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Student-led journal ‘Toothcut’ working on first edition

Lee Hurley
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Student-led journal ‘Toothcut’ working on first edition

Toothcut is St. John’s self-described “newest and weirdest literary journal” currently working on their debut edition. Pioneered by four students writers, Caleb Browne (Editor–in–Chief), Jenna James (Managing Editor and Secret Keeper), Nick Corcoran (Editor and Obituary Writer), and Tanner Hudson (Editor and “Business Guy”) sought poetry, short stories, and secrets for their upcoming first edition set to come out this summer.

What is ‘Toothcut’?

The name ‘Toothcut’ comes from the phrase “to cut one’s teeth,” which is when someone gains a particular skill set, or other words, to learn by doing. This is reflective of the journal’s mission: to highlight local emerging writers, especially BIPOC and queer writers from Newfoundland, and create a space for people to experiment with their writing. 

While there are opportunities for Newfoundland writers who are just starting out, ‘Toothcut’ aims to be a mouthpiece for the nonconformists – giving the weirdos, and “freaks” a chance to get work published that other journals might be hesitant to take. As student writers, the ‘Toothcut’ team knows how intimidating publishing work for the first time can be, and identified barriers to entry for people just starting out.

Toothcut’s Beginnings 

The Muse spoke with editor–in–chief Caleb Browne and ‘business guy,’ Tanner Hudson on Muse News on CHMR FM about how the journal came to be, and upcoming plans for their first edition. 

The Toothcut team all found one another through writing. Browne spearheaded the idea of the journal, and brought it up in passing to Hudson before they were good friends. Toothcut ‘secret keeper’ Jenna James caught wind of the project through Hudson and said “I need to be a part of this!” They then added their fourth and final member Nick Corcoran. 

The Toothcut executives come from a variety of creative backgrounds, making their team well–rounded to best suit any type of local writer. James and Corcoran hail from a music and theatre background, Hudson from an English Literature and theatre background, and Browne from philosophy, courtesy of their studies at MUN. This brings a great deal of passion to the editor’s meetings as each member offers a unique perspective on submitted pieces.

A Fascination with Secrets

In addition to poetry, short stories, and multimedia artistic elements, Toothcut also asked people to anonymously submit their secrets. There were limitations placed on the secret submissions to prevent any precarious or incriminating situations. Thinking about secrets as poetic, or as a type of literature is very intriguing, and in the podcast interview Browne and Hudson discussed the connection between secrets and literature.

“Every piece of literature has a secret in it,” Hudson said. “Every really strong piece of literature I find has one component about the location, a line, a character, always has something that if you ask the author about, they squirm a bit … It comes from a very deep and personal perspective.”

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“Imperfection as a ritual; learning as an artful process; 4 students figuring it out as they go along” -Toothcut (via Toothcut’s website)

“There’s something freeing about [submitting a secret anonymously] and not having to have your name attached to something and being able to just share something discreetly like that. [We’re] having people read it alongside poetry and fiction because that’s what literature is,” said Browne. According to Toothcut, to share your writing with others is to reveal secrets about yourself, whether intentional or not. Part of their philosophy is to do things scared, take risks, and put yourself out there creatively – all emerging writers are learning.

Submissions for written work closed on March 1st, but visual artists can still submit secrets, and greyscale work for the cover of Toothcut’s first edition until March 15th. Stay tuned for their first edition, set to come out this Summer, and support emerging writers.

Listen to the full Muse News interview on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

Relay for Life celebrates its 20th year at MUN

Caroline Ryan
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Relay for Life celebrates its 20th year at MUN

On March 22nd at 7pm, Relay for Life will celebrate its 20th birthday at the MUN Fieldhouse. Since 2005, students at Memorial University have rallied together to host a fundraiser that honours anyone who has experienced cancer in their lifetime.

