As first-year students arrive at Queen’s, they will be entering a dynamic environment and one they can influence more than they may think. Here’s a brief overview of some ongoing issues:
• Construction of the Queen’s Centre, which will replace the current student centre and athletics facilities, is set to begin in 2006; however, it will take 10 to 15 years to complete, which means students paying the fee now will not be able to reap the benefits of the Centre. Beginning this year, each student will pay a mandatory $71 fee; five years later, the fee will increase to $141.
• Homecoming, a long-standing Queen’s tradition, has always created tension between the City and the students. Last year resulted in a police crackdown, while the Administration established a hotline for residents to report unruly students, all culminating in the creation of the Principal’s Task Force. In order to eliminate this division between students and the community, we all must recognize that ultimately, we are all residents of Kingston.
• As students and future “citizens and leaders for a global society,” it cannot be stressed enough how important it is to hold our representatives accountable. At Queen’s we have our student government, the Alma Mater Society (AMS), the Rector, our representative to the Administration, and the Main Campus Residents’ Council (MCRC). By utilizing our right to vote, we can influence who represents us.
• The Rae Review was released earlier this year and its recommendations will mean funding for postsecondary institutions and an increase in loans and financial support for students. However, the Review comes amidst departmental budget cuts and the looming threat of tuition deregulation. As students it is important that we voice our opinions and become informed about changes that will affect each of us.
• Although Queen’s is a small and close-knit community, students must still be aware of safety on and off campus. In light of the recent murder of Queen’s student Justin Schwieg at a downtown bar, safety has come to the forefront. Assaults happen on campus and in the student Ghetto. Safety can be as simple as calling Walkhome, being aware of your surroundings and of the on-campus blue lights, and locking your doors.
• The new AMS executive was elected by the students on a platform of being more inclusive to students and holding landlords accountable. We as students must hold them to these promises and likewise, hold them accountable.
• Queen’s has a reputation for being a school for the children of the upper middle class and the elite. However, students from all income brackets attend this University and many rely on financial aid, OSAP, and bank loans. Recognizing the diversity among students is important to ensuring equality in the community.
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