A quick compilation presenting some of the popular and secret spots for studying and relaxing on SFU Burnaby Campus.
Created: Julian Giordano
Contact: [email protected]
Score: His Majesty King Raam – Lemon Jelly
Special thanks:
Bryan Scott
First impressions
Welcome to SFU. The Peak explores how new students feel about their first semester in university. Followed by some great advice from seasoned SFU vets.
Created: Julian Giordano
Contact: [email protected]
Score: Original Rags – Scott Joplin
Special thanks to:
Gary Lim
100 Level Courses Hold ‘Plagiarism Awareness Week’
Article by Brad McLeod
Photo by Mark Burnham
BURNABY — Last week, professors teaching first year courses from all SFU faculties once again banded together to dedicate the first week of the semester to raising awarenessabout academic dishonesty.
Dubbed ‘Plagiarism Awareness Week’ by its organizers, the event’s goal was to help eliminate cheating from the university by having at least 50 per cent of each participating courses’ lecture time spent repeating the exact same, fairly obvious information about plagiarism.
Along with the lectures, a campaign of handouts, e-mails, and website links containing identical content were also readily distributed to students whether they asked for it or not.
“We all got together this year to make sure that every one of us had the exact same thing to say” explained one first-year communications professor about his lecture last week. “Plagiarism might seem like a pretty black-and-white issue, and it is, but we made damn sure that we dragged it out for as long possible, and gave as many improbable hypothetical scenarios as we could think of.”
Although some might feel that dedicating so much time and energy on an issue which is essentially not copying someone else’s work is ridiculous when all the students are legally adults, these professors believe it’s an absolutely necessary cause.
“I think it’s safe to say that most of the cheating that occurs in university happens only because the students were simply not aware that they had to do their own work,” said another elderly professor who grew up in a world before plagiarism. “Like, did you know that even something that sounds completely innocent, like paying someone to write an essay for you, can be considered cheating?”
‘Plagiarism Awareness Week’ also served as a harsh introduction for a lot of first year students, many of whom spent more than three total hours listening to lectures about how they have to do their own work.
“There’s nothing that gives you more of a sense of independence during your first post-high school days than to listen to hours of presentations about exactly what it means to be dishonest,” described freshman Jay Sanders, who, like the majority of his classmates, attended a high school that also did not allow plagiarism. “It’s really got me exciting about next week, when hopefully they’ll thoroughly explain the concept of sharing.”
While most students felt that an entire week wasn’t necessary for the cause, there were some who actually found the information quite valuable.
“I had no idea there were so many ways to cheat before,” realized Tim Peters, another first-year student, eager to put what he learned into practice. “If only I could have gotten this information in high school, I wouldn’t have had to try so hard . . . anyways, at least university will be a breeze.”
Although the week of awareness is over until next semester, professors have ensured that they will continue to bring attention to plagiarism for most days in the upcoming term, during any essay, test, or time they forget their lecture notes.
Though students might think that these special events are behind them for the rest of the year, according to inside sources, the school’s T.A.s are planning their own ‘Plagiarism Awareness Week’ for the first week of tutorials in conjunction with their tri-annual ‘Icebreaker Games Appreciation Week’.
Know Your Rotunda
By Rachel Braeuer
Graphics by Eleanor Qu
Logos graciously provided by the Rotunda groups
You hear a lot about a lack of engagement on campus, with terms like “satellite campuses,” “commuter university,” and “generational apathy” thrown around to justify that most students are too lazy to drag their asses to a campus on a day they had previously planned to sleep for 14 hours on. Not true of the Rotunda, the home of SFU’s social justice groups located over the lower bus loop, which is at the heart of the busy connective network between Convocation Mall and West Mall Complex. Whether you enter one of the centre’s and association’s rooms to hang out or get involved, you will always find staff, volunteers and other university peers already working on something but ready to talk, listen or help. We asked the Rotunda groups what you need to know about them, and this is what they told us:
Out on Campus
Website: www.outoncampus.ca
Location: TC314N
Author: Katie Gillespie
Out on Campus (OOC) is the LGBTQ+ group at SFU, working to end discrimination and oppression through awareness-raising, workshops, and maintaining a safe space on Burnaby campus. Our social events help build queer community on campus and link students with Vancouver’s queer community at large.
This year OOC is proudly celebrating 40 years of on-campus queer organizing, so there will be a tonne of events and action going on. Get to know the OOC collective at our open house (and enjoy free soup) on September 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to find out how to get involved in our upcoming events, including: the Vancouver AIDS walk on Sept. 23rd; interactive theatre classes aimed at teaching non-theatre students skills for creating disability justice and anti-racism in everyday scenarios; and a for-fun soccer event, Kick Out Prejudice, where you can learn the ropes, meet new people, and enjoy a pizza dinner after your cardiovascular work out.