Co-chairs Emma McIsaac and Sophia Ryan are proud of the community the event has fostered over its two decades: “It’s not just a fundraising event; it’s an opportunity for all of us to come together, support each other, and celebrate the strength and resilience of those impacted by cancer,” says McIsaac.

The event is held throughout the night, from 7pm-7am. This years fundraiser will kick off with a special lap around the track lead by cancer survivors, as participants follow and cheer. Many teams set up mini campsites, and take turns walking laps, or simply enjoying the festivities.

Over the course of 12 hours, participants can expect refreshments, food, games, and entertainment. Generous sponsors have donated numerous prizes to be won, setting an excellent incentive to stay awake! In the evening, the fieldhouse track is lined with luminaries.

Each luminary consists of a candle placed in a special bag, which has been designed by each participant, dedicated to someone who has experienced cancer. The bags provide light and motivation for the participants and survivors.

Cancer Survivors
Cancer survivors lead the first lap, signifying the start of the event (Submitted)

Community Effort

Across Canada, high schools and universities rally together to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society through Relay for Life. 100% of proceeds go directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, where each donation helps to fund innovative cancer research and treatment, and support patients and their families. Last year in 2024, MUN Relay for Life raised more than $103,000. 

The event is organized by a team of 43 student volunteers, each dedicated to an individual subcommittee. Although the event is through Memorial University, it is open to anyone who registers. 

“I wish that more students, faculty, and members of the general public in NL knew that Relay was open to anyone; not just MUN students!” said co-chair Sophia Ryan.

“While the event is planned by MUN students and held at the MUN Fieldhouse, it is encouraged for the full community to come out and participate. We are all impacted by cancer in some way, and we want this event to be a safe, welcoming space for all who are interested.” 

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2024 Relay for life Committee (Submitted)

Registering for Relay

To register to attend the event, or make a donation, click here.

If you have experienced cancer and wish to attend Relay for Life, you can participate as a survivor or a general participant. 

The registration fee is $20, which gives each participant a Relay for Life T-shirt and access to the event. The committee is requesting that participants strive to raise $100 before the event, however there is no minimum amount required for admission. 

Self-Publishing and the Newfoundland Identity

Ian Mills
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Self-Publishing and the Newfoundland Identity

Aspiring authors across the world routinely find themselves bouncing around publishers to see who will take their work. It’s part of the job, and with enough time and patience, they will find someone willing to take their book. For some authors in Newfoundland, however, they have to take on this part of the profession themselves.

Publishers in Newfoundland, more than a lot of places, are not only picky about the quality of the work, but the specific content of said work. In particular, most seem to want stories that are based around Newfoundland itself, be it with the characters, setting, thematic elements, or other various components.

If the story you wrote does not feature Newfoundland in any sort of prominent way, you will likely struggle to get it published by one of the major local publishers. This may seem strange at first, but starts to make more sense upon further inspection of Newfoundland culture.

Newfoundland is a very patriotic place, with a distinct identity from the rest of Canada. Most Newfoundlanders would tell you that they are Newfoundlanders first, and Canadians second. There is nothing that Newfoundlanders seem to love more than Newfoundland, and this shows in everything they interact with, from clothes and food to shows and books.

Even in places such as the Avalon Mall, filled with massive chains and name brands, there are still a handful of smaller stores that are Newfoundland owned and operated. Downtown St. John’s consists mostly of either local businesses, or ones that started in Newfoundland, and have grown elsewhere since. No matter where you go in Newfoundland, you will always see some form of Newfoundland.

This may be the reason why publishers are hesitant to take non-Newfoundland stories. They know Newfoundland makes money off patriotism and pride, so they simply follow suit. This has led to more authors choosing to self-publish going on the rise, as authors who wish to write about other content have very limited options.

For writers who aren’t interested in writing a Newfoundland-centric book, they likely have to resort to self-publishing on Amazon or Kindle. Should they wish to sell physical copies, they have to promote the book themselves at local conventions and markets, while undergoing the often-painstaking process of getting a local bookstore to take it.

