Home Blog Page 63

Recycling on Burton’s Pond MUN residences

Bruna Cardoso
-
0
Recycling on Burton’s Pond MUN residences

Discover how to take care of your waste if you live in one of the buildings

After changes in the recycling and garbage collection processes in St. John’s, with new bag colours and sorting rules, students living at Burton’s Pond may have questions on how to proceed. Since January, the City has required that recycling waste goes on the curbside (outside the cart) and inside see-through blue bags, and regular garbage must be thrown out in clear bags and inside the cart. The scenario is different for Burton’s Pond residents since the buildings are inside the campus, where the streets are considered private.

Students in these residences have a green bin for regular garbage in front of each building, where they can place recycling and non-recycling waste all mixed since there is no selective collection for now.

Justin Dearing is responsible for the Office of Sustainability and Climate Action at Memorial University and explains that this collection process is about to change. According to Dearing, there is a project on the way for Burton’s Pond waste management. Studies are in place to install recycling bins for the buildings and work with the company in charge of garbage collection on campus for the proper destination. The project’s first phase will be a public hearing for opinions and ideas among residents. Further, the office will provide information such as the type of bags and methods of separation.

The final destination follows the city waste process at the Robin Hood Bay Waste Management Facility, which receives all waste types and processes them. Kelly Maguire is the speaker for waste management in the City of St. John’s and says that many recycling materials have Canadian end markets, and other products go outside of Canada. In both cases, the material gets transformed into new products, such as cans, bags, and boxes.

If you live at Burton’s Pond, wait for an online survey in the following weeks about the matter. Dearing also asks students with ideas or ecological concerns on campus to reach out to the MUN Office of Sustainability and Climate Action.

OPINION | Survival of the Fittest: Academia is for the Abled

Veronica Oliver
-
0
OPINION | Survival of the Fittest: Academia is for the Abled

Photo Credit: Ben White (via Unsplash)

Memorial participates in academic ableism by not mandating online options for all courses.

On January 19th, 2022, Memorial University announced that members of the university community were to prepare for a return to in-person learning on January 31st. As of January 30th, there are 2,232 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, 18 hospitalizations, and 38 total deaths. Yet, despite these alarming numbers, and MUNFA and the MUNSU both asking for the university to reconsider their decision, Memorial believes that its campus is a safe place to be. From the outside looking in, the members of our university community are young, healthy, and vibrant; a low risk to a virus for which most have been vaccinated. However, looks are deceiving, and for some members of our community, contracting COVID-19 would not just be a moderate respiratory illness, but instead a case of life-threatening, possibly life-ending, illness.

Those in the MUN community who are immunocompromised, disabled, or have family/friends who are immunocompromised or disabled are at-risk.

People are being overlooked in the name of returning to any kind of ‘normalcy’, purely for the sake of the comfort of the abled. The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a blazing light on the ableism so deeply entrenched in academic and capitalistic environments, and to this, Memorial is no exception. By not mandating online options for all classes, Memorial is participating in the perpetuation of academic ableism. Memorial University is unapologetically carrying out a game of survival of the fittest.  

Ableism is the discrimination of and social prejudice towards disabled persons in favour of the abled and typical abilities. In academia, it can be presented through the denial of accommodations purely because an institution feels inconvenienced to provide them.  For the last two years, students have had periods of both online and in-person learning; a testament to how accessible and technologically easy it is for online learning to be implemented. The pandemic has proven that accessibility could be possible. The pandemic has also proven that accessibility is only widely implemented when the health and safety of the abled have been threatened. Yet, when the vast majority have been vaccinated, and the abled are largely protected with illusions of safety, these accommodations that kept both them and their disabled colleagues safe, disappear. Those without disabilities or immunocompromises are able to continue with in-person learning, perhaps unaffected by university mandate.

What does this say about our university? Our community? 

Disabled students and faculty continue to fight for the online accommodations once given so freely. The fight for these accommodations to remain in place is truly a fight for equal access. A fight to not have our human rights violated. It’s a fight to live despite active threats to those who are immunocompromised.  Why then are we not offering mandated online options for classes to protect many of those we first wished to keep safe? 

Memorial’s chief risk officer, Greg McDougall, asserted to CBC News that returning to in-person learning on campus is what is necessary for “the act of academic quality”. McDougall is merely the public voice for the many who continue to glorify the privilege of in-person learning as the highest academic standard. The idea that online learning devalues one’s academic potential is incredibly ableist towards those for whom in-person learning has the potential to be deadly. The assertion that online learning does not hold up the standard of academic quality automatically assumes that disabled people who may require adaptive ways of learning are not up to par with abled academics who attend in-person classes. 

