Logistical hurdles at McMaster’s 4th Black Grad highlight the expanding needs of the Black student community
McMaster’s Black Student Success Center hosted its 4th Annual Black Excellence Graduation Celebration on May 20, 2025. The event, a key celebration of academic achievement, cultural pride and community, encountered significant challenges this year stemming from logistical issues related to its venue and growing attendance.
One of the most notable changes to this year’s Black Grad was the shift in venue. Last year, the graduation ceremony was held at the FirstOntario Concert Hall, which offered ample space for both the ceremony and guests. The venue also provided an academic procession, a key feature of the event, where graduates traditionally walk across the stage to receive their recognition.
This year, the event was moved to the fourth floor of the Hub, a significantly smaller space that could not accommodate the growing number of attendees.
Concerns were raised about the event and the resources available to support the expanding Black student community.
Faith Ogunkoya, manager of the Black Student Success Centre, stated in an email that the venue change was primarily due to funding constraints. The FirstOntario Concert Hall, while offering ample space, came with high operational costs that the BSSC could no longer afford this year. “While the FirstOntario Concert Hall is beautiful, it's quite costly and comes with significant operational constraints,” Ogunkoya stated.
Last year, the graduation ceremony shared the FirstOntario Concert Hall with another convocation ceremony in an effort to reduce costs. Ogunkoya shared how, despite the intention to offer a more accessible and cost-effective space, the venue change led to a host of logistical issues and ultimately explored campus-based locations. “The Hub offered a more flexible, community-oriented environment aligned with our evolving goals and available resources,” stated Ogunkoya.
The overcrowding in the Hub left many attendees standing throughout the ceremony. Stephen DeCordova, McMaster Students Union vice-president (education) and graduating student, shared that his pregnant sister-in-law had to leave halfway through the ceremony due to a lack of seating. “There was a sizeable portion of guests who were standing,” DeCordova said, confirming that there was no overflow room or livestreaming option available.
The growing Black student population at McMaster has led to an increasing demand for spaces like Black Grad, and this year’s event highlighted the ongoing limitations of the current venues. The BSSC, launching its service in 2021 and operating on campus since 2022, has been integral in providing mentorship, culturally relevant services and programming for Black students.
Abigail Samuels, a fifth-year Life Sciences student and photographer for both the third and fourth Black Grad celebrations, discussed how the BSSC has seen a marked increase in demand. “The BSSC has a physical space, and the number one complaint is [that] it’s not big enough. We’re maxed out of space,” said Samuels.
According to the McMaster Student Affairs 2023-2024 Annual Report, there was a 31.67 per cent increase in appointments, a 128.7 per cent increase in registrants for workshops and webinars and a 50 per cent increase in total visits to the BSSC lounge. These statistics reflect the growing need of the expanding community of Black students.
Ogunkoya acknowledged the community’s concerns, explaining that, while the decision was made in the spirit of community and financial prudence, it didn’t work entirely as planned. “We were deeply moved to see that demand exceeded our capacity. Some students and families were understandably disappointed,” Ogunkoya stated.
The venue constraints also limited the traditional elements of the ceremony. The academic procession, a traditional and highly anticipated part of the event, was eliminated this year due to space constraints. Instead, the graduates stood and placed their Kente stoles around their own necks. While the Kente stole ceremony retains significant cultural meaning, many students felt the shift lacked the formality and grandeur of previous years.
“Students were told to stand up, face their parents, and put their Kente stoles on…It was disappointing because Black Graduation has become something that people really look forward to,” said Samuels, while still acknowledging the symbolic but less formal alternative.
A Kente stole is a traditional garment typically worn during graduation ceremonies to represent African heritage, struggle, solidarity and achievement. In 2023, McMaster Daily News described the third annual Black Grad, where graduates walked the stage and had their Kente stoles placed on them with pride, accompanied by “fierce cheers” from attendees.
Samuel has also noted the lack of attendance of the University's administration.
Students like DeCordova and Samuels, who were among the first to experience the BSSC in its early stages in 2021, reflected on the disappointment of many students. “After seeing last year’s event — how big, how grandiose and amazing it was — it made some people feel like they didn’t get the opportunity to have what they imagined,” said DeCordova.
