Interview with Aimee MacDonald, StFX’s Gender and Diversity Advisor

Since it is Pride Month at StFX, I decided to speak with Aimee MacDonald who is StFX’s Gender and Diversity Advisor. Aimee grew up in Cape Breton and went to StFX herself, she has been married to her wife for five years and they have two children together, a 14-year-old daughter and her three-year-old son.

Aimee wanted this job for many years, being a queer person herself she saw the challenges she has faced throughout her life. When she came out, she had a community that supported her, and she understands that not everyone has the same experience. Aimee wanted to give support to people and wanted people in the community to know that they are not alone.

Aimee’s role as StFX’s Gender and Diversity Advisor is very diverse, she advocates for students who fall into the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, she provides necessary resources for students that are culturally relevant to help them succeed both academically and socially, and she educates the campus community on current issues that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is facing.

Aimee says that to her pride means being able to be together as a community, being visible, being safe, remembering those who paved the way for her to be able to live her life the way she lives it, and it also means people are free to be loved and to love somebody else without fear.

So far there has been several activities throughout pride month at StFX. Aimee says they’ve had a flag raising, a vigil where the community came together to remember the siblings they have lost and recognize their contribution to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, trivia night, a ‘spill the tea’ activity by Dr. Chris Fraser, activities with the StFX art gallery, and of course the popular sex toy bingo! Once there is less restrictions Aimee is hoping to turn their tradition of a rainbow party that normally happens at the end of pride month to a queer prom!

Students who are not a part of X-Pride or the 2SLGBTQIA+ community are still welcome to attend events if they come with an open mind. Students and staff should call out misgendering, not allow for homophobic and transphobic comments, and stand up to bullying, the more students who do this the less it will happen, it is important as students to be active allies!

Aimee concluded by saying “everyone experiences the community in their own way no matter how they identify. Gender identity, sexuality, is all fluid people change and that's okay. My role is to support people in helping them understand themselves and understand the resources that are available to them, so no matter who you are you have a community in my office, within X-Pride executives and in X-Pride society. We are much larger than people know, and I think the more people that come together the bigger, stronger and more visible the community will be.”

StFX Explains their Choice to Keep Exams In-Person, Despite Outbreak

Despite the rise in COVID cases on campus StFX has decided to continue with in person examinations, this has left students with many questions.

Many students are concerned about attending exams in person with a large number of students during a coronavirus outbreak on campus. I spoke with Elizabeth Yeo regarding this concern. She said “We have been in direct contact with officials from NS Public Health and will be adhering to the protocols they have established. Public Health has determined that exam settings are low-risk environments for COVID-19 transmission.” She says they will ensure safety by enforcing mask wearing, ensuring physical distancing and screening for COVID-19 symptoms. Yeo also said that “laboratory-confirmed positive COVID-19 cases are required to isolate and therefore cannot attend an in-person exam.”

Yeo noted that although many students and faculty are concerned about StFX’s plan to proceed with in person exams but there are also other members on campus who support the original plan of in person exams. StFX has been working with NS Public Health and she says, “they have assured us that proceeding with an in-person exam schedule can be done in a safe way.” Administration also understands other perspectives and so they have allowed for faculty members to proceed with in-person exams, as scheduled, or will allow for faculty members to move to a take-home format and have allowed for the option of taking exams in January. If students decide to take their exams in January, they will not need to return earlier than scheduled, but the start of winter term classes might need to be altered for those individuals to write their exams. They are still working on this decision.

Additionally, many students have had concerns that this could be a new variant, as our campus community is experiencing an outbreak while many of us are double vaccinated. When asked if this was a new variant Elizabeth said, “Some people who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will still get sick because no vaccine is 100% effective.”

During these uncertain times, if students are struggling with their mental health, there is a collaborative care team of physicians, nurses and counselors at the StFX Health and Counseling Center who are available to help students. There is also online support at Togetherall, TAO self-help, Good2Talk and the Crisis Text Line.

