"HSR (FINALLY) Makes Travel Easier", January 25 2009
I have hated the HSR website since first year. I hated it even more last year when I was a CSR at Compass, and had to try and direct customers who wanted to get to various locations in Hamilton using the HSR. But (THANKFULLY) the HSR has realized the faults in their website and improved it!
However, I can't technically give HSR credit, because they are using Google Maps to make things easier. As reported in The Sil article, Hamilton is one of five cities to use this feature for their public transportation system.
As soon as I read the article, I passed it on to my staff at Compass. I used the tool for the first time last night, and found it was incredibly easy and helpful. Check it out here. A lot of people don't know how to get to the downtown GO Centre (which also sells Greyhound and Coach Canada tickets), so let me use that as an example.
Type in the address of where you would like to go (36 Hunter Street East), in the 'Search Maps' toolbar at the top of the screen. After the search has been completed, you can 'Get Directions', and if you click on that it allows you to pick by public transit, walking, or car from a drop-down menu. Type in an address you're starting from (1280 Main St W is a good one), as well as the time you plan on leaving.
When the search is completed it gives you options for the next three available trips, how to get to the first stop, what bus is coming, how long the trip will take you, which stop to get off at, and how much walking you need to do from the stop.
So if you ever need to know how to get somewhere in Hamilton using HSR, use the Google Maps option, it will really save you a lot more time and aggravation than using the normal HSR Trip Planner!!
*side note* Google is taking over the world and it makes me sooooo happy!!
Showing posts with label MSU. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MSU. Show all posts
Monday, May 25, 2009
Charity Ball Tips from Compass
"Charity Ball Tips from Compass", January 14 2009
Hey everyone, as one of the Internal Coordinators at Compass let me explain a few things about ticket sales for you...because I've noticed a few things over the last two days.
Compass has TWO windows (new since the summer, which many returning students haven't realized). Although both windows are selling tickets we have attempted to stream-line the process to make everything easier.
When looking at Compass (with your back to Timmy's/La Piazza) the window on the left is considered Compass' main window, and thus it is open Mon-Fri 8-9:30 and 11-5 Saturday.
Charity Ball tickets are available there from 8-10:15 and 4:30-9:30. The rest of the time the window is open for selling transportation tickets (Greyhound, GO), event tickets (Formaldehyde, Kin Night @ 77, Amnesty at Mac Concert), and providing information.
The window on the right is open 10:15-4:30 until Friday of this week just to sell Charity Ball tickets.
If you have multiple purchases to make (ie Charity Ball tickets and a GO 2-ride) you can buy them from either window; you don't need to start in one line and then move to the other. BUT event tickets (other than Charity Ball) are only available at the window on the right.
So THAT is where and when to get your tickets at Compass! YAY!
A few other things to clear up...
Tickets are non-refundable. If you are no longer going to Charity Ball please go to the Facebook group to try and re-sell your ticket. Compass will not be taking down names for people looking for tickets and/or wanting to sell tickets once they are sold out.
There is a grand total of 2000 tickets available for Charity Ball. The CSR's at Compass do not know how many tickets have been sold, nor how many are left. SO DON'T ASK THEM.
Tickets are sold in no particular order. So if you happen to get ticket #1982 it doesn't mean tickets are almost sold out. SO DON'T GO POSTING ON FACEBOOK OR MSN THAT THEY'RE SOLD OUT!!
When tickets sell out there will be plenty of signage available at Compass. Until that point assume that there are still tickets on sale.
Thank you!
Danielle Lorenz,
Compass Internal Coordinator
Hey everyone, as one of the Internal Coordinators at Compass let me explain a few things about ticket sales for you...because I've noticed a few things over the last two days.
Compass has TWO windows (new since the summer, which many returning students haven't realized). Although both windows are selling tickets we have attempted to stream-line the process to make everything easier.
When looking at Compass (with your back to Timmy's/La Piazza) the window on the left is considered Compass' main window, and thus it is open Mon-Fri 8-9:30 and 11-5 Saturday.
Charity Ball tickets are available there from 8-10:15 and 4:30-9:30. The rest of the time the window is open for selling transportation tickets (Greyhound, GO), event tickets (Formaldehyde, Kin Night @ 77, Amnesty at Mac Concert), and providing information.
The window on the right is open 10:15-4:30 until Friday of this week just to sell Charity Ball tickets.
If you have multiple purchases to make (ie Charity Ball tickets and a GO 2-ride) you can buy them from either window; you don't need to start in one line and then move to the other. BUT event tickets (other than Charity Ball) are only available at the window on the right.
So THAT is where and when to get your tickets at Compass! YAY!