Despite these challenges, the sense of community and the event’s significance were not lost on attendees. DeCordova shared that while the event did not match the scale of previous years, it was still meaningful. “It was still an enjoyable experience, but I think a lot of that enjoyment did come from the fact that I was surrounded by a lot of people that I’ve been with for the past four years. They’ve seen me grow,” DeCordova said with optimism.
“Black Grad is so much more than just a ceremony. It’s about community, it’s about coming together to celebrate our shared struggles and triumphs. But it’s clear that the event needs to evolve as the community grows,” said Samuels.
As the university continues to see an increase in Black students, there is a clear need for larger, more suitable venues to host such significant events.
Ogunkoya emphasized that the BSSC would be taking the feedback seriously, especially regarding space and logistics. “We are now reflecting deeply on how to hold this celebration in a way that honours intimacy, inclusion, and financial responsibility,” she stated. The BSSC is continuing to explore on-campus options such as the University’s gymnasium that could accommodate future graduations.
From academic differences to new social norms, learn of the unique discoveries a UK exchange student faces while adapting to life in Canada
Jasmine Joseph is a third-year psychology, neuroscience and behaviour student at the University of Warwick in England. She is currently on exchange at McMaster University for the Winter 2025 term.
When reflecting on her decision to study in Canada, she emphasized the value of embracing opportunities.
"There's not going to be any other time in your life after this where you have so much free time to explore, study abroad and I was like let me try and just make the most of the opportunities at my university," said Joseph. "If money is a worry, money comes back. Time doesn't."
Despite initial anxieties about making friends and adjusting to life without her family, Joseph quickly adapted.
"There were some days where I was a bit anxious, going to a whole group at an event and just interrupting the conversation to be like, Hey, can I come and sit with you guys," said Joseph.
Joseph highlighted a memorable opportunity that she would not have had without actively seeking it out and engaging socially. "I've been on a cabin trip with the Mac Outdoor Club, which was so fun. And I met some such lovely girls on that trip," said Joseph.
One of the most notable aspects of Joseph's experience has been the cultural differences she encountered.
"People here are a lot friendlier. I knew people would probably be a bit nicer, but it's really surprised me," said Joseph, noting the contrast between the warm Canadian hospitality and the more reserved nature she’s accustomed to in the UK.
People here are a lot friendlier like I knew people would probably be a bit nicer. But it's really surprised me
Jasmine Joseph, UK exchange student
McMaster University
She explained that people have sometimes mimicked her British accent, which she finds amuzing.
"I thought we were having a normal conversation. Now, this is like a British accent practice class," said Joseph.
Joseph also faced some language barriers due to slang differences. Words like "accom" for accommodation left Canadians confused, as McMaster students typically say "res" for residence.
"There are definitely some words when I'm speaking, they're just like, "Oh, what does that mean?" But they do know a few more. There are some crossovers that I wasn't expecting, especially in the Black community, they'll be saying words that we say in London," said Joseph.
Toronto and London share some similar slang due to their shared historical roots in cultural immigration, particularly from Caribbean and Middle Eastern communities. This diverse influence has shaped the local vernacular in both cities.
Academically, Joseph was shocked by McMaster’s teaching style. She noticed a significant difference between the UK and Canadian approaches.
"I go to a Russell Group University back home, it's like the British version of Ivy League and back home our academic system at my university is very rigorous . . . But when I came here, what I've like concluded and gathered after being here for 3 months now almost 4, is that the education system–at least I can speak on Mac–is a lot more relaxed," said Joseph.
When comparing both styles of teaching, Joseph concluded she prefers McMaster's environment to better understand and learn course content.
"It's been easier to understand the content in my current classes than back home, which is actually surprising," said Joseph. "I've been lucky enough that the profs that I've had, you can tell they're passionate about the subject."
It's been easier to understand the content in my current classes than back home, which is actually surprising
Jasmine Joseph, UK exchange student
McMaster University
Joseph explained how her exchange has impacted her own approach to academics.
