CSSA Connection Issue 1a

8/14/2019 CSSA Connection Issue 1a

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THE CSSA CONNECTION

The Communication Studies Student AssociationNewsletter

A Message FromA Message From

The PresidentsThe Presidents

OCT/NOV 09

Dear CSSA members,

As your CSSA Co-presidents, it gives us great pleasure to welcome youto the CSSA team. We are pleased to have such a high member turn out thisyear! As many of you have already experienced, our executive team has beenhard at work preparing exciting events to give you the experience you need tosucceed.

We hope you will think of the CSSA as a place to connect with like-

minded individuals and to make new friends. Our club would be nothing withoutinterested students like you to plan events for, so we urge you to get involved.We look forward to meeting you all in the upcoming year!

Diana Golts & Natasha Lachapelle-LampkinCo-Presidents of the CSSA 2009-2010

IN THIS ISSUEN THIS ISSUE

A Message from the Presidents 1

Month at a Glance (January) 1

Catching Up With CSSA 2In Other News... 3 6

January 2010January 2010

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11

W&P Meet-ing/PeerEditing:12:30-2 PM

12 13 14

ADV : 4 PMOlive MediaAgencyTour

15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22

PR : 10 AM

Hill andKnowlton:Tour/Info

23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

31

Follow us on the web!(Click for link!)

YouTubeCSSA Blog

http://www.youtube.com/user/CSSAYORKU

http://cssayorku.blogspot.com/

http://cssayorku.blogspot.com/

http://www.youtube.com/user/CSSAYORKU



Tours Guest Speakers Workshops

Learning From the

Toronto StarWavy Zhao, Co-Director of W&P

Earlier this month, the Writing & PublishingCommittee went on a tour of the Toronto Star. The tour was ledby Alex Posadzki, an intern in the Radio Room at the Star andthe Editor-in-Chief of Excalibur, who showed us around thealso had the opportunity to sit down with Roger Gillespie (Senior Editor, Training and Development) to discuss the current state

of the newspaper industry. We also talked about other topics,including the big question about the future of print, the decline innewspapers in particular (Of course!), which is being rocked bythe popularity of new media and digital media. Here, he sharedwith us some of his own insights and projections. We also spentsome time talking about internship opportunities at the Star.Those interested can find more details outlined on their website.

For writers, this was a chance to see what the workingenvironment is for journalists. It provided us with some newinsights into the industry and was a valuable learningexperience, something quite different from what a classroomcan offer. For this reason, these kinds of experiences areimportant and they can give you that extra edge in the future.Similar events will be offered throughout the year by eachcommittee, so be sure to take advantage of them while you can.

And if you have not already, but would like to hear fromsomeone who attended the tour, you can visit our CSSA

CSSA Sets Off With A

Fresh StartWavy Zhao, Co-Director of W&P

It seems like ages ago, but general assembly. I remember therewas a mix of excitement and anxietyin the air as the execs prepared tonew and familiar members alike. Theturnout was better than expected

and many students were receptive toour message and purpose.Remember the sexy commercialsand the playful door prizes? Apartfrom the formalities, there were also

fun and games to reinforce the spirit of the CSSA.

set up a new blog that keeps up with all committee updates, as well as news andevents extending beyond the university campus. We also have a new YouTubeChannel (CSSAYORKU), courtesy of the Broadcasting Committee, where youcan get a chance to post and respond to Vlogs. Our goal, and the purpose of engaging with multimedia, is to help you achieve the purpose of each committee.

So far, everything is running smoothly. And thanks to Laura Di Girolamo, our newsletter got a wonderful facelift!

We are extremely pleased and excited about the new and improved CSSA,and we hope you are too! If you have any feedback for us, you can find eachfrom you!

Lights, Camera, MTV!Stephanie Directo, Co-Director of BR

At the corner of Yonge and Davenport, in downtown Toronto, a group of excited members fromthe CSSA met to go on a tour of The Masonic Temple. This building is home to MTV Canada, and

our group got an inside scoop on what goes on behind the scenes of the famed broadcaster of popculture.

