GeoGrads Approves One Day Strike: February 26th, 2013

“Whereas the one and a half day Education Summit organized by the government does not provide sufficient time to discuss the issues that threaten Quebec’s education system including, but not limited to, the following: the privatization of education, the mismanagement of education resources, unequal access to institutions of learning based on gender, race, class, ability;

Whereas the Quebec government has chosen to exclude the discussion of free education within this summit;

Be It Resolved That Geograds participate in a one day strike on the 26th of February, 2013.”

Join in the demonstrations:

February 25th, 2013

Cabot Square - Manifestons AUSSI lors de l’ouverture du sommet

February 26th, 2013

Square Victoria Demo - MANIFESTATION: AU SOMMET DE L’INDEXATION, MANIFESTONS POUR UNE ÉDUCATION LIBRE, ACCESSIBLE ET GRATUITE

Facebook Event Link

 

LUNCH& The criminalization of dissent after the financial crisis

Join us for light lunch with Nasrin Himada (Concordia Geography, Planning & Environment: “Militarism and the City”) presenting & Alessandra Renzi (School of Information Studies, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee) as we discuss the criminalization of protest, with a focus on strategies used in the Toronto G8/G20 Summit

NASRIN HIMADA is a writer, independent film curator and teacher residing in Montreal. Her writing appears in Montreal Serai, West Coast Line, Inflexions: A Journal for Research-Creation, and FUSE Magazine. Her curatorial work has been programmed in such festivals as Image+Nation: Montreal’s International LGBTQ Film Festival, and in collaboration with 16 Beaver in New York City.  She teaches part-time in Geography, Urban Planning and Environment, and is currently completing a PhD in the Interdisciplinary Program in Society and Culture at Concordia University. Nasrin’s research focuses on the militarization of urban space through prison infrastructure and police surveillance. Nasrin is the co-editor of the journal Scapegoat: Architecture/Landscape/Political Economy.

ALESSANDRA RENZI is Social Studies of Information Post-doctoral Fellow at the School of Information Studies of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she examines how participatory social media platforms affect activist practices of collaboration. Her research on media activism and the criminalization of dissent has recently appeared in the book Infrastructure Critical: Sacrifice at Toronto’s G8/G20 Summit (Arbiter Ring).

This presentation draws on Alessandra’s talk entitled: “Infrastructure Must Be Defended: Multi-Issue Extremism and the Criminalization of Dissent after the Financial Crisis”.  The Toronto G8/G20 summit of 2010 indicates more than a scalar shift in security; in fact, this case signals significant changes to surveillance practices, control techniques, and funding arrangements within the post-911 security apparatus. To reconsider these changes, the talk offers a detailed analysis of the categories of the protester as “multi-issue extremist” and of “endangered critical infrastructure,” as nomenclatures used by the government and the media to characterize extreme public threats at a time of austerity measures.

LUNCH& Schedule:

10:30 – 10:45: Mingle & Eat H-1269

10:45 – 12:00: Presentations and discussion (and eating)

Please note the earlier time (early lunch?) to allow all those who are interested to attend the the 12:30 p.m. Department Seminar Series event in H1252:

“Inuit Participation and Science in Polar Bear Governance in the Nunavut Territory” w/ Dominique Henri (Department of Geography, Oxford University)

Childcare can be available with 48 hrs notice. Please e-mail geoggingcollective@gmail.com if you would like this service to be provided.

We are grateful for the support of: GeoGRADS, GUSS, UPA, CSU, ASFA, CUAA and QPIRG-Concordia.