Ultimately, with the end of the Fall semester, it’s important that students follow Public Health’s guidelines and work together as a campus community to get us back on track for the Winter term. Stay safe!

Students Hope for Online Exams as Covid Cases Rise in the Area

This year's X-Ring Ceremony sure was a memorable one, an email sent by the University reported 12 positive Covid-19 cases and are anticipating more. Students are now advocating that StFX moves exams online to keep both students and the community safe.

Last night, an online petition started by Marie-Anne Sergent has over 3000 signatures in support of changing examinations to online. Marie said she began this petition because she heard that many students were concerned about the outbreak and that most students shared the same opinion. She was amazed by the amount of support the petition got, with 3000 signatures in under 24 hours. Not only are students signing petitions, but faculty are too. Students have been reaching out to Marie through DMs, thanking her for speaking out. She says she is happy the Student Union has now shown their support, it shows they care and are doing their jobs. Ultimately, it could alter the StFX’s decision. Marie says the school has not yet reached out to her regarding the petition.

I also talked to Jack Irvin, the President of the Student Union about the Student’s Unions decision to support exams moving online. Jack says, The Students Union is for student advocacy and from what they have heard students want exams online. Last night the Students Union sent out a ‘Covid-19 Student Mental Health Wellness Survey,’ to hear students’ opinions. Overnight more than 800 students took the survey expressing their anxiety and stress about in-person exams. Students also said they believe that in-person exams would impact their academic performance. Jack noted that the petition made it clear to them that students want online exams. The President said he has met with different people from the University, and they are weighing many different things when it comes to making their decision, Jack is unsure what is going to happen at the moment.

It is not yet known if StFX will move examinations online, but with exams beginning tomorrow we can expect a choice from the University soon. We can only hope StFX empathizes with their students.

Photo from theU- StFX Student Union Instagram page

Vice President Academic Candidate Interview

On Friday, January 29th, both I and Will Fraser, sat down with Vice President Academic Candidate Meredith Cudmore-Keating and discussed her plans if elected as Vice President. Meredith is a 3rd year Mathematics student and currently the chair of council for the Students Union. She has much experience with the Student’s Union and additionally she leads the elections team. Meredith stated that she loves the StFX community, wants to give back to the community, and hopes to have the ability to make StFX better for all students.

When asked about plans to prevent Sexual Violence on campus, Meredith voiced that she is always in support of the survivors, she wants to make educational training and opportunities more accessible so that students right away can have prevention training. In terms of action, she hopes to make students more aware of resources for survivors on campus.

Meredith talked about these issues in her platform she wants to assure a well-rounded student experience and so when it comes to mental health support, she believes that access to healthy food, a range of societies on campus, sports, etc. all help students be more mentally healthy, and this part of her platform indirectly helps mental health for students on campus.

On a scale of 1-10, Meredith ranked StFX at 7.5 when it comes to the University's performance regarding Covid-19. She thinks it is spectacular that we have the opportunity to have in person classes, but some drawbacks are the university's communication with students and as VP, she would assure there would be lot more communication with students and the University.

One thing Meredith hopes to add is more Open Educational Resources, such as online textbooks that are basically free to students. She hopes to make students and faculty more aware of this option and advocate for this program.

Meredith stated that she does not have a preferred Presidential Candidate, she believes that democracy can do its work and whoever the majority of students choose is the best!

Meredith said that she hopes to target minority groups on campus when she goes to hire her executive team. She says that rather than waiting for them to come to her, she will seek different groups on campus, ensuring a more diverse team! She is looking for people who are looking out for StFX student’s well-being, people who work well in teams and are inclusive.

Meredith concluded by saying “I would really love to serve you all as Vice President Academic, I’m well qualified for the role and I would like to make next year a year where students can come to the Students Union, be heard, advocated for and thank you for your time.”

