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Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast offers self-help that’s relevant to students

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Arts
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On Purpose premiered in early 2019 and now has over sixty episodes. Image courtesy of Jay Shetty / Variety.

By: Prabhdeep Dhaliwal, SFU Student

Motivational speaker, storyteller, viral content creator, and former monk Jay Shetty’s podcast On Purpose is an excellent resource for anyone looking for guidance and self-improvement. Shetty began his online career with a YouTube channel featuring advice videos for real life situations, where he aims to share wisdom and help viewers as a sort of life coach. His podcast On Purpose is a continuation of this pursuit for self-help content. 

The podcast currently has more than sixty episodes, which range from roughly thirty to ninety minutes each. They feature guests such as Russell Brand, Gary Vee, Chelsea Handler, Dr. Daniel Amen, Chrissy Metz, Huda, and Mona Kattan, among other recognizable names. Topics discussed include relationships, toxic friendships, healthy eating, self development, career success, marriage, mental health, finding your purpose, and self image. 

The first episode of On Purpose that I heard was titled “7 Couples Activities Scientifically Proven to Bring You Closer.” I was stunned by the way Shetty thinks and communicates his ideas as he explained why each of the seven activities brings a couple closer. As someone who is very interested in psychology, I loved understanding why these activities would be so beneficial. 

Of particular interest to students is the episode “6 Simple Things You Can Do Every Morning to Boost Your Energy Before Work.” These tips can easily be applied to things we can do every morning to boost our energy before school. Shetty’s six tips are:

  • No screen time until breakfast
  • Do not start your day with emails
  • Set your priorities the night before
  • Question-meditation
  • Set your intention for the day
  • Try to start your day with kindness

He starts this episode by focusing on self control and energy. He states that these two resources are very important and that it is necessary for us to charge them and use them wisely so as not to deplete them. Shetty explains how depleting these two resources makes us tired and unproductive sooner throughout the day. 

I would also recommend the following episodes to SFU students looking for guidance on studying, mental health, and handling university life:

I would give On Purpose a five star rating for its simplicity, Shetty’s conversational and friendly tone, and the applicability of his tips and wisdom. The podcast touches on a plethora of topics, which students everywhere can find useful and helpful — they aren’t strictly related to school, but to situations in our everyday lives.

On Purpose is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud, and other podcast-hosting applications.

What grinds our gears: This shifting labyrinth of room changes and construction detours

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Opinions
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I’d be better off if I picked a random direction and hoped for the best. Illustration: Danielle Regas/The Peak

By: Carter Hemion, Staff Writer

I’m SO lost in finding my classes. Why? Not only is SFU a maze of construction, but some of my classes just keep changing rooms. I expected to have some changes to my schedule because no semester can start off perfect. What I did not expect was room changes continuing on for a whole month. 

One of my classes has changed its Tuesday location almost every damn class. From Robert C. Brown to Blusson to West Mall Centre to Blusson again, I’m constantly confused about where I need to be. 

And my Thursday class has a different layout every week, so it’s practically a different room every time I walk into it. That’s if I can even find my it at all. I have to follow the signs put up by my wonderful professor, as it’s hidden by construction and in the most inconvenient place possible. 

It’s week four and I can’t figure out my schedule. I can’t find my rooms. I can’t figure out the best route to take because I just stumble across different paths as my classes keep changing. With the construction around the school I feel like Theseus lost in the labyrinth of SFU, and my classroom is the Minotaur — and I don’t even know if that’s an accurate simile because I’m getting lost trying to find my English class!

AQ Boyfriend: An SFU Dating Sim

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Humour
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Written by Winona Young, Features Editpr

All you ever wanted from SFU was your degree. Maybe some dick, too, or perhaps a gondola. But by your final year, you never thought you’d find love in your Tuesday morning tutorial. 

Introducing AQ Boyfriend: An SFU Dating Sim! A heart-racing dating sim where you can romance six eligible men in your tutorial, each with their own unique personality and character art. Will you give your heart (and the seat next to you) to the Beedie student? To the well-muscled slacker? To the literal raccoon in the window? The path of romance never did run smoothly, so choose wisely. Make the right choice and end up with a project partner in class and in life! Choose incorrectly, and you’ll end up feeling heartbroken and impeached. 

