The Athenaeum

Tag: Students’ Representative Council

  • SRC Decoded: What You Missed March 11th

    SRC Decoded: What You Missed March 11th

    The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) is a council composed of a body of students elected by their peers, who are tasked with running the Acadia Students’ Union (ASU). The SRC meets every Wednesday at 5:30 PM in the Beveridge Forum located off the Michener Lounge in the Students’ Union Building (SUB). Each meeting is open to the public and students are welcome to attend meetings to learn more about the decisions being made on their behalf.

    This week’s meeting consisted of discussion surrounding a notice of motion to re-implement the “No” vote during elections, a project reflection from the MCAT and LCAT practice tests that were held, and recruitment for council members to assist with the soon-approaching House Council interviews.

    Notice of Motion: Yes/No Promotion

    Councillor Jonah van Driesum asked for the council’s approval in re-implementing the “No” option for students during elections. Councillor van Driesum raised concern that this was the first year without the “No” vote and, uncoincidentally, this year’s election had the worst turnout of voters. Responding to the concern, VP Student Life Robbie Holmes explained that the decrease in the number of voters was also due to the lower number of candidates running for positions this year, and the lack of campaigning that took place during the election process. In van Driesum’s opinion, the turnout is a result of people wanting a Yes/No vote and not getting it; furthermore, putting the “No” box back in will raise the voter count and improve the democracy of the election system.

    ASU President Kyle Vandertoorn commented that the decision to take away the “No” option was in an effort to prevent a re-election from happening in the case that an individual candidate is voted the majority “No”, and the council cannot fill the position. Moreover, the ‘No” option was taken out because if a student is so strongly against a candidate running for a position with the ASU, then they should run themselves. Historically, the “No” option is seldom chosen from students – the lowest recorded “Yes” result for a candidate was in the high eighties percentile.

    Some council members also commented that if a student or a group of students are so opposed to someone running for council, that person or group of people should have an outlet to express their concern. This is because some students, although strongly opposed to whoever is running or on council, may be apprehensive about taking on the position themselves, for example, the role of President. Councillor Molly Anderson offered that the impeachment process should also be re-implemented then, to “give Acadia students back their power”. As of right now, only council members have the authority to impeach other council members, which can be problematic.

    VP Finance and Operations Brendan MacNeil then voiced that he is disappointed in the council and the way this was executed. MacNeil stated, “it’s not a question of impeachment, it’s a question of the fundamentals of democracy. Do we represent the student body, or not?”

    Arts, Professional Studies, Science Senator Project Reflection

    Arts Senator Paige Stewardson, Professional Studies Senator Cassidy Churchill and Science Senator Nicole Kirkpatrick reflected on the opportunity they provided for Acadia students to write the MCAT and LCAT practice tests. The event took place on Sunday, and despite fewer students than expected being in attendance, the tests proved to be useful to students.

    Stewardson commented that although the practice exams are not marked, they offer an opportunity for students to practice. Reviews from students who were able to participate concluded that the event was helpful to them. The handful of students who were unable to attend asked if there would be a chance to write the practice tests again next year. As a result of the event’s success, Stewardson, Churchill and Kirkpatrick wish to make MCAT and LCAT practice available to Acadia students in the following years.

    Hiring Panel for House Council Executives

    VP Student Life Robbie Holmes announced that he is recruiting council members to assist in the interviewing process of hiring Acadia students for positions of House Council for each residence on campus. The interviews will most likely be held between 4pm and 9pm on March 23rd, 24th, 26th, 30th and 31st and April 2nd of this year in each of the correlating residence buildings.

    Announcements

    Hockey nationals are taking place in Halifax this weekend. Buses will be provided to transport any students who wish to attend. A bus and a half are already filled, and tickets are still available for purchase online. Additionally, food and drinks specials will be available at Dirty Nelly’s, who will be hosting Acadia students before each game. On top of this, there will be a Dirty Nelly’s gift card giveaway of between $30.00 and $50.00. The Axe Bar and Grill will also be showing the game Friday night for any students who are unable to attend.

    Sustainability Officer Max Abu-Laban announced to council that he has written an article for the Athenaeum regarding an appeal to have a labour policy for all workers on campus. The goal is to get enough petitions signed and student rallies together in an effort to have the movement passed. The point of a labour policy for all people who work at Acadia University is to specify for both employees and employers what people are entitled to as workers. This is a perfect way of protecting everyone who works on Acadia campus and ensures that the responsibility of employees is put directly on the university.

    Tuesday, March 17th is the Cheaton Cup hockey game. Students have been provided a section in a neutral zone and tickets are on sale in the Student Union Building (SUB) and Student identification is required.  The same night, (Tuesday, March 17th ), Big Fish will be performing at the Axe Bar and Grill.

    This upcoming Sunday, March 15th, there will be a community clean up beginning at 1pm at University Hall. Stop in at any time to help keep campus clean!