A few other things to clear up...
Tickets are non-refundable. If you are no longer going to Charity Ball please go to the Facebook group to try and re-sell your ticket. Compass will not be taking down names for people looking for tickets and/or wanting to sell tickets once they are sold out.
There is a grand total of 2000 tickets available for Charity Ball. The CSR's at Compass do not know how many tickets have been sold, nor how many are left. SO DON'T ASK THEM.
Tickets are sold in no particular order. So if you happen to get ticket #1982 it doesn't mean tickets are almost sold out. SO DON'T GO POSTING ON FACEBOOK OR MSN THAT THEY'RE SOLD OUT!!
When tickets sell out there will be plenty of signage available at Compass. Until that point assume that there are still tickets on sale.
Thank you!
Danielle Lorenz,
Compass Internal Coordinator
HSR Update from Compass Information Centre
"HSR Update from Compass Information Centre", October 28 2008
Denise Davy of the Hamilton Spectator reports that there is a proposed motion by the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR)
to increase bus fare by an additional thirty cents as of January. Although this will not impact full-time undergraduate students for this academic year, the increase will have a large affect on part-time undergraduate students, McMaster University Staff and some graduate programs.
The current cost of a monthly pass is $79.00, a strip of five tickets costs $9.25 (or $1.85 each) and a single fare is $2.40. I last reported about this issue when the HSR raised their fares January 1st 2008, the adult monthly pass increased 21% from its previous price of $71.00; while a strip of bus tickets used to cost $8.75. Their previous price increase was June 2007, when a single ride was $2.10, and a monthly pass was $65.00. If this motion is passed it means in twelve months public transportation in Hamilton would have increased by sixty cents.
For those who are not covered by the U-Pass, this fare hike will amount of money spent in a short amount of time. However, the HSR fare increase will also impact those who rely on the MSU bus pass.
As reported by Joey Coleman, the U-Pass for undergraduate students in the 2008-2009 academic year cost $94.80. For 2009-2010 the projected cost is $102.70, while for 2010-2011 it is $110.60. In contrast, the bus pass for 2007-2008 was $71.50. But as a first year the bus pass was only $67.50 of my student fees.
As you can tell, prices seem to be increasing rather steadily, and I’m sure you’re not the only one who is upset about it. Each year the price is projected to increase by 10% of the monthly cost starting at 120% for 2007-2008 and ending at 140% for 2010-2011. At that time another referenda will be held to determine if the student body wishes to continue having a bus pass as part of their student fees.
However, the prices for the next two years were only an estimate when the HSR released their report in February 2008. They stated that if the price of an adult monthly fare increases so will the cost of the U-Pass. 23 000 students have a U-Pass, which works out to an average of thirteen trips per user per month. Approximately 2.5 million trips are taken during the academic year using the HSR bus pass.
The new fare price will amount to $2.70 which is only five cents less than the TTC in Toronto. The TTC covers a much larger geographic area, and includes subway, streetcar and bus travel at that cost.
City councilors will be meeting November 14th to discuss the possible transit hike, which may come into effect as early as January 2009.
MacInsiders will be updating you on this matter as soon as more information comes available. You can also visit the Compass desk in MUSC, check out the Compass website, or email staff at compass@msu.mcmaster.ca.
Denise Davy of the Hamilton Spectator reports that there is a proposed motion by the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR)
The current cost of a monthly pass is $79.00, a strip of five tickets costs $9.25 (or $1.85 each) and a single fare is $2.40. I last reported about this issue when the HSR raised their fares January 1st 2008, the adult monthly pass increased 21% from its previous price of $71.00; while a strip of bus tickets used to cost $8.75. Their previous price increase was June 2007, when a single ride was $2.10, and a monthly pass was $65.00. If this motion is passed it means in twelve months public transportation in Hamilton would have increased by sixty cents.
For those who are not covered by the U-Pass, this fare hike will amount of money spent in a short amount of time. However, the HSR fare increase will also impact those who rely on the MSU bus pass.
As reported by Joey Coleman, the U-Pass for undergraduate students in the 2008-2009 academic year cost $94.80. For 2009-2010 the projected cost is $102.70, while for 2010-2011 it is $110.60. In contrast, the bus pass for 2007-2008 was $71.50. But as a first year the bus pass was only $67.50 of my student fees.
As you can tell, prices seem to be increasing rather steadily, and I’m sure you’re not the only one who is upset about it. Each year the price is projected to increase by 10% of the monthly cost starting at 120% for 2007-2008 and ending at 140% for 2010-2011. At that time another referenda will be held to determine if the student body wishes to continue having a bus pass as part of their student fees.