Memorial is not just a tight-knit community for those who aspire towards higher learning as hiding underneath is a capitalist institution, and ableism has its roots in capitalism. One must examine the capitalist influences on the decision to return to in-person learning to assert that the University is perpetuating academic ableism. Memorial contributes approximately $627 million annually to the province’s economy and provides 9,922 jobs. In addition, according to the Memorial University Economic Impact Assessment in April 2021, “it is estimated that non-local student expenditures generate total GDP impact of more than $70 million in the province, with approximately 96% of this impact in the St. John’s region” (30). What then might these numbers be if Memorial chose to continue remote learning for the safety of all? 

One particularly worrying prospect would be the decline of revenue generated by the lack of non-local students moving to St. John’s to attend in-person classes. Many of these students would choose to stay in their hometowns or cities, investing their money in their respective economies. By continuing to teach the rest of the winter semester remotely, students, faculty members, and visitors would not be purchasing food and beverages from the University Cafeteria or other campus cafes, they would not be paying for parking on campus, profit from the bookstore would steadily decrease, and businesses in the surrounding area would see a decline in sales. However, tuition sales have not decreased while remote learning has taken place, nor have fees such as campus renewal, student services, or recreation fees, despite lack of access to these services. The push to return to primarily in-person learning is also a push for increased monetary gain, all the while fully cognizant and accepting of the traumatic effects this will have on disabled students and faculty. The university system was not created for those who are not easily profited from. Thus, the creation of widespread accessibility and accommodations will not be mandated unless it carries the promise of monetary gain. For Memorial to be an allied institution, it must take on an anti-capitalistic approach to the safety of its students and staff. People have to come before profit; it can no longer be merely a call to action, it must be action taken with vigour. 

As of January 30th, 2022, 2,917 people have signed a change.org petition created to persuade Memorial to offer a completely online option for students who wish to avail of these accommodations. Similarly, 751 people have signed a petition to have labs taught remotely. In spite of fervent opposition from students, faculty members, and members of the local community, Memorial continues to prepare for in-person learning. In early January, Chief Medical Officer, Janice Fitzgerald, stated that due to the high rate of transmission of the Omicron variant, most people will contract the virus. This may be a daunting reality, but it is not an excuse to abandon necessary accommodations, thus abandoning Memorial’s duty to protect vulnerable members of the university community. It is unacceptable for Memorial University to sacrifice the lives of its disabled members for the sake of normalcy, for the sake of the abled and for the growth of its economic gain. The astonishing lack of action on behalf of the university, despite pleas for reform from its own community, is a silent affirmation of what Memorial truly cares about rather than who it truly cares for. If Memorial University desires to be an inclusive, accessible learning environment for disabled persons, it certainly is doing a poor job.

$15 and Fairness NL Changes Their Name To Workers’ Action Network And Demands Better Working Conditions in NL

Abby Cole
-
0
$15 and Fairness NL Changes Their Name To Workers’ Action Network And Demands Better Working Conditions in NL

(Photo by Ashkan Forouzani on Unsplash)

Local advocacy group – $15 and Fairness NL – has changed its name to Workers’ Action Network, to combine efforts, and not only advocate for a higher minimum wage, but better working conditions, overall, for Newfoundland and Labrador’s non-unionized and low-wage workers.

$15 and Fairness NL had previously been organized to advocate for a higher minimum wage in the province. The current minimum wage in NL is $12.75 an hour, and the provincial government has announced an increase in the minimum wage to $13.20 in NL for April 1st, 2022. The organization has pushed the government to increase the minimum wage in NL to at least $15 an hour so that all workers can afford basic costs of living.

louis hansel e96ST3p7tn4 unsplash
nelson ndongala e600aQGDVOk unsplash

(Photos by Louis Hansel and Nelson Ndongala on Unsplash)

When COVID-19 cases surged last month, many low-income workers and students found themselves struggling due to a lack of financial resources. The network was vocal on social media, through the hashtag #paidsickdayssavelives, advocating for government-mandated paid sick days amid the rise of Omicron cases in the province. 

In an interview with the Muse, the network explained that “It was the minimum wage and low-wage workers for whom we advocated during the $15 and Fairness campaign” that inspired the change to the Workers Action Network. “They made it clear that low-wage, precarious work denied them decent work conditions beyond poverty wages. Workers in low-paying, precarious industries also face harassment, discrimination, unsafe work conditions, abuse, wage theft, and more. A broader approach to address all of these systemic issues was needed.”

The group was formed in 2018, after former Premier Dwight Ball’s austerity agenda was released, as “an initiative that was brought forward by Common Front– a coalition of labour, community, social justice groups,” and “is most well-known for the Fight for $15 and Fairness Campaign, which ran from 2018 to 2022.”

