On Thursday, August 11, The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced a tender for the renovation and expansion of the emergency department of the Health Sciences Centre (HSC) in St. John’s. New components of the HSC will include an adult mental health and addictions hospital, a psychiatric assessment unit, a high acuity trauma unit, a care initiation area and a diagnostic imaging area, a new ambulance parking garage, an administration area, and an entrance and registration area.
The allocation of $154 million towards improving the province’s healthcare infrastructure includes the construction of the new mental health and addictions hospital and equipment for healthcare facilities. “Our $567 million investment in infrastructure this year includes $154 million for healthcare initiatives, which will go towards projects like this one. This redevelopment and extension at the HSC will lead to better healthcare infrastructure and create jobs for tradespeople during construction,” commented the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Elvis Loveless. According to Budget 2022, the government has committed $10 million toward the redevelopment of the emergency room at the HSC. In 2018, the government also announced the direction of $6.1 million for the mental health and addictions facility.
The government has specified that constructing the 102-bed adult mental health and addictions hospital (replacing the Waterford Hospital) includes:
Ongoing drywall framing.
Mechanical and electrical rough-in.
Installation of the exterior building cladding and windows.
A new 60-bed hostel will also replace the Agnes-Cowan Hostel. The project summary of this hospital released by Eastern Health includes developing a forensic unit, two adult acute units, a geriatric unit, a short stay unit and an eating disorder inpatient program.
Image credits: Arseny Togulev (via Unsplash)
Before this large-scale construction project begins (expected later this year), a temporary ambulance entrance and a temporary emergency triage area, a waiting room and public fast-track areas will be set up. According to the Minister of Health and Community Services Tom Osborne, “Our focus remains the delivery of the best possible health care for the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the expansion and design improvements align with that focus. As our population changes, our health care needs change also, and we must ensure our standards for delivery of emergency department care are appropriate.”
Premier Andrew Furey commented on these upcoming developments of the Health Sciences Centre: “Building and redeveloping healthcare infrastructure improves the way we provide healthcare services in Newfoundland and Labrador. This is the busiest emergency department in the province and this investment will enhance emergency services for people who require urgent care at the Health Sciences Centre and services at the new adult mental health and addictions hospital.”
Construction is expected to start later this year and last for approximately two years, finishing in late 2024.
When the winter semester ends, and summer starts fast approaching, many students are reeling from their final exams and need a change of pace. Whether you decide to take some online courses through the spring semester or not, getting away and exploring something new can be the change you need.
Packing up and moving to a new city for a few months can seem like a drastic change when you’re simply looking to escape your exam blues. But it can be a very easy, fun and affordable summer adventure. One that you can take on either by yourself or with a friend.
But picking up and going to a brand new place, only for the summer, can be expensive when done wrong. Luckily for you, I figured out all the essential do’s and don’ts, so you don’t have to.
You see, key mistakes can easily be made when trying to embark on this kind of adventure. The biggest one to avoid is not doing your research.
Plan, plan, plan
Photo Credit: Thought Catalog (via Unsplash)
But more importantly PLAN AHEAD. It is impossible to plan too much.
Find a Job for while you’re there!
Pick a city that you’re fairly familiar with or one that you’d eventually like to move to. This way, you can search for internships, remote work, or find a customer service job in a place that interests you.
Every university student spends their summer working in some capacity, so why not make it a fun and new experience?
What’s another great thing about being in a city? (other than exploring a new place)
Public transit.
You can save a ton of money by spending your summer getting from place to place using the subway or bus system. Better yet, being in a city means walking from one place to another is much easier. Both alternatives are much cheaper than spending all your money on gas.
Ask a friend to join you!
Photo Credit: Ian Schneider (via Unsplash)
Moving away alone can be pretty daunting, especially if you only plan to stay there for a few months. Having a friend to go with you can be a fantastic bonding experience and a great way to make memories that will last a lifetime.
And on the financial side, having a friend with you to split rent and grocery costs is a great bonus.
Subletting for cheap
On top of that, most university students are headed home during summer and need someone to finish their lease and sublet their place. Use this opportunity to your advantage. Not only can it be cheaper, but it also puts you in a student area surrounded by people your age and with roommates who are most likely students just like you.
