opinion
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Universities are too overrun with business pursuits
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The constant rise of consumerism seems to increase without much recognition. Our society has become so commercialized that it’s often difficult for most to differentiate between the degrees of consumerism or to even take notice when it becomes too excessive. The cases of consumerism and commercialism that we see in our day-to-day lives are in…
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Conservatives incompetent
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Not much more than a year ago, I stated in a column that, “Although I’m not exactly a fan of Stephen Harper, neither am I his biggest detractor.” I guess it takes that much longer to really get to know someone. Until early 2008, Mr. Harper had, in my mind, displayed an unexpected level of restraint…
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Insufficient awareness of Laurier environmental issues
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There are three things that I believe to be true. The first is that universities ought to be at the forefront of technological advances and social movements. The second is that environmental degradation is increasing and we really need to do something about it. The third is that Laurier has the potential to combine these…
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Teaching is more than just a comedy routine
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Some time ago, after giving a public lecture, one of those present asked me how many hours a week I taught. My reply was six hours a week. “Wow,” was his reply. “That sure leaves a lot of time for research,” he added. He was stunned when I replied, “On the contrary… it really doesn’t.…
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The O-Week debate
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Absurd With first year complete, James Popkie offers a satirical perspective on the tomfoolery that unfolds as first-years arrive Dear first year students: congratulations, you’ve made it into university. In past years, this would have put you in the upper intellectual elite. Nowadays, well, you’re probably above average at least. To put things in perspective,…
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Superficial friendships and convenience litter residence life
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School, nap, party; repeat. That was essentially what my life consisted of during my year in residence. Although I may have been able to strike an appropriate balance between these aspects, something many first-year students struggle with, the overall experience was extremely artificial and didn’t allow much time to mature or evolve as a person.…
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Board failed students
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While the university itself is forced to make significant cuts to all departments the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union seems to have the opposite problem: it has too much money to spend funds wisely. Director Andrew Fryer’s proposed and passed amendment of $25,000 for a market research initiative is a reflection of the inept abilities…
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Reconsider Values
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The current economic crisis has forced society into a pivotal place where the values that will follow us into a new era need to be affirmed. In a time where the auto industry garners the front pages of media outlets for their bailout cries, the focus on investing in education during the recession seems to…
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