The workers’ action network announced in a Twitter thread on February 1st, that “The issue of poverty wages is only one of many faced by non-unionized, low-wage workers. Therefore, the Workers’ Action Network of Newfoundland and Labrador will replace and build upon the advocacy of the Fight for $15 and Fairness NL campaign.” The Network’s new goals are now centered around bringing non-unionized and low-wage workers together to organize the fight for decent work in the province.

“Decent work is about more than fair wages and benefits: it means a work environment free of harassment, abuse, discrimination, precarity, and other unjust labour conditions which deny the dignity, rights, and economic well-being of workers. ALL workers deserve decent work.”

@workersactionnl on Twitter

The network explained to the Muse that “We, the organizers, Sara Moriarity and Mark Nichols were hired by the Common Front to work on the $15 and Fairness campaign in 2020 shortly after Newfoundland and Labrador’s first province-wide lockdown in an effort to advocate for those in low-wage work and create public pressure on the provincial government to raise the provincial minimum wage to a more livable $15.00 per hour. Though we both took on this work believing that a $15.00 per hour minimum wage was an attainable target and a good first step toward a true living wage, we knew that the demand for that wage fell short of what workers in low-wage, precarious jobs needed. Workers in low-wage, precarious jobs are not only paid poverty wages but are often denied decent work conditions. Workers in these industries face harassment, discrimination, unsafe work conditions, abuse, wage theft, and more.”

“The $15 and Fairness campaign took a back seat and Common Front began a series of conversations that would lead to the decision to launch the Workers’ Action Network. Rather than advocate on behalf of workers, the Workers Action Network will provide the space for workers to come together and exercise their collective voice in order to fight for decent work conditions for all.”

I asked them to explain how the network organizes workers against the province’s unfair working conditions, and they explained their three steps of action: Educate, Agitate and Organize.

“Our very first step is to let workers know they have rights that must be upheld in the workplace. Educate. Once workers realize not only do they have these rights that have been infringed upon, but employers are rarely if ever, held accountable for doing so. Agitate. Suddenly, we’re looking at a province full of informed workers who are ready to defend their rights and fight for better working conditions. Organize.”

Currently, the network is in the first phase of action, to educate workers of the provinces about their rights in the workplace. They explained “We’ve created a living document, on our website, that contains vital, simplified information on one’s rights in the workplace. We’ve opened up a line of support through which workers can contact us when tackling workplace issues as an individual, or better yet, as a group of coworkers or those in the same or similar industries sharing these issues. We’re issuing printed materials to be distributed to inform workers across our province that this resource exists. We’re holding bi-weekly “Know Your Rights!” Webinars, and will begin to offer a variety of workshops on various topics. Workers who join the network through our website will have the opportunity to vote on which workshops they’d like to partake in next.”

Through this phase of action, they are hoping “to let every worker in our province know that ‘The Network’ exists. The Workers’ Action Network has been created to let them know their rights, to support them and their coworkers in dealing with workplace issues, and we want them to get involved in the operations of the network going forward.”

The network is aiming to achieve three main outcomes:

  1. “For employers to provide decent work conditions and to permanently stop infringing upon the rights of workers under current legislation,”
  2. “For the provincial government to diligently and effectively hold employers who violate workers’ rights under current legislation accountable, and,”
  3. “For the provincial government of Newfoundland and Labrador to enact legislation that guarantees decent work conditions, giving all workers in our province the basic human dignity and economic ability to live life in our province.”

The network has utilized social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to reach out to workers in NL and spread their message of workers’ rights.

273113298 1114496299368131 7733097858674092963 n
Image from Facebook

They told the Muse that “It’s early, but we’ve seen an encouraging upward trend in our engagement and follower counts on all social media channels since the $15 and Fairness campaign, and have recruited an encouraging number of worker sign-ups to our worker-only newsletter. It’s safe to infer from this information that we are beginning to reach a wider audience of workers, but our ultimate goal is to reach every vulnerable worker across our province to let them know that we exist and for them to join the network. This is a huge demographic and significant undertaking, so we will constantly be adjusting our approach as required.”

Through their social media platforms they “want to provide content that is helpful, interesting, and engaging. If workers have requests or suggestions for content, we are always accepting feedback. They can contact us through our website.”

I asked the network: What opportunities do you have right now for people interested in worker organizing?

They are encouraging those interested to first, join the network. “All workers in low-wage, precarious work across our province are encouraged to join and receive updates to their email inbox. Once they’ve joined, they’ll receive invites to bi-weekly webinars in which we meet to discuss the voted subject of choice. The ultimate goal is to have a strong network of dedicated workers who are collectively making the decisions, but first, workers need to join, stay updated, and participate in webinars and future events. The pandemic has made it difficult and currently unsafe to meet in person, but we’re looking forward to hosting in-person events and information sessions as soon as it becomes safe to do so. That social component is so important in building solidarity. We can’t wait to meet everyone.“

Here, those interested in joining the network can fill out an online form to receive emails and updates from the network and learn how to get involved with the network’s decision-making.

