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eight full pages
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AMS ELECTIONS
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the ubyssey
JANUARY 13, 2011 • volume 92, number xxxi • room 24, student union building • published monday and thursday • feedback@ubyssey.ca
enter the coliseum
UBC’s Got Talent is coming to the Chan Centre this friday. Learn all about the show, the participants and the talent on
page 13.
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events
january 13, 2011 volume xcii, no xxxi editorial coordinating editor
ongoing events
news editor
Ubyssey Production • Come help
Justin McElroy : coordinating@ubyssey.ca Arshy Mann : news@ubyssey.ca
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us create this baby! Learn about layout and editing. Expect to be fed. • Every Sunday and Wednesday, 2pm.
Jonny Wakefield & Bryce Warnes : culture@ubyssey.ca
Man Ray, African Art and the Modernist Lens • A groundbreak-
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culture illustrator Indiana Joel : ijoel@ubyssey.ca
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ing exhibition exploring the pivotal role of photography in changing the perception of African objects from artifacts to fine art. • Ongoing til Jan. 23, Museum of Anthropology.
multimedia editor
Skating at Robson Square • Free public skating rink, with skate and helmet rentals, skate sharpening and a concession stand on site. • Ongoing til Feb. 28, Sunday to Thursday 9am–9pm, Friday to Saturday 9am–11pm, free.
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Remembering the disaster in Haiti: “Voices from Our Hearts” • Jan.
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12 will mark the first anniversary of the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti. Over 250,000 people lost their lives and countless victims were seriously injured and handicapped. To this day over one million are still homeless. Come spend a day in remembrance and prayer. • 7pm, The Unitarian Church of Vancouver, 949 – 49th Avenue, Oak Street.
arts week careers in the arts symposium • Explore your career
options at the careers symposium as part of Arts Week 2011. • 5pm, Laserre Building.
Fernie Pereira : business@ubyssey.ca
Thursday, JAN. 13
Kathy Yan Li : advertising@ubyssey.ca
Stylus Phantasticus: Mystery and Exoticism in 17th Century Trio Sonatas • A programme of
print ad sales web ad sales
Paul Bucci : webads@ubyssey.ca
accounts
Alex Hoopes : accounts@ubyssey,ca
contributors Samantha Jung Karina Palmitesta Kellan Higgins Erika Baker Ashleigh Murphy
Michael Chung Paul Bucci Josh Curran Teresa Matich
Front cover illustration by Indiana Joel
legal The Ubyssey is the official student newspaper of the University of British Columbia. It is published every Monday and Thursday by The Ubyssey Publications Society. We are an autonomous, democratically run student organization, and all students are encouraged to participate. Editorials are chosen and written by the Ubyssey staff. They are the expressed opinion of the staff, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Ubyssey Publications Society or the University of British Columbia. All editorial content appearing in The Ubyssey is the property of The Ubyssey Publications Society. Stories, opinions, photographs and artwork contained herein cannot be reproduced without the expressed, written permission of The Ubyssey Publications Society. The Ubyssey is a founding member of Canadian University Press (CUP) and adheres to CUP’s guiding principles. Letters to the editor must be under 300 words. Please include your phone number, student number and signature (not for publication) as well as your year and faculty with all submissions. ID will be checked when submissions are dropped off at the editorial office of The Ubyssey; otherwise verification will be done by phone. “Perspectives” are opinion pieces over 300 words but under 750 words and are run according to space. “Freestyles” are opinion pieces written by Ubyssey staff members. Priority will be given to letters and perspectives over freestyles unless the latter is time sensitive. Opinion pieces will not be run until the identity of the writer has been verified. The Ubyssey reserves the right to edit submissions for length and clarity. All letters must be received by 12 noon the day before intended publication. Letters received after this point will be published in the following issue unless there is an urgent time restriction or other matter deemed relevant by the Ubyssey staff. It is agreed by all persons placing display or classified advertising that if the Ubyssey Publications Society fails to publish an advertisement or if an error in the ad occurs the liability of the UPS will not be greater than the price paid for the ad. The UPS shall not be responsible for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value or the impact of the ad.
virtuoso Trio Sonatas from the 17th century, featuring leading musicians from Canada and the West Coast. The programme will include music by composers such as Schmelzer, Rosenmüller, Reinecken, Erlebach, Legrenzi, Leclair, Rebel and Clérambault. • 5–6:30pm, Green College, free.
Film Screening: Spin the Bottle —Sex, Lies and Alcohol • As part
of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) at UBC we invite you to join us for a screening of Spin the Bottle: Sex, Lies and Alcohol, a film by activists, professors and filmmakers Jean Kilbourne and Jackson Katz. This film discusses issues of alcohol and sexual assault and explores the roles that media play in how we think about sex and intoxication. A question and answer will follow with on-campus experts in sexuality, sexual assault, health and wellness. • 6:30pm, Woodward 6, e-mail
sa.awareness@ubc.ca for more information. Q&A with Minister Baird and Deborah Meredith • Come by
for a chance to meet, ask questions and speak with both current and future federal politicians. Guests include Minister John Baird and Conservative candidate Deborah Meredith. Free pizza will be provided. • 3:30pm, The Global Lounge, Marine Drive Residence.
Friday, JAN. 14 UBC’s Got Talent • Be a part of history in the making—UBC’s very first campus-wide talent showcase! Watch participants as they perform their way into your hearts on the world-renowned stage at the Chan Centre. Don’t have a ticket yet? Just go online and claim one. Need more incentive to make it down to the show? UBC President Stephen Toope and AMS President Bijan Ahmadian will sing a duet if all the seats are claimed! • 8–10pm, Chan Centre for the Performing Arts. Tickets are by donation at the door, book online at talent.ubc.ca. The AUS Presents: MARDI GRAS •
What other way to end an awesome week dedicated to everything arty-farty but a Mardi Gras dance party! Dig up your old love beads and put on those glowsticks and face paint because it’s going to be awesome. With winner of the CiTR DJ contest, Vinyla Xtrax, opening up the show, followed by Hood Internet, be sure to come early to dominate the dance floor. $2.50 ciders and beers. • Jan. 14, 8pm–12am, SUB Ballroom. Ticket info unreleased. 19+ event.
Haiti’s Humanitarian Crisis One Year Later • There will be a panel
discussion and video screening featuring local aid and solidarity activists. This event is organized by Haiti Solidarity BC and co-sponsored by Help Hear Haiti, Hands Hearts and Minds for Haiti at stopwar.ca. • 7pm, Harbour Center, 515 W. Hastings St, call (778) 858-5179 or go to canadahaitiaction.ca for more information.
Saturday, JAN. 15 Great Piano Concertos • Piano
students of Corey Hamm present an evening of piano concertos by Barber, Rachmaninoff and Liszt. • 7–9pm, UBC Music Building Recital Hall, free.
sunday, jan. 16 opera tea on the stage • UBC
Opera ensemble presents their
January is a busy, busy month, as you can see. Send us your events while you still can! events@ubyssey.ca
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newest series, Opera Teas on the Stage, with shortened versions of operas in a cabaret setting on the stage of their new theatre. Light refreshments are served. • 2–4pm, UBC Old Auditorium, $20 adults, $15 students/ seniors. Reservations required, call (604) 822-6725 to reserve.
monday, jan. 17 breath of the world • This talk,
led by David Prest, Green College Resident Member, addresses how poetry can cross the boundaries of culture, race, gender, sexuality, politics, religion, science and the arts. No matter what your field of study, this interdisciplinary evening will focus on what we have in common through the global language of poetry. • 8–9pm, Coach House, Green College, free event, go to greencollege.ca or e-mail gc.events.@ubc.ca for more information.
Movie Screening: Inside Mecca and the legacy of muhammad • The UBC Muslim Students
Jan. 29, 7:30–9pm, Telus Studio Theatre, $22/$15/$10, book tickets online at ubctheatre.universitytickets.com. islam awareness week discussion panel • The UBC Muslim
Student Association presents four different discussions as part of Islam Awareness Week on campus. The discussions include: Pillars of Islam and Articles of Faith, the Prophets and the Scriptures, Women in Islam: Oppressed or Honoured?, What is Jihad? and Are all Muslims Arab? A Glimpse into the Multiculturalism in Islam. • 3:30– 6pm, Woodward 2, free.
thursday, jan. 20 I-SLAM: Expressed •Part of Islam
Awareness Week. Come by for an evening of talent and breaking misconceptions through art, featuring spoken word artist Boonaa Mohammed and local talents. • 6:30–9pm, Woodward 6, $5.
tuesday, jan. 18
water wars • Water Wars features an array of water-themed activities. With classics including joust, inner tube water polo and water basketball, this year’s events promise to be a splash! • 6:30pm–2am, Aquatic Centre, $80–175, register by Jan. 13, go to rec.ubc.ca for more information.
la marea • La Marea is an out-
friday, jan. 21
Association is presenting two film screenings as part of Islam Awareness Week on campus: Inside Mecca and The Legacy of Muhammad. • 1–2pm and 3–5pm, Woodward 1, free.
door, site-specific performance conceived by artist Mariano Pensotti of Buenos Aires. Made up of nine different scenes, audience members move freely from street corners to illuminated store windows, creating their own narrative. A man lies on the ground following a motorbike accident; an insomniac tosses and turns; a couple has their first kiss. Projected subtitles reveal the intimate thoughts of the characters in these poignant vignettes showcasing the beginning of love, the end of love and everything in between. • Runs until Jan. 22, 7–9pm, Gastown, Zero hundred block Water St, free admission.
Jabulile!–A Monologue • An ac-
complished young storyteller gives life to the struggles and secrets of four market vendors from Swaziland. Transforming herself into a dozen different characters, Kemiyondo Coutinho finds the humour and resiliency in these women who seek a way past loss and brutality to the future. • 6:30– 8pm, Marine Drive Ballroom.
wednesday, jan. 19 Circa + 46 Circus acts in 45 Minutes • Presented with PuSh
International Performing Arts Festival, Circa, created from the Brisbane, Australia-based troupe Circa’s most acclaimed works, is an extraordinary performance that is breathtaking, beautiful and sexy. Impossible to forget, the company is hailed worldwide as one of the most dynamic forces in new circus. • 7:30– 9:30pm, Freddy Wood Theatre, rush tickets $12 for students, 2pm matinee $12.50 adult/$5 under 12 years/$25 family of four, buy tickets online at ubctheatre.universitytickets.com or call (604) 822-2678. dead man’s cell phone • An in-
cessantly ringing cell phone in a quiet café. A stranger at the next table who has had enough. And a dead man—with a lot of loose ends. So begins Dead Man’s Cell Phone, a funny, affecting and often otherworldly exploration of modern life from American playwriting sensation, Sarah Ruhl [The Clean House]. • Runs until
islam awareness week keynote event • Feature Lecture: The
Legacy of Muhammad: Terror or Greatness? Featuring guest speakers Sheikh Navaid Aziz and Dr. Syed Ibn Iqbal. • 6:30– 9:30pm, Woodward 2, $10, $5 student discount.
