2016/2017
msumcmaster.ca 01 State of the Union
1.4.5.1 The Chief Executive Officer shall deliver a written report outlining Executive and Board decisions and activities including, but not limited to, signed contracts, new employees hired and negotiations concluded and in progress.
msumcmaster.ca i Welcome from the MSU Board of Directors Welcome from the MSU Board of Directors
Mission Statement: Welcome to the State of the Union, The 2016/2017 State of the Union is a document intended to provide an authoritative perspective on the business conducted by the McMaster Students Union, including its officers, directors, staff and volunteers, since we took office in May of 2016. We have endeavoured to make this rather extensive document as readable as possible, in hopes that the large amount of information contained herein will provide a clear understanding of the depth and scope of the MSU’s operations. Justin Monaco-Barnes The purpose of the MSU is to draw into a true society What follows is an account of the efforts of 40 full-time staff, 300+ part-time staff all students at McMaster University. and hundreds of volunteers who are instrumental in making the MSU one of - or more likely the most - professional, transparent, inclusive and fiscally responsible student association in the country. As always, the Board of Directors welcomes comments, In pursuit of this, it will foster activities and events, which feedback and criticism of our efforts as stewards of the organization. Please do not hesitate to connect with us, as all members of the Board would be pleased to meet will enhance the University experience of its members and with you at your convenience to discuss any matter related to this document, student contribute to the life of the University as a whole. life or political advocacy. Our mission statement reads, “[t]he purpose of the MSU is to draw into a true Further, it will seek to facilitate communication between the society all students at McMaster University”. It is our hope that the following pages Shaarujaa Nadarajah will accurately depict the huge variety of voices, initiatives, projects, challenges and student body, the University, and other organizations and will accomplishments that define student government at McMaster University. organize and regulate student self-government. Sincerely,
The 2016/2017 MSU Board of Directors
Ryan MacDonald Justin Monaco-Barnes Shaarujaa Nadarajah President Vice President (Administration)
Ryan MacDonald Blake Oliver Vice President (Finance) Vice President (Education)
Blake Oliver
ii state of the union | 2016/2017 msumcmaster.ca iii Strategic Themes Strategic Themes Table of Contents
Whereby the MSU is driven to provide a service to the McMaster University undergraduate community, several strategic themes will be applied to ensure a holistic approach is taken in regards to its operations. These core values will be communicated effectively to all services and employees and as such, their mandates will reflect the Organizational Overview 01 First Year Council (FYC) / 05 MSU Policy Conference 11 Inter-Residence Council (IRC) essence of the McMaster Students Union. Sexual and Gender Diversity 11 Setting the Context: 02 Frost Week 05 McMaster University in 2016/2017 Health & Dental Plans 06 Internal Advocacy 12
Transparency Inclusivity American Election 02 HSR Bus Pass / PRESTO Integration 06 Academic Accommodation for 12 Students with Disabilities MSU operations, finances, milestones The MSU will place a large emphasis on CUPE 3960 Collective Bargaining 02 Light Up The Night 06 and tribulations will be disseminated maintaining neutrality on contentious Academic Affairs Council 12 to the general public without bias or issues unless undergraduate students are Equity and Inclusion on 02 Macademics 06 misrepresentation. Any and all decisions greatly disadvantaged by its outcome. McMaster Campus Advocacy Street Team 12 which directly impact the mission The MSU will create a community that Marmor Yearbook 06 statement of the MSU will be accessible is welcoming of all and as such, will First-Year Residence Guarantee 02 Affordability 12 to all students, unless in violation of not discriminate against any group McMaster Student 06 legal conduct. of students or contribute to any Indigenization of the Academy 02 Leadership Conference Bus Routes 12 organization in breach of its mandate. L.R. Wilson Building 02 MUSC Upgrades 06 Gender Neutral Washrooms 12
Accountability Sustainability Ontario Student 03 Peer Tutoring Network 06 Hamilton Advocacy Week 12 Assistance Program (OSAP) MSU stakeholders, directors and MSU operations shall prosper and survive. Student Assistance Program 06 Indigenous Student Advocacy 12 subsidiary members will be held This will not inhibit innovation, creativity Stand Alone Sexual Violence Policy 03 responsible for decisions made, both or risk, but proper research and analysis Student Life Enhancement Fund 07 Learning Portfolio 12 personally and on one’s behalf. As the must be conducted to ensure longevity of Tuition Fee Framework 03 Board of Directors are the officers of the organization. Sustainability Efforts 07 Light Rail Transit (LRT) 13 MSU Incorporated, their responsibility University Funding Formula 03 is to ensure the functionality and fiscal Welcome Week 07 Mac Talks: Beyond Conversations 13 stability of the MSU as a whole. 2016/2017: 04 MSU Services 07 Medical Notes 13 A Year in Review Podcasted Courses 13 Advocacy 11 Student Life 05 Strategic Mandate Agreement 13 Lobby Policies 11 Athletics & Recreation Expansion / 05 Student Housing 13 Student Activity Building Ancillary Fees 11 Student Retention 13 Campus Food 05 First Year Transition 11 Student Space / 13 Clubs Department Enhancements 05 Food Security 11 Master Plan Critique
Compulsory Ancillary Fees 05 Indigenous Students 11 Sustainability 13 Agreement International Students 11 Teaching Evaluation 14 Exam Support Upgrades 05
iv state of the union | 2016/2017 msumcmaster.ca v Organizational Overview
Tuition Task Force 14 Community Engagement 17 Finances 20 Organizational Overview University Administration 14 20th Annual McMasters: 17 Audited Statements 20 MSU Charity Golf Classic University Budget Submission 14 Budgeting Process Changes 20 Ainslie Wood - Westdale 17 Work-Integrated Learning 14 Community Association Investment Strategy 20
Be a Good Neighbour Campaign 17 Sponsorship & Donations 20 What is the MSU? How does the MSU represent students? Provincial Advocacy 14 Change Camp 17 Transparency / MSU Open House 20 The McMaster Students Union is the largest student The Student Representative Assembly (SRA), the governing Hamilton Post-Secondary 14 organization on campus. All full-time undergraduate students body of the MSU, is composed of 35 undergraduate students Advisory Group (HPSAG) For Ward One - Participatory 17 (enrolled in 18 units or more) at McMaster University are elected by their peers, inside each academic division. The Budgeting Advisory Committee Conclusion 21 members of the MSU. SRA works to provide the best possible MSU services and Non-Financial Barriers to Post- 14 departments, address undergraduate students’ concerns and Secondary Education Access Network for Campus Community 17 What does the MSU do? lobby the University to improve McMaster’s academic quality. in Ontario Partnerships Appendix A: 22 The MSU exists to represent undergraduates and to help build a Breakdown of Full-Time The McMaster Students Union serves students through two better community for all students. Ontario Student 14 President’s Advisory Committee on 17 Undergraduate Student main functions: political representation and the enhancement Grant Implementation Community Relations (PACCR) Fees 2016/2017 of student life. The MSU provides political representation and During the academic year, the SRA meets bi-weekly in Council advocates for decisions that are in students’ best interests Chambers, Gilmour Hall 111. SRA meetings are open, public Ontario Undergraduate 14 President’s Council 17 at the university, municipal, provincial and federal levels of forums, to which anyone can attend without invitation or Student Alliance (OUSA) Appendix B: 23 jurisdiction. reservation. General elections for the SRA are held every March. MSU Operating Budget Seats on the SRA are allocated by population; larger academic OUSA General Assembly 15 The Workplace 18 2016/2017 The MSU also offers many of the student services available at divisions have more representation. If seats become vacant, by- McMaster University. One might get to know the MSU through elections are held during the school year. OUSA Provincial Lobbying Week 15 Accessibility for Ontarians 18 Infographic: Per Student 23 Welcome Week and the Campus Events department, visiting with Disabilities Act (AODA) Breakdown of MSU the Compass Information Centre, having lunch at TwelvEighty, Questions about the SRA and/or faculty represenation can be Compliance Operating Fee listening to CFMU 93.3FM, volunteering with more than 30 directed to the SRA faculty representatives at the following Federal Advocacy 15 distinct student services, the funding and assistance of more email addresses: Central Support Staff Restructuring 18 2016/2017 Approved 24 than 300 clubs on campus, or as a major partner in the Federal Lobbying 15 Operating Fund: McMaster University Student Centre (MUSC). The MSU employs Arts & Science: [email protected] Communications Training 18 Smaller Services - Net more than 300 students each year to run committees, oversee Indigenous Students 15 student services and work at businesses, such as the Union Business: [email protected] IT Infrastructure 18 2016/2017 Approved 25 Market convenience store or Underground Media + Design. The International Students 15 Operating Fund: MSU provides health and dental plan coverage and a universal Engineering: [email protected] Joint Health & Safety Committee 18 Larger Services - Net bus pass with the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). As a member Students with Disabilities 15 of the McMaster Students Union, undergraduates have a Health Sciences: [email protected] Longitudinal Staff Feedback 18 student-run, multi-million dollar organization at their disposal Appendix C: Personnel 26 to help navigate through the challenges, provide services, and Humanities: [email protected] Communication 16 MSU Hiring Boards 18 protect their interests within and outside the walls of McMaster. Student Representative 26 Kinesiology: [email protected] Campus Screen Network 16 Part-Time Manager Training 18 Assembly (SRA) For more information, as well as a complete list of MSU businesses, services and volunteer opportunities, please visit Nursing: [email protected] ‘MSU & You’ Radio Show 16 Part-Time Wage Review 19 Executive Board 27 www.msumcmaster.ca, or contact a member of the Board of Directors: Science: [email protected] Single Message System 16 Space Audit 19 Part-Time Managers (PTMs) 27 (SMS) Communication Justin Monaco-Barnes Shaarujaa Nadarajah Social Sciences: [email protected] Training Resources 19 First Year Council (FYC) 28 MSU President Vice President (Administration) Social Media Presence 16 Research Assistant [email protected] [email protected] In addition, please feel free to contact the MSU Speaker at New Employees Hired 28 905.525.9140 x23885 905.525.9140 x23250 [email protected] with any SRA related inquiry. President’s Page 16 Full-Time Staff 28 Ryan MacDonald Blake Oliver Video Production 16 Vice President (Finance) Vice President (Education) [email protected] [email protected] 905.525.9140 x24109 905.525.9140 x24017
vi state of the union | 2016/2017 msumcmaster.ca 01 Setting the Context
Setting the Context: 2016/2017 McMaster University board of in 2016/2017 directors