However, the prices for the next two years were only an estimate when the HSR released their report in February 2008. They stated that if the price of an adult monthly fare increases so will the cost of the U-Pass. 23 000 students have a U-Pass, which works out to an average of thirteen trips per user per month. Approximately 2.5 million trips are taken during the academic year using the HSR bus pass.
The new fare price will amount to $2.70 which is only five cents less than the TTC in Toronto. The TTC covers a much larger geographic area, and includes subway, streetcar and bus travel at that cost.
City councilors will be meeting November 14th to discuss the possible transit hike, which may come into effect as early as January 2009.
MacInsiders will be updating you on this matter as soon as more information comes available. You can also visit the Compass desk in MUSC, check out the Compass website, or email staff at compass@msu.mcmaster.ca.
Working Part-Time: Good Idea or Bad Idea?
"Working Part-Time: Good Idea or Bad Idea?", February 2008.
There is always a lot of talk about working while in University. Some people manage to make enough money working during the summer
months, but for some of us, finding other ways to pay the bills during the school year are required. For others, having a part-time job is just a way to have a little bit of extra spending money. Whatever the reason, deciding to work during the school year is one you should consider with some thought.
Working takes time away from your school work and socializing. It is really as simple as that. The time you spend at work you can probably spend during other things, such as sleeping, preparing for classes, completing assignments, studying, or going out with friends. If you feel that you are already stretched for time, adding a job to your schedule is not a good idea.
However, having to
juggle work, school and social commitments really improves your time management skills. You have to do so in order to make sure your grades don’t flounder completely. Your agenda is your best friend. Seriously.
Being able to work as well as be a student is (apparently) a skill future employers take note of. Again, the ability to complete school tasks as well as work speaks for your time management and organization skills. Employers like people with organizational and time management skills. Also, maintaining a job during the academic year can open doors for you in terms of networking (maybe someone you work with has a family member in the field you’re aspiring to), as well as provide you with a reference when you look for a job in the summer months.
An additional concern is how you are going to get to your place of employment. If you are without a car while you’re at school you will have two options: taking transit, or using your own two feet.
Having to get to a job and having to rely on public transit can be very difficult. If you miss your bus, you have a very good possibility of being late. Weather too, can cause you to not arrive to your place of employment on time.
Thus, one of the best places for a student to work is on campus. Lucky for us, McMaster hires students to work in various places in the university. Hospitality Services, for instance, has jobs for cashiers, food preparers, or servers. Many of the departments of the university have student receptionists. Some of the student services have program assistants that are exclusively students. The list of these sorts of jobs continues for quite awhile...so I'm going to stop now. To find out more about these jobs and others like it, consult with OSCAR; the job portal of Career Services.
However, why
not work for the MSU? The student union has lots of places for a student to work, as well as opportunities for advancement within these places of work. After Reading Week, many of the MSU services will be hiring for the upcoming academic year. These include places like Union Market, Quarters, Undercovers, and Compass. These jobs are all on campus, accommodate your academic schedule, and directly contribute to student life at McMaster. Most of these services operate when the school is open; so there is no fear of starting obscenely early or working incredibly late. Keep checking the MSU Jobs and Volunteering website, which will be updated frequently over the next few weeks.
I just spent the last year working for an MSU service, and have really enjoyed the experience. I know a bunch of people who work for some of the other services (notably Union Market and Quarters), and I haven't heard anything bad. And there are also some perks to working for MSU services, and MSU-exclusive parties that occur throughout the year as well. And don't forget you get to hob-nob it with the MSU BOD too.
Remember to think through everything I mentioned before
you consider applying for a position. And if you know anyone who is working right now, ask them too. Best of luck on the job hunt!
Also, you may want to check out Chad's Earlier article, Getting That Part-Time Job, which has a list of resources of places to apply.
There is always a lot of talk about working while in University. Some people manage to make enough money working during the summer
Working takes time away from your school work and socializing. It is really as simple as that. The time you spend at work you can probably spend during other things, such as sleeping, preparing for classes, completing assignments, studying, or going out with friends. If you feel that you are already stretched for time, adding a job to your schedule is not a good idea.
However, having to
Being able to work as well as be a student is (apparently) a skill future employers take note of. Again, the ability to complete school tasks as well as work speaks for your time management and organization skills. Employers like people with organizational and time management skills. Also, maintaining a job during the academic year can open doors for you in terms of networking (maybe someone you work with has a family member in the field you’re aspiring to), as well as provide you with a reference when you look for a job in the summer months.
An additional concern is how you are going to get to your place of employment. If you are without a car while you’re at school you will have two options: taking transit, or using your own two feet.
