Darts

Suspension of Fine Art admissions: The administration’s decision to notify the 107 BFA students of their program’s suspension via email was ridiculous. Overall the situation lacked student consultation and transparency.

Bands scandal: The vulgar and sexist songs in the Bands songbook were an embarrassment for the University, but so was the way Bands members were shamed for traditions they had no part in creating.

NOPIRG campaign: The campaign to vote down the renewal of OPIRG’s $4 opt-outable student fee was more of a mud-slinging match than a debate of the fee’s merits.

Postponement of Queen’s Centre Phases 2 and 3: We’re assuming the indefinite delay of the Queen’s Centre construction equates to cancellation. It’s not too much to ask the administration to explain the decision in detail given the money students have shelled out over the years.

University District initiative: Rebranding the Student Ghetto as the University District was a repeat of the 2007 AMS attempt to rename the area the Student Village. AMS Assembly’s decreeing of a new name isn’t going to be successful among the student population until there are visible improvements to the area.

Mental health committees: A number of mental health action groups formed on campus, such as the AMS’s mental health committee, but little tangible action has been seen. The Principal’s commission still hasn’t written a draft of the promised report, and hasn’t shown the necessary urgency.

Alcohol ban: The alcohol ban in residence during Frosh Week is a counter-measure that welcomes more harm than good. The ban forces students off-campus to drink, which is significantly less safe than residence.

No Fauxcoming football game: The absence of a home football game in late September was intentional, giving no clear date for an Aberdeen Street party. But the loss of the alumni march coupled with a sense that the student body can be controlled by a scheduling tweak, makes for a sad commentary on the year.

Woolf’s leaked letter: Principal Woolf’s letter that explained Queen’s ailing reputation and planned for a months-long workers strike hurt the University’s confidence. If our leader isn’t proud of his school, how can students be? It was an embarrassment for Woolf and there was little to no PR control afterwards.

Student apathy: Turnout for AMS elections this year was low and the turnout for provincial elections was the lowest in recorded history.

Laurels

New on-campus services: Making good on an AMS campaign promise, the Grocery Checkout and Drug Smart Pharmacy are excellent uses of vacant Queen’s Centre space.

Senators Jordan Morelli and Mark Jones: These senators always have students’ best interests in mind. They’re persistent in their questions and follow proper avenues to incite change.

AMS stands up to admin: The AMS made the right call in withholding student-generated funds promised to Phases 2 and 3 of the Queen’s Centre.

Bryan Fautley and the men’s volleyball team: Fautley’s decision to come out to his coach and teammates engendered a positive change for the volleyball team and campus athletics in general. It took a lot of courage to share that story — thanks for speaking up.

Municipal Affairs Commission: It was the most visible and proactive AMS commission this year. With initiatives like the “Let our alumni come home” YouTube video, post-St. Patrick’s Day cleanup and the University District Hockey League, the MAC made tangible changes this year. We darted the single decision to change the name of the Student Ghetto but the overall accomplishments need to be recognized.

Men’s volleyball CIS championship: Hosting the CIS championship was a huge undertaking, but it went off without a hitch. Teams were well taken care of, attendance at the ARC broke records and every game was posted online.

Rector and AMS elections: There were more rector candidates this year than in recent memory. Strong efforts got people talking. Having three AMS teams run for executive added a layer of competition to the election while still keeping it classy. Team RMS challenged the conception that only members of the student government can run for office.

Keep George Here: The campaign to raise funds for Bahamian law student George Evans when scholarships and other resources fell through was a testament to the strength of the law school community.

QTV coverage: This year showed QTV improving by leaps and bounds. Endorsing an AMS executive team established them as a competitive media source, creating a media arena on campus that offers multiple perspectives. The next step is to allow them editorial autonomy from the AMS. A media outlet that endorses candidates can’t have its Executive Producer hired by AMS officials.

Student and faculty support for BFA: The suspension of the BFA program was met with a strong opposition from members of the Queen’s community.