The Golden X Inn Ought to Offer a Women's Washroom

This is not a case against gender-neutral washrooms. This is a case for acknowledging that women’s safety is an ongoing concern, especially in a context where alcohol is served, and it is problematic for the campus bar to only offer an all-gender stalled washroom.

For context, The Golden X Inn (the campus bar) has been undergoing renovations for about eight months and is on track to re-open at the beginning of the Spring Semester. At the grand reopening, patrons can anticipate a new stage, an updated bar, and oh, one all-gender washroom. These are not single-stalled washrooms, as people might recognize from the off-campus bar Candid. It will be one room, lined with stalls, intended for all genders to use alongside each other.

Students may have noticed gender-neutral washrooms beginning to appear around campus. In all academic buildings in which they are offered, gender-neutral washrooms can be regarded as a third option, existing alongside segregated washrooms. Beyond the case of a few residences, there is no real precedent for a building offering gender-neutral bathrooms exclusively. I cannot understand why the school would start with the campus bar as their first experiment amalgamating the men's and women’s washrooms. According to the National Sexual Violence Research Center, approximately 75% of rape victims are intoxicated. This is not to misplace blame onto sexual assault victims, but StFX students surely understand that alcohol has a debilitating effect. People are vulnerable when they are drunk, and our bar is, thereby, inherently one of the least safe spaces on campus for women.

Furthermore, female washrooms can play a defensive role in the context of a bar. As the joke goes, women go to the bathroom in groups. This is partly because the women’s bathroom is a room where men cannot acceptably follow them. If you want to check in on your friend and make sure they’re comfortable, you can suggest that the two of you go to the bathroom together as a means to easily pull them aside and talk to them in private. And if you yourself wanted to get away from a persistent man, the women’s bathroom provides a perfect excuse to get away and “hide,” so to speak. The goal of this article is not to try to exclude transgender or nonbinary people from women’s washrooms, but to emphasize that they are men-free zones, and this separation is necessary for women’s safety.

I also want to point out that sexual violence resources were formerly posted on the back of the women’s washroom stall doors in the Inn. These resources should really be made visible to everyone, regardless of gender, but I want to call attention to one poster specifically. The women’s washroom used to advertise a made-up drink that women could “order” to discretely indicate that they needed help. Anonymity when getting someone kicked out of a bar is critical at a small school like StFX because you don’t want to risk angering someone when they likely know who you are. With the elimination of the female washroom, this resource loses its discretion and unique appeal.

Perhaps it seems dramatic to say that the merging of the men's and women’s washrooms poses a threat to women. But just last February, two women were assaulted in a female washroom at the Queen’s University Library. And that’s a library. Bathrooms are surveillance blind spots, as you can’t even have a security camera facing the door. I would also add that Inn staff are being asked to be extra vigilant to compensate for this remodel, and an onus is being unfairly placed on the Inn security’s shoulders, who are students themselves. I don’t understand the rationale behind making an already vulnerable space even more so. Why is the female bathroom being rendered more dangerous at one of the most dangerous places for a woman on campus? If this were indeed something students were asking for, wouldn’t we see stalled gendered washrooms being phased out across campus, not just the campus bar?

By using the idea that all-gender bathrooms promote inclusivity, the Students’ Union misplaces blame and fosters resentment towards the LGBTQ+ community. I, for one, cannot remember X-Pride campaigning for the opening of an all-gender bathroom in the Inn, or at the very least, in the way it has been designed. Frankly, I think that claiming that this bathroom meets the demands of LGBTQ+ is an excuse. People are upset by this design choice, and the Students’ Union is implicitly misdirecting blame towards LGBTQ+ students by saying that their decision was motivated by a desire to promote inclusivity. A petition has been circulating on Change.Org since August 31st, and has amassed 208 signatures. During their staff training, Inn staff were told that combining the men and women’s bathroom was necessary to install enough stalls for the increased capacity that the renovations allow for. I would say that saving money is the real reason the Inn is reopening without a female washroom and using the cover of “inclusivity” is unfair to LGBTQ+ students.

The Inn ought to offer a women's washroom because they ought to offer a space in a bar that promotes women’s safety instead of undermining it. I am personally insulted that women’s safety is being disregarded and seems to be of such little importance to the Students’ Union. Even if my concern is exaggerated or overblown, I think it is an undeniable fact the elimination of the women’s washroom endangers women to some extent. The Students’ Union should never do anything that increases the likelihood of sexual assault. Perhaps this idea will run smoothly for this year or even the next few, but I fear that a women’s washroom will only be reimplemented after something disastrous happens. The fact that this is the Students’ Union’s chosen course of action disgusts me.