Thus, one of the best places for a student to work is on campus. Lucky for us, McMaster hires students to work in various places in the university. Hospitality Services, for instance, has jobs for cashiers, food preparers, or servers. Many of the departments of the university have student receptionists. Some of the student services have program assistants that are exclusively students. The list of these sorts of jobs continues for quite awhile...so I'm going to stop now. To find out more about these jobs and others like it, consult with OSCAR; the job portal of Career Services.
However, why
I just spent the last year working for an MSU service, and have really enjoyed the experience. I know a bunch of people who work for some of the other services (notably Union Market and Quarters), and I haven't heard anything bad. And there are also some perks to working for MSU services, and MSU-exclusive parties that occur throughout the year as well. And don't forget you get to hob-nob it with the MSU BOD too.
Remember to think through everything I mentioned before
Also, you may want to check out Chad's Earlier article, Getting That Part-Time Job, which has a list of resources of places to apply.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
MSU Teaching Awards
"MSU Teaching Awards", November 2007.
Some profs are much better than others. Some profs are much, much better than others. So why not nominate them for a teaching award?
Every term, the MSU allows students to nominate their profs for a teaching award. The definition of an excellent prof is not clearly defined: it could be someone who took the extra time to communicate with their students, challenged them academically, motivated them to improve, or is just simply awesome. The Teaching Awards Committee, as stated by its MSU webpage, “is designed to recognize and encourage excellence in teaching at McMaster University by awarding MSU Teaching Awards, on behalf of all MSU members”.
Why nominate a professor? The most obvious answer: You will help them win the MSU Teaching Award. Additionally, it will inspire other professors to improve, as well as recognize the achievements of great ones. Lastly, it allows you to provide input about your education at McMaster, which is incredibly important to your overall experience while a student at Mac.
There are three kinds of available awards; Faculty Awards, Achievement Awards, and Lifetime Achievement Awards. Faculty Awards are given to one professor from each of the faculties. The instructor must not have won an award the year previous, and it recognizes their all-around teaching performance. Reasons why these awards are given include approachability, ability to communicate, and their enthusiasm. Achievement Awards are given to instructors who have only been at Mac for less than two years. This award encourages these instructors to continue to contribute in a positive way to the McMaster community. Lifetime Achievement Awards are given to instructors who have been at McMaster for at least ten years, and are nearing retirement. They must have been nominated for a MSU Teaching Award in the past, and recognizes their significant contributions to McMaster students.
Once the top two nominees in each faculty are determined, evaluation forms are given out to their classes, and the results tabulated. The winner is based on the highest average score from the evaluations. Merit and Lifetime Achievement Awards are selected based on detailed applications from instructors, and are evaluated based on contributions to academics, McMaster student life, and the community outside McMaster.
Do you want to get involved? Volunteer to be on the Teaching Awards Committee! More information is available on the MSU’s ‘Volunteering’ webpage.
Nominations are available starting November 21st. Nomination forms can be filled out online, or at Compass (come visit!).
For more information (and to nominate your prof), consult with the MSU’s Teaching Awards website: http://www.msu.mcmaster.ca/tac/
Some profs are much better than others. Some profs are much, much better than others. So why not nominate them for a teaching award?
Every term, the MSU allows students to nominate their profs for a teaching award. The definition of an excellent prof is not clearly defined: it could be someone who took the extra time to communicate with their students, challenged them academically, motivated them to improve, or is just simply awesome. The Teaching Awards Committee, as stated by its MSU webpage, “is designed to recognize and encourage excellence in teaching at McMaster University by awarding MSU Teaching Awards, on behalf of all MSU members”.
Why nominate a professor? The most obvious answer: You will help them win the MSU Teaching Award. Additionally, it will inspire other professors to improve, as well as recognize the achievements of great ones. Lastly, it allows you to provide input about your education at McMaster, which is incredibly important to your overall experience while a student at Mac.
There are three kinds of available awards; Faculty Awards, Achievement Awards, and Lifetime Achievement Awards. Faculty Awards are given to one professor from each of the faculties. The instructor must not have won an award the year previous, and it recognizes their all-around teaching performance. Reasons why these awards are given include approachability, ability to communicate, and their enthusiasm. Achievement Awards are given to instructors who have only been at Mac for less than two years. This award encourages these instructors to continue to contribute in a positive way to the McMaster community. Lifetime Achievement Awards are given to instructors who have been at McMaster for at least ten years, and are nearing retirement. They must have been nominated for a MSU Teaching Award in the past, and recognizes their significant contributions to McMaster students.
