Ryerson Campus Life Blog

Want a Job? How About This One?

2009-04-08T01:42:00.006-04:00

Since I'm going to be graduating (and hopefully finding a more clever greeting than "Hey guys"), it is time to hire on the new Campus Life Bloggers for next year! I've posted the various positions below. Feel free to peruse them and apply to one or all of the jobs you think you'd be great for!

Blogger/Reporter

Video Blogger

Photojournalist

Laughs on Campus: (Literally) Priceless

2009-03-19T02:33:00.005-04:00

Check out Matt's post about the RAC referendum and head on over to Blackboard to vote! Polls close on Thursday, March 19th at 4:00.

Engineering Students Raise Money for Sick Kids

2009-03-13T00:00:00.003-04:00

If you walked past the quad last Wednesday, you might have wondered what all those students were doing huddled around that bug. No, I don’t mean the creepy, crawly, run across the floor type of bug - I’m talking about the Volkswagen Beetle!

In case you did miss it, Ryerson Engineering students manually pushed a 1955 classic Beetle around and around the quad. They started at 11 a.m. and went for 24 hours with about 100 students taking part in the bug push.

Now while this did look like a pretty decent workout (not to mention the guy that got to sit INSIDE the driver’s seat definitely got the best deal), Engineering students pulled this together to raise money for The Hospital of Sick Children.

This annual event is run by the Ryerson Engineering Students’ Society and it always takes place during National Engineering Week in February. Last week marks the seventh time for this great event. Ryerson raised over $2,000 last year.

One plus this year was that the weather was much better than on the snowy day of the last bug push. I heard one of the pushers gladly comment that this time, horrible weather was NOT included in the day’s event.

Ryerson Athletics Center Referendum

2009-03-12T04:08:00.002-04:00

Chances are, even if you aren't a member, you've been inside the Ryerson Athletics Center, our subterranean sports facility beneath the Kerr Hall Quad. I like the facilities at the RAC, but there's been some rumblings that Ryerson is looking to give them a bit of a face-lift via a new building. I did a bit of research and found that the while the RAC looks pretty new to me, the building was completed over two decades ago in 1988. It was an even bigger surprise when Ivan Joseph, Ryerson's Athletics Director, informed me that it was originally built to accommodate a campus of 8500 people, a third of Ryerson's current estimated 25,000 population.

"Our facilities are overpacked," Joseph said, "We need to grow. We need to provide more opportunities for students."

While Ryerson is eager to pursue a new athletics facility, ultimately, they are leaving it up to the students. In order to pay for a new facility Ryerson would be required to increase Athletics fees on students' tuition by $126, raising the price from $61 to $187. Before they can proceed to do this, Ryerson will be holding a referendum on February 23rd, a voting process that will let the students decide whether they want Ryerson to go ahead with the project. Advantages of these new fees would include that it would make the new facility available to everyone with no extra membership fees incurred, and that the school wouldn't start charging students until the facilities would be completed; students in their third or fourth years can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they won't be charged for something they might not use.

Need Books and/or Money? Check this out...

2009-03-10T00:35:00.005-04:00

I just made almost $200 without leaving the Ryerson campus, and - get this - so can you!! If you’ve never been to the Used Book Room, I encourage you to go there the next chance you get. It’s the best way to buy new books for low prices and make money by selling your old course books.

The Used Book Room is in the basement of the Student Campus Centre and it’s owned and operated by students for students. It really is a key service for Ryerson students since everyone needs course books and money.

The best part is you really don’t need to do any of the work when getting rid of your old books! You just drop off your books, decide what price you want to sell them for, and then wait until someone picks them up. The Used Book Room lets you know when your books have sold and gives you the money you earned according to their consignment policy.

Your books are kept for a year and then if they don’t sell, they’re donated to charity. The Used Book Room also offers cash for your books on the spot if you don’t feel like waiting for someone else to come and buy them. While you're there, don't forget to check for used books that you may need for your classes. It's such a great alternative to buying the much more expensive, new version (especially when someone else has already highlighted all the important passages in your course book!)