The Case for Writing With AI

In the dynamic landscape of higher education, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into various facets of academic life is becoming increasingly prevalent. One area where AI stands to make a profound impact is in the realm of essay writing. Traditionalists may raise eyebrows at the thought of machines aiding in the cultivation of critical thinking and eloquent expression, but the potential benefits of AI in university essay writing are both vast and transformative.

Firstly, AI can act as a powerful tool for enhancing the writing process. Through advanced algorithms and natural language processing, AI platforms can swiftly analyze large volumes of information, helping students gather relevant data for their essays. This not only expedites the research phase but also enables students to explore a broader range of perspectives, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Furthermore, AI-driven writing assistants can assist in the refinement of students' writing skills. These tools can provide real-time feedback on grammar, syntax, and style, serving as a personalized writing coach available 24/7. This immediate feedback loop allows students to identify and rectify writing mistakes promptly, facilitating a continuous learning process that extends beyond the traditional classroom setting.

Critics may argue that the use of AI could compromise the authenticity and originality of students' work. However, when employed ethically, AI can function as a collaborative partner rather than a replacement for human creativity. Students remain the architects of their ideas, with AI serving as a facilitator to refine and optimize their expression.

Additionally, the implementation of AI in essay writing aligns with the evolving demands of the job market. In the professional realm, effective communication is paramount, and the ability to articulate ideas coherently is a valuable skill. By familiarizing students with AI-driven writing tools, universities prepare them for a future where collaboration with intelligent systems is increasingly commonplace.

As with any technological advancement, ethical considerations must be at the forefront of implementation. Universities must establish clear guidelines regarding the use of AI in essay writing, emphasizing the importance of original thought and proper attribution. This ensures that AI serves as a supportive tool rather than a crutch, nurturing the development of critical thinking and analytical skills in students.

In conclusion, the integration of AI into university essay writing represents a progressive step toward preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century. By harnessing the power of AI to streamline the writing process, offer real-time feedback, and enhance communication skills, universities can empower students to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. Embracing AI in essay writing is not a threat to academic integrity but a strategic move towards a more efficient, innovative, and student-centric education system.

This article was written by ChatGPT.

We The North: Madeleine Redfern Shares her Vision for Nunavut’s Future

The average Canadian will likely travel down south, a few times even, before they even think about making a journey up to Canada’s North. But while Nunavut often feels like a far-away land (at least, from the perspective of those who live a day’s trip away from the border), former Iqaluit mayor Madeleine Redfern’s work demonstrates that this feeling of disconnect need not be the case.

On Monday, February 27th, the Mulroney Institute hosted a luncheon to welcome Madeleine Redfern onto StFX campus. Elder Knowledge Keeper Kerry Prosper attended the event, which opened with a land acknowledgement. Organized by Dr. Richard Isnor and Dr. Anna Zuschlag from the Mulroney Institute, the gathering allowed for students and faculty to ask the former mayor questions that enriched their understanding of Nunavut-specific policy issues.

Throughout the lecture, the need to build bridges, whether they be between the different levels of government or between the various isolated communities found throughout the territory, was repeatedly emphasized. As the current Chief Operating Officer at CanArtic Inuit Networks, Madeleine Redfern can be considered a pioneer in developing Nunavut’s fibre-optic connectivity. Such a project will have a transformative effect on Nunavut’s future, and broadening the territory’s internet access is a necessary and foundational step to fuel the development of Nunavut’s infrastructure.

Second-year PGOV student Rory Jakubec brought her background assisting with Dr. Peter Kikkert’s research into the conversation. In describing her experience at the 2022 Search and Rescue (SAR) Roundtable in Iqaluit, Jakubec stressed the pressing need for faster and more efficient communication channels throughout the territories. Redfern shared Jakubec’s concern and remarked that when faulty connectivity becomes an impediment to successful search and rescue missions, the project of building better fibre-optic infrastructure becomes “the difference between life and death.”

However, Redfern also spoke on the fact that “communication is more than fibre optics.” After all, people, not wires nor radio waves, come together and make up the committees and teams committed to problem-solving and policy building. To make her point, she brought up the fact that the public’s access to internet connection (by means of libraries, for example) was closed off during the Covid-19 Pandemic. While the internet itself didn’t go anywhere, coordination between different governmental departments was needed before the public good could become safely accessible again.