 

The one student who won’t shut up

Jack Hamilton is cute — in kind of an annoying way. Maybe it’s his curly brunette hair, his wire-rimmed glasses, his deeply pasty skin, or his pushy intentions to get all of his participation marks for the semester in one class, but it all just makes you . . . deeply horny for the sweater-vested world literature major. He’s done all the readings and mansplained them to all your (female) classmates. Talking with him is so easy — talking is apparently very easy for him. He only talks about himself. And how much he knows about the course material. And himself again, but it’s only you he’s talking at. 

 

  • “Are you a sapiosexual? Heh, I just might be your type then.” 
  • “Very, very good listeners are one of my turn-ons.”
  • “Have you done the readings? I already did, but if you want, I can re-explain them to you with my Marxist interpretation at Renaissance Coffee later.”

 


That Beedie boy

Ever since Richard Yu strutted into class in his Supreme hoodie and stepped on your foot with his Yeezys, you’ve wanted to be his #hypebae. Your friends say he’s so, so vain, but with coiffed hair like his, who can blame him? He doesn’t talk much in class, but you’ll see him whip and dab which always makes you laugh. He doesn’t take life (or class) too seriously, but he still manages to hold down a 3.5 GPA. If you play your cards right with him, maybe he’ll just add you on LinkedIn. 

 

  • “Maybe we should make, like, a conglomeration and stage a merger.”
  • “You forgot your water bottle? Ha! Pathetic… you can have some water from mine. Be careful though, it’s a Beedie Hydroflask™️.” 
  • “You’re a communication major? I guess I’ll be bringing in the income for both of us.”

 

 

Mysterious exchange student

His major? He didn’t say. His name? You heard it once at roll call at the beginning of the semester. His story? God, you wish you knew it. The well-dressed foreigner caught your eye only after he strolled into your 8:30 a.m. tutorial in a full Balenciaga tracksuit. Sure, he hasn’t said anything this entire semester, but he’s the YA fiction romantic lead you always wanted — brooding, mysterious . . . or he really just doesn’t know what’s going on.

 

  •  “…” 
  •  “…” 
  •  “…” 

 

 

Your TA 

So you actually went to office hours, and ever since you displayed a 0.5% interest in the course material, your TA Siddhanth Nadar has displayed an interest in you! But he wants you to call him Sid, because he’s not like other TAs — he’s a cool TA. Who knew grad students could be this gorgeous? He always calls on you first in class discussions. Your heart races as you two awkwardly walk in silence from your tutorial to the fifth floor of the AQ for his office hours every class. You long for the day he’d stop making the class do icebreakers and break the ice with you instead.

  • “Let’s go around the room and say your name, your major, why you’re taking this course, and if you’re single. I mean! If you’re still on the waitlist!”
  • “You want me to go over the syllabus with you? Sigh, you really should attend lecture more.”
  • “I’m not really into being called Daddy in bed . . . but if you would call me Professor, that’d be hot.”

 

The slacker

Sergio Leon strolled into class with one gym bag, one pencil, and zero fucks. Because hey, Cs get degrees right? He doesn’t talk much, but will always listen to you when you speak up in class discussions — and possibly repeat it for participation marks. Whenever you’re running late, he’s always got a seat waiting just for you (provided he actually is in class that day). He may miss tutorial sometimes, but it’s clear he doesn’t miss a day at the gym. You’re smarter than him, and you both know it, but there’s something sweet about the big airhead. 

  • “I didn’t do the readings but damn, I’d do you.”
  • “Oh god, our TA already posted the grades on Canvas! Hold my hand, I can’t take this kind of news alone.”
  • “Wanna save me a seat in tutorial later today, nerd?”

 

A literal raccoon

He’s on the wild side, sure, but ever since you looked into his beady little eyes through the window of your classroom, you’ve been making googly eyes for this mammal. TrashBébé may be mischievous at times, but so sweet for waiting outside your classroom by the recycling bins each week. You’ve seen the looks he gives to you (or your lunch), and you’ve never felt something look at you with such longing. SFU security may try to keep you apart but you’re too in your feelings for this furry fellow. TrashBébé, you’ll always be my baby! 

