op-ed pitches
op-ed section
hammad ali – op-ed editor
Hello everyone! Welcome to another op-ed pitch list. As always, these are some of my ideas for articles in the coming week, but if there is something you really want to write about that I haven’t included please reach out to me and we can talk about it to see if it fits our publication. If you feel you have something to add to any of the past articles in this section, you are welcome to pitch those ideas as well. To claim an article or pitch your own, you can reach me at op-ed@carillonregina.com.
Make sure that you mention in your email which topic you want to write on, what your perspective is going to be, the length your article will be (half page articles are 550-750 words, full page are 950-1,150 words), and any support we can offer you such as help finding resources, counterpoints to your argument, or arranging the flow of information in your article. If you’d like to submit your own image to be considered for the article you pitch please mention that as well, but our graphic editor will be happy to provide an image for the piece if not.
Provincial budget announced
How did we do?
The provincial government announced the budget for the year 2024-25. As the province is still in the midst of an ongoing situation with the Saskatcewan Teachers’ Federation (STF), everyone was interested in what the budget looks like for education, healthcare, and how it affects the lives of the average individual.
For students at the University of Regina, there is the added question of how this budget will impact tuition fees in the coming years. Have you had a chance to analyze the budget? What do you think it gets right? What do you think is left to be desired? Are you satisfied with the areas the government has chosen to make a priority? What could have been done better? Which lessons should we learn for coming years?
Renting in Regina
Room for your thoughts
Like the rest of Canada, Regina has been facing a housing and rental crisis. Recent changes in international student acceptance rates are said to be intended to help with this, but it is doubtful that an impact will be visible in less than 12-18 months. Meanwhile, it seems like nearly everyone we know has some rental horror story.
Do you have a story to share? Are you one of the countless people who have had to deal with a landlord who is not event a decent human, let alone a decent landlord? Or maybe you are one of the lucky few who have never had bad experiences? Share your stories – of sorrow or relief – as a renter in the Queen City!
Spring forth to summer
Summer is sneaking up on you!
While it is still too soon to count on seeing green, the winter season and the winter term are on their way out. Students are approaching the busiest part of the school year, with the end almost in sight. But, at the same time, it is tempting to slack off a little and let the burnout overwhelm us.
What are some strategies you use to wrap up the term and prepare yourself for a productive and restful summer? What are some potential pitfalls towards the end of the term to watch out for?
Looking forward a little, what is the best use of the spring and summer terms? Should the summer term be all about seeking professional opportunities, or is this also a good time to take care of some of your academic goals? How do you do both without feeling burnt out and ill-prepared for the next school year?
Guilty pleasures
It’s ok, you can tell us
We all have them. Tired from all the demands of life and school, we all need those moments in a day when we can just turn our brains off and enjoy something that needs minimal effort and just feels good. Even if we would never admit to it in our philosophy club reading circle.
What is yours? Maybe after a long day of classes, you lay back on the couch and watch silly soap operas? Or maybe you are more into cars racing, or UFC fights?
Of course, guilty pleasures are relative. For some it might still be reading, just a pulpy murder mystery or spy thriller instead of the books they carry in public! Tell us what yours is, and why it helps you unwind. No shame here, as long as it works for you!
The teacher who changed everything (series)
Who helped shape your worldview?
We have talked about classes that changed everything, but sometimes it is less about the material learned in class and more about the teacher and the impression they leave on us. Looking back at your school and early post-secondary years, who are some teachers who played a pivotal role in shaping your life both academically and personally? How did their mentorship guide your growth and development, and influence the academic choices you have made? What are some instances of how these individuals helped you navigate challenges, either personal or academic/professional? What do you feel was the philosophy or core beliefs they were guided by, and have possibly imparted? How does their influence stay with you to this day?
“I wish we had…”(series)
Campus dreams
The University of Regina campus is not a particularly big one, but it can be a busy one. We have a number of food options (although almost none with decent hours), some study spots that have been written on, and a selection of libraries. However, as the number of students grows, it is likely everyone has something different in mind that they’d want to see on campus.
What is something you wish we had on campus? This could be a favourite fast food joint, a nicer cafe with the space to do your homework or just read, or something else altogether. Maybe you wish the campus gym was bigger and had more equipment, maybe you wish student academic resources were more pronounced, or something far more utilitarian like more convenient parking. Whatever it is, share your picture of the ideal campus to (ideally) inspire administration!
Study spots in the city (series)
Share your secret retreat spots
While we have talked before about study spots on campus, it appears that many of our students actually prefer to study at neither home nor campus, but some third location altogether. Some cited easier access or more parking options, while others mentioned reduced commute times, but it seems there are good study spots around the city! So now you get to tell us about your favourite ones.
What places around the city do you like go do your schoolwork in? Which ones are better options if you need to plug in your devices? Where does one find nice big desks where they can sprawl out all their papers, notes, water bottles, and coffee mugs? Which spots are open all night, and which ones are ideal for the early birds? Is there a coffee shop that is also excellent to study at? Tell us your favourite study spots but beware, they might get a bit more crowded!