The African and Caribbean Heritage Students’ Association
Website: www.sfu.ca/achsa
Location: TC317
Author: Joy Walcott-Francis
The African and Caribbean Heritage Students’ Association (ACHSA) is a student organization at Simon Fraser University that works to initiate and maintain fellowship between students interested in African and Caribbean cultural heritage and students of African and Caribbean descent. Our members represent the collective desire to promote student awareness of the social and political issues significant to African and Caribbean cultures.
Over the years, ACHSA has been involved in a number of initiatives both on and off campus (Black History Month events, BBQs, Games and Movie Nights, Pub Nights, etc.). Most recently, we were able to establish a financial award for members of the club. Through a number of fundraisers, we were able to make that dream a reality this semester — there is now an ACHSA award being offered through the SFU Student Services Office.
New and exciting plans are on stream for ACHSA this year but we invite suggestions from interested and eager members. We started off the year by participating in the Week of Welcome with a booth set-up, a 30-minute interactive Socacize demonstration, an Azonto dance demonstration and a dance routine by our members.
You do not have to be of African or Caribbean descent to be a member — you just need to be interested in sharing our culture.
SFPIRG
Website: www.sfpirg.ca
Location: TC326, Monday to Friday, 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Author: Shahaa Kakar, SFU student / SFPIRG Media and Outreach Coordinator
The Simon Fraser Public Interest Research Group (SFPIRG) is a student-funded and student-directed resource centre dedicated to social and environmental justice. PIRGs were established across North American campuses in the 1970s and 80s as a way for students to advocate for change. This one was set up by students on the Burnaby campus in 1981 — we celebrated our 30th birthday last year.
SFPIRG has done loads of amazing work over the years and has positively impacted the lives of many students. Our mission is to engage students in social and environmental justice. Our work is rooted in an anti-oppression analysis and practices which focuses on education, action, research and community.
This semester we have four discussions series on decolonization, fat happiness, critical masculinity, and sexual health, as well as our house party, workshops, and more; get involved in ARX (supporting non-profit groups with research) or Letters for the Inside (completing research requests from people in prison); volunteer in the library or join the Community Connections Weekly Meet-up Group; start or join an action group to organize around social and environmental issues that you feel passionate about, apply for a grant for a conference or project; make use of the student lounge (microwave), library, or the bike tool co-op.
Women’s Centre
Website: sfuwomenctr.ca
Location: TC3013
Author: Marion Roberts, Negin Alavi and Debbie Le, SFU students
Welcome to the Women’s Centre. Step right in through the office door (South side) — no knocking needed if the door happens to be closed — you’ll find the coordinator: handy as a resource for referrals and general inquiries about local/SFU resources and community. Please feel free to enter, boys and girls (etc.) alike. Sometimes the office door may be locked, due to it being dependent on volunteer/staff hours.
We do have a second door, but ask that only self-identified women use the North-side door and make use of the adjoining space. Self-identified women? That means that the Women’s Centre is trans-inclusive, (and sex-positive, pro-feminist, anti-racist and pro-choice). This portion of the space is always open, but can be locked or opened by security for whatever safety purposes or needs. It includes a functional kitchen, a lounge, and a free local calling telephone.
What does the Women’s Centre do in terms of programming? It supports the international student community by connecting them with resources in their first language, funds and solicits workshops/speakers events, International Women’s Day vigil, and joint community programming with other organizations and campus groups plus much more.
Please come by the Women’s Centre if you have any questions about the space, how it functions, and exciting details on the year to come.
Rotunda Libraries
Website: rotunda.kohalibrary.com
Location: The Women’s Centre, Out on Campus, and SFPIRG
Author: Craig Pavelich
Are you looking for alternative resources for your courses? Would you like to expand your research network? Do you just enjoy reading?
Come check out the Rotunda libraries. Located in the Women’s Centre, Out On Campus and SFPIRG, the Rotunda libraries feature thousands of books on many diverse and interesting topics. Ranging from socioeconomics to anti-oppression work, from gender studies to do-it-yourself skill-building, from indigenous studies to zines and poetry, our libraries have it all. The collection includes a large DVD section with hard-hitting documentaries and exciting feature films. If you’ve always wanted to get to DOXA, but never got around to it, this is the next best thing.
Our libraries are open to all students, staff, faculty and community members, and are all gender-inclusive. Simply stop by any of our libraries and speak with a staff member or volunteer to sign up.
