year Tuition Fee Framework policy. The previous framework, instituted in 20062007, capped the overall yearly tuition increases for domestic students at 5% and included an accessibility guarantee that assured a specific amount of government funding was set aside to help low-income students fund their education. Under the new framework the accessibility guarantee remains in place, but the fee increase is now capped at three per cent for domestic undergraduate students. Prior to the Tuition Fee Framework revision, the provincial government upgraded OSAP by initiating the Ontario Tuition Grant (otg), a program that awards low-income students a non-repayable grant of at least $840 per term. *Name changed at student’s request.
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VARSITY NEWS
Vol. CXXV No. 1
news@thevarsity.ca
Detained U of T PhD student released from custody Alexander Sodiqov remains unable to leave home in Tajikistan
The department of Political Science. elena lourtaeva/tHe varsity
Salvatore Basilone and Samina Sultana VARSITY CONTRIBUTORS
Alexander Sodiqov, the University of Toronto PhD student arrested in Tajikistan on suspicion of espionage, has been released on bail. He remains unable to leave his home in Tajikistan as an investigation on his activities continues. Sodiqov is a political science PhD candidate at U of T. A native of Tajikistan, he was working as a researcher with the University
of Exeter on a project called “Rising Powers and Conflict Management in Central Asia,” when he was arrested on June 16 in the city of Khorog on suspicion of espionage for a foreign country. Khorog, a city near the Afghan border, was the site of an anti-government conflict in 2012. The case sparked international backlash. Numerous scholars and human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, Reporters Without Borders, and Amnesty International, protested the arrest as a violation of academic freedom.
Professor Edward Schatz, chair of the Department of Political Science at UTM and Sodiqov’s academic supervisor, said he has spoken with Sodiqov. Shortly after the Sodiqov was detained, Schatz created a petition for concerned scholars. “I have been in contact with his wife Musharraf and with Alex,” said Schatz. “He is in relatively good spirits, although — as one would expect — he’s also anxious for the investigation to finish, so that he can return to his studies,” Schatz says. “The University was very pleased to hear of the release of Alexander Sodiqov,” said Althea Blackburn-Evans, U of T director of media relations, adding: “Several groups at the university have worked with the University of Exeter, the Canadian Government, and others to raise awareness... Graduate students and scholars have put a collective effort into supporting [Sodiqov’s] release.” In an op-ed submitted to Maclean’s in July, four U of T alumni criticized the university’s response as “timid” and “passing the buck.” The authors also expressed concern that universities around the world lacked “clear or accessible protocol to secure the freedom of unlawfully held scholars.” Blackburn-Evans said the university has a number of policies in place to ensure student safety while studying abroad. “The university takes very seriously the safety of its students while studying abroad. All international travel related to a program of study and other university-sponsored or organized international travel should be planned and organized in compliance with the Guidelines on Safety Abroad,” she said.
According to U of T’s Guidelines on Safety Abroad , the university “[provides] direction and advice regarding planning, risk-assessment, preparation and emergency support of all university sanctioned out-of-country activity.” Schatz said that most of the university’s efforts — which were coordinated with the University of Exeter — occurred behind-the-scenes. Schatz also disagreed with some of the criticism that the university received for its response. “We should not necessarily equate visible action with effective action. Sometimes quiet efforts are the most effective ones,” he said. Abdullah Shihipar, president of the Arts & Science Students’ Union (assu) said that the university must do more to ensure the safety and security of students abroad. “While [U of T] has expressed concern and is working with NGOs [non-governmental organizations] to secure Sodiqov’s release and should be commended for that, we also believe that in light of this, the university needs to do more to ensure that all of its students — Canadian citizens or otherwise — are protected and safe,” he said. Shihipar also characterized Sodiqov’s detention as a threat to academic freedom and integrity around the world. “[The arrest] represents a great violation of the right academics have to conduct their work without impediment from the state and in peace and security. Academic freedom is at the heart of every institution’s work and students and community members are right to be alarmed at this arrest,” he added.
Startup culture on the rise at U of T Campus incubators, accelerators offer student entrepreneurs wide array of tools Amey Charnalia
VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR
Startup culture is fast taking hold at the University of Toronto, with an array of incubators and accelerators providing student entrepreneurs the resources and mentorships required to get their businesses up and running. The University of Toronto Early-Stage Technology (utest) program, the Rotman School of Management’s Creative Destruction Lab, and the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering’s Hatchery, are among the growing handful of campus incubators. utest grants successful applicants up to $30,000 in startup funding and office space in the mars Discovery District. Funded jointly by the Connaught Fund and MaRS Innovation, the program is geared towards cuttingedge software companies. Several companies picked up by U of T incubators have successfully transitioned from the research stage to revenue-raising commercial ventures. Bionym, a company that uses gesture control to create a wristband that can unlock devices like computers, cars, and smartphones by authenticating the wearer’s cardiac rhythm, was co-founded by Karl Martin in 2011. At the time, Martin was a PhD student in Electrical & Computer Engineering at U of T. Bionym participated in the first round of the Creative Destruction Lab in 2012, receiving $1.4 million in seed funding. Since then, the company has experienced rapid growth and widespread press acclaim. At the Hatchery, research and innovation is also commercialized, but usually on a smaller scale than at utest.
Visnhu Hari, co-founder and ceo of Savvy, was given office space by the Hatchery at the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering’s Career Centre. The app-based startup digitizes coupons by exchanging offers through retailers. By compiling information about consumer preferences, Savvy builds demographic “taste profiles” that are then used by brands to boost sales. “We’re the Netflix of retailing,” said Tharshi Srikannathasan, a database engineer with Savvy. Like other companies based at the Hatchery, the Savvy team is overwhelmingly comprised of current U of T students and recent graduates with science and engineering backgrounds working on tech-related products and services. While the number of technology companies continues to increase, there is a lack of small-scale, non-tech businesses being picked up by incubators. Tina Hsu, founder of Urbane Conviction, an online shopping site offering same-day delivery for clothes and accessories to sort out sartorial dilemmas, said there is a misconception that all startups are working in the technology space. “Although all businesses now definitely [involve] tech, skills required to be part of a startup is much more than your ability to code,” said Hsu. Statistics Canada reported that 130,000 new small businesses are created in Canada annually, generating jobs for over 40 per cent of Canadians. A study conducted by the Bank of Montreal said that 46 per cent of post-secondary students see themselves starting a business after graduation. In 2013, recognizing that a diverse group of students from non-tech disciplines are inclined towards becoming self-employed, the U of T Career Centre piloted Rapid Launch. Rapid
julien balbontin/tHe varsity
Launch is a program for students and recent graduates to kick-start their small businesses. Applicants submitted Instagram and YouTube videos detailing their business ideas and those selected were given hands-on guidance in five bi-weekly sessions covering customers, competitions, marketing, and finance. In keeping with the burgeoning startup trend, the School of Continuing Studies also launched its Certificate in Entrepreneurship program in October 2013 to a full-capacity class of 30 students. As startup culture spreads on campus, the university plans to upsize extant entrepreneurship facilities. This includes plans for the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering’s Centre for Engineering Innovation and En-
trepreneurship. Once completed, the building will also include design workshops and a light fabrication facility, as well as expanded space for the Hatchery. Although more and more entrepreneurs are coming from a post-secondary education background, Hsu emphasized the need for campus incubators to provide access to students from a broad range of disciplines. “In terms of support, I do believe non-tech startups have a lot less investment opportunities,” she said. As U of T continues to become a laboratory for entrepreneurship, universities across the country are taking steps to ensure that students are prepared to find work in an economy driven by small businesses.
VARSITY NEWS
var.st/news
MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2014
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UTM student representing Canada at G(irls) 20 summit in Australia Summit part of international campaign to empower girls and women Victoria Wicks
VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR
Second-year University of Toronto Mississauga student Estelle Ah-Kiow represented Canada at the G(irls)20 Summit this past August in Australia, to discuss educational and economic empowerment for women. The summit is part of an international campaign, “3.5 Billion Ways,” which encourages G20 leaders to engage girls and women “in pursuit of economic growth, political stability, and social innovation.” Of Chinese ancestry, raised in Mauritius, and an immigrant to Canada, Ah-Kiow actively participates in her community as part of Strength Within Girls Group (Swiggtalk), a non-profit organization founded by Dr. Liz Coulson, the secondary academic internship coordinator at the Ontario Institute for Studies In Education (oise). The Varsity spoke with Ah-Kiow about the summit, women’s empowerment, and her plans for creating a mentorship program for at-risk girls in Mississauga. The Varsity: What motivated you to begin working for women’s empowerment? Estelle Ah-Kiow: One of the catalysts was reading the book Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. I know that by a twist of fate, I could have been born in a country where my rights wouldn’t have been respected, where I wouldn’t have been able to receive an education, and where I wouldn’t have been able to participate in my country’s economy. So, I believe that I have a responsibility to be an advocate for those who are voiceless. TV: How does your background affect or intersect with your work with women? EAK: As a young woman from a minority group, who was not born in Canada, didn’t [speak] English as a first language, and suffers from a speech impediment, these experiences inform
my views on certain issues. I believe that some experiences, like immigration, cannot be fully and organically understood unless you’ve been through it, and I think that this helps me better understand and relate to people who are from marginalized groups. TV: Could you specify some activities you do in your community for women’s empowerment? EAK: As a regular contributor to The Next Women Business Magazine, I interview highprofile entrepreneurs, who are leaders in their industries. It is fascinating to have conversations with these incredible women, and not only learn about their triumphs, but also about the challenges and roadblocks they’ve overcome in the business world. TV: Is there a stand-out story that reflects some challenges women face? EAK: One of my favourite interviewees for Swiggtalk was Noella Milne, who came to Canada when she was 17 from Mumbai, India. She worked full-time during the day while putting herself through her undergraduate degree at night, and went on to get her J.D. from U of T law. [Milne] is now a partner at the Toronto office of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP. She stated that at the senior levels, the world of corporate law is still very much a “boys’ club.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF ESTELLE AH-KIOW
women, who are very bright and ambitious, but have no hope of achieving their dreams.
exchanges that will help these girls reach their full potential.
TV: Could you tell me more about your idea for a mentorship program? EAK: Growing up, I didn’t know any female lawyers or doctors; I didn’t even think attending a university was a remote possibility. I believe that I wouldn’t have pursued many of my endeavours without the support of phenomenal mentors, who have guided me through my educational and career choices, championing me every step of the way. I hope to use the skills with which the G(irls)20 Summit will equip me to expand the mandate and reach of Swiggtalk by creating a mentorship program that will pair young female professionals with middle school girls living in Mississauga. By leveraging technology like Skype and Google Hangout, I want to facilitate mentor-mentee
TV: Who are some female mentors that were significant in helping you get to where you are now? EAK: I recently had the chance to spend time with Farah Mohamed, [the CEO of G(irls)20], and Carrie Kirkman [president of Jones New York Canada], and it was very inspiring to be around these incredible women, who are passionate about the work they do and are also fully committed to making a difference in the world. I believe that the simple act of being around people who inspire you is energizing, and this is one of the reasons why I want to create a mentorship program for young girls.
