VOL. 168 ISSUE 2 MAY 17, 2021
OPI NI ONS
F EAT U RE S
ART S & C ULT UR E
H UM O UR
Student grind culture needs to go
Five tips to help start your semester
More SFU publications looking for student submissions
The haunting of Images Theatre
P.07
P.1 0
P.1 2
P.1 3
Equity-driven leadership
Gabe Liosis shares goals for 2021/22 SFSS presidency p.5
Volume 168, Issue 2
Maggie Benston Centre 2900 Simon Fraser University 8888 University Drive Burnaby, BC, Canada V5A 1S6 Phone: (778) 782-5110
04 06 08 11 14
COVER Gudrun Wai-Gunnarsson THIS WEEK’S CONTRIBUTORS Maya Beninteso, Sara Brinkac, Jennifer Chou, Alesha Garcha, Alyssa Lalani, Tia Young PEAK ASSOCIATES Gurleen Aujla, Charlene Aviles, Danielle Ragas, Shaheen Virk STAFF WRITERS Kelly Chia, Carter Hemion, Nancy La, Alea Mohamed
NEWS SFSS approves pay increase for its members
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Meera Eragoda eic@the-peak.ca COPY EDITOR Paige Riding copy@the-peak.ca NEWS EDITOR Michelle Young news@the-peak.ca
OPINIONS SFU contract workers deserve better
NEWS WRITERS Karissa Ketter, Jaymee Salisi OPINIONS EDITOR Dev Petrovic opinions@the-peak.ca
FEATURES What you should know about the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion
FEATURES EDITOR Marco Ovies features@the-peak.ca ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Sara Wong arts@the-peak.ca HUMOUR EDITOR Kyla Dowling humour@the-peak.ca
ARTS & CULTURE
PRODUCTION AND DESIGN EDITOR Siloam Yeung production@the-peak.ca
Pandemic puts PNE in costly predicament
ASSISTANT PRODUCTION EDITORS Brianna Quan, Josh Ralla PHOTO EDITOR Gudrun Wai-Gunnarsson photos@the-peak.ca
HUMOUR Could you give these raccoons their forever home?
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Karla Salazar multimedia@the-peak.ca ASSISTANT MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Rashi Sethi
Get involved!
How it works!
All SFU students can contribute to The Peak and get paid for their work! Contact an editor or come to our weekly pitch meetings over Zoom at 3 p.m. (the link can be found on our Facebook page).
The Peak is the official weekly student newspaper of SFU and is published every Monday. We're funded by a student levy and governed by a board of directors. Any SFU student can become an editor, and we hire an editorial team every semester.
BUSINESS / ADVERTISING MANAGER Yuri Zhou business@the-peak.ca 778.782.3598
We reserve the right to edit submissions for length, as well as style, grammar, and legality. We also reserve the right to reprint submissions at any time, both in print and on web. We will not publish content that is sexist, racist, or otherwise prejudiced.
We acknowledge that The Peak's office is located and our paper is produced, distributed, and read on the Unceded Coast Salish Territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), Kwikwitlem (Coquitlam), Kwantlen, Katzie, Semiahmoo, and Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) Peoples. Unceded means that this land was never surrendered, relinquished, or handed over in any way. We recognize that the unceded land that we occupy includes not only the SFU Burnaby campus, but extends to the land occupied by the Vancouver and Surrey campuses as well.
PROMOTIONS MANAGER Julie Vu promotions@the-peak.ca WEBSITE MANAGER Reza Shariatzadeh web@the-peak.ca DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Deby McIntosh BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kelly Chia, Pablo Clairmont, Emma Dunbar, Meera Eragoda, Angela Wachowick, Yuri Zhou
NEWS
May 17, 2021
COMMUNITY JUSTICE
Contract Worker Justice campaign seeks progress after meeting with SFU president
Calvert emphasized the need for SFU to fulfill their equity promises.
Joy Johnson agreed to consider the campaign during the Fall 2021 semester, after initial hesitance
KA R ISSA KET TER // NE WS W RI TE R
SFU currently hires their food and cleaning service workers through third-party company Chartwells Canada. It has been a month since the Contract Worker Justice campaign sent an open letter to president Joy Johnson and vice-president finance Martin Pochurko asking them to end the contract and rehire workers directly. Representatives sat down with the administration in a meeting to discuss the campaign’s goals. In an interview with campaign co-founder John Calvert said initially ending the contract and “bringing the work back was not something that [Johnson] could see doing in the immediate term.” In a subsequent interview, Calvert told The Peak he had received a letter from Johnson following their meeting. “The tone of the letter that we received was a bit different from the tone of the meeting.” Johnson’s letter suggested “that [SFU] begin work on a case for change in the Fall of 2021, when we have more information about the university’s financial outlook.” Calvert found that although Johnson is “not committing she will actually bring back the work [ . . . ] it’s more positive than we had originally assumed from the meeting.” The letter from Johnson stated that, in the fall, SFU will look to “document costs, benefits, potential savings [and] required support structures.”
“Justice may cost a little bit of money, but at the end of the day we want justice,” said Calvert. When he described his initial meeting with Johnson and Pochurko, Calvert said they declined to consider the initiative at the time. He felt a contradiction between Johnson’s claims to support equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and reluctance to hire food and cleaning service workers directly. Especially “given the nature of the workforce we are talking about,” he said.
As long as the injustice is there, we have reason to keep fighting.
P HOTO : Gudrun Wai-Gunnarsson / The Peak
Unlike other staff at SFU, contracted workers don’t receive a living wage, extended health benefits, or an appropriate health and dental care plan, according to the campaign’s open letter. The letter also claimed they have insufficient vacation time and no access to SFU facilities. Further, the campaign said the nature of contracted work means workers have little job security each time the contract is re-tendered. “As long as the injustice is there, we have a reason to continue fighting,” said Calvert. In an email statement to The Peak, Pochurko said, “We appreciate and understand the desire to improve working conditions and economic inequities for workers in the SFU community. “Replacing services or changing a service model needs to be considered with care and attention, inclusive of the unions representing these workers and must balance concern for tuition increases and the university’s multiyear recovery from the pandemic,” said Pochurko. “From the viewpoint of those in the campaign, this is an encouraging step,” said Calvert.
J O H N CALV E RT // SFU professor
Calvert reported that the campaign has seen support through over 800 signatures on their open letter — many of which are from faculty members.
“If the university is really serious about the EDI that it's been promoting, then this is an important element of that because we’re looking at two groups of employees that are primarily women, racialized, low-paid, and arguably very vulnerable,” said Calvert.
They continue to pursue their objective, and recently met with the mayor of Burnaby, Mike Hurley, who “indicated that he is highly sympathetic to what we were trying to achieve and also pointed out that he has been doing the same thing in Burnaby — bringing back in-house some of the contracted work.”