And if you do decide to plan this summer away with a friend, depending on how close you are, choosing to share a bedroom in an apartment can save you A LOT of money. Trust me when I say that giving up some personal space for a few months doesn’t seem like a big deal when it saves you $300-$500 on rent.
What you’ll gain
Taking a summer to go out on your own can be a life-changing experience. This is the time to make memories and take advantage of the world around us.
Sometimes making a short-term change is all we need to get to know ourselves better and come back refreshed and ready to take on the next semester.
The current state of The Works is commendable, and it is important to recognize that. The gym serves multiple functions. Its primary purpose is keeping fit and everything that makes that possible.
The gym creates a community of people with similar goals. For example, the decision to make lifestyle changes, achieve fitness or work out for wellbeing. The fact that other people are with you in the gym and have similar goals as you creates a subconscious sense of inspiration and motivation.
In terms of community, The Works at MUN is an exceptional space, everyone is considerate and supportive of one another, and that is a necessary environment.
However, I want to give some suggestions about what could be better that could enhance student experience at The Works.
What could be better
1. Coordinated games
To make the community at The Works even better, I suggest they introduce coordinated games more often. But the games should not consist of only a few people with the others as an audience. Everyone should participate in the games!
2. Have trainers and staff available for demonstrations
The Works Fitness Studios are designed for students. The equipment and facilities are purposely made accessible to beginners rather than equipment for professionals. There are also stickers that instruct users regarding how to use each piece of gym equipment, which is excellent for people who are beginners.
Unfortunately, pictures cannot adequately tell the whole story. They get interpreted in many different ways as it is not straightforward. Due to this, trainers would be a worthwhile investment for The Works gym. The trainers would ensure that gym equipment is adequately utilized and serve as a direction for people who have no clue about gym life. Qualified personnel would also be a much more reliable source than YouTube or random advisors who may not be adequately versed in gym and fitness.
3. Make sure gym equipment is functioning
Another crucial aspect of a gym is the proper equipment functioning. Hence, priority should be given to ensuring that all machines work like the treadmill.
4. More gym equipment
My friend pointed out the need for more gym equipment as well.
The demand can be better understood because hundreds of students are simultaneously at the gym during rush hours, but only ten treadmills are available. She also suggested that a survey be carried out first to properly understand what the students need to solve the problem appropriately.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the student experience at the works is relatively a very good one, and the equipment needs to be improved but not without regard for the needs of the students. Games can enhance a sense of community, and technology in combination with more equipment would provide ease of use for the gym’s users.
Photo Credit: Codgito: Student Journal of Philosophy & Theory
Tucked away on the third floor of the Arts and Administration building, one may find the little corner of intellectual heaven: the Memorial University Philosophy department. Albeit small, it is packed with intelligent students and faculty members, including those driven to leave their mark.
One such method for leaving a mark was Maxim Sizov’s effort to restart the department’s student journal, Codgito.
The journal name is a play on René Descartes’ phrase, “cogito ergo sum,” meaning “I think therefore I am.” I won’t go into all of the philosophical implications of the phrase. Still, in the world of philosophy, it is very well known.
The journal title is spelled differently from the Latin phrasing, but there is a reason for that. Back in 1990, the first edition of Codgito was published. It was spelt as showcased (Codgito) because of its geographic origin. The journal started in Newfoundland, and they felt it necessary to reference the land. However, when changed due to backlash and confusion, our journal lost a portion of its origins. When starting it again, Max decided that the confusion over the name’s spelling should not dictate the journal’s name and changed it back. The spelling is significant to our university and location, and it was important to Max to pay homage to where we are based and the meaning behind the name. Max themself wrote in the letter from the Senior Editor: “…we are Codgito: with a history to our name, a relation to the world, and a connection to more than just the I which dominates the Cogito.”
The journal is not solely based on philosophy. It specifies that it is philosophy and theory. In that way, we now have essays on philosophy and other subjects, like political science, in the first issue. Now that the second call for papers is out, the editorial team also invites book reviews, music reviews, and poetry (if anyone is interested).