SIKILIZA: A toast to Mama Africa • An Afro-fusion night with per-
formances, entertainment and a DJ celebrating the end of Africa Awareness Conference Week. • 7:30pm, Abdul Ladha Centre, $10 non-members, $7 regular members, $5 premium members. science week carnival • Love the carnival? Love happy clowns? You don’t? We don’t either. No clowns will be there. However, we do have your favourites like a bouncy castle, popcorn and cotton candy. If you love to bounce or watch other people bounce, come stuff your face and join us for a rip roaring good time. • 12–4pm, in front of Ladha (inside in case of rain), free.
sunday, jan. 23 brassfest! • The UBC School of Music presents their first annual BrassFest! For brass players of all ages and levels, featuring guest artist and Northwestern University professor Gail Williams. • 12pm–6pm, UBC Old Auditorium, free pre-registration by Friday, Jan. 21 at noon, $20 registration fee at the door, to preregister, go to music.ubc.ca/ brassfest or e-mail brass.fest@ ubc.ca.
monday, jan. 24 science w eek k ickof f • The
opening ceremony for Science Week 2011. It will feature the talents of the Burnaby North Vikings (marching band), the UBC Cheerleaders, a flag ceremony, free food (and cake) and high spirits! Join at any time by falling in step with the parade that will be travelling around campus starting from the Rose Garden. More festivities will be held at Abdul Ladha Science Student Centre (where there will be face painting and food). • 11am–2pm, UBC campus, free.
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News
editor ARSHY MANN » news@ubyssey.ca assistant editor KALYEENA MAKORTOFF » kmakortoff@ubyssey.ca SENIOR WRITER MICKI COWAN » mcowan@ubyssey.ca
Chaaban back in race
AMS Elections Committee reinstates electoral candidate Kalyeena Makortoff kmakortoff@ubyssey.ca Presidential candidate Omar Chaaban was reinstated to the AMS presidential race late Tuesday evening after the AMS Elections Committee completed an investigation regarding Chaaban’s incomplete nomination form. On Monday, January 10, Elections Administrator Erik MacKinnon had announced that Chaaban was disqualified when one of his 50 nomination signatures was deemed invalid. The student number of the individual was initially found invalid by UBC Enrollment Services. Chaaban had collected the minimum amount of nominations, and the questionable signature left him with only 49 nominations, disqualifying him from participating in the AMS elections. The student nomination in question was ruled a legitimate member of the AMS, after re-checking their registration details. A press release issued Tuesday evening explained that the student is no longer registered at UBC, but is attending Corpus Christi College, an affiliate of St. Mark’s College and an affiliate of the AMS. According to the press release, the student admitted that their finances were not in order and it was unclear whether their AMS fees had been paid or not. “On Monday Erik told me not to worry about it and to continue campaigning,” Omar Chaaban
Man attacked near UBC Police are investigating a Monday morning attack on a 31-year-old man in the 4700-block of West Fifth Avenue near Blanca Street, according to CTV. Const. Lindsey Houghton said that the victim is currently in critical condition and has multiple injuries, adding that police knew the victim and that the victim knew his attacker. CTV captured footage of a substantial amount of blood smeared on the outside wall of a residence. Police say that a baseball bat might have been used in the attack. Candidates withdr aw from Board, VP External races
geoff lister file Photo/The Ubyssey
explained. He did continue campaigning until later that night when he was officially disqualified. “But when I talked to the student, she assured me she’d paid AMS fees,” Chaaban said. “I wanted to look into it and Erik really did his research.” MacKinnon said he contacted Director of Operations at Corpus Christi and St. Mark’s Helen Lamb who found that the fees were transferred to the AMS from St. Mark’s College in November 2010. AMS Accounting Supervisor
Amy Lam also confirmed that the payment had been received, paid on Corpus Christi’s behalf. The nominator was assuredly “a valid member of the AMS and therefore a valid nominator on Omar’s nomination form.” “Erik, the elections administrator, was trying to call me all day, [but] I was in class.” Chaaban got the call “right after I finished class and he explained to me, in great detail, the whole thing. I was expecting him to say that he did all he could and
I was still out of the race, but instead he told me I was back in.” “I’m just really, really happy that I’m back in the race,” said Chaaban. “I sincerely hope that future candidates view this as a lesson to collect more signatures than the minimum amount required to submit their nomination,” MacKinnon said. “Thankfully, this situation has worked out for the positive, and Omar Chaaban is free to run for the AMS Presidency.” U
UBC student awarded Rhodes Scholarship Erika Baker Contributor Aneil Jaswal was having dinner at a restaurant last term when he received the phone call he had been waiting for: the Rhodes Scholarship selection decision. The man on the phone started the conversation by talking about how difficult of a choice it was to select who had won the scholarship, valued at $150,000 for educational expenses, at Oxford University. “You think it’s not a good response but you are hopeful,” Jaswal said. After the man on the phone told him that he had won the scholarship, right there in the restaurant, his heart jumped. Jaswal contacted his parents with the good news, but had no idea how excited they were until he returned home to Vernon, BC for the winter break. Family members had created a banner and t-shirts to celebrate his achievement, a reaction Jaswal didn’t expect. Ja s wa l sh a red h i s st or y with The Ubyssey over coffee and laughed at the unforeseen
NEWS BRIEFS
Aneil Jaswal, Rhodes Scholarship winner. josh curran photo/The Ubyssey
situation. He will be one of 11 Rhodes Scholars from Canada studying at Oxford University next September, where he intends to study global health science, global governance diplomacy or public health in the form of two masters or a PhD.
Jaswal is no stranger to his fields of interest. He has had the privilege to intern with the World Health Organization in Geneva, as well as conduct research in Nairobi where he helped investigate how cell phone use can improve health results in HIV
patients. Jaswal also worked with Social Capital Partners, a national not-for-profit social finance organization. Jaswal is currently a fourthyear Land and Food Systems student enrolled in the Global Resource Systems program. During his time at UBC, Jaswal has taken advantage of the campus community through investing his time with STAND Darfur, creating an online course for Health Sciences Online and leading a Student Directed Seminar on trade, aid and international health. “UBC is a big place and the size is a bit of a challenge at first, but over the years I’ve learned how to take advantage of it and just enjoy it all,” Jaswal said. With only a few months left until he graduates, Jaswal has been thinking of building a bucket list of things he wants to take part in on campus before leaving for Oxford, such as participating in Storm the Wall and exploring Pacific Spirit Park. Jaswal is thankful for the relationships he has built at UBC and is getting ready to graduate and begin his new adventure. U
As some candidates moved forward with their campaigns in the 2011 AMS Elections, others ceased their involvement altogether. Sean Cregten and Mike Silley have both resigned from the Board of Governors (BoG) race. Silley is still a contender in the VP Administration race. In addition, Noam Chomsky, who has no relation and bears no resemblence to the real professor and philosopher, has withdrawn his name from the VP External race. According to the AMS Elections Twitter account, Weina Zhou has removed herself from the Senate race due to personal reasons. UBC doc t or s f ind l in k between Down’s syndrome and Alzheimer’s UBC researchers have discovered the genetic mechanism responsible for development of Alzheimer’s Disease in both the general public and those who have Down’s Syndrome. According to a UBC press release, excessive production of Regulator of Calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) is the catalyst for a chain reaction that eliminates neurons in the cortex and hippocampus in people with Alzheimer’s and Down’s Syndrome. The researchers say that this is a potential new target for drugs that treat dementia in those patients. “We can develop therapies that interfere with the gene’s ability to produce that protein, and hopefully short-circuit the destruction of brain cells,” said Dr. Weihong Song, Canada Research Chair and professor of psychiatry at UBC. Cellphone use in classroom promoted in new program Top Hat Monocle, a company founded by recent engineering graduates, has created a program that utilizes both computers and mobile devices in the classroom to increase communication between students and professors. Seeking to revitalize and update the student experience, they developed MonocleCAT, software that allows for interactive participation through quizzes and polls created by instructors. Founders of the program say they have tracked a five to seven per cent grade increase with software use in the classroom. Launched at the University of Waterloo last year, usage will be expanded to Wilfred Laurier University this semester.
U
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32 Interviews
Coach’s Corner
2011.01.13/ubyssey.ca/Elections/5
Elections Turbulant 2011 Alma Mater Society Yearbook
Trio
Moll, McElroy, Chaaban and their platforms
Election Profiles
from all major campaigns check out 30 second videos
Online at Ubyssey.ca
Full Stats ROUNDUP
AMS President
6/ubyssey.ca/Elections/2011.01.13
Questions for the AMS Presidential Candidates
4th Year Arts
Omar Chaaban
1. What specific qualities suit you for the position of AMS President? 2. What is the proper relationship the AMS should have with the university? 3. If you could only accomplish one specific initiative next year, what would it be? 4. Assuming the AMS doesn’t have enough funds, what are the core functions of the AMS that must be preserved? And what would be first to go? 5. UBC will soon begin discussions to move to a new governance model for non-academic lands. How should students be represented in this?
What does the AMS President do? The President of the AMS is the leader and spokesman of UBC’s student society. As such, they chair the executive committee and oversee the actions of the vice-presidents, are responsible for setting the agenda of council meetings and typically choose a few areas to focus their time and energy each year.
1. I was the vice president of the Canadian Arab Federation, which lobbies the government and various government institutions. I was in charge of the BC chapter
and through this job I gained experience in talking to politicians and ministers. As President of SPHR (an AMS club), I developed excellent relations with the university president and administration. I know the position very well and I know what I am fighting for.
2. It should be a relationship based on moderation. Not too antagonistic and not
too friendly. The AMS is a student union and should behave as such. Its job is to fight for whatever the students want regardless of the university’s position. Having said that, there is no need for the AMS to be hostile to the university. 3. Lowering tuition fees is going to be my top priority.
3rd Year Commerce
5th Year Arts
1. A President needs to be a confident speaker, a capable team leader and have high expectations for themself and the AMS. I believe that I have all of these qual-
ities and that I have demonstrated them well during my time at UBC. In my opinion, my past experience best qualifies me for the position of AMS President. During my two years on Council I have demonstrated, time and time again, my ability to mediate, be the voice of reason, build consensus and educate those around me. I have not been afraid to stand up for what I believe in and I have always worked to make the AMS an accessible, relatable place. I have always strived to do what is best for students and put the AMS at the top of my priorities. I know it all sounds stupidly cheesy, but I am being honest here. I’ve spent the last five years at UBC working towards this point, and I’m not quite done. I guess it’s this dedication that best suits me to be President.
2. The AMS and UBC have a long and colourful history together, and have spent the better part of a century working to make life better for students.