"I think it's even taught me the fact that yes, I'm here on pass fail, but just to give myself more grace when it comes to my academics," said Joseph. Being abroad has allowed her to focus on learning the content rather than obsessing over grades, something she hopes to continue back home.
Joseph also believes her exchange experience will help her career. Overcoming challenges and pushing past fears has strengthened her confidence.
"I betted on myself that, you know what, I'm going to go and smash this this semester abroad. And by God's grace it's been good, it's been successful," said Joseph.
The time Joseph has had at McMaster has been memorable and she encourages others to take on opportunities that promote cultural exchange. "Do it. Take that exchange, go on that semester abroad, go on that full year studying abroad. Just do it, because for me life is too short," concluded Joseph.
Engineers Without Borders' fee of $0.41 will no longer be included in MSU members' supplementary fees following referendum
After an appeal process, the results of the Engineers Without Borders Referendum, held earlier this year during the McMaster Students Union Referenda period, have been released.
The referendum to remove the $0.41 EWB fee from students' supplementary fees has been confirmed as successful, meaning the fee will not be included in next year's membership fees. Over 2,026 students voted to remove it.
The "yes" campaign, which supported the continuation of the fee, was disqualified due to receiving eight standard violations and seven severe fines exceeding half of the spending limit, as per Rule 7.12 of the MSU's bylaws. Multiple violations for the "yes" campaign led to the Elections Committee their campaign invalid.
Sinead Gono, the MSU Elections Department's chief returning officer, provided insight into the disqualification and appeal process. She stated that candidates or groups running in an election or referendum must nominate themselves and abide by strict campaigning guidelines.
While the "no" side of the EWB referendum registered their campaign properly and followed election rules, the campaign to continue the fee did not initially nominate themselves and failed to follow standard procedures.
According to Gono, by the time polling had closed, complaints started to come in when the "yes" side advertised its campaign using inappropriate methods. After review, the Elections Committee determined that EWB’s "yes" campaign exceeded the allowed sum of fines, accumulating over $275.00 in penalties. This amount exceeded the $150.00 limit, resulting in automatic disqualification.
Voter turnout for the referendum was 12.9 per cent. When asked about student engagement during voting sessions, Gono stated that the Elections Department made considerable efforts to promote the referendum.
"Obviously, referendums don’t have the same engagement as presidential elections, but given the year we are in, we felt the turnout was really good," she said
Obviously, referendums don’t have the same engagement as presidential elections, but given the year we are in, we felt the turnout was really good.
Sinead Gono, Chief Returning Officer
Elections Department, McMaster Students Union
The use of the club's funding was cause for concern amongst the McMaster community. EWB's use of student funding to send a non-McMaster student from an undisclosed Ontario university on a trip led to outrage amongst the student body. Prior to the referendum, some members of the SRA voiced concerns about McMaster student fees supporting a fellowship program that does not always include a McMaster student.
More than two months after the referendum, due to the results of the appeal process, the McMaster chapter of Engineers Without Borders will no longer be funded by the MSU.
After contributing to the Marauder women's volleyball team and featuring in a tense nationals game, first year Lucie Shaver shares her perspective and excitement for whats to come
Among the success and growth of McMaster women’s volleyball this season, first year Lucie Shaver has had the unique task of transitioning from high-school to Ontario University Athletics volleyball. With this, she’s been in many exciting positions throughout the season, including a tense U Sports quarterfinals match.
For Shaver, the transition to OUA athletics has been one filled with learning. She noted the increased speed and power of play that happens in university volleyball.
“The biggest thing I notice is that the game is very much faster. It's much faster. Everybody hits the ball harder, everybody moves faster and the moves are a lot more crisp and more precise. One thing I found in high school was like there's often like two or three good players on the team that have to carry a lot of weight but that is not really the case here,” said Shaver.
Despite the high level of play, Shaver have risen to the occasion this season. The team ended the OUA season by winning the Quigley Cup against Brock University. Shaver has attributed part of the team's success this season to head coach Nathan Janzen.
