Incident on Campus - Be Aware of Your Surroundings By Daniel Buzhor, Junior Reporter

Recently, as all students know, a student has been violently attacked, robbed, and left seriously injured in the campus area. While she is thankfully recovering after receiving hospital care, this incident is a reminder to us all that we should seriously consider our safety. As winter brings longer nights, it will get easier for crimes to happen and even go unpunished.

The university responded swiftly, activating its Critical Incident Team and working with police to increase patrols around campus, paying special attention to Louise Avenue, Lorne Avenue, and 20th Street. While the university’s actions are assuring students in the safety measures, they ignore an important reality: no system, no matter how close to perfection it is, can guarantee absolute safety.

That’s why it's crucial to remember that a big part of safety responsibilities lie with us—the students, staff, those who live, work, and move around campus. Security is a shared effort.

Safety Starts With Awareness

The world we live in is full of distractions. It is totally normal that smartphones, headphones, and social media are lowering our awareness of surroundings and our attention to details. It is an inevitable side-effect of modern technology.

However, we should not forget that these distractions can make us vulnerable. While in areas that we consider safe, like home or campus, especially where there are people around, it is generally safe to lower our guard down, it is extremely crucial to focus on your surroundings whenever you are leaving your safe zone. Criminals often look for targets who appear unaware or distracted. The simple act of staying attentive can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim. Put your phone away while walking, especially at night. Keep your headphones off or at a low volume, or consider wearing just one earbud so you can still hear what’s happening around you.

Avoiding distractions is important, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. It’s also about thinking ahead to make choices that prioritize your safety.

Steps to Stay Safe

1. Avoid distractions: Walking while staring at your phone or listening to headphones makes it harder to notice potential threats. Especially at night, stay off your phone and keep your attention on your surroundings.

2. Stick to well-lit areas: If possible, avoid dark alleys or isolated streets. Louise Avenue, Lorne Avenue, and 20th Street have been areas of concern lately.

3. Walk in groups: There is strength in numbers. If you can, travel with a friend or group, especially when it’s dark.

4. Trust your instincts: If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Change your path, seek help, or call someone to alert them to your location.

Supporting Each Other

Safety isn’t just an individual responsibility—it’s a collective one. We must look out for one another. If you see someone who looks lost, distressed, or vulnerable, help them. It could be as simple as walking with them or helping them call for a ride. Staying aware of people around creates safer environment for everyone.

Taking small steps to stay safe might not seem like much, but little things like this always add up together. We’re not just protecting ourselves—we’re setting a standard for the kind of community we want to live in and creating an environment where we all feel secure.

The Role of the University and Authorities

Despite us students playing a main role in ensuring our safety, the university of course has a tremendous effect on the safety in and near the campus. At the moment of writing this article BU’s efforts to respond to the incident have been commendable. They requested additional police patrols, and connected to the victim.

However, more can always be done. The measures that BU takes depends on students and how we will react. It is important for us to speak up. Whether it’s through student associations, campus surveys, or direct discussions with professors, our voices matter.

At the time of writing this article, the Brandon Police Service’s investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to come forward. If you were near campus around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday of November 23rd, even the smallest detail could help solve the case.

The Washboard Union Brings Their Award- Winning Sound to Brandon

Get ready, Brandon! The Washboard Union, winners of JUNO and multiple Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards, are bringing their award-winning harmonies and high-energy performances to town. Their 'Grab the Wheel and Go' tour will make a stop in Brandon on November 18th, promising an unforgettable night for local fans.

Ahead of the show, I had the chance to chat with Chris Duncombe, one of the three members of The Washboard Union, about their journey, the creative process, and what fans can expect from their upcoming performance.

Q: Was there a specific moment or song that made you realize you wanted to be a musician?

I grew up on old Western music and bluegrass. My dad used to sing it when we'd go fishing, and I think I knew the Marty Robbins songs before I knew anything else. Aaron, David, and I all grew up surrounded by music. We always had our heroes—those vocal groups that could blend three voices into one and create something magical, like Diamond Rio, Rascal Flatts, Alison Krauss and Union Station, and Lone Star. When the three of us started singing, we realized our voices blended really well, and that’s what truly started it for us.

Music has always been there for us. It helps you through the toughest times, and sometimes songs express what you can't. We've always relied on it through great times and hard times.

Q: What are your plans for 2025?

We've got a lot lined up. First, we're headed out on tour next week, with almost 20 shows ahead of us. After that, we'll be home for Christmas, then off to Australia for a few festivals in January.

We're also writing tons of new music. Westerly, our most recent album, came out in July, but we've been working hard on what comes next. There's not much downtime for us—we're always on to the next thing.

Q: Bands often focus on major cities, so it's really special that you're coming to Brandon. What made you decide to include us in your tour?

Isn't it strange that bands often stick to bigger cities? For us, music belongs in small and medium-sized towns too. We've always made it a priority to play all kinds of places—not just Winnipeg, Regina, or Calgary, but also smaller towns like Brandon.

We've made sure our team knows we want to play in smaller communities, and we're excited to be here. If Brandon wants to have us, we're honored to be welcomed.

Manitoba has been so good to us over the years. We got our start here, and some of our earliest major opportunities happened in Manitoba. Winnipeg and Manitoba have always supported us, so we take every opportunity we can to come back.