  • SRC Decoded: What You Missed February 5th

    SRC Decoded: What You Missed February 5th

    The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) is a council composed of a body of students elected by their peers, who are tasked with running the Acadia Students’ Union (ASU). The SRC meets every Wednesday at 5:30 PM in the Beverage Forum located off the Michener Lounge in the Students’ Union Building (SUB). Each meeting is open to the public and students are welcome to attend meetings to learn more about the decisions being made on their behalf.

    Council met this week to discuss the Black, Indigenous, People of Colour Caucus (BIPOCUS) Proposed Budget, the updated Acadia Students’ Union Travel Policy, and the Vice President of Finance’s Position Report. All in all, this week’s council meeting proved to be very informative.

    Black, Indigenous, People of Colour Caucus (BIPOCUS)

    The Black, Indigenous, People of Color Caucus (BIPOCUS) is an organization within the Acadia Students’ Union created by Acadia students. The group focuses on equity on campus, including any issues that may impact a person’s experience or education at Acadia University.

    Makenzie O’Quinn and Soyini Edwards are co-presidents of the Black Students Association and the Indigenous Students’ Society of Acadia. The BIPOCUS Working Document states, “O’Quinn and Edwards were being asked to work and provide insight on items which fell largely outside of the mandate of their societies. This has resulted over the past several years with labour far exceeding the labour experienced by other clubs under the ASU.” BIPOCUS is the result of the need of an assisting organization to help the two presidents balance all of their duties.

    According to the BIPOCUS Constitution 2019/2020, the organization’s mission is:

    1.     To provide solidarity between Black, Indigenous, or students of colour at Acadia University.
    2.     To increase advocacy capacity for members of the Black Students’ Association and the Indigenous Students’ Society of Acadia, as well as Black, Indigenous, and students of colour at large.
    3.     To begin breaking down systemic and historical barriers between Indigenous and Black students and the Acadia Students’ Union.
    4.     To increase the availability of student leadership opportunities for Black, Indigenous and students of colour at Acadia University.

    The group plans to fulfill its mandate by hosting weekly meetings and attending conferences. Additionally, BIPOCUS aims to increase the representation of students as well as the diversity of the council’s members by sitting on Senate. The caucus will be working closely alongside Edwards, who is also the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion officer of the ASU, as well as with the Black Student Advisor, the Office of Indigenous Affairs the Equity Office, Welkaqnik and the Wong International Centre.

    While BIPOCUS does accept membership of individuals who are not black, indigenous, or students of colour, only members who are within the listed categories above will be granted voting rights in accordance with the Human Rights Act Section 6, Subsection c (ii). This being said, BIPOCUS welcomes everybody’s support.

    ASU Travel Policy

    ASU President Kyle Vandertoorn brought to council the ASU travel policy which includes conferences or board meetings that take place outside of Wolfville. Kyle began the discussion by announcing some exciting new changes to the policy.

    Firstly, the changes addressed that in regard to travelling to places where meals are not otherwise provided, the previous budget was $7.00 for breakfast, $10.00 for lunch and $15.00 for dinner. ASU president, Kyle, comments, “it is embarrassing that people often cannot afford to tip or even afford their entire meal under this budget and they often have to dip into their own pockets”.

    The policy has been updated significantly to $10.00 for breakfast, $15.00 for lunch and $35.00 for dinner according to the ASU Travel Policy Section 2, Subsection a (i – ii). Vandertoorn explained that the budget for dinner was originally $25.00; however, incidental expenses were incorporated. This change means travellers will have an extra $10.00 to help pay for any unforeseen expenses, such as toothbrushes or medication.

    Secondly, students and employees who are commuting to conferences and other events in their own vehicles are now eligible for reimbursement for how far they travel. The ASU Travel Policy Section 5, Subsection c (iii) states, “employee may be reimbursed for mileage at a rate set by Nova Scotia Kilometrage and Transportation Allowance Rates for government and public-sector body employees”.

    This new addition to the travel policy is extremely helpful in preventing Acadia University students and staff from having to spend their own money to attend events that are mandatory for their position.

    Vice President of Finance Position Report

    Brendan MacNeil, VP of Finance and Operations, kept the council up to date today on the ASU’s revenue and expenses. He explains that there are three main contributors to the ASU’s revenue: alcoholic beverages and food sold at The Axe, health and dental plans, and the student union fees that students pay.

    While health and dental plans and student union fees each make up 25% of the ASU’s total revenue, MacNeil informs the council that retail sales are down, referring to Cajuns shop and the Union Market, which bring in about $40,000.00 to $50,000.00 per month. Additionally, The Axe is also experiencing a decrease in sales with a drop of approximately $30,000. This may seem like a rather large reduction, but MacNeil shared that labour expenses have decreased greatly as well which has helped the ASU to balance expenses. A full ASU budget will be out by the end of April.

    Nonetheless, the ASU appears to be in good shape. Sales have decreased but expenses have also decreased, and largely at that. As a result, the ASU income has increased significantly from $18,000.00 to $400,000.00.

