Hello Everyone,
It’s been a while, but today I am back to let you know about a couple of new articles in the features section. But before that, I want to remind all of our dedicated readers that we want to hear from you! If you have pitches, a tip or want to get involved in one of our ongoing projects, send an email to features@theconcordian.com.
We are actively looking for new writers to contribute to the section. If you aren’t sure what to write about we even have a pitch available. We are looking for a writer to cover the development of StarSailor, a project by Space Concordia that if successful will send the first student constructed rocket liquid repelled rocket to reach space. If you are interested in taking on this story, or have any questions shoot us an email!
Our first new article explores the possibility of a new food supplier at Concordia, as the Concordia Food Coalition (CFC) seeks to develop the New Food Enterprise. This project aims to replace Aramark as Concordia’s primary food supplier. Bringing more local food onto campus. Currently, 60.8 per cent of the food suppliers across Canada are multinational corporations. The CFC wants Concordia to transition to a more local and sustainable approach, one that can provide better food and do more good for both the local economy and local farmers. To learn more about the project check out the article: Concordia Food Coalition To Develop New Food Enterprise.
Following Concordia’s New Contract With Aramark, The Fight Is Still Not Over For A Food-Sovereign Campus
In April, Concordia’s board of governors signed a new contract with multinational food services corporation Aramark to return as the University’s food supplier until May of 2026, with the possibility of a two-year extension. Aramark has been notorious for its ties to the US prison system and offering poor working conditions.
The University’s decision to sign a new contract with the corporation goes against a continual effort to steer Concordia away from multinational corporations and towards social enterprises or not-for-profit food suppliers instead, in an attempt to make Concordia into a food-sovereign campus.
Second of all, in assistant features editor, Nikoo Pajoom’s new article To Evaluate Or Not? Course Evaluations Carrying Doubts About Their Efficacy we explore the current status of course evaluations at Concordia. Course evaluations recently returned after a two-year hiatus; but, many are doubting their effectiveness and advocating for new ways to evaluate professors.
After A Two-Year Suspension, Course Evaluations Are Back With Students Doubting Their Ability To Affect Change And Professors Questioning Their Underlying Bias
At the beginning of 2019, Concordia’s Student Union (CSU) conducted its annual undergraduate survey. In that survey, many students voiced their concerns regarding the evaluation system at Concordia and believed that course evaluations did little to improve the teaching or the syllabi.
“Students who are filling out surveys could not benefit from professors’ adjustments and
thus many wouldn’t care to take time to do the surveys,” the survey concluded, which is why 84% of students wanted their professors to implement mid-term evaluations.
Finally, Happy reading and as always thank you for supporting The Concordian
Evan Lindsay
Features Editor
features@theconcordian.com