A G E N D A
Students’ Union Representative Council
March 14, 2010, 7:00 PM
Students’ Union Council Chambers
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Opening Remarks of the Chair of Council
4. Review of Minutes
5. Business Arising
6. Constituency Reports
7. Executive reports
- VP Executive, Ms. Sheryl MacAulay
- VP Finance, Mr. Pat McAloon
- VP Activities and Events, Mr. Aaron Flynn
- VP Communications, Ms. Sarah Furey
- VP Student Relations, Ms. Alex Gosselin
- VP Campus Police, Mr. Rory Campbell
8. Review of Strategic Plan
9. Faculty Representative’s Remarks
10. Student’s Union Administrator’s Remarks
11. Report of Committees
- Standing Committees
- Performance Review Committee
12. New Business
- Executive 2010-11 Ratification
- VP Finance – Ms. Danielle Levesque
- VP Student Relations – Ms. Megan McNeil
- VP Communications – Mr. Chris Baxter
- VP Activities and Events – Mr. Mark Gillis
- VP Union Services – Ms. Isabelle Gosselin
- VP Campus Police – Ms. Jess Boutilier
- Council-Selected Awards
- Birks Award
- Jason Simmons Memorial Award
13. Closing Remarks of the Chair of Council
14. Adjournment
Executive Report
March 14th, 2010
Sandy MacIntosh – President
StFX Students’ Union
“Sheryl MacAulay is attending Hawaiian Beach Party at The Inn!”
CASA
I have been in Ottawa this past week at our annual LobbyCon for CASA. A lobby document was created which compiled research and statistics with our recommendations to the federal government on selected topics that we are looking for this year. The topics that we presented covered a national education transfer, reforming student loans, lowering interest rates on loans, support for first nations people, reforming graduate scholarships and a way to support Canada’s learning information needs.
In terms of actual meetings I met with MP Phil McColeman, Senator Stephen Greene, Senator Vivienne Poy, Senator Wilfred Moore, MP Olivia Chow, Minister of National Defense Peter MacKay and the office of the President of the Treasury Board Stockwell Day. As an organization, CASA also met with the Ministers of Transportation, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and most noteworthy Prime Minister Stephen Harper. This was the first time CASA, or any post-secondary education advocacy group, has met with a Prime Minister with our recommendations.
Overall I would say this has been a very successful conference with a lot of positive feedback from CASA membership as well as the Members of Parliament and Senators. As I finish this report, the closing plenary is still in session and there will be a discussion on the future of transition processes so I will update the incoming external representatives on this when I hear it.
Transition
As noted in my last Executive Report the transition process is well underway now and Sheryl and I have been meeting with Sam and Alia. Sam has taken a part in a number of meetings this past week while I was in Ottawa.
Spring Break and the Upcoming Weeks
When everyone else was on spring break last week Rory and I were still around in class. Education is fantastic. I spent a lot of the time working on final projects before my next practicum starts. My practicum will start on March 22nd and I will have a change in office hours.
“An individual does not begin to attain wisdom until they realize they are no longer indispensible.” – Anon
From the Office of the Vice President Executive
Sheryl MacAulay
Council Executive Report
Thursday, March 11th, 2010
Senate Update
- Student Senators are still meeting on a bi-weekly basis. The major issues brought to the last meeting were from the Joint Committee on Studies. Thee committee is considering changing the honors program to make it at 75% entrance level instead of 70%. The reasons for this change are as follows:
- Students who are entering the program are not as likely to complete the program with a 70% average
- This has been the standard for many years, and over time grades have inflated on campus, and the honors program does not reflect this
- There are not enough professors to act as advisors, and professors feel they end up doing the bulk of the work for students who are struggling
- This is a concern for all departments
General University Senate meeting was held on Tuesday, March 9th
- Received a report from Dr. Riley
- Noted that there has been an agreement for collective bargaining
- Highlighted the province is doing a review of all universities in the province on the basis of funding and programmatic development
- There is a search for a new Dean of Science and new Dean of Arts taking place
- Looking at future priorities for the next 5-10 years for the university
- There is a strong push for student recruitment at this point
- Report from Committee on Academic review
- Departmental reviews of Business and Information Systems
- The committee adopted a number of the considerations; please see me for more detail
- Report from Academic Computing Committee
- did not meet quorum, but discussed a number of issues
- Committee is looking at the rollout of Module on campus
- TSG is unable at this time to support a full rollout, so it must be done is phases
- Report from Associate Vice President of Research – Dr. Keith D’Bell
- Dr. D’Bell highlighted and explained his 5 key areas of focus in the coming year: 1) overview of university research activity, 2) funding levels, 3) highlight research service groups 4) examine the external environment for research, 5) Future goals for his role
- There was no new business at this meeting
Committee Work
Equity Advisory Committee – Met on March 10th and discussed a number of issues
- When the committee co-chairs (me and Elizabeth McGibbon) contacted the Vice President of Student Experience and Recruitment about the inaccessibility of his new office, he dismissed the concerns by not replying to the e-mail. Follow up action is taking place as a result of this.