Once the top two nominees in each faculty are determined, evaluation forms are given out to their classes, and the results tabulated. The winner is based on the highest average score from the evaluations. Merit and Lifetime Achievement Awards are selected based on detailed applications from instructors, and are evaluated based on contributions to academics, McMaster student life, and the community outside McMaster.
Do you want to get involved? Volunteer to be on the Teaching Awards Committee! More information is available on the MSU’s ‘Volunteering’ webpage.
Nominations are available starting November 21st. Nomination forms can be filled out online, or at Compass (come visit!).
For more information (and to nominate your prof), consult with the MSU’s Teaching Awards website: http://www.msu.mcmaster.ca/tac/
Skating Rink on Campus?
"Skating Rink on Campus?", October 2007
You may not know, or believe this about me, but I figure skated for eight years. Since quitting however, (and growing a little bit) I decided to buy hockey skates as you could buy good quality ones for much cheaper (my skates when I quit cost $500; the hockey skates I bought $175). Each and every time I come home during the winter months (which I admit is not often); I go ice skating at an outdoor rink.
Unfortunately, because I do not have a car while I am in Hamilton, there is nowhere close by where I can skate. I see this as being quite unfortunate because skating is a good form of exercise, and it also allows one to be outside, yet not chilly. This may change, however. Your friendly neighborhood MSU Board of Directors has administered a survey which asks students if they would want an outdoor ice rink.
They survey is very short (only eight questions), and will be used to determine student interest in the possibility of having an outdoor skating rink on campus. Please fill it out! You can access the survey directly here: http://www.msu.mcmaster.ca/bod/skating.php. In addition, you can also add your friends to the Facebook group, which has a link to the survey http://mcmaster.facebook.com/group.p...7834840&ref=mf.
Please, take the time to vote and hopefully we can have a rink this winter!
You may not know, or believe this about me, but I figure skated for eight years. Since quitting however, (and growing a little bit) I decided to buy hockey skates as you could buy good quality ones for much cheaper (my skates when I quit cost $500; the hockey skates I bought $175). Each and every time I come home during the winter months (which I admit is not often); I go ice skating at an outdoor rink.
Unfortunately, because I do not have a car while I am in Hamilton, there is nowhere close by where I can skate. I see this as being quite unfortunate because skating is a good form of exercise, and it also allows one to be outside, yet not chilly. This may change, however. Your friendly neighborhood MSU Board of Directors has administered a survey which asks students if they would want an outdoor ice rink.
They survey is very short (only eight questions), and will be used to determine student interest in the possibility of having an outdoor skating rink on campus. Please fill it out! You can access the survey directly here: http://www.msu.mcmaster.ca/bod/skating.php. In addition, you can also add your friends to the Facebook group, which has a link to the survey http://mcmaster.facebook.com/group.p...7834840&ref=mf.
Please, take the time to vote and hopefully we can have a rink this winter!
Compass: Pointing You in the Right Direction
"Compass: Pointing You in the Right Direction", September 2007
Compass is a MSU service located in the main floor of the MUSC building. Compass serves three main purposes: first to answer questions about McMaster, MSU services and the greater Hamilton area; secondly to provide students a convenient way to travel; and lastly as a retail outlet for campus events tickets.
Let’s say you don’t know how to get to JHE, CSB, ITB, and/or ADL (I know how much first year students love acronyms). Talk to one of the Compass Customer Service Representatives, and they will point you in the right direction; either by explaining how to get there from the Compass desk, or showing you on one of their pocket maps. Want to know more about the Health Plan coverage offered by McMaster, or when you can opt-out of it? Ask one of the Compass CSR’s, and/or check out the MSU Insurance Plans website, here: http://www.msu.mcmaster.ca/health/. Don’t know how to get to a certain Professor’s office, your faculty office, or any other location at McMaster? Compass can help you out with that, too.
What about traveling off campus? Compass can point you in the right direction here as well. Compass sells tickets and passes for the GO Transit system, as well as Greyhound, Coach Canada, and both the Hamilton and Burlington Transit systems. Did you know as a full-time undergraduate student that you are entitled to free, unlimited travel on the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR, AKA the Hamilton city bus)? All you have to do is flash your student card when you’re boarding the bus. Need to know how to get to the Pearson International Airport using the GO, or when the next bus to York University leaves? Or how about getting to Guelph, London, Cambridge or Windsor by bus? The CSR’s can help you with that as well.
Did you know as a full-time McMaster student you can get a discount for the GO Transit system? All you need to do is go into the non-academic services section of your MUGSI account, and fill out the form. You can pick up your card on the following Thursday, but must have your student card with you. Having the GO Transit discount will entitle you from anywhere between 10% to 30% when purchasing ten-ride or monthly passes. To use the discount you must have your student card and GO discount card on you.