When talking to Max about why they started Codgito, they mentioned when they first got involved with MUN’s Philosophy department, one person was running the Philosophy Society, and they would soon finish. Therefore, Max started helping organize society events like movie nights and mixers. By then, it was accepted that Max would be “the next person in line” because they wanted to help. The previous president mentioned that there was an old student journal, which interested Max, especially during the pandemic, due to the inability to host events. Thus, the rebirth of Codgito was born.
The first issue of Codgito tackles many problems, both in the world and in our little bubble of academic existence.
For example, the anonymous letter to the editor discusses student censorship within journalism. In contrast, pieces from the editors cover deeper issues within the administration as well. Within the Letter from the Senior Editor, Max wrote about the issue with Matt Barter and the severe implications of his ban from campus, including more censorship. To look at the deeper issues, Max also wrote: “We are at a point at which many of the fundamentals of our university are shifting, and we feel it is not for the better.”
While many of the essays within the journal itself are not necessarily about this topic, the spirit behind the first edition lives within each other, creating a comprehensive student voice in an uncertain time for students who try to speak out.
Codgito 1.1 was over a year in the making, with lots of time taken for copy-editing, typesetting, and all of the administrative stuff that comes with restarting an inactive journal. It is not a process Max even took on their own. It is a collective effort to be able to make something to this scale work. And to that team, I say congratulations.
To read Codgito, follow this link. If you want to keep up with the journal, there is also an Instagram account with the handle @codgitojpt if you’d like to give them some love.
Dyer explained their resignation due to a lack of support and communication from fellow Executive Directors. In addition to instances of flawed accountability structures leading to problematic behaviour on the part of certain co-workers and an unsustainable volume of unpaid work.
Towards the end of Dyer’s letter, they emphasized: “MUNSU must make changes that ensure every Executive Director who comes after me will be treated with the respect and consistently that I did not receive,” proposing “such changes… MUNSU, its leaders, and student members will be stronger than ever together.”
Dyer’s resignation came as a surprise to much of the student body. While MUNSU has yet to issue a statement, Hilary Hennessey, Former Director of External Affairs, acknowledges Dyer’s struggles were not new.
“In April of this year, when I was creating a transition document for Emily, I had hoped that I would not be passing along all the hardships and negative experiences that came with being the Executive Director of External Affairs, Communication, and Research,” Hennessey said.
Photo Credit: Hilary Hennessey (via Instagram)
At the same time, Hennessey expressed that she is very proud of Emily for speaking out about the issues that the people within this position have commonly faced in the past.
Hennessey says that despite the opportunities MUNSU gave her to thrive professionally and be recognized academically, it was at the expense of her mental wellbeing- a concern Dyer expressed in their letter.
Hold MUNSU Accountable
Photo Credit: Hold MUNSU Accountable (via Facebook)
Former President of Memorial’s Political Science Society, Nicholas Hillier, has created a Facebook group called “Hold MUNSU Accountable”: a movement of MUNL students who claim to be “sick and tired of the lack of transparency from our Student Union and demand accountability.”
In the group, Hillier states, “for years, scandals have been swept under the rug, Executive Directors have marched to the beat of their own drum, and students have been left high and dry by a dysfunctional organization that does not work (figuratively and literally) for us.”
CFS-NL Responds
Hillier initially posted Dyer’s letter of resignation on social media, where he called upon the Canadian Federation of Students, Newfoundland and Labrador (CFS-NL) to start an investigation into Dyer’s allegations and the practices of the organization as a whole.
However, CFS-NL, stated, “Interfering or investigating the internal relations of a member local’s student union is not part of our mandate, nor within our jurisdiction.”
“The Canadian Federation of Students Newfoundland and Labrador (CFS-NL) is a membership-driven organization that supports public post-secondary students and member local student unions in NL with services, research, and campaign development,” said CFS-NL.
As a result, they hope MUNSU can resolve their issues internally.
According to Hennessey, “It would be beneficial for the Union to be structurally reviewed to promote conflict resolution, equal work spaces, and to ensure that the students’ funds are being used appropriately.”