I feel that the proper relationship is one of mutual respect, of collaboration and of openness and honesty. We are all here for the same reason, to make things better, but often times we have different opinions of what that entails. It is this diversity of opinion that increases the level of debate and ultimately translates to a better campus. Essentially, the AMS should take advantage of every opportunity to work and collaborate with the university, but should never be afraid to openly speak its mind. UBC prides itself on being a diverse campus, where constructive dialogue and debate are encouraged and all possibilities explored, and our relationship should be no different. 3. Obviously it would be the fee referendum. The AMS, like the rest of the world,
had been riding the coattails of uninterrupted growth for the last 20 years, but has now been faced with reality—we cannot rely entirely on our businesses. Our fees are amongst the lowest in the country and if the AMS is to even maintain its historic levels of spending, we need to seriously address our fees. Passing this referendum would be one of the biggest accomplishments for the
Jeremy McElroy AMS since the fee referendum in 1982, and would guarantee financial stability, at least for the near future. If the referendum fails, ensuring financial sustainability through all possible means stays priority one. 4. I’d like to stay positive and say that we won’t run into this problem, but if we did need to make cuts next year, they would be detrimental to the functioning of the AMS. Even if we take out computer and
hardware upgrades, furniture, committee and council food, conference allowances and exec benefits, council orientation weekend, all project spending in all portfolios, all lobbying and we were to leave CASA, we would still not even balance the budget. Most people don’t realize that the student government budget is already pretty tight around the middle. We had to make more than $200,000 in cuts this year, and we will likely have to make $250,000 next year to balance. This is a systemic problem, not overspending or financial mismanagement on the part of the AMS. I do not want to have to determine what must be preserved and what must be cut, because everything the AMS does is essential. 5. While I know that students are relatively well represented on the AMS and that our two student BoG reps do a fantastic job, these are hardly real municipal mechanisms. We will likely be looking
at the establishment of a community advisory board of sorts, on which the AMS will likely have a seat, in addition to the UNA, UEL and maybe GSS. This board would provide input to the BoG for final approval, before Royal Assent at the provincial level. If this model is to be adopted, the best way for students to be represented would be through the AMS. The institutional memory of the organization, not to mention the staffing and resources available, allow the AMS to be a more effective mechanism for representation than, say, students independently elected at-large. Given the number of student groups living on this campus, like those in residence and living in Panhellenic House and the Greek Village, the AMS will have to do a much better job liaising with these groups if we are all to be effectively represented, but I think that the AMS is the best option for best representing students in whichever governance model is chosen.
1. My communication skills, vision and strategic thinking, my understanding of student involvement on campus. 2. The AMS should have a relationship that is constructive with the university. We are both here to serve students and
I do believe we must collaborate to ensure that this mission is fulfilled year in year out. Having said this, it is in students’ interests to make sure the university takes students’ views into account when making decisions and this is where the role of the AMS President, student senators and Board of Governors is crucial in making sure students’ voices are at the table during those discussions. 3. I would like to tackle the lack of knowledge the average student has about the AMS: its functions, the services it offers and how they can get involved. Hacks will
tell you “students don’t care.” I don’t believe it. Students don’t know and because of this, when they hear about the AMS it’s always petty politics in their eyes, and who wants to hear about the problems of an organization that is supposed to be doing more than squabbling? This is not to say the AMS doesn’t do anything for students, and I believe the AMS serves a great purpose, but it has no avenues to tell students what it’s up to, share its success stories or let students thank or complain. So I would like to set up communication channels for this very purpose. A weekly AMS newsletter/video newsletter sent by email, a monthly print edition
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4. This would not be the first option to consider. Before considering ridding
the AMS of core functions, the president, the execs and the AMS Council have to come up with alternative methods to come up with funding. The students at UBC pay an immense amount of tuition fees (more than what is needed), and there is no reason for the AMS to fall in such a problem. F alling in this pro b lem refle c t s n ot h i n g b u t p o o r l e a d e r s h i p a n d short-sightedness. 5. Council will have the the upper hand when it comes to this issue. It is a very
important issue and students must be very involved in the project. By holding meetings and discussion with students who are very interested in the issue, I believe that the AMS can come up with policies that properly reflect student opinions.
Michael Moll and a weekly blog space for executives and committees to share what they’re working on. These can be set up on The Ubyssey website. It’s not shouting the loudest to get your voice heard; you must go where your brand is being talked about and join the conversation. 4. This is a difficult question because I believe the core functions of the society are those which align directly with the strategic framework of the AMS and the ones which are most effective at improving and enriching the student experience. I have not had a chance to look
over the entire budget and I think this is something that my entire exec team and council would look over and make that decision together. Having said this, I believe that all budgets should be re-evaluated and trimmed where necessary to cut down on waste. But once we communicate to students the importance of such services and how a free referendum will ensure that we keep and or increase what the AMS can offer, then we will be better off in the long run.
5. Again, it is essential that students have a voice in these discussions and that we strive to make sure that the decisions made will be beneficial to students. I be-
lieve the AMS should work closely with our student senators and Board of Governors to take the best advantage of this new government structure if that decision is made.
Jeremichael Mollery
Jeremichael Mollery, a joke candidate portrayed by Isaac Rosenberg, did not respond to our questions. However, he did leave us with the following comments. My name is Jeremichael Molleroy and I am running for the position of the 102nd president of the Alma Mater Society (that’s the AMS) at UBC (that’s the University of British Columbia). I am in my fourth year of a double major in Political Science and Commerce and my GPA (that’s grade point average) is really high. I am currently the great leader of a really cool frat and president of a council that does lots of really great things for you and all students every day.
If you elect me as your president I promise to lead with cutting edge leadership, cooperate endlessly, and communicate loudly. I will blah blah blah SUSTAINABILITY, and blah blah blah IF blah blah and then LEADERSHIP blah blah PARTNERSHIP. I blah blah INCREASED COMMUNICATION blah blah blah LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY. More TRANSPARENCY blah blah blah. With my EXPERIENCE blah blah blah and the WAR ON FUN blah blah. My VISION is blah blah blah MODERATION blah blah and RESULTS. MY BEARD! I can see SFU from my backyard, so blah blah blah maverick and blah blah. The AMS needs Yes We Can, so vote for me and I Will.
VP Finance AMS
2011.01.13/ubyssey.ca/Elections/7
Questions for the VP Finance Candidates 1. How reliant should the AMS be on revenues from its businesses? 2. What level of financial independence should AMS subsidiaries, such as Resource Groups, CiTR and faculty associations, possess? 3. Events, such as Block Party and Welcome Back, have been financially flagging for the past couple of years. How would you rectify that?
3 Year Arts rd
Elin Tayyar
1) The AMS needs to be worried about business volatility.
Over 48.6 per cent of our budget this year relied on business contributions. This reliance on businesses is simply too much. We are seeing the consequences this year as we see our businesses not meeting our expectations as well as the economic situation and HST—external factors with a lot of impact. It is important to note that this year, I introduced a change in code to protect AMS Services from this volatility, leaving only the Student Government, Events and Programs subject to the uncertainty. Also, because of the growth in population at UBC over the years, our businesses have grown. This growth has covered income lost due to inflation. But now enrollment has stabilized and we can no longer rely on growth in businesses to continue. This fact reaffirms my argument for less reliance on business profits. Students have made significant investments in the past in our businesses like the Pit Pub or the Whistler Lodge renovations a few years ago. And we are expecting returns on these investments. Essentially, we should always aim to run efficient and effective businesses to make money for our student society. We need to decrease our dependence on business profits to ensure stability— but still make sure our businesses are performing well.
What does the VP Finance do? The VP Finance is responsible for the financial affairs of the AMS, including overseeing the society’s multi-million dollar budget. As the VP Finance takes office in February and the budget comes out in the summer, it’s a quicker transition time for this position than most. In addition, the VP Finance oversees the finances of the businesses and services the AMS runs out of the SUB, working with various managers to ensure they are financially solvent and valuable for students. They are also a signing officer for the AMS, treasurer for CiTR, AMS Events, Council and the Resource Groups. They are responsible for overseeing the sustainability portfolio and are a member of a variety of UBC committees.
Tayyar vs Ehteshami
3) Unfortunately, at this point we cannot afford to throw large-scale events that lead to a loss of over $100,000. A so-
lution, I see, is to throw parties that host local bands/DJs and seek sponsorships for the more expensive bands. The problem with our current situation is that there is just one person (and some part-time assistants) responsible for coordinating and throwing these parties. We don’t have the human resources to do aggressive sponsorship search, marketing and promotions and the selling of tickets. This year, the executives thought there should be one executive responsible for Block Party and Welcome Back. This one executive would be in charge of working with the events manager to explore sponsorship opportunities and modes of student promotion. Something like this would require an overhaul of the executive portfolios. This is something that is currently being looked at by consultants.
Arash Ehteshami
1. In a perfect world, our AMS would be completely independent from our businesses, while gaining a substantial sur-
plus from any revenues they make. The reality of the situation, though, is that the AMS has become overly dependant on business revenues and has for the most part neglected market fluctuations and student spending. Having nearly 50 per cent of our funding dependant on a small number of restaurants is not only ignorant, but also dangerous for the financial health of our society. 2. Since the aforementioned groups are subsidiaries of the AMS and receive fund-
ing from every student on campus, I believe that spending needs to be made in accountability to the AMS as a governing body to ensure transparency to students. To ensure fiscal responsibility, the subsidiaries should be aware that they, too, hold a responsibility to every student on campus on how their funds are allocated. They have to be accountable to the Finance Office, as is every club that submits their budget to the AMS for approval. 3. One of the key elements in ensuring that the Welcome Back BBQ and the Block Party do not become financial burdens on the society is to properly budget for them at the beginning of the term. Before the
January 12 AMS meeting, no money has been budgeted to the Block Party, leading many to believe that the Block Party may crumble under the financial pressures it is faced with. In addition to that, we do not hold our AMS events accountable to our budget, and as VP Finance I will make sure that our events are sustainable and not a drain on our resources. One of the best ways to do this is to employ a strategic plan with the events team and work with them to undertake a cost-benefit analysis and budget accordingly. I will strive to search for creative solutions that continue to add value to these events, including proper means of marketing that result in the success of these events.
2) First, CiTR isn’t an AMS subsidiary. It’s
a separate organization. However, they do pay to use our financial systems. As for the other subsidiary wings of the AMS, it is clear that the AMS has legal jurisdiction over them. The AMS should clarify general rules and guidelines for clubs, faculty associations and Resource Groups—but should refrain from directing spending. This is our current practice. We oversee the finances of over 360 clubs, constituencies and other wings of the AMS. We are responsible for ensuring that all transactions that go through us are legal and well-recorded—as we are audited every year. Which is why this year, we have frozen over 20 club accounts (with subsequent de-constitution of the majority) and the Arts Undergraduate Society account (for a lack of a budget), as well as putting temporary holds on dozens of transactions due to complaints and concerns raised by members of the relevant club, constituency or resource group. Since I am responsible for all AMS transactions, I have personally initiated most of these. I think it is imperative that the VP Finance makes sure all of the society’s finances are in good order, but should not attempt to direct their spending.
3rd Year Arts
VP Finance hotly contested Though usually seen as a low-key administrative position, the VP Finance position was in the public eye this past year due to the AMS’s financial crisis and a controversial decision to temporarily hold a resource group’s $700 donation. Above: Arash Ehteshami. Below: Elin Tayyar. Geoff Lister photo/the ubyssey
COACH’S CORNER Tom Dvorak
VP Finance, 2009-2010 UBC students, who do you want to trust with over $20 million of your money? That´s the question you need to answer in the upcoming AMS VP Finance election. Integrity is the most important thing to look for in a candidate in this role, followed closely by an ability to be the bad guy. Currently there´s a hefty deficit that is driven heavily by the fact that you, the consumer, haven´t been frequenting the Gallery, Blue Chip, Bernoulli´s, PiR2, Patio BBQ, Honour Roll, Pit, Burger Bar, Pendulum, the AMS Whistler Lodge and AMS Catering nearly as much you used to. There´s been huge progress in cost cutting this year, but further work is needed. Saying no to budget requests from staff and peers can be antagonizing, so once you´re comfortable with a candidate´s ethics, double check their anatomy for a spine.