Despite this observation, “there is no data regarding the diversity of these workers, since they are not direct employees of the university” as previously reported by The Peak.
SFU staff and students can respond to the campaign’s Google form to get in touch or email them at contractworkerjustice@gmail.com. They are active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
3
4
NEWS
News Editor Michelle Young
|
News Writers Karissa Ketter and Jaymee Salisi
|
news@the-peak.ca
HEALTH EMERGENCIES
Dr. Cornelia Wieman on anti-Indigenous racism, COVID-19, and toxic drug poisoning Dr. Wieman and the First Nations Health Authority advocated for Indigenous communities to be prioritized in vaccine distribution JAYMEE SALI S I // STAF F W RI TE R
Content warning: descriptions of anti-Indigenous racism and brief mention of suicide. On May 6, 2021 the Indigenous Reconciliation Committee of the department of psychology hosted “A Year in Public Health: The Collision of Three Public Health Emergencies” over Zoom. The event featured acting deputy chief medical officer for the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), Dr. Cornelia Wieman. She spoke about the toxic drug poisoning crisis, anti-Indigenous racism, and how COVID-19 has influenced these issues. An increase in toxic drug use as a result of COVID-19 protocols has caused treatment centres, harm reduction services, and overdose prevention services to close. Dr. Wieman explained the term “toxic drug supply” is a more accurate description of the crisis than solely referencing opioids. “Not everybody experiences a toxicity related to drug use because of opioids. Nowadays, the toxic drug supply includes stimulants as well as anti-anxiety medications.” She also does not associate the word “overdose” with the opioid crisis because the word implies completion or attempt of suicide. She said this association misrepresents those who died from toxic drug supply. Instead, she explained that much of the crisis stems from the closure of treatment centres and similar services. “There was a very significant, negative, unintentional consequence of COVID-19 colliding with the toxic drug poisoning crisis,” Dr. Wieman said.
Three ongoing public health emergencies threaten the lives of Canadians.
While isolation was implemented to stop the spread of the virus, it resulted in an increase in toxic drug poisoning rates by 93% from 2019 to 2020, said Dr. Weiman. She explained this has led to losing more people to death by toxic drug poisoning than to COVID-19. According to Dr. Wieman, among the approximate 1.25 million Canadian COVID-19 cases, First Nations communities disproportionately make up 27,000 cases. Canada has seen over 24,000 deaths due to COVID-19 — 318 of which have been in First Nations communities. “We have made an extraordinary effort through vaccination as one of our tools to get us out of this pandemic and especially protect our precious elders [ . . . ] who are our language holders, our knowledge keepers,” Dr. Wieman said. “This is very important to us as First Nations people.” The FNHA advocated for First Nations communities to receive the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by March 31, 2021. Dr. Wieman recalled Indigenous people were also disproportionately impacted during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic due to limited access to health care from remote communities. Because of this precedent, Dr. Wieman found it critical to push for the prioritization of Indigenous people in BC’s vaccination process.
I MAGE: Simon Fraser University
making it harder to isolate effectively and placing them at greater risk of infection. She said people in First Nations communities might wait too long to be tested for COVID-19 or access medical support, as the fear of racism causes reluctance to leave their communities. Indigenous people in the Cowichan Valley have reported grocery stores and restaurants refusing to serve those associated with or belonging to the Cowichan Nation Dr. Weiman added that if an Indigenous person receives negative treatment from their primary care provider, they may have limited access to other physicians, as their communities are often remote. As the FHNA begins distributing second doses, Dr. Wieman reported a relationship between Indigenous vaccinations and a decrease in daily COVID-19 cases in First Nations communities. Despite the impact of the three public health emergencies, Dr. Wieman encouraged First Nations communities to continue to be resilient.
She elaborated that Indigenous people commonly live with a high volume of people in small households,
“Working to eradicate anti-Indigenous racism is an ongoing battle. But I want to highlight, instead of taking a deficit-based approach, we take a strength-based approach [ . . . ] We’re still here. We’re going to get through this.”
making process. With the new model, alongside traditional responsibilities, some Board members have additional executive responsibilities, like approving the annual budget and long-term contracts and administrative work.
less. While “people tend to be on Board because they have passion for the work and want to be able to use their skills to benefit the Society,” the previous model presented limitations to those skills.
With the new model comes an increase in pay. Last semester, Gildersleve looked at how much money SFSS councillors receive for their work. He discovered their pay hadn’t been changed since 2008. Biweekly stipends amounted to roughly $14.50 per hour which put councillors below the minimum wage for 2021.
The Board wanted to restructure their model so that Board members would still do governance work, but also be more directly involved with student life. “A lot of Board members wanted to be directly involved in planning events, or helping change some rules to help clubs to get grants.”
The SFSS “has historically been a living wage employer with exceptions for some student staff,” Gildersleve explained. He constructed stipends based on the living wage model and found that they should go up to $17.96 an hour, and then $19.50 in 2022/23. The motion for the raise was approved in April 2021.
As the Board began to work on a new model, they worked with Council to ensure they were involved in the consultation process.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The SFSS approves pay raise to align with living wage model Stipends had not changed since 2008 K E LLY C HI A // STAF F W RI TE R
As of May 2021, the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) Board of Directors and Council merged to form one governing body. They also approved a pay raise for SFSS members. The Peak spoke to vice president internal and organizational development Corbett Gildersleve on the changes. He explained that by merging Council and Board together, Council can be more directly involved in the decision-
Gildersleve said the motion to merge the two bodies started with a review of their administrative and governance structures. The previous model was intended to separate the Board of Directors from tasks that could be done by the other SFSS administrative staff while the Board focused on governance work, like reviewing plans and the work of the executive director. However, by focusing on governance work, Gildersleve observed that each year, Board members learned
Gildersleve said that up until that point, Council was an advisory body, indicating that they had less say in the decision-making process. While Council had an advisory role, the Board was not required to follow their advice. This resulted in clashes between the two governing bodies. “What came out of the discussions with Council was the idea of merging the two together so that Council would have much more of a direct oversight role,” said Gildersleve. The Peak reached out to Council for more information, but they did not respond by the publication deadline.
NEWS
May 17, 2021
PLANNING FOR CHANGE
Incoming SFSS president Gabe Liosis discusses plans for the upcoming year Liosis believes his background in student advocacy will help him lead the SFU community JAYME E SALI S I // N E WS W RI TE R
With a focus on equity and amplifying marginalized voices, Gabe Liosis has begun his term as president of the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS). Liosis spoke with The Peak about his goals for the 2021/22 year. “Students deserve a student society that embraces student unionism and activism,” he said. “I [have] a unique knowledge of how the SFSS is structured, how it works, and what is needed to make this new governance system thrive.” He said he is prepared to provide new councillors with efficient training and support to serve under the new governance structure where Council is “the top decision-making body in the SFSS.”