Bipartisan US Senate bill aims to reduce sexual assaults on college campuses
Survey of 2006-07 undergraduates presents employment, income prospects
Ontario strikes agreement with universities and colleges on program expansion
In July, a group of US senators introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at reducing the number of sexual assaults on American college campuses. The issue came to the notice of the federal government when an administration task force, formed in January 2014, found that one in five female college students has been sexually assaulted. The bill requires that every university publish the results of anonymous online surveys on students’ experiences concerning assaults on campus, and increases the penalty to colleges for not disclosing sexual assault complaints from $35,000 to $150,000. The bill also requires that schools provide students with confidential advisors to help victims report crimes. A further penalty outlined in the bill holds that schools that do not comply with the various terms of the bill can incur a financial penalty costing up to 1 per cent of the school’s operating budget. With these penalties in place, some senators argued that there would be incentives for colleges to proactively address assaults on campus. With files from The Globe and Mail
Last June, the Canadian University Baccalaureate Graduate Outcomes Project published their survey results on labour market outcomes. 21,000 bachelor’s degree graduates from 41 Canadian universities were surveyed by their alma maters six or seven years after graduating. Of the graduates surveyed, 96 per cent were employed with a median income of $63,000. The survey highlighted the wage gap between men and women. Men had a median income of $70,000, compared to women’s income of $60,000. The survey also highlighted the varying employment prospects between degree programs. Over 10 per cent of humanities and education graduates worked part-time, while almost all engineering and business graduates worked full-time. Annual income among degree programs also differed. From bottom earners to top earners, humanities graduates generally made between $40,000 and $65,000 annually; while engineering graduates made $65,000 to $100,000. Business graduates fell in the middle at $55,000 to $90,000 With files from Maclean’s
In early August, the provincial government struck Strategic Mandate Agreements with Ontario’s 44 colleges and universities. The agreements govern what programs post-secondary institutions anticipate expanding and which students to specialize on. The agreements are part of the province’s move toward differentiation. As part of the agreement, the University of Toronto listed six key programs that it hoped to expand, including health-related programs, engineering, and business administration. The agreements provided U of T, a supporter of differentiation, with funding for nearly 600 new graduate students over the next three years. Although York University president Mamdouh Shoukri praised certain aspects of the agreements, he criticized the provincial government for binding funding with the number of graduate students who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. “On the one hand, the government tells us to take in more international students, then they don’t count them because they don’t fund them,” said Shoukri. With files from The Toronto Star
TV: You’re clearly working with very daunting and complex issues. What motivates you to keep going? EAK: Three years ago, I spent some time in Maasailand, Kenya, where I met Vivian, one of the brightest minds I have ever encountered. Vivian, who was 13 years old at the time, was at the top of her class and dreamed of becoming a doctor. Unfortunately, she comes from a very poor family, and her parents, having six children, could not afford to send all of their kids to school, and decided it was best to educate their two boys. Just as I about to leave Kenya, I learned that Vivian’s parents would marry her off that summer. What keeps me going is thinking of Vivian, and other young girls and
This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
NEWS IN BRIEF Canadian Council of Chief Executives report warns government on deterioration of education quality A recent report commissioned by the Canadian Council of Chief Executives (ccce), a group of chief executive officers and entrepreneurs, urged the federal government to co-operate with provincial governments to address the deterioration of education and skills training. The report suggested the formation of a federal-provincial body to oversee learning, and a separate body to monitor fulfillment of learning goals. The report references statistics released by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (oecd), which show that Canada’s education and training is falling behind the international standard. According to the ccce report, the lack of communication between government authorities threatens Canada’s labour force. The report also called on the private sector to take responsibility for training employees. With files from The Huffington Post — Wan Xian Koh
— Spencer Knibutat
— James Flynn — Nabi Dressler
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VARSITY NEWS
Vol. CXXV, No. 1
news@thevarsity.ca
ASSU releases report on syllabus policy compliance Report analyzed 93 syllabi from across the Faculty of Arts & Science Alex McKeen
VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR
When you receive your course syllabi in September, be sure to read through and make sure that all necessary information is included. This past spring, the Arts & Science Students’ Union (assu) analyzed 93 syllabi from across the Faculty of Arts & Science to ensure compliance with mandatory elements of the course syallbus, as outlined in the Academic Handbook for Instructors. The mandatory elements include instructor contact information, term test dates, office hours, and assignment weights. assu presented the study findings in a report released in late July. The report included a number of recommendations, including strengthening language on student requirements, increasing oversight from academic units, enhancing communication around Turnitin.com, and late penalty policies. According to Michael Kurts, U of T assistant vice-president, strategic communications & marketing, David Cameron, the dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science, encouraged assu to complete the report and share it with the faculty. Kurts added that shortly after receiving a draft of the report, the Faculty of Arts & Science generated a one-page document on guidelines for course syllabi that was distributed to all academic units. The document reiterated the mandatory elements of a course syllabus. The assu study found that, while most course syllabi complied with the requirement for the instructor’s office hours to be listed, 22 per cent of surveyed documents failed to include this information. Approximately 10 per cent of syllabi in the study also failed to include contact information of any kind.
ASSU offices in Sidney Smith Hall. ELENA LOURTAEVA/ THE VARsiTy
Of those courses where contact information had been provided, the instructions and means by which students should communicate with instructors varied widely. 40 per cent of all the documents surveyed found that instructors included in their contact information a means to reach them through both e-mail, and phone. Only five per cent included telephone information as the means of contact. “Faculty policy stipulates that instructors must hold office hours, and information about the location and times of the office hours must be included in the course syllabus,” said ASSU treasurer Dylan Chauvin-Smith. Additionally, although all of the syllabi in the study included a marking breakdown, as required by the Academic Handbook for Instructors, a marking scheme on one syllabus
included assignment weights that added up to 105 per cent. 10 of the 93 syllabi in the study also failed to meet the requirement that term work deadlines should not be extended into the final examination period. While the report did not include a benchmark to distinguish between good and negative results, Chauvin-Smith called the findings unacceptable. “These policies are not arbitrary. [T]hey are put in place to ensure that students receive vital course information,” he said. The report also highlighted other persistent problems associated with the use of language within the sampled syllabi. assu recommended that the Faculty of Arts & Science consider the adoption of an automatic syllabus generator that could help instruc-
tors build syllabi that included all required elements. Kurts said that, in the long-run, the Faculty of Arts & Science is looking into creating a tool that will make the mandatory elements of a course syllabus digitally accessible to students. The report also looked into compliance with voluntary components of course syllabi, including information on Turnitin.com and late penalties. According to the report, just one in 15 syllabi indicated that the use of Turnitin.com was voluntary. The university’s policy on the use of Turnitin.com states that students who do not wish to use the plagiarism detection service must be provided with an alternative means of verifying the originality of their work. Instructors are also required to inform students if they intend to use Turnitin.com. Kurts urged students to remember that each course syllabus remains the intellectual property of the course instructor. “The faculty expects and insists that each syllabus include the required elements, but in no way intends to mandate a common or uniform syllabus. Instructors must be left free, beyond the required pieces, to design the syllabus they think will best suit their needs in their courses,” said Kurts. Chauvin-Smith expressed optimism that the report would increase student awareness of academic issues. “While most students are unaware of the myriad of policies which govern the academic function of the university, students must be informed and reminded of key issues to ensure compliance, and deal with issues of non- compliance,” he says. assu has submitted its final report to the Faculty of Arts & Science, and is working with the faculty to make instructors aware of the mandatory elements of a course syllabus.
Students selling spots on course waitlists Registrar, ASSU say practice limited
ERiC CHUNG/THE VARsiTy
Alex McKeen
VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR
If you’re looking to make a quick buck at U of T, be sure to sign-up for classes early. As the start of the fall semester approaches, some U of T students are continuing the
practice of offering cash in exchange for spots in courses. In September 2013, a Toronto Star investigation revealed that some U of T students were offering as much as $100 for a spot in a full year course. Some students who have been waitlisted for a course that they need turn to social media in
hopes of enticing another student to drop the course in exchange for another course. According to university registrar and executive director, enrolment services Richard Levin, few students actually engage in selling and trading course spots. A scan of traditional buy-and-sell websites such and Kjiji, Craigslist, and various social media networks confirmed Levin’s statement. However, some students resort to more private circles such as Facebook groups and mass e-mails to conduct exchanges out of sight from school administration. It remains unclear how frequently money passes hands for course enrolment purposes, though there is no consolidated marketplace for this activity to occur. Arts & Science Students’ Union (ASSU) executive, Abdullah Shihipar, expressed opposition to creating an institutionalized course exchange. “ASSU does not condone such an exchange of courses, particularly if the exchange of money is involved,” he said. Shihipar said that although buying and selling spots in courses is uncommon, he is aware of students agreeing to swap courses as a favour, in which no money passes hands. “Usually, students do this for free to support one another,” Shihipar says, adding that the motivation to exchange is often out of necessity to fulfill course requirements. “This does not just apply to elective courses; some students even find themselves locked out of courses that they require for
their degree and that are in their program as well,” he adds. Levin says the university is aware that once the waitlist period ends, the current enrolment system does allow course exchanges to occur. “In some divisions, there is a brief period, normally a week before the last day to add courses, in which the waitlists are dropped, and courses are open to further registration. This is a relatively narrow window, but it does permit students to exchange course spaces,” Levin says. According to Shihipar, the underlying issue behind the exchange of courses is that students find themselves unable to take their required courses because of the university’s course capacities and limited offerings. “[assu] believes that students should have access to a quality education that is financially accessible. Students continue to pay high tuition fees, therefore they should have access to all the courses they want to take,” says Shihipar. Levin said the university is currently investigating improvements to the course enrollment system, but warned against making changes too quickly. “The university is currently looking into process and technical solutions to improve the enrollment management systems. Diligence is required to ensure that a solution does not introduce new unintended problems, and that any solution is an effective and responsible use of resources,” he says. The last day to add fall semester courses on rosi is September 21.
VARSITY NEWS
var.st/news
MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2014
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U of T student shakes up foreign policy world Jozef Kosc’s work focuses on development, international security
PHOTO COUrTEsy OF JOZEF KOsC
Claudia Dessanti
VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR
Jozef Kosc, a fourth-year political science and history student, has already made a name for himself in the foreign policy world. Kosc is a research fellow at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (nato) Council of Canada,
CONTINUED FROM COVER including the Engineering Society (EngSoc), the Trinity College Meeting (tcm), and vusac passed referenda in favour of fee diversion in March 2013. The utsu has yet to recognize the legitimacy of these referenda. Many divisional leaders were pleased with the opportunity to consult each other in the company of the administration. “I am relieved that university administration has taken steps to recognize [that] transparency must be the top priority of any student organization collecting mandatory fees from its student members,” said Teresa Nguyen, EngSoc president. However, not all were satisfied with the talks under the purview of the administration. Representatives from the utsu and assu expressed concern that university administration, and not student participants, decided the agenda items and directed the discussions. In February 2014, two months before the conclusion of the summit, the University of Toronto Mississauga Students’ Union (utmsu) left the talks, citing allegations of racism and poor treatment by other student leaders as a factor in their decision. The utsu also withdrew from the summit less than a month later, a controversial move that members of the union’s Board of Directors and many divisions opposed. Despite the withdrawals, the summit continued. “It was disappointing to see both the utsu and the utmsu walk out given how important their organizations are to the process,” said Rowan DeBues, vusac president. “We think the Summit became limited in its ability to be effective and productive when the utsu removed
an International Security Analyst at the Atlantic Council of the UK, and a youth diplomat. He has also written for several international publications including the The Journal of Political Studies and Atlantic Voices. Last May, Kosc was invited to participate in strategic defence briefings on Eastern European security at nato headquarters and at Su-
preme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe headquarters. He was the world’s youngest civilian academic in attendance at these briefings. Kosc is currently spending his summer at the Organization fo Economic Co-operation and Development (oecd) headquarters in Paris, where he researches economic development policies for the OECD Observer, a magazine that
analyses global economic and social issues. According to Kosc, organization and prioritization allowed him to balance his coursework with his foreign policy work. “As an avid swimmer, waking up early to exercise is the key to keeping me focused throughout the day,” Kosc said. Kosc also cited the importance of guidance and support from friends and family. In 2013, Kosc was awarded the Canadian International Development Agency (cida) Students for Development Award for his work in promoting equitable education across sub-Saharan Africa. He attributed his interest in international security and development work to his travels. “Having backpacked across 32 countries in four continents over the past three years, and having witnessed oppression, poverty and violence firsthand, my perspective on development has changed from a focus on economy to one based more broadly on social policy and underlying security issues,” he said. Two transformative experiences had an impact on his outlook. One took place in the summer of 2012, when Kosc found himself in Cairo weeks after the election of Egyptian president Mohamed Mor-
si. Many of the locals he spoke to were hopeful of a new era of prosperity. According to Kosc, shortly after he left Egypt, optimism faded as an ambush of a military base on the Sinai Peninsula sparked a regional conflict. Weeks later, there were reports that while he was in Amman, the capital of Jordan, a major terrorist plot was being planned in that city. “Twice in a matter of weeks, the atmosphere had changed in a flash, and mere circumstances had worked to my benefit. I began to see security and stability as necessary for any kind of long-term development,” Kosc added. The second experience happened a year later in Cape Town. While returning from teaching at a high school in the suburb of Mowbray, Kosc was attacked with a firearm. The encounter left him convinced of the importance of security for development. After graduation, Kosc plans to pursue graduate studies in international relations in the UK or US. “10 years from now, I hope to work for the Canadian Foreign Service, helping my country wherever I’m most needed. Having met diplomats during my time abroad, their duty, drive, and perseverance are qualities I’ve come to strongly admire,” Kosc said.
themselves from the table,” said Connor Anear, Tina Saban, and Kaleem Hawa, student leaders at Trinity College, in a joint statement. “Walking away was done in bad faith and was highly counterproductive,” they added.