Q: What's been one of the most memorable experiences you had with the fans?

One of the most incredible moments happened with our song "Shine." During COVID, a school district in Colorado adopted it as their theme song to inspire students through a tough time. Then, a school in Alberta made it their theme song too and even declared a 'Washboard Union Day.' We showed up and performed in the gym with the kids—it was amazing.

Seeing how fans have connected with our music and taken it to places we never expected is incredible. Because it gives you the sense that the music no longer belongs to you—it becomes something shared with your fans. And our fans have made our songs part of lots of different events in their lives. So anytime that happens, it's the greatest feeling in the world as a songwriter.

Q: How do you start creating a song? Do you have a specific process for it?

For me, it’s almost an everyday thing. I often wake up in the middle of the night with lyrics or melodies running through my mind. If I don’t write them down immediately, I forget them. My phone is packed with tons of little ideas that have turned into songs over time.

I’m always paying attention—even a simple conversation sometimes sparks an idea. It feels like I’m constantly writing, even when I’m not actively trying. When I sit down for a session, I usually have an idea in my head, something I think is unique or hasn't been said quite like that before. That's where it often begins for me, but different people write in different ways. Some songs come together effortlessly, almost like they just fall out of the sky. Other times, it feels like the hardest thing in the world to pull them together. It’s different every time.

Q: How has public interest in country music changed over the years? Have you adapted to those changes, or do you stick to your original style?

I think we just continue to do what we do. Country music has evolved over the years, with different trends and styles coming and going. People are free to love the different aspects of the genre.

Country music has so many styles—from the pop-influenced side to country rock bands, more traditional bluegrass, and singer-songwriters. People are drawn to what they're drawn to. I think trends come and go, but great music stays. Our focus is always on writing the best music we can, hoping that listeners love it just as much as we loved creating it.

Q: Looking back at the songs you've written, do you feel like your songwriting has improved over time, or do you still feel just as connected to the songs you wrote earlier?

I write so many more songs than ever get released, so it’s hard to say. Usually, my favorite song is the one I wrote last week. When you're constantly writing, that’s just how it goes. I appreciate everything we’ve written over the years—they’re like little snapshots of where we were at the time.

I don't think I've written my best song yet, and I always keep that in mind. I never want to repeat myself, but also want to be focused on writing the best song possible. So, I’d say my best song is still waiting to be written.

Q: What would you recommend for someone starting music?
It really depends on what your goals are. People have different dreams of where they want to

go with their music. But I would start out, if it was on the music side, playing nonstop.

Whatever you want to be great at, like if you want to be a great guitar player, then spend all your time playing guitar. Talk to other great guitar players and don't ever be afraid to take lessons. I still take music lessons whenever I can because there's always something new to learn.

If it's songwriting you're interested in, then focus on understanding what makes a song truly great. There are so many incredible writers out there who openly share their methods and ideas.

Like with anything else in life, if you want to be a great runner, you train with great runners and learn from the best. It’s the same with music.

I've become a better musician by surrounding myself with talented people. I've grown as a songwriter by collaborating with incredible writers. I’ve improved my live performances by watching my favorite bands and learning from what they do on stage.

It's about really understanding what it takes to be entertaining and how to put on the best show possible. Keep your eyes wide open, no matter what path you choose. At the same time, remember that the music industry can be a tough and unforgiving business.

It’s not designed to help you succeed—you need to build a thick skin. The music industry won’t always be supportive. Don’t let anyone make you feel like your dreams aren’t worth chasing or that you don’t matter, because you do.

What you're doing is important and the songs you write are important for you. Stay strong in that belief and remember that your work matters.

Q: If you could pick one piece of advice to give to your younger self, which one would it be?

Don't wait. Don't wait. Go for it.
You're good enough. You're smart enough. Your dreams matter enough. Don't let anybody tell you they don't. And don't wait.
Q: Is there anything I forgot to ask that you would like to share?

Yeah, just this. If you’ve never heard of us or seen us live, I’d love for you to come check us out. I guarantee it's a show unlike what you've seen before. It's a giant sing-along, where everyone gets involved, and our fans often end up getting to know each other because they share a love for music.

So, if you've never seen the show, if you don't know who we are, I sure hope you'll take a chance on us and come see us in Brandon. We can't wait to play for you.

Canadian Blood Services offering mobile donor opportunity in Brandon By Mehak ‘May’ Oberoi

Donate blood, save lives.”

Canadian Blood Services is a national organization that accepts blood, stem cell, plasma, organ and tissue donations. Since 1998, they’ve been working as a non-profit charitable organization separate from the Canadian Government. They provide services on behalf of the provincial government in all provinces except Quebec, and are largely funded by provincial and territorial governments as well as charitable donations.

In 2017, their permanent donor site in Brandon closed due to insufficient donations, reaching 75-80% of their goals where they hoped to meet close to 100%. This also resulted in shutting down mobile donor sites to nearby towns that operated out of Brandon. That makes Winnipeg the only place where Canadian Blood Services operates a permanent blood donation site (CBC News, 2017).