MUNSU is “a needed space”
Hennessey acknowledges that MUNSU is a very needed space for students at MUNL.
MUNSU operates several services at Memorial that benefit students, such as the Grocery Shuttle, Safe Drive, Health and Dental Insurance, The Attic, and CHMR-FM. They are involved in student life and advocate for students inside and outside the classroom.
“MUNSU is committed to educating students about your rights both inside and outside the classroom. This campaign aims to give youthe tools to challenge any violation of rights and empower students to act as their own advocates. If you experience a violation of your rights or believe you are being mistreated, we are here to help. Do not hesitate to contact us with any issues you experience. Know Your Rights!”
MUNSU Website
However, despite their positive involvements, Hennessey states, MUNSU is not set up for student Executives to succeed due to heavy portfolios and internal conflicts.
“For a “student-ran” organization, it was incredibly difficult to find out that student responsibilities such as program requirements are rarely accommodated and are not supposed to be a priority,” Hennessey said.
Similar to the points raised in Emily’s statement, “the executives struggle to uphold their professional duties with additional unpaid work requirements including secondary roles, meetings, weekend outings, events, media engagements, professional development training, and more. This creates conflict, as there is a divide in benefits/authority amongst the Student Support Staff and the Executive Directors,” Hennessey says.
MUNSU Response
Emily Dyer is requesting privacy at this time, and in her letter, she asked that no member of the Board contact her for at least one calendar week after the letter was received.
Photo Credit: MUNSU Facebook
In the meantime, MUNSU issued their response on social media validating some of Dyer’s concerns stating, “our student directors are taking on a huge amount of work to serve our student body.”
MUNSU also stated that last year, they began the process of an external review of their structure, and they will continue this review.
At the end of the letter, MUNSU assured, “Your elected representatives are working hard in this fight, and it is not an easy fight,” and confirmed there would be a by-election in early fall to fill the Director of External Affairs, Communications and Research position.
Meanwhile, members of Hold MUNSU Accountable are not impressed by MUNSU’s response claiming the union is dodging the recent accusations of a toxic workplace and attendance issues for other Executive Directors.
MUNSU Executive Director of External Affairs, Emily Dyer, has resigned. Announced this afternoon on social media, Dyer’s resignation letter was released on MUN COURSE REVIEW/ ADVICE and Twitter.
In the letter, Dyer explained they faced a lack of support and communication from fellow Executive Directors. In addition to instances of flawed accountability structures leading to problematic behaviour on the part of certain co-workers.
Dyer also explained that there is an unspoken expectation for Executives to partake in an unsustainable volume of unpaid work: “Projects like the student handbook, on which I would estimate I worked close to 30 hours of unpaid overtime, joined by the Resource Coordinator, Kat McLaughlin, were severe drains for which I went uncompensated.”
This is a letter of resignation from @MUNSU35’s Executive Director of External Affairs, Emily Dyer.
This scathing evaluation of the operations of MUNSU warrants an immediate investigation by the @CFSNL into what appears to be a very toxic and disrespectful work environment.
Former President of the Political Science Society, Nicholas Hillier, made the post on social media. He is advocating that CFS-NL warrants an immediate investigation into the operations of MUNSU following Dyer’s claims.
On June 29th, a group of people gathered in the lower seating area of St. John’s own Battery Café, many artists, musicians, and writers. Others included supportive family members and poem enthusiasts. With two established poets on the evening’s lineup plus the additional five spots on the open mic, the room was brimming with enthusiasm and nervousness. Meanwhile, two people were bustling around the room with chairs, chatting in low voices as they helped organize the space. They were the reason the whole event happened in the first place.
Photo Credit: Battery Poetry
I interviewed the two organizers of Battery Café’s first poetry series, Greta Warner and Elias Langer. They gave me the scoop on the process of organizing the event and what gave them the idea of planning it.
With Greta being a talented local musician and Elias being a fantastic poet, the natural progression of their conversation about their artistic fields led to the cozy event last month. St. John’s has a thriving music scene. This event drew on that inspiration and introduced the idea of an open-mic style poetry night. The pair is building this series of poetry nights from the ground up, hoping there will be future events. They both know the owner of the Battery Café and spoke of his desire to have the business be a thriving coffee spot and a “quintessential location for local young emerging artists to present their work,” as Elias said.
