Student Writing Workshops

Student Writing Workshops

By Ronnie Neiman

This week there are a number of workshops that students can attend to help better their academic skills. All workshops are online, free, and open to all BU students.
Check out the Learning Skills webpage for details. The ones listed below are only for October 3rd until October 7th. There are more workshops in the following weeks. 

Essay Basics

The essay workshop I find to be particularly useful as someone who loves to write but didn’t have much experience with academic writing prior to university. The workshop is described as: students will soon be able to identify the basic parts of the essay, the introduction, body, conclusion; and describe how they function. Along with the basic structure, this workshop will cover the following: purpose of the essay, selecting and narrowing a topic, levels of English and use of scholarly language, formulating a thesis statement (brief introduction), evidence and how is it used, and how to access additional resources both on campus and online.

Monday, October 3rd-10:40 am - 11:30 am

How can I get through my textbooks?

One workshop also offered is to learn how to effectively make the most out of your textbooks. Sometimes a textbook can seem a bit daunting, especially considering the size of some of them. Reading the textbook well and finding the important information will go a long way in helping you in your classes. This workshop will help you do that. 

Monday, October 3rd- 1:40 pm - 2:30 pm

How can I take effective lecture notes?

From taking 50-minute classes to the three-hour long lectures, there is usually a need to take notes. If it’s not in the textbook, it’s in what your instructor presents and what they say. Figuring out what to write or type can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. Learn how to identify what’s important in your university lectures, and best techniques to take notes so you set yourself up for success for your first midterms.

Thursday, October 6th-10:40 am - 11:30 am

Brandon University Plans In-Person Homecoming

Brandon University Plans In-Person Homecoming 

September 22, 2022 

(Brandon University Website)

(Picture credit: Brandon University website)  

Brandon University (BU) will be hosting its first in-person Homecoming celebration since 2019, from October 13 to 16, 2022. 

The weekend will be filled with a multitude of events including the usual favourites such as the Homecoming Dinner and Awards Ceremony, the Athletics Wall of Fame Brunch, and the Pro Series concert featuring BU’s Megumi Masaki, who was named to the Order of Manitoba this past spring.
“It’s been too long since we have seen many of our alumni, and we’re excited to be welcoming everyone back!” said Carla Eisler, BU’s Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs.

This year’s Homecoming celebration will also be a chance to recognize the centennial of the Citizen’s Science Building, now known as the Knowles-Douglas Students’ Union Centre. The building was the third building built on the Brandon University Campus, in 1922-1923, and is a rare example of late gothic style architecture in Manitoba. The celebrations in the Knowles-Douglas Centre will include a Beer Garden serving locally brewed beer, a Trivia Night hosted by BU’s new Advancement Officer Nick Brown, and a 1920s themed social, the 100th Birthday Bash.

“I worked in that building for four years while on student council, and I’m thrilled to be back running events in a space that has meant so much to students over the last century,” Brown said.

Homecoming this year will also include participation from some of the groups on campus. The Inter-Residence Council will be hosting a Bonfire Night after the Banquet next to the new sculpture by renowned Cree/Metis artist Kevin McKenzie. The Brandon University Gaming Association will host A Nintendo Afternoon, a lighthearted and fun afternoon where you can drop-in, grab some snacks, and relax while playing Mario Kart or Smash Bros. The Indigenous Alumni Chapter will host a Bannock and Tea event at the new Ceremonial Fire Pit, and some of Bee-U’s first batch of honey will be served.

“One of our biggest joys this fall has been able to welcome everyone back to our campus, and I can’t wait to see our proud alumni in-person again at Homecoming,” said BU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. David Docherty. “We’re highlighting some of the best that our community has to offer, and I’m looking forward to sharing BU’s new and old favourites with our alumni and other guests.”

The full Homecoming Schedule and Registration form can be found at BrandonU.ca/Homecoming/Schedule.

Brandon University students present virtual Dungeons and Dragons Adventure

Brandon University students present virtual Dungeons and Dragons Adventure

BU NEWS — March 18, 2022

BRANDON – Despite the ongoing challenges of creating art during a pandemic, students at Brandon University (BU) have persevered to present She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms – an online performance where adventure and mayhem can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home. 

In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and five-headed dragons, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek within us all. Two years after the death of her teenage sister Tilly, Agnes Evans discovers a mysterious notebook containing her sister's home-brewed Dungeons and Dragons campaign. Newly born hero, Agnes the Ass-hatted, undertakes an epic quest to save Tilly's soul and to learn about her sister's hidden life. ***This production contains mature content and language. Viewer discretion is advised.

In response to the global pandemic and the subsequent closing of theaters worldwide, playwright Qui Nguyen released a new adaptation of his play She Kills Monsters intended for online performances.

“Dungeons and Dragons is a game often played online, so this story translates to a virtual platform quite easily” says BU theatre professor and director Jacqueline Russell. “I chose this wildly fun piece because I knew we would be able to make it happen no matter what. Flexibility and adaptability are two of the greatest skills theatre teaches us — if you know how to improvise, you can find ways to have fun even during times of great struggle”.

Filmed from a variety of bedrooms and living rooms around Brandon, She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms will be available for online viewing from March 24 to April 2, 2022. Tickets are free; however, donations are welcome and go toward future productions at Brandon University Theatre. Tickets can be acquired at BrandonU.ca/english/drama-program.

The performance also includes a virtual post-show talk back with audiences on March 26, at 3 p.m., featuring cast members and guest speakers from the Brandon community. This discussion panel is presented in partnership with SERC (Sexuality Education Resource Centre) and is supported by Brandon University, BU Student Services, and the Gender and Women’s Studies Committee. 

In addition to the performance, students and community members are invited to join Fight Choreographer Jacquie Loewan for a free, two-day workshop to learn the basics of stage combat. The workshop takes place March 26 and 27, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Evans Theatre (located in the George T. Richardson Centre at BU). To register, please visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/stage-combat-workshop-with-jacquie-loewan-tickets-293142315557. *Please note: Participants must show proof of double vaccination and wear masks for this in-person workshop as per Brandon University policy. 