The network wants students and workers who are struggling with precarious and low-income work to know that they are not alone.

tim gouw 1K9T5YiZ2WU unsplash
Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

“It can feel impossible, and at times, hopeless, to advocate for yourself alone. Know this: we will have success addressing the infringements upon these rights and fighting for better conditions as a collective of workers.”

They encourage workers who are struggling with their working conditions to “Come talk to our support staff about the issues you’re facing. We welcome you to do that individually, or with a group of trusted coworkers. We’ll lay out all your options and would love to facilitate a discussion about organizing your workplace or industry.”

And they encourage those who are interested in organizing against unfair working conditions to “Spread the word about the Network. Request print materials to distribute to the workers in your life or put them up on your workplace bulletin board. The more informed workers we have, the more successful we will be in fighting for decent work as a collective.”

“If you feel the call– join the network and get involved. Follow our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter), and make use of our website when you need it. The more informed workers we have, the stronger and more effective we’ll be in demanding better working conditions and advocating for stronger labour legislation. In solidarity, we have power.”

To find out more information or to reach out to the network, you can look here on their website.

Backlash from students after MUNL considers not giving a new contract to beloved professor

Abby Cole
-
0
Backlash from students after MUNL considers not giving a new contract to beloved professor

*Changes have been made to amend the original post. Previously the article stated that Dr. Caman was contacted by the Dean. Dr. Caman, in fact, states that he was contacted by the department head, who spoke with the Dean. MUNL’s Manager of Communications says that no decision has been made yet. Statements implying that Dr. Caman may return to Turkey have been removed.*

After the Political Science Society released a letter urging Ailsa Craig, the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, to reconsider staffing cuts made to the department, students responded confused and upset by this decision.

On February 4th, Political Science Professor Dr. Mehmet Caman announced that he had been contacted by the department head who said that, based on their discussions with the Dean, his contract will end this April and he will likely not receive another contract for next year.

Dr. Mehmet Caman is an international politics scholar and human rights activist who currently is an assistant professor at Memorial University. He came to Memorial in 2015 and has considered Newfoundland his home ever since.

This is not the first time students and faculty have been upset due to the faculty’s budget cuts and constraints. According to an infographic released by the MUN Political Science Society, in 2020 Dr. Russel Williams stepped down as the head of the Political Science department because the university wanted him to cut 20% of Political Science courses, even though political science is one of the largest departments in the faculty.

Memorial Students responded immediately supporting Dr. Caman, with the Undergraduate and Graduate Political Science Societies posting letters in support of Dr. Caman and circulating an online petition urging the Dean of Humanities and Social Science to renew the beloved professor’s contract.

Dr. Ailsa Craig has responded to the letter and correspondence regarding Dr. Mehmet Caman and made some clarifications. First, they noted that the HSS faculty is currently in the middle of discussions with departments regarding their teaching plans and that no plans to allocate resources have been finalized yet. Second, they noted that recommendations to renew teaching contracts are made by a hiring committee and that contractual appointments are made in accordance with existing collective agreements. They reiterate that there have been no final decisions made yet regarding Dr. Caman’s contract.

The Political Science Society responded to this rebuttal claiming Dr. Craig “missed many points of this campaign.” And that “All cuts to Political Science MUST end, and previous cuts MUST be reversed.”

Student Response

Many of Caman’s students took to social media after his Twitter announcement to express their gratitude for his teaching at Memorial University.

“Oh no. My experience with you so far in POSC1001 has been great. You’ve shown me more kindness than any other prof has in my short time in university thus far. I hope things change.”

– @HawcoRachel on Twitter

“I am so sorry to hear this, Dr. Caman. You are an incredible professor, and I look back fondly on the classes I took with you. I don’t know a single student you have taught and said you were anything less than excellent. Thoughts are with you, and we were lucky to have you.”

– @NickMMoody on Twitter

“Dr. Caman was one of the best profs I’ve ever had, this is so sad 🙁 instead of taking away a prof many students idolize, maybe they should find a way to hold accountable the profs who pride themselves on students failing their class”

– Kyra Thompson on Facebook

“Of the couple of semesters I did at MUN nothing stands out like classes with Dr. Caman (and Rebidoux, Bell, anyone at Queen’s). He has an unreal ability for adapting Intro to Poli Sci to people not seeking a Poli sci degree and his classes were always fascinating. Enormous loss.”