- The committee welcomed Corina Fitzgerald, new Director of Student Life
- The committee raised concern about the action which the university is taking in regards to the recent charges being placed against a StFX varsity athlete. At this time, the committee did not feel they had enough information to move forward on the issue.
Honorary Degree Committee – Three nominees were put forward to this committee for a Spring Convocation Honorary Degree. It is a highly confidential committee; therefore I can not go into detail about what was discussed.
Health and Dental Plan
- Tuition fees were due at the end of January, and as a result a number of students noticed charges on their account for the Health and Dental plan because they did not opt out of the coverage at the appropriate time. Linda MacDonald and I have been dealing with this issue. No legitimate reasons for not opting out were put forward; there have been a number of cases in the past month with people trying to opt out far past the deadline.
Team Management
- Alia and I are meeting weekly and I am continuing to transition her into the role of Vice President Executive
- Beginning to look into transition dates with Frank Gallant for the new executive team
- One on one’s going well and attendance has increased
Office Projects
- GET YOUR SKATES SHARPENED! Students’ Union/Rez Life Charity Hockey Game: The final date has been set for March 25th at 10:00pm at the KMC Arena. I am planning this in conjunction with Alex Musial, House Director of Lane. Drop me a line if you wish to be a part of the roster. (No skill necessary!!!)
- Planning of the Students’ Union Awards Banquet: the date has been set for April 9th. Invitations will be coming shortly.
- I sat on the interview panel for Vice President of Activities and Events
Announcements and Reminders
- There will be a guest speaker, Dr. Charmaine Nelson from the Department of Art History and Communications from McGill in Support of Black Heritage Month. The lecture topic is Thinking Through Culture: Canadian Colonialism and the Erasure of Black Presence. Date of this event is Thursday, March 18, 2010 in B33 at 7:00pm. Check it out!
- StFX Relay for Life March 19th!
March Executive Report
From the office of the Vice President Finance
Office
- Preparing 2010-2011 budget
- Completed self performance evaluation
- Changing/ Updating terms of reference
- Creating Society allocation policy
Accounts Coordinator
- Hired new accounts coordinator for Julieanne’s maternity leave. Congratulations Marci MacDougall
Income VP Finance
- Awaiting ratification before all the fun begins
VP of Communications Sarah Furey Council Report March 11, 2010
Vice President of Communications
Sarah Furey
Council Report March 11, 2010
“Hurt people, hurt people. Healed people, heal people.” –Eliza Knockwell (Star Child)
• TheU.ca
o Terminated the Sercada contract
Group discussion between Sandy, Sheryl, Sarah, Dan and Ben to decide action.
Met with Dave Mattie to deliver the message.
Officially terminated the contract as it stands.
o Action from here:
Preparing detailed report outlying gains and benefits as well as risks and losses from the Sercada contract as well as development of TheU.ca
In ever unfortunate situation there are several gains. These learning experiences will be outlined in the report.
Plan to work with incoming VP Communications as well as President and Vice President elect to develop plans for the future with reference to web development.
o Current TheU.ca
Several issues with this site. All of which energy, effort and time was spent developing and fixing the issues for the new site. In hindsight it is obvious that the current site is suffering.
The U countdown is an issue that was resolved on the dev site (dev.theu.ca/theu). Web Administrator, Dan Enman has been working on this issue for some time and reported back that it is extremely difficult to change. I plan to contact a third party to have the counter reset.
o Web Developer Resignation
Benjamin Burns put forth his resignation to the President and Vice President. I was informed of his decision through Sherly and Sandy.
I don’t plan to reopen this position before the break but do plan to potentially use the honorarium for contract work (i.e. resetting the counter). Pending council.
o Lead Web Developer
?Has expressed his extreme frustration with the current web development situation. Understandable, there has been an overwhelming amount of work and stress filtered through the office. Dan also expressed that his personal and professional life is building. Dan is considering leaving his postion as Lead Web Developer.
?Dan and I have had to two serious conversations on the issue and dan has agreed that:
1. He will help us in hiring and transitioning a new Lead Web Developer
2. He will possibly consider returning to a position. If he is to returnin some capacity it will be based on a plan prepared Dan and I. We willclearly outline the details of the problems that must be consideredbefore the end of the year to ensure a full-capacity team for next year.
3. I assured Dan that his safety and well being is most important to me and The Students’ Union. If he feels overwhelmed or stressed or has other issues in his life I let him know that we would work it out. I want to make sure Dan makes decisions in his best interest. He is a solid guy and very concerned about The U.
• COMM Block
o The Fox Board of Directors Meeting scheduled for Friday at 3.
Positions are opened for next year
Requested Final report from The Fox. Graham Scott’s version is attached
o Xaverian Weekly
?Multiple Publication Board Meetings
• Drafting new hiring policy
• Drafting new media pass policy
• Drafting new constitution
o In it’s second draft
o Plan to have the Communications Committee view the document
o As well presenting the final draft to a lawyer for revision
?Positions are opened for positions at the Xav.