@brandonutheatre on Instagram

@theatreBU on Facebook

Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca

CONTACT US:

Jacqueline Russell

Assistant Professor, English Drama and Creative Writing
RussellJ@gmail.com

Rob Henderson

Marketing Communications Officer

204.727.9762
HendersonR@BrandonU.ca

To receive any BU publication in an alternate format: Communications@BrandonU.ca

Louis Riel Room receives namesake portrait

Louis Riel Room receives namesake portrait 

BU NEWS — February 17, 2022

BRANDON – Brandon University’s Louis Riel Room is now the proud home of a large portrait of the famed Métis leader, donated to the university by the Manitoba Métis Federation.

The portrait was originally presented to the university during Louis Riel Day celebrations in 2020, but its placement was delayed due to the pandemic. BU President David Docherty and the MMF’s Leah LaPlante came together to put up the portrait earlier today, on the two-year anniversary of its presentation to the university.

Both said it was emotional to see the Louis Riel portrait prominently placed on the brick wall at the end of the room. Flanked by portraits of former BU chancellors, along with a large wooden carving of the university’s coat of arms, and a poster of the university’s commitments to Truth and Reconciliation, the Louis Riel portrait has place of pride and is in good company.

“I never would have through that when I came here in 1997, that I would be looking at him, there,” said LaPlante, the vice-president of the Southwest Region MMF. “There’s been some major changes in this city.”

“This is a ‘wow’ day,” Docherty said. “It is so appropriate for us to honour Riel’s great legacy, and it is long overdue.”

The Louis Riel Room is adjacent to BU’s main dining hall, Harvest Hall. Formerly known as the BU Private Dining Room, it was renamed the Louis Riel Room in 2008 in recognition of the continued support from the MMF and the Louis Riel Institute. Pre-pandemic, the room was often used for meetings, small receptions and events — all of which the university hopes to welcome back in the near future.

Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca

Searching For Writers

Searching For Writers  

by Ronnie Kayla Neiman

Hello students, faculty and other readers of The Quill. The past two years has been different, difficult and cause for society to adapt to the increasing changes. 

No matter where you are or whether you are a student or an employee, your life has changed dramatically amid the COVID-19 pandemic where social distancing is key. Most people now rely on their laptops for studying and working, and have to meet their teachers, classmates and colleagues online. The Quill has been part of that online adaptation. While we were partly online prior to the pandemic, it has been a challenge to adapt to the new reality. 

Many students who are writers with The Quill have had to deal with the changes. With long-distance learning, internet stability and instability, very few in-person classes and the inability to travel reliably. Faculty have had their troubles as well with time and city differences, and to adapt to a different style of teaching. 

This means that not everyone has been able to attend the university either online or in-person as some had to stay in their home provinces. International students and even students across the country had trouble with the time differences. 

As a result, The Quill cannot hold meetings, or hand out physical issues of the newspaper. Everything is online, which makes recruitment for new writers difficult as well. 

We are always looking for new writers to contribute to The Quill. The only requirement is that our writers are a student at Brandon University.

A love of writing is also a plus and being a writer at a university newspaper looks great on a resume!

Brrrr It’s Cold in Here: Preparing for the Cold Weather

Brrrr It’s Cold in Here: Preparing for the Cold Weather

By: Maria Garcia Manzano, AEIC of the Quill

Photo Credits: Google Images

As we settle into the first week of November, we all know what it means. It’s time for us to wake up earlier and start our cars to warm them up, scraping the ice off the windshields to see. Winter is coming. Manitoban winters are harsh. At times we hit 50 below zero. Even if we are outside for 20 minutes, uncovered parts of our faces/bodies are susceptible to severe frostbites. Many Brandon University Students left last year to move in back home since the year was online. However, this year everyone had to come back to resume in-class learning. Some may have forgotten how harsh Manitoba winters can be (If you were lucky enough to move to a warmer place) and might need a reminder of how to prepare. Here are a few common-sense tips that you can all follow to stay warm during the colder months. 

1. Get a warm, high-quality winter coat

And get it before it’s too late! All the best styles, sizes and high-quality coats will be gone by mid-November. It may seem a bit obvious that a winter jacket is necessary for winter. Still, most students don’t seem to understand what a ‘good winter jacket’ is. Hit up Shoppers mall for the wide selection, Sportchek, Winners, or any place that sells durable winter jackets. Make sure the coat is well insulated, well made, and waterproof (if possible). High-quality jackets may be expensive, but they are worth it during a Manitoban winter. If the jackets are still too expensive (even with sales and coupons), stop by value village or Super Thrift and search through their jacket sections. You will honestly be surprised at how many nice, warm, and well-made jackets they have to offer for under $30.00.

2. Get some winter gear

Boots, gloves, hats, and scarves will be your best friend during the harsh winter months. It will be reminiscent of your elementary school days on the playground but without the fun. Waterproof, lined boots tend to be the best. As for gloves, there are a lot of cheap options. You can get fingerless gloves that are also mittens, wool mittens, leather gloves and so on. Pick gloves that aren’t just thin pieces of fabric. Your hands are sensitive to temperature changes, so make sure you have a warm pair of gloves. You can get reusable/rechargeable hand warmers (or create your own) to stick in your gloves as well. Use them in your shoes, use them in your gloves, and rub them on your face. They’re great for everything! Scarves are your next need. And I’m not talking about those thin, silky fashion scarves. Visit Value Village and Super Thrif for a cheaper selection. Your lungs can take quite a beating with the dry and cold winter air. Wrapping a scarf around your nose and mouth helps keep out the cold, dry air and promotes healthy breathing! No more frozen nostrils on the way to class.