AMS VP external
8/ubyssey.ca/Elections/2011.01.13
Questions for the AMS VP External Candidates 1. There are two provincial leadership elections happening right now. What policies should the AMS be pushing to have changed? 2. What should the AMS prioritize, provincial or federal lobbying? 3. Because of the nature of lobbying, VP External is often a difficult position in which to point to specific accomplishments. How do you measure the success of the VP External position?
What does the VP External do? 3rd Year Arts
1. A strong VP External will be able to capitalize on the two provincial leadership elections because policies can be pushed to the forefront of political debates, especially issues that have been simmering for years. Students, parents
and politicians all know that the student loan program is deeply flawed, and as VP External I will make sure that both political parties understand that this is an issue that can no longer be ignored. Reforms need to happen to make the student loan program more accessible and to lift the burden off of students. This can be accomplished through changes to what constitutes a liquid asset, the repayment program, extending the pay back period and discussions about decreasing the interest rate that currently sits at 2.5 per cent plus prime. These issues are already being talked about within the province, and that is because these are the reforms that students need results on, and I intend as AMS VP External to push for these changes to be accomplished.
Katherine Tyson 2. While federal lobbying has given the AMS access to a lot of information and opportunities, there is no excuse for the neglect of provincial lobbying. The
province has jurisdiction over and controls the resources for UBC and the VP External’s lobbying efforts are most effective when focused on provincial lobbying. I will prioritize student-centric lobbying at the provincial level.
3. The success of the VP External position can be measured in both soft and hard terms. The soft successes include the
more intangible accomplishments such as the establishment of working relationships with government and external organizations. The hard successes are more concrete and include achievements such as Translink commitments or student loan reform. I will measure my success based on both the building of relationships that benefit the AMS and the results I achieve for students.
The VP External is in charge of lobbying different levels of government to advocate for policies on behalf of UBC students. This is done in a variety of ways—meeting with politicians, preparing policy documents, working with other student associations—but the specific policies the VP External wants to pursue are up to him or her. Previous VP Externals have focused on lowering tuition, reforming student loans and building better relationships with other student unions.
2nd Year Arts
Rory Breasail
1. The relative weakness of both provincial parties right now presents a unique opportunity for UBC students. The AMS
needs to take advantage of this by pushing for a tuition freeze, a reinstatement and expansion of the Child Care Operating Fund, a student financial assistance program that focuses more on grants and less on loans, adoption of the federal Repayment Assistance Plan and the lowering of the BC student loan interest rate to the prime interest rate.
2. The AMS should prioritize provincial lobbying over federal for a number of reasons. As the province’s largest universi-
ty UBC has a lot more sway at the provincial level and can make greater demands on the political institutions of BC. It is the provincial government that is to blame for the devastating increases to tuition fees at UBC over the last decade in addition to cuts made to the Child Care Operating Fund, so they are the ones to lobby. Further because the BC NDP and BC Liberal parties are in the middle of a leadership transition and they are more likely to be influenced by our lobbying efforts.
3. Deliverable results in a term are good but not always feasible. This is in part
Katherine Tyson teaches the gang how hardball is played. Geoff Lister photo/the ubyssey
due to the quick turnover as well as the fact that each and every VP External has different ideas about which lobbying policies ought to be given priority. I think something that can be said is that even though there are always going to be policy differences between incoming and outgoing Externals, a new VP would be remiss to not build on the relationships already developed by their predecessor. I think it is in the development and utilization of these relationships—whether they are with the UBC administration on child care or other BC student unions on tuition or SFA—that one can best measure an External’s success.
4th Year Arts
Mitch Wright
1. The simplest and most effective policy changes that can be advocated for are: the restoration of capital funding
for childcare facilities, allowing for more care spaces and alleviating the burden on student parents; an immediate increase in BC’s minimum wage, which sits below that of every other province in the country; and reforming StudentAid BC, tying it to the Canada Student Loans Program and amending how financial need is assessed. All of these reforms can be accomplished quickly and will allow post-secondary education to become more accessible for everyone.
2. While there may be a federal election fast approaching, a unique political climate has come about in BC, with brand new leadership coming in for both the Liberals and the NDP. If ever there was
a time in which the AMS could have the most powerful effect on policies important to students, it is now. There are windows of opportunity to reform the policy areas I mentioned above, and with reasoned, researched arguments, we can usher in changes and make British Columbia an affordable place to pursue post-secondary education once again.
3. A successful VP External should be able to point to tangible progress made over the course of his or her term. With
lobbying for policy changes, the reality is that you often won’t get what you want; the results are often in the hands of other actors, but if one is able to lobby effectively on behalf of students and put together well-researched, effective campaigns, then in my view that is a complete success. What our office has done this year is set up an invaluable resource for future External offices to draw upon in their own lobbying efforts to make education more affordable.
COACH’S CORNER Stefanie Ratjen
VP External, 2008-2009
There’s some truth that an AMS Council position pads a resume. Government representatives love photo-ops with “Student Leaders,” and there is no shortage of opportunities to ‘make connections’ when elections are pending. If you’re involved with AMS Council, you’ll probably be spending a lot of time with people who are a little too excited about starting a trendy tie or cufflink collection. Council meetings can be pretty frustrating, and the actual coolness points for participation are minimal.
What’s often missed is the huge potential to work toward changes that will benefit people long after a term is over. But these cases can, and do, happen—take the U-Pass, the AMS Sustainability Strategy, Humanities 101, or even Sprouts, as examples. If the VP External is doing their job, they will be supporting student interests through community and structural advocacy around issues like lowering tuition and improving funding for students, while working toward a more accessible and equitable learning environment at UBC.
VP Academic AMS
What does the VP Academic do?
The VP Academic and University Affairs is in charge of overseeing both the AMS’s policy on academic life at UBC and issues specific to campus governance. As such, the VP Academic sits on a host of boards and committees, the most important perhaps being a seat on the University Neighbourhoods Association (UNA). He or she is also nominally the head of the AMS’s budget committee. The VP Academic typically employs a number of part-time commissioners and associates who focus on specific areas of interest and advocate to the university. In previous years, these issues have included campus housing, the UBC Farm, teaching evaluations, the ‘war on fun,’ first-year seminars and governance on campus.
4th Year Science
1. There are several issues with our current structure for the summer semester.
Among them are issues of sustainability, variety and space in curriculum offerings, structure of courses and a lack of student life on campus. Currently, our campus sits largely unused for four months of the year which is a waste of resources. Students are either unable to find a seat in their desired course or simply cannot find a course they want to take during the summer. Summer courses as they are currently structured are highly compressed, creating long classes on multiple days during the week. As a result, this creates a barrier for students who rely on full-time work during the summer to pay tuition. And finally, with few students on campus, student life ceases to exist for four months, reinforcing stereotypes about the transient nature of students; a source of endless problems in achieving the type of campus planning that students want to see. 2. The extent to which the land use plan (LUP) will benefit students is difficult to answer in absolute terms at this point in time. As a result of these amendments, the
future of the area known as Gage South (the current bus loop and MacInnes field area) will ultimately determine the effect on the
Matt Parson students at UBC. Recently relabelled as an “Area Under Review,” discussion over the issue has been postponed in the hopes of having the other portions of the new LUP emphasized and passed. An opportunity for student input has been created and a proactive stance needs to be taken by the AMS to ensure proper representation of the students’ need to the university. Whether the amendments to the LUP prove to be positive or negative rests solely on the extent to which the University listens. 3. With more and more non-UBC affiliated residents moving onto campus, the voice of the students mustn’t be drowned out.
In order to ensure student representation, the AMS must work towards developing a unified message from the student body through effective student opinion polls. In this act of mobilizing the student’s voice, the AMS will be better positioned, being able to leverage a united student body. As the numbers of non-affiliates populate the campus, the AMS will also need to begin discussions with them in order to develop harmonious relations. In addition, a mutual understanding amongst all is necessary to ensure that UBC is seen as a campus first and foremost to ultimately preserve our student culture.
2011.01.13/ubyssey.ca/elections/9
Questions for the VP Academic Candidates 1. What is one academic initiative that you’d like to move forward on in the next year? 2. Do you believe that the land use plan amendments proposed by the university will ultimately benefit students? 3. More and more non-UBC affiliated residents are moving onto campus. As the face of campus changes, how should the AMS position itself?
4th Year (Dual Major)
Justin Yang
1. While it’s difficult to pin down only one academic initiative, I really want to engage the university to better execute its vision for undergraduate research. UBC
is a world-class institution in terms of research output, and faculty and administrators alike have expressed the need to involve research as an integral part of a UBC degree. The recent closure of the Undergraduate Research Office has been detrimental to the burgeoning undergraduate research culture but much can be done in a partnership between the AMS and the university to mitigate the negative aspects of the execution of URO while drawing strengths from both sides. The Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Research Conference, for example, is a great place to start to seek common ground.
2. I believe that the spirit of the land use plan amendments are certainly intended to benefit students— we are among
their largest group of stakeholders and their commitment is our postsecondary education above all else. That is not to say, however, that these changes are uniformly beneficial to students—circumstances change and new contexts may arise at any time. The best things that students have gained from this process, however, have been a newfound cause for engagement with the university and a fledgling partnership that situates students advantageously among university administrators. 3. The AMS is uniquely positioned to act as the aggregate voice of students on campus , articulating student needs to
Justin Yang plans his next move in the AMS council chambers. Geoff Lister photo/the ubyssey
University officials. As such, the AMS needs to increase its political legitimacy – it will not be able to advocate on behalf of those whom it represents if no one truly believes that the AMS is a representative body. Infighting among councilors and executives needs to stop; students at-large need to believe that their elected officials are effective, accountable and empowered.
4th Year Arts
Jennifer Wang
1. The current UBC Equity Office does not provide full confidentiality and only has the capacity to act as a referral and mediation service. Presently, students seek-
ing to appeal their grades or issues complaints are simply told to re-contact their professors, and this can be a dead-end if professors are unsympathetic or if students require confidentiality. As VP Academic, I want to lobby for a more effective Equity Office that has the power and resources to actively advocate for students facing discrimination. Improving the Equity Office must be a priority because an enriching learning experience can only be achieved if students’ rights to a safe and respectful academic space are protected. 2. The recent amendments will only benefit students if the AMS remains vigilant about how land use designations are applied. The Gage South area remains under
review and we need to ensure that the interests of students are not ignored by the Board of Governors. Market housing development in Gage South would interrupt key aspects of student life, from athletics, to concert events and future transit development. Similarly, the ‘Green Academic’ designation for the UBC Farm is a meaningless greenwash that does nothing to guarantee the status of this leading sustainability resource. We also need to remain vigilant about the proposed ‘Village Centre Academic,’ and ensure that it will in fact be marketed towards students and low income renters.
