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ASSU Presents: The Internet’s Own Boy

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ASSU is proud to host an exclusive screening of The Internet’s Own Boy, as part of disOrientation Week 2014. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the director, Brian Knappenberger. Join us on Friday, Oct 3rd at 7pm in SS2117.

“The Internet’s Own Boy follows the story of programming prodigy and information activist Aaron Swartz. From Swartz’s help in the development of the basic internet protocol RSS to his co-founding of Reddit, his fingerprints are all over the internet.

But it was Swartz’s groundbreaking work in social justice and political organizing combined with his aggressive approach to information access that ensnared him in a two-year legal nightmare. It was a battle that ended with the taking of his own life at the age of 26. Aaron’s story touched a nerve with people far beyond the online communities in which he was a celebrity.

This film is a personal story about what we lose when we are tone deaf about technology and its relationship to our civil liberties.”

https://www.facebook.com/events/767788589952653/?fref=ts

Reserve your spot today: www.bitly.com/1tkOUGf

Syllabus Project Report

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In the fall of 2013, ASSU received a number of reports of instructors not returning the required percentage of the final mark back to their classes in time for the drop date. Due to our close relationship with the Faculty of Arts and Science (FAS), and specifically the Office of the Dean, we were able to have these particular instances addressed. However, our executive team discussed the possibility that there could be other instances of policy non-compliance occurring unbeknownst to us because of a lack of policy knowledge amongst our constituents.

Out of this concern grew the idea for a review of course syllabi from across the Faculty, as a means of acquiring solid data regarding policy compliance instead of relying on anecdotal evidence in our discussions and lobbying efforts with the Faculty. As the syllabus is essentially a “contract” for the requirements of a course and the primary source of course-related information, ASSU recognizes the importance of these documents to students.

Our team began collecting syllabi through our course unions, personal contacts and by donating our own syllabi to the cause. We must acknowledge the support of Course Union executives who actively participated in the collection process. We were able to compile 93 syllabi from across the Faculty, representing a vast majority of program indicators, series level and both fall and full year courses.

During the spring semester of 2014, members of the ASSU executive committee analyzed these syllabi for compliance with mandatory FAS policy, standard practice regarding non-essential elements of course syllabi, and for other relevant information. We appreciate the invaluable contributions of executives Charles Dalrymple-Fraser, Branden Rizzuto and Mohammad Ali Saeed, who completed a majority of the data analysis for this project.

The following report outlines the findings of our review. We also offer some recommendations aimed at improving policy compliance and the overall quality of syllabi for students in the Faculty of Arts and Science.

ASSU FAS Syllabus Report 2013-2014

Exam Jam 2014 Edition

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Exam Jam is the best way to get ready for finals

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Exam Jam  brings together some of the great resources on the St. George campus to help you get through the busy final exam and paper season. You don’t have to be an Arts and Science Student to participate, all of these free events are open to everyone. Come get a massage, make a button, munch on some healthy snacks, and attend a review session.

Exam Jam 2014 edition will take place on Monday April 7th in Sidney Smith Hall from 11-3.

Exam Jam is a collaboration between the Faculty of Arts and Science, the Arts and Science Students’ Union (ASSU), and many others to provide a fun and productive environment to get ready for finals.  Check out the Exam Jam website often as new instructors and classes are added to the list of review sessions.

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Exam Jam is not just about cramming for that final test, but about taking some time to have fun and de-stress before the exam period begins.

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And why not pet a cute dog?

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Yeah, that seems like a great idea.

For more information check out the Exam Jam website.