“Nate's also very like a statistical coach. He's big into stats, so he looks at patterns of the other team and he'll even map out where the other team's hitters hit most and like he'll do like serving charts. So you see like, oh they serve from this angle to this side of the court . . . you can see if they mix up the depth of their serves as well or if they're all serving all long or all super short,” said Shaver.
The team’s achievements this year brought the Marauders to the U Sport’s nationals
In this game, the Marauders lost their first set against the Carbins but impressively won sets two and three. In the game’s fourth set, it seemed as though Janzen wanted to change things up, as the team was struggling to put points up. This is when Shaver entered the match.
As such a young player in a team full of veterans like Sullie Sundara and Emma McKinnon, Shaver is not always put on the court. But, Janzen still had trust in Shaver's abilities and this trust was on full display when he subbed her into such a close match on the national stage. Shaver describes how this moment felt and how it influenced the rest of the tournament for her.
“Yeah, well, there have been a few times throughout the season where Nate's kind of put me in a few high pressure moments and so like going in I was definitely nervous, really nervous. But I kind of knew I could do it, just had to put some serves in. Then when I got subbed in for the rest of the tournament, I was kind of like, okay, I've got a sense of it and I was having a lot more fun,” said Shaver.
The Marauders managed to score a few more points with Shaver in the fourth set, but ultimately lost the it. They then lost the crucial fifth set against the Carabins, losing the game.
This loss put the Marauders into the consolation bracket of the tournament with the chance to finish in fifth place if the team won two consolation games.
“It was definitely upsetting, but I think the biggest takeaway is that we still wanted to finish the season on a high note, especially for our seniors who were leaving, and I think that was just the most important thing for the rest of the tournament,” said Shaver.
. . . we still wanted to finish the season on a high note, especially for our seniors who were leaving, and I think that was just the most important thing for the rest of the tournament
Lucie Shaver, Outside Hitter
McMaster Women's Volleyball
The team did just that; they defeated both Memorial University in the first match and Saint Mary’s University in the second consolation match, earning the Marauders a fifth-place finish. Shaver was able to play in these matches and highlighted how she felt during the games.
“On the times that I did go into the court for the other two games, I was kind of just happy to be there and happy to be playing. It just made me really excited for next season as well to keep playing,” said Shaver.
I was kind of just happy to be there and happy to be playing and then yeah, it just made me really excited for next season as well to keep playing.
Lucie Shaver, Outside Hitter
McMaster Women's Volleyball
As the year has wrapped up, Shaver’s first season has turned out to be one she is happy with. Volleyball fans and the sports community at McMaster will look to see what lies ahead for her and the rest of her teammates in their next season.
Celebrating the diverse voices and talents of BIPOC students shaping the arts and culture scene at McMaster
McMaster University has a diverse group of creative BIPOC students. Through time, effort and dedication, some student creators have garnered significant attention both on and off campus. By showcasing their work at pop-up shops, markets and across social media platforms, they've effectively amplified their commitment to their crafts.
Here is a closer look into four students that have been honing their crafts and diversifying their academic journeys with their art. These student creators, from various cultural backgrounds, have diverse talents to offer in fields such as jewelry making, nail art and poetry.
Margaret Qin
Margaret Qin is a third-year human behaviour student and organizer of the Grind Market who has transformed what started as a hobby into a full-fledged small business: Earrings by Margaret. During the pandemic, Qin began making jewelry as a way to pass time.
But as time went on, it became a great creative outlet. Every piece of jewelry she creates is handmade, with sustainability and ethical practices incorporated into her work wherever possible as advertised on her business website.
Princess Aina-David
Princess Aina-David, a third-year civil engineering student, runs her small-business called Lap Nailz, a home-based nail studio in Hamilton near McMaster’s main campus.
She offers a range of nail services, including gel manicures, custom press-on nails and acrylic designs. Her work, often showcased on her Instagram page, demonstrates a high level of artistry and attention to detail, attracting clients who seek personalized nail designs.
Ramneek Panchi
Ramneek Panchi, beyond being a student of philosophy and music at McMaster, is a poet. Combining both her academic and creative interests, she is specifically a philosophical poet whose works capture the human experience through soulful exploration of personal and social connections.