Don’t worry if you feel like you missed the opportunity to sell your books this semester. While the Used Book Room is open for extended hours at the start of each term, it’s open every day but Sunday for the rest of the year.

So, looking down at my new wad of cash, I can honestly say that this RSU service truly enhances campus life all year long. Go drop off your old books now and hopefully by this time next year you will have some money waiting for you!

Celebrating Black History Month

2009-03-07T15:43:00.002-05:00

This years black history month has been a remarkable one. It started months ago when the first black president was elected south of the border and has continued on everywhere, since then. Here at Ryerson the party is still in full swing, but only through the combined efforts of the United Black Students at Ryerson, Tri-mentoring program, Ryerson Student Union and the Office of Discrimination and Harassment services that have spent weeks organizing these events. All of these groups have offered their free time and services to make this Black History month better than any other before. Throughout the month of February Ryerson has hosted and planned a dizzying array of events in honour of black leaders here in Toronto. Events like spoken word jams that gave Ryerson’s best artists the opportunity to express themselves in sold out shows to formal flag parties that showcased diversity found on our campus.

This years black history month has been a remarkable one. It started months ago when the first black president was elected south of the border and has continued on everywhere, since then. Here at Ryerson the party is still in full swing, but only through the combined efforts of the United Black Students at Ryerson, Tri-mentoring program, Ryerson Student Union and the Office of Discrimination and Harassment services that have spent weeks organizing these events. All of these groups have offered their free time and services to make this Black History month better than any other before. Throughout the month of February Ryerson has hosted and planned a dizzying array of events in honour of black leaders here in Toronto. Events like spoken word jams that gave Ryerson’s best artists the opportunity to express themselves in sold out shows to formal flag parties that showcased diversity found on our campus. The most inspirational of all these events was most definitely Ryerson’s annual Viola Desmond awards held this year in POD 250. The ceremony honored young black women here at Ryerson and in Toronto that have made a real difference. Among this year’s honored recipients was high school student Bai Rashid who received the Viola Desmond award for her charity work within the community. The award, she gushed, was the most "remarkable" gift she had ever received and“allows [her] to continue working." Bai wasn’t the only one surprised that night. Those in attendance that weren’t honoured with awards were treated to an intimate talk about race in the film industry by the cast of the hit series Da Kink in My Hair. The actresses were on hand to accept an honorarium for their hard work on the series that has addressed issues within the black community and talk about the changing face of black women in Canada. Although celebrations initially started with Obama it won't end anytime soon. As black history month draws close to an end there are still events offered through the UBSR and Tri-mentoring program throughout the month of March that will be sure to entertain and enlighten students. Ryerson, a proud supporter of student development, opens it doors for the next month and a half to those wanting to learn a little more about black history.

The RBF is Back!

2009-03-05T01:59:00.003-05:00

The biggest business event at Ryerson University, the Ryerson Business Forum (RBF), is about to take place. I wanted to find out what this event is all about, so I spoke to Azma Ousmand, 2^nd year Hospitality and Tourism student, and the Director of Operations for RBF.

It’s her second year volunteering to help plan the RBF, which is an afternoon for Ryerson students, faculty and figures from the business community to network. This event is a great student initiative and it gives students the chance to talk to CEO’s and Presidents of Canadian companies. With an expected turn out of 400 people, the RBF occurs annually, is themed differently each year and draws in successful people in the business world to speak to the group.

This year’s theme is “Blinded by the Green” and will focus on the trend for companies to go green. When asked why this theme was chosen, Azma said: “[It’s] turning into more than just a trend so were going to hop on it. It’s not going away anytime soon.” She also said that the forum will examine if companies are going green for the right reasons or just to attract customers. She hopes the RBF will help consumers become more knowledgeable about this.

The RBF starts with a luncheon and then members from the industry give speeches. Afterwards, there is a networking portion and then the main speakers finish off the afternoon. The 2009 forum is proud to announce that David Frum, an anti-green journalist and George Bush’s speechwriter will be speaking, as well as Chris Turner, a pro-green journalist.