3. Plan on leaving earlier

Though it may not seem like it, getting to class in winter takes quite a bit longer than expected. The snow, ice and wind will slow you down on your way to class, as well as all your warm winter gear. Make sure you give yourself an extra five minutes or so to get to class. Also, you will need to let your car warm up. I tend to leave my heat settings on max in the evening if I know I will be going to class in the morning. 

4. Plan for the weather the day before

Plan your wardrobe and daily activities based on the temperature and conditions. Check a day in advance to be extra prepared, and make sure you have warm enough clothes for that day.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

By Mary Okorie

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC

Thanksgiving holiday is a set-aside day to give thanks to God for a bountiful harvest during the

summertime and generally for anything else to be thankful for. It is a tradition in Canada and usually

features gravy, turkey, mashed potatoes, and many other delicious meals. Being an international

student, I had only seen thanksgiving in movies and had never experienced it until I came here. To

people who are new to Canada, thanksgiving might just be an additional holiday to rest or work, but it is

of great significance to Canadians. There is usually a vast feast and gatherings of the family filled with

laughter and joy. I had the opportunity to spend my first Thanksgiving in Canada with a wonderful

Canadian family and was able to finally experience what I usually saw in movies. All the meals were

already prepared by the time I got there, there were also many people I got to meet, and the turkey was

enormous and delicious. Thanksgiving is incomplete without a turkey ��. I hope that many othe

international students will get this kind of experience and be able to see the significance of the

Thanksgiving holiday. It is not a day to spend alone but with family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!

City of Brandon’s 4R Waste Ambassador Program

City of Brandon’s 4R Waste Ambassador Program

By Maria Garcia Manzano, AEIC of The Quill

Photo Credits: Brandon.ca

Over the summer, I joined a pilot community ambassador program aimed at promoting conscious waste

diversion. The 4R Waste ambassador program was launched by the City of Brandon and sponsored by

Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba. This program hopes to reach environmentally minded individuals

with interests in promoting the 4Rs Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rethink.

This volunteer pilot program provides training and resources to its volunteer ambassadors to help

educate and inform the rest of the community about the City of Brandon’s waste diversion programs.

Overall, the main goal of the 4R Ambassador Program is to educate residents as to what goes in our

garbage bins to increase efficiencies at the Eastview Landfill.

I joined this volunteer experience because I believe in the importance of educating our community

about conscious waste diversion. As a result, I will be posting tips on The Quill about certain activities we

can all do to achieve more sustainable waste diversion habits over the school year.

My first tip is your local Brandon University 4R ambassador pertains to our Thanksgiving waste.

Thanksgiving is a time where a lot of food is consumed, and we often think a lot of the containers in

which the food we use is packaged in recyclable packages. However, there are a lot of things that are

not recyclable. Therefore, I encourage all of you to look upon Recyclopedia whether the packages you

are unsure of are recyclable or not. Recyclopedia is a valuable tool for all of us who want to ensure we

are correctly recycling. https://simplyrecycle.ca/recyclepedia/ Another tip I have for you is, for all of

those fats and oils that might be used up while cooking the thanksgiving dinner, please DO NOT pour

them down the drain! They are incredibly damaging to rivers and lakes as well as water treatment

facility plants. Instead of running them down the drain, pour them in a can, let them cool, then throw

them out.

*If you are interested in becoming a 4R ambassador or collaborating with me on a project, please feel

free to contact me at: eic.thequill@gamil.com

Video Games; Simple, Complex and Fun

Video Games; Simple, Complex and Fun

By Ronnie Kayla Neiman

Gaming has a lot of choices in genres, styles and platforms.

There are many with a lot of time to spare right now, and boredom can be easily achieved. However, there are a few ways to overcome boredom and use up some free time. One of the ways to overcome boredom is of course video games. There are advantages of gaming include promoting healthy lifestyles, increasing social activity, slow the aging process, and make the participant a better decision-maker. Video games can have amazingly positive effects. They can also potentially help those who have multiple sclerosis with balance and improved cognitive function. There are video games on just about everything. There is a huge variety of options, ranging from idle games to app games to larger computer games. 

There is a large library of games that are available on your smartphone and downloaded through app stores on Android and Apple devices. 

Bitlife simulator, where you take a person through their entire life, making decisions to go to school, make friends, commit crimes, and continue their family legacy. 

TapTap Music games are quite fun. They are the smartphone version of the DanceDance revolution and come in a wide variety of options. You follow the beats to songs and try to hit it each time to get a perfect score. 

Fruit Ninja is an addicting mobile game where you literally slice fruit for points and do your best to avoid bombs. 

Then there is the classic Tetris, trying to get the maximum amount of point by completing lines and some versions have levels that become faster and faster in an attempt to keep you focused. 

Games on your phone can be played anywhere and almost anytime. Some use up more battery power than others but just keep on eye on the levels and you’ll still be able to have fun.

Other games are available through various consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo. There are so many options to look at here. 

Horizon Zero Dawn is a recent release, a beautiful open-world game where the world is ruled by machines. That is a game where you are playing a single character and trying to figure out her past. 

A popular game right now is Animal Crossing: New Leaf. It is played on the Nintendo Switch and has a multiplayer option that allows people across vast distances to create together.

Mass Effect is played on multiple platforms for all four games in the series. It is almost a decade old and remastered several times. It is among the first games where choices mattered in the long run. 

Stardew Valley is a farming style, pixel game that rose quickly in popularity due to its in-depth story, simple gameplay mechanics, and LGBTQ inclusivity. 

Minecraft is another popular choice where survival and creativity can be done on their own or at the same time. It is a game that started out as a simple indie game that has evolved to inspire creativity in various mindsets, such as building, coding and entertainment. 

There are also massive multiplayer online role-playing games or MMORPG that are usually free with various subscription options or in-game purchases. 

Games like World of Tanks, DOTA 2, Hearthstone, and Star Wars: The Old Republic are popular around the world. There are many options in the games and even stories to follow. These games are generally only available on PC platforms with a constant internet connection. They can help to create social connections that are otherwise lacking in the world right now.