She works at Poesy, Canada’s first experiential writing company. She expresses profound emotions through both poetry and piano, with the hope that her work connects with like-minded, passionate souls. Panchi also showcased her talent as a live service-based vendor at the most recent student market at the Grind on Mar. 25, 2025, where she wrote personalized poems for each customer on the spot.
Romielle Villacorta
Last but certainly not least, Romielle Villacorta, an anthropology student, specializes in creating custom press-on nails. Villacorta runs a small business called Bunny Klaws.
She sells her hand-crafted designs at pop-up events, both on campus and in Toronto. Villacorta’s press-on nails are tailored to individual styles and preferences, offering a unique way for people to express themselves through their nail art.
These four McMaster students are combining their academic lives with their creative interests, showcasing how students can simultaneously thrive as creative entrepreneurs across various fields. Whether it’s through handmade jewelry, personalized nail art, meaningful poetry, or custom press-on nails, these creators are finding innovative ways to share their craft and connect with others.
Their work reflects the diversity of talent at McMaster and the potential of exploring creative passions alongside one's academic pursuits.
TwelvEighty Bar and Grill releases three new ambassador meal specials, designed by prominent students of the McMaster community
On Feb. 24, 2025, TwelvEighty Bar and Grill and the McMaster Students Union announced three new ambassador meal specials to their menu, designed in partnership with prominent student figures. These meals, available until the end of the current academic year, were developed with input from student ambassadors and created by TwelvEighty’s chef, Wes Chaplin.
In an interview, MSU president Jovan Popovic and MSU food and beverage manager Mike Asquith shared details about the initiative’s purpose.
According to Popovic, the initiative aims to highlight students who are active in the McMaster community.
“We were looking for prominent people on campus, people that a vast majority of the students would be able to connect with, relate to, know or have heard of . . . Each of these people are very public-facing figures who played a significant role on campus . . . these are people who are very well accomplished and all their roots come back to this university and this campus,” said Popovic.
Each of these people are very public-facing figures who played a significant role on campus.
Jovan Popovic
President, McMaster Students Union
The first ambassador meal introduced on TwelvEighty’s Instagram was Maxime Gratton’s breakfast burger. The Gratton Breakfast Burger features a four-ounce beef patty, sunny-side egg, onion rings, bacon, potato hickory sticks and chilli aioli on a toasted brioche bun, served with a choice of a side.
Gratton, a fifth-year psychology student and player for the men’s volleyball team, has contributed to three OUA championship wins. He is also the founder of Airtime Athletics, a training program for young athletes. He is known for sharing volleyball clips on his Instagram, which has over 4,000 followers.
The second ambassador meal introduced was Mackenzie Barwell’s Poke Bowl. Barwell, a fourth-year communications and political science student, has worked in sports media at McMaster as an in-game host for the Marauders and is the creator of the Marauder Mondays video series. She has also collaborated with organizations like Forge FC, the World University Games and Canada Basketball.
The Mac Barwell Bowl includes tuna, rice, guacamole, tomato, edamame, green onion, carrots, pickled red cabbage, corn, poke sauce and sesame seeds.
The last ambassador meal introduced was Miguel Gonzales’s DJ Migz Mix. Gonzales, also known as DJ Migz, is a recent graduate from the honours kinesiology program with 12 years of DJing experience. He has performed for campus events, including Homecoming 2024 and Welcome Week concerts.
His DJ Migz Mix includes blackened chicken, Cajun rice, sautéed onion and peppers, cheese, corn, lettuce, sour cream, salsa, guacamole and lime. A side of chips and salsa can also be purchased for an additional $2.
In an Instagram post, DJ Migz stated that his ambassador meal is gluten-free and chipotle-inspired.
“As someone with many allergies, I tailored this meal to be inclusive of dietary needs by ensuring it is free of many common allergens! Many of the ingredients are also easily substitutable to be able to accommodate any further restrictions,” stated Migz.
I tailored this meal to be inclusive of dietary needs by ensuring it is free of many common allergens!