  • “Screeeeeeeeeeeech!”
  • “. . .”
  • “Grrrr . . .”

 

(Locked character) The SFSS president 

He’s driven, ambitious, and wants to make sure you go to next year’s Fall Kickoff . . . with him! 

This character will be unavailable following March 2020. Will be updated the following April. 

Your weekly SFU horoscopes: October 7–October 13

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Humour
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An illustration of a girl with long flowing hair. Astrological signs and stars shine around her.
ILLUSTRATION: Marissa Ouyang / The Peak

Written by Zach Siddiqui, Humour Editor

Aries — March 21–April 19

The consequences of all your weird behaviour and cryptic glares these past weeks are finally closing in on you. Don’t you dare accept this. You’ve done no wrongs. Your moronic, uppity friends just can’t face facts and thank you for the well-deserved misfortunes you prayed would fall upon them and teach them humility.

Taurus — April 20–May 20

Stand your ground on dinner plans for this week. Whether they like it or not, your friends are all coming over, and they are all bringing affection and Avalon chocolate milk.

Gemini — May 21–June 20

Your body will be studying for two midterms this week, but your soul will be with the spirits at Oktoberfest. Every imagined sip of beer will give you a little more imaginary joy.

Cancer — June 21–July 22

Your gift as a medium is really flourishing this week, begging to be used as more and more death surrounds you. Contact the spirits of all the honeybees who have died for your cushy lifestyle, and learn something from them, you idle, ice-hearted swine.

Leo — July 23–August 22

All your friends are going home for Thanksgiving? Lame. Be the forward-thinker here. Spend the weekend getting sloshed in SFU’s secret totally-not-a-morgue. The Vancouver Police Museum commercialized fun activities in mortuaries first, so if anyone criticizes you, they’ll have to also criticize the greater structures of institutional oppression perpetuated through law enforcement. Basically, you’re doing God’s work.

Virgo — August 23–September 22

Dress in mourning clothes this week. After all, it’s another week of crying for the loss of SFU’s Triple O’s.

Libra — September 23–October 22

Your indecisiveness is quickly becoming an irritation. Just order the Salted Caramel Iced Capp AND the Chocolate Chip Iced Capp. You’re still spending less money now than what you spent on cover from that boring club you hit up for an hour last Saturday, so you can cut the frugal act. 

Scorpio — October 23–November 21

Damn, are you Snow White? Because those apples you’re about to buy in Dining Hall will taste like poison. When will you learn to have standards for yourself and not just for everyone around you?

Sagittarius — November 22–December 21

This is the perfect week to pay a local photographer on Instagram to take professional headshots  of you in the dreary cold atmosphere. Against the backdrop of sad fall weather, the symbolism will be obvious: if hired, you’ll successfully suck all the life out of your coworkers and radiate it out of yourself and your pushy mannerisms. And isn’t that what every workplace needs?

Capricorn — December 22–January 19

You and your partner are about make the raccoon with two backs in some weird Burnaby campus bathroom, as you do. So it’s time to have a frank discussion about the third member of your ménage à trois: Lord Simon Fraser of Lovat. Be completely honest as you talk with your partner about the new summoning ritual you’d like to experiment with to invite Fraser’s spirit to your bed. It’s the best use of your new scented black flame candles.

Aquarius — January 20–February 18

Register to vote. 

Pisces — February 19–March 20

You’ve been too nice lately, and everyone’s failed to notice that you swim circles around them when it comes to academic achievement and emotional intelligence. But why remind them when you could just drown in impostor syndrome and doubt yourself?

10 ways to spend $10 at Mini Mart

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EIC
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By: Talha Butt, Nicole Magas, Gabrielle McLaren, Marissa Ouyang, Marco Ovies, Brianna Quan, Andrea Renney, Paige Riding, Zach Siddiqui, Dylan Webb, Siloam Yeung

Photos by Chris Ho 

Dear Minimart, 

It’s us: The Peak. Maybe you don’t know us, but we know you. See, your fine establishment is only a brisk walk away from our home-away-from-home office. Back in summer 2018, when we thought you’d get evicted, a part of us nearly died. You have provided Peak staff over the years with emergency tampons, pads, Amazon green tea, party mix, cough drops, Pringles, copious amounts of ice cream, pens, and any other number of sweet and salty snacks to help us power through our production days. 