Madeleine Redfern has taken on various roles that have improved her community in countless ways. To name just a few of her accomplishments, she is the President of the Tungasuvvingat Inuit Community Centre, co-Founder of the Ottawa Inuit Headstart, and the first Inuk to clerk for the Supreme Court. Her passion for improving the lives of others allows us to enjoy a feeling of optimistic trust for our politicians.

Redfern’s career is also a testament to the value of having politicians who reflect the demographic they serve. As PGOV Professor Dr. Peter Kikkert pointed out, government services work best when they are designed by people who have a link to the community. If Nunavut is to continue developing its social and digital infrastructure along the promising trajectory Redfern has helped place it on, there is a need to invest in the training and employment of as many Inuk people as possible. As Redfern stressed, there is currently no master Inuk employment plan, and this lack of coordination limits effective policy-building and reduces it to mere “separation and less synergy.”

“Nunavut is like Quebec,” says Redfern. In the sense that both regions are distinct from the rest of the country and consequently require unique and creative problem-solving to meet their needs. According to Redfern, “there’s no reason for us to be as poor as we are.” She calls for including educated, skilled and capable Inuk living in Nunavut in government projects. Through collaboration and adequate support, Redfern hopes to mitigate the high crime rate, poor water quality, insufficient healthcare, and other impediments to the development of Nunavut’s infrastructure stemming from a long history of colonization and colonial policies. These changes cannot come soon enough when Nunavut expects unprecedented population growth over the next ten years. If a population explosion were to spring onto Nunavut’s infrastructure as it exists now, the weight of a population boom would surely collapse it.

Spencer Johnson Band, a third-year PGOV student, prompted Redfern to speak on her role as Advisor to the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. “Nunavut’s future can expect transformative technologies,” says Redfern, and federal investments into nuclear energy play a crucial role in actualizing this vision. Additionally, considering Russia’s current expansionist energy, the federal government is directing special and heightened attention to reinforcing Canada’s northern defensive line.

If we want Nunavut’s fibre-optic connectivity and nuclear projects to improve and for the territory to be prepared for an incoming population boom, issues of poverty and inadequate social services that currently impede progress must be addressed. Redfern stresses that while ambitious projects are a priority, work is required in order to pave a smooth runway for the roll-out of such development. The North’s future is cause for optimism, but only if this optimism is matched with hard work, creativity, and passion. That is why we owe gratitude and admiration to a visionary like Madeleine Redfern.

Appreciating the StFX Art Gallery’s Newest Exhibit: There is No One Story of Black Girlhood

Students looking to experience a unique and immersive display of artwork need to look no further than the second floor of Mulroney Hall.

In line with Black History Month’s desire to highlight and make space for Black Canadians, the art exhibit “There is No One Story of Black Girlhood” showcases a collection of Rebecca Fisk’s eleven self-portraits highlight the achievements, stories, and culture of African Nova Scotians.

While she was born in Calgary, Rebecca Fisk grew up just a few hours from Antigonish in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia. Fisk’s self-portraits reflect her experience growing up in a rural, predominantly white community. In one piece, Fisk looks defiantly at the viewer and pulls apart an oreo, presumably in reference to the disparaging slang “oreo” which Fisk describes as “a term used to describe someone who is thought of as being black on the outside and white on the inside.” In another piece, Fisk is again looking directly at the audience and enjoying a bite of watermelon in a piece titled “Watermelon in the Afternoon.” Again, Fisk subverts a racist trope and calls out the tremendous social and historical weight placed on black children.

Throughout Fisk’s self-portraits, there is a theme of resilience in the face of stereotypes, racism, and isolation growing up as a young black girl in rural Nova Scotia. According to the artist, this project is “a cathartic [...confrontation] of the racial prejudice that I have experienced in a healthy way. [...] The images also confront the viewer, forcing them to question their own biases.”

Fisk received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from NSCAD in 1992 and went on to earn her master’s in fine arts from the University of Saskatchewan in 1997. Fans of her work can find it all over Nova Scotia, as it has been exhibited in the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Lunenburg Academy, and the Dalhousie Art Gallery. Interestingly, Fisk is a High School art teacher in Chester Basin, Nova Scotia.

