Social Science

Society

Winter 2007

Newsletter

Executives: Rana Shamoon President Sarah Butler Vice President Marco Fanara Vice President Finances Amal Chaudry Clubs and Policies Coordinator Marla Cronin Events Coordinator Jessica Shultz Events Coordinator Melissa Strange Society Secretary Amy Johnson Executive Assistant

Social Science Society provides representation for Social Science students in matters affecting their interests at the University of Windsor. The society acknowledges the diverse intellectual, cultural, and social elements within the Social Science student population and will act to promote events and activities for Social Science students to reflect this diversity. Our purpose is to act as a communicative medium between the Faculty of Social Science and social science students to achieve the best experience for everyone.

The Social Science Society plans events with the intention of establishing a communicative link between students and their representatives. During Windsor Welcome Week, the SSS tent was set up in the heart of the campus, giving students the opportunity to ask questions and offer suggestions to the new executive. The society participated in club days, giving away the infamous Social Science Society t-shirts and other goodies, as well as brochures and information about volunteer opportunities. Octoberfest constituted the society's major event of the semester. A freak show, busker, live musical entertainment, as well as pie eating and pumpkin carving contests, and free food were provided for students from all faculties. The CAW commons was littered with pumpkins and cornstalks from morning til night, getting students in the spirit of Thanksgiving as well as giving the executive the opportunity to address the questions and concerns of students on a one-on-one basis. Many thanks to all volunteers, as well as the students who generously donated their time and talent to perform: The Drowning, The Plastic Monkeys, Melissa Minor, Matt Olewski and MC Ryan Solomon.

—— www.uwindsor.ca/sss —— sss @ uwindsor.ca ——

Social Science

Society

Winter 2007

Newsletter As students move quickly into the second semester, our Social Science Society executive is beginning to prepare some of the society's biggest events ever! The Social Science Society is sponsoring and organizing a guest appearance from Stephan Lewis, the United Nations Secretary-General's special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, a commissioner of the World Health Organization's Commission on Social Determinants of Health, and Director of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. His experience as a politician, diplomat and humanitarian includes tenures as Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations, Special Advisor on Africa to the United Nations Secretary-General, and Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF. At this presentation, the society will be handing out Social Science Society t-shirts and more information on the mandate of the society. Please stay tuned for details on the presentation and make sure to stop by! The Social Science Society is also participating in an Inter-Society Charity Ball for the end of the academic year. The formal will be held at the Cleary International Center on Sunday, April 1, 2007. This event will connect a variety of societies on campus. A portion of ticket sales will go to charity. All students are welcome to attend and tickets will be sold all over campus beginning mid-February.

—— www.uwindsor.ca/sss —— sss @ uwindsor.ca ——

Social Science

Society

Winter 2007

Newsletter

—— www.uwindsor.ca/sss —— sss @ uwindsor.ca ——

Since the new executive has taken over the finances of the SSS have been in great condition. To date the society has spent no more than 6% of our total savings in the fall of 2006 on student activities. These activities included Windsor Welcome Week, Octoberfest and funding for clubs and organizations on campus. The SSS is poised to make a difference on several very important levels that will affect not only social science students, but also the university community as a whole.

Having done away with long standing honorariums, which the executive would have received this year, this money has been reallocated to finance several projects that will raise awareness and further strengthen the University of Windsor’s name on local, national and international levels. Close to $10,000 has been placed into a special contingency fund that will benefit the local, as well as global community. Having broadened our horizons, the SSS executive have agreed whole heartedly, to take the initiative to donate time and provide finances to an AIDS orphanage in Zambia, to Juvenile Diabetes research, and finally to a local literacy project.

The SSS executives believe as members of the local, national and international community, we, as students, have an obligation to give back and raise awareness of issues that affect so many across the globe and within our very own communities. By doing so, we are encouraging students to become active members, rather than passive observers, within their society.

This past semester the Social Science Society dedicated much of its time to revitalize the structure of the society in order to optimize efficiency and to better serve the students. The society constitution was revised and re-ratified and new forms in regards to funding were created. The new club funding form allows clubs to ask up to a maximum of $300 to help relive financial burden for an event organized for the student body. The special funding form allows for clubs, organizations and individuals to ask for funding for purposes, such as, but not limited to conferences, charity events, research, student events, trips, etc. In establishing such funding channels the society hopes to enhance student productivity, and provide opportunity to pursue goals that may not have been possible otherwise.

The rejuvenation of the constitution compels the society to be more accountable and visible to the student body that it represents. The constitution mandates detailed financial reports, event summaries, meeting attendance, and detailed job descriptions for all executive as well as public meeting minutes. To view the new Social Science Society constitution, please visit the Social Science Society website at www.uwindsor.ca/sss.

Social Science

Society

Winter 2007

Newsletter

—— www.uwindsor.ca/sss —— sss @ uwindsor.ca ——

Position: Chair

The successful candidate will chair all SSS meetings in accordance with Roberts’ Rules of Order and the SSS binding rules and procedures as outlined in the Constitution. Extensive knowledge of Roberts’ Rules is not required, however a successful candidate will be familiar with the basics. Interviews will be held throughout the month of February and the position will be awarded by February 2007. Once obtained the position will be held from January 2007 to May 2007. Having carried out his/her duties satisfactory, a letter of reference will be granted upon completion of the term to the successful candidate. This is a volunteer position. All who wish to apply should send a resume to the President of the SSS via email.

Position: Information Officer

The successful candidate will be responsible for the upkeep of all information relayed from the SSS to the student body. S/he will be given the task of updating the SSS website, among other task. Interviews will be held throughout the month of February and the position will be awarded by February 2007. Once obtained the position will be held from January 2007 to May 2007. Having carried out his/her duties satisfactory, a letter of reference will be granted upon completion of the term to the successful candidate. This is a volunteer position. All who wish to apply should send a resume to the President of the SSS via email.

The Social Science Society exists to represent the unique and diverse needs of Social Science students. The executive aims to unify the student body and recognize the diverse intellectual, cultural, and social elements of the Social Science student by hosting events that appeal to all. In addition, we try to act as a medium between the faculty and students in order to promote academic excellence.

Last semester, we interacted with the student body and gauged student expectations during Welcome Week and Clubs Days. Our biggest accomplishment was Octoberfest, a carnival-style fun filled day hosted in the CAW center. The event featured a freak show, busker, bands, and other acts. In addition, free food was provided for all who attended the event.

As we leave a successful semester, we look forward to the new winter semester, where we hope to further our objectives for the Society. Social Science students are the Social Science Society. As a result we encourage and are open to hearing suggestions and comments. Together, we can improve the student experience at the University of Windsor.