American Election only universities in Ontario that does not make this guarantee. Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) University Funding Formula The University has announced two projects to solve this issue. This past November, the world witnessed one of the greatest One is the Living and Learning Centre, which will be situated When the province of Ontario released its 2016 budget In early 2015, Ontario’s then Ministry of Training, Colleges, and political upsets of all time - Donald Trump’s victory. Trump ran in the area currently occupied by T28 and T29, as well as an last February, the government announced the largest ever Universities (now titled the Ministry of Advanced Education a campaign that was noted for its bully-like, fear mongering, off-campus development project situated on Traymore Avenue. modernization of financial aid for post-secondary students. and Skills Development), announced a consultation for the dehumanizing tactics. As well, it routinely featured rhetoric that Between the two projects, upwards of 1000 additional students Over $350 million previously used for educational tax credits way universities are funded by the province. As the university typically lacked in facts, and at times, was blatantly demeaning. will have a guaranteed residence spot upon acceptance. This is was reallocated to upfront grants for low-income students. The funding formula is integral to the way universities operate, this Despite his opponent, Hillary Clinton, winning the popular vote important with respect to the MSU’s priorities. In principle, the change will allow incoming students whose household income consultation process was seen as vital for the future success by just under three million votes, Trump was able to secure admission average required for guaranteed residence could is below $50,000 annually to receive grants equal to the of post-secondary education in the province. The voices of victory due to the American Electoral College system. disproportionately exclude students entering the Humanities average cost of tuition in Ontario. The move was applauded by McMaster students were heard in the consultation process and Social Sciences, which require lower admission averages. students, as it was a policy advocated by student groups, such through the MSU’s participation in the Ontario Undergraduate CUPE 3906 Collective Bargaining as the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance, for many years. Student Alliance. In winter 2015, the Ministry released a Indigenization of the Academy The first cohort to benefit from the new policy will be students document with recommendations for the new funding formula, McMaster University’s collective agreement with CUPE 3906, entering post-secondary education in September 2017. many of which were direct reflections of student consultations. the union representing all teaching and research assistants, In 2015, the federal government released the final report from The Ministry is expected to begin implementation of the new concluded on August 31, 2016. Since that time, the University the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, with Stand Alone Sexual Violence Policy funding formula by the end of this academic year. engaged in a process of collective bargaining with the union, in 94 calls to action for reconciliation. Many of these calls were the hopes of creating a new agreement. On December 15, 2016, aimed at post-secondary institutions, as the Commission Ontario’s Bill 132, the Sexual Violence and Harassment Action a new agreement was ratified by McMaster University’s Board of recognized education as a key to reconciliation. In response, Plan Act (Supporting Survivors and Challenging Sexual Violence Governors. McMaster University and many other institutions began a and Harassment), received royal assent on March 8, 2016. This process of indigenization. Most notably, the outdoor Indigenous action officially required all post-secondary institutions in Equity and Inclusion on McMaster Campus Circle teaching and gathering space, located between Alumni Ontario to implement stand alone policies and procedures Memorial Hall and Whidden Hall opened in September 2016. surrounding sexual violence response, in consultation with Over the past year, McMaster has taken significant steps students, by January 2017. McMaster’s policy was passed by the forward in ensuring it is working toward building an inclusive L.R. Wilson Building Board of Governors on December 15, 2016. and diverse campus. The addition of a new senior role, Associate Vice-President, Equity and Inclusion, will be a visible In early September, a new liberal arts facility opened on the Tuition Fee Framework presence on campus, helping McMaster advance diversity and east end of campus, where the former Wentworth House equity. In addition to taking a larger leadership role liaising used to stand. The new building houses McMaster’s Faculty of Since the 2013-14 academic year, universities in Ontario have with many campus groups, including the President’s Advisory Humanities and Faculty of Social Sciences. It includes flexible been operating under the Tuition Fee Framework Guidelines Committee on Building an Inclusive Community (PACBIC), the classrooms, a research centre, the McMaster Indigenous Studies for Publicly-Assisted Universities, a document that expires at McMaster Accessibility Council, and the Indigenous Education program office, performing arts facilities including a black the end of this academic year. The Tuition Fee Framework sets Council, the new role will also oversee the transition of the box theatre and concert hall, public gathering and community many important parameters, including maximum amounts by Human Rights and Equity Services Office into the Equity and spaces, and an outdoor garden. This dual funded project was which institutions can increase tuition for each program, how Inclusion Office. made possible by a $45.5 million investment from the province much tuition universities must set-aside for financial aid, and of Ontario and a $10 million gift from McMaster’s Chancellor guidelines for ancillary fees. With the expiry of the current First-Year Residence Guarantee Emeritus, L.R. Wilson. It’s a welcome addition to campus that framework looming, students have been advocating for the will hopefully help alleviate growing student space concerns. new framework to include maximum increases tied to inflation Following approval at McMaster University’s Planning and Beyond that, the building represents the success of student exclusively, regulation around international student tuition fees, Resources Committee, the MSU was given notice of the advocacy and working in partnership with the University, to and increased amounts of tuition set-aside for financial aid. University’s intention to provide guaranteed residence spaces help secure considerable benefits for McMaster students. The Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development to all first-year students. Currently, student housing for first-year is expected to release a new framework by the end of the students is a major issue, as McMaster is one of the academic year.
02 state of the union | 2016/2017 msumcmaster.ca 03 Student Life Student Life
Athletics & Recreation Expansion / Ancillary Fees (CAF) agreement. This year, the Board of Student Activity Building Directors worked to revise the current agreement. The new CAF 2016/2017: agreement will change the way that the amount of funding for This year, the MSU President and Vice President (Finance) the Student Life Enhancement Fund is calculated, ensuring that built a plan that could resolve several urgent student needs funds are directed first and foremost into core student services on campus. Through various student surveys, and multiple such as the Student Wellness Centre, Student Success Centre, years’ worth of feedback, it is evident that two of the largest and Athletics & Recreation. space concerns on campus remain the small size of the Pulse, and the Student Centre. After months of hard work from the Exam Support Upgrades MSU, Student Affairs, and Athletics & Recreation, a proposal was finalized. The proposed changes would have increased the A lot of work has been done in continuing to make exam support Pulse by 224% with all new weights and amenities, as well the as practical as possible. One of the main focuses of this year was construction of a new 60,000 sq/ft Student Activity Building, to extend library hours during exams for the Health Sciences that would have serviced the various needs of all undergraduate Library. The MSU President worked through the summer and students on campus. This project ultimately failed in a very the first term, alongside various McMaster partners, to ensure close referendum in January of 2017. proper execution. As space continues to be an issue on campus, the MSU believes that this change will help elevate some of the Campus Food pressure during one of the most high stress seasons of the year.
The MSU continued its efforts in offering affordable food with a First Year Council (FYC) / healthy focus. Mac Farmstand launched its Local Food Discount Inter-Residence Council (IRC) Card, giving McMaster students discounts at various local food a year vendors across Hamilton. Union Market also incorporated a wider This year, the MSU restructured First Year Council (FYC) to take a selection of affordable food, in addition to providing students larger advocacy role in residence. This change was in response to with the convenience of fast, efficient service. There has also the disbanding of the Inter-Residence Council. With the creation been a greater partnership with Hospitality Services in order to of a new Part-Time Manager position, the FYC Coordinator, the work on lowering food costs, as well as offering more selections MSU was able to better support first year students elected in of diverse foods such as halal, kosher, and gluten free meals. the various FYC positions. Some of events run by FYC this year included: First Year Academic Support Fishbowl Night, First in Club Department Enhancements Year Formal (in partnership with MSU Spark), and a Marauders Den event. In addition, the IRC fee that was previously levied The MSU has once again made significant strides in its support from residence students, was converted into the Residence of the Clubs Department, as it facilitates more than 300 clubs at Life Activity fee, which will be used for initiatives and projects McMaster. Administratively, simplifying and revamping the clubs focused on enhancing student life for residence students. training process has ensured a more seamless transition process Residence Life will manage the fund in partnership with the for new student leaders in MSU clubs. A major upgrade has been McMaster Students Union and FYC. review doubling the funding of ‘MSU dollars’ for clubs. In previous years, clubs were given $100 to spend within MSU services. This year Frost Week the MSU has made a major investment into the Clubs Department by doubling that total, including $150 to the Underground Media Following the trend of the past few years, Frost Week + Design, as well as an additional $50 to other MSU services continued its revitalization and took the form of a multi-partner including AVTEK, TwelvEighty, and Union Market. The change approach. Starting in May 2015, various campus partners came was designed to better support clubs, responding to feedback together through the Student Relations Committee to prepare that most clubs needed additional promotional resources. To a week of balanced, inclusive, and exciting programming. With be clear, the boost to ‘MSU dollars’ funding was in addition to programming ranging from a Pack the House sports game, the $100,000 allocated to general club funding for discretionary an outdoor Winterfest carnival, and a student leadership spending and operations of MSU clubs. conference, many of the events saw high attendance due to the promotional efforts spearheaded by the MSU. Compulsory Ancillary Fees Agreement
The MSU sets parameters with the University surrounding how ancillary fees can be established through the Compulsory
04 state of the union | 2016/2017 msumcmaster.ca 05 Student Life Student Life
Health & Dental Plans to students in an accessible way. The service will soon establish a financial planning, life coaching, and more. The service can be on presenting key messages about the strategic themes in an hub of resources for students who are looking for academic aid. accessed free of charge by all McMaster students, as well as interactive way. Compared to previous years, wherein Welcome In 2014, students voted in favour of increased health care their roommates and family members. Provided by Aspiria, an Week training was given in a conference-style approach, coverage, in the form of additional paramedical services, Marmor Yearbook industry leader in professional student assistance programs and training was revamped into a blended learning model. Reps vision care and oral contraceptives. While students paid an employee assistance programs, the MSU’s SAP is tailored to were expected to complete a series of training pieces online, in increased premium for these services, the savings could result After nearly 80 years, the Marmor will conclude producing support students in an accessible platform that can be accessed addition to a four hour in-person training session. in thousands of dollars in savings over the course of their yearbooks following the graduating class of 2020. For many 24/7, features multilingual support (with over 100 languages) undergraduate career. While it has been only two academic years, McMaster students have paid a fee for a yearbook to via telephone, in person, email communication and/or video This was the third year that the MSU employed a Welcome years since the implementation of the new extended health be developed in their graduating year. In October of 2016, conferencing. Week Faculty Societies Coordinator (WWFC). This position was plan coverage, the MSU continues to evaluate the program and students voted overwhelmingly to eliminate the Marmor fee of created to help support and coordinate with faculty societies will look to enhance the plan with additional services, without $9.22 per year. Due to prudent financial planning on behalf of Student Life Enhancement Fund during the planning and implementation of orientation. This is a any increase to the plan fees. Further, not only will the MSU the organization, the Marmor will continue operations for four position that the MSU will continue to fund for Welcome Week ensure there is no increase to the fee, based on efficient cost more editions without collecting any additional money. The The Student Life Enhancement Fund (SLEF) is a pool of money 2017, as the role has been pivotal in liaising with faculty planners procurement, the fee may in fact be lowered for 2017/2018. elimination of the Marmor will ultimately save students upwards set aside to support projects, innovations and ideas that enhance and other campus partners. One innovative project that was of $200,000 per year. the student experience at McMaster University. This fund is introduced by the WWFC, in collaboration with the Residence HSR Bus Pass / PRESTO Integration administered by the Student Services Committee (SSC). The Orientation Planner, was the integration of faculty connector McMaster Student Leadership Conference membership of the SSC consists of members from the McMaster reps into residence buildings. These select reps were integrated Every three years, full-time undergraduate students vote Students Union, as well as McMaster University. Traditionally, this into the residence rep teams to provide incoming students with on a new HSR bus pass