The exhibit is being held from February 9th to March 25th in the StFX Art Gallery (located on the second floor of Mulroney Hall) during the afternoons Wednesday to Friday. There is no need to make an appointment or pay an admission fee, but visitors are strongly encouraged to wear masks while visiting the gallery.

On Thursday, February 16th, students are welcome to attend a zoom webinar and hear Fisk comment on her work and intended messaging. More information on how to access the link are available on the StFX Art Gallery website. Additionally, special thanks are due to the Jeannine Deveau Education Equity Endownment Fund and Harley and Wendy MacCaull for sponsoring the exhibition.

It goes without being said that the importance of appreciating Black artwork and artists endures beyond the month of February. By reserving a space solely for Black artists and their artwork, the community and student body gain an appreciation for the rich culture and strength of the Black community that hopefully serves as a springboard for further interest throughout the rest of the year.

The exhibit “There is No One Story of Black Girlhood” is a testament to the importance, beauty, and uniqueness of Black artwork. If you happen to have even thirty minutes to spare between midterms, be sure to check it out.

Are Universities Becoming Too Concerned With Feelings, Not Facts?

StFX students often equate university life to living in a bubble. It sure feels that way, at least, and arguably the main function of a university is to provide a space for the unrestrained questioning of the world beyond our school’s walls. In a way, a healthy university culture is like a bubble and those who sign on endeavor to challenge their knowledge free from the pressure of social conventions. In today’s politicized world, should our “bubble” break its hermetic seal and accommodate the social and political currents running through our country?

To unpack such a complex debate, students shuffled into Schwartz on December 1 to attend a guest lecture by Dr. Mark Mercer who spoke on the topic of “Respect as an Academic Value.” From the StFX English department, Dr. Khoury opened the lecture by describing a need for speakers to respect listeners’ dignity while still challenging their knowledge. After all, as Dr. Khoury emphasized, “shouldn’t we leave university with a perspective that’s not exactly like the one we came in with?” He continued to set the tone for the rest of the lecture, posing the question: “Can we call ourselves an academy if we don’t have freedom?”

No one can deny that Mark Mercer has the expertise to speak on academic freedom. As the president of the Society for Academic Freedom and Scholarship (SAFS), a renowned champion of liberal education, and the former chair of St. Mary’s Philosophy department, the civil libertarian draws from both experience and credentials when speaking on the issue of respect as an academic value.

Mercer opened his speech unconventionally, making use of the whiteboard behind him to literally illustrate his point. The difference between ‘you should x and not do y’ can very quickly become ‘you should be required to do x and be institutionally punished for y,’” Dr. Mercer says, and academic freedom seems to serve as a bulwark against such tyranny.

True to his philosophical roots, Dr. Mercer posed a question to the audience: “Would you rather reach sound conclusions from a place of social coercion or reach false conclusions in following your own will?” Mercer characterized a properly functioning university as a unique milieu where people are free from concern for other people’s feelings in the pursuit of the truth. According to Mercer, any coercion from a university’s administration infringes on one’s intellectual autonomy—a term Mercer uses to describe people’s right to think for themselves.

Respect then, as an academic value, means leaving people’s intellectual autonomy alone. “Hands off,” as the libertarian put it. Furthermore, he described it as fundamentally anti-academic to regulate people’s intellectual autonomy on a university campus. As Mercer stresses, people need to be able to say what they want. And according to Mercer, any policing of professors’ intellectual autonomy risks polluting the academic mission. “People need to be free to investigate things without the threat of sanction, manipulation, or humiliation.”

As can be expected from a lecture on such a divisive issue, an enthusiastic Q&A period ensued. Audience contributions ranged from questioning whether university is a social good, if professors should be regulated in their extra-curricular projects, and what considerations should be made for concerns for racism, homophobia, etc... when unregulated free speech can potentially open a door for hate speech. While debates between students and Mercer were, at times, quite heated and contentious, the dialogue was impressively impassioned and constructive.

After the event's conclusion, attendees followed StFX Philosophy professor Dr. Louis Groarke back to his Mockler Hall abode to socialize and further delve into the content of the lecture. There, I was able to steal Mercer away from inquiring students and conduct an informal interview. Over the course of our conversation, Mercer described how the 44% growth of university administration since 2014 has allowed university presidents and deans to appropriate power from academic senators and governors. The result of this, according to Mercer, is an undermining of checks and balances on the university administration’s power, which Mercer describes as “tyrannical.”