After talking to Azma, I was really impressed that Ryerson students are putting so much into an event to give back to students and enhance campus life. Students can buy tickets for $45 or if you are just interested in hearing the speakers, you can buy a $15 ticket. Tickets can be purchased online or by visiting the office in the business building (TRS 3141).

Devo: The Lake, Not the Band

2009-02-27T04:35:00.005-05:00

One of the first things I found interesting about Ryerson is that we have a lake. Not just a pond, reservoir or even a loch; a lake. Well, technically a loch and a lake are the same thing, but who's going to argue semantics? We can wade in it, observe its underrated serenety, watch people skateboard on it, and during the winter, we can skate on it. Lake Devo is an interesting locale, because it serves many purposes, like those I just listed; however, I seem to use it the most to bypass that Gould & Victoria corner altogether on my short commute from residence to class in the AMC theatres or Victoria street.

Lake Devo itself was opened to the public in 1978 due to contributions from a great number of donators, such as the Devonian group, from which it bears its name. It was designed and built as a collaborative effort between a number of groups, including Ryerson itself and Parks Canada; not a bad job, I'd say. Devo's good at this time of year (winter) because it provides Rye students with a reaidly available skating rink, which can be used for hockey later in the evening (10PM onwards); nothing like a good skate, or chase after the puck to relieve some stress.

Ryerson Rams Looking to Head-Butt Other Schools During Men's Basketball Playoffs

2009-02-24T22:58:00.004-05:00

Though an upset victory on Friday the Thirteenth might've been a thorn in their side, the Ryerson Men's Basketball team bounced back the day after, beating the York University Lions 92-83. The big win gave Ryerson a winning record for the first time in the four years that head coach Glenn Taylor has been with the squad. The Rams are currently in fourth place in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Men's Basketball League, improving from entering the playoffs at sixth place the year before. Coach Taylor credits an improved chemistry between his players as the reason for this year's improvements.

"I think I have a much closer group of guys," Taylor said, "They're willing to compete for eachother."

In preparation for the playoffs Taylor explained that the team would be working on correcting weaknesses on defense and improving their overall shooting. Taylor also said he has noticed an improvement in the team's second-half play, specifically in the game's final quarter.

The OUA Men's Basketball Quarter-Final will be held in Ryerson's own Kerr Hall gym on Wednesday, February 25th at 8pm. Prizes and free noise-makers will be given away during the game, along with Ryerson Ram t-shirts for the first 200 students in the door.

OBAMARAMA

2009-02-20T01:00:00.020-05:00

Ryerson is known for its diverse students - all of whom have various interests, schedules, and belong to different student groups. So it is really nice when so many Ryerson students come together for one event.

On January 20, it was to watch the Obama Inauguration live. Over 300 people gathered in a packed room in the Student Campus Center for the event organized by Ryerson's Tri-Mentoring Program, The Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Office, Ryerson Students' Union (RSU Events) and CESAR (Continuing Education Students At Ryerson). It's awesome that all these groups came together to pull off such an anticipated event! Interestingly enough, it actually started out as a small Tri-Mentoring event. That group then decided they should rent a bigger space, and then the idea of having a couple guest speakers came along. Then the RSU and CESAR got involved, and it was moved to the large room in the SCC.

Chairs were set up in rows but people lined the aisles to squish in. During Obama’s speech, everyone’s eyes were glued to the screen and the room was silent. When he was finished, the entire room applauded and people turned to strangers to share in the moment. One guy grabbed another student that he didn’t know just to talk about how amazing the afternoon had been. Outside the room, a gigantic poster of Obama was mounted on the wall, with his arm in the air and the word “BELIEVE” written in giant letters.

Students that tried to get in after the room was too full were sent down to the Ram in the Rye to watch, and the place was just as packed. One T.V. was set up for the Inauguration so everyone was crammed in to get a glimpse. Seriously, for a place that is usually hustling and bustling with students and always noisy, the Ram has possibly never been as quiet as it was when Obama was speaking. Everyone was so intent on watching and listening to his every word. Many more places on campus displayed the inauguration, like the 4th floor of the library and the Journalism Lounge, and each location brought many Ryerson students together.

