This will be an extremely busy week at the McMaster Students Union (MSU) as we prepare for the most exhausting and exhilarating ten days of our term, Welcome Week. Thanks to the hard work of our Vice President (Administration) John McIntyre; this will be one of the best Welcome Weeks on the MSU side. At McMaster, the first week activities are split between the University and the MSU. We will be hosting a wide variety of epic events for our first years, including: Mac Connector (ice-breaker games with 3000 people), the PJ Parade through the streets of Westdale, Comedy Fest, and two big concerts. Playing in Faculty Hollow this year will be Alexisonfire and Mac’s own The Arkells with San Sebastian. One of the final events is the annual Shinerama fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis research. Last year Mac raised $60,000 and this year is aiming for $70,000. Personally, I am organizing the MSU Community Clean Up and Barbeque. Students will go out into the local area in teams to clean along a route ending at the MSU restaurant, 1280. There they will be treated to a free barbeque provided by the MSU.
One of the most important things about Welcome Week is that it gives students a chance to become involved in hundreds of different ways. The MSU hosts Clubsfest with over 250 clubs, organizations and community groups present and looking for volunteers. If anyone asks, I would highly recommend joining the OUSA Street Team, who spreads information about educational advocacy and have an amazing time doing it. Welcome Week is a tremendous endeavour that takes hundreds of volunteers, staff and students that work tirelessly to ensure first years have an unforgettable experience. The MSU Board of Directors will be attending as many events as possible (hopefully wearing their OUSA shirts). Of course, after Welcome Week is over, it will be back to working hard for students and representing them as best we can, for me that includes getting back to OUSA stuff!
-Joe Finkle
OUSA VP Administration
MSU VP Education