When asked, “how can this issue be fixed?” Mercer described a pressing need to “articulate academic values and create enclaves where people can keep the academic tradition alive during the Dark Ages.” Such a message is hopeful but characterizes the contemporary campus culture as one that has become infiltrated with political agendas. “I want an institution where it is not only possible but easy to investigate in academia without putting your livelihood on the line,” Mercer hopes. “Professors shouldn’t have to be courageous to do their jobs,” says Mercer, and one can only hope that such a world will prevail.

Is Veganuary a Big Missed-steak?

The month of January isn't over yet, but the Veganuary movement can already celebrate widespread participation. For those unfamiliar with the challenge, participants must commit to eating a strictly vegan diet throughout the month of January. That’s right. Absolutely no meat, dairy, eggs, or other animal by-products for an entire month. Students might recognize the trend’s source of inspiration, Dry January, wherein those who partake are alcohol-free for the whole month.

Launched in 2014, a record number of participants have opted-in to this now-viral challenge. According to The Independent, 610,000 registrations were accounted for in this 2023 edition—an optimistic increase from last year’s impressive 580,000 registered participants. Of course, we can’t determine how many people actually committed to their vegan pledge. But the movement is undeniably gaining awareness and support for the vegan community.

Veganism is dedicated to animal welfare and the meat industry’s harmful impacts on the environment. Considering that many New Year’s resolutions are health-oriented, people can consider Veganuary as a good starting point for improving their diet. Nutritionists have been encouraging the public to consume less meat and eat a more plant-based diet for years, after all.

Additionally, the environmental advantages of going vegan are undeniable. A study conducted in 2021 by researchers at the University of Oxford concluded that eating a vegan diet could be “the single biggest way” a person could reduce their environmental impact. Incorporating vegan meals into their week is an impactful way for people looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Unfortunately, I don’t think this challenge can be reasonably done at StFX. While discussing veganism with fellow students, the consensus reached was that going vegan was impractical for first-year students dependent on Morrison Hall. While there are technically vegan options, I, for one, would struggle with the diet of soup, salad, and the occasional stir fry that Morrison offers for vegan students.

Barriers to Veganuary also persist off-campus. Most daunting: Eating vegan is expensive. You’d think the big V on the packaging stands for “very expensive” when you discover that vegan burgers are $9.99 for a mere two patties. Most students rely on Sobeys for their grocery shopping. When the price of blueberries can be more expensive than an entire rotisserie chicken, it is unreasonable to guilt strapped-for-cash university students into buying food they can’t afford.

Finally, is participating in Veganuary even sufficient for the environment’s sake? Suppose you commit to a vegan diet for January. In that case, you still contribute to climate change, pollution, and the depletion of our planet’s resources for the remaining eleven months of the year. Of course, the effort is commendable. But one should not use it to justify their behaviour for the rest of the year.

I’m not suggesting that those participating in Veganuary must commit to veganism for the rest of their lives. But participants should continue their efforts to be environmentally conscious year-round. It may do more harm than good if you consider completing this challenge as effectively “letting you off the hook” for the rest of 2023.

So, is participating in Veganuary a good idea? If you have the interest, resources, and passion for undertaking the challenge, by all means, go for it. I applaud your commitment! However, we should acknowledge that Veganuary is exceptionally difficult for university students. Those who opt out should not be judged and can still be considered environmentally conscious.

And a reminder as the month wraps up: this challenge is just the veganning!

Questions for the Christians

On November 14th at 7:00 pm, inquiring students, faculty, and community members filed into Schwartz, ready to watch a panel discussion on the relationship between Christianity and other religions. The event was organized by the StFX Department of Religious Studies and was hosted by Dr. Darwish. Ensuring a diversity of perspectives, the panel included Protestants, Catholics, historians, as well as students.

Reverend Peter Smith, from the local St. James Church on Main St., opened the event by discussing whether or not the church is exclusive. He described a beautiful story of how the church hosted the Antigonish Muslim community until they were able to open a Mosque. “Homophobia, misogyny, racism, that’s where we have to part ways,” Rev. Smith states. “Otherwise, we have no problem discussing the beauty in other religions.”