The tour began with an introduction given by Rich Wilkinson, Audience Coordinator and previ-ous intern for MTV. He shared with us his start at MTV and how broadcasting hopefuls (like manyof us) can join the MTV bandwagon. Wilkinson suggested to those interested in completing the four to five month MTV internship in 2010 to apply now. Internships are based on the interests of theindividual, making interning at MTV not only fun, but also flexible and hands-on.

Scott Winechuk, Partnership Producer for MTV, then met with us. He led the tour last year, andhe knows a lot about the history of The Masonic Temple, which by the way, he claims is haunted.From the studio, we were led to the production room, which housed all the cool television screensand buttons used to make the magic of live television happen. Later, we entered into the deepdepths of the building, an almost cave-like environment that is home to the editors who dwell in thewindowless rooms. We then ventured to the most visually pleasing room, where all of the marketing and business goes down. The MTV architecturaldesigners made this red room look patriotic and modern; they even maintained the historical footprints of its Masonic roots by keeping the old, exposedbrick wall. We strolled through the design room, where computer experts create the cool computer graphics we see on our television screens during

commercial breaks of our favourite shows like The Hills (totally unbiased). Lastly, we entered the glorious parliament-style hallthe most haunted of all. It is empty now after the computer stations that once occupied the space were moved to the new CTV building.

Finally, we stood in the VIP line for MTV Live. As it turned out, we made up the bulk of the audience. Towards the end of the event, we were each



Tours Guest Speakers Workshops

Recess, and Fashion PRCathy Sliwka, Co-Director of PR

The Public Relations Committee has been keeping busy, with three events in the f irst term.

The first event was an on-site info session at Argyle Communications. Two members of the Argyle team spoke to us about their jobs doing PR in an agency setting. As an agency theyprovide many services to their various clients including media relations, media skills training,and crisis management, to name a few. They operate on a schedule, where they documenthow much time was devoted to each client, which then constitutes a basis for their pay. Over-all, we learned that PR in an agency setting is a great opportunity to learn about the various

facets of the communication sphere while working with many different clients.

Lights, cameraband arrives on set for their media events. This is just one of the many things we learned frompublicist Joanne Setterington. Joanne meddled around in publicity before eventually startingher own company, Indoor Recess. She came in to share her experiences with us at our MusicPR Info Session. She works with various artists in Toronto and is also responsible for the pub-licity of various foreign artists, who call upon her to do their publicity while they are in the country. Aside from writing preend.

nts. Sheworks as a publicist for the aforementioned designers, in New York and Toronto, respectively. She is also the main media contact for FAT. This isquite a feat for someone who is only twenty and still studying at Ryerson University. Michelle spoke to us at out Fashion PR Info Session about allthe things involved in fashion PR, as well as a very helpful TOP 10 list of tips for publicists. Being creative is a key asset, one thatMichelle most certainly demonstrated with her jellybean business card give-away. Lots of coffee, time managing skills,dedication and persistence are necessary to survive as a publicist in fashion.

York Toronto Communications

The Scotiabank Giller Prize Gala Allison Perez Lawan, W&P Member

On November 10th 2009, the Scotiabank ndawards assembly. A magical night meant to honour five Canadian authors for their fictional novels of 2009.

The event has been around for many years, and has gathered great Canadian authors who have contributed to a history of prestigiousworks of Canadian literature. It was founded by Jack Rabinovitch in 1994 to honor his wife, Doris Giller, a literary journalist. It is a night that hasbeen organized for many years with proud sponsorship and support of Scotiabank and has been broadcasted live by Bravo!, BookTelevison, andCTV. The Scotiabank Giller Prize awards $50,000 to the author of the best Canadian fictional novel while $5,000 was rewarded to each of thefour finalists.

Linden MacIntyre was the announced that winner of the 2009 Scotiabank Giller Prize for his own novel, "The Bishop's Man." The panel of three judges including Canadian Alistair MacLeod, American Russell Banks and Brit Victoria Glendinning, had eliminated a hundred novels to ashortlist of five, and then to the one to be awarded the Giller grand prize.