Blood donation is essential for multiple reasons. It’s necessary in cancer treatment, medical complications, surgeries and trauma incidents, chronic illnesses and more. Canada currently experiences a nationwide shortage on blood donations, with the Canadian Blood Services organization tracking the current supply for different blood types on their site. At present, A-, B-, O+ and O- are at under a week’s supply.

The organization has continued to operate a mobile donor site since then, coming to Brandon every other Thursday and usually setting up at either the Victoria Inn or the Keystone Center. For those interested in volunteering, www.blood.ca provides more information on future mobiles, booking an appointment and an eligibility quiz for those interested in donating.

The mobile will be coming to Brandon in the next month at: October 3, 2-8 pm at the Brandon Victoria inn, imperial ballroom

October 17, 2-8 pm at the Brandon Victoria inn, imperial ballroom October 31, 2-8 pm at the Brandon Victoria inn, imperial ballroom

ChatGPT and Academic Integrity. How to use AI Ethically in Your Studies By Danil Buzhor

It’s been two years since the academic world was turned upside down after ChatGPT became accessible to everyone and turned into a nemesis of Academic Integrity. However, I believe AI can be used ethically for learning and helping with assignments in a number of ways.

Ask your professor

Some professors take a traditional stance on technology use, which we should respect and take into account. So, it’s important to ask them what their view on AI is and whether they allow to use its assistance during studies for their subjects. It’s always crucial to know your professor’s stance on something before you use it — and ChatGPT is no exception.

How can you use AI in order to prepare for midterms and finals?

AI can be incredibly useful as a means of finding information. You might think, “I can just Google it!”, and while that’s true, AI often finds information that would take you minutes or even hours to find. On the other hand, AI will be able to identify and present to you this information in mere seconds. For example, as a Computer Science major, I might need to write a small program in C++, a language I’ve never used before. Searching online tutorials or articles would take about 10 to 15 minutes, but asking ChatGPT to explain C++ by comparing it to a language I know cuts that time in half. This applies to any subject, from Mathematics to Biology to Music. The efficient use of AI throughout the term will save you hours of valuable time, which, for us students, is extremely precious.

Using ChatGPT in your assignments

ChatGPT is a valid resource, but like anything— it is important to cite whatever information it provides you with. Otherwise, it could lead to violations of the academic integrity code and cause professors to question how much of the work is really yours.

There are a lot of ways one could use AI for help with assignments, and while it is impossible to list them all, I will tell you about the ones I use. One of my favourites is to ask AI for new ideas after I complete the draft of the assignments. It is very helpful to find fresh ideas for your topic. On top of finding information, AI can also paraphrase it to help you understand difficult topics. If a textbook definition is not clear and it is too late at night, use of AI is more preferable to calling your professor. Furthermore, AI can assist with improving the quality of your writing - this tip is mostly relevant to students whose first language is not English. AI can help you to improve readability of your text, find grammatical errors in it and even find better ways to phrase sentences. Apart from this, ChatGPT can provide Reference Help. It can generate references in APA, MLA or others after prompting it with source details (year, author, title, etc.). However, ALWAYS double-check AI-generated citations and ensure they match your professor’s requirements.

Tips for accurate prompts

A prompt is an input (usually a question) you give to AI to generate a response. There is a whole science about how to effectively write prompts for communication with an AI called Prompt Engineering. However, to start using ChatGPT, here are a couple tips on how to write prompts effectively:

  • Be clear and specific. The machine needs precise details to provide a quality response. While it is excessive to write pages of detailed nuances, specifying details for AI will make the use of it easier. For example, instead of asking it to “Tell me about Louis Riel”, it’s better to prompt “Provide a summary of Louis Riel’s role in the Red River Rebellion and his influence on Canadian history”.

  • Provide a context to the ChatGPT in which you need the information. For instance: “Tell me how the Red River Rebellion influenced Manitoba from a sociological perspective” will generate a different, more appropriate response for your sociology assignment. AI will give you a couple conclusions from the point of Sociology or maybe it will mention minor details that did not matter too much from a Historical perspective but might be of good help in your Sociology studies.

  • Break complex prompts into steps. Instead of writing a complex prompt it is significantly more effective to break it down to multiple simple tasks. AI perceives them much more clearly and generates more accurate responses. For example: “First, tell me about Louis Riel’s early life and education. Then, explain his role in the Red River Rebellion and how it led to his execution”.

Avoid Over-Reliance on AI

While AI is an incredible tool, it is important to avoid becoming too dependent on it. AI can make mistakes. Sometimes it can even give you wrong information, if the question is complex or it misunderstood your prompt. Beware of its shortcomings and don’t turn off your brain. AI might be awesome, but the strongest computer since the beginning of time is still a human brain, and this is not going to change for a long time. Moreover, using ChatGPT for assistance might hinder your creativity and make you miss opportunities for ideas that you would be likely to find when working on your own. After finishing your essay or assignment, it is a good idea to take a break, come back to it with a fresh mind, and look at your work at last without AI assistance.

Have opinions on AI? Contact eic.thequill@gmail.com to make your voice heard!

A Legendary Actor’s Legacy By Ethan Cidro

Are you an avid film enthusiast? An occasional enjoyer of entertainment? Perhaps you haven’t watched anything new and only revisit movies for the nostalgic trip to remember better days? Whichever it is, you’ve probably come across a film worked on by the late legendary actor, James Earl Jones, who recently passed on Monday, September 9th, 2024 at the venerable age of 93 years old.