Keep updated about future LUNCH& events online via:
» http://geoggingclub.wordpress.com
» http://www.facebook.com/geoggingcollective 
» twitter: @geoggingcollective
» newsletter: http://eepurl.com/sE7Uj

Dec. 14th deadline. Student projects application from CUAA

If you are a student that needs a grant of up to $500 to fund your project, the deadline for applications from our Alumni Association is December 14th. Funds are distributed in January. Check out the details here! :
Concordia University Alumni Association:

http://www.concordia.ca/alumni-giving/alumni/connect-learn/student-programs/projects-funding/

Holiday Wine & Cheese : Geograds & Guss

LUNCH& feminist geography w/ Julie Podmore & Damaris Rose

When: Friday December 7, 2012 @ Lunch! (11:30 – 1pm)
Where: H-1267 (Urban Studio – Concordia Hall Building, 1455 de Msnnve O.)
> facebook event

Join us for our second lunch event discussing feminist geography with Julie Podmore (GPE Concordia Faculty member & Chair ) & Damaris Rose (Centre Urbanisation Culture Société at INRS). Everyone is welcome to share in the discussion over a complimentary light lunch.

JULIE PODMORE is a socio-cultural urban geographer with an interest in feminist, queer and historical materialist theory. While she made an early contribution to the gentrification literature, her sustained focus has been on the complex intersections between gender and sexuality in urban space, a perspective that is reflected in her publications on Montréal lesbian spaces. Her newest research interest is on the urban geographies of queer youth.

DAMARIS ROSE is an urban and social geographer. Her main research interests focus on social transformations in inner city neighbourhoods, and on the settlement and social integration of international immigrants. Social and urban geography, dynamics of socio-cultural diversity, social and urban policy, housing, services for female immigrants and single-parent families.

Whether you want get to know the GPE community a little better, to hear about the experiences of women in geography, to make connections in the field or would just like to try some free finger sandwiches, we would love to see you there!

Schedule:
11:30 – 12:00: Mingle & Eat
12:00 – 13:00: Presentations and discussion (and eating)
13:00 – 18:00: Wine & Cheese hosted by GeoGRADS and GUSS

Childcare will be available with 48 hrs notice. Please e-mailgeoggingcollective@gmail.com if you would like this service to be provided.

Keep updated about future LUNCH& events online via:
http://geoggingclub.wordpress.com,
http://www.facebook.com/geoggingcollective
twitter: @geoggingcollective

SPECIAL THANKS TO: GEOGRADS, GUSS, UPA, CSU & QUEER CONCORDIA

Thinking Like a State: Immigration Policy in Canada and the Making of “Difference”

A Presentation by Nandita Sharma

FB event: https://www.facebook.com/events/434279019968411/?fref=ts

FRIDAY, November 23rd
12:30-1:30pm
H-1267 (12th floor of the Hall Building)
A light lunch will be provided

About Nandita: Nandita Sharma is an activist scholar whose research is shaped by the social movements she is active in, including No Borders movements and those struggling for the commons. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ethnic Studies and the Department of Sociology at the University of Hawai’i. Her book, Home Economics: Nationalism and the Making of ‘Migrant Workers’ in Canada (University of Toronto Press, 2006), examines the importance of nationalist renditions of home, community and society to the indenturing of hundreds of thousands of people classified as non-immigrant workers.

The Geogging Collective presents:

LUNCH&
urban economic geography
w/ Norma Rantisi (GPE Concordia) & Kathryn Furlong (Géo UdeM)

When: Friday November 2, 2012 @ Lunch! (11:30 – 13:00)
Where: H-1267 (Urban Studio - Concordia Hall Building, 1455 de Maisonneuve O.)
facebook event
blog post

Join us for an open discussion with Norma Rantisi (Geography Planning and Environment – Concordia) & Kathryn Furlong (Géographie – UdeM) on their experiences and research. Everyone is welcome to share in the discussion over a complimentary light lunch.

Whether you want get to know the GPE community a little better, to hear about the experiences of women in urban economic geography, to make connections in the field or would just like to try some free finger sandwiches, we would love to see you there!