– @jimjamjuggles on Twitter

“Dr. Caman is one of the greatest profs I’ve had at @MemorialU and definitely sparked my love for Poli Sci. I hope this decision gets reversed and he can stay! He is a great asset and a wonderful professor.”

– @daviddsimms on Twitter

“I am currently a student in @MehmetEfe_Caman intro to comparative politics class, and last semester I had the privilege of having Dr. Caman as my Intro to Poli Sci prof. He’s a wonderful, engaging, passionate professor and easily one of the best I’ve had. (1/2)” “Mr. Caman deserves another term, and I believe any student who has had this man as a prof will likely tell you the same thing. He truly loves what he does, and Memorial University would be losing an outstanding and highly educated professor were he to be let go. (2/2).”

– @dyetti14 on Twitter

Some students highlighted on social media issues with how Memorial allocates more funding to some departments over others, noting the recently built $325 million Core Science facility, compared to the supposed budget constraints for the Political Science department.

“So, they can build fancy science buildings, but can’t afford to renew your contract? What’s with our school! 🙄”

– @mkcselby

Some students also highlighted how Memorial U’s President Vianne Timmons had spoken with Dr. Caman in 2020 and tweeted about how his story impacted her and recognized why students love him as a professor.

After the Political Science Society posted the letter on social media, more students responded to show their love for Dr. Caman, and appreciation for his work as a professor at Memorial.

“Dr. Caman deserves to be shown the same respect and kindness that he shows everyone else. He was one of my favourite professors while I was at MUN creating a welcoming environment that every professor should aim for. @MehmetEfe_Caman your students will make sure you’re heard.”

– @JennaMacnutt on Twitter

The Change.org Petition now has roughly 1500 signatures, with more responses from people expressing their gratitude for Dr. Caman and urging Memorial to extend his contract.

“He is the absolute best prof I’ve ever had”

– Liam Burton on Change.org

“I’m signing because Dr. Çaman is unmatched in his dedication to students, staff, and faculty in the Department of Political Science at MUNL. He goes out of his way to ensure that students are engaged and comfortable in his class, cultivating an atmosphere of collegiality, respect, and a desire to learn. He is “one of the good ones” as they say, and the loss of his presence in the department will be one that is felt by all. Dr. Craig must reconsider their decision and provide Dr. Çaman with a permanent position in our Dept. It is what he deserves.”

– Holly Fox on Change.org

Professor Response

Dr. Valérie Vézina noted on Twitter that she also had to leave MUN because of the uncertainty of contract positions.

I had to leave @MemorialPoliSci because of the uncertainties of constant contract positions. @MehmetEfe_Caman deserves so much better. @MemorialU is lucky to have him, do better!

– @ValVez11 on Twitter

Other colleagues took to Twitter to show their support for Dr. Caman:

“I am always encouraged to see students gather in solidarity to effect change!
This kind of political work is essential, and solidarity with @MehmetEfe_Caman.
I am fortunate to work beside him and proud to call him a colleague.”

– @eatingpolitics on Twitter

“Every day we have a chance to show our true colours. We care abt diversity & inclusion. We care abt human rights. We believe in helping scholars at risk. If these things are all true, then @MemorialU has an opportunity here. We can do the right thing.”

– @amandabittner on Twitter

“@MehmetEfe_Caman is an inspiration. A great scholar with a powerful moral compass, he has shown so much bravery in adversity. It is an honour to call him my colleague.”

– @lucian_ashworth on Twitter

Finance Professor Elvan Aktas of Valdosta State University in Georgia, also posted a letter to the Dean, expressing his support for Dr. Caman and explaining the dangerous political situation in turkey: “… [Turkey’s] authoritarian regime has kept hegemonizing all institutions in the country, from the media to armed forces, from academia to religious organizations, etc. This process has been slow but nonetheless bloody and brutal, resulting in the firing and/or jailing of tens of thousands of public service employees, including around 8000 academics.” He asks that MUN extend Dr. Caman’s contract, as he is an intellectual that influences oppressed people in Turkey.

One of Memorial’s Best Political Science Professors

Dr. Caman has a high student approval rating on the professor review website ratemyprofessors.com, with a score of 4.4/5, including 40 five-star reviews out of 57.

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with good reviews ranging from 2018:

“Dr. Caman is by far the best professor I have ever had at MUN! He is really easy to get in contact with and I would highly recommend attending his office hours and get to know him. His experiences really make him a wonderful person and professor.”

To as recently as 2022:

“Prof Caman is amazing! Interesting lectures provide support to do well, always ready to help. He can explain complex things very easily and makes you understand. The readings were ok but got more from the lectures. Plan to take courses from him again.”