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Matthew LeDrew, founder of Engen Books at the St. John’s Farmer’s Market (John Harris/The Muse)

One publisher on the island who takes a much wider scope of content is Engen Books. Founded in 2007, Engen takes all sorts of different books, Newfoundland-centric or not.

“What if a Newfoundland author wants to write about a far-off world? Or a high fantasy land? Or simply, a place that isn’t here?” Said Matthew LeDrew, founder of Engen Books. Through publishing a wider variety of content, LeDrew and Engen “…don’t want to limit Newfoundland authors to just Newfoundland subjects… This is baked into the DNA of our company.”

When asked why he thinks publishers here are hesitant on non-Newfoundland subject matter, LeDrew said: “There’s an unwillingness to change baked into that, and an unwillingness to grow. Another publisher might try a science-fiction title and have it bomb and say ‘science-fiction doesn’t sell in Newfoundland,’ when we feel they should say ‘I am bad at marketing science-fiction, I should learn different marketing techniques and try this again.’”

This may also show that publishers here are hesitant to get back up and try alternate approaches if something doesn’t go their way. Local authors, however, are a completely different story.

“We only have one publisher here in Newfoundland that explicitly publishes non-Newfoundland content,” said local author Ann Neville, author of Barber, Black Sheep, who is one of many who have turned to self-publishing in recent years. Neville mentioned that self-publishing does have some financial benefits, stating: “I make more in royalties than I would had I traditionally published.”

Speaking of financial benefits, Neville says money plays a role in Newfoundland publishing. “Look at us: we’re not doing well. In the 21st century, our biggest money-maker is tourism – so, in order for this province to get by, it has to sell itself, and books are a great way to do that.”

Financially, for Neville this idea makes sense, but it creates some unfortunate downsides for the writers themselves. “Unfortunately, by only taking Newfoundland-themed content, it means that publishers are forcing authors who want to write about other topics to look elsewhere, narrowing the scope of what it means to be a Newfoundland artist and creating an unwelcoming atmosphere of exclusivity,” said Neville.

The publishing scene here has become a reflection of the larger Newfoundland identity. Intense patriotism and loyalty have always been a part of our culture. These practices may dissuade some aspiring authors, but others are undeterred.

They press on and forge their own path, regardless of the difficulties they may face. In a way, they’re also reflecting another part of Newfoundland’s identity: perseverance, and the willingness to push forward, regardless of the odds.

The Real Work of Harm Reduction: Compassion, Challenge, and Change

Brandon Hinton
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The Real Work of Harm Reduction: Compassion, Challenge, and Change

There’s a trite expression—“meet people where they’re at”—that is synonymous with the ethos of harm reduction. But what does that actually mean? It’s more than just a talking point for politicians, lobbyists, or conferences. It goes beyond simple semantics
into something much more complex, real, gritty… and hard to do.

So, what is harm reduction? At its core, it’s about minimizing the harm associated with an action. Do you wear a seatbelt while driving? That’s harm reduction. Do you brush your teeth after eating? Again, harm reduction. The same principle applies when someone uses sterile needles for injecting drugs or a condom during sex. They’re still engaging in the activity, but in a way that reduces risk.

When you “meet people where they’re at” through a harm reduction lens, you’re meeting them at the intersection of support and individual behavior. In the social support realm, especially when working with People Who Use Drugs (PWUD—a more person-centered term than “drug addict”), this often means providing safer use supplies without judgment and without conditions. But harm reduction is much deeper than that for two key reasons:

It’s not easy to watch someone suffer the consequences of substance use

Some people can use substances casually while maintaining employment, stable housing, financial security, balanced mental health, and healthy relationships. Others can’t. For those individuals, substance use spills over into other areas of their life, affecting their ability to thrive holistically. (Think of someone who can drink on a Friday night and wake up refreshed the next morning, versus someone who calls in sick to work on Monday because of that same night out.)