There are so many games to chose from and video games can be beneficial in the way they engage with different aspects on a day-to-day basis. Some of the benefits are physical, psychological, and social. With video games, you either win or you keep trying, learning from your mistakes as you progress until you reach the goal. They can improve cognitive abilities, such as increase visuospatial cognition, mental rotation, attention, and help individuals overcome cognitive limitations. Video games can also prime natural positive aggression, helping behaviors, and prosocial behaviors. Not only are there benefits from a scientific standpoint, but they are also a great deal of fun. Having fun will keep you coming back to your favorite games and build a multitude of skills. Perseverance is of key importance in playing video games, building skills for those games, and for real life, and it's important in having fun playing these games.  

Amazing SciFi Shows That Are Still Great To Binge Watch

Amazing SciFi Shows That Are Still Great To Binge Watch

By Ronnie Kayla Neiman

Science Fiction is an amazing genre. It is often called “sci-fi,” and it is a genre of fiction where the content is imaginative but based on some degree of scientific realism. It relies heavily on scientific facts, theories, and principles as support for its settings, characters, themes, and plot-lines, which is what makes it different from fantasy.

There are a number of SciFi shows that range from a few episodes to numerous seasons. Science fiction seems to bring out such an intense fanbase, no matter the success of the show on networks. A good example of that is Firefly which lasted only 14 episodes but was so popular with fans that it received its own movie years later. Star Trek also has a number of series, each had its own range of success with the fanbase. The original series lasted only three seasons but is very popular and celebrated sixty years after it first aired. 

Image Credit: wall.alphacoders.com 

1.Stargate SG1

A show that followed a low--budget film from 1994 simply titled; Stargate which starred Kurt Russel, and James Spader. A movie where a ring-like object nearly two stories tall was found in Egypt and allowed an air force team accompanied by an archeologist to another planet inhabited by humans lorded over by an alien species that looked human on the outside. The show changed the casting but kept the original premise of other-worldly travel through a wormhole, saving humans and other species from a race of aliens that portrayed themselves as gods. The series follows a team, called SG1, the primary team for the Stargate program as they travel to other worlds, make allies and fight their enemies. 

The team remains largely the same for the entire ten seasons of the show, though lead Richard Dean Anderson left at the end of season eight, but continued to make guest appearances for the rest of the series and one of the movies that followed. 

The series lasted ten seasons and had two movies and two spin-off series.

Image Credit: Creative Commons 

2.Stargate Atlantis

Stargate Atlantis is the first spin-off series related to Stargate SG1. This show was originally supposed to follow right after the end of Stargate SG1 as a series but the other show continued and Atlantis aired simultaneously with the last few seasons of SG1.

This show followed the primary team of Atlantis but also focused on the running of the City of Atlantis, which was a technologically advanced city designed to sit on the surface of a massive body of water with the ability to sink under the surface and would also function as a massive spaceship.

This series only lasted five seasons and sadly had no movie to follow, though a third series, Stargate Universe followed the year after the cancellation of Atlantis. It was much less successful than SG1 and Atlantis.

Image Credit: art.alphacoders.com 

3.Battlestar Galatica (2003)

A show that was remade from its original series that aired in 1978. The show was remade shortly after the horrible events of 9/11 and this show focused on a lot of political, economical, and human rights issues of a group of people trying their hardest to keep their species alive while been chased by the enemy that destroyed their colonies. Battlestar Galactica is a three-hour miniseries starring Edward James Olmos and Mary McDonnell with an ensemble cast.

The series follows immediately after the destruction of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol by the Cylons, a race of mechanical beings that developed the ability to have human-like Cylons. The survivors of humanity search for their original home; Earth while being chased by the Cylons and dealing with numerous issues that plague the fleet. 

The pilot was a two-part mini-series followed by four more seasons and two prequel movies titled Razor and The Plan. This series is placed on a lot of most-watched lists because of the issues the show dealt with which include abortion, domestic terrorism, and election stealing. It received large amounts of awards for its special effects, storytelling, and acting.

Image Credit: wallpaperaccess.com 

4.Star Trek: The Next Generation

This series was the spin-off to the original Star Trek series, though it was over twenty years after the Original Series aired. As with the original Star Trek, TNG was still very much about exploration, "boldly going where no one has gone before". Similarly, the plots captured the adventures of the crew of a starship, named the USS Enterprise-D.

There were 178 episodes produced over a total of seven seasons, making it the longest-running Star Trek series to date, and the adventures of the crew continued onto the big screen in four movies.

Image Credit: wallpaper-house.com 

5.Star Trek: Voyager

This series of star trek was aired when Star Trek Deep Space Nine was half-way through their own series, though finished years after that series had finished. Voyager was the third spin-off to the Original Series. Star Trek: Voyager (VOY) focuses on the 24th-century adventures of Captain Kathryn Janeway and her crew aboard the U.S.S. Voyager. The crew of Voyager combines forces with the crew of a destroyed Maquis ship in order to find their way home. Stranded over seventy thousand light-years from Earth, the crew tries to make the journey home while also adhering to the doctrine of exploration that Starfleet prides itself on. 

Due to its great distance from Federation space, the Delta Quadrant is unexplored by Starfleet, and Voyager is truly going where no human has gone before. Voyager is fast and powerful and has the ability to land on a planet’s surface. It is one of the most technologically advanced vessels in Starfleet, utilizing computer circuitry that incorporates bio-neural circuitry. 

Voyager aired 172 episodes over seven seasons from 1995 until 2001. While it didn't run for as many episodes as TNG did, Voyager was able to discover numerous new alien species and was better balanced with its gender ratio, with a female lead and several strong supporting female characters.