He hopes to centre equity in his leadership.
“By the end of this year, I really hope that we will have built an organization that will perpetually foster advocacy and activism,” Liosis said. Using his knowledge of the SFU bureaucracy, he hopes to make bursaries more accessible, implement a tuition freeze, and distribute emergency funding to support students amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. With the consultation of marginalized communities, he also aims to focus on working with SFU to change its policing and safety practices on campus.
Liosis chose to get involved with the SFSS after he observed the 2019/20 Board intentionally disregarding the impact” of on-campus space for marginalized communities. Because of this, he served as Council chair from January 2020 to April 2020 and continued as vice president university relations in 2020/21.
As the university plans to reopen for in-person classes, one of Liosis’ priorities is to ensure the return to campus is a safe and positive experience. To do this, he aims to develop a detailed safety plan with the university and province for the Fall 2021 Student Union Building reopening.
During his time with the SFSS, Liosis advocated for the Pass/Credit/No Credit grading system, the development of the Burnaby Mountain Gondola, and the end of SFU’s pilot exam proctoring during remote learning.
Through his experience as vice president university relations, Liosis said he learned to build solidarity with students, and pushed SFU to support BIPOC community members.
Board Shorts The Board had their year end review, wrapping up the 2020/21 elected year Karissa Ketter // News Writer The Board finalizes new Student Union Building (SUB) leases to student groups The Board discussed a motion to approve lease agreements for space in the SUB to key SFU groups. This includes the First Nations Student Association, Students of Caribbean and African Ancestry (SOCA), CJSF Radio, Embark Sustainability, and the Simon Fraser Public Interest Research Group. This comes after conversations beginning in 2011 for space on campus for Rotunda groups. At-large representative and SOCA member Balqees Jama recalled being informed by the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) in 2018 that SOCA was being evicted. “There was so much stress and taxation on our health,” she said. SOCA launched the Black Spaces Matter campaign calling on the SFSS to give them back their space “so that Black students are not rendered homeless and without a safe community.” Jama said, “It's a part of the restorative justice that we have been talking about this year.” She added she is “relieved and emotional” to see the leases being finalized. Vice-president student services Matthew Provost said, “This has been a long time coming.” He said the SFSS evictions were “a very difficult time for a lot of community members,” as SOCA was not the only Rotunda group to be evicted from their space.
The leases with these groups were first proposed in March 2020. The Board voted unanimously to approve the lease agreements, giving Rotunda groups and SFU organizations space in the new SUB. SFSS outgoing president Osob Mohamed noted it was a historical moment. Board approves living wage model for 2021/2022 members The Board approved a change in the wages model for the incoming Board of Directors and Council members. This recognizes the amount of time dedicated by nonexecutive councillors, council vice chair, and executive officers and compensates them based on living wages. Mohamed said due to the increasing cost of living, “working-class students are just not able to put in large amounts of time uncompensated into anything.” The motion compensates the executive officers $2,100 per month starting May 1, 2021 and $2,340 per month starting May 1, 2022 to accommodate the increasing cost of living. Council vice chairs will receive $525 per month in 2021 and $585 per month in 2022. The nonexecutive councillors will receive $350 per month in 2021 and $390 per month in 2022. This amounts to a tuition increase of roughly $15.20 per year in 2021/22, and $16.90 a year in 2022/23 for students. “When we talk about systemic equity or removing systemic barriers for people to get involved in things,
P HOTO : Gudrun Wai-Gunnarsson / The Peak
“Mobilizing undergraduate students around fundamental systemic issues is critical,” he said. “The best that you can do in terms of advocating for students is speaking truth to power.” Liosis aims to contribute to the development of the new Black Student Support Centre and Student Advocacy Office “to further strengthen the SFSS’s advocacy capacity.” The Student Advocacy Office will represent and advocate for students who are in a dispute with the university. “When making decisions, I always want to be making them from an equity lens, ensuring that the voices of folks who are most marginalized are being heard.” Leading decisions centred around equity, Liosis said the SFSS needs “bold, radical, and progressive voices” to drive systemic change within the SFU community. “I hope that the principles of fighting for BIPOC communities who suffer the most from systemic disadvantages are never lost [ . . . ] We need to be very intentional about the spaces we are creating, and how we treat people in those spaces.”
this is a prime example,” said Jama. She noted many people at SFU would be interested in contributing to the SFSS but cannot afford to because they need a higher income. BIPOC committee at-large representative Marie Haddad noted the SFSS has a responsibility to support students on campus. “When we call on marginalized students to take space in governance, [the SFSS is] also called on to make that space adequate for those students.” The SFSS has not updated their compensation model since 2008. The motion passed unanimously. 2020/2021 Year-End Review Mohamed presented the Board Year-End Review, showcasing what the Board of Directors accomplished throughout the pandemic. Mohamed touched on academic advocacy, equity and social justice initiatives, and financial aid advocacy. Mohamed said they “have seen some major wins” this year. She noted the new elective grading scheme was passed in the Senate because of their work. Mohamed also noted their student affordability project as a key area of success. This group was created to help prepare for the financial burden that accompanies post-secondary school. It also extends beyond tuition to rent, cost of living, and other costs. Mohamed noted that the 56 virtual events held were a “key facet of the SFSS this year” in creating a community amidst the pandemic. A goal of the SFSS this year was to “see improved transparency, accountability [ . . . ] and democratic, member-driven budgeting and major decision making,” said Mohamed. “Those pieces are the foundation of the SFSS.”
5
6
OPINIONS
Opinions Editor Dev Petrovic
|
opinions@the-peak.ca
PEOPLE OVER PROFITS
The Bright-er Side Pandemic bingewatching is an unlikely learning opportunity Movies and TV shows teach us more than we think
Dev Petrovic, Opinions Editor Since the start of the pandemic, I have been on a never-ending streaming service marathon. From binge-watching corny shows like Emily in Paris to National Geographic documentaries, I have surpassed my personal preferences as well as any genre boundaries I once had. Taking in all this media and art over an extended period has been the most unlikely of learning tools. Sure, binge-watching may be a means of current world survival, but it also teaches us things about ourselves and the world — whether we are actively aware of it or not. When we relate to characters or situations, it makes us feel less alone — especially when we are physically isolated. I recall getting into Broad City during early quarantine, not expecting that I would relate so much to one of the main character's struggles. The show’s references to a condition I have experienced gave me a different perspective and outlook on how to deal with it — something I had previously been unable to see for myself. Seeing ourselves represented on a screen when watching a documentary, or even rewatching a comfort show for the millionth time, can be both healing and insightful. Whether or not we intend to learn through watching a true-crime docuseries, or want to distract ourselves with a period drama full of historical references, we may gain knowledge in unanticipated ways. Just think about all the pop culture and movie references in Community; it would be impossible not to learn anything. Some folks unequivocally see screens as the root of our problems. But the reality is that contemporary shows and films can be the first place we see stories represented that we didn’t see in classic literature or our classrooms. They can connect us personally and show us something bigger than ourselves. At a time when we cannot travel, connect with others in the same way, or experience the world in the way we might normally, binge-watching Netflix or Crave may be one of the few portals in which we can have those experiences and learn through an accessible medium. Besides, who has the attention span to read through a textbook anymore? So while I can’t say Emily in Paris taught me very much, or probably anything at all, there are still shows like Broad City and Russian Doll that have taught me valuable personal lessons. If anything, at least I am now aware that Japanese snow monkeys bathe in hot springs together during the winter. Thanks, National Geographic.