Harm reduction is about being okay with that reality. This becomes even harder when it’s someone you care about—a client you’ve grown close to, a coworker, a childhood friend, a family member. Part of you wants to grab them by the shoulders, look into their eyes, and say, “Look at what your substance use is doing to you and the people around you! I’m worried. I don’t want you to die. I’m scared.” But that’s meeting them where you’re at—not where they’re at.

When you tell someone to “look at what their substance use is doing to them,” it’s also about what it’s doing to you. It’s uncomfortable, difficult, and forces you to confront moral questions about suffering, autonomy, and care. But harm reduction is about supporting people on their journey—whatever that looks like—and accepting that sometimes, all you can do is offer a warm greeting, safer supplies, a bottle of water, and a granola bar. And that’s enough. That’s harm reduction.

Meeting people where they’re at doesn’t mean giving up on change


This is an overlooked aspect of harm reduction, yet it’s just as important. Meeting people where they’re at doesn’t mean stopping at acceptance; it also means leaving the door open for change. This is tough because it requires balancing unconditional support with a non-judgmental approach to recovery.

Bringing up change—such as recovery or treatment—can be tricky. Many people are not ready to even consider it, and for some, the mere suggestion can trigger a tsunami of shame. That shame can turn you from a trusted support into an adversary, which could mean the difference between them continuing to access life-saving care or shutting you out completely.

It’s important to remember: addiction is often a way of coping. When supporting someone with a substance use disorder, you’re not just addressing the addiction—you’re addressing everything else first: diet, social connections, meaningful use of time, shelter… the basic foundations of life that the privileged take for granted.

Most people aren’t simply chasing the next high on a hedonic treadmill; they’re surviving. Life is hard, and for some, unimaginably so.

Think about it: have you ever heard someone dismiss an unhoused person by saying, “They should just get a job”? That statement ignores the many layers of hardship that led to their situation. To them, asking for change on a street corner might not feel like a bad idea—it might be the only idea that makes sense.

For harm reduction practitioners, these two principles should always be at the forefront:
-Meet people where they’re at, no matter what you believe is best for them.
-Provide opportunities for change, without forcing it.

Opportunities can take many forms: pamphlets in an office, a conversation about available programs, a connection to a support worker, a meal for someone who is hungry, a safe place to stay. You never know what the catalyst for change might be.

Sometimes, all a person needs is another chance. But if they’re not ready for change, that’s okay, too.

St. John’s band ‘Swimming’ releases sophomore album

Lee Hurley
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St. John’s band ‘Swimming’ releases sophomore album

Following the immense success of their first album, “That’s OK” in 2021, St. John’s midwest emo/math rock trio Swimming has returned with another remarkable record. 

After working on the songs for almost 8 years, Liam Ryan (guitar, vocals, trumpet) Jacob Cherwick (drums, vocals, percussion, guitar) Nick Hunt (bass vocals) self-produced the album, released through No Funeral and Barely There records. They marked their album launch with a nearly sold–out show at The Rockhouse. 

Music and Community in St. John’s

“Old” dropped on Friday, February 21, and in the few days since its release, community members have been busy praising the album on social media. The record has also garnered recognition from music media outlets like exclaim!, Music Crowns, IDIOTEQ and editors of major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music with placements on featured playlists.

One of the main topics of Swimming’s music is the band members’ upbringing in Newfoundland. In their words, “angular drums and noodly guitar work lay a bed for Swimming’s yearning lyrics, which paint pictures of the band’s upbringing and experience in Newfoundland.” 

This band is an unwavering pillar of the local music community and they have done their due diligence to put Newfoundland on the map in terms of alternative music. Ryan, Hunt, and Cherwick all help younger musicians in the scene with their creative endeavors. The trio has toured Eastern Canada multiple times, cultivating a shining reputation for both themselves, and the province they hail from. The record also features backing vocals from various other local musicians. 