Born in Arkabutla, Mississippi on January 17, 1931, James Earl Jones was the son of Ruth Connolly, and actor Robert Earl Jones. In his early life, James Earl Jones suffered from stuttering and it made being social hard for him. James Earl Jones would overcome this problem after his English teacher urged him to read poetry during class after discovering his talent for writing it. James joined the military as a reserve officer, expecting to be sent to Korea during the Korean War, but instead was commissioned after the war, being discharged in the end attaining the rank of first lieutenant. James would attend and graduate from the University of Michigan as a Drama major.

James Earl Jones appeared only in television roles before his first appearance playing the role of Lt. Lothar Zogg in the 1964 movie titled Dr. Strangelove. James Earl Jones is one of the most notable, recognizable, respected and revered actors of our time. If not apparent by his name or appearance, you could certainly point the master actor out of a crowd by hearing his iconic deep voice.

James Earl Jones has largely been seen, or more accurately, heard taking the roles of narrators in various film and television projects such as Judge Dredd. He played characters such as King Jaffe Joffer in Eddie Murphy’s comedy classic Coming to America, and Admiral Greer from the film series adaptations of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan books. Of course, his most iconic roles would without a doubt be the voice acting role of Mufasa in the Lion King movies, and the voice for one of cinema’s most recognizable and best cinematic villains: Darth Vader from Star Wars, delivering many iconic lines with his deep iconic voice. In Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, for example, James Earl Jones delivered one of the most iconic lines during one of the biggest movie plot twists in the 80s or late 70s:“Luke, I am your father.”

A Glimpse into the Journey of Brandon University Student Union President, Chuwkuanugo Joseph Okudo

Glimpse into the Journey of Brandon University Student Union President, Chuwkuanugo Joseph Okudo

Brandon University's student community is soon set to bid farewell to their Student Union President, Chuwkuanugo Joseph Okudo, as his term comes to a close. In an exclusive interview, Okudo shared insights into his experiences, challenges, and aspirations during his tenure.

Reflecting on his term, Okudo expressed a profound appreciation for the opportunity to serve as a bridge between the student body and the administration. His favourite aspect of being president? The ability to be present and available for the students, offering support and addressing their concerns firsthand.

However, Okudo also candidly acknowledged the challenges he encountered, particularly in learning to delegate tasks effectively. Despite his inclination to take on responsibilities single-handedly, he recognized the importance of trusting others and distributing duties for greater efficiency.

Throughout his tenure, Okudo navigated various changes and uncertainties on campus, including advocating for international students by initiating the creation of bursaries, and standing up for student rights amidst potential campus strikes. He emphasized the importance of advocating for marginalized groups and expressed regret over not fully completing his advocacy efforts during his term, but remains optimistic about future progress in creating inclusive spaces on campus.

For incoming students, Okudo offered words of encouragement, urging them to embrace the unique campus life at Brandon University and to approach challenges with determination and resilience. To graduating students, he extended heartfelt congratulations, acknowledging their hard-earned achievements and wishing them success in their future endeavours.

Looking ahead, Okudo envisioned a stronger, more responsive Student Union, committed to continuous learning and improvement in representing the diverse interests of the student body. As he passes the baton to his successor, Okudo remains confident in the Union's potential to evolve and thrive in serving the needs of the Brandon University community.

As the Brandon University community bids farewell to Chuwkuanugo Joseph Okudo, his tenure of dedication, advocacy, and resilience will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the student body and campus community alike.

Brandon University Jazz Fest Returns By James Waugh

Calling all music lovers, Brandon University Jazz Festival is around the corner! From March 14th to 16th, the School of Music will be hosting guest artists, adjudicators, and school ensembles for performances, clinics, and masterclasses. Over the three days, performances will be held in the Lorne Watson Recital Hall and the Kinsmen Rehearsal Hall in the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building, the Evans Theatre in the George T. Richardson Centre, and at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. Continuing the tradition set by the Brandon Jazz Festival after its several-year hiatus, the School of Music faculty are proud to be bringing an exceptional and diverse range of performers to our campus. The first Brandon Jazz Festival was held in 1982, and in 1983 it chose the BU campus as its home with the support of the School of Music and the Brandon School Division No. 40. Since its inception, the BU Jazz Festival has grown significantly both in the volume of its participants and in its prestige within the North American jazz world, hosting incredible performers such as vocalist Don Shelton, guitarist Gene Bertoncini, and the John McNiel Quartet. The final Brandon Jazz festival in its previous form was held in 2019, before the outbreak of COVID-19, but has returned for its 40th anniversary for your listening pleasure!