Want to go to the next concert or play occurring on campus? Buy your tickets at Compass and save on disappointment! To see what events Compass is selling tickets for, check out the McMaster Campus Events website (http://www.msu.mcmaster.ca/campusevents/events.php). Compass frequently sells tickets for all of the drama festivals, musicals, Quarters concerts and more! There are advertisements and signs for the events near the kiosk so check them out.
Did you know that Compass also sells long-distance and pre-paid cell phone cards? Not sure what you’re looking for exactly? Ask a CSR to make a recommendation. However, all sales are final, so make sure you have made up your mind before you purchase anything.
During the academic year, Compass is open from 8:00AM until 9:30PM Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays from 11:00AM until 5:00PM. During exams and holidays the schedule will change slightly, as the Customer Service Representatives are all students like yourself. If you would like more information on Compass, and its services, check out their website, here: http://www.msu.mcmaster.ca/compass/index.php.
On a side note: please come visit me! I’m working there this year!
Compass is a MSU service located in the main floor of the MUSC building. Compass serves three main purposes: first to answer questions about McMaster, MSU services and the greater Hamilton area; secondly to provide students a convenient way to travel; and lastly as a retail outlet for campus events tickets.
Let’s say you don’t know how to get to JHE, CSB, ITB, and/or ADL (I know how much first year students love acronyms). Talk to one of the Compass Customer Service Representatives, and they will point you in the right direction; either by explaining how to get there from the Compass desk, or showing you on one of their pocket maps. Want to know more about the Health Plan coverage offered by McMaster, or when you can opt-out of it? Ask one of the Compass CSR’s, and/or check out the MSU Insurance Plans website, here: http://www.msu.mcmaster.ca/health/. Don’t know how to get to a certain Professor’s office, your faculty office, or any other location at McMaster? Compass can help you out with that, too.
What about traveling off campus? Compass can point you in the right direction here as well. Compass sells tickets and passes for the GO Transit system, as well as Greyhound, Coach Canada, and both the Hamilton and Burlington Transit systems. Did you know as a full-time undergraduate student that you are entitled to free, unlimited travel on the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR, AKA the Hamilton city bus)? All you have to do is flash your student card when you’re boarding the bus. Need to know how to get to the Pearson International Airport using the GO, or when the next bus to York University leaves? Or how about getting to Guelph, London, Cambridge or Windsor by bus? The CSR’s can help you with that as well.
Did you know as a full-time McMaster student you can get a discount for the GO Transit system? All you need to do is go into the non-academic services section of your MUGSI account, and fill out the form. You can pick up your card on the following Thursday, but must have your student card with you. Having the GO Transit discount will entitle you from anywhere between 10% to 30% when purchasing ten-ride or monthly passes. To use the discount you must have your student card and GO discount card on you.
Want to go to the next concert or play occurring on campus? Buy your tickets at Compass and save on disappointment! To see what events Compass is selling tickets for, check out the McMaster Campus Events website (http://www.msu.mcmaster.ca/campusevents/events.php). Compass frequently sells tickets for all of the drama festivals, musicals, Quarters concerts and more! There are advertisements and signs for the events near the kiosk so check them out.
Did you know that Compass also sells long-distance and pre-paid cell phone cards? Not sure what you’re looking for exactly? Ask a CSR to make a recommendation. However, all sales are final, so make sure you have made up your mind before you purchase anything.
During the academic year, Compass is open from 8:00AM until 9:30PM Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays from 11:00AM until 5:00PM. During exams and holidays the schedule will change slightly, as the Customer Service Representatives are all students like yourself. If you would like more information on Compass, and its services, check out their website, here: http://www.msu.mcmaster.ca/compass/index.php.
On a side note: please come visit me! I’m working there this year!
Getting Involved at McMaster: Part Three: (more) Student Services
"Getting Involved at McMaster: Part Three: (more) Student Services", July 2007
My previous composition on student services features those which were a little bit on the ‘lighter’ side. The services I am going to mention are seen as more essential to students be it for emergencies, prevention, or education, AKA the ones you need to know about.
Uh oh, an emergency on campus; what do you do? You do NOT call 911. On any campus phone you dial 88, and you will be patched in to the Emergency First Response Team. EFRT is responsible for handling all emergencies that occur on campus, and are extensively trained in the areas of medical and first aid emergencies. Their average response time is less than two minutes (and they travel by bike and by foot!). There is an extensive interview process to be a member of the EFRT team at the beginning of every term. For more information, consult the website www.msu.mcmaster.ca/efrt, or stop by the office in MUSC 103. Additionally, EFRT offers first aid courses throughout the school year.
