News
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Amneet Mann / News Editor Henry Tran / Assistant News Editor
January 29, 2018 news@the-peak.ca
OUT OF SPACE
Public interest research group faces displacement from campus The SFSS concluded it is unable to provide office space for the independent student society Cecile Favron Peak Associate Editor’s Note: The Peak Publications Society is an independent student society and participated in the process initiated by the Simon Fraser Student Society to express interest in organizational space in the Student Union Building. However, The Peak Publications Society is no longer pursuing office space in the Student Union Building and does not have an interest in the process. The campus-based student societies that were denied space in the Student Union Building last semester have learned of another development in the allocation of office space by the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS). The SFSS offered office space in Maggie Benston Centre to the campus radio station CJSF, but was unable to grant space to the Simon Fraser Public Interest Research Group (SFPIRG) — an organization dedicated to environmental and social justice — due to conditions outlined by the group, according to SFSS President Hangue Kim in an email to The Peak. “We’re surprised and disappointed,” said SFPIRG communications coordinator Craig Pavelich. “We’re student societies, we need to serve students, we need to be on campus.” Last semester, the SFSS put out a call for student organizations to state their interest in acquiring space in the new Student Union Building amid concern from SFPIRG and CJSF that their organizations would be left homeless when their leases expire in June 2018. The independent student societies were informed at the end of last semester that their bids
for office space in the Student Union Building were unsuccessful. The SFSS decided that four of the five available suites in the building would be designated for undergraduate clubs and student unions with the allocation of the final suite still undetermined. Instead, the SFSS proposed to lease SFPIRG and CJSF alternative space in Maggie Benston Centre. Embark Sustainability Society also submitted a bid for office space in the Student Union Building, but was denied and not offered an alternative. The SFSS cited that the society, currently based in West Mall Centre, was not at the same risk of losing space on campus. According to a statement from communications coordinator Jao Dantes, Embark is no longer pursuing space in the Student Union Building following the decision. Following the offer to house the radio station in Maggie Benston Centre, CJSF station manager Magnus Thyvold said the organization told the SFSS they were interested if there were no alternatives. The SFSS said it is following up about specific plans to create a suitable space for the radio station in the Undergrounds or Forum Chambers. However, Thyvold indicated that the radio station was under the impression that the offer was not finalized, only that the SFSS would be looking into the potential of the space. “It has certainly not been a very clear process,” said Thyvold. “We don’t really know what they are going to offer us in the end.” When The Peak reached out to
SFPIRG has been denied space in Maggie Benston Centre. the SFSS for comment, the society suggested that the radio station contact the them directly to seek clarification. “We prefer direct discussions with the groups we work with,” Kim added. Pavelich stated that SFPIRG had also responded to the initial proposal to express their interest in the available spaces. However, the group stipulated that a set of conditions be met before it would accept the offer. The conditions required that the space be accessible and suitable to the needs of their organization, renovations be paid for out of the funds already available to the SFSS for such expenses, rent not exceed the amount paid by the SFSS to the university in accordance with their lease agreement, and the independent student societies — CJSF, Embark, and SFPIRG — all be housed on campus.
It was unclear which of those conditions the SFSS was unable to meet and if the conclusion that the independent society would not be granted space was coming from the SFSS Board of Directors, Pavelich said. In response to The Peak, Kim said that at this time the SFSS was unable to comment on which conditions it was unable to meet. However, he noted that the society had replied to a request for clarification from SFPIRG and preferred direct discussions with the group. “We have been working in good faith to try and find a solution,” Kim said. SFPIRG and CJSF rent their current office spaces in the Rotunda through the SFSS, but their leases are scheduled to run out next summer and the suites will be returned to the university when the Student Union Building is scheduled to open in fall 2018.
Cecile Favron / The Peak The university stated that it will not provide space on campus for the independent student societies and intends to “fully utilize” the Rotunda for its own priorities once the lease has been terminated. “To be put out in the cold by both the larger institution and the student society — who I would argue is meant to be a leader on campus — is disappointing,” Pavelich stated. Even though the SFSS concluded that it was unable to grant office space to SFPIRG, Pavelich said that the conversation is not yet finished. “We’ll be continuing to support SFPIRG in their struggle,” Thyvold added. The SFSS also expressed a willingness to continue discussions with the student societies. “We have remained open to conversations with both groups,” said Kim. “Instead of speaking with us, they have chosen to speak to others.”