Faculty members presenting the BU Jazz Festival include professors of jazz and contemporary music Luis Deniz, Marika Gelea, and Eric Platz, trumpet professor Edward Bach, jazz piano professor Carter Graham, soprano voice professor Sarah Hall, Low Brass professor Nora Wilson, jazz guitar instructor Brian Zimmerman, and music education professor Wendy Zander. At the helm of the Brandon University School of Music is Dean of Music and saxophone professor Greg Gatien, whose passion for music education and performance is echoed in BU Jazz Festival’s values. The event has also drawn a number of exciting guest adjudicators from around the United States and Canada who will provide valuable insight and advice to the many middle and high school ensembles who are set to perform. Young vocalists will receive feedback from triple Grammy nominee Sara Gazarek, ByBlacks’ Jazz Artist of the Year 2019 Joanna Majoko, artistic director of Rainbow Harmony Brittany Mielnichuk, and director of several award-winning choirs Cynthia Peyson Wahl. Woodwind and brass players can look forward to connecting with prolific performers such as saxophonist Claire Devlin, trombonist Kelsley Grant, trumpeter Jason Palmer, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Samuel Torjman Thomas, and trumpeter Rachel Therrien. All ensembles can benefit from the direction of conductors Kathie Van Lare and Rob Monson, as well as Brandon university alum Ana Peno, who is a music educator at Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School.

The BU Jazz Festival prides itself on creating an environment that is more focused on education and interpersonal connection than competition. The festival features not only performances, but clinics and masterclasses hosted by faculty and guests which focus on building cohesion as an ensemble, enhancing listening and interpretive skills, and emphasize the importance of a personal connection to music, all within an hour of guided practice. The BU Jazz Festival is not only an opportunity for young music students of all abilities to show off their hard-earned musical skills and learn from experienced and talented musicians, but for the Brandon-area community to connect and be uplifted by the magic of live music.

Visit bujazzfest.ca to view daily performance schedules and purchase tickets. Performances by the Brandon University Big Band featuring several special guests will be held in the Westman Centennial Auditorium on the 14th and 15th, and tickets are $30. For those of us on a student’s budget, several free concerts by BU small ensembles will be hosted in the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building, so be sure to support the BU community and enjoy the good vibes!

Free Concerts

Thursday, March 14

2:00 PM R.D. Bell Hall – Church & Geese

Friday, March 15

10:00 AM R.D. Bell Hall – CRock 

12:00 PM Lorne Watson Recital Hall – The Otters

2:00 PM R.D. Bell Hall – Jeremy & the 4 Non Blondes

Saturday, March 18

12:00 PM Lorne Watson Recital Hall – Marika Galea Small Group

Russian Politician Alexei Navalny Dead By Ethan Cidro

Russian lawyer and opposition leader to Vladimir Putin, Alexei Anatolyevich Navalny, was reported dead on February 16, 2024 while imprisoned. The follow through with the report of his death has shaken Russia, with multiple protests emerging within the country, holding the belief that something or someone has had a hand in the death of Navalny during his imprisonment, which was then followed by a crackdown of these protests, suppressed by the Russian law enforcement. While Navalny has faced threats to his life such as being poisoned in 2020, Navalny continued with his activities as the opposition and as an anti-corruption activist to President Vladimir Putin’s government. 

With Alexei Navalny’s passing, his wife, Yulia Borisovna Navalnaya announced during a video that Putin had killed her husband, and vowed to take on the mantle in their struggle against Putin and to continue her late husband’s work as the new opposition leader.

BUFA Letter Campaign By Renee Ferguson, BU Politics Society President

As most students are aware, there have been ongoing negotiations between the BU Faculty Association (BUFA) and the BU administration in the nearly one-year absence of a collective agreement. It has been a stressful time for everyone involved, as it becomes very difficult for any union when they are not able to make productive headway on their key negotiating points with their employers. Additionally, students have been very anxious to see how these events will unfold and what it would mean for our semester if the administration does not reach an agreement with BUFA and the professors go ahead with a strike. My name is Renee, and I am the President of the BU Politics Society. I am writing this article on behalf of our club to speak on our letter writing campaign and why it is important for any students who want to take action. 

There are two crucial aspects to stress before going further. First, no one ever wants to have to strike. It is often a very long, arduous process, and can last for extended periods of time. We must remain aware and respectful of the fact that if a strike occurs, it is because BUFA felt that they had no other feasible option to move progress forward on their collective agreement. Second, we must be sure to educate ourselves on what BUFA is asking for before we engage in any discussion about the nature of the negotiations or the potential of a strike. The best place to do so is the BUFA website: https://www.bufa.org/. I will briefly highlight the key points here to emphasize the multiple facets of the faculty demands. The main priorities are improving equitable compensation and pension benefits, establishing a greater balance of workload to ensure professors have time to conduct their important research, and crucial practical provisions related to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization (EDID) and Indigenization. In addition, building provisions for BUFA to have improved ability to hold the administration accountable for their policies, as well as some ‘housekeeping’ on the agreement, such as shifting towards more plain language to ensure it is accessible for everyone. This is a very simplified overview, so please consult the BUFA website at the link above to gain a full understanding of what is at stake in these negotiations. 