contract. Three years ago, the pass The McMaster Student Leadership Conference was planned by fund was accessed by various staff members at the University, a greater connection to their faculty. was renewed, adding a four month summer pass, as well as a variety of campus partners including the MSU, the Student including managers within the MSU, to enhance their service extended service into the downtown core until 3AM Monday- Success Centre, Residence Life, and Athletics & Recreation. delivery. This year, the MSU made it a continued priority to Saturday. In January of 2017, students voted on a new pass. It will serve as a professional development and training ensure that all the ideas that were submitted came directly from MSU Services It passed resoundingly, keeping the McMaster pass as a 12 opportunity for staff and volunteers. All studentswere welcome students. In January, the MSU began canvassing the student month bus pass, including extended service. After two months to attend. Over the past four years, the conference has grown body for ideas to enhance student life. From there, the MSU Accounting Department of negotiations, the MSU brought forward a contract that to engage with more than 400 participants. The conference Board of Directors will evaluate the logistical feasibility of each The Accounting Department manages all financial transactions, remained the best value in the province, considering the level of was held in January, the theme was Shake It Up. The day idea and develop a list of high impact projects and consult with reporting and payroll. As well, the department assists the service students receive. Further, McMaster University students began with a keynote address, followed by students’ choice the University to determine the feasibility of each idea. The ideas General Manager and Vice President (Finance) in long-term will be the first in the province to have their university/college of workshops focused on social responsibility, pluralism, social that are within the scope of funding and timelines of SLEF, will financial planning of the organization. Be it helping coordinate transit pass integrated into the provincial pass using PRESTO. justice, empowerment, and internationalization. be brought back to students for voting. The top idea, as voted Shinerama collection efforts, departmental deposits or The HSR has committed to using PRESTO technology for the by students, will receive guaranteed funding. Last year’s projects processing the weekly cheque run, all financial activity flows student bus pass moving into next year. This PRESTO integrated MUSC Upgrades included an outdoor volleyball court and a sleeping pod/nap through the Accounting Department, located in the MSU Main card will be pre-authorized for the GO Transit post-secondary station which will be installed prior to September 2017. Office. The accounting department continues to operate with education discount and can be used as a traditional PRESTO In the summer of 2016, numerous renovations were made to tremendous efficiency. card outside of the HSR network. the McMaster University Student Centre (MUSC). Compass Sustainability Efforts Information Centre was renovated to become AODA compliant. AVTEK Light Up The Night In addition, the lounge space outside of Starbucks was expanded The MSU took many strides, both small and large, to contribute AVTEK had its most financially successful year to date, focusing to include significantly more seating, and the outer doors were to the overall conversation of climate change. On a large scale, its efforts on providing for the McMaster community, while still Light Up The Night is a year-end celebration that is open to moved to accomodate the new lounge. Finally, a new staircase the MSU worked alongside McMaster University in securing a being able to execute larger and more comprehensive shows, students and the public. This event features amusement park and walkway was introduced by the north entrance of MUSC, in federal government investment of $43 million in renovations including motor controlled flying grid systems and mobile stages. rides, carnival games, buskers, live entertainment, fireworks, order to improve traffic flow and alleviate congestion. to the Arthur Bourns Building. The funding will support the Considerable staff restructuring has allowed AVTEK to operate guest speakers, free food, and fun for everyone. The intention repair and retrofit of existing labs, plus the construction of a more efficiently. In addition, the service began utilizing a new of this event is to celebrate the academic year as it comes to a Peer Tutoring Network new addition to that building. The investments also support inventory tracking system and event management software. close, as well as to continue to build the community connection the campus electricity and heat cogeneration (COGEN) project, for which McMaster is known. This event was such a success In 2014, MSU President Teddy Saull was elected on a platform which enhances McMaster’s ongoing energy conservation efforts. Campus Events that it was nominated for a Canadian Event Industry Award to build an affordable peer tutoring service. In May 2016, after More sustainability initiatives have also taken place within the Campus Events had another incredible year. The department and won the 2016 title of “Best Event Produced by an In House years of work and consultation, the Student Success Centre MSU, such as replacing photocopy paper at business units with offered two spectacular concerts during Welcome Week, Team.” George Stroumboulopoulos was the keynote speaker at launched the Peer Tutoring Network, an online platform in recycled paper, introducing a single use plastic water bottle free boasting 5000+ students in attendance for both shows. The last year’s event, helping to provide a night that many students which McMaster tutors (students who have received a B+ or policy on all MSU food and drink sales, as well giving each first- department once again increased their vendor total for will never forget. higher in a course) can be connected with tutees. The platform year student an MSU branded refillable water bottle, that features Sidewalk Sale, in yet another record breaking event. In addition, allows students to pay $10/hour for tutoring, while tutors a link to a map of the water refill stations on campus. Campus Events partnered with the Westdale BIA to host Macademics receive $15. The subsidy is covered through the Student Life WestFest for students and members of the community during Enhancement Fund. Welcome Week Welcome Week. While fostering a strong relationship with The MSU’s newest service, MSU Macademics, was established Alumni Advancement, the marquee event for 2016/2017 was in the summer of 2016. The service brought together many Student Assistance Program Once again, Welcome Week was a huge success for the MSU. undoubtedly the expanded Homecoming celebration, wherein components of the MSU related to academic services, such as This year, the Welcome Week Committee continued with the Campus Events hosted Shaggy and Hedley in two Faculty the Teaching Awards Committee, operation of the MSU Course The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a new suite of 2015 strategic priorities, and incorporated them into all facets of Hollow performances. This marked the first time a Homecoming Wiki, and promotion of the McMaster course evaluations period. services offered under the MSU health plan. The SAP supports Welcome Week programming and training: Alcohol Awareness, show was held in the Hollow. Alumni Advancement and the In addition, the service focuses on issues surrounding pedagogy students through a variety of personal, academic, and life Mental Health, and Sexual Violence & Consent. One unique MSU continued to work closely with all levels of Homecoming and the learning environment, while disseminating information services, including psychological counseling, legal counsel, event that was integrated into the orientation programming planning, as well as co-chairing the “Light up the Night” end of was “One McMaster” which hosted guest speakers focusing year event. In March of 2016, the inaugural Light Up the Night
06 state of the union | 2016/2017 msumcmaster.ca 07 Student Life Student Life
event won Best Event Produced by an in House Team or Planner through programming and offering Anti-Oppressive Practices program as a method of paying overdue fines. In addition, as Maroons from the distinguished Canadian Event Industry Awards. training to student groups. Diversity Services participated in the MSU works toward writing a food security policy, a large This year the Maroons were very successful in the operation the annual Indigenous Cultural Gathering, held a voluntourism focus of the service in second semester will be collaborating of the service, and increasing its visibility on campus. During CFMU FM 93.3 campaign, hosted “Stories for the Soul” - a cultural appropriation with campus partners to run a food security forum. In addition Welcome Week, the Maroons assisted at MSU, residence, and CFMU continued to expand its role on McMaster’s campus campaign, ran a “Video on Trial” event, and facilitated a discourse to providing the Lockers of Love and Good Food Box programs, faculty events, while also hosting some of its own. Throughout and in the Hamilton community. Its student volunteer team addressing the election of Donald Trump. In addition, an online the service is looking to offer students cooking classes. A the year, the Maroons continued to interact and volunteer with expanded, and as always CFMU featured music, issues, and resources hub is in development. The annual Diversity Week ran long term goal of the service is to have an established Food different MSU services and played an instrumental role in this multicultural programming from both the community and throughout the first full week back to school in January. Collective Centre and Community Kitchen space. year’s new Homecoming programming. The Maroons began student body. This year was a big one for CFMU with a major a new initiative called First Year Maroons, which recruited rebrand in the works and the launch of their brand new Elections Department Mac Farmstand first-year students. This program has been very successful in multimedia focused website, planned for spring of 2017. The Elections Department began its year with First Year Council Mac Farmstand ran a weekly local food market on campus gathering dedicated volunteers and increasing the Maroons’ elections, as well as the newly created Residence Councilor from June through October, offering a wide variety of in- outreach to students. The Maroons continue to partner with Clubs positions. The year continued with October SRA by-elections season fruits, vegetables, preserves and baked goods. The Alumni Advancement, as well as Athletics & Recreation to The MSU facilitates more than 300 clubs on campus. In 2016, and referenda. The January MSU presidential election and service made enormous strides in increasing its advocacy and enhance student life. upgrades to ClubSpace included club office painting and referenda garnered 9327 votes, resulting in 41.6% voter turnout. education efforts by collaborating with campus stakeholders to window frosting to the outer windows. There was also a critical This marks the fifth straight year of 40%+ voter turnout for the offer a Local Food Fest, Farmstand 1A03 lectures, sustainable Peer Support Line (PSL) evaluation of ClubSpace policy. In addition to the numerous MSU presidential election. The Elections Department continues student workshops, and screened food related documentaries. The Peer Support Line had a highly successful year. Usage upgrades to department infrastructure, more money was to facilitate a number of external elections for MSU clubs and A new addition to Mac Farmstand’s promotional efforts was the has more than doubled compared to last year, both in calls allocated to MSU clubs than ever before. Over 50% of clubs campus societies. Additionally, the department is building on creation of the Tasty Videos series, consisting of four cooking and online chats. Volunteer hiring and training processes were received more money than they had in the past and more than the success of two exciting initiatives from last year, designed episodes, in which great meals were made using ingredients refined in order to improve the quality of support provided to half of all clubs received 100% of their funding request. Every to get students more engaged and informed about elections in sold at Mac Farmstand. Finally, the service created a Local Food students who accessed PSL, particularly with respect to suicide club was given an extra $150 credit to MSU Underground Media the MSU. First, Elections 101 nights were held wherein students Discount Card that supplied 10% off to 11 different restaurants intervention training. PSL extended its hours in November, its + Design at the start of the year, and an additional $50 credit at found out how to run in an election and asked any questions and stores, focused on local food in the Hamilton community. busiest month, remaining open until 2am on Sundays and other MSU business units. Moreover, clubs training was further they had. Second, the “MSU Wants You” campaign continued, Mondays. The Peer Support Line partnered with Mac Bread improved this year. Finally, a new online club registration and with the support of a number of different stakeholders. Macademics Bin for a December exam promotion, which included Study election process was introduced, making it easier and faster to In its inagural year, Macademics focused on its launch and Snack Support events. At these events, study space, along with process club applications and integrate