TECH EXPANSION
SFU to add more seats in technology-related programs The provincial government announced $4.4 million in additional funding for post-secondary programs Amneet Mann News Editor SFU will add 440 tech-related seats for undergraduate and graduate students thanks to the provincial government’s announcement of an additional $4.4 million in funding for technology-related programs in BC’s post-secondary institutions.
The funding was announced by the minister of advanced education, skills, and training Melanie Mark when she visited SFU’s Surrey campus. “We are investing millions of dollars in the future creators of an innovative,
strong, and sustainable 21st century economy,” she said. Andrew Petter, president of SFU, commented in a press release from the provincial government that the funding will be used to “create a program that will help position BC as a global leader in clean-tech and sustainable energy.” SFU’s new proposed bachelor's degree, sustainable energy engineering, to be offered by the Faculty of Applied
Science, is poised to pioneer sustainable energy education in Western Canada. It will be offered in a $126 million building designed by Bing Thom that is currently in construction, and offer an emphasis on fuel cell technologies, alternative energy, and sustainable manufacturing. It is still awaiting Ministry approval. Clean technology is phase one of a three-phase plan intended to expand SFU’s Surrey
campus. Future plans will involve health and creative technology programs. A total of 2,900 spaces were created in technology-related programs in BC in post-secondary institutions including the University of British Columbia, British Columbia Institute of Technology, and Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
With files from CBC News.
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Amneet Mann / News Editor Henry Tran / Assistant News Editor
News
news@the-peak.ca
TASTY BITES
CaliBurger to move into SFU Cornerstone building The restaurant is the second of its kind in Canada and it will offer SFU Burnaby a new food option
Henry Tran Assistant News Editor Simon Fraser University students, faculty, and staff can soon enjoy a new food option on campus as CaliBurger, a US-based fast-food franchise, is slated to open this coming February. CaliBurger will take over the space that was previously occupied by Big Smoke Burger, and Himalayan Peak before that, in the SFU Cornerstone building. CaliBurger is a global fast-food franchise that operates in 13 countries, with more than 30 locations located around the world including Dubai, Hong Kong, Manila, and Stockholm. In Canada, however, the franchise only has two locations, both of which are located in the
Lower Mainland — Guildford and SFU Burnaby — according to its website. There was a downtown Vancouver location, but it recently closed. The Peak had the opportunity to interview Aryan Motedayeni, an SFU alumnus and owner of the SFU Burnaby CaliBurger about the upcoming opening of the new restaurant. Motedayeni stated that during his time as a student at SFU, TripleO’s was the only option for students on campus to purchase a burger. “I always felt as though the demand for more than one burger restaurant [on campus] was definitely there . . . [and] after getting in touch with Cali[B]urger franchising and getting
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The new burger joint in Cornerstone will be owned by an SFU alumnus. everything organized, we were able to find a prime location on campus to cater to the thousands of students and faculty,” he said. As for the type of franchise CaliBurger is, Motedayeni explained that “CaliBurger is a franchise built on the idea of giving the customer quality product at a fair price . . . We also have [an] updated and modern décor and experience, with technology being a part of that experience.” Although CaliBurger will be serving alcohol (mainly beer and spiked shakes), minors will still be
BOARD BRIEFS International students play major role in SFU’s financial situation
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At the latest Simon Fraser University Board of Governors meeting on January 25, Martin Pochurko, vice-president finance and administration, reported that SFU can expect an “operating surplus of $22.386 million forecast for [2017–18].” A significant portion of this surplus is coming from international students enrolled at SFU. Denise Williams, alumni orderin-council, clarified that international students fees make up approximately half of SFU’s revenues, which Pochurko confirmed. He then stated, “It’s no secret that international students are making a positive impact on the bottom line.” He then said that the excess money will be put towards capital assets, like investments. The effect of the projected surplus on the budget will be taken into consideration during the budget discussions that are slated to occur in March 2018. Faculty member June Francis remarked that “if you continue to see increases in tuition [for international students] you end up, in fact, having a very narrow band in terms of the socioeconomic standing of your international students . . . So essentially,
Maxwell Gawlick / The Peak
able to enter the premises, Motedayeni stated. The restaurant’s other unique features include the ability for its customers to do wireless charging in their seats, as well as the opportunity to play virtual games via its video wall, Motedayeni added. The Peak asked Motedayeni about the price range for the food at CaliBurger but Motedayeni said that it is still being finalized at the moment, taking into consideration the recent increase in the province’s minimum wage.