3. First, it is important for the AMS to recognize that, because UBC is on unceded Musqueam territory, the Musqueam community is an important stakeholder in any discussion of campus land use.
In order to have productive discussions about the future of UBC campus, the AMS needs to be willing to work with not only the BoG and the UNA, but also with marginalized communities. Second, the AMS needs to take a firm position promoting affordable and sustainable student housing over commercial development.
COACH’S CORNER
Alex Lougheed
VP Academic, 2008-2009
The VP Academic and University Affairs position is best described as the role that takes on “everything else.” Sometimes clumped as the VP with campus local governance, student academic interests and the campus climate and culture, the VP Academic must be detail-oriented, aware and organized. It’s an office with a proud history that needs to continue the efforts of years past, such as increasing housing spaces (see: commitments
to house thousands more students), campus planning (see: revisioning of Gage South) and an increased focus on local childcare (see: AMS, UNA, UBC funding over $2 million towards more spaces). The big issue this time around continues to be campus governance. Readers of The Ubyssey will be aware of the power struggle for university lands. The conflict of interest UBC holds as mayor, landlord, service provider, employer and tutor for most
people on the peninsula is showing itself more and more to be inappropriate. Our next VP Academic will have to ensure that neither students nor academics are left out of a new system. An astute VP Academic will cut through false narratives, such as this being an issue of academic freedom, and push for an institution which is an accountable congregation of academics. A strong relationship directly with the provincial government will be key.
AMS
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Questions for the VP Admin Candidates 1. The major aspects of the new SUB have been dealt with. What are ways that you’ll continue to involve students in the process leading up to the new SUB? 2. The referendum may include a $3 club fee. How should that potential fund be used? 3. Over the next three years, while students are still in this building, what are some improvements that could be made to the current SUB?
5th Year Arts
What does the Vp Admin do? The VP Administration’s primary task is overseeing the building of the new $110 million Student Union Building (SUB), scheduled to be completed by September 2014. He or she chairs the New SUB Committee and works closely with the architects, project manager and student stakeholders to ensure that consultation, design and eventual construction are done in accordance with the wishes of the AMS. In addition, the VP Administration chairs the Student Administrative Commission, which oversees, approves and resolves disputes within all student clubs. They oversee the AMS Art Gallery, hire special event coordinators, organize Clubs Days and oversee AMS’s equity program. Finally, the VP Administration is in charge of activities in the current SUB as well as any improvements and renovations made to the building, such as the $80000 renovation to create more club space in 2009.
3rd Year Arts
Mike Silley
1. New drafts of the new SUB design plan have just been released. Soon we will be
entering the construction phase of the new SUB project, and student involvement and participation should be a priority in that phase. Whether it is through workshops, directed seminar courses, sustainability projects, events or other initiatives, I’ll make sure we increase student engagement. After all, the finite details of what goes in each room of the new SUB have yet to be determined by students. The new SUB is the students’ building and I am going to ensure that students will feel the ownership of it.
2. That’s over $130,000 of student money!
I’ve been a part of quite a few AMS Clubs both as an active member and an executive, so I have a good sense of the challenges and opportunities within AMS clubs. In terms of funding, I’ve noticed that it isn’t always the clubs who need funding that get it. So, instead of the idle ‘lets throw money at the clubs to get them involved’ approach, I would like to see an increased
set of special grants and sponsorships. For example, we should have a seed funding to support clubs that are starting up. I will ensure that the AMS will reward clubs that are truly active in bringing value to students’ lives instead of just those who are adept in writing grant applications. Furthermore, I’m going to use some of this money to reduce the administrative red tape that exists for clubs, and create new user-friendly online systems for clubs to access their financial and membership information. Clubs are the most engaging aspect of the AMS and we need to support them better. 3. Over the past year, I have chaired the AMS Business and Facilities Committee, which deals with SUB improvements and renovations. In my experience, any health and
safety renovations plus renovations that will benefit our clubs and businesses should be a priority. Other than these, only small renovations to keep the building operational should be pursued since we are moving into a new building in 2014.
VP Admin
1. Despite the lip service paid by councilors to principles of transparency and accountabilit y, the AMS remains virtually invisible to average students.
Our existing communications strategy simply isn’t working. We need to take a more proactive approach. I’ll make it a priority to go to the meetings of as many clubs as possible, ensuring that the link between the new SUB project and the students who will ultimate ly benefit from it is more than just an email in their inbox. Furthermore, I will ensure that the details of the new SUB project are available to students, from the day that I take office to the day that I leave. I will ensure that students are involved in every step of the process. Although much of the design has been finalized, we can expect significant changes to take place before we break ground on the new building. 2. I believe that the money should be
VP ADMIN ACTION SHOTS!
Gordon Katic used primarily for three purposes. First, the AMS ought to have a fund designated for new and/or small clubs. Second, the AMS should provide more resources to existing clubs, such as AV services, a better web presence and publicity. Finally, we should provide grants to ambitious projects that clubs want to carry out. The time has come for the AMS to start moving in the direction that most student unions have, providing direct financial support to its clubs. 3. There are many steps we can take to make the current SUB better serve students. We need to prioritize space
on the concourse for clubs rather than commercial ventures. Moreover, we should open the building 24 hours during exam period to provide an alternative study space to the Barber Centre. Finally, my administration will be as environmentally sustainable as possible. We need more compost bins and more water fountains.
3rd Year Arts
Kath¥ Yan Li
1. Involvement with the new SUB has been pretty sweet, though it could be better.
Most of the work for the new SUB has been done, so it should be smooth cruising from now. So one of the few ways I’d keep student interest high on this would be to have a beer can challenge, where student groups have to build a model of the new SUB out of beer cans. Winners get a floor of the SUB named after them. You’ve got drinking and student involvement. I don’t know how you’d be able to say no to that.
VP Admin contender Katic thinks fast on the court. Geoff Lister Photo/the ubyssey
2. I’m torn between making more club space and funding available in the notso-soon-to-be-useless Old SUB, and making beer vending machines readily available all over campus (CiTR has it right).
On one hand, we need more club space
and funding to help new clubs get by, but on the other hand, we really need to get our drunk texts on, and then regret it in the morn’. OOOOr, we could make the breweries fight out the exclusive rights to these vending machines and have this great Beer Battle Royale. That way we can get the winning brewery to pay for the vending machines, and get our club spaces and $. Win-win. 3. I really don’t like the current SUB. It’s dark, dingy and the water tastes funny. In the wise words of Ke$ha, the Old SUB is a “D-I-N-O-S-A, you are a dinosaur.” I’d way rather spend the money towards the new SUB. So I’d spend money only when necessary, like for repairs and stuff, but not to build new shit in the old SUB.
COACH’S CORNER Crystal Hon
VP Administration, 2009-2010 As a former VP of Administration I have given a lot of thought to the future of the SUB project and its importance to the society. I don’t think a lot of people understand the enormous significance this project has on the future of the society. Our building will dictate the kind of growth we can do and how the society can expand its services. Not only is our building our heart and soul, it is our home and the centre of our activities. If the VP Admin does not throw their heart and soul into this project, we might face the same problems we do in our current building in 35 years.
The AMS clubs are also a poorly utilized group in the AMS. The VP Admin does not nearly have enough time to interact with them as frequently and as intimately as I think is necessary, so it is important for them to find other ways to create stronger ties with the clubs. Things like Clubs Days and The All Presidents Dinner are the only ways we showcase our great clubs. My challenge to the candidates is to find more innovative ways to appreciate the work that they do.
Board of Governors AMS
2011.01.13/ubyssey.ca/Elections/11
Questions for the board of governors Candidates 1. What is your current opinion of the UBC board of governors? 2. What is the most important issue you would be advocating for on the Board of Governors? 3. UBC will soon begin discussions to move to a new governance model for non-academic lands. How should students be represented in this?
4th Year Science
AJ Hajian
1. With the student voice being the minority on the Board, it is upon all of us to have the strongest and loudest voice representing us. Although the Board is the official decision-making body of the university, it often turns small decisions to a more complicated ones than what they should be. 2. Ongoing consultations on decisions af-
fecting each and all of the members atlarge of the university, this ranges from oncampus housing to transportation.
4th Year Engineering
Sean Heisler
1. The Board of Governors these days is in a bit of a flux—they’ve been moving away
What does the BoG do? The Board of Governors is UBC’s final decision-making body, responsible for the management and administration of the university. As the day-to-day affairs of UBC are left to executives, it deals largely with managing the longterm financial and property matters: passing budgets and resolutions, approving buildings, and overseeing the land use amendments currently being debated. It is comprised of 19 members: 11 members appointed by the provincial government, three elected faculty members, two elected UBC employees and three elected students (one from UBC-O, two from this campus). In addition to the five yearly board meetings, members sit on a variety of committees which meet periodically throughout the year.
from a rubber stamp Board for many years, but now the Board members are being exposed to and becoming attached to the campus and campus life. Face time with students has been at an all time high, and because of this, student voices carry all the more weight at the table. The Board is also grappling with more massive issues than in the recent past—governance and the Land Use Plan are both exceptionally massive items, and they’re only some from a list of critical decisions that are coming to pass. So, the Board right now is very powerful, but at the same time very receptive to respectful opinions. 2. South Gage and Governance will both be
coming to the table, and if I had to pick one, Governance would be the choice. South Gage is immensely important, but thankfully because of the work done by the AMS and myself over the past year; it already has a lot of momentum and attention, which means more time can be spent focusing on the beginnings of discussions on governance. I have already been invited into that initial discussion, not as a student but instead as Sean Heisler and my personal reputation, so leveraging that and helping to steer the beginnings of that process is where my time can have the most impact. The point of the matter is, though, that I am allowed more than one issue, so expect them both.
3. The new Governance model is very much so up for debate, and the ideal place for stu-
dents depends very much so on the model selected, though “in the centre” should be the heart of any model. Despite allegations that students are only here for two thirds of the time, or that they are transitive, they are still the heart of the campus and make up a very substantial portion of non-academic lands. In terms of student representation during the process, I will be ensuring students are a part of the discussion.
4th Year Science
Sumedha Sharma
3. With a student body of 47,000 being the biggest stake holder on campus, I support an accountable model that both satisfies the ongoing needs of the university as an institution as well as the peace of mind and support of its individual members.
1. I feel that the UBC Board is a functional
entity that makes sound decisions on the basis of what information is presented to them. Effective student representatives can make a difference when they ensure that they present student interests at the Board in the right manner. I also feel that the Board could be made much more accessible to the student body and, as with any governing body, increase its efficiency by having more time for reflections and discussions among its members. 2. The most important issue that I would
be advocating for the students is that of the Gage South region. After being involved with the Land Use Plan consultation process, I realize that there needs to be more dialogue created around that particular issue with the Board. This area, in the anticipation of the new development that will take place in the following years will include the new SUB which will form the heart of campus. Thus it is imperative that open and comprehensive discussions of this region take place to ensure that it will allow for student life to thrive and is progressive towards UBC serving its mandate as an academic institution.