Greta explained the motivation behind the event from her perspective as a musician: “When you’re just starting out it’s very easy to believe that the scene is what it is, and that you have no power to contribute to it because you’re new.” As younger artists growing up or trying to create in a very artistically rich province, it can be difficult to make your voice heard or have the courage to try. But as she explained further, “…as the next generation of artists, we have a new perspective on things. We have a lot of valuable new ideas both creatively and in terms of the scene, and we should not be afraid to share them (or face our fears and do it anyway). Nobody is ever done learning, and we can all learn from each other.”
With this perspective in mind, Greta explained their reasoning for the event as wanting to create a “warm and inviting space for new poets,” a space that was not frightening and entirely open for newness as it was to skill. They also wanted to enjoy the form of poetry and its art and craft.
Elias explained that Greta did most of the organizational work; from setting up the Eventbrite for the tickets to designing and printing the poster, she was the brains behind the operation. Meanwhile, Elias set his mind to the creative force. When one of the main poets, Craig Francis Power, couldn’t make it to the event, Elias’ father, James Langer, filled in with some amazing poems with his son’s encouragement. Elias was also the charming host of the evening. However, he explained that since it was his first time hosting anything, he forgot 40% of what he would say and got nervous. I know that no one in the audience minded, though; if anything, it helped break the ice.
The event was a massive success! Tickets sold out, and many poets read after the night’s main event during the open mic (including myself!) I would say that they completely succeeded when thinking of the lovely organizers’ motivation and wishes for the event. Poets both new to the scene and familiar with it read their work in a warm and appreciative environment, allowing them to feel safe in the arms of art in the heart of St. John’s. In the name of Newfoundland’s art and the people who make it, it was a massive win, and I certainly hope to see more events like it in the future.
In early July, the Muse had the opportunity to interview the 13th President and Vice-Chancellor of Memorial University, Dr. Vianne Timmons, to discuss student concerns, the university’s financial situation, its relationship with the Newfoundland government, and Memorial’s future.
In the fall, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador (MUN) will welcome returning and upcoming students to the university, hoping to re-energize campus life and Memorial’s post-pandemic culture.
Like student experience during the last few years, President Timmons says, “It’s been a very different type of presidency due to the COVID-19 pandemic”.
However, as restrictions have eased across Newfoundland and Labrador, President Timmons says she is “Looking forward to doing her job in a different way, meeting people, holding functions, attending functions, and getting to know faculty, staff, and students.”
Post-pandemic re-energization
In our interview, President Timmons spoke of some of the administration’s plans to revitalize campus life and university culture.
Timmons said there would be a particular focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), as Memorial signed onto the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in November of 2021- a charter committed to taking action to eliminate barriers for Black scholars, students, faculty, staff and others.
When asked how the plan is progressing, Timmons said they are developing a scorecard to monitor progress.
According to Timmons, the strategic plan’s core is service to students, which has prompted a review of the registrar’s office’s focus on students. The administration will also offer workshops on service culture and how to serve students well.
‘Transforming Our Horizons’ will be implemented until 2026, recognizing Memorial’s greatest strengths as people and place.
“Memorial is a university for Newfoundland and Labrador, connected strongly to the heritage of our place and a driver of social, economic, and cultural vitality,” Timmons says. “Enabling cultures is what is unique about our plan.”
Through the integration of five themes: proactive programs, inspired learning, dynamic research, commitment to communities, and promotion and pride, the administration hopes to make MUN a university for the province, the world, and our future.
Multi- Campus Focus
Memorial has six campuses across Newfoundland and Labrador, and the United Kingdom.
The most recent development is Memorial’s Labrador Campus, which is moving into its own building in the fall of 2022— a space leased for five years with the hope of building an official campus, according to Timmons.
Photo Credit: Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo, Dean of Labrador Campus (via Twitter @AshleeCunsolo)
MUN’s Labrador Campus will offer engineering and nursing programs starting in the fall, while other new programs are in development and 50 Co-op positions are now available at Voisey Mines.