Now that we have established the key information, I will now return to the building anxiety amongst students during this time. Many students are wondering if there is anything that they can do to help avoid a strike, which will inevitably impact everyone at BU in a variety of ways. As articulated by student resources available on the BUFA website, and as has been proven in the past in other circumstances, the best action for concerned students to take is to write letters expressing their concerns with the negotiations, demanding action on the part of the administration. There is by no means an expectation that students engage in this type of action, but as many students have expressed the desire to “do something about it,” the BU Politics Society felt that it was the right time to organize and guide students in the right direction in this regard. We would like to thank BUFA for making available a wonderful template letter on their website, which we repurposed for our social media campaign. Our goal is to be able to share widely amongst other student collectives, to reach as many students as possible. Engaging in a letter writing campaign during this time is incredibly important, as student voices can be a powerful tool in placing pressure on the university to come to a timely and equitable agreement. By regularly advocating for their key points, and further voting on a strike mandate, BUFA has shown the university their collective stance. Students can do the same by using their voice and expressing their discontent with the current situation. A critical mass of these types of statements sends a strong message that we want what is best for our professors, other university staff, our university in general, or for our ongoing learning and growth this semester. Many of those who are planning to graduate this spring started their degrees during online learning in the context of COVID-19 lockdowns, and it would truly be devastating for us to have to lose out on this invaluable time with our favourite professors at the end of our degrees. Anyone who is struggling with these feelings right now and who wants to ensure that our university’s administration sees and takes into account our perspectives is strongly encouraged to take part in our letter writing campaign.  

The information we have compiled is available on Instagram at the username @bupolitics if you would like to see the resources in context of our social media campaign and share it further. See also our outline of the simple steps you can take to provide your input to the administration! You are welcome to access the letter on the BUFA website, or if you’d prefer a different format, you can download our Google document, with our suggestions for where to personalize. It can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JgepJWlbWvDD9U_6FDFtJAk_RBIUUbXQ5SxGdR1ABl0/edit?usp=sharing 

We want to thank all the student collectives and individual students who continue to share our campaign. We express our firm support for our professors during this time, and we call on the BU administration to take immediate action to build an agreement that accounts for all of BUFA’s essential demands. 

Thousands Without Power as Winter Storm Takes Down Manitoba Hydro Lines

Thousands Without Power as Winter Storm Takes Down Manitoba Hydro Lines

Parts of Southwestern Manitoba are under a snowfall warning.

Reported by: Hannah Hiebert

February 8th, 2024

After an unusually warm spell, Manitobans are grappling with the return of winter weather to the southern part of the province. Manitoba Hydro blamed the rain, followed by snow and freezing temperatures for a series of outages that occurred Thursday afternoon, leaving more than 6000 customers without power.

“As the snowfall and wind picks up, a lot of that rain is freezing and causing us a little bit of problems in western Manitoba with ice on power lines,” said Hydro spokesperson Bruce Owen. Owen asked people to stay patient while Hydro crews scrambled to address the combination of downed power lines and broken poles that were responsible for the power outages, noting that wind and blowing snow are making highway travel difficult for everyone. He states that Manitoba Hydro crews are restoring power as quickly as they can, but they use the same roads to travel as everyone else, justifying why Owen urged customers to be patient with them.

Classes were cancelled for the day in all 10 schools in the Virden-area Fort La Bosse School division alongside 13 schools in Southwest Horizon School Division. Schools remained open in southwestern Manitoba’s Beautiful Plains, Park West, and Rolling River school divisions, but school buses were not running.

Snowfall that began in Western Manitoba Wednesday evening was expected to end Thursday later in the afternoon and evening. However, a return to colder but still above-seasonal temperatures is in the forecast for the weekend and into next week.

Additional Information Provided by: CBC News

BUFA-Administration negotiations: update on ongoing resolutions By Mehak ‘May’ Oberoi

BUFA-Administration negotiations: update on ongoing resolutions

By Mehak ‘May’ Oberoi

“The things we’re working on, the things we’re fighting for are things that allow us to deliver good classes and good services to students, and to do it in a way where we’re able to do it well. Where we’re not worried about having enough time to prepare, or in class thinking ‘oh my god, how am I going to balance my budget this month’ while we’re in class. Faculty who are well-treated, who can do their jobs well and who are respected in their jobs will benefit the students, directly and indirectly.”

If you’re a BU student, there’s a high chance that in the past month, you’ve heard rumors about an upcoming strike. Campus has been rife with rumors about the ongoing negotiations, many of which were proved to be, as I learned in an interview with BUFA vice-president Dr. Jon-Tomas Godin, to be false. As a representative of BUFA, Dr. Godin spoke with The Quill on February 2 about the current negotiations, including BUFA’s demands and whether a strike is imminent.

BUFA, or the Brandon University Faculty Association, is an organization that represents the needs of all Brandon University Faculty, which includes professors as well as other members, such as those part of departments like the library and student services. For current negotiations, a letter of intent to start bargaining was sent on February 7, 2023, marking a full year since negotiations began this month. Current negotiations are being made by BUFA on, as per representative Dr. Godin, “improving the language around EDID and around indigenisation, in our collective agreement, improving the language we have on workload and what’s on everybody’s mind when people are negotiating, which of course is compensation.” Unlike the last two rounds of bargaining (2015, 2019), this round stands out. “BUFA basically started those rounds of bargaining by saying ‘we don’t want to go on strike’. The big difference in the conversation this time around has been

that we didn’t start the conversation by saying that. We knew this was going to be a difficult round of bargaining, and we didn’t want to eliminate options from the get-go,” Dr. Godin states.

There have been a lot of rumors about an upcoming strike. What can you tell us about that?