Whether American or Canadian, it was clear to all that something big was happening and the Ryerson campus became the perfect portal for many students to enjoy this milestone together.

RU Dining: Good eats, and Student-Card Friendly

2009-02-18T02:37:00.004-05:00

As a first year student I’m still trying to wrap my head around the sheer amount of things available to do on campus, but there was one thing I thought I had pretty much down pat: food. There are three different cafeterias, a pub, a cafe, a 24 hour supermarket and numerous restaurants down Yonge Street. However, I found out that there was an eatery I had never heard of before: one run by students. On the seventh floor of the Ted Roger’s Management Building, the HTF 506 Food & Beverage Operations class runs their own restaurant out of the Cara Demonstration Kitchen and Common Room, aptly titled RU Dining. The restaurant’s hours of operation take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 1:30 pm.

I had the opportunity to get a seat with some of my friends on a particular Thursday, and found myself pleasantly surprised. The staff was polite and helpful, the atmosphere was not unlike a comfortable sports bar, and perhaps most importantly, the food was fairly priced and generously portioned. My guests and I ordered several orders of the “The Mexican Fighter” 5 layer dip, along with the “All Bases Loaded” beer-battered fish and chips and the “Game, Set, Match” mini burgers. The food was great, and we could say that we enjoyed both the prices (the fish was the most expensive thing on the menu at $8.90) and the fact that the restaurant is ONECard friendly (debit and credit are not available forms of payment).

Really, if you’ve got some time to kill around noontime and want to check out a new food venue, go try RU Dining on for size. It has the advantage of convenience and a rotating menu of good food; you can’t really go wrong.

New Campus Life site Launched!

2009-02-13T13:54:00.004-05:00

Thanks for dropping by. We have redesigned the Campus Life site as things continue to evolve.

The Campus Life site started as the home for Dan the Campus Life Blogger. Since Dan has been blogging we have been busy assembling a team to promote Campus Life.

The Student Life Promotion Team will also be producing content on this site. Helping you connect to Campus in hopes of creating a more vibrant campus community.

Stay tuned for more developments and let us know what you think of the new site design.

Thanks,

Student Life Promotions Team

Fabulous Confabulation: Sheldon Levy

2009-02-09T14:21:00.003-05:00

I traveled up the tower of Jorgenson Hall to visit the president of Ryerson, Mr. Sheldon Levy. We talked of many things - the beauties of this campus, his reappointment, and where to find good Chinese food. I hope to post that stuff on here eventually, but in this edition, we mostly chat about the RU Ryerson video contest and its $5000 grand prize. Check out the website for more info!

RU Ryerson? / Obama Day

2009-01-20T00:48:00.011-05:00

Oh, hey there.
Don't be alarmed... It's just me. Dan.
Decided I'd forgo the usual video spectacle and try a little bit of textual communication tonight.

I bet you're wondering, "Gee, this guy hasn't posted on here very much as of late."
To which I respond, "Yes but not without good reason!"

We're literally in the last couple weeks of practicum and my group is in the final stages of readying our short film for intense, thorough scrutiny by our profs. Needless to say, you can cut the stress with a knife, if such a metaphorical tool existed. But enough about me.

There's a really interesting contest going down on campus called RU Ryerson?. Students are invited to make a three minute video about what their campus experience means to them. After they're uploaded to the site, the Ryerson community will vote for the best entries. To the victor goes the spoil, which in this case isn't a lame pat on the back or a gift certificate to Chi Chi's. The winner gets $5000! Yep, money.

I'll have more on this mighty soon.... check out the contest's website in the meantime.

I also wanted to let you know of Ryerson's (only annual?) Obama Day going on tomorrow. Over at the Student Campus Centre, The Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Office, Tri-Mentoring Program, Ryerson Students' Union and CESAR are hosting a little inauguration party to watch as President-elect Barack officially becomes President Barack.