SFU’s cleaning and food service contract workers are experiencing job insecurity.
I MAGE: SFU Contract Worker Justice Coalition
SFU’s use of outsourced labour leaves workers vulnerable to exploitation Janitorial and food service workers deserve equitable compensation NANCY L A / / STA F F WR IT E R
Earlier in April, the Contract Worker Justice campaign sent out an open letter to president Joy Johnson regarding the school’s use of third-party companies to hire campus personnel. This includes food service workers and cleaners. Since contracts are renewed periodically, there is no safeguard against massive permanent layoffs, which is what happened to the contracted workers at SFU during the lockdown phase of COVID-19. When these companies look to cut costs, they do so through workers’ wages and benefits. SFU’s decision to outsource its labour creates an environment in which workers are exploited. SFU’s use of cheap and outsourced labour makes it a substandard workplace. The use of companies such as Chartwells Canada and Best Service Pros Ltd. creates “downward pressure” for workers since SFU is primarily interested in selecting the least expensive companies. Yet instead of saving money, SFU is misallocating its funds. Third parties also take a cut of the money, which could be used for workers’ wages if they were employed by SFU directly. For context, the living wage for Metro Vancouver was $19.50 per hour in 2020, yet the highest paid contract janitorial worker only makes $17.93 per hour. It is hypocritical of SFU to claim that it is making an effort towards equity while ignoring the basic living standards of the people who maintain our campuses. Another consequence of using outsourced labour is the lack of job security for workers. Because the workers are under contract, SFU cannot redirect them to other parts of the school for other assignments, a solution used by UBC and UVIC since their workers are hired in-house. This proves that contracting workers is an inefficient labour approach. Since SFU locked itself down to contractual terms and conditions, this leaves no alternative path when it comes to deploying workers as needed. The open letter makes a point regarding the racialized and gendered representation of the contracted workforce, that consists primarily of women, immigrants, and people of colour. Extensive research has been done on the vulnerability of immigrants
to discrimination in the workplace, and has shown that migrant women are disproportionately affected by such discrimination. Through its use of contract workers, SFU creates a space for the marginalization of already vulnerable people. SFU prides itself on establishing performative gestures, like the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion subcommittee. Meanwhile, its workers are expected to provide services in return for low wages and a lack of benefits and job security. Between the school’s daily operations and its promise of an equitable workplace for everyone, SFU’s actions don’t match up with its politics.
It is hypocritical of SFU to claim that it is making an effort towards equity while ignoring the basic living standards of the people who maintain our campuses. Another effect of outsourcing is the lack of benefits accessible to contract workers. Because contract workers are not technically SFU staff, they are not eligible for extended health care benefits, and their sick leave and parental leave days are abysmal in comparison to workers of the same positions at UBC and UVIC. SFU chooses to do the bare minimum for the people who contribute to its daily operations just to save money. The issue of contract workers goes beyond that of money. SFU has the opportunity to prove that it can support its community and do the right thing when it comes to justice and ethical labour standards. To address the issues of outsourced labour, SFU needs to take an active role in the employment of janitorial and food service workers.
OPINIONS
May 17, 2021
PASSIVE/FAIL
The Pass/Fail option should be used warily Overusing the grading alternative can result in post-graduate difficulties and compromised work ethic
A LE SHA GARC HA // SF U STUD E NT
When the Pass/Fail (P/F) phenomenon was first introduced in March 2020, students were relieved to have their term marks hold less weight amidst the online learning switch. As of March 2021, SFU has passed a different option for students. The Pass/Credit/No Credit (P/CR/ NC) grade system option can be used on elective courses that are not a requirement for your program. It is applicable for up to 12 units throughout Spring, Summer, and Fall 2021. If students choose to use the option it will not impact their GPA, but students are encouraged to speak with an advisor to see what options best suits their needs. With SFU issuing the option again, students should be aware of the work ethic implications that may follow with its potential overuse. The P/CR/NC option can impede the student body's ability to navigate what works and what doesn’t in their academic career. For some students, there’s a possibility it could dilute the seriousness of poor academic performance and contribute to an unstable, nonchalant attitude about studying. To clarify, this stance is not negligent to students who have experienced circumstances beyond their control. With SFU’s diverse student body, many have experienced unique struggles — like international
SFU introduced the P/CR/NC option for elective courses.
students being separated from their families and those facing job loss and other mental health-related struggles. It is important to understand that it is not shameful to use these options. However, I want to emphasize the grey areas in their usage. The P/CR/NC option is advertised by SFU as beneficial for students wanting to expand their course choices, without the burden of worrying about course performance. However, students must still be focusing on meeting learning objectives. An overreliance on the P/CR/NC option could be treated as an excuse to disregard the learning opportunities available in courses outside of program requirements (such as in writing, quantitative, and breadth courses). Being in my final year at SFU, I was shocked to discover that some graduate programs have disregarded Spring and Summer 2020 marks, due to the P/F being a popular
P HOTO : Getty Images / ISTOCKPHOTO
pandemic-integrated system among universities. The transition to online classes was so delayed I had already submitted my final assignments. My efforts to maintain my GPA were disregarded due to the use of the P/F option. I am concerned that with SFU’s continued use of these options, some of my other course marks may also not be considered. Furthermore, students in difficult situations may be unaware of the exceptions that apply with using these options. All students need to be wary of the new P/CR/NC option, particularly if they are working towards a postgraduate degree. The formative years of in-person university instruction allow students to develop study habits and attitudes applicable for continued academic and professional success. Although remote learning has had its challenges, there are resources for students to get back on track, and reap the benefits from attending university.
HALT THE HUSTLE
It’s time to get rid of academia’s grind culture Expecting students to give up everything for grades is unreasonable and unhealthy
CARTE R HEMI ON // STAF F W RI TE R
These days, students are expected to prioritize hard work over all else. We grind all day, stay up late working, and skip meals to finish assignments. We are taught to give up everything for our grades, even our personal lives and health. The culture that encourages these habits at best interferes with maintaining a healthy learning environment, and at worst is incredibly dangerous for our wellbeing.