“I am excited to see the presence of Memorial there,” said Timmons, who is from Labrador.
Grenfell
President Timmons also spoke about the significance of the Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook, which received the most significant research grant ever: $15 million.
The Grenfell Campus also released its first agriculture and food research report in July 2022, highlighting agricultural sustainability and food self-sufficiency. Its biggest program is environmental science, along with a robust theatre program and an innovation hub, Genesis, designed to promote tech start-ups and encourage entrepreneurship in NL.
Photo Credit: Grenfell Campus (via Facebook)
However, the biggest challenge for Grenfell is its need for expansion since the campus is full.
Deferred Maintenance
President Timmons had stated to The Muse that $100 million would go towards deferred maintenance over the following years in March.
In our July interview, Timmons said the university has a plan for deferred maintenance—however, financials remain their biggest challenge.
MUN’s deferred maintenance is one of the student body’s most significant concerns, with reports of the ceiling collapsing, hanging tarps, leaks in the university’s tunnel system collected in buckets (which students have coined “MUNNEL Juice”), mice, and more.
In our interview, Timmons described the plan Memorial submitted to the government regarding their deferred maintenance.
“When interest rates were really, really low, we proposed a plan to the government: a plan for infrastructure. Now with the university act not being realised, I am delayed until the auditor general comes in. I am still hoping the government will endorse the infrastructure plan I gave them, but I have yet to hear.”
“A lot of things will be on hold until this auditor general’s report is done, which could take two years.”
Potential Changes to Memorial University Act
Memorial’s University Act provides an opportunity for the university to have much more autonomy. However, Timmons explains, if Memorial wants to acquire a gift of a building or land, it will need permission from the provincial government.
“We are not nimble like we need to be, and it becomes cumbersome as a university; we have a large infrastructure, and we need to be nimble,” Timmons says.
In May, a professor at MUN reached out to the Muse after hearing that the government is revising the Memorial University Act under the cabinet secretariat, which is outside the ATIPP (Access to Information and Protection of Privacy) process for cabinet confidentiality. While the accusation can neither be confirmed nor denied, the administration allegedly supports such revision. As a result, I asked what the revision would mean for students and if the revision would be positive.
President Timmons stated:
“This revision would be positive. We would be a university that would be much more responsive, could be nimble, accept gifts from donors in an easier way, work closely with the federal government on projects with no input from provincial government, smaller board of regents based on skills rather than government appointees, elected alumni, we have over 30 people in the board of regents right now and it’s not good governance. So the revision would give the university much better governance and domino back down to be more positive for students.”
Later in the interview, President Timmons said it is not a matter of ‘if’ Memorial’s University Act will be changed but ‘when.’
Financials
Memorial’s finances continue to be the biggest challenge the administration faces.
Since 2015, Memorial has faced significant cuts and losses to personnel. “We are 400 people less than we were while enrolment reached record highs”, Timmons said.
When Budget 2022 was announced, President Timmons described the government’s cuts as tough on the university. As a result, Timmons describes her biggest challenge as trying to keep people positive during a difficult financial time.
In reaction to this statement, Timmons says, “we can stand on our own merit, but I also believe we need adequate funding to serve our students well. The cuts are significant, $8 million over 5 years.”
Timmons also stated that MUN had faced cuts since 2015. “This is not a cut for five years; this is ten years of cuts, so we have to figure out how to manage that. My hope would have been to have more flexibility around the tuition and not get cut; that was a recommendation of the postsecondary review – lift the tuition freeze but no cuts to the university because they recognize the financial challenges– that didn’t happen.”
However, MUN does have plans to help alleviate its financial situation through revenue generation on scholarships for students.
Timmons said, “We have many resources put into entrance scholarships. It is our focus to build a robust scholarship program for students to help them with tuition increases and manage through.”
New Competitive Advantage?
Many students have expressed that their reason for attending Memorial was affordable tuition, which gave it a competitive advantage over other universities.
However, one could question Memorial’s current competitive advantage, with tuition increasing by 235% for upcoming Canadian students.