First Nations Student Association
Location: TC 3108 and TC 3112
Author: Laura Forsythe, SFU student / FNSA Treasurer
The First Nations Student Association (FNSA) is a student organization whose mandate is two-fold: to personally, academically, and culturally support First Nations students (Inuit, Metis, Status and Non-Status) and to educate the campus community on First Nations issues. This includes advocating for services and resources for students and the promotion and sponsorship of activities on campus that demonstrate the cultural diversity of First Nations people. It also includes hosting panel discussions, workshops and conferences as well as responding to any negative media portrayals of First Nations peoples.
The First Nations Student Association formed in the early 1990s and over the past few years the organization has been working to bring about changes to the support services and equipment that are necessary for student success. We have organized workshops and panel discussions in the past; keep an eye out for our upcoming events.
CJSF
Website: www.cjsf.bc.ca.
Location: TC216
Author: Bonnie Anderson, Music Coordinator at CJSF
CJSF is SFU’s campus and community radio station, providing grassroots programming to SFU and surrounding communities. We are proud to provide a voice for people’s interests and creativity that cannot be found in mainstream media.
In June 2001, we received a CRTC license to broadcast on FM, and are currently broadcasting on the FM dial throughout the Lower Mainland. Tune in at 90.1 FM, 940 AM in Louis Riel and Shell Residence Houses, or listen online.
Volunteers are always welcome. Host your own show. Help strengthen alternative media in an age of corporate media conglomeration.
Word on the Street: Sept 10
“Maybe take a few english classes in case those whole fine arts thing doesn’t pan out. ”
Adolf Hitler
Vegetarian
“I’m contacting using technology we scavenged from their ships. On 07/09/15 they come, they scorch the land and choke the skies. 07/09/15.”
Alice Marshall
Last Hope
“Probably not to drop out at the first signs of trouble. I mean who know what I ciuld’ve accomplished with a bachelor’s degree?”
Mark Zuckerberg
College Dropout
“Unless you want to deal with six more years of this sidekick bullshit transfer now. Also Snape kills Dumbledore.
Ron Weasley
Wizard Person
Your girlfriend shelly will dump you over Thanksgiving, But don’t worry she gets fat.
Mark Hoefstra
Econ Major
SFU Football 1 – 0 after week one
By Bryan Scott
Simon Fraser looks strong in season opener with 51 – 14 victory over Pacific University
The Simon Fraser University Clan Football team started the 2012 season with an impressive 51–14 wins over the Pacific University Boxers. Senior running back Bo Palmer (North Vancouver, B.C.) had 65 yards and two touchdowns, and sophomore quarterback Trey Wheeler (Seattle, WA) went 17–21 for 128 yards and two touchdowns on the day. The Clan’s special teams and defensive units were solid producing points off turnovers and punt returns. The Clan defense was remarkable, especially early on when the game was still up for grabs.
The opening drive showed an aggressive Boxer’s offense that made it to the Clan’s red zone. The Clan defense was up to the challenge and stopped the Boxers’ drive to keep it scoreless. That must have inspired the Clan’s offense and special teams as they scored 34 points in the first half to lead 34–7 at halftime. The Clan were just too much for the Boxers, as no comeback was mounted and the Clan cruised to the victory.
This is the second consecutive year that the Clan have won their season opener in Forest Grove, OR. The margin of victory was much smaller last year, as SFU’s head coach Dave Johnson explained. “Last year we had to fight and claw to get a win here,” said Johnson. “I think, in that game, they thought we got out of here with a win we didn’t deserve.” But after the Clan’s lopsided win he continued, “ I think this win shows we’ve come a long way.”
The Clan will be looking to continue their week one success as they face the Central Washington Wildcats in their home opener. In the 2011 season, these teams split the season series 1–1. The Wildcats beat up the Clan 37–17 early on, but the Clan redeemed themselves with 35–24 victory on home turf.
Slacklining jumps in popularity
By Cole Guenter (CUP)
Photos by Mark Burnham
Slacklining has hit the University of Saskatchewan campus and it might be more than just a fad
Saskatchewan (CUP) — Slacklining is the act of walking on one- or two-inch wide webbing that is anchored on either end. The line is commonly anchored to trees to keep it a few feet off the ground. Once strung, people attempt to keep their balance while walking across the narrow webbing.
Unlike tightrope walking, where the rope is pulled completely tight, slacklining, as the name implies, ensures the line still has slack in it. This also allows for more spring in the line, creating a trampoline effect.