“Open, accessible, democratic, accountable” Among the recommendations in the report are that the Chief Returning Officer (cro) should be independent and certified by the university. Controversies arose during the most recent utsu election that highlighted long-standing problems with utsu’s electoral procedures, with the union admitting that its bylaws were broken, and raised questions about the rulings and affiliations of the cro. The report also proposes the establishment of a university-wide Student Society Appeals Board which, if created, would serve as a court for all complaints about the conduct of student societies, including elections complaints, which the Trinity College leaders support. The report includes a clause stipulating that the Appeals Board should have the power to issue binding directives to student societies, in compliance with the “Policy for Compulsory Non-Academic Incidental Fees”. Under the policy, only the provost has the power to withhold fees from student societies that do not operate in an “open, accessible, and democratic” fashion. Regehr has previously threatened to withold utsu’s fees, a possibility that has divided opinions. “We do not see the threat of withheld fees as a particularly controversial consequence,” said the Trinity College leaders, pointing to the consistent expressions of dissatisfaction with the utsu’s elections and governance.
ELHAM NUMAN/THE VArsiTy
According to a report from the scsu-hosted talks, dated July 30, 2014, there was an agreement that the terms “open, accessible, democratic,” and “accountable,” were too vague and required definition. The societies present supported the creation of a student society code of conduct. This code of conduct, if implemented, would enforce transparency, mandating the availability of any documentation that implicates students, including bylaws, policies, and minutes. Under the code, students’ rights to contribute to this documentation would be emphasized.
Moving forward Bollo-Kamara remarked that the question of how societies can best
represent their constituents can be answered through conversations about fee diversion, defederation, and board restructuring proposals — all concerned with shaping student societies into effective avenues for meeting student needs. While Bollo-Kamara considers more meetings and further conversation to be the next steps in answering these questions, many other student society leaders are uninterested in continuing with the status quo. EngSoc and Trinity College remain skeptical of further negotiations. “Personally, I am not quite sure if there is any more meaningful discussion to be had,” said Ryan Gomes, vice president,
academic, of the EngSoc, adding: “College-utsu relations are at an all time low, and while I will continue to work towards repairing them, I am not optimistic.” “At this point, it seems rather unlikely that there could be productive discourse between the colleges and the utsu,” said the Trinity College leaders, adding: “The message they have sent is that if you disagree with them, they do not want to hear from you.” Officers of the St. George Round Table, the meeting of elected student council presidents and heads of colleges and faculties at utsg, will meet with provost Regehr later this month, where the report is likely to be addressed.
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Vol. CXXV, No. 1
VARSITY NEWS
news@thevarsity.ca
David Smith talks mental health, physical activity, lessons learned Smith, now retired, worked at U of T student health clinic since 1957 India McAlister VARSITY STAFF
Graduating from the University of Toronto faculty of medicine in 1954, David Smith has led a distinguished and varied career. A fixture at U of T’s student health clinic since 1957, Smith served as the university’s head staff physician, and was a founding member of the university’s department of family and community medicine. He also spent many years working with the elderly in palliative care. He began his career before the implementation of the Ontario Health Insurance Program (ohip) but has kept abreast of modern changes in medicine. At 85, Smith chose not to renew his medical license. As of June 1, he is no longer a practicing physician. The Varsity sat down with Smith to discuss mental health, physical activity, and lessons learned over the years. The Varsity: Why are you not renewing your medical license? David Smith: Continuing medical education is very onerous. I’m not interested in going home every night and sitting in front of my computer studying. TV: What is it about student health that you enjoy so much? DS: Think of what we’re dealing with. We’re dealing with a bunch of young people who are going to be the cream of society. At the University of Toronto, the biggest university in Canada, we need well-educated, well-rounded students, with capabilities to function in society. An article in the [Toronto Star] a couple weeks ago said: “You’re wasting your time getting a Bachelor of Arts.” What you’re doing when you’re getting an arts degree is you’re learning to deal with things present and past that will help you handle things in the future. What you’re really trying to do is teach kids to go out into the world and be a complete person. It’s not just how much history you know, how much math you know — it’s how much you can integrate that knowledge into other human beings with whom you are interacting for the rest of your life. TV: How have students changed over the years? DS: I’m beginning to see an increase in mental illness — not serious mental illness — but depression, anxiety, panic attacks, [Obsessive Compulsive Disorder]. I’m now spending almost a third of my time with kids who have these illnesses, and that’s way more. It used to be 10–15 per cent. More kids are under pressure.
Dr. David Smith in his office. dENIS OSIPOV/THE VArSITy
TV: What have you learned from students? DS: I’ve learned that students are an amazing bunch. You see all the great kids here. I’ve seen kids who are going to be famous down the line. I’ve enjoyed seeing them. I really want to help students get themselves into society in a comfortable, sensible way. Take care of their bodies and their minds so they can be mentally and physically healthy. TV: Have you seen this shift in anxiety-related illnesses for a long time? DS: It’s been happening over the last three, four, or five years. It’s because of the academic pressures and the financial pressures. At the end of your academic career, it’s in questions marks — you are not 100 per cent sure that you’re going to get a job when you graduate. TV: In your 60 years, have you ever been in trouble for your straight-shooting style? Have you ever been criticized? DS: No. Not to my face, anyway. Most people say, “Doctors never talk to me like this!” I say, “This is the way I’ve figured out is the best way to get people to hear you so they will take
your advice.” You have to think of that practicality. You can’t just talk medicine. You’ve got to talk life to [students]. The scientific doesn’t work. They hear you, but they don’t hear you. I don’t pull punches. I like to talk on their level. TV: You spoke on June 3 at convocation for the Faculty of Medicine class of 2014. Tell me about that. DS: Mostly, I [talked] about communication. For example, I [mentioned] the [computer]. Anything you need to know is in the computer — up-to-date stuff, good stuff. However, sometimes the knowledge you get from the computer is not helpful. It sometimes hurts the patient. TV: If you could sum up your wisdom for all graduates — not just medical graduates — what would you say? DS: Practice emotional and social intelligence. My daughter-in-law is a nephrologist. She has dealt with a lot of very sick and dying people. I taught her an old trick when she was a resident at St. Michael’s hospital. Take the patients that are really sick. When you get home, sit down, phone three of the families,
and tell them how the patient is. Don’t wait for them to phone you. If you’ve got a moment to sit down and phone them, and you are talking to them, and this is a person in their life who is probably going to die, that’s called care. Care is what people sense. TV: As you’re leaving the health centre, do you want to leave a reflection? DS: I feel very sad to leave. Let’s put it this way: I’ve been practicing medicine for 60 years. I’m going to miss it. I’m going to miss the responsibility of taking care of young men and women and older men and women as I did up to a year and a half ago. I’m very, very sad. My wife worried about me giving it up. I want to get this healthy lifestyle thing off the ground…I want every kid that’s sitting on their butt for long periods of time to realize that this is not good for them. That’s it. That’s the legacy I want to leave: fitness and activity and enjoyment. I’ve had that, and I want every other kid to have as much fun as I had being a kid. I’m still a kid at heart. This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
Extra, extra! News is recruiting reporters! Email news@thevarsity.ca
Comment
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11 August 2014
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university college in the heart of campus. Shije Zhou/The VArSiTy
Welcome to university, make of it what you will stem programs may offer the “hard skills” you are looking for now, but don’t count out the intangibles Lee Eames
VARSITY conTRIbuToR
Entering the first year of university generally marks a departure from the meticulously regimented educational path that Canadian students stride for during the first 12 years of their academic career. Suddenly, it is up to you to decide what programs to take, and how seriously to engage with academic responsibilities. Instead of hall passes, detention, and parent-teacher conferences, first year students grapple with the prospect of Con Hall lectures where nobody can demand your attendence. Instead of the mandatory mix of subjects and courses that generally characterizes high school, students must now decide for themselves what it is they are here to learn. In the face of this daunting decision, it is only natural that many seek guidance from parents, friends, and popular culture. We tend to adopt a sheep mentality, following the herd in hopes that the academic choices we make pay
off with a lucrative job or prestigious graduate school. Perhaps this explains the recent surge of stem (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) majors amongst university students in North America. Nowadays, students are proportionally disregarding English, history, and philosophy for ‘hard’ disciplines like engineering, chemistry, and computer science. The burgeoning political science can even be seen in these terms, as a means of recalibrating social and literary analysis towards an "objective," theorybased social "science." There is, perhaps, nothing objectively problematic with this trend. As the Harvard Crimson argued last year in their controversial editorial, “Let Them Eat Code,” the increasing digitization and mechanization of the modern economy demands a reciprocal surge in trained stem undergraduates. The relative dearth of "hard" skills that English majors leave university with, compared with an engineering graduate, seems to make this phenomenon logically sound.
Since university presents a significant financial and opportunity cost, who can blame a student for structuring their academic career around post-graduation and professional planning? Nevertheless, we cannot all be engineers, biologists, or programmers. It is, in my opinion, disturbing when a student whose true passion lies in the humanities, disregards this path in favor of the "practical" choice. This decision signifies a shortsighted perspective in which "hard skills" like data analysis and quantitative reasoning are the only ones that matter. It suggests that the professional and human benefits of a university education can be easily encapsulated in a few words or phrases. In reality, our academic, social, and personal lives at university affect us profoundly in a far broader sense. Besides the hard skills that stem programs specialize in, we should recognize the importance of "soft" skills, as well of the subtle, even immeasurable, changes to an individual's personality and perspective.
"Soft" skills like critical thinking and communication abilities are developed particularly by an education in the humanities or social sciences. U of T’s president, Meric Gertler, referred to these skills as a “core set of capabilities to serve [students] well no matter what further educational or career opportunities they pursue." In an interview with The Varsity, he argued that the ability to communicate effectively (verbally and in writing), critically consume information, and question arguments, benefits a professional career in a varied and flexible way. More important is the intellectual and personal growth that occurs during your university years. By engaging with your studies, and by striving and falling short, we can learn what drives us individually. We are exposed to a world of high culture in academia that inevitably expands our comfort zones if we choose to engage in it. By encountering a diverse set of people and ideas that challenge us to examine our own worldviews, social structures, and unexamined assumptions, we become more
enlightened consumers, citizens, and thinkers. Whether academia intrinsically motivates us, or instead serves as a means to an end, there are two questions many of us ask, but they needn’t be mutually exclusive. It is possible that the university experience gives us clarity on the type of profession that can satisfy both our ideals and our pragmatism. Whether this growth is worth the cost of tuition is a value judgment that students, as the consumers of education, must make for themselves. University is not the only means to develop one’s personal and professional character. Professional school, international travel, and online education exist as an alternative way to transition into adult life. Nevertheless, non-stem students should not fear that they are wasting their money, if their university experience provides them with a sharpened mind, expanded perspective, and a driven sense of direction. Lee Eames is a fourth-year student at Woodsworth College studying contemporary Asian studies and Buddhism and psychology.
10 Vol. CXXV, No. 1
VARSITY COMMENT
comment@thevarsity.ca
Student summer experiences Four U of T students share the ups and downs of their summer internships, jobs, and programs. Finance internship proves useful, though it lacks The Canadian Summer Jobs initiative gives students short-term experience, but good luck the elitist elevator gossip one might expect staying on throughout the year Sofia Luu
VARSITY conTRIbuToR
Wendy Gu/THe VArsiTy
Li Pan
VARSITY conTRIbuToR
For 10 weeks this summer, I worked at a small consulting firm in downtown Toronto. Our firm specializes in regulatory compliance, risk management, and corporate strategies. More concretely, we are engaged by executives at financial institutions for help with board presentations, staff training, and anti-money laundering compliance plans, among other things. Sometimes, we also wrote economic impact studies for government agencies. As an intern, my workload consisted primarily of compiling statistics and pulling together background research notes. I was involved in six different projects, each at a different stage of engagement. The experience was definitely novel and exciting. Every day, I would join my coworkers in formal work dress. Days at the office would alternate between the really quiet —where less than five people came in — to the overwhelmingly intense, where phone calls and conversations were buzzing all around me. The work itself was taxing but fulfilling.