Miguel Gonzales (DJ Migz)
Recent Graduate, Honours Kinesiology
Asquith described the initiative as an opportunity to test new menu items with direct student involvement.
“It gives us a great test for new items to see if maybe this is something we could add in the future as a more permanent fix,” said Asquith.
The student ambassadors provided general descriptions of what they wanted their dishes to include. TwelvEighty’s chef, Wes, refined the concepts into final menu items.
Popovic mentioned that most of the ingredients used in the dishes were already available in the kitchen, which minimized the need to source additional ingredients and ensured that meals could be easily incorporated into the existing menu.
“While we needed the creative vision from Wes to really make these actual dishes, it was fully inspired by the direction that the students gave us,” said Popovic.
Asquith mentioned that TwelvEighty aims to collaborate more with student groups and clubs. He noted that the restaurant is also diversifying its menu, with a growing focus on cultural variety, which it plans to continue.
“We are trying to show this year that we’re open to anything. We just need to make the right connections and do it well,” said Asquith.
The new menu items are available to order both in person and ahead on TwelvEighty’s website. They will be available until the end of the winter 2025 semester.
After 29 seasons of head coaching the McMaster women’s basketball team, Theresa Burns reflects on her long career after deciding to retire
One of McMaster’s most long-standing and successful head coaches has been Theresa Burns. She has been at the reins of the Marauders women’s basketball team since 1992. Along the way, she has won five Ontario University Athletics titles.
Burns began her career coaching at McMaster after a stint at Toronto Metropolitan University, formerly known as Ryerson University. After this, she began her journey at McMaster University.
Burns recounted her introduction to McMaster Athletics and the interpersonal relationships that kept her at McMaster for such a long duration of time.
“McMaster just felt right. I think there's a real collegiality amongst the coaches here, amongst our McMaster coaches, there's a real sense of family, when I came here. Also amongst the athletic departments, so just a really nice environment to be in,” said Burns.
McMaster just felt right. I think there's a real collegiality amongst the coaches here . . . just a really nice environment to be in.
Theresa Burns
Former Head Coach, McMaster Women’s Basketball
Despite these positive feelings, Burns feels that the timing is now right for her to move on from coaching the women’s basketball team. She began thinking about retirement earlier this year and finally decided to go for it after the end of this year’s OUA season.
“It's just time. You know you start thinking about it and I kind of gave myself this year to think about it. And then once we hit the end of the season, I just felt like, yeah, this is probably the best time,” said Burns.
For Burns and her team, the past season has been strong. The team made it to the OUA quarter-finals, before being beaten by Carleton University. For Burns, she believes the team’s current athletes will carry the team forward after she leaves.
“So I think that leadership that they've sort of shown to the group will now be there and now the younger ones who are moving up are going to have that knowledge and experience to draw on. So I think they just left a really beautiful legacy for the athletes coming behind them and that was one of the most special parts of it,” said Burns.
Burns discussed she will be taking time to reflect on what she wants for her future and fondly acknowledges the memories she has made from her tenure as head coach.
“I'm gonna sit down over the summer and catch my breath and like I said, I've got a wealth of memories to keep me company all summer and as I sit back and reflect. And then like no firm plans for what's next yet, but I think I just need a little bit of quiet headspace to start thinking about that and so I'm gonna take that for myself this summer,” said Burns.
I've got a wealth of memories to keep me company all summer . . . I just need a little bit of quiet headspace to start thinking about [what’s next].
Theresa Burns
Former Head Coach, McMaster Women’s Basketball
Who will lead the McMaster women’s basketball team after Burns is yet to be announced. Though, Burns rests assured that the skills she has left her team with will prime them for success regardless
Final ruling confirms Piper Plavins as MSU president-elect, bringing election process to a close after appeal deliberations
Following the resolution of a disqualification appeal, Piper Plavins has been officially confirmed as the next president of the McMaster Students Union. The appeal, initiated by the request of presidential candidate Olami Olalere, was dismissed after two levels of review, finalizing the results of the 2025 MSU presidential election.
Olalere was disqualified from the race after accumulating a combination of standard and severe campaign violations.