Throughout the year, all across Canada there have been thirty public library systems, a hundred and fifty bookstores, thirty-three postsecondary schools, along with 1,010 Scotiabank branches promoting Canadian literature to Canadian readers. The CSSA had three membersvolunteer that night to help tie up loose ends. From getting books signed to handing out place cards, to meeting Rick Mercer and Margaret At-wood, the three CSSA members had quite the night. It surely was a night to remember.




CSSA Does Fashion Week Alanna Fallis, W&P member

The bi-again greeted by Torontonians, as well as members of the CSSA, many of whom took advantage of the opportunity to volunteer throughout the week. This between October 19th and 24th. Toronto fashion lovers witnessed anaccumulation of various style trends ranging from the largely popular DavidFashion Week also opened its doors to up-and-coming designers such as,Brandon R.Dwyer and Jessica Biffi, both of whom received wide acclaim on

This season, the heart of the Fashion Week, was at King and Shaw, in theheld on the Exhibition Place grounds at Liberty Grand, The Windsor ArmsHotel, Muzik nightclub, and its most recent and longest running location:evolving fashion industry: like the cycle of fashion, the home of the Show adapts to new and improved venues. In contrast to NathanPhillips Square, 1030 King St. West provided a concrete standing structure, which can also accommodate the LG Fashion Week tents.The new layout provided indoor plumbing and heating, washrooms and a legitimate street address, making accessibility to the event mucheasier.

CSSA membersmany of whom are returning volunteersprovidedtheir time and efforts to Brill Communications Inc, the PR firm that helps torun the fashion week events. For new volunteers the experience wasoverwhelming at first, yet many learned early on that you need to be quick,easily adaptable, and flexible with whatever position or job you are given.

The runway room, front door, backstage and guest entrance were crowdedwith attendees that CSSA members helped and ushered to their seats.Many students find it difficult to volunteer during the school year, but whenthe CSSA provides opportunities like this it is hard to decline.

Not only is the work experience noteworthy on paper, but thegratification of volunteering in such a stimulating environment is well worththe bickering guests, confusing directions and exhausting hours. Give it upfor the Public Relations Committee, who organized such a fun, exciting andworthwhile experience for members of the CSSA!

We Had A Reading Week? Stephanie McLean, W&P Member

iving Day plusfour days! Apparently, this time was to give students a break, but from what? It had only been just over a month after school started; all the timeconsuming assignments had not been handed out yet. Teachers also scheduled midterms around this week. Some students had their midtermsbefore, while others were overloaded with them after.

York offered many events and activities for students to adjust and adapt to the university lifestyle during that week. Were students noten it arrived. Moststudents when asked thought that the reading week was a complete failure. Jessica Forde, third year French Studies student at Gl

Students got so used to their school schedules with having to wake up early that the reading week did not give them more time, they justslept in their beds instead of in what would have been their classes. It would be assumed that students would use this opportunity to catch up onreadings, but many were not yet overloaded. When asked if she considered the reading week a success or failure, Heather McInroy, third year




Second City Alanna Fallis, W&P Member

Exams driving you crazy? Wallet feeling the pinch? Low on entertainment? Looking for a good laugh? Second City has the solution. SecondCity has their main stage show performing Tuesday through Sunday at their 51 Mercer St. location. This wholly Canadian-owned companyShut Up and Show Us Your Tweets.

I had never been to a Second City show, and I now question my judgment as to why I never ventured downtown to experience the eclecticatmosphere that the theatre provides. The theatre itself is unique, and the seating arrangements vary whether you prefer a table and chairs or aview from the top of the balcony. Either way, you are guaranteed to enjoy yourself!

The show caters to the youth of today with references to Canadian politics, social networking, drug-dealing imitations and of course, the always

humorous and inappropriate slapstick comedy. teven Harper are just a few of the noteworthy sketches worth mentioning in this culturally engaging show. I suggest we all explore the likes of downtowns on the Second Citystage.

The Second City comedy theatre is a great way to combat those student blues. I highly recommend you get in touch with your inner comedian and explore the world of Second City for the affordable student price of only 15 dollars!