Image Credit: wall.alphacoders.com 

6.Warehouse 13

A unique series in that its genre is considered Science Fiction but it is also described as a dramatic comedy and supernatural. The series follows U.S. Secret Service Agents Myka Bering and Pete Lattimer when they are assigned to the secretive Warehouse 13 for supernatural artifacts.  As they go about their assignments to retrieve missing artifacts and investigate reports of new ones, they come to understand the importance of what they are doing.

Somewhat of a short-lived series with six seasons, but only 12 episodes in season 1, 13 in both seasons 2 and 3, season 4 was its longest season with twenty episodes and just six episodes in its fifth and final season.  

These are only six possibilities of different Science Fiction shows to watch. There is always more to find, more to watch, and many more to love As Warehouse 13 is described; "Welcome to Endless Wonder."

Spring and Summer Courses 2021

Spring and Summer Courses 2021

By: Maria Garcia Manzano 

Since Covid-19 continues to affect the province, Brandon University has decided that courses will be primarily held online for the spring 2021 and summer 2021 terms, with only a few classes being in-person. This decision was confidently made, knowing that last year's online spring and summer terms were a success. 

Brandon University acknowledges that online teaching and learning has come with new challenges that have required more effort from staff and students. However, the BU community has risen to the challenge and has learned how to make it work. Registration for spring and summer 2021 opened up last week and has to be completed online since the university remains closed. Visit: https://liszt.brandonu.ca/BUOnline/BUStart/Logon.aspx to complete your registration. 

Registration for the Fall 2021/Winter 2022 Terms will most likely be open in early April; however, a set date has not been released by the university. Furthermore, Brandon University is actively monitoring Covid-19 as they plan for the upcoming fall and winter terms. 

Spring Session Schedule and Courses:

First Term: May 3rd to May 20th

Second Term: May 31st to June 17th

Courses offered: 

• 01.271: Field Experience

• 04. 706: Theory/Practice of Standardized Assessment

• 15.454 & 15.654: Applied Biomedical Science

• 36.162: Making Sense of Gender

• 42.333: Field Geology

• 54.155: Canada to Confederation

• 68.393: Treaties & Treaty-Making

• 69.346: Integrated Practice

• 71.272: Human Responses III

• 71.375: Nursing Practice IV

• 78.172: Fundamentals of Politics

Complete Course List: https://www.brandonu.ca/registration/files/2021-Spring-Courses.pdf 

Summer Session Schedule and Courses:

First Term: July 5th to July 22nd 

Second Term: Aug 3rd to Aug 23rd 

Courses offered: 

• 02.780: Curriculum Foundations

• 04.730: Current Issues in Counselling

• 04.748: Autism & Education

• 30.151: University Writing

• 04.776: Social Ecological Resilience

• 30.145: Contemporary Literature

• 54.153: World History to 1500

• 86.158: World Mythology

• 90.155: Social Institutions and Processes

• 01.770: Issues in Educational Admin

• 36.277: Hindu Goddesses

Complete Course List: https://www.brandonu.ca/registration/files/2021-Summer-Courses.pdf

Studying at Home

Studying at Home

By Kiertsan Garbutt

Our first full year of online school is coming to a quick end! As finals are right around the corner it is time for some hardcore studying! During finals it is important to stay on track or even work ahead. This way when editing final papers, you have the time to do so. Also, if you work ahead, any leftover cramming for exams can take place. 

To stay on track, I recommend planning what you need to get done everyday in order to complete tasks on time. Additionally, making to-do lists for each day makes your tasks seem less overwhelming because you planned when you are going to complete something. Also, during finals, specially essays or final projects, you should aim to have them done a few days before the due date. In case anything goes wrong, technology wise, you have a couple days to fix the problem and still make the due date. Planning ahead is crucial.

It is really important to keep trying your best. I know that we all feel burnt out at the end of a term and rather get it over with. However, all your hard work during the semester is ineffective if you don’t keep trying to finish it off with a bang! Burning out is a tough feeling to manage and seeking help for this feeling is your best bet. To help deal with a burn out, remember to take study breaks, eat food to fuel your brain, and get enough sleep. Best of luck with all your studying!

St. Patrick’s Snack Ideas for Your Household and Designated Visitors

St. Patrick’s Snack Ideas for Your Household and Designated Visitors

By: Maria Garcia Manzano

Photo Credits: Google Images

As with all prior holidays, this St. Patrick’s Day will be different from previous years. Last year during this time, Brandon was beginning to enter the Covid-19 era. Under current restrictions, households can have either another household visit or two designated visitors. Outdoor gatherings can be up to ten people. With beautiful weather forecasted for St. Patrick’s Day, I thought it would be a good idea to provide you with some green-themed snack ideas. These are perfect for you to share with your household and designated visitors. I believe that sharing delicious food with loved ones can help take our minds off that for a year now, we have lived during a global pandemic that has drastically changed our way of life. I will provide four recipes for green-themed savory snacks that will help lift your spirits!  

1. Green Stuffed Pepper

Stuffed peppers are a great appetizer for St. Patrick’s Day as they fit with the green theme of the holiday and are generally liked by all. They are a tasty quick and easy snack to make. 

Ingredients:

• 6 green bell peppers

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves minced

• 1-pound ground turkey

• 2 cups cooked rice (see note in the post for tips and tricks)

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon dried parsley

• 1 tablespoon dried basil

• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 1/2 cups pasta sauce

• 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

• Cut the tops off of the peppers, remove the ribs and seeds, and then dice the tops of the peppers.

• Place the hallowed-out peppers in a large bowl and drizzle with a little olive oil. Cover with a plate and microwave for 7 to 10 minutes. Be very careful when you remove the plate as there will be a lot of steam.

• While the peppers cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Add the chopped bell pepper tops and garlic. Sauté until soft, about five to seven minutes.

• Add the ground turkey and break up as you cook it. Season with onion powder, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is no longer pink.

• Stir in the cooked rice, pasta sauce, and one cup of the mozzarella cheese. Taste the mixture and add more salt and pepper to taste. Divide the mixture between the five hollowed out bell peppers. Top with the remaining cheese.

• Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Serve immediately.

2. Spinach & Artichoke Cups

Spinach cups are easy and festive, everyone will be sure to love them! You can either buy Tostitos scoops from the store and reduce your workload or you can make your own shells. You can also fill them with store bought spinach dip (again easier option) or you can make your own. 

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray

• 1 (10-oz.) package frozen spinach, defrosted and chopped

• 1 c. canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 c. sour cream

• 1 1/2 c. shredded mozzarella

• 1/4 c. grated Parmesan

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tube crescent dough

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°. Grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.

• On a lightly floured surface, roll out crescent dough, pinching seams together. Cut into 24 squares. Place squares into muffin tin slots and spoon 1 tablespoon of dip into the dough. Top with remaining mozzarella.

• Bake until pastry is golden and cheese is melted, about 15 minutes

3. Jalapeno Potato Poppers

They are a staple party snack and they fit in with the green-themed. While these are typically served in bigger gatherings, I am sure your household and designated visitors will have no problem eating all of them by yourselves!

Ingredients:  

• 15 small red potatoes approximately 1 pound

• 6 slices bacon

• 4 ounces cream cheese softened

• 1/4 cup jalapeno chopped into small pieces + additional to slice

• 1 cup cheddar cheese

Instructions: 

• Preheat oven to 400°.

• Wash potatoes and dry with a paper towel. Poke each potato once or twice with a fork. Place on a foil lined baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes or until tender.

• While potatoes bake, cook and crumble bacon, dice 1/4 cup jalapenos and cut 30 thin slices.

• Let cool enough to handle. Cut each potato in half, scoop out insides with a melon baller, leaving a thin layer of potato close to the skin. Place inside of potato in a medium bowl.

• Add cream cheese, bacon, and jalapenos to the potato, mix well.

• Divide filling among potato halves. Top with cheddar cheese and one jalapeno slice; bake for 20 minutes.

• Serve warm.

4. Leprechaun Bark

So far, we have covered our salty and cheesy basis. However, if you have a sweet tooth this sweet addition is sure to conquer it! Leprechaun bark is easy to make and this recipe will save you even more time since it is a no-bake recipe. 

Ingredients: 

• Rainbow Candy

• Lucky Charms Cereal

• Gold Cake Decorations

• White Chocolate

• Green Candy Melts

Instructions: 

• Melt the white chocolate and green candy melts in separate bowls. Melt them by putting them in the microwave for 1 minute on high heat. Spread a white later and then a green layer and decorate with your St. Patrick's Day-themed candy.

• Freeze until hard and then break apart to eat. Super simple, super tasty and fun.

Snacks for Studying

Snacks for Studying

By Kiersten Garbutt

It is important to stay fueled during stressful times. Here is a list of quick snacks you can make while you study!

A smoothie bowl! All you need is some frozen fruit, yogurt, and around ¼ cups of either water or milk. Once this is blended you can add your choice of toppings. You can add chia seeds, granola, fresh fruit, nuts, coconut, etc. This snack is healthy, and quick and easy to make.

Next up, are sweet potatoes chips! All you need is a sweet potato, your choice of seasoning, and some kind of oil. First you are going to thinly slice the potato, next lay them on a cooking sheet and coat the potato in oil and then sprinkle the seasoning on top. Bake at 400F for 20 mins, flipping the chips halfway. This snack is not time consuming to make and still very delicious. 

Additionally, there are a lot of snacks you can make just using peanut butter. If you are feeling lazy, here are some foods you can pair with peanut butter. You can pair apples, celery, crackers, and bananas with peanut butter to make a really fast and yummy snack. 

Finally, cheese and crackers. Cheese and crackers are super easy to make all you need is crackers and cut up some cheese. If your feeling fancy you can add salami or ham or even pickles. 

Remember it is important to fuel your brain during studying. Instead of reaching for a bag a chips take a few extra minutes to make a healthier option! 

Valentines in Isolation

Valentines in Isolation

By Kiersten Garbutt

Valentine’s day like any other holiday we spent in isolation will be hard. Valentines day is often spent with the person you care for the most. So, its not wrong to say spending it apart will be tough. Here are some fun isolation valentine ideas to use if you will be apart from your significant other this year. 

The first idea is just to have a movie night together, you can try the feature called Netflix party where you can stream movies together. This feature takes away all the hassle of trying to set up a movie manually by syncing you both up automatically. Its definitely not the same as in person. But you can prepare your favourite snacks and spend the night in together but apart!

Have an arranged facetime dinner! You both can cook your own versions of the same meal and have a fancy virtual dinner date. If you are not into cooking, ordering in is also an option. Either way having a meal together can be a lot of fun!

If you are able to see each other on valentine’s day, then here are some creative date ideas you can do at home instead of going out;

A painting night is a great activity to indulge in, especially if you both enjoy the arts. There are many painting tutorials available on YouTube, and Bob Ross episodes can be found on Netflix! An at home spa day is also a great idea, you could pamper each other with facemasks and bubble baths. If your not feeling up to anything too crazy, a movie night will suffice. I mean as long as your spending the day together its hard to go wrong! 

Overcoming Procrastination: Time management

Overcoming Procrastination: Time management

By: Kiersten Garbutt

The art of procrastination is something I’m sure we have all mastered. But since mid-terms are quickly coming, it is for the best that we all use our time productively. The key to managing your time is to get a calendar or agenda of some sort. Keeping track of important due dates will let you work ahead, and you will have a general idea of your busier weeks, so you can prepare accordingly. Many of us have to work during the school semester, which can be really hard to manage. Like previously stated, writing your schedule down weekly will help you plan ahead. Making a to do list for everyday weekly will help you remember important assignments; this is important because stressing about when you have time to complete an assignment can raise your stress levels even more. This way you know when you will be devoting your time to each of your assignments. The trick to time management is to get assignments done a few days before they are due, when you are working ahead you have more time to study for big tests or mid-terms and to carefully edit essays. Additionally, working ahead allows more flexibility in your life, if you wanted to pick up another shift or hang out with a friend you can and probably would experience less guilt when doing so. 