As a thank you, we figured we’d see just how much our staff can get out of Minimart for $10. Some of us will stay loyal to our values and use this $10 to acquire our most favourite snacks. Others will strategically cash this in to get as much food as possible and save Dining Dollars. Regardless: please find attached 10 pictures showing you 10 ways we spent $10 in your shop.

Sincerely,

The Peak’s staff 

 

Andrea: $9.84 

Brianna: $9.90 

Dylan: $9.61 

Marco: $9.77

Marissa: $9:10 

Nicole: $8.29

Paige: $9.99 

Siloam: $9.86 

Talha: $9.36 

Zach: $8.16

Mr. Iglesias tackles high school tropes with a comedic twist

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Arts
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Gabriel Iglesias stars in Mr. Iglesias, which premiered on Netflix in June. Image courtesy of Lara Solanki / Netflix.

By: Tiffany Chang, Peak Associate

You might know Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias from his comedy specials I’m Not Fat . . .  I’m Fluffy (2009) or Gabriel Iglesias: One Show Fits All (2019). Now, the renowned comedian stars in the comedy series Mr. Iglesias, which premiered on Netflix on June 21. He stars as Gabriel “Gabe” Iglesias, an inspirational history teacher to an eclectic group of secondary school students, who is also a fictitious adaptation of himself. After watching stellar stand-up performances from Iglesias, I was really excited when he announced this new project. Needless to say, I knew it would be a huge hit. 

The premise of the show is how Iglesias, his fellow teachers, the principal, the assistant principal, and the students navigate the public education system at Woodrow Wilson High, encountering hilarious (and all too familiar) mishaps along the way. However, similar to the themes of many Disney Channel programs, there are valuable lessons learned in each episode that I consider icing on the cake.  The episodes also incorporate several elements about the characters’ personal lives outside of the classroom — such as doomed crushes, complicated romantic relationships, and sobriety, to name a few.

The charming and talented cast from all different ethnic backgrounds expertly brings these purposely overexaggerated, stereotypical characters to life. We see some familiar faces too, including Sherri Shepherd (The View), Joel McHale (Blended), Christopher McDonald (Lemonade Mouth), and Coy Stewart (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D). This is the first time I’ve seen Stewart take on a comedic role, so getting to witness a different dimension to his acting prowess was a lovely surprise. The chemistry flowing among the actors is evident and it’s refreshing to see diversity celebrated in such a humorous, but also good-natured, way.  

Mr. Iglesias is definitely a feel-good show. There’s no doubt that every cast member contributes significantly to the show’s success, but Iglesias steals the spotlight time and time again with his natural charisma. His pleasantness and the captivating qualities that are so often associated with his comedy are what he effortlessly emanates on the show — his innate ability to make the people around him burst out laughing is always a treat.

This show is a valuable addition to Netflix’s catalogue of original programming, and if you’re looking for some uplifting content, I highly recommend you give this series a shot. It was no surprise to me that Mr. Iglesias was renewed for a second season, and I look forward to what next season has in store.

Student recipe box: It’s soup season, my dudes

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EIC
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Matthias Müller / Unsplash

By: Gabrielle McLaren, Editor-in-Chief 

A fun fact about me is that I have a Pinboard called “SOUP SOUP SOUP SOUP.” I am not ashamed. In fact, now that sweater weather has rolled in, I am thriving. 

Here’s why soup is the superior food: minimal dishes because all you need is one big pot, yields huge quantities so you can cook once a week and proceed not to starve, and there are tons of ways to make this relatively cheap. Here to prove my point are five easy recipes that won’t break the bank, with ingredient costs calculated from Walmart Canada’s website. 

 

  1. Leek, sweet potato, and rosemary soup 
  • 2 leeks — $3.97 for 1 bunch
  • 4 sweet potatoes — Sweet pots usually sell by weight, but the website estimates $8.48 
  • Rosemary — $0.67 for a pack of fresh rosemary, but feel free to use powdered or dried if you’ve got it handy   
  • 1 L of stock — Pro-tip: instead of buying pre-made stock or broth, grab a pack of bouillon cubes to dissolve in water. One pack of Knorr’s has 8 cubes in it (you’ll need 2 cubes per cup of broth) and will cost $1.27

Recipe total: $14.39 

Yield: 6 servings 

Notes: This soup freezes really well! Suggested additions include garlic, onion powder, sage, and thyme. 