Timmons, however, believes Memorial has many other advantages, such as the quality of its degree programs and the opportunities for a small intimate campus experience through Grenfell, Marine Institute, and Labrador Campus.
She also emphasizes that Memorial is still the most affordable university in Atlantic Canada.
In addition, the focus on this place is crucial through the folklore and oceans programs for Newfoundland and Labrador students.
“Overall, there are many areas that we shine,” said Timmons.
Photo Credit: Jenna Reid
However, there are significant concerns about Memorial’s international student population as they face drastic tuition increases.
While Memorial offers scholarships and part-time work opportunities for its international students, President Timmons says Newfoundland taxes pay for students’ education.
Therefore, subsidizing other students is a cost to Newfoundland and Labradorians.
“We will support international students, but I also feel we need to recognize that the subsidy of international student education cannot be borne on the shoulders of Newfoundland and Labradorians,” Timmons said.
Memorial intends to attract more undergraduate international students, so Timmons believes if we lose some numbers of international students due to tuition increases, it won’t be for long as the university implements and updates new degree programs.
“I do not want my legacy to be tuition increases. I want my legacy to be the implementation of our strategic plan with a real focus on students,” said Timmons.
Why Memorial?
For incoming students starting MUN this fall, President Timmons wants to remind them that a university education is the best investment you can make.
Additionally, Timmons says, Memorial is the most affordable university in Atlantic Canada.
She also wishes to thank incoming students for choosing Memorial University. “I know we have challenges with infrastructure, but there is so much going on here. Hopefully in September, we will see almost three years of students having that first-year experience,” said Timmons, due to the pandemic closures.
President Timmons also encourages students to get involved and be part of the campus culture, stating that “for a university education, what you get out is what you put in.”
Editor’s Note: Special thanks to Memorial University’s administration and President Vianne Timmons for taking the time to speak with The Muse.
Kittiwake Dance Theatre is a Newfoundland-based dance company founded over 36 years ago by Linda Rimsay. As a non-profit dance company, Kittiwake is managed by a board of directors as well as artistic director Martin Vallee.
This company has been a staple in the Newfoundland dance scene for years. Thanks to its yearly performance of The Nutcracker and its original works titled Mermaids of Avalon and Fairy Fae, which both incorporated NL folklore and legends, it has effectively marked its territory as the Professional dance company of Newfoundland.
They have since transitioned into incorporating more contemporary works alongside their traditional and widely loved full-length story ballets and are now collaborating with RBC through the Kittiwake-RBC Emerging Choreographer-in-Residence program to give opportunities to young choreographers in need of funding to create and set their work on company dancers.
While their main priority is creating dance opportunities for aspiring and current professional dancers within our province, they are also constantly doing whatever they can to support the NL arts community as a whole and love collaborating with other artistic entities. This includes anyone looking to help out on the sidelines and wanting to get involved in the arts community but unsure of how.
Supporting the NL Arts community
There are so many ways that students and other members of our community can support local artists. The support of others is what keeps the arts community alive in our province. Artistic expression is meant to be shared.
When speaking with Martin Vallee, I asked him his thoughts on how people in our community, specifically how students, can support Kittiwake Dance Theatre and other local artists. He suggested,
Make an effort to look out for upcoming events.
Lots of artistic events are now being advertised online and on social media. So, make sure to stay active online and follow the local artists that pique your interest and see if they have any upcoming events.
Check the Arts and Culture Centre website for details on upcoming events/performances.
The Arts and Culture Centre is just a step away from MUN’s St. John’s Campus and is constantly updating its website with new performances to see. Stay in the loop and check out their website to see what’s on the go.
Take your family and friends with you to performances.
Make it a night out. Going to performances yourself is a great way to show your support. But there is nothing more fun than exposing those around you to the art that NL has to offer.
Participate in creative events as a volunteer
Kittiwake, for example, is always looking for new volunteers to join their volunteer committee. You can get a close behind-the-scenes look at how a dance company is run and take part in all the nitty gritty behind-the-scenes fun that goes into putting on a dance performance.
Upcoming events to look out for
According to artistic director Martin Vallée, Kittiwake Dance Theatre has quite an exciting year ahead.