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Centre in MUSC 221 offers an essential service for students. Their mandate is to act as a place where individuals can access resources, support and contacts pertinent to issues surrounding gender and sexual identities. It alsooperates as a safe space for individuals who may identity themselves as either/or Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Asexual, Two-Spirited, Heterosexual, Questioning and other diverse sexual, gender and social identities. With at least eighteen services available, the GLBTQ centre offers many volunteer services each term. Additional information about the provided programs of GLBTQ can be found at their website http://www.msu.mcmaster.ca/glbt/index.php.
Various studies have found that many youth do not know the information about sexual health that they should. Oftentimes university-age students put themselves at risk by not knowing the facts that can save them from potentially devastating behaviors. SHEC, the Student Health Education Centre, located in MUSC 202 offers many services to students, including: free prophylactics, free anonymous pregnancy testing, confidential, anonymous, non-judgmental peer support, off-campus referrals, and tons of information and resources about sexual health. More information can be found at their website, which is http://www.msu.mcmaster.ca/shec/index.php. People who want to volunteer for SHEC need to be in an undergraduate program. Unfortunately, the deadline for volunteers for the 2007-2008 academic year has passed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get involved next year!
The Student Walk Home Attendant Team, or SWHAT, is a volunteer service operational seven days a week during the fall and winter terms from dusk until 1AM. SWHAT will walk anyone anywhere on campus or within a thirty minute radius to make sure they get home safely. Two walkers, one male and one female, come with a SWHAT jacket, flashlights and a radio so they are in constant contact with the SWHAT office and McMaster security. Getting involved with SWHAT is a great way to meet a diverse range of people as well as to get to know the geography on and around campus. You will see SWHAT, and their mascot, SWHATTY at Clubsfest. However, if you want information before then you can either check out their website http://www.msu.mcmaster.ca/swhat/index.php, or visit MUSC 204 starting September 1st.
As I mentioned in the previous article, I was not going to mention all twenty of the student services offered by the MSU. For a complete listing, and all of their respective webpages, go to http://www.msu.mcmaster.ca/services/.
My previous composition on student services features those which were a little bit on the ‘lighter’ side. The services I am going to mention are seen as more essential to students be it for emergencies, prevention, or education, AKA the ones you need to know about.
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Centre in MUSC 221 offers an essential service for students. Their mandate is to act as a place where individuals can access resources, support and contacts pertinent to issues surrounding gender and sexual identities. It alsooperates as a safe space for individuals who may identity themselves as either/or Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Asexual, Two-Spirited, Heterosexual, Questioning and other diverse sexual, gender and social identities. With at least eighteen services available, the GLBTQ centre offers many volunteer services each term. Additional information about the provided programs of GLBTQ can be found at their website http://www.msu.mcmaster.ca/glbt/index.php.
Various studies have found that many youth do not know the information about sexual health that they should. Oftentimes university-age students put themselves at risk by not knowing the facts that can save them from potentially devastating behaviors. SHEC, the Student Health Education Centre, located in MUSC 202 offers many services to students, including: free prophylactics, free anonymous pregnancy testing, confidential, anonymous, non-judgmental peer support, off-campus referrals, and tons of information and resources about sexual health. More information can be found at their website, which is http://www.msu.mcmaster.ca/shec/index.php. People who want to volunteer for SHEC need to be in an undergraduate program. Unfortunately, the deadline for volunteers for the 2007-2008 academic year has passed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get involved next year!
The Student Walk Home Attendant Team, or SWHAT, is a volunteer service operational seven days a week during the fall and winter terms from dusk until 1AM. SWHAT will walk anyone anywhere on campus or within a thirty minute radius to make sure they get home safely. Two walkers, one male and one female, come with a SWHAT jacket, flashlights and a radio so they are in constant contact with the SWHAT office and McMaster security. Getting involved with SWHAT is a great way to meet a diverse range of people as well as to get to know the geography on and around campus. You will see SWHAT, and their mascot, SWHATTY at Clubsfest. However, if you want information before then you can either check out their website http://www.msu.mcmaster.ca/swhat/index.php, or visit MUSC 204 starting September 1st.
As I mentioned in the previous article, I was not going to mention all twenty of the student services offered by the MSU. For a complete listing, and all of their respective webpages, go to http://www.msu.mcmaster.ca/services/.