 

2. Tortellini Soup

  • 1 onion — $0.93
  • 4 garlic cloves (the recipe calls for 2, but you’ll want more) — $0.68 for a pack of 3 heads 
  • 1 L of stock — Use up those $1.27 bouillon cubes 
  • 1 package of refrigerated tortellini — Walmart sells two-packs for $5 and if that isn’t a game changer, I don’t know what is
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes — $0.97 
  • 3 cups of chopped spinach — Pack of baby spinach for $3.47 
  • From your pantry: olive oil and pepper 

Recipe total: $12.32 and you can enjoy your extra ravioli at a later date 

Yield: 6 servings 

Notes: If you have the extra cash or are really feeling yourself, you’ll absolutely want to get some parmesan to throw on top of this soup. Suggested additions include: italian spice mix (basil, oregano, rosemary, parsley, thume, chili flakes, and garlic powder) or fresh basil. You can also cheat by getting cans of diced tomatoes that are already seasoned up. 

 

3. Black bean and salsa soup 

  • 3 cans of black beans (save the liquid) — $2.64
  • 1 lb of salsa (I usually dump in a large can and call it a day) — $2.97 
  • ½ cup of cilantro — $0.97 for a bunch 
  • 1 head of garlic, minced (the recipe says 1 clove, but you and I know that’s wrong) — $0.68
  • From your pantry: 2 tsp of cumin — If you don’t have cumin in your pantry, a pouch of 97 g goes for $1.97 and it’s a sound investment! 

Recipe total: $9.23 

Yield: 4 servings 

Notes: The amazing thing about this recipe, other than how cheap it is and how easily it comes together, is how much wiggle room you have to adjust spice level depending on who you’re feeding. While the original recipe doesn’t call for that, I recommend blending up your soup.

 

4. Butternut squash and apple soup

  • 2 yellow onions — $1.86 
  • 2 butternut squashes — Squash is usually calculated by pound so prices may vary, but expect to spend under $10 here  
  • 4 medium apples — I usually get Gala apples, which would bring you to $1.08  
  • 3–4 cups of stock — Thank you, $1.27 bouillon cubes 
  • From your pantry: Olive oil, nutmeg, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (can be substituted for smoked paprika if you like) 

Recipe total: $11.25

Yield: 8 servings

Notes: Adding cinnamon to this soup intensifies its levels of autumn-ness by 99%. I also keep red curry paste around and I’m here to confirm that it also makes an incredible addition (add to taste). 

 

5. Egg drop soup 

  • 1 or 2 eggs per serving — $2.27 for a dozen of large eggs 
  • 2 cups of broth per serving — $1.97 bouillon cubes, saving the day
  • Green onions — $0.97 a bunch
  • From your pantry: Salt and pepper. You can also throw in onion powder, garlic powder, and literally anything else to liven up your broth. 

Recipe total: $4.51 

Yield: Recipe is per-serving 

Notes: Alright, so I don’t actually have a link for this recipe because I discovered it in first year and still refer to it as my “oh fuck I didn’t do groceries” soup. 

Start by making 2 cups of broth per person you’re trying to feed. Boil the broth and then, when your heart tells you to, crack the egg into your saucepan. Grab a fork and whisk the soup furiously — the egg will cook, but because you broke it up it’ll cook in long, noodle-like strands. 

Garnish and enjoy!   

Feel free to add any leftovers laying around your fridge — cooked veggies, chicken, potato chunks. . . 

Political Corner: India’s imperialist actions in Kashmir are a betrayal and a violation of human rights

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Opinions
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Kashmir’s Muslim majority is under siege by Hindu nationalists. Photo: Dar Yasin/AP

By: Lubaba Mahmud, Staff Writer

The Kashmir valley is a highly contested region which is shared by India, Pakistan, and China. The Indian-administered part, collectively called the state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), is a Muslim majority state with a special partly-independent status.

