Darts:
Fauxcoming: Although smaller in turnout than previous years, the Aberdeen Street party came with several upsetting reports of students being mistreated by police.
ASUS Equity Commissioner: The role had the potential for positive change, but unclear aims and a lack of supervision caused its disappointing failure.
The Grey House lift project: AMS Vice-President (University Affairs) Adam Zabrodski’s statement early in the year that the initiative was just waiting for board approval fell flat. Accessibility Queen’s is still swimming in funds, but the Grey House lacks a badly-needed lift.
AMS election campaign climate: Even though ers, rather than candidates, were responsible for most of the foul play, using Facebook to smear the other team and harassing Journal reporters is no way to run a campaign.
Unlicensed Student Constables: The fact that all but 15 StuCons operated without proper licenses for most of the school year came with too high a price tag for the AMS when private security guards had to be hired. Worse, unlicensed StuCon operation was illegal.
Vagabond Theatre’s Merchant of Venice posters: The student directors’ choice to depict the Star of David superimposed upon a traditional Nazi symbol was insensitive and counterproductive.
Leonard Hall’s St. Patrick’s Day food fight: The food fight was a blatant display of entitlement again this year, despite Sodexho’s efforts to plan alternate events. To skip the danger and the deplorable waste of food next year, the cafeteria should close its doors for the day.
Racism on campus: The recurrence of racist events like anti-Semitic graffiti on cars or Islamophobic slurs in the library points to a systemic problem. Covering these events in the news is becoming all too familiar.
Campus publications losing fees at referendum: It’s unfortunate the vast majority of students doesn’t care enough to fellow students’ initiatives by voting for an opt-outable fee. But campus media shouldn’t be discouraged: their work has value, even if widespread student apathy suggests otherwise.
The National Post: The Post’s January editorial about women’s studies was shortsighted, and the Post’s handling of the “SUMO Showdown” story proved their standard of journalism to be sensational. The Journal was aware of the situation before the Post’s article came out, but decided it was hardly worthy of becoming front-page news.
Laurels:
The Gender Studies Department: Previously Women’s Studies, the department voted this year to change its name. The new title is more inclusive of the program’s subject matter, reflects new research and links to Queen’s graduate program of the same name. It’s a definite step forward.
The football team: The Gaels’ Vanier Cup win gave the team a first-place national finish and brought students together in a powerful display of school spirit.
Rising use of social media: Seeing students, professors and s engage with current issues via Tweets and Facebook notes is positive. Having to put a name behind your words promotes ability and provides another venue for discussion on campus.
Principal Daniel Woolf: Principal Woolf has been an accessible leader with impressive Queen’s spirit. His Where Next? document has bold and needed ideas about the school’s future, making him the right man at the right time to tackle the University’s big questions.
AMS online voting system: The AMS deserves kudos for making voting paperless and improving accessibility. Increasing voter turnout to around 40 per cent, the online system will be even better if its kinks are worked out next year.
“Apple Crisp” Kingston music discussion: Fuelled by online comments on an Arts & Entertainment story in the Journal, a discussion held at Kingston’s public library promoted dialogue on the inclusivity of the city’s music scene. The talk was a great way to invite online commenters out of the woodwork to stand behind their views.
Rogue: This positive display of pride in one’s own identity was a well-executed and affirming show of student energy.
Vice-Principal (Academic) Patrick Deane: One of the few s who consistently stands up for students, Patrick Deane will be missed for his kindness and devotion when he leaves to become McMaster University’s president next year.
Jack Windeler’s family’s strength and leadership: Coming to Queen’s just days after losing a son to suicide, Eric Windeler showed bravery and a desire to demystify depression for his late son’s peers. Reaching out to others was part of Jack’s last wish, and his family’s concern for other students’ well-being takes this to heart.
Team CYZ’s campaign promises: CYZ’s follow-through with all six promises, like a new housing guide and bus route, is rare for an AMS executive team. CYZ should be applauded for bringing their Blueprint to life.
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