On one hand, many assignments often involved extensive research and reading which were frustratingly open-ended. Time zone differences and short deadlines also meant working well into the evenings on a few occasions. On the other hand, seeing my work being integrated into documents or presentations that we billed clients for gave me an exquisite feeling second to none. Most importantly, this opportunity gave me a unique glimpse into corporate Canada and the world of finance. The back-andforth communications, the professionalism, and the go-to sources that insiders use are things that I could have never learned in university. However, one minor disappointment constantly bugged me: the lack of elevator chitchats. I was expecting juicy elitist gossip, similar to that reported by Goldman Sachs Elevator Gossip on Twitter, but all I got were blank stares and Volkswagen ads in the overhead monitor.
Summer job hunting is not an easy task. Fortunately, the Canadian Government has a number of programs designed to provide summer job opportunities for students, including Canada's Summer Jobs (csj) initiative. Through the program, small organizations and businesses can apply for government funding in order to create summer positions for full-time students. The csj initiative is part of a larger program called the Youth Employment Strategy (yes), which aims to help young people transition into the labour market. My summer job working as a communications assistant at a non-profit would not have existed without this program. At this non-profit, I had the opportunity to create content on a daily basis and learn a lot about digital strategy. When my time with the organization comes to an end and I return to school fulltime, I will leave with a better understanding of what I would like to do career-wise once I graduate. While I had a positive experience
working at this non-profit, there are a few problems I noticed about the csj initiative itself. The csj initiative is a temporary solution to the student unemployment issue. Unlike some internships, there are few opportunities available for students to be hired on as full-time employees because the program expects all summer students to resume their studies once their work term is over. The work placements created through this program exist only for the summertime. What yes and the csj initiative fail to recognize is that there are a significant number of students who need to be employed during the school year in order to fund their studies. While students who take part in these summer work experience programs might spend 12 weeks working at a job that is alligned with their career paths, they will be back to job hunting come September. For some students, being in school is their sole priority during the school year, but for many, balancing school and work is a full-time commitment. Sofia Luu is a fourth-year student at Victoria College studying diaspora and transnational studies as well as book and media studies.
The trials of charitable canvassing
Li Pan is a third-year student majoring in economics and mathematics.
Publicly funded French immersion program appeals to Canada’s biculturism christina Atkinson
VARSITY conTRIbuToR
This summer I attended La Maison Française at the University of Victoria for five weeks through the federal government’s Explore program. Explore is a publicly funded French immersion program — as well as an English immersion program for francophones — with placements all across Canada, but mostly concentrated in Québec. The program consists of four hours of class each morning, workshops on various topics, socio-cultural activities, excursions, and constant French immersion. Amidst the chaos, there were wonderful moments and not-so-wonderful moments. The largest frustration for me was the constant choice I had to make between making friends and speaking French. In order to truly get to know my peers and develop real friendships, I had to speak English. In order to improve my French language skills, I had to speak French as much as possible. If I chose to speak
English, I didn’t feel verbally restrained and I could form relationships, but I’d be learning nothing. If I chose to speak French, I’d either be talking to someone below my level who wouldn’t understand me, or to someone who was above my level and also wouldn’t understand me. The more I spoke English, the more I got to know astounding Canadian students, the more experiences we had together, and the more memories we made. It’s much more enjoyable to have a deep conversation in English than a simple, but struggling one in French. In the end, my favourite part of the program may simply be that it exists as an opportunity for young Canadians. Even if it’s not a perfect program, what’s important is the effort made by our government to reach and reward more of us, however they can. Plus, I did learn a lot of French, even with all my cheating. Christina Atkinson is a third-year student at University College studying economics and political science.
Sage Irwin
VARSITY conTRIbuToR
For the first four hours of my shift, I brought in only $20; an average night’s quota is $120. Most people didn’t open their doors, either because they weren’t home, or they weren’t interested. Many told me they had already done their donating for the year, and that I was the fourth canvasser this week to come by. I managed to stick with canvassing for a month and a half before I decided to stop. Unfortunately, making quota was never easy, and I brought the stress of that home with me after every rough shift. It’s discouraging to work hard for five hours and have nothing to show for it. After too many of these nights, you start to worry about your job security. Eventually, I was verbally accosted by someone at their door with serious anger issues, and I quit. The stress was too much. I would only recommend canvassing work for those with a thick skin and an extroverted, assertive personality.
To work in canvassing you must be able to deal with constant rejection and occasional loathing. You must also be able to accept that luck is as much a factor in your success as hard work or talent. Be careful choosing which company to work for. Do your research; there are scams. It is usually better to work directly for an organization or charity than through a forprofit third party. Mixing charity and profit is pretty disconcerting. Some organizations may “hire” five or six people when there is really only one position, and what seems like a job offer may really be an audition. To all of those people on the other side of the door: that person holding the clipboard is a person. Maybe you’ve had a few of them knock on your door recently, maybe you’re really busy right now, or maybe your many dogs barked at the sounds of the doorbell and woke up the baby — but this person deserves your respect. If you are not interested, please politely decline. Sage Irwin is a third-year student at Trinity College studying women and gender studies and English.
VARSITY COMMENT
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MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2014
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Following a landmark victory for an opposition slate candidate, and the summation of the Student Socieities Summit, change in the UTSU may be closer than ever. jennifer su/THe VArsiTy
Waiting on change A state of affairs heading into a new year of U of T campus politics post-Student Societies Summit Jefferey Schulman
VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR
I recently found myself reading through the report from the Student Societies Summit from this past year. That I read the report should give an idea of how bored I was at the time because it is about as dull as only administrative reports can be. Indeed, from the tenor of the report, a casual reader might suffer the misimpression that the summit was a pro forma part of a policy review regularly scheduled by the university. This, of course, could not be further from the truth. The facts behind the current crisis between the utsu (University of Toronto Students’ Union) and dissenting colleges and faculties are remarkably simple and utterly outrageous. U of T
collects mandatory fees from each of us as students, and distributes them to the utsu, ostensibly to provide services for all U of T students. All other bodies at the university that receive mandatory fees from students use those fees solely to provide student services such as funding for clubs, the maintenance of athletic facilities, and the facilitation of academic programming. These are exactly the sort of things any incoming student would expect to be a part of a liberal education, and an intellectually diverse university experience. Every year the utsu pays fees to the cfs (Canadian Federation of Students), a national political lobbying organization whose website advocates ideological positions on a variety of issues from opposition to free trade to a ban on bottled water. U of T students who disagree with the positions espoused by the utsu still saw
money walk out the door, in part from their paid fees to the utsu. In recent years, the cfs has been engaged in a series of lawsuits from British Columbia (sfu and uvic) to Quebec (Concordia) all centering around individual universities’ student unions’ rights to leave the cfs. Even more distressing than the day-today conduct of the cfs at a national level is its quid pro quo relationship with a group of students at U of T itself. Every year, the utsu sends membership fees to fund the cfs’ political wars, and every year the cfs endorses a slate of candidates running for the utsu executive and sends in political operatives from universities around the gta to assist its chosen slate electorally. Since the utsu joined the cfs, the cfs-endorsed slate has held near complete control of the utsu executive every single year. The crux of this issue is plain. There is a
place on campus for political organizations funded by those who support them. There is also a place on campus for mandatory fees to be devoted to the services that naturally complement the sort of diverse education that attracts international students. There is no place for an organization that misappropriates our student fees and uses them to support a national political faction in its many struggles across the country. Fundraising for political causes is why we have donations. The use of student fees for political purposes violates the basic social contract upon which Western society is founded. The conduct of the cfs-related utsu is morally wrong. Personally, it offends me and it should offend you too. Jeffrey Schulman is a second-year student at Trinity College studying classics.
Nailed it
Tips for personalizing your living space on a student budget Article and photos by Samantha Relich
W
hether you’re a commuter, living in residence, or moving into an apartment, personalizing your space is an integral part of university life. However, creating the perfect environment on a student budget can be challenging. Here are a few tips for constructing your ideal sanctuary that will leave you with enough money in the bank for Thursday pub nights.
The handy-person basics You may not be ready to build an addition off the back of your dorm, but there are a few basic tools that you should equip yourself with for minor household jobs and nightmarish Ikea furniture installations.
Screwdriver The easiest option is to purchase a single screwdriver that comes with interchangeable bits to fit virtually any screw head. If, however, you’re purchasing individual screwdrivers, buying a slotted head and a Phillips screwdriver is a good place to start.
Level Levels come in all sizes, but you only need a small one for basic jobs. This tool will help you curate a perfectly straight wall art gallery and defuse any debates about whether the beer pong table is unfairly slanted.
Measuring tape This is a must-have. You’ll thank yourself later when your furniture fits into your room perfectly while your roommate struggles to wedge their queen size bed through the door. The golden rule for student décor: measure twice, buy once.
Hammer You do not need anything particularly heavyduty for the average home maintenance and do-it-yourself project. Look for a hammer that isn’t too large, since you’ll have to store it in your space. Hammers, though useful for hanging wall art, are most often used by students to take out frustration during furniture assembly.
Walls of inspiration Although it may be tempting to add a splash of colour to your apartment walls, try to refrain. You landlord will likely not be a fan of your artistic license, and the hours spent repainting when your lease is up will leave you wishing you had walked away from that fuchsia paint. Instead, try to add splashes of colour in a less permanent way. You can paint photo frames and add them to the wall with removable fasteners for a colourful and affordable work of art. Another option is to use fabric as wall hangings, or “wall curtains,” to help define the space. You can hang most fabrics using damage-free wall hooks. Wall photo collages can be elevated by simply printing your photos on cardstock instead of regular printer paper. It may seem like an insignificant difference, but printing on cardstock means that your photos will not curl at the corners. Plus, the added durability will mean you can remove the photos without ripping them when moving to a new place — after all, coloured ink is a valuable commodity in university. You can even highlight your favourite photos with frames from the dollar store. Another option is to elevate the ubiquitous door room poster by framing it. This is an inexpensive way to turn your homage to your favourite film into a classy piece of wall art — although it’s less effective at classing up starlet posters on the ceiling.
Choosing the furnishings Storage, storage, storage. Toronto apartments are small, dorm rooms are smaller, and even as a commuter, parents tend to frown on your belongings taking over the entire house. This means that keeping the function of your furnishings in mind is essential. Does buying the super-low bed mean that you can’t store anything underneath it? Does that fashionable but tiny nightstand mean your alarm clock will have to sleep on the floor? If so, then that piece is probably not right for you. Look for options with shelves, drawers, cubbies in essentially anywhere you can store things. Aim for a combination of hidden storage for clothing and open storage to display books and knickknacks. Another tip is to avoid boxy, bulky furniture. Choose versatile pieces so that if and when you move into a new place, you will not have to fight with your furniture to get it to work in the space. Plus, lugging a 300-pound wall unit up a six floor walk-up will likely make the friends assisting you think twice about lending you a helping hand ever again. TIP: Wood glue is a great way to make sure your Ikea furniture never falls apart. Simply apply a small dab of glue to the pegs when slotting the pieces together.
Bringing new life to old furniture A great way to add colour and interest to your space is by painting your furniture. While stripping grandma’s antique end table is definitely not advisable, there are many ways to get your hands on old or recovered furniture without breaking the bank. Thrift shops and flea markets are great venues to find old pieces looking for a little TLC. However, you will have to pay for those pieces and you’d be surprised at how pricey some stores and markets can get. For the frugal student, the best bet is to search your neighbourhood for yard and moving sales, where items will be priced to sell and bargaining is often welcome. Another good option is to check the streets for items that people have thrown out — often people will place furniture items by the curb well before garbage pick-up in order to give others the opportunity to claim them. Look for items that are in fairly good shape; the better the starting condition, the easier your project will be. Regardless of where you’re searching, look for real wood. Pieces made of pressboard — generally the “assembly required” type — do not sand or refinish well and will leave you with an unsatisfactory result. A good tip for checking if something is real wood is to look at the underside of the piece, where the wood is often unfinished. If you see a surface that bears resemblance to cork board, then it’s not real wood.
To start your project, you’ll need a few essential items. Sandpaper or blocks in 80-grit and 200-grit. Drop cloths, so that your DIY adventure does not leave you with paint splotched floors. Don’t use the good towels.