Students’ health is more important than their academic success.
quality drastically. This standard only leaves students exhausted and without the critical thinking skills we expect to develop in university.
Valuing labour over learning is a threat to academia because it creates busy work at the cost of learning. SFU cannot claim to be a comprehensive or engaged university while favouring unattainable exam standards over applying knowledge in meaningful ways. The use of the GPA system creates a competitive environment for students, particularly through curved grading, and deprives students of collaborative learning opportunities.
Sustaining the stress levels produced by university grind culture is exhausting and harmful to all students.
It is unreasonable to expect students to thoughtlessly regurgitate lecture material into assignments for the sake of completion when understanding course content should be the focus. Quantifying learning in the form of repetitive assignments reduces its
Valuing our labour over our health is a threat to student lives. A North American psychology study on postsecondary students found that about 64.5% of students experience “overwhelming anxiety” and about 44.4% of students are “so depressed that they [have] difficulty
P HOTO : Marvin Meyer / Unsplash
functioning.” Expecting students to constantly prioritize grades and work well beyond what is healthy can place a dangerous amount of stress on students both mentally and physically. It is problematic that we are taught that neglecting our health for hard work is an achievement. We need post-secondary institutions to prioritize learning opportunities over assignments, and we need support from our professors and administrators to change this culture. Administrators need to adjust the grading scale to be more consistent and more reasonable for the average student and recognize that our GPAs are not worth the loss of learning. Compassion from professors needs to increase, and workloads need to be more reasonable. We cannot sustain the current standards and still consider our education to be comprehensive, and we cannot accept that neglecting our needs is the best path to academic success.
7
ARTS & CULTURE 10
May 17, 2021 FEATURES
How to set yourself up for a successful semester These five tips will reduce some of the stress that comes with starting your term Written by Maya Beninteso // Illustrated by Tia Young
Tip #1: Ease into a regular sleep routine
I’m sure you have all heard some variation of this tip before, and remote learning does not lend itself to a perfect sleep schedule. However, it would be a good idea to start training your body to sleep earlier and earlier as the semester goes on. According to Statistics Canada, adults aged 18–64 require 7–9 hours of sleep each night. It is likely that some of you have not been receiving that amount of sleep, especially when it comes close to finals season. Although, a major culprit (and I hate to admit it)
10
is our digital devices. Trust me, I am not immune to the allure of technological devices. I have often fallen victim to the common lie: “I am only going to scroll for another 10 minutes” — only to be on my phone for hours. Make it a point to try and stay off your devices as soon as you begin preparing for bed, or even better, an hour or so prior. Too much all at once? Try weening off your phone by starting with 10 minutes of device-free time and gradually increasing the time as the week goes on.
Tip #2: Do not overlook the syllabus
Syllabus week, by far, is the most overlooked week in the semester. Who wants to shift back into studying after a relaxing break? Nonetheless, this week is pivotal in determining your success. As soon as you acquire this sacred document, download it and note the key dates. If your professor has been kind enough to detail major assignments/test weeks, write. them. down. Whether that be on a physical calendar, a digital calendar, or both, just make sure you have it noted somewhere. Some other
key elements of the syllabus to note are office hours, late policies, and grade weighting.
Tip #3: Schedule EVERYTHING
I know what you are thinking and, yes, this is extremely tedious. While it may seem over the top, scheduling studying time, food/mind breaks, exercise, and time with friends will make the semester all the more bearable. For those who prefer a physical copy of their schedule, invest in a day planner. Conversely, for those who prefer a digital space to organize your day, utilize Google Calendars or other calendar/planning-oriented applications.
SAMPLE SATURDAY (Tasks Only)
Another expert tip: if on the first week of classes you are not overly busy, try and get ahead. This will lessen your load as the semester progresses and will naturally give you more time to relax. Since the first week is mostly syllabus revision, what else is there to do?
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Exercise (gym, running, biking, etc.)
11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Snack
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Review Course #1
1:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Lunch
1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Review Course #2
2:30 p.m.–2:50 p.m.
Break
Sound intimidating? Try scheduling the biggest things first and then getting more specific from there. Your planner should be there to help you organize your life, not stress you out even more.
2:50 p.m.–3:50 p.m.
Review Course #3
3:50 p.m.–4:10 p.m.
Break
4:10 p.m.–5:10 p.m.
Review Course #4
5:10 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Free Time
Tip #4: Review cumulative course material once every 2–3 weeks
This tip is crucial in reducing cramming in the weeks (or, let’s be honest, days) leading up to finals season. Constantly reviewing cumulative course material allows your brain to retain the information, encoding it into your long-term memory for later retrieval instead of just your short-term memory. This may even include creative techniques, such as making a catchy TikTok video about your course content. Try and have fun with your studying strategies; it may make it a bit more enjoyable.
About three weeks before finals, start to review weekly or once every few days. This will ensure that you are sufficiently prepared for the final exam. The same rule applies for any papers you have to write; reviewing and planning well in advance sets you up for success. Following this tip will consequently reduce stress and eliminate all-nighters spent cramming.
Tip #5: Prioritize your mental and physical well-being
The reality is, post-secondary can be mentally and physically draining; and the pandemic has not made it any easier. While I have received numerous emails from various professors detailing SFU's offered supports offered by SFU, they are simply not enough. Your mental health is the basis of your overall health and once your mental well-being begins to deteriorate, your physical wellness will soon follow. In fact, the Canadian Mental Health Association asserts that physical and mental health go hand-in-hand. They state poor mental health places you at risk for chronic physical conditions, and vice-versa. With that said, ensuring you are exercising and getting outside (safely) is equally beneficial to your mental health as it is for your physical health. Exercising is even known to alleviate some symptoms of depression. A good way to get some physical activity is to go for a walk around your neighbourhood.
Take extra special care of yourself during your exam period. Students tend to neglect eating, or really anything other than studying during this time. Make sure you are setting yourself up to succeed in your exams. That includes taking time to rest and nourish your body. Another way to take care of your mental well-being is accessing counselling. While SFU’s Health & Counselling Department offers free counselling, there are external alternatives. Foundry BC has free virtual counselling for youth ages 12–24 and various mental health-related resources available online. At the end of the day, everyone learns differently and has their own studying techniques. So use these tips and modify them in a way that best helps you. And of course, be sure to prioritize yourself and your own mental/physical health. Take breaks and do the things you enjoy. You’re going to school during a pandemic. Cut yourself some slack.