In answering the question of whether their relationship with Christianity had in any way evolved, Michelle Vava brought her experience as an international student into the discussion. “In Zimbabwe, most of the country is Christian. In Canada, there is much more religious diversity, and it is eye-opening to talk to other people and talk about their experiences.” Dr. Barry MacKenzie, a self-described “cradle catholic” and history professor at StFX, spoke about how technology heightens exposure to others, whether we leave the house or not. He stressed that while engaging with people holding opposite views is useful, there is a pressing need to recognize the “common denominators” amongst people.

As a Catholic historian, Dr. MacKenzie had an insightful background on whether he would erase parts of Christianity’s historical impact. According to the historian: Absolutely. Although, Dr. MacKenzie makes a distinction that people corrupt the goodness of the Christian message with greed and feelings of superiority. In cases where the Christian faith is spread truthfully, “there’s a thread of beauty.”

While there’s no question that StFX has a strong Catholic history, our school is relatively secular today. The question is, what can we expect for the future of Christianity on campus? There is nobody better suited to answer this question than Emily Risdon. As president of the Catholics @ X, she describes university as a unique chance for people to deepen their faith, and it can be as simple as just “eating pizza, talking, and asking questions.”

Each panellist expressed a misconception regarding Christianity they hoped to clear up.

Dr. MacKenzie: “We’re all very judgy.”

Emily: “Christianity is about anything other than love.”

Michelle: “All Christians are the same.”

Rev. Smith: “You can’t find a community within Christianity.”

An engaging Q&A period ensued, moderated by Dr. Darwish. As the audience shuffled into the hallway, many to continue their conversation, it was clear that topics surrounding Christianity remain an ongoing discussion on the StFX campus, hopefully, for a long time to come.

Are Students and Faculty Bearing StFX’s Debt?

A report prepared by the Association of Nova Scotia University Teachers named A Culture of Entitlement: An Overview of Administrative Compensation at Eight Nova Scotia Universities shows some very shocking results. The report looks at several things including the major increases of senior administrator’s salaries throughout the years. During these wage increases, StFX is facing debt, has faced a pandemic, and students have seen tuition, residence, and meal hall cost increase. After talking to senior administration, they say that many of the findings in this report are misinformation.

ANSUT represents contract academic staff, full time faculty, and librarians at the following universities: Acadia, l’Université Sainte-Anne, the Atlantic School of Theology, Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia College of Art & Design, Mount Saint Vincent University, Saint Mary’s University, and StFX.The data in the report shows that, in Nova Scotia in the past 10 years, spending on senior positions has risen 84%, President’s salaries have risen 41%, and Vice-Presidents salaries have increased by 76%.

According to the report, becoming a President at StFX comes with a number of perks. Being the President of StFX gets you accommodation at the Smith House, an annual car allowance of $14,400 (plus car insurance,) your children can receive tuition rebates, $16,000 in research allowance, $5,000 dollars for professional development and a base salary of $325,000.

Additionally, the report says that past President Sean Riley received a bonus of $525,000 when signing his last contract with StFX. He also received a retirement allowance of $733,000. In his last contract, 100% of his premiums were also paid for his 3-million-dollar life insurance, and his son was given an allowance of two flights a year to travel from his post-secondary school to StFX. After reaching out to senior administration, I was notified that not all the information in this report was correct. According to them, StFX did reach out to ANSUT with a request to review their data sources as there were inaccuracies, but ANSUT denied the request.

Senior administration stated the following about the President’s contract: The contract of the President provides no provision for a bonus and no bonuses have been received by the President; the President is entitled to reside in the Smith House for which he is allocated a taxable benefit of $2,000 per month; the car allowance is assigned to the President of $1,200 per month for the lease of a vehicle; the overall automobile allowance is subject to the taxable benefit provisions of the Canadian Revenue Agency; the President’s contract indicates that tuition benefits are not part of the President’s contract; there is no provision for a research allowance in the President’s contract and no research allowance has been awarded to him; the President does not receive an annual $5,000 professional development allowance, and rather the President’s contract identifies $5,000 per year for “Professional Association or Other Expenses.”

 After reviewing the Presidents contract, I found the following to be true: he is given an annual salary of 325,000 CAD; this salary can be increased with the costs of living; the President can be reimbursed for his day to day expenses incurred for fulfilling the role as President with receipts; he is given an automobile allowance of $1200 a month for lease of a vehicle (this adds to 14,400 per year); he is reimbursed for car expenses such as insurance and fuel; he is provided technology (laptop, a smart phone and internet); the President receives $5000 for association and organization fees; in regards to the Smith House, he may live there with heat, power, municipal taxes, general maintenance, capital repairs, and snow removal paid for; the President is entitled to get a 5 week leave for professional development and 5 weeks’ vacation with pay (the 5 weeks of vacation are in addition to statutory holidays in Nova Scotia and the time the university is closed over holidays.)