Screwdriver to remove any hardware and to open paint can.
Paint brush.
Stir stick Latex or oil-based paint. Safety mask. Masking or painters tape.
Once you have the furniture item and necessary supplies, refinishing the piece is surprisingly easy. Here are the basics:
Give your furniture a thorough cleaning so you can tell exactly what you are working with. Look for any serious imperfections, including deep scratches or grooves that may require wood filler to fix. Wood filler is a compound used to repair damage to wood surfaces. It can be found at any hardware store and will leave the surface smooth and damage free.
Disassemble the piece as much as possible. Remove any hardware — knobs, handles, etc. — that will get in the way of sanding. If you’re working with a bookshelf where the shelves can be removed easily, remove them. Do not worry about completely disassembling the item. It will require a little extra care on your part when painting, but saving yourself the hassle and confusion of reassembling that kitchen chair will be worth it.
Sanding. The goal is to remove the current finish of the piece, whether it is stain, varnish, or paint. Start with 80grit sandpaper. The grit number indicates the roughness of the paper, for example, 50-grit is very rough and 400-grit is very smooth. If possible, sand your furniture outdoors and use your safety mask. It will take a fair bit of time and a lot of elbow grease, but the finish will come off. In most cases this means you’ll see a change in colour and shine — raw wood will likely be lighter in colour than the original finish, matte, and not as smooth. Once the finish is removed, switch to 200grit sandpaper and give the piece a thorough once-over. Using smoother paper will even out any small splinters or bumps and will smooth the surface for painting.
TIP: If you’re working with a piece that has hardware, consider shopping for new handles or knobs. It’s a great way to update and modernize your furniture’s look without spending too much.
Give the piece another thorough cleaning. You want to get all the dust and sanding debris off before painting. Using painter or masking tape, cover any sections you want to keep paint free. You can also use the tape to create a pattern on the piece if you’re using multiple colours.
Painting. Before running out to the paint store, ask your parents, friends, or other family if they have any leftover paint sitting in their basement. What you will lack in colour options you’ll make up for in the money you’ll save on paint. Latex or oilbased paint work best for unfinished wood. Give the paint a thorough mix before applying. Paint the surface in long, even strokes; you will need two or three coats. Let the paint dry completely between each coat. Sand the piece between each coat using 200-grit sandpaper. This will eliminate any imperfections in the paint.
Display your handy-work proudly and amaze your friends and family with your DIY skills.
Arts&Culture
VAR.ST/ARTS
11 AUGUST 2014
Vanishing venues
arts@thevarsity.ca
ann sheng/The VarsiTy
Cadillac Lounge owner Sam Grosso talks about the changing landscape of live music Joseph Ianni
VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR
Many of us have heard stories from our parents about seeing legendary acts like Queen, The Rolling Stones, or The Ramones perform live in concert. What is often left out of these stories are the venues that housed these memorable shows. Without concert halls and stages, there would be no place for artists to share their work and for us to enjoy it. Over the last few years, Toronto’s music landmarks have been threatened by general development and
the city’s ever-expanding condo market. Only a few years ago, concert-goers felt the loss of longstanding multiplex venue The Big Bop and its stages — The Kathedral, the Reverb, and Holy Joe’s — with continuing remorse over the 2012 closure of mixed-use punk venue Siesta Nouveaux. Today, even more venues face the possibility of closing their doors. This year has witnessed a call to the music community from The Great Hall to stave off encroaching condo development. The Guverment’s Kool Haus will close in early 2015, and the complex is set to become a condo and retail development.
In an interview with Sam Grosso, a veteran of the Toronto live music scene and owner of the El Mocambo and Cadillac Lounge, he spoke about the issues threatening live music venues in Toronto. Grosso suggests that combatting venue closures requires appealing to the local government and the community to lend a helping hand. “People don’t want to pay a cover charge,” says Grosso, “and that includes those who have money and those who don’t and I don’t know why.” Grosso stresses the importance of paying musicians and artists. Venues can’t survive if they cannot
pay their overhead costs and their entertainers. For those who don’t own their own properties, it's especially difficult: “The rent for some of these venues is incredible and if you don’t own the property yourself you are at the mercy of the market and the landlord. Local government should be doing something to help out so we can keep Toronto’s live music alive,” says Grosso. Grosso suggested venues should reach out to a younger, under-aged crowd with disposable income. He stressed that having young patrons is key to prosperity and longevity, — but risking a coveted liquor license in Toronto is not worth the
trouble for most owners and patrons. The bar, in many of these venues, is what covers overhead costs and keeps the door open. Losing that revenue, Grosso stressed, is often the last nail in the coffin for a venue. Anyone who has been to a show at a smaller venue can attest to how they build a closer relationship between artists and fans. It likewise builds community among local artists who help to grow and progress Toronto’s diverse and innovative artistic landscape. It is these communities that are under threat, and that may find themselves without a hall to meet and play.
VARSITY ARTS & CULTURE
var.st/arts
MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2014
15
What to watch: TIFF 2014
We break down the details of this year’s festival, and what you should be lining up to see Daniel Konikoff VARSITY STAFF
Every September, film fans and industry stars flood into the city gathering for 11 days of debuts, galas, and special screenings. During this annual event the city dissolves into a frenzy of celebrity sightings and critical buzz. From September 4-14 the Toronto International Film Festival (tiff) is set to return for its 39th year. It is bound to be 2014’s finest festival, so here are some films worth checking out this September.
Foxcatcher
Foxcatcher is a true story of Olympic wrestler Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) and his relationship with his schizophrenic multimillionaire coach John du Pont. Coming off a Best Director win at Cannes, Foxcatcher features a career-turning performance by Steve Carell. Fans of typical Channing and Carell fare beware: this is more Moneyball than Anchorman.
The Judge
Kicking off tiff as the opening film, The Judge stars Robert
Downey Jr. as a lawyer whose father (Robert Duvall), a judge, is suspected of murder. The Judge is a must-see for those who enjoy courtroom dramas as well as the small-town vibe and father-son dynamic of Nebraska.
A Little Chaos
The closing film of tiff, directed by Alan Rickman (Severus Snape to you Potterheads), A Little Chaos stars Kate Winslet as a landscape gardener who falls for the architect who hired her to design a fountain for Louis xiv. If you enjoy romantic period pieces, such as Age of Innocence or Pride and Prejudice, A Little Chaos will surely be your cup of tea.
Also worth checking put
Nightcrawler — For fans of the night-time grittiness of Drive and the behind-the-scenes aspects of Network Tusk — For fans of Kevin Smith and meta-horror, like Cabin in the Woods or Rubber The Drop — If you like low-life crime tales, like Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone, and The Town While We’re Young — For fans of Wes Anderson and Woody Allen’s unique brands of quirk
Media Photo
“Growing up and nostalgia and things like that” First Aid Kit’s Johanna Söderberg discusses the band’s new album, Stay Gold Megan Walters
VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR
First Aid Kit is a Swedish folk duo comprised of sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg. Their music is quickly winning over fans for its rich harmonies, simplistic arrangements and smart, world-wise lyrics. Klara, 21, sings most of the lead vocals, while Johanna, 23, provides harmonies in her deeper, huskier voice. The pair is deeply influenced by classical folk and Americana culture of the 60’s and 70’s. This summer the duo released their third album, Stay Gold, through Columbia Records. They are currently on a North American tour to promote the album. Johanna sat down to talk to The Varsity about their influences, motivations, and next steps.
An ideal time
Söderberg explained that she and Klara were initially influenced by classical folk music because they “just love music from that time.” She went on to describe that the perceived romantic simplicity of the 60’s and 70’s is appealing sentimentally as compared to today. “I think people who are our age maybe romanticize that time,” she said, “A time when you kind of had a different romantic ideal and we thought we could change things in the world.” References to classic folk and country artists are prevalent throughout First Aid Kit’s repertoire. Stay Gold contains allusions to some of the artists that have inspired the sisters, including Bob Dylan, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, and Ryan Adams.
Media Photo
Staying gold
Stay Gold is bigger, more ambitious, and braver than the band’s previous two albums. “We thought that the songs called for a bigger arrangement, a bigger sound,” explained Söderberg. “We also had more time to do that, whereas before we were kind of limited. And now we just thought, let’s get rid of those limitations and take the songs where they want to go and not be limited in any way.” The result is a whole new sound for First Aid Kit. The album’s first
track and single, “My Silver Lining,” is a perfect example of how the girls used bigger arrangements to their advantage. The song opens assertively with lilting strings and Klara’s powerful voice proclaiming, “I don’t want to wait anymore, I’m tired of looking for answers,” introducing us to the new visceral sound that continues throughout the rest of the album. “Time and growing up and nostalgia and things like that,” Söderberg says of the album’s themes. “I think that we’re a little bit ob-
sessed with that for some reason.” The title of the album reflects this preoccupation with the nature of time, as the duo spells out in the titular song: “Oh, I wish, for once, we could stay gold.”
“The songs find a home in other people”
When asked about the tour, Söderberg stressed her and Klara’s desire to be authentic and genuine on stage. “When you perform, you’re always sort of method acting in a way, you’re
always trying to get back to the way you felt when you wrote the song,” she explained. “The song finds a home in other people,” says Söderberg, “That’s very powerful and very rewarding. They’re beautiful, I mean, the people sometimes cry at our shows, they get very into it. It’s crazy, it brings out so many emotions.” Söderberg added, “I think people in general want something more natural, I mean that’s why we were drawn to folk: it felt really authentic and very true.”
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Vol. CXXV, No. 1
VARSITY ARTS & CULTURE
arts@thevarsity.ca
Perseverance and the pursuit of really good music An interview with Toronto cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne RWB: I am juggling a number of exciting projects at the moment. I will be composing more metal-influenced chamber music for solo cello, cello and piano, and cello and strings, as well as a suite of compositions for cello ensemble. I am co-composing the music for a spoken word album with another multi-instrumentalist. I will also be writing and performing drums and cello for the sophomore album from Portland, Oregon-based project Self Spiller.
Sara Gajic
VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR
Raphael Weinroth-Browne is a cellist currently studying at Toronto's Glenn Gould School; he has contributed his musical talents to Kristine St.-Pierre’s album Call Me Crazy, as well as Woods of Ypres’ Juno-award winning album W5: Grey Skies and Electric Light. He is a gifted composer and performer in his own right, having released music as part of the musical duo The Visit and the “Canadian Neofolk” band Musk Ox. Weinroth-Browne spoke to The Varsity about how important a musical education actually is, and what music students can do if they wish to succeed. Raphael Weinroth-Brown performs the cello./Courtesy of raphael weinroth-Browne
The Varsity: Have you always been attracted to music? Raphael Weinroth-Browne: I have always been consumed by music. My parents listened to an incredibly wide and eclectic variety of music from all over the world. Around the age of 10, I began taking cello lessons. After spending my mid-teens torn between classical cello, metal guitar, drums, and flamenco guitar,
I found myself entering university for cello performance. TV: You are now studying in Toronto [in the Glenn Gould School] — how is this experience different from your undergraduate degree [at the University of Ottawa]? What prompted you to continue your education? RWB: I am halfway through an Artist’s Diploma program at the RCM’s
Glenn Gould School. Being at a conservatory is different from university in that all of the course material is strictly geared towards music, and all students are performance majors. For musicians in their early twenties, such as myself, the window of time for improvement and growth is shrinking, and we feel the need to take advantage of that fleeting period to make as much progress as possible.
TV: You have done a lot of collaboration with spoken word artists. What's that like? RWB: It is an extremely rewarding experience, and when the tone of a poem and a piece of music are unified, the results are very powerful and compelling. TV: What are you working on now? Any exciting projects on the horizon?
TV: Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians? RWB: For those who are selftaught, learn as much about music theory as possible. For those in university or conservatory programs, be sure to spend time improvising and composing. “Messing around” and “noodling” is actually just as important as focused practice in that it enlarges our own personal musical vocabulary. Be open to creating new outlets for your talent and skills. Institutions will not offer you a job at the end of your degree. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Campus arts and why they matter
In conversation with student leaders about how they got started in campus arts and advice for getting involved Sarah Niedoba
ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
U of T is brimming with different arts-based clubs — there is a different group, or five, for every possible artistic persuasion. The Varsity interviewed student leaders within the Drama Coalition, Hart House Chorus, Only Human Dance Collective, and Silhouettes Dance Company to hear why they decided to get involved, and why they think campus arts are important.