Dr. Godin: “We have not called a strike vote. There is no strike. We are in negotiations. We know there are some concerns, and people have been talking about a potential strike, and we haven’t ruled out the possibility of a strike either. We’re in that weird situation where we might, we might not. And there are a few issues involved.”

What are the demands being made by BUFA?

On improving the language around EDID and indigenisation, Dr. Godin reported, “we have proposed two brand new articles to put into our collective agreement- one on EDID, one on indigenization, and the employer’s response to those articles, the union feels they set us back. In particular on the indigenisation article, we proposed some forward thinking language that would protect indigenous faculty members. Protect their time, protect them, give them some agency, give them some mentorship, make sure they have the resources they need and also protect the time of faculty members whose job is dedicated to serving indigenous students and make sure it can’t be taken away.” However, as he continued on to say, “the university came back and simply didn’t accept any of that language.”

Furthermore, faculty’s demands are two-pronged when it comes to compensation. Firstly would be to match salary increases to rising inflation. Secondly would be to reevaluate the pension cap set by the university, which for more recent professors leaves an unsustainable future for their retirement plans.

In relation to progress achieved by BUFA, they report to be happy on the continuing change to a fairer workload for professors. “One of the big issues

in workload is that we want to move faculty to a standard 15 credit hours, which we are well on our way to doing,” Dr. Godin reports. In the future, BUFA also hopes to improve per-course-salary for sessional faculty instructors. The purpose of this would be to better attract the instructors that are necessary for the continued running of the university.

What can students expect from a possible future strike?

On this, Dr. Godin reiterates, “a strike is a last resort. We will use every means we can to get a good collective agreement because the reality is, strikes have impacts on the people who are on strike too.” He continues on to elaborate, “If a strike were to occur, we would do everything we could that’s within our power to mitigate impacts on students, to resolve the strike as quickly as we can, and if at all possible to try to not have one in the first place.” As with the last strike, students can likely expect for both parties to agree to an essential services agreement, which makes sure students in need are not suddenly deprived of necessary resources such as counseling. BUFA faculty hope to minimize disruption to the term schedule as much as possible. It is important to note, as stated by Dr. Godin, that should a strike occur, it will likely begin by early March.

Historically, universities have run on a collegial governance system. Over the last several decades, there has been a significant shift to administration holding majority power over decisions regarding students and faculty, with faculty representation continuing to be lost. Faculty, however, as I discussed with Dr. Godin are the foundation of what a university is, and the people that best understand student needs. They are our direct contact to the student life at any university, and highly qualified to specialized caliber that is now demanding more respect for its knowledge here at Brandon University. After the PSSA reduced BUFA’s ability to bargain for compensation, forcing their hands to 4 year long deals in the last collective agreement, the current negotiation is BUFA’s effort in catching up to the lost representation and compensation, especially as the university rebuilds differently post-pandemic.

Note: Edited for clarification

TikTok Pulling Music by Universal Artists Amid Licensing Fight

TikTok Pulling Music by Universal Artists Amid Licensing Fight

Licensing Agreement between Universal Music Group and TikTok expired Wednesday

Reported by: Hannah Hiebert

Social Media platform TikTok began pulling music by artists with Universal Music Group on Thursday amid a fight over licensing rights, according to a report by The New York Times.

This means that music by Universal artists was removed from TikTok’s music library and music by Universal Artists on existing Videos was muted, as reported by The Times. Artists signed to Universal Music Group include big names such as Taylor Swift, Drake, Bad Bunny, and Billie Eilish.

In a Tuesday letter addressed to artists and songwriters, Universal Music Group stated that it had been pressing TikTok on three primary issues: “Appropriate compensation for our artists and songwriters, protecting human artists from the harmful effects of AI, and online safety for TikTok’s users” (Universal Music Group, 2024).

TikTok pushed back against claims by Universal Music Group saying that it has reached “artist-first” agreements with every other label and publisher.

“Clearly, Universal’s self-serving actions are not in the best interest of artists, songwriters, and fans”, TikTok stated.

TikTok pulling music by artists signed through UMG concerns many. The way that music gains viral fame now is often through the social media platform and it rewards behaviour and features beyond just creating good music. It paves the way for new or underground artists to be recognized by TikTok users through the use and promotion of their music. Alex Gumuchian, the Vancouver rapper known as Bbno$, recalls how he saw the move as an opportunity back in 2019, when his single “La La La” grew in popularity through TikTok creators using the song in their videos. Additionally, he said it's a reminder of how much TikTok has come to dominate the music industry and artists' lives.

Additional Information provided by: CBC News

Saskatchewan Teachers Strike by Yensy Lopez Molina

On Tuesday, November 16th, teachers across Saskatchewan took action in a one-day province-wide strike, in -30C weather. The STF (Saskatchewan Teachers Federation) announced the planned strike on January 11th, giving the government a five-day opportunity to allow negotiations regarding issues impacting students and teachers. It is important to know that the STF needed to legally give a 48-hour notice, but chose to give a five-day notice in hopes of an agreement which the government refused and ignored. Samantha Becotte, the president of the STF stated that teachers DO NOT want to strike, and that the action could have been avoided at any point if the government was willing to discuss long term commitments to address class complexity. “Teachers’ working conditions are students’ learning conditions” (Samantha Becotte). Teachers in Saskatchewan are overworked, underpaid, and taking on responsibilities they should not be required and are not paid to do. Saskatchewan is currently the second lowest-funded province. SK has 7 school divisions, each having a budget of $2.04 billion according to the Provincial Government of Saskatchewan. The STF has gained a lot of support from people across Saskatchewan as well as online, and 3300 letters have also been delivered to the Legislative Building in Regina in support of the cause. The Government of Saskatchewan continues to refuse their bargaining committee a new mandate to negotiate issues, therefore the STF has once again announced another five-day countdown. The next job action, announced January 18th, will be on January 22nd and will be another strike.

