The need for a formal human resources department The fact that the McMaster Students Union has operated this long without a human resources department is shocking
Photo by Kyle West From the Student Representative Assembly requiring a survivor to disclose their assault in order for the removal of a perpetrator on the assembly to news of rampant sexual assault within the McMaster Students Union Maroons, this past year has been filled with controversy. Given the events of this year, and what has occurred in the past, it is shocking that the MSU lacks a formal human resources department. HR...
Students have a responsibility to hold the university accountable Whether it be through protesting outside the student centre or attending Student Representative Assembly meetings, students need to be engaged in the university’s politics
Photo by Kyle West When I started out as the Opinions Editor for The Silhouette this past year, I admittedly didn’t care much about student politics or governance. I was unfamiliar with the policies of the McMaster Students Union and had no idea what happened during Student Representative Assembly meetings. Nowadays, I regularly watch the SRA livestreams and perform my due diligence to be aware of changes occurring within the MSU. A...
Paying for misinformation Student fees should not be used to support groups on campus that deliberately share and promote misinformation
Photos C/O Kyle West The McMaster Students Union recognizes over 350 clubs. According to the MSU Clubs page, the purpose of these clubs is to “provide an insightful and meaningful contribution to the McMaster and Hamilton community.” Being a MSU recognized club affords certain privileges including being eligible for funding from the MSU. This funding comes directly from the MSU organizational fee, a $130.26 fee that all full-time...
The future is open Our next president must prioritize open education in order to increase the accessibility of post-secondary education
Photos by Kyle West With tuition and living costs on the rise, obtaining a post-secondary education can be extremely costly. One of the higher costs of education are textbook fees; a first year life sciences student can expect to pay $825.15 in new textbooks. To reduce the overall cost and increase the accessibility of post-secondary education, open educational resources were created. OERs are any type of educational materials that...
Protecting students in residence Students applying to be community advisors should be required to complete vulnerable sector checks
Photo by Kyle West Students entering university are faced with many new things: new classes, new friends and sometimes even new living arrangements. But students living in on-campus residences should not have to worry about their safety. To help students transition into living away from home, and to enforce the rules of residence life, McMaster University community advisors live with first-year students in their residences. Their...