Concerned about a new Editor in Chief coming forth, so please promote and recruit.
Devanne O’Brien is submitting her final report on March 26th.
• Academic Computing Committee
o Next meeting is March 25th at 1:30. Please let me know if there are any issues that you want presented.
o Digital Asset Management
• Campus Wide Digital Asset Management student initiative
o Informations Systems Students are planning to create an RFP for a campus wide system for digital assts
o The U has been high lighted as a key stakeholder.
o I have met with the students several times to help them develop requirements for the project.
o I have included the Fox and the Weekly as key players.
• Marketing Team
o Wind down but still working hard.
o Planning to promote the Xavier Cup with a street hockey game outside of Mini Moe’s
• COCA East
o Heading to COCA East this weekend with Flynner and Baxter.
• The Weekly
FINAL REPORT
CFXU 93.3 FM
External Station Manager – Graham Scott
March 1, 2010
The 2009-2010 academic year was undoubtedly one of the most successful years at CFXU.
Across many fronts, we experienced a level of growth, development, and innovation that has
not been witnessed here in recent memory, and will certainly serve to guide the further
maturation of The Fox for years to come.
This report will touch on the following points:
1.The 'Branding' of CFXU
2.FunDrive 2009
3.Advertising Revenue
4.Equipment Upgrades
5.Technical Troubleshooting
6.Programming Improvements
7.Promotion of Live Music in Antigonish
8.Disciplinary Issues
9.CFXU as Recording Studio: A Model
10. Work Placement Programs
It has been my supreme pleasure to have been associated with CFXU for the past 4 years,
first as DJ, then as Production Manager and finally External Station Manager; I wish all the
best to those who take her reins henceforth and encourage any future staff member who may
be reading this report to contact me [ with questions or requests
for advice as they may arise.
Graham Scott
External Station Manager
Radio CFXU 93.3 FM
May 2008 – April 2010
1.
The Branding of CFXU
This year, we accomplished 'phase 2' of a new branding initiative following our
frequency change last year. This second phase involved a redesigning of our logo, updating
of our website, and a visual promotions campaign to coincide with our many events on
campus and around town. The new circular 'fox logo' replaced the older 'waves logo' and was
immediately featured on a highly popular run of t-shirts that were ready for FunDrive in
September. At this point, we have nearly sold out of these shirts and are ready to order a
second run for the remainder of this year and to get started off for next year. A new website
was designed using the WordPress platform with the help of a web designer based in Halifax
named Lissa Pattillo [ This site features our distinctive logo and color
branding that is consistent between all of our subsequent visual media. We were also able to
secure a CFXU bulletin board in the SUB on the 2nd floor, directly across from the Union
Station. This bulletin board also features the new logo and colors, and will remain an up-todate
source of information on programming and upcoming events. Furthermore, we are
currently in negotiations with a local company, Admiral, to have a billboard erected on the side
of Highway 104 that will be seen when one travels into town from the Halifax direction.
Central Building Supplies has indicated that they would be happy to donate the land for our
billboard, and we have a final design. Once we have a price quote from Admiral that we can
manage, we plan to move ahead with this project and have the billboard installed as soon as
possible. Of course, this billboard will also feature the new logo and our frequency in a large
recognizable font.
All in all, this past year has seen remarkable strides taken toward a more unified 'look'
and 'feel' to match our distinct sound. Jerel Jarvis has been instrumental to this effort in her
role as Promotions Director, and I recommend that we retain this newly created position to
further strengthen the CFXU 'brand' of radio as we move forward.
2.
FunDrive 2009
The decision to host our annual FunDrive in September (instead of in February) was
one of the best decisions we could have made with respect to reaching our fundraising goals.
We chose to bump this event up in order to coincide with the hype associated with Frosh
Week and to occur at a time of year where students seem to have a bit more money in their
wallets to allow them to attend more events, make donations, etc. We also found the
University Administration to be very co-operative at this time of year (for example, Dr. Sean
Riley was keen to be auctioned off at our 'Celebrity Auction' event at the Inn). We were able to
bring in over $1200 on this night alone, and were able to set a new record for the amount of
money and awareness raised during FunDrive. As a positive by-product of having FunDrive
so early in the year, we also received a larger than usual volume of show applications
submitted at that time. I would recommend that future Station Managers strongly consider
hosting FunDrive during the 3rd or 4th week of September to continue to capitalize on the
advantages listed above.
3.
Advertising Revenue
2009-2010 marked an interesting year in the Advertising department. After a relatively
unsuccessful advertising year in 2008-2009, I was bracing for an even worse year in light of
the global economic crisis that seemed to make businesses more reluctant than ever to hand
over a cheque in exchange for advertising on a campus/community radio station. Indeed, I
was not able to secure any long-term advertising commitments from any of the local
businesses that have traditionally supported us. That being said, this was actually a remarkable year for advertising revenue as I have been able to cultivate a relationship with