Most reviews note Dr. Caman’s ability to make dry course material interesting, as well as his kind and caring nature. Overall, Political Science students at Memorial love Dr. Caman’s classes.

The Political Science society is still encouraging students to sign and share the petition on social media, as well as emailing the Dean of HSS, Dr. Craig, urging them to keep Dr. Caman employed at Memorial.

MUN & MUNFA Commence Collective Bargaining

Komran Mackey
-
0
MUN & MUNFA Commence Collective Bargaining

Photo by Jose Losada (via Unsplash)

After postponing collective bargaining in 2020 due to the pandemic. The Parties are now back at the table.

The current, 2019-2020 collective agreement between MUN and MUNFA states that a notice to commence collective bargaining must be given between 30-90 days of August 31st. 

On June 1st, 2021, MUN proposed a non-negotiable which would extend the current 2019-2020 Collective Agreement until August 31st, 2023. To give MUNFA time to consider the offer, the Parties extended the deadline of notice to commence collective bargaining until August 31st, 2021. The non-negotiable from MUN also included a plan to increase salaries.

Proposed Salary Increase
Proposed Salary Increase

On August 18th, 2021, the MUNFA Executive voted unanimously to reject the non-negotiable and on August 19th, 2021, issued a notice to President Timmons to commence collective bargaining.

The MUNFA Executive Committee’s letter to MUNFA members states that:

“As a union, we would surrender hard-won power in accepting an ultimatum on salary and working conditions from the employer. One of our primary jobs is to bargain collectively. While we recognize some members felt the offer of June 1, even with the associated concessions, was acceptable, the MUNFA Executive considered it insufficient to the wider concerns about working conditions identified by ASMs (Academic Staff Members) and so we have decided to proceed with collective bargaining.”

MUNFA Executive Committee

The parties met on January 27th, 2022, to begin collective bargaining. MUNFA outlines the employer’s priorities “at first glance” in their update Negotiating News #2. MUN’s priorities outlined by MUNFA, among other things, include the requirement that all ASMs must reside in Newfoundland and Labrador. As well as introducing a system of post-tenure review, which MUNFA has rejected in the last round of collective bargaining. Stating that this would “bring an end to the job security offered by tenure, which is a vital condition for academic freedom”.

MUNFA states that their priorities include:

“… equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism; Indigenization of the Collective Agreement; improved working conditions for our most precarious colleagues; climate action; improved governance, openness, and transparency; and due process for our members.”

Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty Association

The association added that “MUNFA will seek fair, reasonable, and equitable improvements in both ASM salaries and benefits.”

The next bargaining session will be on February 14-15, 2022.

A sit-down interview with Matt Barter

Anna
-
0
A sit-down interview with Matt Barter

Heading Photo via Matt Barter Twitter

With classes having returned to in-person learning (since January 31st) the conflict between Matthew Barter and MUN’s administration has yet to be resolved. 

Barter, a 25-year-old MUN student pursuing a degree in political science, has recently caught the public’s eye through both his articles and public protests in disfavour of MUN’s tuition hike. 

In particular, a silent protest involving Barter holding a sign that read “STOP VIANNE! No to tuition hikes and out of control spending!” during a press conference has received much attention— from both MUN’s disciplinary committee and the president herself. 

Although Barter has been protesting tuition hikes “as far back as 2015,” he maintains that “it was the straw that broke the camel’s back.” 

“I was banned the next day,” stated Barter, referring to the interim measures which prohibited him from campus. At the time, the only exceptions included attending class, taking exams, or seeking medical attention; however, Barter was required to check-in and be escorted by Campus Enforcement and Patrol or risk involvement with the RCMP.  

Barter’s lawyer and also MUNSU’s legal representation, Kyle Rees, was available to provide insight on the ongoing status of Barter’s interim measures. Rees stated that he received a “strong indication that these conditions would be lifted, only to find out that Matt, as he frequently does, tweeted some unfavourable things about the university and the administration over the weekend.”

Rees argues that Barter was “continuing his work as a campus journalist.” Despite this, “some upset emails from MUN’s administration followed, and then lo and behold […] we received a letter saying that the conditions were only being changed such to allow him in the library, the UC, and his classes where he [had] to check in with the CEP.” Barter also stated that he currently does not require a check-in with CEP to access specific areas such as the library or the UC.

The email in question referenced two events that were “interpreted as harassing and intimidating”: the aforementioned silent protest and a conference in September where Barter publicly asked President Timmons why his protest posters were removed from campus. Interestingly, Barter also received a complimentary email days later from the MUN’s Chief Risk Officer, Greg McDougall, referencing events from 2019 and 2018.  

“I felt frustrated,” admitted Barter, “And I also felt that the administration was targeting me and that they are essentially trying to shut me up.”