Schedule:
11:30 – 12:00: Mingle & Eat
12:00 – 13:00: Presentations and discussion (and eating)
13:00 – on: Clean-up (can include mingling )

Childcare will be available with 48 hrs notice. Please e-mail geoggingcollective@gmail.comif you would like this service to be provided.

The next LUNCH& event will be Friday Dec 7 with Julie Podmore and Damaris Rose.

Keep updated about future LUNCH& events online via:
http://geoggingclub.wordpress.com,
http://www.facebook.com/geoggingcollective
twitter: @geoggingcollective

SPECIAL THANKS TO: GEOGRADS & GUSS

Oct. 5 deadline: Applications for graduates: Federal Public Service

You can only apply once as a graduate for consideration for post-graduate internship/work experience programs in the Federal Public Service. It isn’t clear whether this applies to those who’ve just graduated, or those who are about to graduate, or both. You can never do so again! After that, you are considered a regular applicant. Good luck!

Link to information about this postsecondary recruitment campaign:

http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/lhhr-lcrh/2012/12-12-eng.htm

Graduating in August 2013? Apply for the Fonction publique québécoise by Oct. 22

http://www.carrieres.gouv.qc.ca/place-aux-etudiants/etudiants-finissants/sinscrire/index.html

La campagne annuelle québécoise de recrutement universitaire débute le 24 septembre pour se terminer le 22 octobre 2012. Les examens auront lieu le 25 novembre. Elle s’adresse aux étudiants à temps plein ou à temps partiel qui termineront leurs études d’ici au 31 août 2013, pour l’obtention d’un diplôme d’études universitaires. Si vous désirez travailler pour la fonction publique un jour, il faut s’y inscrire maintenant!

Geograds Newsletter

1.Sorry that it’s a bit short notice, but the GSA’s General Assembly is this afternoon from 15h – 17h in H-763. Check out their callout below:

YOU CAN DECIDE what graduate students will do this year… at the FIRST GSA GENERAL ASSEMBLY of the 2012-13 Academic Year! Did you know that the General Assembly is the highest decision-making authority of our Graduate Students’ Association (GSA)? The General Assembly is the most democratic activity possible as you -yes YOU- and your fellow members can debate and decide the direction that your GSA will take in the coming year! You pay membership fees to the GSA, so YOU have a right to decide what the GSA does. At this General Assembly you can meet your GSA team of elected representatives and suggest ANY propositions you may have (including changing the proposed agenda below). And, now that the Parti Québécois is in power and have cancelled the Liberal Party’s tuition increase, if you vote to end the GSA strike you can also vote on: how do you want your student association to keep defending your rights and your well-being? The future of the GSA is in your hands. But only if you show up! The General Assembly will take place Thursday September 27 from 3-5pm in room H-763 on the 7th floor of the Hall Building. Democracy makes for hungry people so after we are done debating and voting everybody who attends will be able to chat informally over a Free Dinner. Proposed Agenda for September 27 General Assembly 1) Appointment of chair, secretary, mood-watcher 2) Presentation of your team of elected GSA representatives 3) Vote to end the strike 4) Presentation/discussion of GSA 2012-2013 priorities 5) Finances 6) Other 7) Adjournment and free dinner Useful Information for the General Assembly: Find out how YOU can effectively participate in the GSA’s highest decision-making body (its general assembly) here. Find out more about why GSA is on strike here. Read minutes from our previous General Assembly here.

 

2. MENV STUDENTS: this information is for you!

 

The positions of Vice-President Internal and VP Social and Events to represent the MENV students have yet to be filled and we’d love it if someone got on board. A few individuals have come forward, but the formal process has yet to begin. If those who have expressed interest remain uncontested they will be appointed by the Geography executive, otherwise we will run an election.

In order for any individual to become part of the executive they must be nominated. So if you are interested in being the MENV VP Internal or VP Social & Events you need three Geography, Planning & Environment Graduate students in the MENV or MSc program to support your nomination. 