the approved clubs into Emergency First Response Team (EFRT) subsequent visibility on campus. The new service brought healthy food and tutors were provided. In addition, PSL and the MSU’s Clubs Directory / Clubza. This year, eleven new volunteers were selected and trained. together many components of the MSU related to academics, Mac Bread Bin handed out free, nutritious snacks at libraries EFRT changed and improved training for volunteers, such as the Teaching Awards Committee, operation of the MSU throughout the exam period. Compass Information Centre reorganized the service and replaced equipment. EFRT had Course Wiki, and promotion of the McMaster course evaluations Compass continued to be the one-stop-shop for information a particularly strong year on a promotional front as well. periods. The first semester Teaching Awards campaign garnered Queer Students Community Centre (QSCC) regarding transit, event ticketing, and campus knowledge. The service increased its focus on mental health assistance over 1000 nominations and received a record breaking number The Queer Students Community Centre had an exciting Options for student transit tickets available at Compass when responding to calls and placed increased emphasis on of TA nominations. Macademics hosted the first ever Wikithon year. The QSCC held several events that brought hundreds of included: the HSR, Burlington Transit, GO Transit, Greyhound, responder self-care. EFRT attended the MIXER conference where faculty and club teams registered and competed to fill LGBTQ+ students together, including marching at the Toronto and Megabus. Compass added the ability to instantly load through the Association of Campus Emergency Response out as many course wiki templates as possible, thus bolstering Pride Parade and Speed Friending. Mac Pride was held in early PRESTO cards. Compass formed partnerships with both the Teams in November. EFRT hosted the annual NCCER conference the depth and usefulness of the wiki. November, featuring 13 events such as the Mac Pride March Hamilton Bulldogs and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, along with other in February at McMaster University. Additionally, EFRT and Rally and the Let’s Talk Queer series of workshops. In attractions, such as Canada’s Wonderland and African Lion continued to provide excellent first aid and CPR training to Maccess collaboration with the MSU’s Women and Gender Equity Network, Safari, to bring new and exciting entertainment to students. the community for a low cost. Overall, call volume has been Maccess had an exciting first full year. While waiting for a retrofit QSCC hosted (Trans)forming Mac Week, wherein trans focused Its summer renovations were successful, making the storefront elevated in recent years but the activation of outside medical of exsiting space in MUSC to become its permanent home, programming and events were held. The service also launched AODA compliant. attention has remained static, meaning that people are more Maccess offered a variety of community building and peer new programs and initiatives, such as providing drop-in peer aware of the service and comfortable activating EFRT. support hours every week via MUSC meeting rooms. From its support in the QSCC space, and launching the Trans Community Creating Leadership Amongst Youth (CLAY) launch in September with Humans of Maccess, a social media Group, aimed at providing a safer space for trans students to CLAY continued to experience a tremendous amount of growth Horizons campaign highlighting student perspectives on disability at meet and find community. The service has also undertaken over the course of the past year. In 2016, delegate registration Horizons continued to receive a lot of interest from incoming McMaster, to (In)Accessibility Week, an interactive and online advocacy work, such as collaborating with the University Affairs was the highest in the history of the conference. With financial students, as many people value a first year transition campaign looking at the barriers students face on campus, Committee to write the new Sexual and Gender Diversity accessibility a central goal of the conference, the conference and orientation. The service capitalized on the success of Maccess has begun to take a role in accessibility and disability Policy. In addition, QSCC is looking forward to supporting the developed partnerships with community organizations and expanded registration and developed conference sessions related advocacy. Maccess took ownership of its new space in new LGBTQ Working Group inside the President’s Advisory schools to sponsor delegates. In 2016, CLAY partnered with the that emphasized themes such as community engagement MUSC B118 in February. Committee on Building an Inclusive Community. Crown Ward program in Hamilton to bring 45 students to CLAY and diversity. For the first time ever, Horizons partnered with at no cost to the delegates. Westdale Theatre to provide students with a unique off-campus MACycle Shinerama and Terry Fox experience. An ongoing focus of the conference is to seek out MACycle continued to foster relationships with both on- and The MSU continued to support both the Shinerama and Terry Diversity Services ways to make Horizons more financially accessible for delegates. off-campus partners, such as McMaster Cycling club and Social Fox initiatives in 2016. Shinerama is an annual fundraiser held by MSU Diversity Services had a highly engaged and active year. Bicycles (Sobi). In addition, there was massive growth in the co- universities across the country. The primary goals of this year’s After undergoing a complete restructuring, the service has Mac Bread Bin op members and volunteers for the service. A new event hosted campaign were increased education about cystic fibrosis along several new executive roles and two new volunteer committees: Mac Bread Bin continues to provide services to address the by the service this year was a newcomers bike repair night with fundraising. The MSU’s Shinerama efforts for 2016 raised the Community Events & Planning Committee, and the Social & food security needs of the McMaster community. The service where emphasis was placed on connecting the MACycle service an impressive $110,000 - a figure that may continue to grow Political Advocacy Committee. This year, the service has been made strides in increasing its advocacy efforts by collaborating with refugees in the greater Hamilton community. slightly over the remainder of this academic year. The Terry able to gain strong volunteer support and interest from students with McMaster Libraries to start a canned food donation Fox campaign also expanded this year, as participants included more Hamilton community members.
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Spark event programming options. To that effect, TwelvEighty launched Spark continued to grow and evolve, offering new ways Ping Pong nights, which have proven very successful. Within Advocacy to engage with the first-year community. This year, Spark second semester, TwelvEighty club nights have been re-imagined introduced a first-year student formal, which boasted a turnout with better theme nights, premium contests and give-a-ways, as of 300 students. Spark’s mentorship program continued to well as a schedule that better reflects the academic calendar. Advocacy is an For the purposes of this document, Lobby policies are documents created support over 500 students, through weekly skill-building advocacy should be understood as any through comprehensive committee sessions with upper-year students. The online guidebooks Underground Media + Design integral aspect of the effort to effect change or ameliorate work, via the Student Representative initiative helped equip students for their first week on campus, Underground Media + Design continued to meet and exceed policies, funding levels, opportunities, Assembly (SRA), to guide current and learn more about Hamilton, and feel more confident navigating the everyday design and copy needs of McMaster students. daily operations of the programs and/or legislation as they future advocacy efforts of the MSU, in their first year at McMaster. The Wellness & Midterm Prep It remains the go-to destination for both standard and pertain to the undergraduate students general terms. Internal advocacy will refer workshop helped students prepare for their first round of large format printing, as well as general media production. MSU, particularly at of McMaster University. The Advocacy to the work done at and within McMaster midterms. Finally, an upcoming housing workshop will prepare Underground continued to be the central hub for advertisement section of the 2016/2017 MSU State of the University, while provincial and federal first-year students for their search for off-campus housing. and design, via its postering services and the campus screen the level of the Board Union is sub-divided into four parts: Lobby advocacy will highlight the MSU’s efforts network. During winter 2017, the Underground underwent a Policies, Internal Advocacy, Provincial in regards to the governments of Ontario Student Community Support Network (SCSN) significant restructuring, with a focus on multimedia and design of Directors. Advocacy and Federal Advocacy. and Canada respectively. SCSN endeavoured to inform students about housing by-laws to better support student and community usage. and help improve community relations. SCSN’s community connectors have been busy patrolling neighbourhoods, ensuring Union Market students are having positive interactions with the community. Union Market provided coffee, tea, snacks, light meal items and SCSN ran programming encouraging students to discover their beverages at affordable, student friendly prices. Healthy and Lobby Policies groups on campus, the policy will be discussed at the March city, such as taking a trip to the Hamilton Farmers’ Market, and restrictive dietary options are offered. Union Market expanded 12 SRA meeting. The MSU currently has a policy titled visiting a Hamilton Youth Poets Slam. Moreover, SCSN ran a new its grab-and-go options, including fruit, vegetables, and Ancillary Fees “Aboriginal Students”, which will be repealed when the new campaing this year, encouraging Cycle Your City to students. yogurt. In 2017, Union Market became the first retail location at Indigenous Students policy is passed. This policy will focus on McMaster to eliminate plastic water bottles from its inventory, The Ancillary Fees policy paper was passed by the SRA on recommendations for Indigenous student access, campus culture, Student Health Education Centre (SHEC) serving an environmentally safer alternative in boxed water. November 13, 2016. Rather than focusing on a particular group and education. SHEC continued to offer peer-based health education and Union Market’s partnership with Donut Monster, a local Hamilton of students, this paper covered all issues related to fees at resources for McMaster students. Through highly successful artisanal doughnut vendor, continues to be very popular with McMaster University, excluding tuition. Topics of the paper International Students programming such as the Sex 101 residence series, the service the campus marketplace. included faculty society fees, University ancillary fees, opt-out continued to deliver quality information to students about sexual fees, residence fees, faculty-specific fees, student contribution The International Students policy paper, passed by the SRA health, mental health, nutrition & active living, and addictions Women and Gender Equity Network (WGEN) to operating costs, graduation fees, student contribution to on November 13, focused on various issues surrounding awareness. SHEC maintains its peer support program, along with WGEN continued to provide a safe(r) space and peer support in capital projects, Ombuds office, athletics centre, field-trip international students at McMaster University. Topics included its free anonymous pregnancy testing and its collection of safe MUSC 204 for all survivors of sexual assault. Its volunteer core fees, textbooks, courseware, physical learning materials, digital welcoming international students, integrating into the sex and menstrual items. Looking ahead, SHEC will be rebuilding increased to over 40 people this year. WGEN hosted a number learning materials, medical documentation, work-integrated community, resources & support, communicating resources, its resource library to update and recognize the limitations in of annual events and campaigns, some of which included the learning fees, and grade appeal fees. access to healthcare, diverse recruitment, representation, visas, both the pamphlet and book offerings in the space. As well, the Halloween event ‘Spooptacular’, (Trans)forming Mac campaign, tuition, financial aid, and employment. centre underwent some minor renovations in terms of paint and and an event for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women First Year Transition furniture, making the service more inviting and better aligned hosted with the Anti-Violence Network. A new initiative this year MSU Policy Conference with its long-term goals. is the Binder Program; WGEN has partnered with a clothing This will be the final policy paper of 2017. It will be reviewed by company called gc2b to provide free chest binders to students. the SRA on March 12. It will be authored by representatives from This past November, the MSU held its first ever Policy Student Walk Home Attendant Team (SWHAT) WGEN’s resource library continues to grow. To that effect, WGEN First Year Council, the University Affairs Committee, and the Conference, for the purpose of gaining feedback on three lobby The Student Walk Home Attendant Team (SWHAT) provided a launched a ‘Pick of the Week’ photo series to highlight the new External Affairs Committee. This is a new policy that will make policies that were later passed by the SRA. The conference safe walk home for students, seven days a week from books in their resource library. The WGEN team was highly recommendations for improving the transition from high school consisted of a training session for delegates to familiarize 7pm-1am. This year, the focus of SWHAT was to increase involved in the student consultation process for McMaster’s to university - including residence, off-campus experiences, themselves with the policy process, overviews of each paper, volunteer commitment, by improving volunteer appreciation Sexual Violence Response Protocol, passed in December. WGEN welcome week, dining, and academics. breakout sessions in which delegates were able to interact with efforts. To that effect, SWHAT held a diverse range of events, as will be working with the Sexual Violence Response Coordinator policy authors in a small group environment, as well as a guest well as improved the overall atmosphere while on shift in MUSC to educate and inform students on the policy moving forward. Food Security speaker, McMaster’s Dean of Students, Sean Van Koughnett. 