Studying can be a really hard task when we have distractions like our phone right beside us, I recommend putting your phone on do not disturb and throwing it to the side when you are studying. While studying it is important to limit your distractions, even listening to music can alter how much you are retaining. Studying with limited distractions will cause you to get your work done faster, which in the end makes you more productive. Also, while studying it is very important to take breaks. I recommend a method where you are productive for thirty minutes and then take a five-minute break. This gives your brain a mental break and will allow you to retain information so much easier. While taking your break it is important to leave the ‘productive’ spot. Separating your productive area and your relaxing area is very important, it will trick your brain into thinking that once in the productive spot you should be doing something productive. To conclude a huge part of having good time management skills is using your time wisely and to your best advantage.

Budget Friendly Hobbies for University Students

Budget Friendly Hobbies for University Students

By: Maria Garcia Manzano, AEIC of The Quill

Brandon University, while one of the most affordable post-secondary institution in Canada can still be expensive. As students, we budget our funds towards school, and living expenses. However, we should still find things that bring us joy! Having a hobby can be psychologically beneficial to our health and during these unprecedented times, having an activity that we enjoy may be just what we need to get us through the pandemic. Below I have listed five different budget friendly hobbies that I believe will bring joy to your every day life. 

1 Reading:

Reading allows us to temporarily escape into a different world and this method of travelling costs very little. If you have an amazon account you can purchase ebooks through amazon, download the kindle app and read them. Ebooks are typically cheaper and you are able to start reading as soon as your transaction goes through, rather than having to wait for your book to arrive in the mail. If you have an apple product you can also purchase books through Apple Books. In case you want to have the physical copy of the book you can order through a variety of different retailers. One of my favorites is www.bookoutlet.ca as it has a variety of books offered at discounted prices. 

2 Photography:

Thanks to technology, most people have access to cameras on their phones. If you do not want to splurge on buying a professional camera, you can hone your skills on your phone instead. Additionally, there are a wide range of apps and resources to learn photo editing on either a phone or computer. 

3 Drawing:

If you want to learn how to draw there are many free online courses (https://www.thoughtco.com/free-online-drawing-classes-1098200) that can help you hone this creative skill. The great thing about drawing is that it can be done anywhere and you are able to take a quick photo and share your creations on social media. Or alternatively you can just keep them to yourself. Drawing is also a gateway hobby as it may even lead you to pursue painting and other creative activities. 

4 Cooking:

Many people don’t realize how much they like cooking until they really try it! This could be the case for you. Not only will cooking help save money on your meals since you won’t be constantly ordering skip the dishes, but cooking for yourself can be a healthy and creative alternative way that will allow you to feed your body and spirit. Plus, you will learn a whole array of different recipes that you can then share to your family and friends. 

5 Restoration and DIY:

If you happen to take a walk around your neighbourhood or even inside your home and see a piece of old furniture lying around you may want to create a unique show piece. If you are willing to spend the time requires to restore furniture in creative ways then you will find yourself enthralled by the process. DIY is one of my personal favorites as I love to constantly rearrange my room and décor. I have found that browsing through the Facebook marketplace or on ebrandon I can find a variety of different items that I can restore into unique pieces that fit the aesthetic of my room. 

There are a variety of ways to occupy our time while that do not involve watching Netflix, YouTube videos, or Disney+ etc. While there is no problem watching and enjoying shows it may be getting a little repetitive at this point and we may yearn for something different and a little more stimulating. Now is the time to switch it up and start a new hobby. 

Brandon University Politics Society Hosts “How Inciteful: Reflections on Trump’s Interdisciplinary Impacts on Academia.”

Brandon University Politics Society Hosts “How Inciteful: Reflections on Trump’s Interdisciplinary Impacts on Academia.”

Aidan Trembath

With Joe Biden’s inauguration on January 20th, Trump’s impacts on academia will continue to be analyzed for years to come. The Brandon University Politics Society is excited to host a multidisciplinary roster of professors to explore Trump’s presidency through a myriad of academic fields. The speaker series, called “How Inciteful,” will begin on January 19th, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and will continue for the following two Tuesdays, January 26th and February 2nd. Each Tuesday, three professors from a diverse range of fields, including biology, English, gender and women’s studies, sociology, music, philosophy, and political science, will present on how Trump’s presidency has either impacted their field of study or how their field of study may understand his brand of politics. Trump’s influence on academia has no borders, and Canadians must understand “Trumpism” from the source in order to understand its effects on Canada’s own politics and scholarship.

The speaker series will be comprised of talks by Brandon University’s President and professor of political science, Dr. David Docherty, associate professor of Gender and Women’s Studies, Dr. Corinne Mason, and professor of English and Creative Writing, Dr. Reinhold Kramer. Dr. Docherty will explore the governmental transitions in the American context, Dr. Mason will discuss the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality through a lens of anti-carceral activism, and Dr. Kramer will reflect on Trump’s brand of truth and its reliance on emotional cogency. The 26th will have presentations by Dr. Christopher Schneider of Sociology, Dr. Richard Baker of Political Science, and Dr. Rachel Elliott of Philosophy; the 2nd will be comprised of talks by Dr. Bernadette Ardelli of Biology, Dr. Hailey Murphy of Political Science, and Dr. Leanne Zacharias of Music. 

“How Inciteful” will be hosted over Zoom with the event description and Zoom call link located under Brandon University’s website’s list of events. Each Tuesday’s speaker series will utilize the same call link. A Q&A will follow all three presentations per night to allow audience members to explore the presentations’ insights.

Online Fall Term vs Online Winter Term.

Online Fall Term vs Online Winter Term.