Please find the nomination form in the attached PDF and complete it by OCTOBER 4th at 5pm. You can leave it in the Grad Oasis (H1236) where there will be an envelope on the bulletin board with the words Nomination Forms written on it. 

If you found all this to be terribly confusing, PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO GET IN TOUCH! 

For your information: 

The VP Social and Events’ responsibilities include: 

i. Managing the Graduate Lounge.

ii. Organizing guest lectures and other extra-curricular events.

iii. Organizing social functions.

iv. Carrying out any other duty the Council deems pertinent to the V.P Social and Events portfolio.

 

The VP Internal’s responsibilities include:

i. Serving as the GEOGRADS liaison with the faculty, staff, and undergraduate student associations within the Department of Geography, Planning and Environment.

ii. Co-ordinating Geography, Planning and Environment graduate student representation on the University’s academic and administrative organs, along with the President.

iii. Carrying out any other duty the Council deems pertinent to the V.P. Internal Portfolio 

 

3. Call out for Geography student participation

Operation Avenue du Parc is looking for students to commit to volunteering for the day-long charrette on October 20, AND also welcome any participants on the Exploratory Walk on October 13 and during a public session from 4-5:30pm on October 20 if they have less time to commit or are not bilingual.

This is a community-organised event that has support from the City.

Two talks at Concordia: 1) post-colonial movements in France & 2) hard right populism in Toront

1) “Towards a new civilization? Dilemmas of
post-colonial counter-colonialism in France”
Presented by:
Stefan Kipfer
(Associate Professor Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University).
Date: Tuesday, October 2nd, 3 p.m. (followed by a reception)
Location: Hall Building, Room 1269, 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West,
Concordia University

2) “From ‘revolution’ to farce? Hard-right populism
in the making of Toronto”
Presented by Stefan Kipfer & Parastou Saberi
(Associate Professor & Ph.D. Candidate, Faculty of Environmental Studies,York University).
Date: Wednesday, October 3rd, 12 p.m.
Location: Hall Building, Room 1271, 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West,
Concordia University

Concordia withdraws Code of Rights and Responsibilities complaints

PRESIDENT SHEPARD SAYS IT’S TIME TO FOCUS ON THE FUTURE TOGETHER

“As president of the university, I also believe it is time for our community to turn the page and focus on the future together. I acknowledge that some members of the community will not agree with this approach, and I respect their point of view on the matter.”

Click here to read the full press release

SSHRC Webinar Opportunity

French message to follow:

In an effort to continue its outreach efforts, SSHRC will offer a drop-in Question and Answer session for those who intend to apply for a Master’s, Doctoral, or Postdoctoral Scholarship or Fellowship. We encourage you to share the details below with students who are interested in applying for a SSHRC award and who have questions for a SSHRC program officer.

Conseil de recherches en sciences humaines du Canada

Visit http://sshrc.adobeconnect.com/sshrcrtpqa/

Technical support will be available at fellowships@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca, or by calling 613-943-7777.

Because the number of “seats” available for this session is limited, students may be told that the room is full. In this case, we ask that students wait a few moments before attempting to connect again.

Cordially,
GORDANA KRCEVINACDirector
DirectriceResearch Training Portfolio| Portefeuille de la formation en recherche
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
Conseil de recherches en sciences humaines du Canada

_________________________

Afin de favoriser ses liens avec les étudiants, le CRSH organise une séance ‘porte ouverte’ de questions-réponses pour ceux qui veulent présenter une demande de bourse de maîtrise, de doctorat ou une demande de bourse postdoctorale. Nous vous encourageons à partager les renseignements suivants avec ceux qui présenteront une demande de bourse au CRSH et qui ont des questions pour les agents de programme du CRSH. Date : 21 septembre 2012 Heure : 14h45 (HAE)

Comment : cliquez sur http://sshrc.adobeconnect.com/crshpfrqr/

En cas d’un problème technique, veuillez envoyer un courriel à : bourses@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca ou composer le 613-943-7777.

