University Affairs - November 2016

Lettres Letters

The value of campus clubs

thanks for your insights, Benjamin (“ The case for campus clubs,” by Benjamin Miller, October issue). I’m lucky to be able to witness first-hand how valuable student clubs are, both to a school’s community and to individuals. Social capital, or the relationships and networks within a community, is one of the most important assets any society or community has. Voluntary organizations like clubs foster these networks especially well. Student clubs are the perfect training ground for building skills like leadership, event planning, budgeting, and member engagement, but they’re not just for over-achieving keeners! They’re there for students who have trouble with public speaking or making friends, for students who know a lot or a little about certain issues or industries. Once people get participating in their community, they become more engaged in their studies and careers. They create value both through their contributions and within themselves by enriching their own experience. Everyone benefits.

Amy Smith

Ms. Smith is club program coordinator at the BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology) Student Association in Burnaby, B.C.

A new name, but similar responsibilities

i was pleased to see that McMaster University was mentioned in the article, “More universities seeking coordinated response to sexual violence on campus” (October issue). Perhaps our own institutional memory is at fault for the recent date (2015) listed for the start of our sexual violence response coordinator, but it is pertinent that McMaster had a sexual harassment and anti-discrimination officer beginning in 1992. The title and the responsibilities of that person pertained to sexual violence as well as other misconduct.

I worked with the office on policies and on several cases when I was dean of graduate studies. The officer was here from 1992 to 2011. I thought her appointment was a remarkable initiative. By using the term violence, the matter has been given renewed attention, so in that sense the article and timeline are significant.

John Weaver

Dr. Weaver is a professor of history at McMaster University.

A fantastic opportunity to acquire a strategically located purpose built post-secondary campus located in Bracebridge, the heart of Muskoka — a world-renowned cottage country region that is known for its backdrop of sparkling lakes, majestic forests and pristine beauty.