However, “the CaliDouble (a full third pound of fresh beef) should be around $5 and a combo (with fries and a soft drink) should be between $10 and $11 before taxes,” said Motedayeni. Motedayeni believes that CaliBurger’s focus on affordable pricing, and community building will allow it to stand out from the competition. “We are aiming for CaliBurger to be a place to come and hang out, enjoy quality food at a good price, build community, and have a wonderful time,” he concluded.
Notes from the latest SFU Board of Governors meeting Written by: Courtney Miller, Editor-in-Chief and Natasha Tar, Copy Editor
you have an internationalization strategy that targets rich, foreign students from specific areas of the world, which, of course, is at odds with many of [SFU’s] values.” Francis also commented that “if we continue to increase within a narrow band, I’m not clear that the full benefits of internationalization from a university point of view will be realized.” As a response, Pochurko reported that scholarships and bursaries for international students are growing under vice-president academic, Peter Keller. SFU President Andrew Petter reminded the board that “the budget proposal for this year foresees an increase in international tuition that’s fairly modest: 4%.” He elaborated that “45% of that 2% [increase] will then be allocated for international students.” President Petter previously clarified that “the targets for international students are set . . . sometimes, of course, the number of students who actually show up is greater than anyone expects . . . that’s why there’s an overage here, not because there was an intentional increase in the numbers beyond the target set.” “It is not something that’s a function of deliberate financial or academic planning,” he reiterated.
University updates programs Jill Earthy, order-in-council, announced that SFU will offer a social justice in education minor starting summer 2018. SFU has offered a social justice certificate up to this point, but no other program in social justice specifically. Earthy also mentioned that SFU’s Asia-Canada program would be renamed to the Global Asia program, a change that will take place in fall 2018. However, according to the program’s website, there has been a “suspension of admission” to both the minor and its extended minor programs since September 2017.
SFSS approves stadium design The Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) has formally approved the design of the new stadium, according to President Petter. Despite the stadium being previously cancelled in 2016, the idea was revisited and eventually approved in March 2017. Now that the SFSS have given their support, work on the stadium can proceed. The stadium will seat 1,200 to 1,800 students, and will feature an improved change room and a full roof covering. See more at the-peak.ca
Opinions
Zach Siddiqui / Opinions Editor
January 29, 2018 opinions@the-peak.ca
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Opinions
Zach Siddiqui / Opinions Editor
opinions@the-peak.ca
Melissa Campos Staff Writer
Opinions
January 29, 2018
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Umer Altaf SFU Student
NOTICE OF STUDENT ELECTION – SPRING 2018 CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES Students have an opportunity to become involved in the governance of SFU by submitting a nomination form for positions on Senate, Board of Governors, Senate Graduate Studies Committee, and SFU Community Trust. Committee Senate
Positions Sixteen students, elected by and from the student body, with at least one student elected from each faculty and at least three undergraduate and three graduate students.
Term of Office June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019
Information Senate meets once a month and is responsible for the academic governance (all matters that bear on teaching and research) of the University. www.sfu.ca/senate.html
Board of Governors
One undergraduate student, elected by and from the undergraduate student body.
June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019
The Board of Governors meets six times a year and is responsible for the business (property, revenue and policies) of the University. www.sfu.ca/bog.html
June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019
SGSC meets once a month and is responsible for making recommendations to Senate concerning graduate programs, courses, regulations and policies. www.sfu.ca/senate/senatecommittees/sgsc.html
Senate Graduate Studies Committee (SGSC)
One graduate student, elected by and from the graduate student body. Four graduate students (2 regular, 2 alternate), elected by and from graduate students.
Nomination Deadline: Tuesday, February 6, 2018 @ 4:00 pm Campaign Period: February 7, 2018 to February 23, 2018 Online Voting: February 20, 2018 to February 23, 2018 Nomination Forms and Candidate Info: http://www.sfu.ca/students/elections/students.html Questions may be directed to the Electoral Officer, Senate & Academic Services at 778-782-3168 or senate@sfu.ca.
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Jennifer Russell Peak Associate
Alex Bloom Arts Editor
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Arts
January 29, 2018
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Sports
January 29, 2018
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O I N T I A N R O A B A L L CO
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Humour
January 29, 2018
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