Rees seconds this opinion. 

“Whenever we raise this issue with the university they say no one’s going to stop him from saying his opinion, but it seems that anytime Matt says something critical, the university takes issue with it,” Rees discloses. “So, I think the fundamental disagreement here […] is the difference between politically protesting unpopular decisions made by administration and harassment.” 

In terms of what Barter can do legally, Rees admits, “I’ve already been surprised by Memorial’s conduct in this matter already, so I won’t purport to know what to do here.”

Accordingly, the interim measures last only as long as the investigation- which is set to be resolved by March. Further, Rees is not sure he can obtain a court date before that time.

However, he assures that they’re “pretty confident that the investigation is going to find that no harassment occurred and that as a result all of these conditions will be lifted […] so while I do take the position that what Memorial University has done is inappropriate, and contrary to principles of justice, and freedom of expression, I think the more practical approach is to allow the investigation to conclude and I’m hopeful that Memorial will realize the error of their ways and extend an apology to Matthew once the investigation is concluded.”

On the other hand, Barter worries that his experiences may prevent other students from taking a stand. 

“I would say to keep fighting the tuition raise, but it does bother me seeing that a lot of students are terrified,” says Barter. He goes on to mention how he noticed there was a petition for MUN to have online options for classes the other day, and “the students commented anonymously or [would] not even use their full names.”

Although Barter informed me that the interim measures prevented him from contacting the president directly, he maintains that he stands by the opinion that “President Timmons needs to resign from her position.”

“She said we are all on the same team and we all need to do our part during these [difficult] financial times, but she is spending money like when the times are normal.” Barter also went on to refer to President Timmons’ almost $60,000 office renovations, emphasizing how renovating your office “the same year that you pass tuition increases […] is not a good look for the university.” 

“But I’m not surprised,” says Barter. “That’s one of the reasons why they selected for her to be president of MUN, because she has a history of raising tuition but also a willingness as well.” 

“I found out through my research that the university she was at before, the U of R, actually raised tuition there each year by a couple of percent,” Barter notes, referring to Timmons’ time as president at the University of Regina. Accordingly, “the president of the Student Union had made statements about how much the students were struggling and how much they were using the food banks there.”

Meanwhile, Barter remarks, “there were two staff members who [Timmons] overpaid by $300,000.”  

“What I think is that Dr. Timmons, she lived in Labrador as a little kid, but then she moved away at a young age,” Barter explains. “So she thinks she’s the darling of the province who left when she was young, and now she’s come back home [and] essentially wants people at MUN and the province to roll over and bow down to her.”

Rees comments that putting “conditions in place to keep him away from Dr. Timmon’s, given that Matt had never interacted with her before, seemed to be a strange move [on the administration’s part].”  

He followed by stating that “I don’t understand. If this had been 20 or 30 years ago and the president had announced doubling of tuition, then the president’s office would have been occupied, and police would have had to remove people from the site.” Rees claims that protests are a fundamental part of Memorial’s culture, whether for climate protests, indigenous issues, or student safety. “That’s why MUN has skywalks in place today […] the Student Union has shut down the parkway before demanding a skywalk be put in place after a number of students were killed crossing the road.” 

“The student code of conduct at Memorial University contains a provision which sets out all the things that would seek punishment. [However] it does explicitly say that freedom of expression is not to be limited by this and peaceful protest is allowed,” Rees emphasizes.

“I’ve seen the CBC news coverage of Matt Barter where he protested the president in December with this ‘Stop Vianne’ sign and stood by her podium,” Rees continues. “And if that doesn’t meet the definition of peaceful protest, I don’t know what does.”

Campus Stabbing Following Anonymous Online Threat 

Anna
-
0
Campus Stabbing Following Anonymous Online Threat 

Heading Photo by Michael Förtsch on Unsplash

Prior to being deleted after January 30th, students were left concerned after an Instagram page, munlconfessions, posted a confession stating, “Something horrible is gonna happen oncampus [sic] on Thursday, i.e. 3rd Feb 2022.” While the post is no longer available, the Muse was able to obtain a copy of it, shared through an anonymous sources’ Snapchat account:

IMG 2261
IMG 2261

The page, now taken down, captioned the post, “if this is a joke it’s not funny but be careful everyone.” 

Many students shared the opinion they were concerned and even afraid to go on campus. 

Later that day, students received an email from MUN’s Chief Risk Officer, Greg McDougall, stating, “We would like to thank individuals who brought a concerning social media post to our attention.”

McDougall followed up by detailing the standard safety protocol to assess the threat and work with the RNC. He emphasized: “It is a criminal offence to make threats (false or real) and Memorial is prepared to take action against anyone who threatens the safety of our campus community.” 