In an interview with The Silhouette, Sinead Gono, the chief returning officer of the elections department of the MSU, said that Olalere received a total of nine standard violations and two severe violations.
Under MSU election rules, surpassing half of the spending limit in fines—$200.00 of the $400.00 limit—results in automatic disqualification. A standard fine is worth $15.00 and a severe fine is worth $35.00. Additionally, Olalere received $42.00 in poster violations for a total of 21 poster violations valued at $2.00 each, as per presidential election rule 7.10.4. In total, Olalere accumulated $247.00 in fines.
“The rules are very specific and I feel that they’re quite clearly laid out . . . There’s a threshold and if you pass that in terms of monetary value, then you get automatically disqualified. That’s what happened in this case,” said Gono.
There’s a threshold and if you pass that in terms of monetary value, then you get automatically disqualified.
Sinead Gono
Chief Returning Officer, MSU Elections
After his disqualification, Olalere filed an appeal in two stages. According to Gono, in the first stage, the MSU Elections Committee reviewed his objections and overturned only one $0.00 violation, which did not impact his total fine amount.
In the second stage, the Elections Appeal Board, which is an independent panel consisting of the MSU deputy speaker, the university secretariat and a member of the McMaster community, upheld the original decisions in full. As a result, Olalere remained disqualified and his name was removed from the official ballot.
Due to the MSU’s ranked-choice voting system, votes cast for Olalere were not discarded. Instead, they were redistributed to the next-ranked candidates on each ballot.
“There’s no erasing of votes . . . They now consider the other ranked options,” said Gono.
Gono emphasized that the elections department followed its policies and treated all candidates equally.
“We did the best that we could on our end. We followed the process that we always follow . . . The rules are pretty set in stone and we try to make them as clear as possible,” said Gono.
This year’s election cycle also saw a rise in voter turnout. Gono credited the increase to coordinated efforts by both the elections department, the MSU as a whole and the efforts of the candidates themselves.
“There was a union-wide goal of reaching 20 per cent turnout . . . We worked tirelessly on promotions and events . . . The candidates also made this election really exciting for students . . . I also think we’re seeing a natural rebound in student engagement post-COVID,” said Gono.
The candidates also made this election really exciting for students . . . I also think we’re seeing a natural rebound in student engagement post-COVID
Sinead Gono
Chief Returning Officer, MSU Elections
The final certified results have officially confirmed Piper Plavins as MSU president-elect. She is set to begin her one-year term on May 1, 2025.
Artificial intelligence is in McMaster’s classrooms and taking tasks away from its teaching assistants
By: Kate Linardic, Opinion Contributor
Artificial intelligence is beginning to integrate itself into life at McMaster and recently it has encroached upon our pipettes and Erlenmeyer flasks. Stemble is an AI grading software being used by the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology in its Level I courses to ease the burden of large class sizes.
Once the responsibility of paid teaching assistants, Stemble has absorbed the job of marking post-lab assignments and homework in Level I chemistry courses. The ability of AI models like Stemble to take on more responsibility is only increasing.
Level I chemistry midterms and final examinations have long been graded using scantrons. This was done to offload the work of grading, leaving teaching assistants with the responsibilities of attendance-taking, laboratory supervision and assignment-marking.
But can AI fully replace TAs? The answer is complicated.
AI is being rapidly welcomed into workplaces and schools while regulations are struggling to keep up. Its appeal is the opportunity it provides employers to reduce labour costs.
In academia, services like Stemble enable departments to cut back on the number of hours spent grading in TA job descriptions. Meanwhile, the cost of Stemble pops up as a separate subscription fee to be paid for by students.
Despite the benefits of AI grading for the university, there is an element of humanity innate to teaching that is not quite yet able to be replicated by AI.
There is an element of humanity innate to teaching that is not quite yet able to be replicated by AI.
A 2023 study at the University of Queensland found that 55 per cent of its global respondents were not yet comfortable with AI taking on people-management roles, like that of supervising undergraduate students performing titrations in the A.N. Bourns Building chemistry labs.
