[temara.brown]

The MSU and You
BY TEMARA BROWN, MACINSIDERS

We’ve all seen the McMaster Students Union’s logo on various places around campus, the maroons bouncing up and down cheering for said organization, at the Campus Events that you attend, or perhaps have read about things happening within the MSU with it here on Macinsiders or in the Silhouette, the MSU's weekly student newspaper.

The MSU can be understood as three different branches, all of which are here to offer you, the students, opportunities to help you succeed and have the best possible time here at McMaster. There are their 35 services here to offer you the opportunities you might not otherwise have at the university, there are over 250 clubs so that you have somewhere to associate with, as well, there is a lot of advocacy work done at many levels of the government so that you are well represented.

The MSU services might be the first branch of your union that you discover when you first arrive. There are 35 different services overall such as: Compass – where you get your information and tickets; Quarters – a great place for lunch and nights out; Undercovers – a place to buy and sell your textbooks from other students at fair prices; Teaching Awards – your chance to recognize your favourite teachers; and so many more! I suggest acquainting yourself with the many different services out there and finding the one that you relate to most.
There are many different ways you can get involved with these jobs either as a part-time job or volunteering. SHEC, the Student Health Education Centre, offers volunteer positions as peer counsellors offering confidential, anonymous, non-judgmental peer support. Or, you might consider SWHAT, the student walk home attendant team who makes sure you get home safely after those long study evenings. For employment, you might consider the Union Market - a great place to get your snacks at fair prices or perhaps you might be interested in part-time manager or coordinator position at any one of these services. If so, keep your eyes on the MSU job posting site. Job listings are posted on there throughout the year so keep on checking!

Macinsiders recently covered the pros and cons of working part-time that features more information on what it's like to work at a MSU Service.

The second branch of the MSU are the clubs. Over 250 are offered so there is definitely one that might interest you! Check out the clubs listing here (will be updated soon) or make sure you attend Clubsfest on the Wednesday morning of Welcome Week. Macinsiders, also an MSU club, will be there! This event is open for every McMaster student so make sure you attend as an upper year as well!
Don't feel like there's an MSU Club out there for you? Why not start one yourself! There are application deadlines for club status and this year it has been extended until August 1st.

The third branch of the MSU is the advocacy work that might be a bit more behind the scenes. If you check out the MSU website like all of the above links might have lead you to before, you'll also notice the Student Government section. There are four different levels upon which this can be divided: The Board of Directors (BoD), Executive Board, the Student Representative Assembly (SRA), and the First Year Council (FYC).

The BoD consists of your MSU President, VP Administration, VP Finance, and VP Education. These individuals are students working full-time, taking a year off school to serve you! MacInsiders has a snazzy little video to introduce these members to you! They are here working for you and are always willing to answer any questions you might have so drop by the MSU office, room 201 in the Student Center.

The EB meets regulary all year (including the summer) to oversee the daily operations of the MSU and also take care of long term planning decisions. Voting members consist of the BoD and 5 SRA representatives. See MSU bylaw 6 for more detailed information!

The SRA is the group of students responsible for making all major decisions on behalf of the student body. Policies, bylaws, the MSU budget - all of these go through the SRA so that the students have the say on what's best for their organization. The members are elected from each faculty group and are listed here. Get to know your SRA reps as they are here working for you! (hint hint to all those in Science!) Office hours are held regularly during the school year in the SRA office, room 204 in the student center.
A lot of the work performed by the SRA comes from that done in committees. The committees focus on their particular portfolios where they then present it to the main assembly. You don't have to be a member of the SRA to attend these committees - they are open to all MSU members!

The last of the groups, definitely not the the least, is the First Year Council. This group is completely composed of first year students who are elected by and representing the needs of first year students, whether it be through advocacy or organizing events! If you are interested in getting involved with FYC, elections for the two co-chair or four commissioner positions are held each September. More detailed information about the FYC can be found here!

Don't forget about your HSR bus pass and insurance plans!! The HSR bus pass contract referendum passed during this past year so you will still be able to get your bus pass that is good for as many bus rides as you desire for eight months of the year! The MSU also facilitates your health and dental plans. If you already are on a plan, you can opt out of this one. Ifnot, next time you need your teeth fixed or glasses replaced, don't forget to pick up your claim form from the MSU office!


Overall, the MSU is an organization that is entirely able to function thanks to the hardworking students who comprise it. No matter which way you get involved, the students are what make this organization what it is -- which is amazing!

[Chad]

A great overview. Thanks Temara!

[temara.brown]

Photo photo photo


The SRA, part-time + full-time managers, and Student Academic Council members @ Bark Lake, 2008

[lorend]

For anyone who doesn't know...that was the MSU retreat at Bark Lake. It was a mixture of MSU Services Part-Time (and Full-Time) Managers, the SRA, the SAC and the BOD>

Diddling was involved.

[temara.brown]

LOL!! in room 1... Casey Park was definitely there.

Team 7 should have won everything because of their name...

..Danielle chases geese.

[deadpool]

I look so beleagured in that picture...

[lorend]

haha.

perchance not enough diddling?

[temara.brown]

ew.




(apparently you can't post something less than six characters)

[deadpool]

haha,
you guys weren't there when i tried to pick up the camp counsellor.

[lorend]

oh dear...

I'm glad I wasn't.

Also because she was probably like fourteen.