Fighting the War On

Financial

Difficulties

Natalie Douglas, W&P Member

Like many of you I have been looking for a job inthese difficult times. I was so happy to get a seasonal job because I can finally pay off some of my debts! I amnothing since OSAP has limited my funds. I am notamong those who have the privilege to buy food oncampus; I cannot afford to. There is the rare occasionwhere I will buy some coffee when I have done an allnighter, but other than that, I am in the poor house.

Part of being a responsible adult is to putresponsibilities before pleasure; so, after paying thebills, I am back to being penniless. I could work moreand find another job, but then that would interfere with

my studying and in turn, my grades. What can you dowhen you cannot seem to win?

The answer is: you fight! That is the message Ipark. It is not fair that the students of Ontario have topay more for our tuition than the rest of Canada. It isunacceptable and it is up to us to pressure thegovernment through our will together. For the first timein my life I was a part of something bigger than myself,and my opinion and voice mattered. I was doingsomething about my financial situation instead of complaining about it. I was doing something that hadthe potential to impact the generations after me and Ifelt proud. I was proud to be a student, a Canadian anda leader within the community.

This experience has inspired me to be more activewithin my community by joining events at schoolbecause I want to have a say in how the world shouldmy friend!

Former York Instructor, Nina

Arsenault, performs The Silicone

Diaries Shauna Pandit, Co-Director of W&P

Audiences flocked to the Buddies in Bad Times Theatre in Toronto to takewas performed between November 14-22 at The Cabaret.

ordinary, as her monologue-like performance chronicled her journey towards attainingphysical female beauty. As a local celebrity transsexual, one would think her story wouldbe inaccessible to the majority, however her candid style did well to elucidate her experiences to the average person.

animation as an actor. Several times during the performance which I saw on the 22nd,she looked at audience members directly, breaking that fourth wall and making the showvery personal. Her story was made more real at those moments and others, when shepaused from narrating her journey, turned her back to the audience and faced the

projector screen behind her on stage where scenes of her life in video or photos weredisplayed to accent her monologue. These were moments where she connected to theaudience on another level, becoming part of the audience as well and witnessing her lifeexperiences that occurred before The Silicone Diaries alongside them.

same pressures of male society and pressures coming from within themselves as well.intrigued audiences. Captivating and mesmerizing, I definitely recommend that studentscheck out Nina Arsenault the next time she performs in town!



Poetry Short Stories

You can participate too! Sendsubmissions to

[email protected]

Insecurites Semeerah Abulqadir Abulqadir,

W&P member

I am labeled due to your insecurities.You see me as a scapegoatAnd therefore use me to your advantage.So why not sell me your magazines, your make up andanything else to diminish my self-esteem.You sell me these things due to your insecurities.I fall for it why?That answer I seem not to know.The stars you tell me to look up to cover their insecurities withThe cars, the jewels and the big houses.You cover up your insecurities by endangering others.Telling them what they need to f ix.Because this is how you see yourself.You hide the truth.You hide behind the glass wall.Somehow I see right through it.Just waiting for the day it cracks.The day it all comes outThe day you let everyone knowWill be the day we heal each other That day will never come

Unfortunately.Because you have already done your damage The more you hurt us,The more you hurt yourself.

Talk & Listen Laura Di Girolamo, W&P Member

Think of it again as I let you take alisten.A mission.A stitch in time that doesn't rhyme.

Tell this tale once more, she begs.

No obligation says the congregationas you spin and turn word for word.The active petition is a useless decision

No one would have voted, anyway.

Not with your shadow(Led astray)

Remember remember the time to forgetis forever forever just what you'd expect.I'll take a turn, you'll f inish talkingall the while I'll still be listeningto the nuisance in my head.... (And I am better off, my friend.)

Quotables

A poet can survive everything but a misprint.- Oscar Wilde

The author must keep his mouth shut when his work starts to speak.- Frederich Nietzsche

Words are the most powerful drug used by mankind.- Rudyard Kipling

In the real world, nothing happens at the right place at the right time. It is the jobof journalists and historians to correct that.- Mark Twain

I write entirely to find out what I'm thinking, what I'm looking at, what I see andwhat it means. What I want and what I fear.- Joan Didion

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