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Swimming invited other local musicians to sing with them at The Rockhouse. (Parker Sullivan//The Muse)

Lyricism and Storytelling

“Old” almost reads as a coming–of–age album. Referencing time, past relationships, and self–perception frequently, the through line of the record is one of reflection. 

It is clear that the members of Swimming are all storytellers at their core – each song on their last record, “That’s OK,” painted a vivid picture of situations and emotions landmarked by various references to Newfoundland, and their new album did not disappoint on this front.

In many songs, like “You Smell Like Phys Ed,” and “Basement” themes of being jaded and reflecting on the past with disdain rather than fondness carry through. This both give listeners a window into the songwriters’ reality, and encourages them to indulge in some introspection and rethink how they view their pasts.

The lyricism on the record creates a linear narrative detailing a story of carefree kids growing into nostalgic adults who are struggling with feeling aimless and questioning their places in the world – an incredibly relatable sentiment, especially when expertly soundtracked to creative guitar riffs and impressive vocals. The name “Old” has a double meaning in that most of the songs are 8 plus years old, but the album also captures the feelings of reminiscing and grief that come with getting older.

Listen to “Old” here.

Sea-Hawks Volleyball beats Dalhousie Tigers and qualifies for AUS Finals

Andrew Connors
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Sea-Hawks Volleyball beats Dalhousie Tigers and qualifies for AUS Finals

It was a thrilling weekend for the Memorial Sea-Hawks Volleyball program as they upset the Dalhousie Tigers, the top team in Atlantic Canada and one of the top teams in the country, in a best of three semi-finals this past weekend.

The Sea-Hawks were the most improved team in the AUS this season, and it was their first playoff appearance in three years, however, earlier last week, head coach Sydney Rohm said that “of course, the girls were excited, but at the same time, understand that making the playoffs isn’t our ultimate goal.”

“Our aspirations extend far beyond just reaching the postseason. So, while many may view it as a huge milestone, for us, it’s just the beginning.” said Rohm. The Sea-Hawks looked for more than just a playoff return, they wanted to go on a run and prove themselves, which they certainly did last weekend in their hard fought semi-finals win over the Dalhousie Tigers.

The Sea-Hawks won a very close game one 3-2, before dropping game two 3-1, and being forced to play in a winner take all game three, where they kept their composure, and pulled out on top 3-1.

Below is the moment they won the third and deciding game of the series:

With their semi-finals win the Sea-Hawks will also likely be assigned a spot at the 2025 USports championship in Winnipeg, Manitoba in March.

The Sea-Hawks will now move on to the AUS Finals, where they will face off against the second seeded Saint Mary’s Huskies in another best-of-three series.

The action will begin this weekend in Nova Scotia and will be available on the aus.tv website.

Students present research at Cultural Explorations Symposium

Jared Hogan and Jordan Hollahan
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Students present research at Cultural Explorations Symposium

Presenting research can be a nerve-wracking experience, one dozens of students overcame at Cultural Explorations: An Interdisciplinary Symposium on Humanity 2024, sharing their work with peers, faculty, and the wider community.

The student-led symposium brought together 39 presenters from 16 academic units on November 26, presenting on topics including bioarchaeology, food studies, Indigenous history and gender and sexuality.

The event focused on building confidence, fostering mentorship, and making academic work more accessible.

Stepping into the Spotlight


Evelyn Munroe, a first-year MA (Archaeology) student, admitted that presenting at an academic conference was initially intimidating. “I was trying to navigate how I should act and what was expected of me,” she said.

“As the evening went on and I talked to other people I got more comfortable. The conference definitely gave me a better understanding of what a formal presentation is like, and I feel much more confident for my next one.”

The symposium was designed to create a welcoming, low-pressure environment, encouraging students to share their research without the formality of larger academic conferences.

Noah Williams, a phase 1 (medicine) student, said the event helped him see his research in a new light and build connections with healthcare managers.