Étant donné que le nombre de ‘places’ est limité, il est possible que les étudiants aient de la difficulté à établir la connexion. Dans un tel cas, il faut patienter quelques minutes avant de faire une nouvelle tentative.

Cordialement,
GORDANA KRCEVINACDirector
DirectriceResearch Training Portfolio| Portefeuille de la formation en recherche
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

Welcome GPE Grads 2012-2013

The new school year has started which means it’s time for two things: General Assemblies and Social Nights! We’re planning to have both of these things on the same day (September 14), for your scheduling convenience.

General Assembly

Friday September 14 at 16h30
it will be on the 12th floor in room H1267

on the agenda will be geograd finances, ideas for upcoming events, and discussion of strike. Please come out as this is a great opportunity to discuss important and influence important and fun decisions within the department. We’re also looking for people to fill two GEOGRADS positions: Vice-President Internal M.Env and Vice-President Social/Events M.Env.

We will send an agenda and confirm the room in the coming days.

Social Night

Friday September 24 at 19h
St. Ambroise Terrace at Macauslan brewery
5080 St. Antoine Street

Macauslan brews good brews and their terrace is on the lachine canal making it perfect for mtl southwest chill times. we’ll be leaving directly from the GA, more or less. Those on bikes will convoy down.

see the website here – http://mcauslan.com/en/terrasse-st-ambroise/

We hope that everyone has a great summer and look forward to seeing both new and familiar faces soon!

Loi Speciale – Provisions of the Act violate the Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Special law to ensure the return of students in class – Provisions of the Act violate the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, according to the Commission on Human Rights and Youth Rights

“The Commission therefore concludes that Articles 12 to 31 of the Act directly or indirectly infringe fundamental freedoms, or freedoms of conscience, opinion, expression, peaceful assembly and association guaranteed by the Charter. These sections of the Act do not meet the test of justification derived from the jurisprudence of the Supreme Court pursuant to Article 9.1 of the Charter.”

Click here for the full article.

Done With Donations

COREY POOL — PUBLISHED JULY 16, 2012 | UPDATED JULY 17, 2012 |

On July 16, Jack and Judith Kornblatt wrote an email to Concordia staff titled “We will no longer donate.”

“The Kornblatts came to Concordia University in 1974 as assistant professors. Though both are now retired, for the past 38 years they have been donating considerable amounts of money to the university.”

Click here to read the full story by Corey Pool in The Link

Holy Corporate Perks!! Fire up the Bram-mobile!!!

The Journal has received confirmation of the award of a contract by mutual agreement between the university and a Lexus dealer in Montreal with a value of 37,155.22 for the rental car model RX 350. This benefit is in addition to the salary of vice-presidents, which varies between $ 150 000 and $ 275 000 per year.

Source: le journal de montreal, July 9, 2012

Click Here for the full story

Concordia’s Auto Allowance Policy

Concordia University – Allocation of $ 900 per month to six vice-presidents ($64,800 per year)

Auto Allowances Policy at Other Quebec Universities

McGill University – Allocation of $ 16 000 per year to rector Heather Munroe-Blum

University of Montreal – Allocation of $ 1,666 per year for the vice-presidents and the secretary general

University of Quebec at Montreal – The rector Claude Corbo has renounced the allocation of $ 600 per month

Laval University – No budget for car rentals

Université Sherbrooke – No budget for car rentals

Code of Conduct Violations: Update

Simon Pierre Lauzon 11:51am Jun 8
We have received information that they will combine similar cases into group hearings. This means that Security is most likely interested in saving time. PLEASE, IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY, CONTACT A FRIEND WHOM YOU THINK MIGHT HAVE RECEIVED CHARGES – A NEW WAVE WAS SENT TODAY. Please write an Email to this address : advocacy@csu.qc.ca , or call : 514-848-7474, ext.7313. You should know what your rights are,and be given the best defense possible. In Solidarity, Simon

Photo by Mathieu Bilodeau

charged with an offense under the Code of Rights and Responsibilities????