Getting Involved at McMaster: Part Two: Student Services
"Getting Involved at McMaster: Part Two: Student Services" July 2007
Like other universities, McMaster offers a great deal of services for its students in many different areas. The McMaster Student Union (MSU) offers twenty services to students. I am not going to mention them all, but I will speak about the ones I think are really good to get participate in. Because the services include a variety of different areas, there are many ways in which to get involved. As previously mentioned in my earlier piece, getting active at school is a good thing (so do it)!
MSU Diversity Services’ mandate aims to build and maintain a campus that celebrates, advocates and ensures that the McMaster campus is an inclusive and diverse community in areas including, but not limited to, ethnicity and culture, faith and spirituality, gender, ability/disability and sexual orientation. Along with various events throughout the year, Diversity Services runs Bridges Café, the vegetarian restaurant on campus. During the school year, Diversity Services offers many different volunteer opportunities, so either check out http://www.msu.mcmaster.ca/diversity/index.php or go visit them “under the staircase” at Bridges Café for more information.
Do you like bike riding? Then MACycle CO-OP is for you! In a world dominated by gas-guzzling automobiles, MACycle has the goal of promoting cycling as both an alternative mode of transportation as well as a form of recreation. This five-year-old program is one of the first of its kind in Canada. It offers bicycle repairs, refurbished bikes available for sale, and information sessions on fixing your bike. MACycle is located in B115A in Wentworth House, or you can get more information online from http://www.msu.mcmaster.ca/macycle/index.php.
MACgreen’s purpose is to serve McMaster and the community around campus in all ways environmental. On Campus, MACgreen works to create an environmentally conscious culture by creatively re-thinking and reducing waste, promoting and providing re-usable options, and educational campaigns to ensure proper recycling, and knowledge of composting options. Beyond MAC, MACgreen works with other large environmental groups and community organizations. MACgreen encourages volunteer participation, and there are many opportunities throughout the year to get involved. Check out their website at http://www.msu.mcmaster.ca/macgreen/index.php. Alternatively, go visit the executive members in B115B in Wentworth House during the school year. While you’re there don’t forget to talk to Mark Wade, this years President. He’s an awesome guy.
One! We are from MAC! Two! A little bit louder! Three! I still can’t hear you! Four! More more more…During Welcome Week, and many other times during the year you will see a rather loud and spirited group of individuals walking around wearing Maroon jumpsuits. These are the Maroons, the Spirit organization at McMaster. They are responsible for organizing events related to anything and everything about MAC pride. They are also involved in getting students involved in the community in non-academic ways. If you have McMaster pride, and are an undergraduate student, this is THE group for you. They are always doing something, and being a Maroon is tons of fun. Either go visit them in their office in the Student Centre (MUSC UB 109) or peruse their website at www.msu.mcmaster.ca/maroons
Like other universities, McMaster offers a great deal of services for its students in many different areas. The McMaster Student Union (MSU) offers twenty services to students. I am not going to mention them all, but I will speak about the ones I think are really good to get participate in. Because the services include a variety of different areas, there are many ways in which to get involved. As previously mentioned in my earlier piece, getting active at school is a good thing (so do it)!
MSU Diversity Services’ mandate aims to build and maintain a campus that celebrates, advocates and ensures that the McMaster campus is an inclusive and diverse community in areas including, but not limited to, ethnicity and culture, faith and spirituality, gender, ability/disability and sexual orientation. Along with various events throughout the year, Diversity Services runs Bridges Café, the vegetarian restaurant on campus. During the school year, Diversity Services offers many different volunteer opportunities, so either check out http://www.msu.mcmaster.ca/diversity/index.php or go visit them “under the staircase” at Bridges Café for more information.
Do you like bike riding? Then MACycle CO-OP is for you! In a world dominated by gas-guzzling automobiles, MACycle has the goal of promoting cycling as both an alternative mode of transportation as well as a form of recreation. This five-year-old program is one of the first of its kind in Canada. It offers bicycle repairs, refurbished bikes available for sale, and information sessions on fixing your bike. MACycle is located in B115A in Wentworth House, or you can get more information online from http://www.msu.mcmaster.ca/macycle/index.php.
One! We are from MAC! Two! A little bit louder! Three! I still can’t hear you! Four! More more more…During Welcome Week, and many other times during the year you will see a rather loud and spirited group of individuals walking around wearing Maroon jumpsuits. These are the Maroons, the Spirit organization at McMaster. They are responsible for organizing events related to anything and everything about MAC pride. They are also involved in getting students involved in the community in non-academic ways. If you have McMaster pride, and are an undergraduate student, this is THE group for you. They are always doing something, and being a Maroon is tons of fun. Either go visit them in their office in the Student Centre (MUSC UB 109) or peruse their website at www.msu.mcmaster.ca/maroons
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)