How they got started
Elizabeth Laushway is the executive secretary of the Hart House Chorus. “I got involved in the chorus back in first year,” she explains. “I had sung in high school and wanted to continue in university, so during Frosh Week I walked around the Clubs Day fair until I found the chorus's booth.” She’s been a part of the group ever since, and is now a fourth-year student. Caroline Davis and Alexa Chioran, co-artistic directors of the Silhouettes Dance Company, both also credit clubs fairs as meeting points for getting involved in the company. “I did some research beforehand,” admits Davis, “I had been a part of my dance team in high school, and wanted to continue that.” Both auditioned and began as dancers in the company, before becoming part of the executive in their second years. Kevin Wong, president of the
Drama Coalition, says that he saw an advertisement for King Lear on Facebook before even entering his first year, rehearsing for his first U of T show during Frosh Week. Kevin acted in, and directed, numerous shows in his first three years at U of T, before becoming Coalition president this year. Emily Palios, Nura Mazloom, and Nina Bakan make up the co-creative director, production manager, and co-technique director of the Only Human Dance Collective (ohdc), respectively. All three joined the OHDC in their first years as dancers and choreographers, before going on to hold executive positions. “I was a dancer in my first year, and then I was approached [by an executive member] at the end of the year and asked if I wanted to take on some more responsibility,” recalls Palios.
world U of T can seem to students: “Right away I wanted a small community — coming to the ohdc it’s such a welcoming environment, everyone’s so nice, you can just love dance and do your thing.”
Advice for getting involved
The value of campus arts
“You use a totally different part of your brain when you're making music, or dancing, or creating visual art, compared to when you're studying,” explains Laushway. “Taking the time to do what I love artistically is a total pick-me-up during the school year, and actually makes me more focused when I go back to my schoolwork." This kind of sentiment is echoed across the board by other artistic student leaders, with many of them emphasizing how much of an escape arts can be from the stress of school. “It’s an easy way to get ac-
Britanny Gerow/tHe Varsity
tive — it’s nice to always focus on your academics, that’s why you’re here, but you need that break and you need that time away from your studies, and you can express yourself through movement,” says Chioran. Another equally popular response is the communities that are created by the different organizations. “You meet so many different people, I’ve made so many good friends, it’s a community that understands all it’s members,”
says Wong about the U of T theatre community. Davis and Chioran feel the same way about their dance company, adding that it’s made up of people from different colleges and fields of study. “You’ll be at one of the first company rehearsals, and you can see the bonds start to form,” says Chioran, “they’re like, hey, I have a class with you I think!” Palios sums up the sentiment when she talks about what a big
Students who want to be part of the Hart House Chorus can book an audition in September. Laushway’s advice for getting involved in arts on campus is to research: “there are tons of opportunities to get involved, but you have to know about them,” she says. Davis and Chioran both insist that if you want to dance, you need to dance. “We’ve had people in our company who didn’t dance in their first year, and they really regret it,” says Chioran. Silhouettes holds two large auditions at the beginning of September. Wong emphasizes that the drama community at U of T is big enough that there really is a place for everyone — information about upcoming auditions can be found on the group's Facebook page. The ohdc has pieces available for all levels of dance — auditions are held based on skill level, so a beginner dancer would audition for a beginner hip-hop class. “There’s no place like university to tell you you’re not good enough sometimes,” says Palios, adding: “Being part of [clubs like] OHDC is a huge confidence boost, it really helps with your self esteem.”
var.st/arts
VARSITY ARTS & CULTURE
MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2014
17
Live music under the 19+ line A guide to underage concert-going in Toronto Ayla Shiblaq
Upcoming all-ages show
VARSITY STAFF
Lorde
Friday, September 12 Echo Beach
Being an underage music lover can be both a limiting and frustrating experience. When your favourite band comes to town and the only thing standing in your way is an age restriction, the angst you thought you left behind in high school can start kicking in. This guide aims to make the months separating you from complete concert freedom a bit less heartbreaking.
The Weeknd
Sunday, September 21 The Molson Ampitheatre
Chromeo
Saturday, September 27 Kool Haus
Alvvays and Fucked UP
Behave yourself
Saturday, September 27 Horseshoe Tavern
First off, let’s get this out of the way: fake IDs rarely work. Bouncers are not dumb and you are relatively unlikely to have a movie moment where they will let you into the show. Regardless of whether or not you have a fake ID, bought or borrowed, your opportunities to enter different venues in the city vary. Many venues have 19+ areas, so underage fans can attend as well. Being nice and respectful is key. Don’t get drunk beforehand (or discretely during) because security is on the lookout. Venues want to protect their licenses and their reputations.
More and more options All-ages shows in Toronto are being held more and more by the year. If you’re looking for a place to hang out, The Smiling Buddha hosts allages showcases, especially during nxne. Even predominantly 19+ venues like The Horseshoe Tavern have begun to hold all-ages shows.
Venues Molson Ampitheatre Air Canada Centre Danforth Music Hall Massey Hall Echo Beach Kool Haus The Rex Sony Centre Geary St. The Smiling Buddha Seasons also have a huge impact. The best months for allages shows are from January until the end of music festival season, which is around the beginning of September. Fall tours, especially this year, are often 19+ since it’s too cold for all-ages venues like Echo Beach and the Molson Amphitheatre.
Cheap(er) venues and festivals Although all-ages shows tend to be a bit more expensive, you can get lucky with shows held at Kool Haus, Geary St., The Smiling Buddha, and Danforth Music Hall where the tickets range from $10-20, with the occasional $3040 ticket. Take full advantage of
JuLIEn bALbOnTIn/THE VARSITY
music festivals in Toronto — they are almost always all-ages or hold all-ages shows. You can see a festival's worth of bands for a wristband that costs as much as a single night's $80 concert ticket.
Footnotes A final bit of advice is not to limit yourself to this advice. A huge el-
ement of navigating the Toronto music scene is to go outside of your comfort zone and make connections. With this in mind, to all you first-year music fans out there, don’t let the age barrier get you down. There are plently of opportunities to see amazing music in Toronto in spite of the number on your id.
“Fun is a by-product of what we do”
The staff behind Hart House Theatre describes their upcoming 2014-2015 season dents don’t think they can audition for us, but that’s absolutely not the case. One of our mandates is to have students in the audience, so if you get a student subscription it’s $40, so only $10 for a show.
Sarah Niedoba
ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
Hart House Theatre boasts the title of the University of Toronto's official theatre since 1919. Professional actors and technicians come together with students and alumni to produce a four show season every year. Doug Floyd, the general manager, Andrea Wasserman, the marketing and publicity coordinator, and Gillian Lewis, the education and production coordinator, all spoke with The Varsity about the upcoming season, and how students can get involved.
TV: And how would a student go about volunteering with Hart House Theatre? Gillian Lewis: So all the student po-
sitions at Hart House go through the education and production coordinator, who is me, so I interview, train and manage students. TV: So what kind of roles are there? GL: So, here at Hart House we say
that no experience is necessary, but we are going to establish a hierarchy of positions. There are leadership roles, junior leadership roles, production roles, and entry-level positions. Entry-level positions are things like light runners, set painters and production assistants.
The Varsity: So the first thing to talk about is the season — why did you choose the shows that you did? Andrea Wasserman: So the season itself is The Importance of Being Earnest, The Tempest, Jesus Christ Superstar, and This Is For You, Anna. Doug Floyd: The Tempest hasn’t been
done since the 50’s… it was one of the biggies we hadn’t touched. Superstar has been on our radar for about 15 years, so when the rights became available we went right to that. Neither of these shows are very funny, and we wanted to start the season with a comedy, so that’s where The Importance of Being Earnest came from. This is For You, Anna has also been on our shortlist for a while, and then seeing the production last
Bone Cage, performed at Hart House. FILE PHOTO/THE VARSITY
year at the ucdp, we really wanted to make it part of our season. I think we have three shows with a broad mass appeal, and a third show that deserves that audience. TV: Can we talk more about This Is For You, Anna? Because I think that’s a really interesting show that students might not know about. AW: A community of women wrote
[it] a collective, so it doesn’t have a plot in a traditional sense — but the centre story that you keep getting snippets of is about a case that happened in Germany in the '70s in which a seven-year-old girl was raped and killed. Her mother was a single mother and... walked into the court room with a gun, shot [the perpetrator] seven times and said “This is for you, Anna.”
DF: It’s the kind of play that you
really need to have a conversation about after, so we’re going to have what we call a “discussion forum” after — it might be a key note speaker, or something along those lines. TV: Is there anything you’d like students to know about the theatre? DF: I would love for more students to
audition for our shows — some stu-
TV: Why should students come work for Hart House Theatre? GL: Because it’s fun! Doug would al-
ways say that fun is a by-product of what we do. We put on some great shows, and it’s a really unique opportunity for students to mingle with theatrical professionals, regardless of [their] degree. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Science
VAR.ST/SCIENCE
11 August 2014
science@thevarsity.ca
Ontario’s rapidly increasing opioidrelated deaths U of T researchers conduct 20-year cross-sectional study on opioid-related mortality Sandy Wang
VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR
A recently published study by University of Toronto researchers in the psychiatry journal Addiction shows that, contrary to popular belief, opioid-related deaths have rapidly increased in Ontario between the years 1991 and 2010. Opioids are a broad family of drugs that act as depressants for the central nervous system. The primary use of these drugs is medicinal. Medical professionals often prescribe opioids, such as morphine, as pain-relief medication. However, opioids are widely known for their addictive properties and ability to induce feelings of euphoria that motivates some to pursue them for recreational purposes. Due to these properties, opioid use without strict supervision of medical professionals can be dangerous and even lead to death. The researchers investigated all opioid-related deaths in the aforementioned period with records from the Office of the Chief Coroner (occ) of Ontario. A total of 5,935 deaths were examined. The investigators also estimated the total years of life lost
brittany gerow/tHe Varsity
from opioid-related deaths by applying life expectancy statistics for Ontarians. U of T researcher Dr. Tara Gomes, one of the principle investigators of the current study and lead scientist at the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network, said in an interview with medicalresearch.com, “In 2010, 21,927 years of life lost were attributable
to opioid-related death, which is more than that attributable to alcohol use disorders, pneumonia, or influenza.” The study reported an increase of 242 per cent in opioid related deaths in the 20-year period, with the greatest increase among individuals aged 25-34 years. Due to the increased number of young lives lost, these deaths are
a large social burden, with considerable economic consequences. The cause of concern is the fact that the majority of deaths were unintentional. Interestingly, the report asserts that the recent rise of opioid related deaths is largely due to the increase in prescription opioid medications in recent history. Many people who die from
opioid use began with prescriptions from their doctors. Medical practitioners have been prescribing opioid drugs more often than they used to for pain relief and increasing prescription doses when effects are not optimal. This has lead to many patients receiving opioids in exceptionally high doses. There is a lack of evidence supporting the efficacy of the long-term use of opioids to treat chronic pain that is not related to cancer. The increasing dispensation of opioids is therefore controversial in academic circles, with many policymakers and clinicians apprehensive about the safety of these drugs. In addition, many young people are now experimenting with opioids partly due to the misconception that since these painkillers are commonly prescribed drugs, they must be safer than other street-bought drugs. The dangers of opioid-related mortality are quickly becoming a public health issue. The study points out: “The finding that one in eight deaths among young adults were attributable to opioids underlines the urgent need for a change in perception regarding the safety of these medications.”