“The overall goal of presenting my research at this symposium was to spread awareness of some of the costs that patients incur to access emergency care in Canada,” he said.

Williams said that through Cultural Explorations, he connected with nurse and healthcare manager Rayleen Hogan, exemplifying the value of engaging with the local community.

He goes on to emphasize the value of engaging with the local community and healthcare professionals at the event.

“Connecting with members of the community attending the symposium and hearing about their emergency department experiences highlighted the impact of long wait times,” said Williams.

“As a future Medical Doctor, using my knowledge of Clinical Epidemiology gained through my master’s degree and discussions with others such as Rayleen, I can be more aware of and hope to address some of these systemic issues affecting Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in my future practice.”

Mentorship and Collaboration

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Jared T. Hogan with psychology undergrad student Kailey Murrin presenting research at the symposium (Submitted)


One of the standout aspects of Cultural Explorations 2024 was its focus on mentorship. Undergraduate students had the opportunity to present alongside graduate students, making the event unique in its inclusivity.

Jared T. Hogan, a PhD candidate in archaeology and co-chairs of the event, emphasized the importance of creating a space where students at all levels feel comfortable sharing their work.

“So many undergraduate students are interested in research and exploring topics outside the classroom, but they don’t always know where to turn to do that. This symposium gave them the opportunity to complete research,” he said.

Even younger participants got involved—a junior high student interested in anthropology and criminology attended and took part in discussions, proving that curiosity and engagement can start early.

A Community Gathering, Not Just a Conference

Beyond the academic presentations, Cultural Explorations 2024 had a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. “It was great to see so many different people in the audience—other students, professors, even my parents, grandparents, and brother. It made the experience feel more meaningful,” said psychology undergraduate student Kailey Murrin.

Meghan Fillier, a second-year MA (Sociology) student, said having her family present was a beautiful experience. “They’ve heard me talk about my research for so long, but this was the first time they got to see it in action. Watching them engage with my work and be proud of what I’ve accomplished made the whole experience even more special,” she said.

With casual networking opportunities, a lively poster session, and engaging discussions, attendees left with new ideas and connections. For students considering presenting their research in the future, participants had some advice.

“My biggest advice for first-time presenters is to embrace questions and feedback—they push your thinking in new directions and help you grow. Most importantly, keep in mind that everyone is a learner and everyone is a teacher; value the knowledge you possess, but also be humble and continue learning,” said Tienne Mouland, a recent Archaeology MA graduate.

Events like Cultural Explorations 2024 show that research doesn’t have to stay in the classroom or laboratory—it can be shared, discussed, and celebrated in a way that’s approachable and engaging.

‘The Real Work Starts Now’: MUN Volleyball Back in AUS Playoffs

Andrew Connors
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‘The Real Work Starts Now’: MUN Volleyball Back in AUS Playoffs

Sea-Hawks will face off against the Dalhousie Tigers in a best-of-three semi-finals starting on Friday.

For the first time since the 2021-22 season, the Memorial Sea-Hawks Women’s Volleyball Program will participate in the AUS playoffs, thanks to a 10-10 W/L record and a fourth place finish.

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Final AUS Women’s Volleyball Standings (atlanticuniversitysport.com).

While the team was excited to clinch a playoff spot, head coach Sydney Rohm, who’s in her third year at the helm of the program, says the team still has its sights set on bigger goals: “Of course, the girls were excited, but at the same time, we understand that making the playoffs isn’t our ultimate goal.”

Rohm noted how hard the team worked to get to this point, and that now is where the real work begins: “While many may view it as a huge milestone, for us, it’s just the beginning. We’ve worked tirelessly for the past three years to get here, and now we’re eager to show what we’ve built. The real work starts now.”

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Head Coach Sydney Rohm says the team is “eager to show what they’ve built.” (Udanthe Chandraratne).