While the sport does seem to be gaining popularity among younger people, slackliner Clarissa Kostiuk, a student at the U of S majoring in drama and education, says the sport is still strange to some.
“Lots of people give us strange looks,” Kostiuk said. “Many ask just to try standing on it and then walk away because they can’t do it, but everyone asks to give it a shot.”
One possible reason for slacklining’s recent surge in local popularity is the mainstream attention it has garnered in past months. Slackliner Andy Lewis showed the world what the possibilities are on a slackline when he was integrated into Madonna’s dance choreography during the Super Bowl halftime show last February. Lewis’s ability to shift his weight and remain balanced while bouncing from his back to his chest amazed millions of viewers.
Kostiuk, who began slacklining this summer, agrees that this type of mass showing has helped put slacklining on the map.
“I definitely think that has an impact on all different generations just realizing that it is a sport. At first it can kind of look strange, but having big television spectacles showing it off makes it more socially acceptable.”
Due to the current rise in popularity of the sport, you might be surprised to find out that it was invented in the mid-1980s by rock climbers Adam Grosowsky and Jeff Ellington. The two long-time climbers started by walking across the guard chains in parking lots. They noticed the balance required to complete the feat was similar to the balance needed for rock climbing, and that it also strengthened their leg and abdominal muscles. The duo strung up some old climbing webbing between two trees and would take to the slackline when the weather prevented them from climbing mountains.
Advocates of the sport also boast about its meditative aspect.
“It’s similar to yoga in the sense that when you do yoga, your brain relaxes from the concentration,” Kostiuk said. “Slacklining requires using so many muscles, and concentrating so much on your body doing all the work it needs to do. The concentration on our balance helps us clear our heads. Nothing else around matters; it’s just you, the line, and your balance.”
SFU Hockey gets ready for the season
By Bryan Scott
SFU prepares to take on UBC in University Hockey Challenge 2012
The Simon Fraser University Men’s Ice Hockey Team is gearing up for another successful season. After a 17–2–5 record in the 2011–2012 season, the Clan failed to win their third straight BCIHL championship when they fell 4–3 in overtime of the championship game to the University of Victoria. They will be looking for revenge as the season approaches. As a final tune-up for the season, the Clan will participate in the 2nd annual University Hockey Classic on Sept. 21–22.
Last year, almost 1,600 fans showed up to Bill Copeland Arena to watch the inaugural University Hockey Classic between SFU and their bitter rivals from UBC. The event is a two-game series, a home game for each side. SFU prevailed, winning in a shootout. This was after both teams had won their respective home games.
Since they are in different leagues, UBC (CIS) and SFU (BCIHL) do not play in the regular season. “We want to promote the rivalry that has gone down in recent years,” said SFU’s head coach Mark Coletta, “[the University Hockey Challenge] is a way to show that university and college hockey is here, and in the mix [with the other sports] to go and watch.” With the NHL negotiations at a standstill, this is a great way to get a hockey fix in these desperate times.
This year the first game will take place at UBC’s Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre at 7:00 p.m., on Sept. 21. And the second on Sept. 22 at 7:00 at Burnaby’s Bill Copeland Arena. With a year full of bragging rights on the line, expect these teams to battle tooth-and-nail until the last buzzer.
SFU men’s soccer stomps opponents in week one
By Bryan Scott
SFU jumps out to 2-0 after two shutouts, to start the season
The SFU men’s soccer team continued their winning ways from last year, with two lopsided victories over Thompson River University and Vancouver Island University over the last week to begin the season. Neither were conference games, but the Clan will take the 2–0 start to the season.
Carlo Basso (Coquitlam, B.C.) had five of the Clan’s six goals, and JD Blakley (Saskatoon, SK) stopped all shots against to record the shutout. With five goals in one game, Basso was just short of the SFU record of six, which was set in 1988 and matched in 2009. After the game, head coach Alan Koch said, “It was great to see Carlo (Basso) score five goals tonight, and Michael (Winter) was a workhorse in the midfield and kept us going.” He was right about Winter’s play, as he was named the Red Lion Defensive Player of the Week in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. Carlo Basso was a honourable mention on the offensive side.
On Sept. 2nd, SFU made quick work of the visiting Vancouver Island Mariners, beating them 3–0 at Terry Fox Field. This time midfielder Jovan Blagojevic (Coquitlam, B.C.), in his first game of the season, led the way with two goals. Even with the win, Blagojevic remarked that “we finished pretty well for the most part, but there’s still a lot of work to do and hopefully it gets better from here.” Justin Wallace (Kamloops, B.C.) picked up the final goal for the Clan in 60th minute.