There will also be a few guest speakers, some fine refreshments, and Obama giveaways!

Check it out in SCC 115 from 11am to 2pm.

Happy Belated New Year!

2009-01-07T13:41:00.004-05:00

Long Time, Little Talk

2008-12-01T12:22:00.004-05:00

http://www.ryerson.ca/currentstudents/exams/

Hey, while you're here, you should also check out the Ontario Textbook and Technology grant. Essentially, if you are a full-time student attending an accredited university, the Ontario government will send you $150 for... textbooks and technology. In any case, it's free money! Check out the official site for more info.

RUtv for RSU and RSme

2008-11-14T23:45:00.007-05:00

This week, my pals and I decided to hit up a good ol' fashioned RSU Semi-Annual General Members Meeting. However, it wasn't just to take in a hearty amount of post-secondary politics and free food. We attended in support of RUtv, a brand new student-run television station hitting the airwaves at Ryerson in the next few months.

I chatted with a couple members of the station's executive team. They've been looking for some funding to get their operation off the ground, so they asked the RSU for $17,000, to which we replied, "Sure."

Also, Ashley voted!
Mmmm.
Smell that?
That's democracy.
Sweet university student union democracy.

Feel free to take a look at RUtv's official website to find out how you can get involved.

Fabulous Confabulation: Democracy

2008-11-05T22:51:00.014-05:00

The talk of the campus today was obviously yesterday's historic U.S. presidential election. It is not necessarily a domestic topic, but I thought it was at least worth touching upon.

My friend Ashley and I were cooped up in an edit suite working on our practicum project when we started talking about last night's momentous event. The discussion soon turned to the issue of Ashley not voting in the recent Canadian election. Why didn't she? Tune in for the thrilling answer!

(Hint: It may or may not have to do with supplying her proof of address. See? Thrilling!)

Also, don't forget about the big Discover Ryerson event going down tomorrow. I've heard there will be over a thousand people touring the campus. For those wondering what exactly will be discovered at this affair, take a look at the schedule:

http://www.ryerson.ca/undergraduate/admission/visit/discover.html

Once again, big up to Justin Lee for the new blog header! Pogs rock.

Gould Street Beat

2008-10-28T19:02:00.002-04:00

Take a look at the RSU's website for more info about the Close Gould Street campaign and the upcoming Day of Action on November 5th.

http://www.rsuonline.ca

Swivel Chairs, Old Yearbooks, and Sleep Deprivation

2008-10-22T05:19:00.002-04:00

Campus life doesn't get much more exciting than this.

Don't worry Ryerson/RCC. My errant chair did not damage any equipment.

Midterms, Projects, Handycams! Oh My!

2008-10-16T19:39:00.005-04:00

Sorry for the massive delay in posting a new entry. It's that wacky time of year again... So much work, so little time.

Some more info on the new Handycam. Thank you again to Sony for loaning me this great little camera!

Pitman Pitas

2008-10-07T21:46:00.008-04:00

Yet another campus eatery review in which Justin and I also briefly address a local grocery store's recent rebranding, the global economic crisis, and ball hockey in the quad.

Fabulous Confabulation: Campus Tours

2008-10-02T20:30:00.010-04:00

If you're thinking about enrolling at Ryerson and are interested in taking a tour of this top-notch campus, check out the Admissions website.

Plus, here's some additional info on the upcoming Discover Ryerson events!

Beyond Campus: Kensington Market

2008-09-30T20:41:00.005-04:00

Here's some additional reading material on this cool area:
http://www.kensington-market.ca/
http://www.toronto.com/attractions/listing/000-213-802

And be sure to check out (arguably) the greatest Canadian sitcom ever, King of Kensington, which just so happened to be set in this very neighbourhood!

Federal Election Anyone?

2008-09-25T18:04:00.005-04:00

Check out the Elections Canada website. It's got all the info you'll need on polling locations and the wide array of political parties.