U of T researchers make a leap in ALS research Cell biologists study protein in yeast with results of significant importance to ALS patients Jasleen Arneja SCIENCE EDITOR
University of Toronto researchers recently published a study examining the role of the protein Pbp1 in suppressing the formation of dna-rna hybrids. The study is authored solely by U of T researchers, including lead author Dr. Karim Mekhail, Canada Research Chair in Spatial Genome Organization. The research is significant impact for the future of research in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (als) or Lou Gehrig’s disease. The genetic information in our bodies is carried in our dna, which is transcribed to rna and finally translated into making and regulating proteins, which regulate our physiologies, among other things. During both transcription and translation, various regulatory elements are required that assist our cells in carrying out the processes correctly. Without certain regulatory elements during translation, dna and rna sometimes stick together forming dna-rna hybrids that do not allow further progression and the complete formation of rna. “We think the debris and hybrids are on the same team in a never-ending Olympic relay race,” Mekhail said to U of T News. “Over time there’s a
vicious cycle building up. If we can find a way to disrupt that cycle, theoretically we can control or reverse the disease,” he added. According to the study, “Pbp1 maintains rdna repeat stability via suppression of rna-dna hybrids.” The protein Pbp1, found in yeast, is the ortholog of the Ataxin2 protein found in humans. These proteins function to help curb the formation of dna-rnA hybrids. The researchers made a surprising discovery in restricting caloric intake in yeast cells that lack these Pbp1. The yeast cells under the restrictive diet were provided with media containing 0.05 per cent glucose, while those under the control treatment were grown on media containing two per cent glucose. The original research was conducted on Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a species of yeast. However, the results have life-changing consequences for humans. The protein Ataxin2 is often missing in patients suffering from als. Researchers can now focus on specific biochemical, genetic, and physiological pathways that are involved in this neurodegenerative disease. In addition, Mekhail and his team are now replicating the results they found in yeast in tissue from als patients.
Stephen Hawking is one of the most recognizable ALS patients. media pHoto
Mekhail and his research team are also studying whether dietary restrictions could be of benefit to als patients, particularly during early
stages of the disease, or for those at risk of acquiring als. Mikhail further noticed that he foresees an impending “revolu-
tion” in ALS treatment and beyond, nothing that these hybrids have implication for broader disease treatment.
var.st/science
VARSITY SCIENCE
MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2014
19
The evolution of anaesthesia
U of T researchers study the effects of anaesthetic agents on the brain, looking towards a “modern model of anaesthesia care” Kevin Grace
VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR
The year is 1841. A professor wielding a “long glittering knife, felt for the bone, thrust in the knife carefully but rapidly... The first cut from the inside was completed, and the bloody blade of the knife issued from the quivering wound, the blood flowed by the pint, the sight was sickening; the screams terrific; the operator calm.” You might think that the preceding quote is a fictional account of a heinous murder, but it is in fact an excerpt from a New York Herald article describing the surgical amputation of a leg belonging to a 15-year-old boy. The boy had only “a little wine” to numb the pain — this was the reality of surgery before the advent of anaesthesia. According to The Royal College of Anaesthetists in Britain, surgery in the pre-anaesthetic era was done only as a last resort and the major determinant of the success of these terrifying procedures was the surgeon’s speed. Believe it or not, the origins of modern anaesthesia can be traced back to the illicit drug culture of the nineteenth century. Ether and laughing gas — recreational drugs at the time — revolutionized the practice of surgery by being the first compounds to be popularly used to render patients unconscious before going under the knife. Surgery was no longer a race against the clock and surgeons could now venture into areas of the body once considered off-limits, like the abdomen, chest, and head. In the early days of surgical anaesthesia, physicians were likely more preoccupied with the efficacy of anaesthetic agents than with how these drugs worked. It is surprising that even in 2014 with over 230 million major surgeries occurring on a yearly basis, much is still left unknown about the physiological mechanisms of anaesthetic action. Determining how these compounds act is important because, even though deaths directly attributable to anaesthetics are now infrequent (one in 250,000), there is evidence that anaesthetic exposure can have serious cognitive side effects.
According to Dr. Beverley Orser, a staff anaesthesiologist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and professor of physiology and anaesthesia at the University of Toronto, one in 10 patients show persistent signs of cognitive impairment three months after anaesthetic administration. This so-called post-operative cognitive dysfunction has been best characterized in the elderly, but emerging evidence suggests that anaesthetic exposure in childhood could increase the risk of future deficits in learning, memory, and cognition. While anaesthetics work by temporarily decreasing the activity of neurons in the brain,
pre-clinical studies suggest that they are capable of triggering neurodegeneration that could leave patients with permanent losses in brain function. A recent study out of Orser’s laboratory published in the journal Anaesthesiology aimed to devise a pharmacological strategy to prevent anaesthesia-related memory deficits by interfering in the interaction between anaesthetic molecules and a particular subtype of inhibitory receptor in the brain: the alpha-5 gabaa receptor. Anaesthetic activation of these receptors is thought to mediate the desired effect of blocking unwanted memories of the surgical procedure. The
researchers reported that L-655,708, a drug selective for these receptors, successfully prevented the memory deficits that normally followed anaesthesia in research with mice. Such studies enable the development of tailored anaesthetic approaches capable of selectively promoting or preventing the desirable and undesirable aspects of surgical anaesthesia. According to Orser, “A tremendous opportunity now exists for the field to move beyond the ether era and toward a truly modern model of anaesthesia care.” With files from The Royal College of Anaesthetists, The Herald Sun, and Anaesthesiology.
Looking beyond hallucinations Lack of motivation and cognitive impairments influence functional outcome in schizophrenia Wan Xian Koh
VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR
Motivation, or lack thereof, affects performance. This well-known fact has been examined from a schizophrenic perspective in a recent study conducted by Dr. Gary Remington, a Psychiatry professor with the Faculty of Medicine at U of T, and his colleagues. The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between specific clinical variables and functional outcomes in people with schizophrenia. Published in the journal Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, this longitudinal study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (camh) establishes both motivation and neurocognitive deficits as factors that independently contribute to functional impairment in schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a mental illness characterized by functional impairment. Gagan Fervaha, a PhD candicate at U of T is one of the co-authors of the study. According to him, functional impairment can be thought of as an extensive range of hindrances to functioning well as a member of society. Fervaha says these include impairments in
self-care, living independently, social engagement, and occupational functioning. The symptoms of schizophrenia can be categorized into positive, negative, and cognitive. Positive symptoms refer to thoughts and behaviors “added on” to an individual, such as hallucinations and delusions. These are the more commonly addressed and actively treated symptoms of schizophrenia. On the other hand, negative symptoms indicate a “lack of” emotion, expression or motivation. Cognitive symptoms involve an impaired ability to process information and make decisions, in addition to problems with attention and poor working memory. A total of 754 participants between the ages of 18-65 took part in the year-long study. The diagnoses were based on the criteria for schizophrenia outlined in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (dsm-iv), which defines standardized guidelines for mental health professionals. Participants’ functional outcomes were primarily measured using HeinrichsCarpenter Quality of Life Scale (qls), which is associated with objective functional milestones, such as employment and independent living. Researchers used two different approaches to measure functional outcome: a broad
globa l measure t hat describes va rious aspects of f unct iona l i mpa i rments a nd a measurement of i nd iv idua l doma i ns, such as def icits i n pa r t icipat ion i n com mun it y act iv it ies, socia l relat ionsh ips a nd occupat iona l f unct ion i ng. “Both motivational deficits, deficits in initiation and persistence of goals, as well as cognitive deficits, which include impairments in memory and attention, were independently predictive of longitudinal functional outcome,” said Fervaha. He further explains that the ability of an individual to function in the community a year later is uniquely inf luenced by a combination of both motivational and cognitive deficits. The results of this study suggest that amotivation and neurocognition impairment inhibit functional recovery in individuals with schizophrenia. Consequently, functional outcome can be improved by reducing these symptoms. It is interesting to note that positive symptoms do not significantly inf luence longitudinal functional outcome. A different but related study also by Remington demonstrates the positive correlation between the two, suggesting that motivational impairment impacts cognition.
Further research on motivational and neurocognitive deficits can potentially lead to new approaches in making advances in treatment for schizophrenia. Currently, limited treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (cbt) and antipsychotics, focus on the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. “Many people are able to live life effectively in the community, but some people struggle with daily living and among these people it is usually the motivational deficits that are impeding their ability to live the best that they can,” said Fervaha. He emphasized the importance of understanding both the psychological and neurobiological mechanisms underlying motivational deficits. Motivation, or motivated behavior, is a broad concept and can be broken down into subcomponents, such as award evaluation and effort computation, which are mediated by different neuromechanisms. “Understa nd i ng t he neuromechan isms underly ing mot ivat iona l def icits, i n pa r t icula r t he subcomponents of mot ivat iona l def icits, a l lows i ntervent ion to i mprove outcomes for i nd iv idua ls,” sa id Fer va ha .
VARSITY SCIENCE
20 Vol. CXXV, No. 1
science@thevarsity.ca
Biological joint replacement revolutionized by 3D printing U of T researchers use 3D printers to create regenerative joint replacements Sandy Wang
VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR
Arthritis and other joint disorders are among the top causes of disabilities in North America today. Joint pain is most common among people over the age of 50, but also affects many young people who suffer injuries from high impact sports. Researchers from the University of Toronto are using 3D printing technology to revolutionize treatment with biological joint replacements, a promising alternative to the artificial joint replacement surgeries that have become routine procedures.
Osteoarthritis, the breakdown of cartilage between bones, is the most common type of chronic joint disorder. Approximately one in six Canadians aged 15 years and older report symptoms of arthritis, yet surgery for joint replacement is usually the last line of treatment, often delayed for as long as possible. Currently, artificial joints are synthesized from metals and plastics that break down after 10 to 20 years and can erode or loosen even sooner. These artificial replacements may not provide a long-term solution for people with joint disorders. Scientists at the U of T are now taking part in a multidisciplinary collaborative project with partners
from other Ontario universities including Waterloo, Guelph, McMaster, and Queens. The project aims to create biological joint replacements using 3D printing technology to provide longer-lasting joints that are catered to the individual. Dr. Rita Kandel, chief of pathology at Mount Sinai Hospital and director of the Collaborative Program in Musculoskeletal Sciences at U of T, is part of the team that heads this research. “Currently, if you damage your joint, there is no good way to repair it,” said Kandel. “Metal and plastic doesn’t belong in the body and cannot repair itself. By generating a biological implant using
the individual’s own cells, it will reconstruct a normal, native joint surface,” she added These biological joint replacements will overcome the many deficits of available technology. Cartilage — the soft connective tissue that is fused to bone — does not typically self-repair, but the biological joint replacement helps the body do just that. The process begins by taking Xray images of the damaged joint. Using these images, a 3D printer deposits porous material at certain locations to reconstruct the bone shape in the form of a bone substitute. This porous bone substitute matches the bone shape
and size of each individual and is able to support the growth of cells and formation of cartilage. By integrating cartilage to the top surface of the bone substitute, bone can grow into the porous substitute. The bone substitute eventually degrades, leaving the whole area replaced with the patient’s own bone and cartilage. “It’s the part I call ‘personalized’ to the individual,” said Kandel. The team is currently working toward the implementation of the procedure. Kandel estimates that clinical trials will be a possibility in five years. “I believe it’s the way of the future,” said Kandel.
Quantum simulator suggests new principle in atomic gases U of T researchers achieve lowest levels of temperature and pressure to understand quantum materials Nadezhda Woinowsky-Krieger VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR
A team of researchers at the University of Toronto’s Ultracold Atoms Lab may have discovered a lower
limit to the rate at which atomic gases near absolute zero demagnetize. Dr. Joseph Thywissen, an associate professor at the department of physics, and his team are studying a simulator system of ultracold gases, whose properties
resemble that of the enigmatic quantum materials but whose components interact at slower and therefore more observable rates. “The reason there’s still mysteries is because, if you want to see how quickly something re-
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laxes in a material, you’ve gotta be quick,” explained Thywissen. “Electrons relax in femtoseconds, on the scale of 10 to the minus 15 seconds. Whereas in our lab our atoms relax in milliseconds, 10 to the minus three seconds. The
difference between those two is something you can and cannot see in a lab,” he said. The “relaxation” mentioned by Thywissen describes the phenomenon of a system returning to its most balanced position, and in this case is known as diffusion. For instance, if one were to take a hot dish out of the oven and let it sit, the heat would then spread, or diffuse throughout the dish until it is equally hot everywhere. “We do something very much like that to our system, only instead of putting it in the oven, we twist the spin direction, and then the relaxation process we get, instead of heat diffusion, is spin diffusion,” said Thywissen Spin, in this case, is an attribute inherent to quantum particles and is key to many real world effects, such as magnetism. Thywissen’s team captured individual atoms in a container, and manipulated their spin direction with a magnetic field into an uneven state. They then measured how long it took for the spin directions of the particles to diffuse along a spiral pattern until the system relaxed to equilibrium. At an extremely low temperature — almost at absolute zero and an extremely sparse distribution of particles — the researchers have determined a lower limit to the speed of the diffusivity process that can be described with surprising mathematical simplicity. There is still a long way to go with research in quantum materials. “I do believe that someone will turn this into an equation, into a theory, and into an understanding. But for now, that’s yet to be understood,” Thywissen said.
