You can check Avenue probably to see if there will be labs/tutorials this week. Usually the prof also addresses this in the first class and a general rule of thumb is to go to a core before going to a lab/tut. The engineering reps probably don't know about your specific course but usually you will never go to a tut/lab before a lecture and if your one particular class is an exception, you can't really blame them for not knowing. That's why you go to the first class, after all, to find out this stuff.

Faculty reps don't even go into residences that much, if I recall correctly. If they did spread via word of mouth, it would be on campus and not inside a residence. After all, most people are out during frosh week anyway so it's a bit useless to spread info from inside the residences.

I'm sorry you missed events, really. But there's a lesson to be learned in that it never hurts to Google things. And if that fails, ask someone. No shame in that. There are a lot of "shoulds" - they "should" have made sure you knew. Better to double check yourself.

Also I'm "pretty sure" that MSU voting isn't rigged. I seriously doubt that the MSU cares enough about 50 people in the marching band to break rules for them. And did you show up and vote against it? Consider that the people that want motions like that passed are passionate about it and maybe even 100% of them will vote. People that don't care/are against are more like to have a "meh, this is so effing stupid it's not worth the effort" attitude and won't show up to vote against it. Just a thought.

Originally Posted by BlakeM

You sure you didn't mishear? Pretty sure labs/tutorials don't happen the first two weeks of school, unless mentioned otherwise.

I'd just like to confirm that in fact there were first year Engineering labs today, despite what is thought to be the norm at McMaster (no labs for the first week, and sometimes even for the second). And from what I am aware, there was no prior notice of this aside from attending today's lecture.

Also, the fake Math test did get more publicity than the faculty welcome week events. First years are not getting acquainted with the university, and they would expect their physical mail and McMaster email to be the 2 main, relevant news outlets. Neither gave a proper rundown of welcome week, which I find weird, because I remember getting a proper outline during my first year.

Source: brother in 1st year Engineering.

To be fair, everyone who says how he is complaining should just shut up. It's really hard for off campus students to keep in sync with everything that goes on during welcome week, where, to be frank. I am sure alot of people would not know what is going on if they were not in residence. We have the benefit of seeing all of the reps 24/7, they don't have such luxuries.

FYI that pamphlet was posted in August. Maybe you didn't know about mac eng society. If this was an issue then you should go to the jhe lounge (blue room) and talk to someone there saying you had difficulty, steps to fix / improve. Then again how did the others know..?

you guys are so hard on this guy for no reason. he makes a good point you know. and i'm fairly sure we were all young once and were irritated by things that may now seem whiny.

seriously cut this kid some slack. people grow up and learn. it's what university is for.

i understand if there is something stressful in your lives that's bothering you, but that gives you no right to take it out on some one else and completely bash their arguments without putting yourself in their shoes.

cheers.

To the OP, while being an off-campus student may decrease the word-of-mouth that comes with living on residence, I recommend looking up event information online next time. There's plenty on the MSU site. You can't refund the supplementary fee.

Going to close this thread now.

To be fair to the original poster, welcome week event isn't all encompassed within the official Mac schedule that was handed out. Events like the Engineering (or specific faculty ones) weren't exactly explained in detail. Even I had a hard time finding any of this info... it says to "check online" for details and specific locations but I didn't find any of that by looking on the McMaster website or official channels.

It can be frustrating when detailed info is hard to find. This is why it's always best to post in the forums to see if anyone else has heard about it or has info they can share. We tried our best this year to compile as much Welcome Week info into one spot on our homepage, and still a lot of students were finding it hard to figure out where to go.

For Eng specific events, your best bet is to first check the macengsociety website.

Originally Posted by MrPlinkett

What's that? AvacadoLover disagrees with everyone again? Surely you jest!

If you look at page 2, you will see that this isn't the case. The OP make a very convincing case regarding the lack of proper communication WW laid out. Its ok to point out the numerous flaws McMaster has, you don't have to kiss its ass 24/7.