In its 2024 report, the World Economic Forum found that it is unlikely that current AI developments will impact the interpersonal aspects of teaching or replace the need for direct interactions between teaching assistants and students. It appears that a person-to-person connection adds something distinctly valuable to the learning process and remains a practice which still requires both participants to in fact be persons.
With these aspects considered, AI is unlikely to result in major job losses for the time being, meaning chemistry TAs can rest assured that they have a few more years of answering the same questions about where students can put their glassware at the end of a lab.
However, this may only hold true for the time being. The AI industry is only starting to pick up steam and new technology is developed every day. But even if AI’s teaching capacities improve, it cannot be a role model for students pursuing academia the way that student-TAs can.
TA positions also give students a critical opportunity to try teaching and mentoring, something that those pursuing academia will possibly be expected to engage in depending on where they find work. It serves as a trial run for those who may see themselves as future professors and instructors. If TA positions were to disappear, so would the opportunities for students to gain experience in teaching and mentoring others.
TA positions give students a critical opportunity to try teaching and mentoring.
Student TAs have an intrinsically human element to offer undergraduate students, unlike their environmentally damaging AI counterparts. And yes, AI may soon develop such “human” abilities, too, but there is no need to rush into that future when the alternative is continuing to grant real chemistry students an opportunity to share their knowledge with others.
McMaster should continue to take care when investing in AI like Stemble. In an increasingly atomized world, keeping open avenues for communal learning at McMaster should be regarded as important as ever.
Through music, dance and theatre, Abju: to Dream brings a powerful story of tradition and ambition to life.
Afrofest, an annual event and celebration hosted by MacAfricans, will return on Mar. 22, 2025 at 7:00 p.m., at The Zoetic Company. This year’s production, Abju to Dream, showcases the vibrant and diverse culture throughout Africa and aims to captivate audiences with its rich narrative and creative performance.
Mitchel Ezan and Eniola Olawale-Yusuf, the co-president and communications associate of MacAfricans, respectively, shared how Afrofest is more than a cultural showcase; it is a deeply creative, community-driven experience.
"Afrofest has four major parts," explained Olawale-Yusuf. "We have the acting to tell stories, the modelling that showcases African culture through clothing and fashion. We have the music and we have the dance team that uses cultural references across [from] the diaspora."
One of the central elements of the show is its storyline, which tackles the theme of following one's dreams in the face of societal and familial pressure. Abju to Dream follows a character who defies traditional expectations within African culture.
"It touches on people's stories who try to break from the norm. It goes back and forth with the characters exploring their own dreams and future for themselves," said Olawale-Yusuf.
It touches on people's stories who try to break from the norm. It goes back and forth with the characters exploring their own dreams and future for themselves.
Eniola Olawale-Yusuf, Communications Associate
MacAfricans
"I feel like Abju is just very nostalgic. I think the audience is able to explore certain things that occur within African cultures that is not spoken about enough," added Ezan.
As an extension of community spirit, the event will conclude with an after-party at 10:00 p.m. "It's just a way to continue the celebration into the night and just have fun,” said Ezan. "You're still enjoying African and Caribbean music, still listening to dancehall, all that sort of thing . . . bonding and forming connections overall.”
The event is open to everyone, regardless of background.
"If you just want to embrace the culture, if you just enjoy stories and performance—everyone is welcome." shared Ezan.
If you just want to embrace the culture, if you just enjoy stories and performance—everyone is welcome.
Mitchel Ezan, Co-president
MacAfricans
Despite challenges, such as raising awareness about the event after having to cancel last year's showcase, the team is excited to see growing enthusiasm for this year's event.
"We've been trying our best to show that [Afrofest] is more than a regular talent show. There is so much more to it. And it makes me so happy knowing more people are so interested now," said Olawale-Yusuf.
For the broader community of the African diaspora at McMaster, Afrofest serves as a powerful celebration and reminder of African culture.
"We are here to represent you and teach the community about our culture," expressed Olawale-Yusuf.
Whether you are a McMaster student, a faculty member or visitor looking to immerse yourself in African art, music and storytelling, Afrofest offers something for everyone. Tickets and information on Afrofest can be found on MacAfricans' social media.