The Sea-Hawks opponent will be the Dalhousie Tigers, who finished first in the AUS with a W/L record of 16-4. During the regular season, the Sea-Hawks faced off against the Tigers four time, winning once back in November. That being said, three of those four games were decided in five sets and could have gone either way.

Entering such a big matchup against the top team in the AUS will be a tall task for the Sea-Hawks, but that is something that Coach Rohm is eager to see. “The level of competition in the AUS has been incredibly high this season, which has made for some exciting matchups. I’m really confident in how we match up and I’m looking forward to playing at the Dalplex.“

“I’m excited to see how our team responds in such a high-stakes environment.“

Entering such a high stakes weekend, Rohm noted that the “playoffs are all about courage, focus, and the ability to stay grounded, regardless of the outcome. It’s going to take complete commitment to our process and staying true to what we’ve worked so hard for.”

Game one of the best-of-three series begins this Friday in Halifax, and semi-finals games will be taking place over the course of this weekend, here the Sea-Hawks schedule:

Game 1: Friday, February 21st, 7:30pm NL

Game 2: Saturday, February 22nd, 7:30pm NL

Game 3: Sunday, February 23rd, 3:30pm NL *if necessary

Should the Sea-Hawks prevail this weekend, they would lock up a spot at the 2025 USports Championships, as well as a spot in the AUS Finals against either Saint Mary’s or UNB.

Grenfell vs. St. John’s Campus: Is student life noticeably different?

Jillian Pardy
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Grenfell vs. St. John’s Campus: Is student life noticeably different?

Memorial University has multiple campuses across Newfoundland and Labrador which cater towards different academic focus areas. Out of the five provincial options, St. John’s and Grenfell campuses act as the most popular choices for students.

St. John’s is Memorial’s largest campus with 14,770 active students as compared to Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook which has 1,019 students, according to MUN’s 2024 Fact Book. Grenfell also provides a smaller selection of programs than St. John’s, however they are the only campus to offer the Visual Art and Theatre majors. 

But despite the contrasts in numbers and academic focus, are the student life experiences also different? 

Difficulties meeting new people 

Two students who spoke with The Muse claimed they struggled with meeting new people on both campuses.

Fourth year Chemistry student Julie Lawrence has studied at both Grenfell and St. John’s campuses, noting that Grenfell’s smaller population made it easier to bond with others in class. “I find making friends at Grenfell is easier because of how small it is, you see the same people around. I was more likely to make a friend in a class at Grenfell rather than make one in class at MUN (St. John’s).”

Being from the West Coast, Lawrence expressed that the transition to St. John’s campus was difficult as, “it seems (in St. John’s) most people already have a group of friends and stick to those friends.”

Graduate student Thomas Drover had a similar experience after attending both campuses. Being from St. John’s, he found the same thing happening at Grenfell. “A few of the people who I became friends with were actually also from St. Johns. I found it tough to meet new people.”

Drover told The Muse how student numbers seem to impact these relationships, emphasizing how St. John’s campus’ larger population creates issues for some students. However, he also claimed the amount of people met overall didn’t seem that different between campuses.

“I mean, there are just so many more people in St. John’s… especially in first year, there’s a lot less chance that you will know people in the class,” later adding, “Odds are you’ve had a class with a significant number of people in at least your program at Grenfell… you get to know maybe the same number of people… it’s not all that different really.”

Clubs, societies, and events

Both Lawrence and Drover said St. John’s campus seems to offer more societies and events than Grenfell.

Lawrence said that despite not being overly interested in on-campus activities at Grenfell, she didn’t notice many opportunities to do so. “I didn’t personally partake in much of student life but there were definitely less clubs advertised. There’s more opportunities if you were comfortable joining clubs at MUN (St. John’s).”

Drover felt the same way, saying his faculty didn’t actually have an active society that he knew of. He feels as though the small faculty sizes at Grenfell are most likely the cause. “Each department is only relatively small out there. It seems that there are at least enough people in each program in St. Johns where it’s viable to try and do these activities.”