226. SWHAT partnered with Compass Information Centre The conference was attended by over 50 students and all three for promotional events throughout the year, such as free hot A new policy coming to the SRA on March 12, this paper will be policies were passed by the SRA on November 13. The second chocolate and raffles with the SWHAT Chocolate event. SWHAT prepared by the University Affairs Committee, in collaboration Policy Conference will occur on March 11, 2017. held their annual November Walk-a-Thon, with all donations with Mac Bread Bin and other campus partners. The Food benefiting the Neighbour-to-Neighbour Centre. Security Forum on January 13, 2017 will gather feedback from Sexual and Gender Diversity students on this topic, which will be used to shape policy TwelvEighty principles, concerns, and recommendations. This paper, passed by the SRA on November 13, focused largely TwelvEighty continued to be the best value on campus regarding on issues pertaining to the LGBTQ+ community on campus. food and dining. With a revamped menu for 2016/2017, food Indigenous Students Topics of this paper included campus life & climate, classroom sales reached record highs. This year’s menu featured a renewed experience, resources & training, health services, athletics & focus on product quality, along with a variety of options for those One of the papers coming to the March 11 Policy Conference recreation, Hamilton community, residence, and Welcome Week. with dietary restrictions. TwelvEighty continued the general trend concerns Indigenous student policy. Led by the External Affairs away from alcohol sales, instead bolstering food quality and Committee, in collaboration with many Indigenous student
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Internal Advocacy Bus Routes learning portfolio. In the University Budget Submission, the MSU of the University in regards to institutional strengths and will recommend to the University that the Learning Portfolio provincial differentiation, and is especially important with the Academic Accommodation Over the summer, a proposal was made to move the 1A King cease to exist in its current form. upcoming implementation of the funding formula. The MSU for Students with Disabilities bus line from its current route on King Street, Sterling Avenue, will provide the University with a submission for the Strategic and University Avenue onto Main Street. The Board of Directors Light Rail Transit (LRT) Mandate Agreement, with a particular focus on access for McMaster University is currently in the process of revising engaged in a process with the Ward 1 Councillor, Aidan Johnson underrepresented groups. its policy on Academic Accommodation for Students with to advocate for the route to remain on campus. This effort was In May 2015, the provincial government announced a $1.2 billion Disabilities. The MSU Vice President (Education) sits on successful; the 1A King route continues to operate through investment for the construction of the Hamilton LRT. This Student Housing the committee charged with revision, and has encouraged campus unabated. funding would fully cover LRT construction from McMaster changes to the exsisting policy, such as removing mandatory University to the Queenston traffic circle, as well as a spur line This year, Hamilton City Council has entertained many annual intake appointments at Student Accessibility Services, Gender Neutral Washrooms from Jackson Square to the West Habour GO station. Metrolinx motions aimed at remedying bylaw violations in the Ainslie removing hand-delivery of letters to professors in order receive has recently modified the original spur line to include rapid Wood - Westdale neighbourhood. The Board of Directors accommodation, outlining a clear process for retroactive The MSU worked with the Equity and Inclusion Office, as well bus transit instead of LRT, extending from up the mountain to has been active in working with McMaster University and city accommodations, removing the requirement to disclose a as Facility Services to discuss the next steps for increasing the the harbourfront. Students have long been advocates of LRT, stakeholders in advocating for better community relationships Diagnostic and Statistic Manual diagnosis in order to receive number of gender neutral washrooms on campus. Some of and will continue to be advocates as City Council continues to and higher standards for landlords. As well, the MSU has been accommodations, and including a structure for informal and the items that this group discussed include, creating a PACBIC debate construction of the LRT, despite full funding from the an advocate at the provincial level for increased tenant rights temporary accommodations. working group for LGBTQ+ issues, (which has since come to province. As well, the MSU has participated in the Hamilton through the Landlord Tenant Board. fruition), researching building code requirements for all-gender Chamber of Commerce LRT sub-committee, lending support Academic Affairs Council washrooms, contacting the Ontario Human Rights Commission where necessary. Student Retention for recommendations, researching multi-user stall design, The Academic Affairs Council (AAC) is chaired by the Vice determining signage, and creating an educational campaign MacTalks: Beyond Conversations As Hamilton prepares for massive growth - particularly President (Education), and consists of the VP Academics or geared towards the general population. downtown - over the next decade, students are increasingly equivalents from each of McMaster’s faculty societies, as well From November 7 to 11, the MSU held the annual MacTalks likely to remain within the city, post graduation. In particular, as the Macademics Coordinator and the University Affairs Hamilton Advocacy Week campaign under this year’s title, “MacTalks: Beyond the MSU has been involved in conversations surrounding the Commissioner. The AAC serves as a body for best practice Conversations”. The campaign focused on highlighting the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Economic Development, sharing and networking, as well as discussing shared concerns From January 9 - 13, the MSU engaged in its second annual intersection of mental health and illness with other identities, and advocating for increased graduate employment efforts, in within the University. This year, the AAC focused on work- Hamilton Advocacy Week, meeting with a variety of thus collaborated with a wide variety of groups on campus. In order to increase retention. As well, the MSU has been a leader integrated learning opportunities, the learning portfolio, and stakeholders and decision-makers in the local community. addition, leading up to the campaign, a survey was distributed in establishing a committee between councillors, the mayor, best-practice sharing. The MSU focused on achieving advocacy outcomes related regarding mental health advocacy, which was later used to and student representatives from all three post-secondary to sustainability, student retention, student housing, and shape campaign offerings. The outcomes will be used to develop institutions in Hamilton, in order to magnify the student voice Advocacy Street Team transportation for students. This year, lobby training for all specific requests to the University regarding mental health. when it comes to matters of student retention. students involved was a priority. The week of lobby efforts was The MSU Advocacy Street Team is a group of passionate accompanied by a presentation to City Council on the MSU’s Medical Notes Student Space / Master Plan Critique students who run campaigns on various advocacy initiatives municipal advocacy priorities. throughout the year. This academic year, the Advocacy Street In the summer of 2016, the Student Wellness Centre began Student space has been a major focus for students over the Team was involved in three campaigns. The annual MacTalks Indigenous Student Advocacy charging $20 to students for medical notes, required to explain course of the last several years. In particular, the MSU made campaign was a success yet again, exploring mental health absences. The MSU disagreed with this charge, concerned that significant strides in providing analytical evidence to prove the and illness awareness on campus. A new effort this year was The MSU strengthened its relationship with the McMaster it would academically penalize students who could not afford extent to which student feedback suggests that major upgrades the #myWILis campaign, which focused on work-integrated Indigenous Student Community Alliance (MISCA) through the $20 charge for notes. In response, the Student Wellness are necessary. Over the course of the last two years, numerous learning opportunities for students. Finally, the Be a Good numerous meetings, as well as working together in talks with Centre reversed its decision to apply this fee. Moving forward, surveys and focus groups have ascertained both quantitative Neighbour campaign was designed to improve student- the President’s Office regarding issues on campus. One of the MSU has outlined a stance on medical notes in its Ancillary and qualitative data to reinforce the need to expand space. community relations in the Ainslie Wood - Westdale community. the outcomes of this advocacy was the creation of the Joint Fees policy. Key takeaways include a significant desire for student study In second semester, the Advocacy Street Team will be involved Indigenous - Administration Consultation Group, which consists space, unprogrammed collaborative work space, multi-faith in campaigns related to the upcoming revision of the Tuition of various members from both University administration, the Podcasted Courses prayer space and additional recreation space, particularly for Fee Framework, and environmental sustainability on campus. Indigenous Studies Program and Indigenous Student Services, fitness programming. The MSU will develop a formal Master as well as the MSU Vice President (Education). In addition to This year, many elected representatives on the SRA were Plan critique, once it is approved by the McMaster Board of Affordability working with MISCA, the MSU strengthened its relationship interested in increasing the amount of podcasted lectures. Governors. The critique will provide a set of recommendations with the Cooperative of Indigenous Students Students (CISSA), Lectures can be “captured” using technology called “Echo 360”, to steer the McMaster University Campus Master Plan to be Affordability continues to be an advocacy priority for the MSU. by working to collaborate on the upcoming MSU Indigenous which is available in close to 20 classrooms on campus. The more student focused. The MSU is pushing for increased affordability through the annual Students Policy. MSU has worked with the Registrar’s Office to compile a list of budget submission process with two distinct requests. The first lectures that could be podcasted, and in particular, worked with Sustainability is the elimination of additional tuition fees, such as the $35 Flex Learning Portfolio the Faculty of Science to inform instructors that they are Plan Fee, charged to students who require tuition to be split into able to capture lectures with minimal effort. Internally, the MSU has been pushing for a single-use plastic two separate payments. The second is the elimination of the The Learning Portfolio has existed at McMaster for several water-bottle free campus, as is seen at other institutions in second-year Hooker and Senate awards, reallocating $250,000 years, with various iterations ranging from an Avenue to Learn Strategic Mandate Agreement Ontario. The MSU will include this recommendation in its from merit based scholarships into needs-based bursaries. Both extension, to the most recent PebblePad. The MSU President University Budget Submission this year. In addition, the MSU of these actions would increase affordability, and ensure that and the Vice President (Education) sit on the Provost’s Learning At the end of the 2016/2017 academic year, McMaster has advocated for sustainable materials in new and retrofitted University financial aid programs are as equitable as possible. Portfolio Advisory Committee, in which they have been University’s Strategic Mandate Agreement with the province of buildings on campus. Finally, the MSU has eliminated plastic adamant about the student dissatisfaction surrounding the Ontario will expire. This document outlines the future direction water bottle sales from Union Market.