Happy Birthday Bailey’s!

Happy Birthday Bailey’s!

Mahé Rabesa

Baileys has been an integral part of student life at the university for a year now. Between cafés, meals and even Socials, Baileys is everywhere. Students are happy to have a café nearby with so many food and drink choices. As well as accompanying them throughout the day, students can enjoy Baileys' delicious concoctions at evening Socials. The café's decor is modern, there's plenty of room to study with friends, and Baileys is often a victim of its popularity. Indeed, time and again at lunchtime, there's a queue to order. Fortunately, to alleviate the wait, a website has been set up where you can order online and collect your order. Students can order in advance, between classes, to avoid queuing and being late. The food is succulent, and the coffee is comforting.

According to general manager Sean Taron, "This last year has been a crazy and enjoyable year; it's hard to believe it's been a year already." 

Here are a few highlights from Baileys over the past year

Spotlight Meals

The concept is to create a new special meal named after one of our varsity athletes. It is to celebrate our teams and their athletes and encourage students to attend our athletes' games. For Sean Taron, these feature the senior athletes from the various teams we have on campus: Rugby Curling, Soccer/Futsal, Volleyball and Basketball. He sits down with every player to plan one of their favourite meals. Then, highlight Bailey's and on social media pages to help put a face with the name and hopefully get more spectators to support them at their games. 

Gift A Meal program

Another of Baileys' strengths is its commitment to helping the student community. In collaboration with BUSU, the program helps students finance their meals during the week. All customers coming to Baileys can add a $7.50 charge to their bill, with the proceeds going to help students. University students can be part of this program by contacting services@busu.ca and will benefit from this financial aid by receiving a biweekly meal free of charge.

This is just the beginning of the Bailey's adventure at Brandon University. We're looking forward to many more great years at Bailey's, with many new projects!

To conclude the article, here's a note from Sean Taron, General Manager :

I would also like to thank BUSU for the fantastic opportunity to bring back an essential part of the campus with Bailey's, my fantastic staff for all their hard work and dedication and the campus community for all of their support with Bailey's; without them, I would not have been able to succeed with this new adventure in my life, I look forward to what the future holds and hosting many more events at Bailey's.

Don't forget to follow them on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated with everything happening at Bailey's.

Instagram: @baileys.cafe.bu

Facebook: Bailey's Cafe

Winter Preparation for International Students By Janine Campbell

As an international student, preparing for winter demands meticulous planning and adaptation, particularly when relocating from a warmer to a colder climate. This essential groundwork ensures a seamless adjustment and fosters a comfortable and secure experience amid the challenges posed by colder temperatures and harsh weather conditions.

Understanding the climatic nuances of your new location proves invaluable. Delving into the region's typical temperatures and weather patterns aids in selecting appropriate attire and essentials. Investing in adequate winter gear such as thermal wear, warm coats, gloves, hats, scarves, and insulated boots, is pivotal to shield oneself from freezing temperatures and maintain warmth.

Similarly crucial is becoming knowledgeable with winter-specific safety measures. Familiarizing yourself with frostbite and hypothermia symptoms and precautions is important. Understanding how to explore cold walkways or streets securely, particularly while driving or utilizing public transportation, forestalls mishaps and guarantees wellbeing. I remember last year when I almost slipped outside of Harvest Hall because I was not paying attention. Take it from me, ALWAYS PAY ATTENTION. 

Ensuring that your accommodation is winter-ready remains pivotal for a comfortable stay. Verifying the functionality of proper heating systems, insulation, and additional items like thermal curtains or draft stoppers ensures a consistently warm indoor environment. Knowledge in operating heating systems and securing access to hot water is relevant for managing the cold.

It's wise to stock up on essentials. Winter storms and cruel circumstances could disturb ordinary shopping trips, so having a stockpile of durable food, drinking water, batteries, electric lamps, and crisis supplies such as flashlights is fundamental to support oneself during unexpected circumstances.

Prioritizing personal health is also crucial. Cold weather poses challenges, especially for those that are not used to it. Emphasizing hydration, consuming nutritious meals, and maintaining physical activity are essential. Additionally, safeguarding against illnesses through flu vaccinations and adhering to good hygiene practices, including regular hand-washing, constitutes vital preventive measures.

Engaging with local resources and international student services at your institution proves highly advantageous. These platforms offer workshops, resources, or support networks tailored to assist international students in adjusting to winter climates. They offer valuable advice, tips, and guidance in navigating the challenges posed by colder weather.

By carefully preparing for winter, international students can ensure a smooth transition and establish a safe and comfortable environment, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in their international experience.