Conclusion

Though St. John’s campus’ abundant student population creates difficulty in class as compared to Grenfell, there are seemingly more opportunities for those interested in societies and events. 

Both campuses have student bodies mainly dominated by their respective locations, with Grenfell being mostly West Coast Newfoundlanders and St. John’s East Coast. People can gravitate towards familiarity, making it more difficult to break into new groups on either campus. 

While there are some barriers, students can find community at either campus.

This Week in Muse History: Feb 10-14

Lee Hurley
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This Week in Muse History: Feb 10-14

2025 marks The Muse’s 75th anniversary. 

Since 1950, dedicated student journalists at Memorial have reported on campus affairs, community events, politics, controversies, local entertainment – you name it. 

This Week in Muse History series highlights notable articles and topics reported on by past students to celebrate 75 years of The Muse. This series also gives insight into student issues of the past – they are not as different as you might think.

Here’s what The Muse reported on this week, February 10-14th, in past years.

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(Lee Hurley/The Muse)

Just two years ago on February 10, 2023, Muse reporter Shreya Hande updated the student body on the Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty Administration (MUNFA) strike. 

The faculty union sought an eight percent salary increase, adjusted to reflect inflation, better benefits, and more equitable compensation and treatment of contracted workers versus tenured or tenure–track workers. 

Students were off class with professors on the picket lines accompanied by various additional student and labour organizations for about two weeks, until the University reached a tentative agreement with MUNFA. Students awaited the agreement’s ratification so they could return to classes after missing two weeks. 

The MUNFA strike, while necessary, caused frustration for some students as much valuable class time was missed without any opportunity to make it up. Due to these frustrations, MUN eventually doled out partial refunds to compensate for the missed lectures. 

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(Lee Hurley/The Muse)

In a special “internet feature” edition of the Muse in 1995, Duleepa Wijayawardhana gave “uninitiated” Memorial students a crash course in internet etiquette, including emoticon use, common acronyms and their meanings, and what was and was not appropriate to post. 

Wijayawardhana explained how computers are similar to human brains in the way they receive, process, and put out information. MUN had a few common areas with computers at this time – offering students free access to the internet. At this time, only Computer Science, Engineering, Psychology and Education departments were permitted to use the computers as they pleased. 

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(Lee Hurley/The Muse)

In 1984, Muse journalist Gavin Will (and now Portugal Cove-St. Philips city councillor) covered the dangers of excessive alcohol abuse. Skyrocketing from about 76% in 1968 to 92% in 1977, rates of students who regularly engaged in heavy drinking were higher than ever before. Will made a point to highlight the fact that there were seldom alcohol–free events on campus. He also cautioned students against the possibility of serious legal or health implications if they were to develop an alcohol problem. 

This problem was especially prevalent in the 80s when beer companies would sponsor houses on residence. Each house would appoint sales representatives to correspond with the promotional staff at the head office for their beer of choice. Since their collaboration greatly increased sales for the beer companies, they would offer students incentives to buy more, such as additional free alcohol or merchandise – hence Will’s concern. 

In 2025 it seems as though a lower number of students consume alcohol regularly – with some choosing to partake in cannabis products instead, and others not at all. 

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(Lee Hurley/The Muse)

On February 12, 1999, Michael Rossiter spoke to local folk musician Jim Payne about his passion project: digitizing Newfoundland oral tradition with folk music. 

Payne combed through countless analogue archives and old recordings to compile a collection of over 450 Newfoundland folk songs to be put on to CDs, most of which were collected by folklorist Kenneth Peacock over a 40 year period. His goal with this project was to use technology to make Newfoundland music more accessible to the general public. Payne wanted to preserve years of storytelling that couldn’t be confined to a history book – “the more obscure stuff that has been going on in Newfoundland for centuries and has really been the background to all of us … the history of our people.” 

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