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Teaching Evaluation Provincial Advocacy OUSA General Assembly Federal Advocacy
The MSU has been an active participant in the conversation on Hamilton Post-Secondary OUSA’s General Assembly is a semi-annual event that allows Federal Lobbying campus surrounding how to evaluate teaching, especially as it Advisory Group (HPSAG) student delegates from each member association to gather and relates to student course evaluations. The MSU Vice President act as the highest governing body of the organization. In March At the conclusion of the 2014/2015 academic year, the MSU (Education) sits on the University Teaching Evaluations The MSU has an established and long running Hamilton Post- 2016, OUSA General Assembly was held at Brock University, ended its affiliation with the Canadian Alliance of Student Committee, which is currently designing recommendations on Secondary Advisory Group, composed of the MSU, the Mohawk and the delegation passed three policy papers: Students with Associations (CASA), thereby leaving itself without a formal how to increase the number of students who complete course Students’ Association, Redeemer Student Senate, and local MPP Disabilities, Online Learning, and Student Employment. The federal lobbying organization. In that time, several student evaluations, how to re-design course evaluations, implementing Ted McMeekin. Local MP Filomena Tassi and Burlington MPP previous MSU Vice President (Administration) and President associations within Ontario and elsewhere have also left mid-term/formative course evaluations, and how to better use Eleanor McMahon also join the committee on occasion. This were authors of the Student Employment paper. In November CASA. Some of these associations, including the MSU, began course evaluations as an assessment tool for teaching. Phase I group meets every four months to discuss student issues and 2016, OUSA General Assembly was held at Western University ADVOCAN, a coalition of student associations from the U15 of this committee is set to be completed in April 2017. the advocacy priorities of each student association within the in London, and the delegation again passed three papers: Canada schools. However, this year, the MSU chose not to lobby provincial context. During the 2016/2017 year, the MSU focused Sexual Violence Prevention & Response, Ancillary Fees, and alongside ADVOCAN due to differences in student priorities. Tuition Task Force advocacy efforts on funding for student services, the provincial Rural & Northern Students. The MSU University Affairs From November 14 - 18, the MSU travelled to Ottawa alongside tuition framework, and data accessibility for students entering Commissioner was one of the authors of the Sexual Violence the Wilfred Laurier University Students’ Union (WLUSU) to A committee of the SRA, the Tuition Task Force exists to ensure post-secondary. Prevention & Response paper, while the Vice President advocate on priorities as established jointly by the MSU and advocacy on all topics related to tuition, student financial aid, (Education) and Vice President (Finance) authored the Ancillary WLUSU. These priorities included International Students, and ancillary fees. This year, the Tuition Task Force was involved Non-Financial Barriers to Post-Secondary Fees paper. In March 2017, the OUSA General Assembly will Students with Disabilities, and Indigenous Students. Between in efforts to improve the transparency of fees, complete Education Access in Ontario be held at Queen’s University, and three papers are slated for the two associations, the MSU and WLUSU had over 30 policies, and tackle the MSU’s advocacy framework surrounding consideration: A Comprehensive Access Strategy, International meetings with stakeholders in the federal government. tuition. In the second term, the task force will focus on tuition Alongside plans to make tuition free for low-income students, Students, and Municipal Affairs. The Vice President (Education) and affordability, as it relates to specific groups, including the provincial government is looking to eliminate non-financial will help author A Comprehensive Access Strategy, while the Indigenous Students Indigenous students and international students. barriers for underrepresented groups in Ontario’s system of SRA Health Sciences caucus leader will author the International post-secondary education. The MSU Vice President (Education) Students paper. Overall, the MSU remains a strong collaborator The Post-Secondary Student Support Program is a federal University Administration has been involved in round-table discussions with both the and contributor to OUSA policy and a leader at OUSA General financial assistance fund that exists to alleviate financial barriers Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development Assemblies. for Inuit and First Nations students wanting to access post- An integral part of the MSU’s internal advocacy efforts lies and the Ministry of Education to bring these barriers to the secondary education. During its federal advocacy week, the with its relationship to members of the University’s senior forefront and advocate for policies that would seek to increase OUSA Provincial Lobbying Week MSU lobbied to eliminate the cap on the program, which has administration. Senior administrators play a critical role in the representation from these groups. Robust data accessibility, been at 2% since 1996. This cap restricts growth of the program allocation of resources on campus, as well as the direction early outreach strategies, and investment into student supports Each year, two leaders from each OUSA member association and does not match tuition, living, or population increases. of several departments. The MSU proudly maintains thriving have been identified as such mechanisms. spend a week at Queen’s Park in Toronto to lobby the provincial On December 7, 2016, the Standing Committee on Finance relationships with all members of the University’s senior government regarding student issues. This year, the week and Economic Affairs recommended that the Government of leadership team. These relationships are thanks in part to a Ontario Student Grant Implementation was completed from November 28 - December 1, with the Canada should remove the 2% cap. team of administrators committed to providing a world class MSU represented by the Vice President (Education) and the student experience, a strong core of MSU full-time staff providing The “new OSAP”, including a generous grant for low-income President. Priorities for this year’s advocacy week included International Students continuity from year-to-year, and passionate group of student students equal to the average cost of tuition, is due to be ensuring increased tuition set-aside funds, regulations on leaders, working in the best interest of McMaster students. rolled out for students entering post-secondary education in international students, inflationary caps on tuition for domestic International student policy was one of the priorities for the the 2017/2018 academic year. There remain many important students, increased measures and training for sexual violence MSU’s federal advocacy week. This advocacy effort focused on University Budget Submission details within the new system to be decided. The MSU Vice prevention on campus, and supporting Bill 76: Pathways to the Express Entry program, as established by the government President (Education) has been involved in consultation at Post-Secondary Education Excellence Act, which focuses of Canada. The MSU advocated for the creation of a separate The MSU University budget submission seeks to highlight the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development on data accessibility. OUSA met collectively with over 60 pathway within the Express Entry program for international areas in which students believe the University can alter its to ensure full access to the Student Access Guarantee for stakeholders, including the Minister of Advanced Education and students, in order to make it easier to obtain work visas post- operating budget. This year, the budget submission will focus first-entry undergraduate students, reasonable exemptions Skills Development, Deb Matthews. graduation, ideally leading to more permanent residents and on four main categories: sustainability, teaching & learning, for scholarships, and clear explanation of the grant and loan Canadian citizens. This stance was widely echoed and there has student support, and affordability. The MSU will make eight systems for students. been some movement on this priority within the government recommendations surrounding the upcoming 2017/2018 budget since November. to improve and invest in each of the aforementioned areas. Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) Students with Disabilities Work-Integrated Learning The MSU participates in OUSA through the Vice President (Education), who sits on the organization’s steering committee Another priority for the MSU’s federal advocacy week, this From November 21 to 25, the MSU held the #myWILis campaign, and contributes to determining advocacy priorities and point focused on the Canada Student Grant for Students alongside other schools in Ontario. The campaign specifically methods throughout the year. This year’s advocacy priorities with Permanent Disabilities and the Canada Student Grant focused on the diversity of experiences within work-integrated included sexual violence prevention, data accessibility, the for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent learning, including service learning, experiential education, tuition framework, implementation of the new OSAP program, Disabilities. The MSU lobbied the government to both create co-op, internship, and field work. During this time, the MSU work-integrated learning opportunities, and funding for parallel programs for students with temporary disabilities, as publicized a survey on student experience with work-integrated essential student services, such as wellness centres and well as to increase the amount that these programs reimburse learning at McMaster. This survey will be used to advocate for accessibility centres. The MSU was involved in bringing OUSA to students for mandatory diagnostic assessments. The MSU more work-integrated learning opportunities on campus. McMaster for its annual best-practice sharing day, as well as a also advocated for increased debt amnesty from the federal very successful campus visit in October. government for students with disabilities, by removing the 2% cap for this program.
14 state of the union | 2016/2017 msumcmaster.ca 15 Communication Community Engagement Communication Community Engagement
Campus Screen Network Social Media Presence 20th Annual McMasters: MSU Charity Golf Classic For Ward One - Participatory Budgeting Advisory Committee The campus screen network continues to grow in usage by The MSU continued to place an emphasis on utilizing and For the past 20 years, the MSU has hosted a charity golf both internal and external users. In partnership with Security expanding its social media presence. Through active and tournament, with all proceeds benefiting the MSU Child Care For Ward One is the Participating Budgeting Advisory Services, as well as the Offices of Student Affairs and Public engaging use of both @MSU_McMaster and facebook.com/ Centre. Since 2011, the MSU’s Shinerama campaign has also Committee (PBAC) for Hamilton’s Ward 1. The participatory Relations, the McMaster Students Union designed a Student MSUMcMaster, the MSU has grown its followership considerably. benefited from the charitable efforts of the MSU. In 2016, The budgeting process engages the community and helps Ward Life Enhancement Fund proposal to create the system in 2012. Now boasting over 9700 followers, the MSU’s Twitter account McMasters continued to generate proceeds to both entities, and 1 Councillor, Aidan Johnson determine the best way to The network grew by three screens this year. In addition, older is a campus staple for information, contests, give-a-ways, and helped contribute to the $110,000 raised by MSU Shinerama distribute the Area Rating Dollars that Ward 1 is assigned monitors were replaced and several locations were updated updates. The MSU’s Facebook page is in excess of 8400 likes this year. The MSU is grateful for the tremendous support that annually. As McMaster students are a key feature inside Ward with larger units. With its 32 screens in 17 major buildings across this year. The use of social media tools within individual MSU campus and community partners continue to bestow on this 1, the MSU’s Community Engagement Coordinator has a seat campus, the network is available for use by all departments services has also grown in prominence, as Part-Time Managers special event. on the committee. This year, the MSU emphasized student and student groups. Underground Media + Design continued received greater amounts of support and training in the conduct involvement in participatory budgeting. In December 2016, the to offer advertising access on both a weekly and subscription of their service’s social media accounts. Moreover, thanks Ainslie Wood - Westdale Community Association MSU ran an event called “Cupcakes and Community Change” to based model, in order to provide more cost effective marketing to the MSU, partnership programs such as Welcome Week, encourage students to submit ideas for participatory budgeting, options for internal and external clients. Costs are subsidized Homecoming, Frost Week and Light Up the Night, all operate The MSU spent 2016/2017 improving community relationships generating over 40 ideas. During the second term, the MSU will for MSU clubs, making the screens very accessible to student under respective hashtags, establishing greater community and with permanent residents of the near-campus neighbourhood. be advertising the PBAC voting period. advertising. In the case of an emergency, the system can be popularity of the events. Finally, the MSU launched its SnapChat As one example, the MSU purchased memberships for requisitioned by Security Services to broadcast important and/ account this year, with the account name MSU_McMaster. students to sit on and participate in the Ainslie Wood - Network for Campus Community Partnerships or critical information or instructions. Westdale Community Association (AWWCA), with the goal President’s Page of strengthening the student voice in the community and The MSU has served on McMaster’s Network for Campus ‘MSU & You’ Radio Show facilitating relationships with members of the community. Community Partnerships since its inception. This year, many The Board of Directors continues to make use of The Silhouette changes have come to the structure of the committee, most A tradition for each year’s Board of Directors, the ‘MSU & as a means of communicating timely information about projects Be a Good Neighbour Campaign noteably the introduction of core working groups. The You’ radio show on CFMU 93.3FM continues every Monday and events in the MSU, to the student body. Located opposite Vice President (Education) sits on the working group for from 12pm-1pm. This year, the show was equally driven by all the editorial inside of each issue of The Sil, the President’s From November 28 - December 1, the External Affairs Committee Community Engaged Service. One project to come out of said members of the Board of Directors, with guest appearances Page features graphics and articles relating to issues in post- and the Student Community Support Network collaborated on a working group was the creation of training for MSU Clubs that by SRA members, and Part-Time Managers. This year’s show secondary education, updates on MSU events, financial reports campaign aimed at improving student / community relationships. participate in community engagement. In addition, the MSU featured the segment, ‘Brockville news’, highlighting humorous and project briefings. The page is published weekly. This campaign highlighted bylaws that students may be unaware Community Engagement Coordinator is actively involved in the a quirky news stories of the Vice President (Education)’s of, such as clearing ice and snow within 24 hours, being mindful working group for Community Engaged Education. hometown. The show typically addressed current topics in the Video Production of excess noise, and removing garbage bins from the curb by MSU and pop culture, while also introducing listeners to local 7pm on pick-up day. As well, students were encouraged to meet President’s Advisory Committee on and Canadian artists. The radio show attempted to have a guest The Communications Officer role continues to provide their neighbours and have a discussion on how they could be a Community Relations (PACCR) each week to allow for new perspectives to be showcased. benefits to the organization by acting as a resource to both better neighbour and community member. Administration and service mangers, in the creation of video PACCR is a group of community stakeholders, consisting Single Message System (SMS) Communication and photography. The MSU has tripled its video output and Change Camp of the MSU, McMaster University, as well as members of the doubled its YouTube subscribers since creating the role. In Ainslie Wood/Westdale community. Within this committee, The MSU renewed its partnership with On Campus Text, addition, MSU produced videos often average thousands of Last March, the second annual Change Camp occurred everyone works together to strategize as to better ways the continuing the SMS service offered to students and campus views, with some notables, such as Mac Farmstand’s “Scoring at the David Braley Health Sciences Centre in downtown University can work with the community, and vice versa. The community members. With more than 7200 people registered a Goal for Local Food” and Macademics’ “MACevals2016” Hamilton. The event discussed areas of the city of Hamilton’s Ward 1 Councillor is often in attendance, so there is always an for the MSU’s text based message system, adoption of the boasting nearly 20,000 views apiece. MSU presidential evolution amongst 200+ students, McMaster staff, community opportunity to see tangible changes on a wide scale. service amongst the student body has proven strong. MSU election and referenda related video content generated tens members, and political representatives. From this event, a Administration and Campus Events use the SMS system to of thousands of views as well. MSU video content continues to report was created with over 200 action items for improved President’s Council advertise events, promotions and important news at a rate of be a strong communications tool for the organization and its community engagement and relationships. Over this academic 1-2 texts a month to all users. The MSU will look to expand its services. year, the MSU has supported projects stemming from these President’s Council is a biweekly meeting of all faculty society contract with On Campus Text next year, as growth in usage by recommendations, such as Hack the City. In addition, the Vice Presidents, chaired by the MSU President. It is here where students is outpacing the MSU’s current subscription level. President (Education) and External Affairs Commissioner have Presidents from across campus share common challenges, been involved in efforts to increase follow-up for Change Camp, collaborate on various projects, and provide advice and insight with the MSU hosting one of three workshops in November to on diverse student issues. By working as a team and keeping work on Change Camp action items. This year’s Change Camp each other informed, the President’s Council builds connectivity event will occur in spring 2017. amongst all of the faculty societies and MSU, in search of common goals.