Board of Governors Candidate Interview

On Friday, January 29, both I and Will Fraser, had the honour to talk to the four Board of Governors' candidates -- Anna Hancin, Dhruv Patel, Duncan McIntyre, and Emma Valardo. I got the opportunity to get to know the candidates and have a better understanding of their platforms.

Firstly, I asked the candidates to introduce themselves and talk about why they are running for the Board of Governors. Anna is a first year in the Public Policy and Governance program and she is also on Cameron Hall’s student council; Duncan is a third year, also in the Public Policy and Governance program; Emma is a third year in the Forensic Psychology program; and Dhruv is the current International Students Representative and is a second year. Collectively the candidates agreed that they want to create change and be a voice for the students, Anna stated “I would be a voice for the students, my job is to be your voice for the change that you want to see.”

When asked what makes them stand out from each other Emma explained that she is vocal, in touch with the student body, very educated on current issues, and she doesn’t give up! Dhruv on the other hand said he doesn’t consider himself better than other people but believes his role as International Students Rep gives him more of an edge. Anna believes that her collaboration skills set her apart from the others and her involvement with many different things throughout campus. Duncan believes that his experience of being a student for what will be 4 years and his open mindedness are his strengths.

On a scale of 1-10 each candidate named how they thought the University did with the Covid-19 response. Duncan said 4 or 5, Emma 3, Dhruv 8, and Anna 6. Duncan and Emma had similar thoughts, agreeing that what was good about StFX’s response is that we still could be on campus but agreed that the contract sent out in the summer was wrong and not all students were taken into consideration. Dhruv agreed that the contract was not the best, but said that being in Nova Scotia is such a privilege and gives credit to the University and town of Antigonish for their work. Similarly, Anna agreed it was amazing we are allowed to be on campus but believes it is unfair that the majority of classes are in person, some students are not being taken into consideration and would like to implement things that allow for students that are not able to be at campus currently, to feel included.

Collectively the candidates agree that more efforts on Sexual Violence Prevention needs to be undertaken at StFX. They believe in the importance of anti-Sexual Violence programs, education, removal of "predators," and the importance of communication with survivors. Dhruv said he believes we need to focus on "toxic masculinity" and states that this would be one of his

priorities. Emma agreed that this was a problem but wanted to add that it is very important to note that males on campus are also being sexually assaulted.

Overall, the four candidates voiced that mental health support is an important issue on campus and agree that the programs on the campus are very beneficial for students but could be improved by being more accessible.

Individually Anna was asked if as a first-year student, she enough experience has to be on the Board of Governors. She argued that this was not the case and that she is very engaged and active on campus. Anna knows about and is involved with many organizations, has contacts, and is always willing to learn if need be.

Emma and Duncan were asked if it would be a problem if only one of them were elected as the pair are dating. Both candidates assured that this was not an issue and agreed that they will always keep each other accountable if it is needed, they are not afraid to disagree on different subjects, and their relationship is not the priority of this campaign.

Dhruv was asked if students were looking for change on campus why should they elect someone who is already a part of the system. He didn’t like the question but stated he believes that he has done very good things in his position as the International Representative and will continue to do good things.

When asked who the candidates would prefer as the new President, Duncan stated he believed all candidates are good, Emma said Jack would be the best choice, Dhruv said he would not pick one, and Anna also stated that all the candidates are all very qualified and would look forward to working with any one of them.

Overall, my conversation with the Board of Governors' candidates was insightful and I learned much about their platforms, views and goals if elected!

Countdown to X-Ring - What to Expect

With November, the countdown to the much anticipated X-Ring Ceremony has started. The Ceremony takes place every year on December 3 and it is a tradition loved by the entire Xaverian community. It is celebrated as a traditional rite of passage for Xaverians that are moving into their next chapter of life. This year's ceremony brings many challenges as the StFX community fights the coronavirus pandemic. I sat down with Shanna Hopkins, Director of Alumni Affairs and Murray Kyte, Vice President of Advancement, to talk about what we can expect from this year's ceremony. The two had to introduce a number of changes this year to ensure everyone's safety, but ultimately these changes allow for us to keep the ceremony in person.