3. The new governance model discussion
is one that will have far reaching repercussions into the future . There will be talks in the future regarding UBC being its own municipality and thus it is essential that students first of all, be engaged in this process via consultations. Students are important stakeholders at UBC and as such, effective representation would be necessary for the governance model of these non-academic lands. Effective representation, also first and foremost begins with the student representatives on the Board where BoG student representatives play a key role in identifying student concerns and long term effects of the new governance model.
COACH’S CORNER Darren Peets
Board of Governors, 2007-2008 The Board of Governors is a somewhat unique position. Board duties seem light—only five meetings per year. However, these are allday meetings, and each is preceded by an additional full day of committee meetings at which the various issues are actually discussed. It’s all but impossible to make a difference in five meetings, particularly since governors often don’t know what it means to be a university and almost always vote Yes. It is, however, possible for a student to make a big difference on Board. A governor has full access to the university’s documents and administrators, and can raise or discuss any issue. Most changes are made by either convincing the relevant administrators that something’s a good idea or by helping them after discovering that they’re not the roadblock. The Board position is what you make of it. That said, a university administration can sometimes move with glacial speed, so it wouldn’t be realistic to expect meaningful results within a one-year term of office—you can start things, speed them up or slow them down, but it will almost certainly not be finished, fixed, changed or re-envisioned until well after you leave. In my opinion, a student governor should be knowledgeable, unafraid of speaking up in front of the higher-ups, have the time and insight required to know what to change and be capable of speaking the required corporate language. An alternative approach that some students may prefer: stand in front of the Board freight train on principle, get duly run over and be summarily ignored thereafter, principles intact.
4th Year Science
Super SexySass
1. It’s a monkey house. With only three student reps on the Board, one needs to be very aggressive in order to be heard and taken seriously. Luckily, that’s exactly what I have to offer. My Iranian roots gave me a sassy “persianality,” and my German upbringing taught me kickass discipline! Boooya!!! 2. No such thing —I don’t have a traditional three-phrase campaign platform with blurry claims like “sustainability” or “accountability.” I’d rather acknowledge that I don’t know in advance what the dynamics of the issues are when they are discussed during Board meetings. I guess that means I stand for dontmakeupyourmindwhenyoudontknowthedetails-ility. 3. Students should get a voice by means of
choosing or electing student representatives that will be given an active say in the decision-making process. At the same time, I don’t think trying to include the opinion of each and every student (as it was attempted for the SUB Renewal Plan) is an efficient way to make such decision. Students need “A VOICE” on these subjects, but not thousands… that’s just noise.
4th Year Commerce
Ben Cappellacci 1. I believe that the Board of Governors
plays an integral role in determining the current activities and future success of this university. With the recent release of UBC from Metro Vancouver’s jurisdiction, the role of the Board of Governors is more important than ever. Over one billion dollars in capital building projects, university initiatives and various campaigns are largely the result of the board’s direction. As a student member of the Board of Governors I would play an integral role in the Board, not only ensuring that the student opinion is at the forefront of decision-making but in communicating the activities of the Board in a way that it matters to students. 2. The most important issue facing all stu-
dents of UBC and any student looking to sit on the Board of Governors will be the fate of UBC governance. Since the appearance of Bill 20, the question of governance has been largely the topic of backroom conversations and large speculation. As a student who believes in accountable, fair and representative government, I believe that the governance issue will be my most important issue.
3. I think that the most important principles for a governance model for UBC are accountability and representation. It is my belief that there exists a potential for an entirely new model of democratic governance where BoG members, elected members of the UNA and AMS will have an opportunity for meaningful representation in the governance of campus.
UBC Senate Questions for the senate Candidates AMS SLFS
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Student Legal Fund Society Candidates were asked why they are running
1. What is your biggest criticism of a specific aspect of academics at UBC? 2. Should UBC be looking at moving towards broad-based admissions or is the current system adequate?
What do senators do?
The Senate is responsible for the academic governance of the university. All major changes to campus academic policy must be passed at monthly Senate meetings, chaired by UBC President Stephen Toope.
4th Year Medical
Ryan Bredin
2nd Year Arts
Imran Habib
1. The range of teaching quality is my largest criticism. I have had professors who were exceptionally and fully justified in receiving the Killam teaching awards. On the other hand I have witnessed instructors who were incoherent, producing lectures which were obscure and unexplained. I believe that one cannot become a perfect teacher, which always leaves room for improvement. Instructors should be required to periodically attend seminars to hone their skills, no matter their standing. This will provide a more proactive approach to improving the quality of education at UBC rather than relying on class questionnaires at the end of term.
1. The issue that stands out in my mind regarding UBC academics is the lack of student-based course and faculty feedback forums. I believe the power of relatable student recommendations and feedback will increase student involvement and help guide newer students in the correct direction. UBC needs to create an official database where students can voice their concerns and suggestions regarding everything academically related, from exam length to supplemental applications. Students act upon the voice of their peers at a more consistent rate than of academic advisors and UBC needs to give students back the control they deserve.
2. No, the current system is not adequate. In current years, entrance averages have increased with competitive averages approaching 90 per cent for some faculties. This is an issue as it becomes increasingly difficult to determine which students will be successful as marks become less revealing of student ability. Therefore, broad-based admissions have been administered with some success in select faculties. However, this program is also flawed, as there is a huge volume of applicants to UBC, and to implement systematic broad-based admissions would be astronomical in the number of human hours needed and cost. Other means of student assessment must be explored.
2. I believe the current admission system is adequate to a certain degree. The recent three per cent raise on admission average is a step in the right direction as we are searching for the intellectually talented. However, we need to connect to prospective university students at a grassroots level through student-to-student communication. There are several movements on campus that send student volunteers to local high schools to share experiences of university life, without any notion of recruitment. These are the key to obtaining students who develop with time and become the leaders the world searches for.
4th Year Arts
Spencer Rasmussen
1. UBC could do so much more to improve the quality of teaching. Although some programs and departments exist, our university under-invests in training for TA’s and instructors. Most receive little or no support. Plus, given promotions and tenure criteria, instructors don’t have enough incentives to focus on teaching. Official UBC plans mention changing this, but so far, little has been done. Student senators, though they have no direct control, can work on these issues nonetheless. 2. Broad-based admissions, in principle, are a better solution. Access to university should be based on more than high school grades (and, unfortunately, money). But there are two problems. First, broad-based admissions risk favouring the privileged. Think about the kids who can’t volunteer because they are working 20 hours a week to save for university. Second, broad-based admissions cost money. If thousands of applicants write essays, dozens of staff must be hired to read them. These are resources that could go elsewhere. So right now I’m torn, and during the campaign, I’ll be listening to students to hear what they think.
4th Year (Dual)
Thomas Brennan
1. One academic issue that would be very easy to remedy is exam scheduling. We register in courses and remain in the dark about when the respective finals will be until just a few weeks before the end of term. Meanwhile the cost of airfare increases substantially for any student who travels home for the holidays. It is easy to fix, and it’s common sense to have the final exam scheduled from the first day of class. I believe student senators should push for this in the upcoming year. 2. Broad-based applications are a good supplement to the purely academic side of admissions, but they must remain just that: a supplement. An optional broader-based application is a way for prospective students to demonstrate the big picture, but making the application mandatory seems to punish those who “only” focus on academics, which contradicts UBC’s scholastic rigour. Therefore every program should offer optional broad-based applications, but keeping admissions focused primarily on academic performance is crucial.
4th Year Science
AJ Hajian
1. The bureaucracy and lack of flexibility for proposals on curriculum additions or changes. 2. I support broad-based admissions as a part of a discretionary admission process with specific quota per each admission cycle.
5th Year (Dual)
John CM MacLean
I currently serve as a member of the Board and as the Treasurer. This experience has given me insight into the unique and valuable roles the Society plays in the preservation of students’ rights and interests on campus, something I am steadfastly committed to. If re-elected I would work to make the society more accessible to students through a variety of means including building a more objective solicitation process for potential cases, which we have worked on this year.
?
4th Year Science
Aaron Sihota
I currently serve as President of the SLFS and have served previously as Chair of the Litigation Committee. If re-elected I would work to make the society more accessible to students through a variety of means, including building a more objective solicitation process for potential cases, which we have worked on quite a bit this year.
1st Year Pharmacy 4th Year (Dual)
Justin Yang
1. My primary concern with academics at UBC lies not with the quality of instruction (which is, itself, an issue that could fill pages and pages of this paper) but with a preponderance of academic policies which serve to streamline students through their degree requirements rather than offer opportunities for non-traditional degree options. While a traditional degree is fine for many, it is my earnest hope that UBC can serve as an institution of higher learning, of opportunities for intellectual growth and development, rather than simply a vocational school. My own experience with the dual degree program has been intellectually stimulating, but ongoing policy changes that threaten such opportunities worry me to no end. 2. Broad-based admissions have significantly changed our student population, the results of which still remain to be seen in the longterm. I am broadly in support of seeking to move towards a broader-based admissions system but am cognizant of the need for academic rigour. Ultimately, though, this problem isn’t localized to UBC but extends also to provincial governance of primary and secondary education. A holistic review of our educational system might elucidate the benefits of broader-based admissions practices.
3rd Year Engineer
Eric Distefano
Did not submit responses.
3rd Year Science
Matthew Campbell
Did not submit responses.
Jordan Stewart
Jordan has served as a member on various committees and as an executive on the Science Undergraduate Society (SUS). During his involvement with SUS he spent time on the finance committees and on the science curriculum review committee. Jordan supports a restrained and responsible student form of governance with proper attention to real student issues and practical solutions.
4th Year Arts
Kyle Warwick
I have been heavily involved since my first year at UBC. I started my leadership in multiple executive roles for the Political Science Students Association. I then moved to the Arts Undergraduate Society, serving first as General Officer and subsequently as AMS Arts Rep and AUS VP External. I currently serve as the Chair of the AMS Arts Caucus, and as a member of multiple AMS committees. In these roles I have delivered real results for students, and I want to bring that experience to the SLFS.
1st Year Medicine
Anthony Bryson
Hi, I’m Anthony Bryson, currently on the SLFS board and rerunning for the 20112012 year. I’m a first year medical student here at UBC.
4th Year Science
AJ Hajian
The SLFS is in place to safeguard student’s rights, and therefore it’s important to have the resources in place and available to address any potential issues that would impact UBC students—something Students for Responsible Leadership thoroughly understands and will strive to achieve.
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culture
editorS BRYCE WARNES & JONNY WAKEFIELD » culture@ubyssey.ca SENIOR WRITER GINNY MONACO » gmonaco@ubyssey.ca ILLUSTRATOR INDIANA JOEL » ijoel@ubyssey.ca
UBC’s talent on show Teresa Matich Contributor UBC students, alumni, faculty, staff and residents are about to show you what they’ve got. This Friday, the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts will light up with the best talent that the UBC community has to offer. UBC’s Got Talent is a charity event which hopes to unite the UBC community through music and performing arts, while also raising money for UBC’s United Way Campaign. Out of 124 video submissions, judges selected 16 finalists to perform tomorrow night. AMS President and event organizer Bijan Ahmadian said he
was inspired to put together the talent show after attending a similar event put on by the Faculty of Medicine. “I thought to myself, if one faculty can throw an event like this and fill up the Chan Centre, I bet we can do an amazing event if we open it up to the entire campus,” he said. “I am hoping that this will become a tradition that will happen year after year.” Stella Tung, third year international relations student and marketing director for UBC’s Got Talent, is also confident about Friday night. “I think that our artistic directors and judges put together a really good program that I think many members of the audience will be able to relate to,” she said.