Article 370 of the Indian Constitution previously gave the state of Jammu and Kashmir almost complete freedom by allowing it to have a separate state constitution as well as decision-making rights in a local context. The article also made it illegal for Indians outside J&K from holding economic or political interests within the separate state. However on August 5, India’s government revoked Article 370 with a presidential order. This is a clear portrayal of India’s recent aggressive nationalism — one the international community should not tolerate.

The current Indian ruling party, The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is known for its Hindu nationalist movement. Many Kashmiris believe that the BJP’s motive behind this order is to encourage Hindus to settle in the region and change the Muslim-majority demographic. At a time when democracy and diversity are celebrated in most developed countries, systematically displacing people from a different religion is unacceptable.

In order to prevent protests and violent uprisings in response to the change, Kashmir has been under a security lockdown for over 40 days, with more than 8 million people under curfew. All means of communication, including cell service and internet, have been cut off. There have been reports of violent actions, including midnight raids and torture. Furthermore, thousands of Kashmiris, including politicians and activists, have been arrested for detention. 

According to the constitution, changes in Article 370 must be approved by the state assembly. However, the Indian government, having previously dissolved the assembly to install a governor in its place, has taken advantage of the absence to pass its order. This has been deemed a fraudulent act by some critics.

It is enraging that such inhuman acts still occur in this day and age. This is no less than imperialist violence. India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, had said that Kashmir belongs to the Kashmiri people and it is not the property of India. India has grossly betrayed Kashmir by dishonouring its promise to respect Kashmir’s right to autonomy.

Under the forceful Indian occupation, Kashmir is burning and bleeding. As part of an international community, it is our responsibility to stand in solidarity with Kashmiris under oppression and raise our voices to demand their freedom.

COMING UP AT SFU: OCT 7–11

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News
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Author: Zach Siddiqui, Humour Editor

Elections Canada

Canada’s election season is rapidly approaching, and SFU students have an early-access pass. On October 5–9 — that’s Saturday through Wednesday — students can vote at one of three locations at SFU Burnaby. Students can register in person at these stations, as long as they provide ID and proof of address/residence. Valid ID consists of a driver’s license, or card issued by a Canadian government with a photo, name and current address. Voters can also show any two pieces of ID with a name, where one of them has the current address.

“In 2015 we had 7000 people vote [at the advance polling stations], which is phenomenal” said Shina Kaur, SFSS VP University Relations. “We’re trying to break that this time, we’re [trying] to get even more people engaged, and even more people to vote.

You can find Vote on Campus stations at James Douglas Centre’s Safe Study Area, room 3000 in the Academic Quadrangle, or the third floor of West Mall. Stations close at 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.

Convocation

Dreaming of bagpipes again? You must be either a precognitive or a veteran SFU student, because it’s that time of year again: SFU’s fall 2019 convocation ceremony.

Ceremonies will run in Convocation Mall on Thursday, October 10, and Friday, October 11. Thursday’s ceremonies will celebrate the Faculties of Applied Sciences; Communication, Art and Technology; Health Sciences; and Arts and Social Sciences. On Friday, students will convocate from the Beedie School of Business and the Faculties of Science, Education, and Environment. 

If you’ve been invited to attend the ceremony to support a graduate, SFU advises you to arrive and seat yourself “well before the procession begins.” Students who do not plan to attend may want to prepare for especially crowded human traffic jams in the AQ.

How to Manage Stress + Pot Painting and Colouring

This Thursday, SFU International Services for Students is hosting “How to Manage Stress,” a midweek event featuring a full spread of activities to help alleviate student stress.

Happening mainly in rooms 2290 and 2292 in Maggie Benston Centre, the day’s itinerary includes pot-painting, colouring, and a peer dialogue session on the origin of stress. After the main event concludes, attendees may retire to room 2013 in the AQ — better known as the Global Student Centre — to chill with Mello the goldendoodle. According to the Eventbrite page, “he will give you lots of furry snuggles to help you de-stress.”

The event is free, but students who want to participate should register ahead of time on Eventbrite or on SFU’s event page.