Murray explained that it was agreed that if the ceremony can be done safely it must happen as it is so important to the University and students. The plan for this year's ceremony is very indefinite, and new challenges may result in some changes to the ceremony. Hopkins also said that the plan was not concrete, she explained, “The plan is very fluid, and nothing is finalized.”

Both Murray and Hopkins are Xaverians themselves and understand the importance of the X-Ring and although there will be many changes, both are working very hard to ensure that the event can be the best it can be, while being as safe as possible. Hopkins explained, “It’s something that both Murray and I are very passionate about, as we are both Xaverians. We want to ensure there’s a way that we can safely and successfully host this event.”

Some may wonder why the X-Ring ceremony will be in-person, while the Fall Convocation will be virtual. It is important to understand it has nothing to do with priority, but simply risk management. Many graduates that will be a part of Fall Convocation are not currently located in Antigonish and are outside of the Atlantic bubble, while majority of the students that will be participating in the X-Ring Ceremony are currently residing within Antigonish, making it much more possible to have an in-person X-Ring Ceremony.

There is much thought going into planning the ceremony in order to ensure that everyone stays safe. As of now, the ceremony will have a very similar layout as the Xaverian Welcome but the major difference will be that while during the Xaverian welcome, students were spread out all across campus in different buildings, for the X-Ring Ceremony, they will be spread out within the Keating Centre. Students can expect to be placed in Coach K Court, The Auxiliary Gym, Conference Centre Rooms, and even the Auxiliary Rink.

The ceremony's traditional order will be flipped around, and the last part of the event will be receiving the ring. Within tradition, students will still get to receive their rings in the main Keating Centre, just in groups, at different times. Other changes from the past X-Ring ceremonies include mandatory masks, reduced stage party, and a limited number of guests and faculty. Students will also not be allowed to take group photographs after the ceremony. It is also encouraged that family and friends are not invited to StFX or Antigonish to ensure the community stays safe. Additionally, it will be a requirement to RSVP in order to attend as exact numbers are needed to successfully plan this event.

During the ceremony, students can expect to be socially distanced and to walk single file when going to receive their rings and during the lighting of the candles. It has also been announced that the Honorable Frank McKenna will be addressing the students during the ceremony.

Hopkins and Murray are working closely with Frank McKenna and his team to ensure he can attend the ceremony and are very hopeful he will get to speak in person as he is currently within the Atlantic bubble. Ultimately, it is essential for the StFX community to understand the importance of continuing to follow public health safety guidelines to ensure the community stays safe from the virus. StFX is in a very special position in that we can still have these types of events. Murray stressed, “A message I would give to the students would be to carry on with staying safe, keep wearing a mask, maintain social distance, wash your hands, keep doing all the things everyone’s been doing because it has allowed us to do things that nobody else in the country can do.” It is critical that we as a community continue to do what we have been doing in order for us to have this year’s ceremony.”

Meanwhile, as the organizers continue to think, plan and have many discussions with Public Health authorities, the StFX community continues to work together and follow safe practices to ensure the event can be held smoothly. Despite the many challenges faced when planning this special event, Shanna and Murray have been working very hard and understand the significance the X-Ring holds to students. Murray concluded by saying, “I’ve gotten a ring, Shanna’s gotten a ring, it is a unique, shared bond between all Xaverians around the world. Many try to replicate us, but they can’t, there is only one X Ring!”

Murray’s words hold true, despite the challenges we face as a community, we need to acknowledge how lucky we, as Xaverians, are to be able to still gather as a community and share the unforgettable experience of receiving the famous X-Ring that connects us all forever, symbolizes our hard work, friendships, and our one of a kind StFX experience.