16 state of the union | 2016/2017 msumcmaster.ca 17 The Workplace The Workplace
term, the Vice President (Administration) will focus on Training Resources Research Assistant The Workplace developing a blended learning training module for PTM training for the 2017/2018 academic year. Beginning in May 2016, the MSU created a student position dedicated to developing training resources for Part-Time Wage Review the organization. Over the summer, this position primarily focused on revamping the peer support-training weekend One of the most significant projects that the MSU for service volunteers. Moreover, this position also acted undertook during the 2016/2017 school year was the review as a support to MSU Diversity Services, in administering Accessibility for Ontarians with Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) of all part-time wages within the organization. Previously, and developing tiered Anti-Oppressive Practices training, Disabilities Act (AODA) Compliance the system of evaluating and determining wages in the MSU in addition to creating new peer support training for The Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) has found a was decided upon using arbitrary criteria and inconsistent leadership conference staff members. Over the winter All volunteers and staff of the MSU are required to complete renewed focus on organizational compliance and developing measurement tools. The new system is based on pay term, the Training Resources Research Assistant will focus the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) industry leading best practices when it comes to health and equity and developed compensable factors as criteria for on developing assessment checks for the peer support modules, offered through the Equity and Inclusion Office. All safety in the various MSU workplaces. Conducting regular evaluation. This evaluation takes into consideration both volunteers, and integrating training information to online AODA compliance standards must be met by 2025. The MSU audits of organizational spaces and a comprehensive tracking the organizational and supervisory understanding of a job, modules. The position will be reviewed in March, evaluating has been working diligently with the Operations Coordinator to system, the JHSC has cemented itself as a critical part of MSU and gives a comprehensive opportunity for employees to the success of the new role in providing support to the make MSU spaces barrier free, based on the recommendations infrastructure and support for the health and safety of staff and contribute their understanding. Wage changes, if applicable, Vice President (Administration), with respect to developing given from the AODA audit conducted last year. student employees. will be implemented at the beginning of the MSU’s fiscal training and resources for volunteers and staff members. year on May 1, 2017. Central Support Staff Restructuring Longitudinal Staff Feedback Space Audit Two years ago, the MSU Board of Directors created a new vision For the first time in many years, the MSU Board of Directors for how central support staff would be structured to better and General Manager underwent a process of significant In May 2016, the MSU struck a space audit committee to facilitate the operations of the organization. The elimination longitudinal staff feedback, to better understand how staff were investigate the efficiency in which MSU spaces and capital of one of the administrative assistant roles, as well as the feeling, address concerns, and develop better processes for assets are used. The committee worked throughout the Student Life Development Coordinator, saw the creation of efficiency inside the organization. This process started at the summer to gather feedback from Part-Time Managers and the Marketing & Communications Director, the Administrative beginning of November and will be concluded by mid-February evaluate service spaces, under the criteria of efficiency of Services Coordinator and the Operations Coordinator. All 2017. The MSU firmly believes that while ultimately it is a student office setup, service space requirements, storage space, roles were graded under the full-time wage evaluation system organization, a culture of support and empowerment towards and compliance with other MSU space priorities. A report and thus far, results have been tremendous. New support and its staff is critical to the organization’s success. was published at the end of the summer and there were focus on providing marketing and communications support for three recommendations that came out of the committee’s business units has been considerable and there is increased MSU Hiring Boards work, ultimately approved by Executive Board. First, the administrative support for part-time services, clubs and the MSU Maroons vacated their office and the space underwent human resources of the MSU. This year, the MSU continued to work towards creating a renovations to create suitable space for the new MSU more transparent and fair selection process. The organization Maccess service. The Elections Department relocated inside Communications Training integrated Behaviour Descriptive Interviewing (BDI) into all the MSU Main Office, in order to free up office space for the Part-Time Manager and service executive hiring. BDI operates new Administrative Assistant. Lastly, the long-term priorities Within the context of a redesigned Part-Time Manager training, under the premise that people’s past behaviour in a similar of the MSU would be to acquire space for a peer support communications specific training was expanded in September situation is the best predictor of future performance. In addition, center, a community kitchen, permanent space for Mac 2016. Led by the Marketing & Communications Director, and the the MSU has revamped its website to provide better resources Farmstand, and accessible event programming space for Communications Officer, PTMs worked through communications for students looking for employment. Students can now access student groups. training in September, rather than the usual May training period. information about how to craft a résumé, how to write a cover The new timeline, along with a smaller group sessions, was letter, and tips for preparing for an interview. Lastly, the MSU will designed to allow PTMs the time to learn the administrative partner with the Degroote HR Association to give commerce aspects of their respective roles first, before the detailed and students the opportunity to externally audit the hiring process. nuanced training of communications work. The results have been positive, with better use of MSU communications systems, Part-Time Manager Training leading to increase social media and web presence. This year, the MSU revamped its Part-Time Manager (PTM) IT Infrastructure training, ensuring it provided staff with ongoing resources and training. Training moved away from the singular training Led by the Network Administrator and Vice President (Finance), weekend, into multiple training sessions focusing on risk a sizeable review of the MSU’s network infrastructure has management, event planning, budgeting, equitable hiring, started to take shape. The IT infrastructure review focused conflict resolution, management of volunteers, goal setting and on organizational standards of practice, development of more. A new addition to training this year included parcing out new productivity tools and applications, as well as a holistic formal promotions training into a stand alone module, led by understanding of security and contingency for MSU users, both the communications team. Communications training focused staff and students employees alike. on MSU branding strategies, promotional tools, social media techniques, as well as public relations training. Over the winter
18 state of the union | 2016/2017 msumcmaster.ca 19 Finances Conclusion Finances Conclusion
Audited Statements Sponsorship & Donations
The MSU’s 2015/2016 fiscal year ended with a year-over-year The MSU continues to operate the Sponsorship and deficit of $192,000 taking overall net assets from about $5.8 Donations committee, and receives a high volume of As a student union, the MSU is not alone in the million to just over $5.6 million. The deficit in the operating requests. Sponsorships are requests that provide promotional challenges it faces regarding transition and continuity fund was $457,424, or 4.9% of revenues The organization is in opportunity, while donations are requests that provide benefit a healthy financial position and chose to invest in the start- to students and the greater community. The MSU is on pace to within the organization. The fundamental pillar of up of key programs this past year. The deficit is due to the fully distribute the $10,000 allocated to students and student its identity, that it is run by students on a rotating performance of the MSU investment portfolio. During fiscal groups. Pending available funds, the committee will accept 2016, the portfolio incurred a loss of 2% (or $114,000). That said, requests until the end of the academic year. basis, remains to be both the strongest asset of the the same portfolio earned over $495,000 of investment income organization, as well as its largest obstacle. in the prior fiscal year. Tracking fiscal year 2017, the same Transparency / MSU Open House investment fund is expected to generate a revenue in excess of $300,000. The MSU remains in a very healthy financial position. The MSU consistently maintains transparency and accountability As such, institutional memory and a thorough transition process are in its spending and financial affairs. This year, the MSU cardinal to the organization’s success and relevancy. Strategy plays an The remainder of the operating fund, consisting of discretionary continued the “Your Money” infographic project, ensuring important role in making positive, sustainable improvements to the spending on services, advocacy and programming, along with students could easily see how money is distributed within the organization as well. In order to secure the long-term viability of projects revenue from business units, generated a modest surplus of MSU. In addition, the project was bolstered by creating a more and initiatives, the responsible individual(s) must take the necessary steps $20,000. With significant growth expected from the markets engaging opportunity for students in the form of the MSU Open to ensure their projects evolve in a strategic manner, whether through a into 2017, the MSU expects to have a great year financially. House. The Open House allowed students to walk around MUSC comprehensive transition report, changes to Bylaws and Operating Policies, With respect to the MSU’s audited statements presented and while viewing large format displays of all MSU, University and or documentation outlining a long-term plan. delivered by KPMG annually, the organization made all changes non-aligned fees charged to students. In addition, a complete suggested by auditors, all of which were minor. The MSU will breakdown of each MSU service was also on display. This The State of the Union also plays an important role in improving continuity continue to ensure best practices are upheld in regards to its format allowed students to critically evaluate which areas by outlining the events and challenges of the previous year, while financial operations. they would like to see more significant investment, as well as describing areas which warrant further attention and work. Given that suggest areas where they might not be getting the value they the majority of terms within the MSU last a year or less, the completion Budget Process Changes would want. In addition, and as per usual, the MSU posted the of certain projects is not feasible within such a timeframe. While it is complete audited financial statements of its previous fiscal year important to continuously evolve in response to student opinion, the Following recommendations from the MSU’s annual audit, the online, and published a review of the audited statements on the completion of relevant projects already begun cannot be neglected. organization has begun the 2017/2018 budgeting cycle. The President’s Page of The Silhouette. process will engage budget managers to determine plans The coming months will bring forward many new ideas, opinions, and and priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, as well as foster criticisms of the MSU. As MSU members, students should immerse a renewed focus on investing in strategic objectives for the themselves in the debate and devote time to making an informed choice organization, and advancing the ability for future Boards in all forthcoming elections. There are many areas in which the MSU can of Directors to have the flexibility to act on the mandate to focus, and which priorities are eventually pursued is determined by the which they are elected. In addition to consultation with budget individuals elected to represent the student body. McMaster University managers, the MSU will also engage part-time employees and boasts an abundance of different opinions and values. In order to ensure elected representatives as to the direction the organization one’s views are adequately represented, it is essential to engage in the should take. democratic process and hold elected representatives accountable.