Sports
VAR.ST/SPORTS
11 AUGUST 2014
sports@thevarsity.ca
Goldring Centre to promote active living and campus pride
Opening in late 2014, the facility is set to provide new opportunities for staff, students, and affiliates Reshara Alviarez
VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR
The Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport will serve as a new facility on campus to students, staff, researchers, and affiliated members of the University of Toronto in the upcoming academic year. According to Ira Jacobs, the dean of physical education and health, the Goldring Centre will embody some of the university’s values, serving to promote the pursuit of excellence and healthy active living. Jacobs believes that, in the past, there has been an unequivocal lack of research funding in Canada for projects involving sports investment. “With events like the Winter Olympics in Vancouver and the upcoming PanAm Games in 2015, we as Canadians obviously place a great deal of value on sport, but unlike other valuable undertakings, the major funding agencies seem to fall short in this area,” said Jacobs. He stressed the situational need of the centre, noting that the student population at U of T has grown substantially — a growth that has not been accompanied by any remarkable increase in athletic funding. “The Goldring Centre will integrate opportunities for athlete training with sports medicine and sports science research... Not just students
The Goldring Centre is set to open this October. JENNIFER SU/THE VARSITy
in the faculty of kinesiology, but all students will benefit from the state of the art facilities that the centre has to offer,” said Jacobs. Beth Ali, director of intercollegiate sport at U of T, shares Jacobs’s excitement about the Goldring Centre. “The development of this facility will allow for more training and practice time for athletes, lending itself to opportunities for athlete recruitment, which is a significant part of any athletic program. This will make us more attractive to students across the city,” said Ali.
With its field house, two new basketball and volleyball courts, and the expanded state of the art sports medicine facility, the Goldring Centre is also being built in hopes that it will help to promote and encourage growing levels of school spirit. “We want the Blues to be a catalyst for campus pride,” said Ali, adding:“Because we’re so big, it sometimes presents challenges that we have to address. We need a program that people can be proud of.” “This is an opportunity for us to show we can also be a strong player
in athletics. We want everyone to be a Varsity Blue,” she added. Ali believes that, with the new facilities, it will be far less of a challenge to engage students at the three campuses. She hopes that this year, students will be more inclined to come out to Varsity Blues games. Michelle Brownrigg, director of physical activity and equity at U of T, also believes that the centre will encourage campus engagement. Brownrigg hopes that the completion of the centre will send a message to everyone that U of T cares
about the leadership opportunities available to its students and staff. “The lack of infrastructure in the past has posed a number of problems and, as a result, the city of Toronto was never recognized for excellence in high performance sport. It is hoped that the centre will change this perspective,” said Brownrigg. “It will provide a great opportunity for jobs on campus, allow for more co-curricular activities, and make it more accessible for all students to take advantage of the additional space made available to them,” she added. As director of equity, Brownrigg stresses the equity mandate of the faculty, noting that the centre will be another opportunity for the university to engage many different individuals, and accommodating for the varying needs of each student. The centre recently received a $22.5 million investment by the Province of Ontario, which, coupled with the support of other national and provincial sport governing bodies, will ensure that the centre exceeds expectations in all areas of athlete development and sports medicine research. As the facility nears its final stages of construction, the university hopes to officially open its doors to the student body with an open house in late October.
Q&A: Kevin Bradfield and Gurjant Singh The 2013 CIS All-Canadian sits down with rising star Gurjant Singh After finishing its first .500 season last year, the Varsity Blues football team is looking to use this momentum to head to the playoffs and Vanier Cup this year. Kevin Bradfield looks to lead the team as one of its most veteran and successful athletes, while exciting new recruit Gurjant Singh, who has previously played on the provincial team, is a rookie to look out for. Both athletes sat down together to discuss their backgrounds, football, and the upcoming season. Kevin Bradfield: What position did you play in high school and where did you attend? Gurjant Singh: I went to high school at St. Joseph secondary school in Mississauga. While I was there I played a multitude of positions such as quarterback, runningback, defensive line, tight end, and linebacker...I played about every position on the field. KB: Are you open to playing [multiple] positions? GS: Yes, I am very open to playing new positions as I have been exposed to [many] during my three years of high school football and six years of
sure to watch a lot of game film on myself so that I could improve my game play and techniques. KB: Your preparation will pay off; get ready to take some freezing ice baths to heal your body. KB: What is your favourite thing about football? GS: My favorite thing about football is the team aspect of it. I love being social, and building a camaraderie with my teammates helps to build a connection on the field which aids us in team work and winning.
coURTESy oF THE VARSITy blUES
rep football. I tried to play any position that I was allowed to. KB: Be prepared to be placed where you are needed, and take any opportunity to get on to the field. I had never returned a single kick until university and it’s now my specialty. KB: What aspirations and goals do you have for yourself as a football player? GS: Personally, I would like to be-
come a solid starter at defensive end and lead the team or league in sacks at some point in my career. KB: How did you prepare yourself for training camp? GS: I prepared myself by playing for my rep football team, the Mississauga Warriors, during the summer and also making sure that I was able to get all my workouts and training done. Mentally I made
KB: How are you going to impact this team and what sets you apart from the next guy? GS: I’m going to impact this team by bringing a lighthearted and energy filled attitude to the team. I feel that with my wealth of experience and being guided by so many established coaches, I have an advantage with how fast that I can pick up on a scheme or technique. KB: These things will help you. Here’s a hint: never take a play off in a game or in practice. Every rep is crucial, and an opportunity to get better individually and as a team. Here’s another: someone is always
watching. Your focus and hard work will be recognized. KB: Outside of football, what do you enjoy doing? GS: I enjoy watching a good movie, biking, and working out, of course. KB: What program and courses are you taking? BS: I am going to be majoring in political science, so a majority of my classes revolve around that, and I am also taking some first year intro to social science courses. KB: Why did you choose the University of Toronto? GS: I chose the University of Toronto because of its strong education backing, and I feel that the Varsity Blues are on the brink of being a top contender for the Vanier Cup in the coming years. I would very much like to be a part of that. KB: Are you ready to win a Vanier Cup? GS: Yes I am. This interview has been condensed and edited for length and clarity.
22 Vol. CXXV No. 1
VARSITY SPORTS
sports@thevarsity.ca
Everyone’s a Varsity Blue Beth Ali, Director of Intercollegiate and High Performance Sport, discusses her experience with the Varsity Blues Sean Xu
VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR
courtesy of varsity blues
For Beth Ali, you don’t have to be athletic to share in the Varsity Blues experience. The University of Toronto’s director of intercollegiate and high performance sport brings 20 years of athletic, administrative, and other experience to the University of Toronto Athletics program. Ali has established a prominent presence on campus, working to create strong relationships with athletes and coaches as well as develop a legacy through the development of the university’s new athletic facilities. Ali’s current goals include engaging U of T’s student population with the Varsity Blues through reviving traditions and spirit that has been lost over the years. Ali began her career playing field hockey under the coaching and guidance of Marina van der Merwe at York University. At the time, Van der Merwe was also the coach for the Canadian national team. Ali cites this experience, as well as a general passion for sport and athletics, as factors which catalyzed her interest in coaching. Over the years, Ali has become quite appreciative of what she feels is a rather unique opportunity to give back to the sports community and young athletes through her position. “I always say that what we do here in athletics is human development through sport,” said Ali. Coaching provides Ali with the opportunity to bring out the best in others. As director, Ali occasionally thinks of herself as the head coach of the coaches. Indeed, it could be argued that everyone with an interest in helping the development of individuals is a coach, from teachers to residence advisors. The effectiveness of these coaches at U of T is evident in the school’s stellar academic reputation. However, while Ali is proud of the school’s academic muscle, she would love for the Varsity Blues program to define our institution in equal measure. “I think now the need is to really find ways to engage the student body around
Varsity athletics, to give the student body something to belong to so that everybody is a Blue,” she said. Ali hopes to attain this goal by drawing incoming freshmen into the Blues community. The goal is to build a following within which Ali hopes to rekindle traditions that U of T seems to have lost in its athletics, such as dances and cheers. Ali first focused on competitiveness when coming into her role as director. “People want to support winning programs. You don’t have to win a championship every year, you don’t have to be at the pinnacle year after year, but you need success, you have to be good,” she said. This past year, the success of various teams, such as both men’s and women’s Ontario University Athletics (oua) titles and outstanding Canadian Interuniversity Sport (cis) performances, and the football team’s first 4-4 record in the past 20 years, seems to indicate that the Blues have made it. The Blues, however, are not competing just with our academic reputation, but also with the grandness of the university and city. As any school club or game of broken telephone will tell you, it is difficult to reach out to an entire student body; the Blues compete with all of the city’s major sports events. Nonetheless, Ali is proud of the relationships she has built with her staff and athletes. She works hard to show her support for every team, the rule of thumb being to see every team compete at least twice a year and to aim to accompany teams to nationals when they qualify. “I think they know that my primary motivation is for them to be successful, from an academic perspective and an athletic perspective,” said Ali. As one can imagine, the life and responsibilities of a director don’t leave Ali with much down time; due to her passion for her job, and its many requirements, she admits that she does not really have the opportunity to follow many sports outside of the Varsity Blues organization. Nevertheless, she expresses diehard devotion to the Maple Leafs as well as excitement for the Blue Jays’ current streak.
Men’s soccer team looks to get to top of OUA standings Last year’s quarter final loss is in the past Peter Nash
VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR
The Varsity Blues Men’s soccer team played its first game of Ontario University Athletics (oua) on August 30 against the Laurentian Voyageurs on home turf at Varsity Centre. Before this first game, the team began its training camp in mid-August, and attended the Old Four tournament in Kingston, where U of T, Queen’s, Western, and McGill competed in pre-season games from August 23–24. Last year, the season ended at the hands of oua East Champions the Ryerson Rams in the quarter-final. The game couldn’t have come closer, ending in dying seconds of overtime. The city rivals will be a team to beat this season. This season will feature a great mix of veteran and talented young players, Particular-
ly including team captain Ezequiel Lubocki. Lubocki will be most excited to come back from his acl injury. “I did not get to participate in the play-offs last year, so for me, playing this season will be extremely rewarding after a long year of rehab,” he said. Coach Anthony Capotosto will be at the helm again this season. “The best part is working with the student-athletes who work hard, are dedicated, and motivated to succeed,” he noted. The team has several returning players this season, as well as 10 recruited players who joined the team for its training camp. Thirty players are going to be reporting for camp this year, which is the most that the team has ever had. The goal for the group this year will be the same as every year: to win the oua East title, the oua championship, and the Canadian Interuniversity Sport national championship.
courtesy of varsity blues
var.st/sports
VARSITY SPORTS
courtesy of varsity blues
Women’s soccer aims to top last year’s fifth place finish in CIS
New coach brings new attitude to push team further in its play-off run Peter Nash
VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR
Last year, the women’s soccer team finished strong in fifth place in the Canadian Intercollegiate Sports (cis) finals at Varsity Centre, pairing with its 10-3-3 record of the season. The team has a new coach this season, Stuart Neely, who is promoting a culture of improved training physically, and psychologically in the game, with a significant emphasis on the team’s mental approach. This season, strong play will be important for player Sara Petrucci. Last year, she exhibited strong performance and good communication skills. The team will look for the same type of support this season. Lisa English will be a key defender for the team as the returning captain. The midfield crew will have Olivia Gonsalves and
Claudia Piazza helping the team’s transition game. Assisting Neely will be former players Laura Macho and Diana Esteireiro as assistant coaches. “Every coach has an idea of what they want, but eventually it is the players that will dictate what we do based on their ability to perform and what brings the best out of them,” said Neely. This year, the Ontario University Athletic (oua) Final Four will take place November 1 in Hamilton, with the cis finals on November 6 in Charlottetown, pei. With heavy goals for the team, its focus will be to place first in the oua East, as they battle with strong teams from the University of Ottawa and Carleton University this year. Lisa English feels positively about the incoming team, “This squad has been through many hardships and we know how to fight through adversity. We will be ready to win battles this year.”
MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2014
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Scarborough Campus Bladen Wing 1265 Military Trail Scarborough ON M1C 1A4 (416) 724-8213