Off The Record...
Editorial
2009-2010 has been a year of many successes at Mount Allison. An energetic incoming class, coupled with vibrant upperclassmen, created an instant atmosphere of creativity, vision, and of course, academics. Early on however, several events led to the pollution of this atmosphere, making it a toxic environment that for many, myself included, has shaken the trust in the abilities of individuals running this school to listen to the concerns of students.
The article “Enrolment on the Rise” featured on page seven of issue number 93 of The Record discusses the seemingly endless positives that accompany a higher enrolment rate. It features an optimistic quote from VP Student Affairs and International Ron Byrne: “Having the increase in students allows us to improve the student experience and continue to emphasize our goals of quality and innovation at Mount Allison.” In my opinion, this couldn’t be further from the truth. If overloaded classes and crowded residences caused by an irresponsible increase of students is the Mt. A experience, it is alive and well.
Residence life at Mt. A is pivotal; an experience that should not be missed. It is touted as an integral part of the Mt. A as a whole. So, one can imagine the shock and frustration experienced by Bigelow residents upon returning to their house in late August. The spacious lounge, once used as a place for studying, gathering and celebrating, was gone; six double rooms now occupied that space. The administration provided the rationale that this was ‘flex-space’ subject to temporary changes. I can assure that the changes in Bigelow are permanent, since cement and cinderblocks are hardly temporary. Stories like these are commonplace; the lounges in Edwards, Thornton, and Hunton House were used as rooms, Harper Hall executives lost their rooms in favour of more double rooms, Windsor Hall housed ‘triples’ and in Campbell Hall, about half the single rooms were fitted with the ‘loft bed’ option (posh term for bunk beds). It would seem the goal of quality is giving way to the goal of quantity, attempting to get as many students as possible while sacrificing the supportive features of common residence space and single rooms.
Perhaps the most inexcusable aspect to this is that only a select few were privy to these changes in residence life. Why not consult the students to see what would work best? Who knows about residence life better than the ones that live there? Conveniently, these discussions and implementations took place during the summer months. The students had dispersed resulting in no unified student voice to express concern and displeasure.
As the 2010 academic year came to an end, secrecy and behind-door dealings reared its ugly head again. Mt. A’s meal plans were diverse and consequently, were able to accommodate almost all students’ needs. The unlimited, block, and other plans were sufficient for most and the 140 block plan provided for the rest living in the Satellite residences and Thornton House. When the idea was proposed to eliminate several of these plans, including the 140 plan, for reasons of becoming more like other universities and saving money, I, along with many others, was vehemently opposed to this measure. Even after several meetings in which I implored the administration to have meetings with students, our input was not solicited. This non-consultation with students culminated in a motion made and passed unanimously by the Students’ Administrative Council explicitly indicating the importance of specific meal plans to certain students. Meanwhile, students’ e-mails flooded inboxes of administrators and a Facebook group was started rejecting the proposals.
But alas, our voices fell upon deaf ears. When VP Administration David Stewart informed me of the ‘exciting’ changes, I was not impressed. The new plan has cut block plans altogether, including the 140 for Thornton and the Satellites. Though Cuthbertson, touted as a sustainable residence, received a special meal plan, this policy fails to recognize that many residents do not want a meal plan at all. Contradiction abounds as the website flaunts the great kitchens and cooking facilities in residences while simultaneously, the administration looks to make them virtually obsolete. Though this information has not been promulgated, decisions have been made at the end of the year when the vast majority of students have departed.
Increasingly, decisions are being made that are making Mt. A look more like a big corporation rather than a place of higher learning. Time and time again, the students have little to no input and we are becoming isolated from events happening around us. Who knows and understands our best interests better than us? My Mt. A is a place where the students are involved in the decisions that affect them, not ignored; where residence life is treasured, not seen as a place for more profits; and where student apprehension, even regarding a meal plan, is treated with dignity and respect, not dismissed as inconsequential. The Mt. A experience is changing, and in this student’s opinion, it is not for the better.
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