Ominously, the next day, a stabbing was reported on Grenfell Campus. The attack was non-fatal and conducted by an individual under 18, and they are said to be arrested and facing numerous charges. 

Although it has yet to be confirmed that these two events are related, many students feel chilled by the correlation between the two incidents. Regardless of a unconfirmed connection, many students across MUN were effected by the overall impact on campus safety during that week.

Booster Dose Tomorrow at MUN!

Naiyara Novera
-
0
Booster Dose Tomorrow at MUN!

It’s your time to get boosted! In association with Eastern Health, MUN’s Student Wellness and Counselling Center is bringing you a booster clinic tomorrow, Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at the University Centre’s ‘The Landing’ on the 3rd Floor. All wishing to get the dose must be under 30 years old and be present tomorrow at the St. John’s campus from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. along with their MCP card and NL VaxPass (if you have them) or your Immunization record like the Covid-19 vaccine certificate. It may also be helpful to bring your MUN Student ID if you don’t have your student number memorized.

P.S You must be past 22 weeks since your last COVID-19 vaccine shot and only the Pfizer booster vaccine will be available!

In-Person Labs Back at Memorial

Shreya Hande
-
0
In-Person Labs Back at Memorial

Photo by: Isaac Quesada (via Unsplash)

One week after a delayed start to the fall semester on January 11th, MUN students returned to labs in-person starting on January 18, 2022, amid concerns regarding health and safety.

Students and lab instructors are required to wear three-ply masks at all times, which are provided at the entrance to the laboratories, leave the room to eat or drink and minimize contact. Despite these efforts, maintaining safe distances is difficult in labs with shared workspaces. Students have still expressed concerns about the university upholding public health regulations, with a petition for labs to be moved online due to inadequate safety measures reaching 751 signatures as of Wednesday, February 2. The petition also notes the lack of clarity about penalties should a student need to self-isolate and miss a lab session.

4th-year psychology student Hayley Whelan described the experience of returning to campus as positive, yet daunting. “At my lab on the 26th of January, my fellow students seemed to me to be a bit apprehensive – even with the increased accommodations due to remote classes. I was very anxious being on campus for the first time in over a month, especially with our current COVID situation. To be honest, my hands were trembling as I blotted various dyes and chemicals onto my biological samples.”

The first two weeks of labs proceeded at reduced capacity, which made physical distancing easier. However, as many courses are continuing with normal class sizes in labs starting January 31st, this is expected to become much more difficult. “We had severely reduced lab sizes, and I’m not sure that these conditions will continue now that we are back on campus. For my part, I would be nervous sitting at a bench directly next to another student and significantly more distressed if I were asked to participate in intimate group work. If labs were to continue with a decreased class size, I think I would adjust. However, I am exponentially more nervous about returning to sharing my personal space with other students in a lab,” Hayley stated.

While the return to campus at full capacity has been stressful for many, completing lab work remotely was not an effective substitute for hands-on experience. As a science student, Hayley noted the value of practical learning. “Even though I prefer to stay home as much as possible, I do see the value in completing labs in person. I get hands-on experience with using microscopes and creating slides instead of trying to learn through demonstration videos and photos, as I have in the past with online learning. For the first time, I got to experience having a lab in the new Core Science Building – another positive of being on campus.”

As of February 2, 2022, the provincial Department of Health has reported 248 new cases of COVID-19, with 20 people hospitalized and 9 in critical care.

MUN Faculty Association Requests Delay of In-Person Teaching

Emma Reid
-
0
MUN Faculty Association Requests Delay of In-Person Teaching

MUN Faculty Association has formally requested that Memorial University delay the return to in-person teaching until February 28th, the end of the midterm break, or that instructors be allowed flexibility to continue remote course delivery. 

On January 24th, 2022, MUNFA released a public request urging MUN administrators to postpone a return to In-Person Teaching. 

“While we understand the desire of many faculty to return to in-person teaching, the health and safety of our university community and the broader community we exist within is our primary concern. Given our province is seeing the highest number of cases since the beginning of the pandemic …  and lacking clear information from senior administration on health and safety protocols, MUNFA is very concerned about this decision.” 

MUN Faculty Association

MUN Faculty are not the only ones who have grave concerns about health and safety upon returning to campus and K-12 schools. NL Teachers within the NL Teachers’ Association released a statement saying “of the 4,657 NLTA members who responded to a  recent Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association survey, 84% feel the current plan to return to in-person classes for all students on January 25th is not the right choice”

This overwhelming response from MUN Faculty and the NLTA has made students more concerned about returning to in-person learning. Many students have commented that in-person lectures would be ideal, but more vulnerable and at-risk students are being put at a disadvantage when online learning is no longer an option. 

1...626364...96Page 63 of 96