If you have been charged with an offense under the Code of Rights and Responsibilities and are willing to speak with a local journalist please contact the GSA at info@gsaconcordia.ca

Quebec’s conflict of contrasting social visions – Opinion – Al Jazeera English

Quebec's conflict of contrasting social visions – Opinion – Al Jazeera English.

CHARGES UNDER THE CODE OF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

CONCORDIA UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN CHARGED UNDER THE CODE OF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES SHOULD CONTACT THE CSU ADVOCACY CENTER FOR HELP

Concordia Undergraduate students who have recently received a notice from the Office of Rights and Responsibilities
advising them that a formal complaint has been lodged against them are encouraged to contact the CSU Advocacy Center for assistance.

The CSU Student Advocacy Center’s mandate is to provide assistance to students who feel that they have been treated unfairly on campus and to help students by informing them of University policies that impact both academic and non-academic pursuits on campus. The Center provides representation services to students as defined under the Academic Code of Conduct or the Code of Rights and Responsibilities. All services provided through the Center are confidential.

CSU Advocacy Center
Room H-729, 1455 de Maisonneuve West, Hall Building
514-848-7474, ext.7313
advocacy@csu.qc.ca

For more information, please contact Lisa White, Coordinator of the CSU Advocacy Center, 514-848-7474, ext.8911, lwhite@csu.qc.ca or Lucia Gallardo VP Acacdemic and Advocacy at 514-848-7474 ext. 8903, academic@csu.qc.ca

General Assembly to END GSA strike

General Assembly to END GSA strike

WHEN: Wednesday, June 6 at 4:30pm

WHERE: 2149 Mackay

With guest speaker, Lawyer Patrice Blais about Bill 78

Samosas & beverages will be provided

Please arrive early and bring your student ID: And don’t fret, if we have to wait to make quorum, short videos and surprise guest(s) will entertain us while we wait. Keep in mind that if you tell as many of your grad friends as possible to come, hopefully quorum will be met right away!

Agenda

Appointments of chair, secretary, mood-watcher
Adoption of the Agenda
Presentation and Q&A about Bill 78 (by Lawyer Patrice Blais)
Motions about the strike (click here to see proposed motions)
CLASSE Motions (will be sent to all members after Sunday’s CLASSE Congress)
Evaluation of GSA General Assemblies
Other Business
Adjournment
Proposed motions about the strike

1. Motion to end the strike

Considering that most Concordia University graduate classes have taken place during the Summer semester;
Considering that most graduate students have either received IPs (In Progress marks) or have handed in their coursework for the Winter semester;
Considering that those students for whom the above scenarios do not apply have voted mandates independently of the GSA in their own departmental student associations;
Considering that departmental and faculty student associations are more appropriate bodies for general assemblies to make decisions of this nature, due to their smaller size and more direct contact with their members;

Be It Resolved that the GSA ceases to be on strike.

2. Motion in support of Ontario Students

Considering the student struggle in Quebec is taking place in an overall perspective of the rejection of the commodification and corporatization of education;
Considering the level of debt and high tuition fees in Canada;
Recognizing our responsibility of solidarity with the students in Canada and around the world;

Be It Resolved That the GSA endorse and sign the open letter initiated by student activists of Ontario to push the Canadian Federation of Students to start a mobilization campaign that would encourage a strike vote in the fall, as well as to sign and endorse the response letter from Quebec activists;

Be It Further Resolved That the GSA encourage members of the GSA to individually sign these letters;

Be It Further Resolved That the members of the GSA encourage the “Luttes Sociales” Committee of the CLASSE to spread the strike movement to North American universities.

Quebec Students Resist State Repression

Quebec Student Strike Gathers Wide Support