Additionally, according to the report, StFX paid their four Vice Presidents $1,197,832, in 2020/21. This is a 258% increase since 2012. It must be noted that senior administrators did say that the report was incorrect in stating the number of Vice Presidents provided in the base year.

Ultimately, the report shows that between 2012 and 2021 there was a 108% increase in compensation for all StFX administrators; that number is only 16.5% for faculty, despite the increased student enrollment. Overall, $10,563,511 was paid to university senior administration and upper management in 2020/21. According to the report on average the administrator compensation cost per student is $1812!

Senior administrators did add that the data does not account progression through the ranks on annual economic adjustments and that “the number of positions included in the data on growth in administration positions does not reflect what is actually part of the university’s administrative structure.” For example, positions in the Centre for Employment Innovation, Coady Institute positions, the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government, and other locations were not included. On the other hand the report mentions that the data collected in the report is only a small part of total administrative funding. It does not include support staff to help senior administrators, office expenses, travel, and other administrative sources.

Either way, after reading the report it is clear that faculty are not seeing the same benefits administrators do. The report states that, in Nova Scotia, full-time faculty positions only rose by 5% between 2012-2021; on the other hand, upper management positions increased by 73%. Additionally, only 53% of people who teach are under contract. According to the report, this leads to faculty “finding themselves precariously employed, with lower wages, less time to prepare course work, little or no funding for research to stay on top of their subject area, and little time to devote to helping students.”

The report also touches on the unfair treatment faculty faced during the pandemic, saying “At StFX, UNIFOR members were expected to waive a 1.5% cost-of-living increase, and accept two weeks unpaid leave, while NSGEU members had step increases frozen, and were asked to accept the 2019 salary scale, and take a 5% wage rollback.” Senior administrators responded to this statement saying, “due to the pandemic, management/professional staff did not receive their annual economic salary adjustment on July 1, 2020. The university approached our various unions to see if they were willing to make some concessions regarding negotiated salary increases as well, but this was not approved, and all union members received what was provided for in their contracts. The economic adjustment for management/professional staff was reinstated on January 1, 2021, with no retroactive pay.”

Many students can also find themselves struggling. The report shows that Nova Scotia universities pay the highest tuition rates in Canada. The average being $9,028 for Nova Scotians in 2021/22 and the national average being just $6,693. Furthermore, international students pay, on average, 123% above domestic students. Students may have noticed an increase in their fees, and the truth is tuition has been increasing each year for a long time now, even during a global pandemic. When looking at StFX’s budgets throughout the years, there is a pattern of increasing tuition. The StFX 2022-23 budget states a 3% tuition increase. The same goes for the 2021-22 budget and the 2020-21 budget. In 2018-19 the budget shows a tuition increase of 6%.

Staying on campus is also expensive. The cheapest option on campus, a double occupancy room in Cameron, MacIsaac, or MacKinnon Hall will cost you $6,045.00. That’s $755 a month since you can only occupy that shared room for about 8 months of the year. Somers and Powers, a popular second year residence, costs students about $1,118 a month. Considering these apartments occupy four people, they are charging $4,472 for each of these apartments per month. The most expensive residence, a private room in Governors, will cost you about $10,005.00, which is about $1,250 a month!

Let’s not forget about the costs of meal hall. On top of paying for accommodation, students living in most residences are required to buy a meal plan. A ‘block 315,’ which is 315 meals per year, costs $5,170.00, which comes to $16 per meal. So next time you decide to grab a snack for breakfast, remember that banana is costing you $16!

The 2022-2023 StFX budget opens with a statement that StFX has significant accumulated deficits that are now totaling above $25 million, and that the university is carrying a large external debt that is currently at $87 million. Considering this debt, it is wondered if the perks, benefits, and salaries of our upper administrators are maybe just a bit excessive. It seems in many ways that both the faculty and students are bearing these debts rather than the entire StFX community. Ultimately, I encourage students and staff to investigate the report themselves, investigate the budgets, and see exactly where our money is going.