This 2022 summer season, they will be putting on outdoor performances open to the public both in St. John’s and across the island.
They will start the summer with their production entitled “Come Home” at Bowring Park from July 7th-11th, followed by a provincial tour of the show at parks in Stephenville, Cornerbrook, Gros Morne and Terra-Nova from July 15th-21st.
So make sure to stop by if you’re looking for a spectacular outdoor art event for your whole family to enjoy!
Then, later on in the year, they will once again be putting on their annual Nutcracker.
This year they are celebrating their 36th anniversary, so make sure to get your tickets this fall!
Once their St. John’s shows are over, they will once again be taking the Nutcracker on tour to Grand Falls, Corner Brook, Stephenville and Gander. (Dates to be determined)
How to get involved as a dancer, student or volunteer
Dancers
Audition for upcoming performances!
Kittiwake Dance Theatre is holding auditions for The Nutcracker on the weekend of August 28th for their St. John’s shows, and they will also be travelling to their touring destinations to hold auditions seeking local participants for their performances across the island.
Kittiwake Dance Theatre has collaborated with MUN Music numerous times and in several capacities.
They have collaborated with MUN Music to create an accompaniment program enabling pianists from the music program to have hands-on experience playing for ballet classes. Craig Wingrove, a well-known accompanist, was brought in from the National Ballet of Canada to teach the young pianists.
Professor Vernon Regehr from the music department has also collaborated with Kittiwake Dance Theatre as a conductor, bringing together MUN Music musicians to play live music for performances.
It is very common for the company to incorporate live music into their performances. Even their summer performance in the park will combine live musicians to a few of their works, as it brings a magical atmosphere that is simply impossible to replicate with a recording.
So, if you’re a MUN Music student looking to collaborate with dancers or want to create something new, reach out to Kittiwake Dance Theatre. They are always looking for new projects and new creatives to work with.
Volunteering
Keep in mind that you don’t have to be a dancer to get involved in productions like these!
If you aren’t a dancer but are still interested and believe you have skills that can be beneficial behind the scenes for Kittiwake Dance Theatre, then don’t hesitate to reach out. They are always looking for eager volunteers!
**If this sounds like something you would want to participate in, then please contact info@kittiwakedancetheatre.ca for more information**
Very recently, I found my haven in the library at the MUN Education building. The library is filled with books suitable for all ages and contains diverse media ranging from short stories to graphic novels.
Photo Credit: Aya Alumutoory
It is stocked with different genres and includes classics like Macbeth by William Shakespeare, as well as booktok favourites like A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas.
Below are some of the best books that I have borrowed so far:
1. Loveless by Alice Oseman.
A painfully beautiful story about friendship and self-discovery with an incredible array of representations of asexual and aromantic people. The same author wrote the award-winning graphic novel series Heartstopper, which has recently been adapted into a Netflix show!
2. When We Collided by Emery Lord.
A wonderful novel that was written from a dual point of view, tackling complex topics such as grief and mental illness. It also showcases healing and self-acceptance, leaving you tear-eyed. This book is more on the heavier side of what I am used to but is an eye-opening read.
Photo Credit: Aya Almutoory
3. On A Sunbeam by Tillie Walden.
One of the largest graphic novels available at the library and contains breathtaking panels. This intergalactic story is perfect for sci-fi lovers and highlights growth and found family. It’s written through two different timelines, accentuating the history between Mia and her lover, Grace.
4. My Body My Choice by Robin Stevenson.
A nonfiction book that brilliantly highlights the fight for abortion rights and the dark history behind abortion laws. In my opinion, this is a necessary read, especially given the new abortion ban in the US.
5. Once Upon an Eid by 15 Muslim Voices.
In the spirit of our fellow Muslims recently celebrating Eid, this beautifully written book accurately reflects the joys of Eid and the diversity within the Muslim community. It is aimed at a younger audience and written through a collection of short stories, verses, and even a comic panel by the same creator of the Ms. Marvel comics (currently a Marvel tv show!).
All books mentioned are currently available to borrow at the Education Library on MUN’s St. John’s Campus.