Investment Strategy Thank you for taking the time to read this document. Given that undergraduate years are numbered, the MSU exists to help students get After several years of significant financial success for the the most out of the university experience. This document was established organization, the MSU is beginning to review its approach in part to help students be active participants in deciding how the MSU to investments. The organization has accumulated a healthy goes about doing just that. reserve, currently held in marketable securities. Moving forward, the MSU will look to make investments inside the organization, as well as the community, with a goal a creating significant impact with respect to organizational priorities. Investments will always be made with respect to ensuring a return for students, as the MSU continues to make responsible financial decisions.
20 state of the union | 2016/2017 msumcmaster.ca 21 Appendix A Appendix B Appendix A Appendix B
Breakdown of full-time undergraduate student fees (2016/2017) MSU Operating Budget 2016/2017 A full-time student is enrolled in 18 units or more Infographic: Per Student Breakdown of MSU Operating Fee
McMaster University Fees, Approved by MSU Referenda or Quorate General Assembly: Non-MSU / Non-University Fees:
Administrative Services Fee $1.22 per unit to a Engineers Without Borders $0.39 maximum of 30 units Incite Magazine $1.00 Athletics & Recreation Activity Fee $117.49 McMaster Marching Band $0.93 McMaster University Student Centre $0.64 per unit to a (MUSC) Operation Fee maximum of 30 units McMaster Solar Car Project $1.11 Fee breakdowns are approximate and may Orientation Levy $116.74 OPIRG $7.93 be rounded. (first time, level I only) Administration = majority of Sports Complex Building Fee $4.72 per unit to a overhead costs and staffing maximum of 30 units Faculty Society and Support Fees across all services.
Student Health Services Fee $60.10 Arts & Science Society $28.11 Statistics based on 2015/2016 finances (May−April). Student Services Fee $4.58 per unit to a DeGroote Commerce Society $207.90 maximum of 30 units Health Sciences (Honours) Society $30
McMaster Engineering Society $192.17 MSU Fees McMaster Humanities Society $60 CFMU Operating and Capital fund $12.95 Medical Radiation Science $148.81 HSR Bus Pass $150.80 McMaster Science Society / Kinesilogy $51.21 Marmor Operating Fund $9.22 (MSU’s University yearbook) McMaster Social Sciences Society $65.76
MSU Dental Plan $120.30 Nursing Society $197.10
MSU Health Plan $111.25
MSU Operating Fund $125.82
WUSC Refugee Scholarship $1.54
22 state of the union | 2016/2017 msumcmaster.ca 23 2016/2017 Approved Operating Fund: Smaller Services – Net 2016/2017 Approved Operating Fund: Larger Services – Net
______$2,000.000.00 ______$100,000.00 ______$80,000.00 $1,500,000.00 ______$60,000.00 ______$40,000.00 $1,000,000.00 ______$20,000.00 ______$0.00 $500,000.00 ______-$20,000.00 ______-$40,000.00 -$0.00 ______-$60,000.00 ______-$80,000.00 -$500,000.00 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 ______1 Union Market $93,750.00 5 WGEN -$13,600.00 ______2 House of Games (Taro) $18,400.00 6 Child Care Centre -$67,720.00 -$1,000,000.00 3 Student Wellness Centre $29,400.00 7 EFRT -$35,232.00 4 Underground Media + Design $27,500.00 8 MACycle -$10,770.00 9 SHEC -$15.575.00 The Silhouette TwelvEighty Admin and Executive Public Relations Campus Events 10 SWHAT -$14,695.00 -$138,650.00 -$75,740.00 Operation (including -$256,354.00 -$493,055.00 11 Maccess -$11,750.00 $1,822,500.00 OUSA) 12 QSCC -$14,574.00 -$453,550.00 13 Maroons -$17,980.00 14 CLAY -$16,602.00 15 Shinerama & Terry Fox -$11,470.00 16 Horizons -$9,020.00 17 Spark -$13,380.00 18 Elections Dept. -$27,804.00 19 SCSN -$29,530.00 20 Macademics -$6,490.00 21 Diversity Services -$26,124.00 22 Mac Bread Bin -$16,645.00 23 FYC -$2,020.00 24 Compass Info Centre -$27,680.00 25 Peer Support Line -$13,400.00 26 Mac Farmstand -$10,570.00 27 Ombuds Office -$65,600.00
24 state of the union | 2016/2017 msumcmaster.ca 25 Appendix C Appendix C
Appendix C: Personnel Kinesiology Part-Time Managers (PTMs) Justis Beley Advocacy Coordinator Sandy Tat
Natacha Ngo Creating Leadership Taylor Bridgens Amongst Youth (CLAY)
Speaker Diversity Services Ryan Deshpande (Director) Student Representative Assembly (SRA) Humanities Lilian Obeng (Asst Director) (May 2016—present) Genya Oparin Esra Bengizi Resigned January 2017 Elections Department Helen Zeng (CRO) Board of Directors Kritika Seth (DRO) Lindsay D’Souza Commissioners Justin Monaco-Barnes MSU President Emergency First Stephanie Black Zach Rudge Standing Committee on Bylaws & Procedures: David Lee Response Team (EFRT) Ryan MacDonald Vice President (Finance) Standing Committee on External Affairs: Victoria Liu Horizons Conference Raymond Khanano Shaarujaa Nadarajah Vice President (Administration) Science Standing Committee on Finance: Yelena Banjavcic Mac Bread Bin Veronica Van Der Vliet Blake Oliver Vice President (Education) Preethi Anbalagan (Director) Standing Committee on Operations: Preethi Anbalagan Zoe Davidson (Asst Director) Gilbert Kobina Baiden Nursing Standing Committee on Services: Kevan McDougall Mac Farmstand Kaitlyn Zarcone-Beam Megan Hsu Kelly Long Standing Committee on University Affairs: Megan Hsu Macademics Rohoma Zakir Aquino Inigo Allisa Ragnanan Maccess Alexander Wilson Ryan Threndyle Executive Board MACycle Andy Tran Business Pearl Almeida Elected June 2016 Social Sciences Maroons Megan O’Brien Labika Ghani Resigned October 2016 Lindsay D’Souza Resigned May 2016 Gabriel Carrera Resigned October 2016 Peer Support Line (PSL) Zeinab Khawaja Jay Krause Resigned October 2016 Ashley Eom Jordan Cole Queer Students Aly Khalifa Taylor Mertens Ikram Farah Community Centre (QSCC) Ikram Farah Jackie Phung Elected October 2016 Desmond Flowers Shinerama / Terry Fox Samantha Jones Hannah Martin Elected November 2016 Scott Robinson Ryan MacDonald Spark Wid Yaseen Kathleen Quinn Eklavya Sehrawat Elected October 2016 Justin Monaco-Barnes Student Community Support Balie Tomar Eric Shingleton-Smith Network (SCSN) Shaarujaa Nadarajah Engineering Student Health Sutina Chou Health Sciences Blake Oliver Education Centre (SHEC) Ezekiel Areghan Ashley Eom Eric Shingleton-Smith Student Walk Home Leon Zhang Jason Dales Attendant Team (SWHAT) David Lee Desmond Flowers Women and Gender Equity Lainey Stirling Network (WGEN) Sarah Kula Arts & Science
Maxwell Lightstone Pearl Almeida
Andrew McBride
26 state of the union | 2016/2017 msumcmaster.ca 27 Appendix C Appendix C
First Year Council Full-Time Staff Compass Manager Debbie Good (30 years)
Kristen Webster Coordinator Accounts Payable/ Kevin O’Mara (5 years) Comptroller Maggie Gallagher (8 years) Payroll Supervisor Selene Florean Chair Food and Beverage Manager Richard Haja (7 years) Accounts Receivable Supervisor Sean Duncan (1 year) Angel Huang VP External General Manager John McGowan (15 years) Administrative Assistant Emma Ferguson (<1 year) Grace Bryson VP Internal Marketing & Communications Michael Wooder (9 years) Administrative Services Victora Scott (9 years) Director Shanna Ingram VP Events Coordinator Network Administrator Pauline Taggart (25 years) Tiffany Tse Residence Councilor: Campus Events Director Al Legault (7 years) Bates Operations Coordinator Jess Bauman (5 years) Campus Events Office Manager Ian Thompson Rani Mao Residence Councilor: Student Opportunity Position Silhouette Editor-in-Chief Scott Hastie Brandon Student Opportunity Position CFMU Administrative Director Sandeep Bhandari (19 years) Anna Mary Wilfred Residence Councilor: TwelvEighty Stuart Gold (6 years) Edwards CFMU Community Mark Gonzalez Assistant Kitchen Manager Outreach Coordinator Student Opportunity Position Andrew Estrada Residence Councilor: TwelvEighty Andrej Vilks (1 year) Hedden CFMU Program Director James Tennant (19 years) Night Club Manager
Harneet Hothi Residence Councilor: Child Care Centre Cook Marlene James (26 years) TwelvEighty Jen Simas (3 years) Les Prince Restaurant Manager Child Care Centre Director Debbie Thomson (35 years) Alissa Liu Residence Councilor: Underground Media + Design Dave Dedrick (9 years) Mary Keyes Child Care Centre Emily Young (31 years) Manager Early Childhood Educator Emma Jayne Chaikowsky Residence Councilor: Underground Media + Design Rebecca Arboly (5 years) Matthews Child Care Centre Karen Iles (29 years) Multi-Media Designer Early Childhood Educator Toni-Rose Asuncian Residence Councilor: Underground Media + Design Madeline Locke McKay Child Care Centre Lisette Ann Madore (33 years) Service Coordinator Student Opportunity Position Early Childhood Educator Reni Gandhi Residence Councilor: Union Market Manager Shaina McDonald Moulton Child Care Centre Michelle Fairbairn (24 years) Student Opportunity Position Early Childhood Educator Christy Yu Residence Councilor: University Ombuds Carolyn Brendon (13 years)* Wallingford Child Care Centre Miranda Vanderveen (8 years) Early Childhood Educator *Ombuds is co-funded between the MSU and McMaster University. Abdul Stoit Residence Councilor: Whidden Child Care Centre Peggy-Sue Paterson (20 years) Early Childhood Educator Ernest Wong Residence Councilor: Woodstock Child Care Centre Sharon MacDougall (34 years) Early Childhood Educator
New Employess Hired Child Care Centre Sherri Huffman (4 years) Early Childhood Educator Child Care Centre Dana Russell* Early Childhood Educator Child Care Centre Dana Russell (maternity leave) Early Childhood Educator Administrative Assistant Emma Ferguson Clubs Administrator Jonathan Davis Underground Media + Design Dave Dedrick Student Opportunity Position Manager Communications Officer Sarah Mae Conrad *Dana was hired as an ECE whilst Sherri Huffman is away on maternity leave. Student Opportunity Position
28 state of the union | 2016/2017 msumcmaster.ca 29 Acknowledgments Acknowledgments
Editor Michael Wooder
Design & Layout Dave Dedrick
Special Thanks John McGowan, Jess Bauman and Sarah Mae Conrad
30 state of the union | 2016/2017 msumcmaster.ca 31 msumcmaster.ca
32 state of the union | 2016/2017