StFX Students Without Power Forced to Use Emergency Hand-Crank Speakers to Survive Hurricane Fiona

ANTIGONISH, NS—With Nova Scotia power outages topping almost half a million in the wake of Hurricane Fiona, Antigonish residents have adapted to life without hot water, evenings by candlelight, and meals consisting of canned beans and tuna. It is times such as these that test our resilience and strength of character. StFX students without electricity report harrowing stories of how the power outage tested their abilities to throw an adequate banger.

“Thank goodness my roommate had the foresight to pack an emergency hurricane bag, or I don’t know what we’d be using to get sloshed on a Sunday night,” Ian MacDonald, a local StFX student, said as he broke out the emergency glowsticks for his “Blackout for the Blackout” party while turning his hand-crank speaker. “It’s scary, it’s difficult—but if everyone in the apartment takes turns cranking, we should be able to maintain a solid buzz”.

Another student, Emma Landry, reports, “at any given time, we have a three-month supply of Coldstreams, Smirnoff, Jose Cuervo, and limes on hand. However, if classes don’t resume soon, we may have to resort to just doing shots of Pink Whitney. For the sake of public health and safety, I hope it doesn’t come to that.”Community members are reportedly impressed by the preparedness and tenacity of StFX students. “I just couldn’t believe how seriously they took their hurricane prep. When I saw that the line outside of the NSLC snaked around the block, I knew students were heeding the advice of public officials to stock up on a three-day supply of the essentials,” Sean Mcdowell, a local Antigonish resident, reports.

Classes remain cancelled indefinitely to give students a chance to recuperate from their four-day benders. “We discussed reopening on Tuesday,” an anonymous source from the Dean’s office reports, “but we didn’t want faculty to have to make their commutes just to teach half-empty barely-conscious classrooms.” Professors are also extending due dates to account for how the past week’s partying has made studying near impossible.

At the time of this article’s release, MacDonald’s hand-crank speaker had begun malfunctioning from over-use. Students are forced to sing the lyrics of their favourite Pitbull songs aloud. Let this week go down in StFX’s history as the week that even a hurricane couldn’t cramp our style.

Appreciating the StFX's Art Gallery's Newest Exhibit: Nurturing Netukulimk

Students looking to experience a unique and immersive display of artwork need not look further than the second floor of the Mulroney building. With September 30th being National Truth and Reconciliation Day, it feels especially important to seek out and listen to Indigenous voices. The art exhibit Nurturing Netukulimk showcases Indigenous peoples’ striking achievements, stories, and cultures. The exhibit is open from September 15th to October 15th in Mulroney 2002 (located across from the replica of Mulroney’s Parliament Hill office) between Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.

Featuring the work of many local artists, Nurturing Netukulimk celebrates Indigenous artists and creators spanning the unceded, ancestral Mi’kmaw territory, especially those living in local Mi’kmaw communities. The work of Indigenous artists who work or study at StFX is also on display. The gallery showcases the local Indigenous community’s talent and creativity along with thought-provoking artwork. Gallery visitors can appreciate an array of multimedia sculptures, photography, paintings, and so much more. There are even pieces of beautiful, handcrafted jewelry and traditional Indigenous clothing.

Mi’kmaw Elder and Knowledge Keeper Kerry Prosper says, “Interpreted literally, netukulimk is about hunting and gathering.” Elder Albert Marshall describes netukulimk as “a guiding principle as to how we go through life, how we utilize the gifts that the Creator has given us.” The gallery indeed promotes the idea that nature is intertwined with all aspects of life, emphasizing the need to better appreciate the natural world surrounding us.

The project was coordinated by the StFX Indigenous Student Affairs Office and the StFX Art Gallery, but this project wouldn’t have been possible without such high-quality community submissions. Additionally, The Coady Institute has graciously sponsored this exhibition.

Open to the public, the Antigonish community and many students have had the opportunity to engage with the exhibit. Social media and digital spaces also played an essential role in sharing the artwork within the community. Beginning in September, students might recognize pieces from the exhibit on screens around campus. Photos of the work are also being shared on Facebook and Instagram.

It goes without saying that the importance of appreciating Indigenous artwork and artists extends beyond National Truth and Reconciliation Day. By reserving a space solely for Indigenous artists and their artwork, the community and student body gain an appreciation for the Indigenous community's strength and power, hopefully serving as a springboard for further interest throughout the rest of the year.

The exhibit Nurturing Netukulimk is a testament to the importance, beauty, and uniqueness of Indigenous artwork. If you happen to have even thirty minutes to spare between midterms, be sure to check it out.