ARTS & CULTURE
May 17, 2021
FAIR WARNING
COVID-19 could mean the end of the ride for Vancouver’s PNE With $8 million in debt, this local venue needs all the support it can get SA RA WON G // ARTS & CULTURE E D I TO R
For many Vancouverites, the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) is synonymous with summer. However, due to the pandemic, the annual fair has been cancelled for the second year in a row. And there’s more than mini doughnuts at stake. Currently, the PNE is $8 million in debt, and their projections indicate that the number could increase to
Jennifer Chou
SFU STUDENT
$15 million by the end of 2021. Because of its unique governance structure (it operates as a non-profit, but is owned by the City of Vancouver), the PNE has been excluded from any of the existing COVID-19 emergency benefits.
including the livestock buildings. Families were separated, personal possessions were stolen, and many infectious diseases within the camps were left untreated. None of these gross human rights violations were recognized until decades after World War II.
“[COVID-19] is unprecedented and the PNE needs our help now [ . . . ] To be frank, we risk losing it,” Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart said in an April 30 news conference. “Now we’re asking for the province to step up.”
With Bloomberg recently naming Vancouver the antiAsian hate crime capital of North America, standing in solidarity with racialized communities is all the more imperative. Today, Hastings Park is transparent about its dark past. Aside from the information on its website, there are plaques around the PNE that explain the conditions of the internment camps, and they include firsthand accounts from the camp’s survivors. If the PNE were to close, we stand to lose this avenue of educating the public on anti-Asian racism.
The PNE permanently closing would be devastating to our city’s arts and culture scene. As a multi-use venue for concerts, festivals, sporting events, and more, this Vancouver landmark holds significance to many people. For me, the PNE represents a place of personal growth. Its Agrodome is where I spent 12 years training as a competitive figure skater and ice dancer. And the proximity to the Hastings Park Farmer’s Market and trade shows like Make It ignited my passion for supporting local businesses. While my memories of the PNE are fond ones, I recognize that its 111 year history is not all pleasant. In 1942, the area was transformed into a Japanese internment camp. As detailed by the historical website Hastings Park 1942, the Canadian government detained thousands of Japanese Canadians in PNE facilities,
Another loss would be to our local job market, especially for young adults, seeing as the PNE is BC’s largest employer of youth. In a Global News article, CUPE 1004 labour union president Andrew Ledger said "thousands [ . . . ] depend on the fair to pay for post-secondary education or support their families.” Recently, the provincial government unveiled a $100 million emergency fund to support “anchor attractions” in BC’s tourism industry. Hopefully, the PNE receives some of this financial aid. Otherwise, Vancouver really will become No Fun City.
MONDAY MUSIC: THE FIVE STAGES OF GETTING GHOSTED BY GROUP PROJECT MEMBERS Content warning: if you choose to search up the songs and read the lyrics, some of them reference death and violence. Have you ever wanted to scream in anger and frustration because of a group project? If you have, these are the songs for you — they scream so you don’t have to ruin your vocal cords. A lot of these songs are on the angsty side, but with a little imagination, they can be surprisingly applicable to group project settings.
While listening to these songs can be cathartic, it is important to be mindful of others’ circumstances. Your group project members may be dealing with things you don’t know about, so whenever you feel like screaming at them, listen to these recommendations instead! Warning: turn the volume down before listening unless you’re really angry.
Courtesy of Fearless Records
Courtesy of Warner Music Japan Inc.
“Let’s Bury The Hatchet . . . In Your Head” By Ice Nine Kills
“Raccoon Dead”
DENIAL
Despite the violent title, this song represents denial to me. No one can argue that there is clearly a lot of anger here — you can hear it in the way the vocalist screams “I’m f****** done with you” four times in a row. However, unlike the other songs on this list, there is hope “to find a better way” repeated in the chorus, which is lighter than the rest of the song. Whether that “better way” is getting through to your group project members or having a chat with your professor, you believe there is still a chance to salvage the project.
Courtesy of Razor & Tie Recordings ANGER
“Hypocrisy”
By Sworn In You can hear the anger right from the beginning. This song is perfect for when you have no patience for unreliability; having no trust is a recurring line screamed by the vocalist. If you’re looking for a song that is heavy all the way through, listen to this one — it’s as heavy as the workload on your shoulders.
DEPRESSION
By a crowd of rebellion Raccoons are beloved on SFU’s Burnaby campus, but there is a reason why you are supposed to stay away from them. This song explores these reasons and how to “survive in the world of raccoons.” It starts off by saying “life isn’t easy,” and themes of being lost and trapped are repeated throughout the rest of the lyrics. Heavy parts of the song are mixed with a lighter, melodic chorus, reflecting the duality of someone carrying the weight of a group project: angry and frustrated within, but trying to be understanding of others on the outside.
Courtesy of AngelMaker BARGAINING
“Leech”
by AngelMaker Right off the bat, the title is very apt for a group project setting. The song starts off heavy, screaming about “coward[s who] . . . suck the life out of [you].” Despite there being themes of injustice, there are hopeful elements scattered throughout the song: you’re sure you will “learn” and “grow” after completing the group project. This song reflects your struggle to find meaning through the pain of your workload. Hopefully your group project grades can help the anger fade away.
Courtesy of MFZB Records ACCEPTANCE
“If You’re Looking for Your Knife . . . I Think My Back Found It” by Zebrahead Despite the title, the song has a more cheerful beat with less screaming. At this stage of the group project, you’ve just accepted all the work you need to do: you claim “[you’re] doing fine” and tell others to just “give it to [you]” when there is uncompleted work no one is willing to do. Despite the song opening with “I want to burn it down,” you’ve accepted that you have to do what must be done to complete the project — there’s nothing “left to gain” and you’re ready to say your “last goodbye.”
11
12
ARTS & CULTURE
Arts & Culture Editor Sara Wong
An updated list of SFU publications open for student contributions Showcase your work with these undergrad initiatives
Gadfly Gadfly is an independent academic undergraduate journal geared towards students in political science or any of its subfields. It is published in collaboration with the SFU department of political science and the SFU Political Science Student Union. The journal offers a platform for interested students to engage in lively discourse with fellow academics. Authors will need to register with the journal prior to submitting their work and can contact Gadfly via email for more information.
SFU Science Undergraduate Research Journal The SFU Science Undergraduate Research Journal (SURJ) was founded in partnership with the SFU Science Undergraduate Society in 2015. Students have the ability to publish their work via three methods, depending on the work’s formality: SURJ ’s annually published journal, their blog, or annual poster competition in the fall semester. The publications are open to students in any scientific discipline. Submissions can include, but are not limited to, research articles, review articles, op-eds, researcher interviews, and science photography. More information can be found on their website or emailing sfusurj@sfu.ca.