By: Maria Garcia Manzano, AEIC of The Quill

Having achieved the first full week back to school for the winter term I cannot help but compare my experience to the past fall term. While both terms are online, I feel as though something has changed this winter term. Perhaps I have now grown accustomed to what is required of me as I navigate through an online learning environment. Last term due dates and deadlines crept up on me and I felt more stressed than I felt during my first year at BU. During the fall term, I went in with the mentality that it would be easier as it was online and on my own terms. However, I quickly found that not all of my professors would be recording their lectures, therefore, making attendance mandatory, and even if they recorded and posted their lectures, I was behind in schoolwork and would not be able to re-watch them.

             This past fall term taught me that in order to keep up on schoolwork, every zoom meeting would have to be attended and paid attention to. I would log on to the zoom meeting and try to listen and take notes. However, more times than not I would use my phone during class. Whenever I did this, I realized that studying was more difficult as I had not fully paid attention and class and had to read a lot more than I would have if I had simply paid attention to the lecture and taken notes in the first place. During the Fall term, I also left a lot of assignments right to the last minute. I handed in everything on time, but I would procrastinate in beginning the assignment to the point of leaving them the night before and doing them. This worked for some assignments and not others as a lot of my assignments revolved around writing 5–10-page papers. Which is not an easy task to accomplish in one night. Overall, as a result of how I chose to go about the fall term, my stress levels were high. This winter term, however, I am committed to changing the bad habits I formed.

Throughout the fall term I never turned on my camera nor did I participate when the professors asked questions in class. I refused to use my mic and never spoke. This term I have turned on my camera and have begun speaking in class. This has made me pay more attention during class as while I engage, I find I hold myself more accountable if I do not pay attention. I have also made myself listen to all lectures and only re-watch them if absolutely necessary. Furthermore, I am trying to take notes as I follow through with the lecture. I have not had any tests yet, but I do think this will help as I study for them. Since less material will feel unknown. This term I will also try to start assignments earlier, so I do not end up having to work on four assignments over a single weekend. 

7 Ways We Have Adjusted to Living in Quarantine

7 Ways We Have Adjusted to Living in Quarantine    

By Ronnie Kayla Neiman

Throughout 2020, we have had to adjust the ways in which we live our lives. Through the various lockdowns, quarantines and increase in COVID-19 cases, we have found different ways to try to continue our lives similarly to the way they had been before. Nothing stays the same, but we all hope it can. Change is difficult to accept, especially when it is seemingly forced on us. 

1.Going to School Online.

The first COVID-19 lockdown in Canada was in the spring of 2020 in March, which ended up cutting into the end of the school year for anyone attending or working at a school. Students in elementary, middle and secondary school had to stay at home and university and college students had their courses and final exams interrupted. It was a rush to get systems set up to continue classes and exams. The first set ups were not very good, but they did the trick in the short term. It took many people a long time to get used to the changes. This meant doing classes online, taking tests in a way that wouldn’t be considered cheating, and figuring out how to make the best of classroom time to learn and ask questions. 

2.Working from Home.

In the same way of getting used to going to school online, a large number of people needed to do the same for their jobs. Not every job could be transitioned to an online or work from home variant but those that could were able to use the internet and phones to continue work. In my own personal case, I have been able to do the majority of my work from home with going to the office just once a week. 

3.Fewer Shopping Trips for Groceries.

Going to grocery stores just to get milk or some junk food is not a doable proposition right now. People are required to make trips to the store seldomly, and when they do, it’s for the essentials only. There are apps in some cases that allow you to order groceries online by having store employees do the shopping for you and you then pick up the groceries outside without having to enter the store. Remember to shop for what is considered important, like fruits, vegetables, milk, hygiene products and other things, depending on your region and what is considered important and essential.

4.Socializing Long-Distance.

As Human’s we are very social creatures and being suddenly forced to cut-off all physical and close contact is difficult for a lot of us. Technology has helped a lot in that regard. Using Zoom in the same way as school and work to socialize with family and friends helps. Even birthday parties need to be long-distanced. Having a party of some sort over Zoom or something similar helps to fill that gap, especially for young children who usually invite their whole class. At least over Zoom, they will have something to look forward to. 

5.Finding New Hobbies.

It can be incredibly easy to get bored nowadays and hobbies are a fun way to fill our free time. Hobbies can help to relieve stress by keeping you engaged in something you enjoy; hobbies give you a way to take your mind off the stresses of everyday life. Having a hobby can be a great help to your social life and creating bonds with others. Partaking in a hobby can be enriching to your life and helps to gives you a different perspective on things. It doesn’t matter what type of hobby you choose; you will definitely be exposed to new ideas. Hobbies help you grow in various ways, including exposing you to new opinions and to new ways to look at life.

6.Phone Call Appointments with Doctors.

Going to a hospital or clinic to visit a doctor seems like a less than ideal situation right now. Many doctors are doing appointments through video conferencing or through the phone as it limits the potential for exposure. It is still very important to have regular appointments with doctors -- seeing a doctor is a vital investment for your health. Regular examinations catch problems early, when they are more treatable. This is particularly important for older people, as susceptibility to illness increases with age and with the increase risk factor of COVID-19. 

7.Wearing a Mask and/or Gloves.

One of the arguably largest adjustments we have had to make is wearing a mask to cover our nose and mouth whenever we leave the house or interact with another person, even from a distance. Masks are a tool used to suppress virus transmission and save lives. They help to reduce potential exposure from an infected person whether they have symptoms or not. When someone coughs, talks, or sneezes they could release germs into the air that may infect others nearby. Face masks are part of an infection control strategy to eliminate cross-contamination. Washing hands and wearing disposable gloves are of great importance as well. 

Our lives have had to adjust and change. Some of the changes are small, but some are rather drastic and take some time to get used to. The changes and adjustments with various policies are precautions that give people guidelines to follow. Just remember that life continues, and we will get through this difficult time.