Ahmadian said that the AMS has spent about $1000 on UBC’s Got Talent so far. UBC Human Resources has contributed $5000 towards the event and the University Neighbourhoods Association has donated $10,000. “By this they are really showing their commitment to community building on campus,” Ahmadian said of the UNA committment. Jan Fialkowski, executive director of the UNA, was charmed when Ahmadian came to the UNA for financial help with UBC’s Got Talent. “He approached us and said, ‘here’s an opportunity for the UNA to showcase itself amongst the students in an event that’s going to raise money for a really good cause,’” she said.
The majority of the $10,000 donation will pay for the cost of the Chan Centre, allowing all proceeds from UBC’s Got Talent to go to United Way. “The board was really pleased to be given this opportunity,” said Fialkowski. Faisal Al-Alamy, third year sociology student and finalist for UBC’s Got Talent, thinks that the event will do just what it is supposed to in bringing the UBC community together. He stated, “It makes you feel like you belong to a group of people who are not only students.” Fellow competitor and third year environmental science student Erin Crocket echoed these sentiments, stating, “It’s great to see all the different talents UBC has.”
Al-alamy, a native of Saudi Arabia, considers this event to be special on a personal level. “It’s hard to do music over there,” he said. “This is a great opportunity to show what I can do freely.” Sixteen finalists will be putting on a variety of acts involving magic, singing, dancing and even solving a Rubik’s cube with one hand. Most of these group or solo acts are made up of students, with one resident act, two staff acts and one act involving students and alumni. Tickets are for sale by donation, and can be purchased online from Ticket Master, or in person at the Chan Centre Ticket Office. U chris borchert photo/the ubyssey
meet the contenders: questions and answers Robert Lim — MR (Mister) What’s your talent? Rob and I are going to try to entertain the Chan Centre by making weird sound effects with our mouths. It’ll be a beatbox collaboration with a bit of freestyle rapping and the aid of a panflute and harmonica. How did you learn your talent? I think that I first started beatboxing in math class just for fun. I think that vocal percussion is really a great way to showcase what can be drawn from the widely ranged colour palettes of the human voice. The best thing about it, is that it’s a percussive instrument that you will always have with you. Siri Williams What’s your talent? I’m a singer and I’ll be rocking out to some epic Queen radness. How do you plan to warm up for a performance for 1000 people? Booze. Just kidding. Lots of water, tea and...yeah, okay, maybe a little booze. Just a little. Jeremiah Carag What’s your talent? I have been singing for a while now but mostly just in front of friends and family. My genre of
choice is music from theatre musicals but I also dabble in R&B and Jazz.
band’s [The Faze Project] single, called Creme Fraiche (based on the South Park episode).
How did you learn your talent? As a Filipino, singing has always been an important part of our culture. I always say in jest that I must have learned to sing before I even started walking. You can probably imagine me reaching out for the karaoke microphone before I can even talk. I never had any formal vocal training but I always try to sing whenever I can.
How did you learn your talent? Music never really existed where I’m from. Saudi Arabia’s music scene was beyond underground. Guitar never really became a part of my life until one day—sitting in class—my teacher picked up a guitar and started playing “From a Distance”—I still am a sucker to that song. My fifth guitar lesson in I asked my teacher if I could play Stairway to Heaven and he just laughed, he gave me the tabs sheet for it, the next week I came in and nailed it—that’s when I discovered, through him, that I may have a talent somewhere!
Jun Yim - Unlimited Crew What’s your talent? A choreography piece that tells a story of a boy who learns not to trust a woman so easily. Despite the sweet and happy beginning of boy meets girl, the girl, through seduction, is tempted to betray her partner. The story may be generic, but hopefully the dance itself will keep our audience engaged in the telling of. How do you plan to warm up for a performance in front of 1000 people? Unlimited will train as diligently as possible throughout the week leading up to the show. Faisal Al-Alamy What’s your talent? My performance is a debut of my
Erin Crockett What’s Your Talent? On Friday, I will be taking to the stage with a solo piano performance based on Michael Kaeshammer’s arrangement of a song called the “Boogie-Woogie Stomp,” originally written by Albert Ammons. So what’s boogiewoogie? It’s a lively, upbeat style of music of piano-based blues featuring a driving left hand with decorative melody in the right hand. How did you learn your talent? From an early age, I began taking classical piano lessons
once a week. Several years later, when I was introduced to my first 12-bar blues, I became hooked on the free flowing, creative nature of blues and jazz. I learned this particular piece by listening to a recording of Kaeshammer’s arrangement of “Boogie-Woogie Stomp.” As I developed some fluency in the style of boogie-woogie, I began to incorporate some of my own musical ideas into the song. Michelle Kwan - Pentatonics What’s your talent? We are a Chinese instrumental band called Pentatonics consisting of nine musicians. Rather than playing traditional Chinese music, Pentatonics uses Chinese instruments to play mainstream music such as pop, rock, crossover classical and many more. The instruments we play include erhu, dizi, guzheng, pipa, ruan, yangqin, drumset and keyboard. How did you learn to play? Like most kids, our parents made us learn the instruments when we were little. We were all classically trained on our instruments and, recently, we wanted to do something different and more exciting. So we decided to form a group which incorporates Chinese instruments and Western instruments to play music that is more mainstream.
Pauline Kong What are you performing? I will be performing my signature act, Fate’s Parasol Manipulation Act. How did you learn your talent? Magic is one of my passions and it is something I want to pursue. I take magic classes to help me follow my dream. I not only wanted to make a difference in someone’s life by being a nurse, but also by being a magician. How do you plan to warm up for a performance in front of 1000 people? I practice my magic through shows that I perform in the hospital and at different kinds of parties including baby showers, birthday parties and in other competitions. Abrielle Chan - The X Guys What’s your talent? We are an all-men’s a capella group. How did you form? Most of us came from the same high school, Magee Secondary. Some of us were in the chamber choir. Most of us have only been singing for approximately two years. U On page 14: a poet, a tap dancer and a rubik’s cube prodigy.
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Too much talent for one page
Climbing the Yellow Mountain
theatre
Blue Orchid Ensemble assembles at Roundhouse
Ginny Monaco gmonaco@ubyssey.ca The Ubyssey spoke with some of the can’t-miss performers appearing on stage this Friday at UBC’s Got Talent. Sittinon Sukhaya One of the most astonishing performances of Friday’s show may end up being one of the shortest. Sittinon Sukhaya, a first year engineering student, will be solving a Rubik’s cube one-handed. It usually takes him between 16 and 17 seconds. According to Sukhaya, there aren’t any real secrets to solving the toy. “Just practice,” he laughs. “Maybe half an hour a day.” Sukhaya has been honing his skills on the Rubik’s cube for about two years. “There are competitions around the world for this kind of thing.” Six months ago Sukhaya placed second in the world in a one-handed Rubik’s Cube competition, so Friday’s event hasn’t fazed him. “I didn’t expect to get in. I joined because my friend joined the Razzmatap “Twenty years ago a group of women started tap classes in Vancouver,” says Jan Kainer. “Over the years what was once a class for fun and fitness became an awardwinning tap company.” Razzmatap, this unlikely troop, will be performing a number choreographed by Jan Kainer called “It’s Just One of Those Things.” As part of Razzmatap, Zanna Downes has found a way to reengage her love of dance. “I joined Razzmatap when a friend suggested I take classes with her— that was 12 years ago. The group of women [is] simply amazing... they are my extended family.” Performing at the Chan Centre was one of Downes’ goals for this year. The other, performing at the Stanley Theatre, was accomplished when Razzmatap performed for Tap Day in April 2010.
The Yellow Mountains inspired generations of artists—and for good reason, too. photo courtesy evil tom thai/FLICKR
Jonny Wakefield culture@ubyssey.ca “Everything is precious on the mountain,” said Lan Tung, lead composer of the Orchid Ensemble, a Vancouver based trio of classically-trained Chinese musicians. She’s talking about Huangshan, or the Yellow Mountains of China’s Anhui province. Huangshan is the subject of a multimedia collaboration between a team of UBC-O animation students and a number of traditional Chinese musicians from Vancouver. The performance, Mountain high, River flow (...without end), takes place at the Roundhouse Theatre on January 15 and will feature animations in the style of Chinese brush painting. It will be set to music provided by Lan’s
Blue Orchid ensemble and a number of other musical acts. The project is a multimedia reimagining of one of the most iconic images in Chinese art. “The Yellow Mountain [is] one of the most famous subjects in Chinese [landscape] painting,” said Lan. “People searching for spiritual purpose would usually wander off and go to the mountains.” Artists like Li Bai rhapsodized about the mountain’s spiritual qualities and the mountain even spawned its own school of landscape painting. The whole team did not have the opportunity to wander around the mountain looking for inspiration; that job fell on Lan. “We went to [the mountain] and we did research and filming,” she said. “From there, the animations were drawn to capture the spirit
of the mountain.” The Vancouverbased composers and UBC-O animators worked remotely with each other, sharing notes and meeting occasionally. The result is a flowing image in the style of Chinese ink painting, with traditional instruments melding with cutting edge technology. On the mountain, Lan found a similar mix of old and new. While the mountain today is one of the most popular tourism destinations in China, she found that modern technology, such as cable cars, have not fundamentally altered the nature of the mountain and the people who travel it. “All the people working on the mountain bring everything up,” Lan explained. “Even your toilet paper is carried by people up the mountain.” The mountain is
Mountain high, River flow (without end...), features the Blue Orchid Ensemble, music by Rui Shi Zhuo and Dorthy Chang, and the work of UBC-O animation students and faculty. It will run January 15 at the Roundhouse Theatre. For more information, visit orchidensemble.com.