Undergraduate Journal of Philosophy With support from its affiliated department, the SFU Philosophy Student Union heads the publication of the Undergraduate Journal of Philosophy. Previous essay publications have discussed topics such as liberal feminism, human rights, and accommodating religious freedoms. Submission information can be found on their website.
|
arts@the-peak.ca
Written by Gurleen Aujla
The Criminology Post The Criminology Post is a blog by and for students studying criminology. It features academic and nonacademic pieces including guidance for first-year students, final exam tips, and more. Current or past class assignments are not accepted. All content must be criminology related and all submissions are reviewed by the Criminology Student Association. Students can submit their pieces online through The Criminology Post’s website.
We Were Here, We Were Queer As a new zine, We Were Here, We Were Queer seeks to highlight the voices of LGBTQIA2S+ students at SFU and Fraser International College. They are funded by the Simon Fraser Student Society and Out On Campus. The first issue will focus on the feeling of being an outsider as a queer student. The zine will accept poetry, fiction and non-fiction pieces, and visual arts. All contributors will be compensated. For additional information, contact sfuwewerehere@gmail.com or @sfu_wewerehere on Instagram.
Starting your own undergraduate student journal If none of the aforementioned publications float your boat, consider starting a new publication! Students can work with SFU Library Digital Publishing to spearhead a new open-access journal, course journal, or student journal. Resources are available online via SFU Library.
HUMOUR
May 17, 2021
SFUnexplained:
Images Theatre is definitely haunted
Other people hear the piano playing in there at 3 a.m. sometimes, right?
written by Carter Hemion
Illustrated by Danielle Ragas
Have you ever wondered why time passes differently in Images Theatre? Have you felt a strange breeze when all the doors were closed, maybe with an unusual smell? (And no, the smell from your classmate’s applecinnamon-gasoline-flavoured vape doesn’t count). Have you noticed how the temperature seems different from outside corridors? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you will be glad to know there’s a perfectly logical reason for these phenomena: ghosts.
I recall my first experience with an Images ghost vividly . . . The raccoons were especially distant, not trying to steal my lunch that day, as though they sensed something was off. At first, I thought it was odd there was an extra shadow behind my professor. I figured the lights were broken, just like every vending machine in the AQ. Then it happened. About 10 minutes into the lecture, a pale figure in a black suit slammed the door open, seemed to float down the aisle, and sat in the front row. It was the spitting image of a Beedie student — an overachiever in formalwear — but its eyes weren’t vacant enough to truly be an SFU student. After that lecture’s break in that lecture, I never saw the figure again. Nobody else seems to remember or recognize the apparition, but I will never forget that gaunt face as long as I live.
This lecture hall, with a capacity of 440 living people, is never unoccupied. It holds resentful spirits, likely angered by the constant campus renovations. Ghosts can be awakened by construction, and these university dwellers are no exception to this.
If you don’t believe me, put together the evidence yourself. Students frequently lose their things in Images Theatre, never to be found again. Every time we leave the theatre, pathways across campus seem to change, with staircases leading nowhere and ladders pointing to nothing. Unusual stains appear, looking like blood but smelling like there was a sale on White Claws at Cornerstone. Pay attention: this is no coincidence.
COMICS BY SARA BRINKAC
When walking through the AQ late at night, it always seems relatively quiet . . . except for Images Theatre. Listen closely and you may hear the piano playing “Bring Me To Life” by Evanescence in a botched minor key, or what sounds like students’ voices yelling and watching movies; if you’re lucky, you might even hear faint voices singing old ABBA songs. Since SFU started the pandemic, construction has continued disturbing the spirits. It’s so severe that the theatre is completely locked up to contain them. If you stand in or near Images Theatre in quiet hours, listen for the unnaturally loud buzz of the lights. If you take lectures there, notice how often your professor struggles with the projector and other technology. It is a comprehensive, respected post-secondary institution staffed with highly educated individuals with decades of experience in education. Therefore, it can only be the ghosts. This is Canada’s engaged university. It easily renovates every building constantly. Its budget grows with every tuition spike. These occurrences cannot be explained naturally. The worst part of it all? SFU has never tried to hide the hauntings. It’s called “Images Theatre” after the images of the dead, seen so frequently that even faculty cannot deny it.
13
14 HUMOUR
Humour Editor Kyla Dowling
|
humour@the-peak.ca
Your new pandemic best friend: the raccoon Let these trash pandas into your life (or else!)
Written by Kelly Chia
Illustrated by Shaheen Virk
Are you looking for some raccoon therapy? Imagining a domesticated life with our residential furry friends? Well, we’ve made some observations of our most popular raccoons, and we think they’re ready to help you through the new term.
Trent “Tom Nook” Grubs Trent is part two-year-old raccoon and part real estate agent. He has a fluffy coat and a wide grin that is often mistaken for a suspicious-looking grimace. He assesses every newcomer based on three things: their ability to give him food, their ability to give him shelter, and overall swag. Trent has been dubbed our resident "Tom Nook" because he seems to have an amicable relationship with the
other raccoons, finding them new homes before rubbing his little paws together greedily. He enjoys affection and a good scratch on his head, but his favourite activity is nestling into discarded print issues of The Peak. You know how Tom Nook leases homes on endless mortgaging? Trent will also lease your food, and your heart, if you let him.
Her Majesty, the Auspicious and Beautiful Marcella XXXIII If you look into Marcella’s beady little eyes for too long, you will be swept into the vortex of her stare. There, you’ll find meaning in the quiet and dignified life of our resident princess. Marcella is the most graceful thing you will ever have the privilege of witnessing. She has short claws, but that has not stopped her from her royal duties of being the most goodlooking masked creature on campus. She is also our only hoarder. Marcella is all about using crystals to manifest her dream life, and has accumulated
an impressive collection of smooth pebbles that she washes. In fact, she washes everything she touches like the pandemic queen she is. Marcella is often spotted taking her snacks and dipping them into the nearby pond to clean them. Marcella is eight years young, with a healthy round tummy that suggests she has only ever indulged in the world’s finest recycled goods. She will make a good friend for the student who enjoys just a bit of indulgence.
“Curious” George George is a problem. A menace. We love him dearly. You see, George is the sneakiest raccoon you will ever see. All he ever wants to do is steal, and by the time you see his glowing eyes in the dark, it is much too late. He will purr. Yes, we did not know raccoons could purr before George here. He will walk up to you, tail swaying from side to side to enchant you. Then, he will take every sandwich meat that you have ever loved before you can even say the word "thief."
We often spot him tripping over his own paws as he runs excitedly to greet you, hoping that you have brought him an offering — whether intentional or not. Yet, despite his thievery, he also seems to be a loyal guy. George tends to shadow you, somehow concealing his skittering, and before you know it, you have a raccoon that is staring at you as though you are the love of his life — or a particularly delicious pastry. He will be more loyal and consistent than Canvas maintenance, and would make an excellent pal with whom you can share your time (and snacks).