 

SFSS holds its 2019 Annual General Meeting

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News
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By: Paige Riding, News Writer and Gurpreet Kambo, News Editor

NOTE: The Peak will be following up with a separate article about the contents of the reports from the Board of Directors, VP Finance, and Auditor’s reports.

Once again, students had the opportunity to  exercise their right to holding the SFSS accountable at the 2019 Annual General Meeting. The AGM is where SFU members can find out where their money truly goes and have their say in a democratic and transparent setting. 

The meeting took place in the Leslie & Gordon Diamond Family Auditorium. Seated in the front were SFSS representatives Giovanni HoSang (President), Christina Loutsik (Vice President Student Services), Tawanda Nigel Chitapi (VP Finance), Sylvia Ceacero (Executive Director), as well as the meeting’s presiding officer Eli Mina. Students scattered around the room held their stark yellow voting cards boasting the phrase “This is my vote” in anticipation of the votes to commence.  All SFU undergraduate students are members of the SFSS, and have the right to one vote on each matter on the agenda.

A recorder of the minutes was to the tablers’ left. To their right, a video camera recorded the proceedings for future reference. On either side of the audience, two microphones stood tall for anyone interested in commenting or raising an argument to any of the matters at hand. 2019’s AGM was not as well-attended as the previous year, though the 2018 AGM had significantly more controversial items on the agenda such as the impeachment of former President Jas Randhawa. 

As the meeting did not have the required 250-person quorum at the outset, the meeting was paused for additional students to arrive. The non-quorate meeting proceeded at 1:51 p.m.; under the Societies Act, non-quorate meetings can vote on items essential to the organization’s continued functioning such as the annual budget. However, any bylaw amendments or special resolutions would require a full quorum. Following the call to order and territorial acknowledgment, the AGM proceeded with the appointment of Eli Mina as presiding officer. 

Most of the meeting proceeded as expected, and laid out in the AGM agenda. This included the adoption of the agenda and receipt of the minutes of the 2018 AGM by a vote of the students present. The AGM package that was distributed included the reports from the Board of Directors, the VP Finance, and the auditor (which The Peak will be reporting on in a separate article and can be found at this link). All of the reports were received by a vote of the AGM, and subsequently Tompkins Wozny LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, were appointed as the auditor for the 2019–2020 year.

The final item on the agenda was the Open Space, in which members of the society are invited to ask questions of their elected representatives. Several questions followed from audience members. SFU student and 2019 board candidate Sheldon Bond asked several questions about the nature and cost of former CEO Martin Wyant’s “separation agreement,” and the reasons for his departure from the SFSS. 

VP Finance Tawanda Nigel Chitapi  responded “whenever there’s a separation of the CEO from an organization, there’s what’s called a severance package [ . . . ] and that’s what that amount is for.” 

Executive Director Sylvia Ceacero added that Wyant “decided to market his skills and his time elsewhere.” 

However, this did not satisfy Bond, as he further inquired why Wyant would receive a severance package “if he quit.” Chitapi answered that “it’s the law, it’s industry practice, whether you quit or you leave. If you are the CEO of an organization, that is something you have to get, it’s non-negotiable.”

The Peak requested clarification during question period, and pointed out that it is not the law to give severance packages to people who quit jobs. To this, Chitapi invited those inquiring to meet him in his office for further clarification. 

Ceacero added to the discussion: “I think it will be in appropriate for anybody here to comment on HR and personnel issues in an open forum.” Ceacero further added that the former CEO received a severance package due to the specifics of his contract, and that “we move on to the happier times that we have ahead.”

Multiple questions were asked by members about the status of the discussion related to the Rotunda groups and space allocation in the SUB, and in particular the alternative plan brought forward by HoSang to house the groups. HoSang responded to these by stating that the issue is still under discussion, and that “there is a motion that is tabled [ . . . ] it will be at a future meeting that the decision will be made.” 

There were also questions about the status of Fraser International College students as members of the SFSS, and whether they’d be getting the U-Pass. HoSang responded that FIC members are not members of the SFSS yet, but that the matter is currently under discussion.

Subsequently, there were no additional questions, and the body voted to adjourn the meeting. 

 

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Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

Contact us: [email protected]

© The Peak Publications Society 1965-2024

Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

Contact us:
[email protected]

© The Peak Publications Society 1965-2024