    Moreover, the Investment Policy is in the process of being rewritten (it is due every 5 years to be revised and adjusted). On this, MacNeil is excited to announce, “I and the Sustainability Officer are exploring the possibility of adding a line that says our portfolio will not invest in fossil fuel companies.”  There is more to come in on the ASU’s investment account in the next few weeks.

    Announcements

    The only announcement this week was from Sustainability Officer, Max Abu-Laban who wants to thank everyone who was involved in his “Talk to Me About Climate Change” event for all of their support. The event, which took place Tuesday, February 4th, was a huge success.

    Abu-Laban announces to the council that there is another climate strike taking place this Friday, February 7th at the clock tower on Main Street, for anyone who is looking to get further involved. Abu-Laban also added that 10-year-old activist, Lily from Gloosecap, Nova Scotia, will be attending the event and will speak on U-Hall Hill. She has inspired students at Acadia with her passion for the environment twice already and will be back for a third time to do it again. 

  • Opinion: The SRC is MIA

    Opinion: The SRC is MIA

    The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) is a group of our elected peers tasked with the job of acting in the interests of all students. This year, the council has decided to hold bi-weekly meetings as opposed to weekly ones. In the past, the SRC met each week to discuss current campus events and issues that arise in regard to the overall success of the student body. ASU President, George Philp, stated that this switch to meeting every second week is due to a lack of issues that require the attention of the council.

    So, what does this mean for the students they are representing? In my opinion, the conversion to bi-weekly meetings will result is a waste of student fees, issues going unnoticed, and a lack of transparency on behalf of Council.

    It’s no secret that the jobs of Council members are difficult ones. Members of the SRC are paid a salary for the academic year, which is outlined in the ASU’s constitution’s By-Law 5. However, their pay is independent of the number of hours put in, which means that by limiting the number of meetings held, they will not be losing money, but we are. The ASU is funded through student fees that are entirely separate from the many that we pay to Acadia University.

    The Council is responsible for using these fees for running the Student Union building, paying its members, and funding student activities, among other things. However, by claiming that there aren’t enough things to bring forward in meetings for them to be held weekly, it shows that they are not committed enough to providing new projects to create a healthy school atmosphere. If the council feels so strongly that they are lacking in initiatives, they should be speaking with students, finding out what they want, and then finding ways to improve our campus.

    Acadia is by no means a utopian institution, and there are major things that Council could spend this extra time addressing. For instance, students and faculty with physical limitations have an extremely difficult time accessing all the things our campus has to offer. Push buttons on doors don’t always work, elevators (in the buildings that actually have them) are old and small, and pavement is uneven. These are just a few of the many things that need hinder some students from getting around easily.

    During the fall by-election debate, Equity Officer candidate Ruvimbo Chipazi explained that some groups of students felt that campus events are not tailored to include everyone. Council could be spending this time finding ways to make events more inclusive to all students. There’s gender inequality on display in the Athletic Complex. Despite the fact that many female athletes hit the ice, the hockey arena is filled solely with pictures of male athletes. These are just a few of the many issues that I feel Council should have considered before switching to holding only two meetings a month.

    One of the major benefits of weekly SRC meetings is the opportunity for students to stay up to date with what’s going on around school, due to the fact that they are open to the public, and reported on by The Athenaeum. Whether many students take advantage of this or not, the option should still be there. By converting to bi-weekly meetings, it means that students must wait longer for information, especially those who rely on the posting of the minutes as a primary method. It may also result in some issues what would have originally been presented to Council being discussed in private meetings, meaning that it will not be open to the public.  My primary concern with the bi-weekly meetings is that they create less opportunity for students to be involved and informed, and more opportunity for Council, whether or not they choose to take it, to keep information undisclosed.

    To be clear, I’m not suggesting that Council is taking advantage of their seat or doing anything that is technically wrong. What I am suggesting is that Council members aren’t using their positions to the full potential. They’re creating the opportunity for less transparency between Council and students. They’ve been entrusted by their peers to do everything in their power to make a campus that is as safe and enjoyable as possible. One would hope that they would uphold this sense of trust and become more open to the issues going on around them.

    Ailish Bergin is a second-year Politics student and a Columnist for The Athenaeum

Betzillo positions itself as a versatile gaming hub where structured bonuses and adaptive gameplay mechanics support both short sessions and extended play.

Built with a focus on innovation, Spinbit integrates modern casino architecture with rapid transactions, appealing to players who value speed and digital efficiency.

Ripper Casino emphasizes bold entertainment through high-impact slot titles and competitive promotions crafted for risk-oriented players.

A friendly interface and stable performance define Ricky Casino, offering a casual yet reliable environment for a wide spectrum of gaming preferences.

King Billy Casino channels classic casino spirit into a modern platform, delivering recognizable themes supported by contemporary reward systems.

Immersive visuals and layered slot mechanics are at the core of Dragonslots, creating a narrative-driven casino experience.

Lukki Casino appeals to players seeking direct access and minimal friction, focusing on fast loading times and intuitive controls.

Casinonic provides a structured and dependable gaming framework, blending modern slots with transparent operational standards.