HUMOUR
May 17, 2021
Your Weekly Horoscopes
May 17–23 Written by Marco Ovies
Pokémon edition
ARIES — Mar 21–Apr 19
LIBRA — Sept 23–Oct 22
Your fiery spirit will give you the motivation to light a flame this week, just like a Darmanitan going into its Zen Mode. With Jupiter’s planetary ingress into Pisces, you will be full of inspiration. Make sure to take a breather, though. This will help you discover your passion (and Psychic type).
When the going gets rough, don’t let it get you down, Rockruff. You may look like the smallest and cutest dog, but you’ve got a rock-hard attitude. You have the resilience (and Defense stat) to take on any challenge that will come your way this week.
TAURUS — Apr 20–May 20
SCORPIO — Oct 23–Nov 21
The New Moon on May 11 has dropped you a Moon Stone and you have evolved from Nidorina into a majestic Nidoqueen. The new addition of your Ground typing with Poison will make you a valuable party asset. Just don’t let your ego get in the way. Remember, you don’t learn any new moves once you evolve.
When you were an Eevee, your trainer played with you and fed you Poffins 24/7. But once you evolved into Sylveon, you were abandoned into the Pokémon Box System beside all the other Eeveelutions. That’s right, you were a pawn in a ploy to complete the National Pokédex.
GEMINI — May 21–Jun 20
SAGITTARIUS — Nov 22–Dec 21
After a long wait, you’re starting to see abundance entering your life. Just like the smol Budew, you took your time building friendships and it is now time for you to flower into the beautiful Roselia. Start manifesting that Gym Badge, that elusive Shiny Stone, or even a social life. The sky's the limit.
This week, you may feel like you are not receiving enough love, and that is why you’re Shedinja. Despite having the amazing Wonder Guard ability, your measly one HP and poor base Speed make you inferior to your counterpart, Ninjask. Keep your chin up and pray to Arceus that you won’t be hit by a Flying-type move.
CANCER — Jun 21–Jul 22
CAPRICORN — Dec 22–Jan 19
Magikarp is seen as weak (like you) and appears to be perpetually screaming (like you). Unlike Magikarp, it’s time for you to stop splashing around. Try finally hitting level 20 and becoming the glorious Gyarados you were meant to be. It’s not that hard — grab your Experience Share and make others do the work for you.
With Gemini season fast approaching on May 21, now is the time to start pursuing artistic endeavours, which makes you the perfect Smeargle. You have the ability to learn any move possible. Maybe consider learning Pay Day to get some extra cash for all those Potions you’ll need for working too hard.
LEO — Jul 23–Aug 22
AQUARIUS — Jan 20 –Feb 18
You are Snorunt: cold, forgettable, and kind of terrifying to look at. You can either wait to evolve into the pure Ice-type Glalie or decide to go Ghost like Danny Phantom and become Froslass. I recommend Glalie — it consumes frozen Pokémon with a ferocity that resembles yours when no one compliments your hair.
Love is in the air with the sun entering Gemini this week. Luckily, you spend all of your time in the air as a Woobat. Use this extra affection to evolve into Swoobat (and finally get a pair of eyes). Heck, you might even want to use Attract if a special ‘mon catches your eye.
VIRGO — Aug 23–Sept 22
PISCES — Feb 19–Mar 20
It’s time for you to open up to new possibilities and outlooks in life, which is why you are the perfect Eevee. You have so many options for your aesthetic. Fulfil your cottage-core dreams and evolve into Leafeon, or become cold and distant like your ex and choose Glaceon. The world is your Cloyster.
You thought you were going to get a Water type because you’re a Pisces? You’re wrong. You’re getting a Water type because you will be emotionally exhausted this week, just like Sobble. The New Moon will be in Taurus, meaning you are going to be a mess, just like our sad lizard. No, don’t give me that Tearful Look.
15
16 DIVERSIONS
Business Manager Yuri Zhou
|
business@the-peak.ca
CROSSWORD Across 1. Lettuce dish 6. Intimidates 10. Phonograph record 14. Orally 15. Agreement 16. Tibet's continent 17. Composure 18. Jazz singer ____ Fitzgerald 19. Animal docs 20. Dispatched 21. Latest 23. Alternative word 27. Laundry appliance 28. Hunting dog 32. Nature's bandages 36. Took into custody 37. Man or Wight 38. Fawn's mom 39. Lends a hand 43. Raven's call 44. Summer coolers 46. Tedious 48. Relaxes 50. Guessed roughly 51. Excuse me! 53. Give forth 54. Painted
58. Intentions 62. ____ Moore of "G.I. Jane" 63. Impudent child 65. Result 66. Smile 67. Mythical giant 68. Remove suds 69. "Star Wars" character 70. Dandelion, for one 71. Pretended Down 1. Undermines 2. Lily species 3. Cut of meat 4. Severe 5. HST's successor 6. Gorilla, e.g. 7. Animator Disney 8. Filled pastry 9. Beatle Ringo ____ 10. Painter Leonardo ____ (2 wds.) 11. Enlightened one's words (2 wds.) 12. Poses 13. Play personnel
22. Roberto's "two" 24. ____ Marie Presley 25. Collections 26. Nights before holidays 28. Speed checker 29. Eat away 30. Orchard members 31. Corrects copy 33. Formal necktie 34. Find fault with 35. Stitched together 40. Locale 41. Prune the hedges 42. Half (prefix) 45. Staying power 47. Devilish 49. That girl 50. Become visible 52. Macaroni shape 54. Tense 55. Infamous emperor 56. Among 57. Risk 59. Fails to exist 60. Ponder 61. Sow 64. Mogul ____ Turner 65. Period in history
SUDOKU
NOTICE
PEAK MEMBERSHIP As an SFU student, you are subscribed to the Peak Publications Society. With your subscription, paid through a small levy included in your tuition, you get access to a weekly copy of The Peak fill with news and views of interest to you. Additional privileges include the ability to register your membership with the Society, placing free classified ads, being paid for your work submitted and published in The Peak, and to apply for a job on The Peak's staff. Your contribution also helps provide jobs and experience for other SFU students, maintain an archive of SFU history through the eyes of students, maintain The Peak's website and infrastructure, and support student journalism across Canada. Students who have paid their tuition fees and do not wish to support their student newspaper may request a subscription fee refund from the Business Manger, but MUST provide a copy of their REGISTRATION SUMMARY, RECEIPT, and STUDENT ID between Monday, May 10 and Tuesday, May 25 at 4 p.m.. No refunds will be issued outside of this time frame. Students claiming refunds will lose their subscription for the semester, but your subscription will resume upon payment of student fees the following semester. Questions? Send an email to business@the-peak.ca