Mashup masters coming to Arts Mardi Gras Ashleigh Murphy Contributor Ever wonder what would happen if you mixed Lil Wayne, The Junior Boys and a few shots of tequila? The Hood Internet, comprised of Chicago-based producers Aaron Brink and Steve Reidell, probably comes close to what you’d expect. The DJ duo’s set consists of “stringing together the more dance-floor-friendly selections from the 400+ mashups we’ve created,” said Reidell, adding that they tend towards unlikely marriages between rap and indie-rock. The two are well suited to it. “[We’ve] played in bands for years and years,” said Brink. According to the pair, they’ve “got an ear for when a re-purposed melody works or doesn’t work, [and] alternately when the cadence of a rap verse works with the underlying rhythm.” A few of their personal THI favorites “would probably be R.Kelly x Broken Social Scene, “I’m A Flirt/ Shoreline” and the Beastie Boys x Matt & Kim, “Good Ol Fashioned Rumpshaker.” Whether you like Swizz Beats and Snoop Dogg or Modest Mouse and Arcade Fire, there’s a little something for everyone, they say. U
Mike Johnston As the only slam poet in UBC’s Got Talent, Mike Johnston feels a responsibility to the spoken word community. “I’m representing slam poetry for UBC and for Vancouver,” he said. There are key differences between slam and conventional poetry. “The audience really defines slam…with slam you’re really trying to appeal to the audience. A successful poem is defined by how well the audience likes you and how well the audience likes what you do.” Johnston may be new to the world of slam, but he’s making a name for himself in Vancouver and abroad. Need an example of his talent? Here’s how he described his act: “Think Shakespeare meets Guy Ritchie in a back-alley of Bladerunner, and somewhere along the way Calvin & Hobbes take a blurry polaroid photograph of Shane Koyczan holding a smoking ballpoint pen which points towards a motionless W. H. Auden. And then Jane Goodall sips a cup of fairtrade coffee while a noir mist skims off a sidewalk in the distance. (Note: This is not an accurate description of the content of my poem for Friday. That one will be far more complex.)” U
especially famous for its well-travelled steps; some 60,000 have been carved into the sides of cliff faces. Lan says that even though Saturday’s show falls close to the Chinese New Year, people shouldn’t assume that the two are linked. “During the New Year, people are more aware of Chinese culture and celebrations,” he said. “It just happens that people get in the spirit of looking into Chinese culture. The timing works pretty well.” U
The Hood Internet remixes Shepard Fairey. photo courtesy the hood internet
Check out The Hood Internet this Friday, January 14 at Arts Mardi Gras or visit their blog at thehoodinternet.com.
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opinions
do you care? WRITE US A LETTER » feedback@ubyssey.ca
editorial The return of the Alpha Male Society Looking over the list of candidates for the AMS Elections, you may notice a few things. They seem to be overwhelmingly male, and students of Chinese descent, whether Canadians or international students, seem to be absent for the most part. And if those that are running aren’t joke candidates, then they seem to competing for hotly contested positions where chances of victory are marginal. This can be said of previous years as well, but proportionally this election season appears especially bad in the diversity department. You don’t have to be convinced of the inherent righteousness of every progressive cause to acknowledge that something is amiss here. Of UBC’s population, 40 per cent is of Chinese origin and around 60 per cent are female. We’re not expecting exactly equal representation; we’re just expecting any representation at all. Of course, the AMS was already aware that this problem existed. There are always one or two student politicians who remind people of this annually. Everyone agrees that it is a Big Problem. However, they haven’t taken any steps at all other than identify this as an issue. We’re actually worse off than we were in previous years when we had the equity program. Many will be quick to point out that the equity program wasn’t all that effective, but even if that’s the case, there was at least some attempt to change the situation. Whether or not the AMS is a boys’ club is of little concern now—it’s just a matter of fact. For cultural, traditional and even commuting reasons, undergraduate councils do a bad job of promoting diversity, and it funnels its way up to the AMS council and then to the executive—there hasn’t been more than one female executive since 2007/2008, and the trend is likely to continue this year. We’re not saying that a quota system should be implemented, like they’ve attempted with the provincial NDP. But just acknowledging there is a problem is not a solution, and right now we need to see an earnest attempt at exploring outreach or ensuring that the AMS is a safe environment for those who aren’t represented there currently. It’s one thing to say ‘we have a problem.’ It’s another to actually do something about it. Depression among students astounding Every month, our university puts out a nice little publication, UBC Reports, that details all the various and wonderful things being done by researchers and students. Inevitably, being an arm of UBC Public Affairs, these stories tend to be, if not sugar-coated, glossied up to put UBC in a very positive light. Which makes it all the more commendable that in December’s issue of UBC Reports there was an article on mental health issues facing students. And the numbers aren’t pretty. In a 2009 National College Health Association survey, 36 per cent of students felt so depressed at one time in the past year it became difficult to function. 54 per cent felt overwhelming anxiety. More disconcertingly, 57 per cent said that at one time, things felt “hopeless.” Hopeless. The striking thing is, university shouldn’t be a place to feel these things. It’s a wonderful time of growth and opportunity. University is also a time of immense challenges and stresses (many self-inflicted) and of pushing oneself to new limits. It’s a place where students don’t necessarily have the close support group of trusted friends and family that they would when older or younger. These problems are in many ways inevitable, so effective treatment is key. As with many problems at UBC, the problem is not of intent, but communication. There are a myriad of free resources for students with mental health issues and it is good that the university is increasing these services while acknowledging they need to do more to create a mass awareness on campus. But it is equally important that students know clearly where they can go—and that’s difficult to do when you’re bombarded with different UBC brochures and websites without knowing which one is important in which situation. Those with mental health problems more often than not suffer in silence. Students need to know that the hand is open and willing before they will reach out. U
bryce warnes graphic/the ubyssey
opinions
Let’s see if McKinnon has it in him Last three years full of stupid controversy. Can McKinnon save us all? Paul Bucci Contributor Last Friday, the usual collection of hacks, freaks and weirdos sat around the AMS Council Chambers, eager to sink their teeth into another round of campaigning. It’s the same every year: the entire bunch gets tense, greedy and ruthless, all desperately grabbing at the highly coveted executive positions. And like every year, it reminds me of what Henry Kissinger once said: “University politics are vicious precisely because the stakes are so small.” At least Elections Administrator Eric McKinnon seems to understand that. He came off as the exasperated father lecturing his unruly children as he went through the campaign rules, which include such gems as keeping a one-poster space in between each of your posters and not
libeling your fellow candidates. I know he didn’t write the rules, but let’s hope he’s clear, quick and fair in enforcing them. Last year, the AUS elections were initially a tie. EA Matt Naylor cast the deciding vote, the ballot counts went mysteriously missing and then student court declared the whole election invalid. I know, I know, that’s AUS, not AMS, but the people involved are the same. Eric, baby, I know I shouldn’t have to say this, but write the results down. And don’t accidentally burn them. Who can forget 2010, when $43,000 was spent on investigating a voting system being hacked? But that’s old news—in 2011, we’re off to another controversy as we revert to first-past-the-post voting rather than Condorcet, which was implemented two years ago. McKinnon, it’s time to head that one off at the pass. It needs to be made quite clear why we are changing, how we are changing and that the results will be valid, no question.
We don’t need a whole group of sore losers complaining about an invalid elections process. Such as in 2008, when presidential candidate Alex Monegro filed a complaint about Blake Frederick running a “slate” campaign. The elections committee revoked his presidency, which was subsequently returned to him after he appealed to student court. McKinnon, I know we’re nearly out of the season of the Knollies, but with their fall came the rise of the Frats. The only way to stop this sort of complaint is to hit it hard and hit it early. McKinnon, all I want is a clean, safe election where we don’t spend inordinate amounts of time and money on foolishness. You can do that, right? You’ve run companies. The elections shouldn’t be too hard. Just a calm, reasonable debate between worthy opponents who have the students’ best interest at heart. Wait, what am I talking about? I’m a journalist! Grab yer guns, it’s time for a shoot-out! Yeehaw! U
the Canada Boat to Gaza, which is to sail to Gaza this spring in defiance of the Israeli starvation blockade. The AMS has sought to block the SJC donation and, outrageously, AMS officials called on CSIS to “investigate” so-called “links to terrorism” of the pro-Palestinian groups. Serving as toadies for the Zionists, the AMS is in perfect synch with the Conservative Harper government, which stands out for its belligerent support for the Israeli Zionists’ murderous campaign against the Palestinians. In this, they overshadow even previous Liberal administrations as well as the historically pro-Zionist NDP. Under Harper, the campaign of harassment, slander and threats against pro-Palestinian activists has greatly increased, and is especially intense on the campuses. The events at UBC also take place in the context of ongoing anti-Muslim bigotry, which is underpinned by the capitalist rulers’
continual “war on terror.” This phony “war” serves to intensify capitalist state repression against the entire population. We communists of the Spartacus Youth Club call on students and youth to ally with the power of labour in class struggle against the racist imperialist rulers of the U.S., Britain, Canada and elsewhere. The working class is the only social force capable of sweeping away capitalism worldwide and ending once and for all the genocidal terror against the Palestinians and all forms of oppression worldwide. Down with the blockade of Gaza! Israel out of the occupied territories! For a socialist federation of the Near East! Down with the witchhunt against pro-Palestinian students!
letter January 9, 2011 Dear Ubyssey, The Spartacus Youth Club protests the witchhunting, censorship and repeated intimidation of pro-Palestinian students at the hands of the Israel Awareness Club (IAC) and Hillel House. Aided and abetted by student bureaucrats at the AMS, the Zionists have launched a vicious campaign against the Social Justice Centre (SJC) and Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights (SPHR), vilifying them as “terrorists” and “anti-Semites.” Equating criticism of the Israeli state with anti-Semitism is the standard Zionist smear of pro-Palestinian activists. As defenders of all the oppressed and opponents of racist, capitalist injustice, we say: Defend the Palestinians! Hands off their supporters! Late last fall, the SJC attempted to make a $700 donation to SPHR for
Sincerely, —Lynsey Hamilton for the Spartacus Youth Club
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president profile: Michael Moll Micki Cowan mcowan@ubyssey.ca Michael Moll ended up at UBC essentially by accident. When applying to universities from his home in Kenya, Moll was offered major scholarships to both UBC and the University of Redding. The latter was his first choice and where his girlfriend was planning to go. “But what happened was that UBC Fed-Exed their reply to me, but Redding sent it by snail mail,” said Moll. Thinking that he’d only received an offer from UBC, Moll accepted, and hasn’t looked back since. Moll, who received UBC’s Leader of Tomorrow Award, is now a fourth-year marketing student who’s involved in various facets of university life. Living up to the title of his scholarship, Moll has been actively involved at UBC in a variety of leadership roles. He joined the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity in his first year and later became its alumni correspondent, organizing career night and debate night. For the past year, he has served as vice president of the fraternity.
Moll has also been heavily involved in the Commerce Undergraduate Society (CUS), acting as the second-year coordinator and sitting on the CUS Board of Directors. “It gave me a lot of exposure as to how an organization runs and the Commerce faculty,” said Moll. “That’s big money, a large budget and we were running a lot of programs.” Although he initially was considering running for a VP position, he ultimately decided to run for president, despite not having previously held a position in the AMS before. “I thought if I’m going to [have] to be rallying support anyways, I might as well go for the top job where I can make real change,” he said. Moll is centering his campaign on increasing student engagement with the AMS and bringing the society back to a strong fiscal standing. Specifically, Moll said that he would like to start with first-year students at Imagine Day, where he would set up a mailing list and give out information just for first-years to encourage them towards future involvement.
He would also like to move the AMS further into the information age by digitizing club listings to make it easier for students to keep track of and form clubs, and also create an AMS mobile phone application. This phone app would have information for students regarding various AMS services, as well as club informat ion t hat he t hink s t hey m a y not ac t ively seek out otherwise. For businesses, Moll believes that a fee referendum for the AMS is not only necessary, but long overdue. “We’ve got to be honest and say, ‘This is what we have, if you want this, this is what we need to do,’ and that it’s plain and simple,” he said. Moll feels that it is his leadership ability that makes him the best contender. “I came here with the Leader of Tomorrow scholarship, I came here to lead. I’ve demonstrated that across my faculty, across my fraternity and the campus in general,” he said. “I think the job of a leader doesn’t change with the organization.” U
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