SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
McMaster University is located in Hamilton, and comprises 57 buildings, 122 programs, and over 21 500 students [1]. It was first established in the year 1887 and is split into six different academic facilities: Degroote School of Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science [2] . They’re known as the McMaster Marauders with their mascot named “Mac the Marauder.” The institution is home to over 300 student organizations and clubs, however, they do not recognize any fraternities or sororities [2]. Their main academic policy is known as the “McMaster Model,” which focuses on a student-centred, problem-based, interdisciplinary approach to learning which has been used since the 1960s [2]. Only 3700 students live in twelve on-campus residences with a range of building sizes and dormitory styles [1]. Finally, McMaster University is a member of a group of research intensive Canadian universities known as the U15 [2].
SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
McMaster University is located in Hamilton, and comprises 57 buildings, 122 programs, and over 21 500 students [1]. It was first established in the year 1887 and is split into six different academic facilities: Degroote School of Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science [2] . They’re known as the McMaster Marauders with their mascot named “Mac the Marauder.” The institution is home to over 300 student organizations and clubs, however, they do not recognize any fraternities or sororities [2]. Their main academic policy is known as the “McMaster Model,” which focuses on a student-centred, problem-based, interdisciplinary approach to learning which has been used since the 1960s [2]. Only 3700 students live in twelve on-campus residences with a range of building sizes and dormitory styles [1]. Finally, McMaster University is a member of a group of research intensive Canadian universities known as the U15 [2].
Check out McMaster's official socials...
RA
NK
IN
GS
#
72
72
IN THE WORLD
#
4
4
IN CANADA
According to the 2020 Times Higher Education World University Rankings
Check out McMaster's official socials...
RA
NK
IN
GS
#
72
72
IN THE WORLD
#
4
4
IN CANADA
According to the 2020 Times Higher Education World University Rankings
UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG
Located in the gateway province to the west, the University of Winnipeg is held in very regard, and consistently ranks highly in national surveys of quality, and reputation [1]. UWinnipeg is on the smaller side of universities, having only one campus, 9,400 students enrolled, and 90 programs offered [1]. Originally established in 1967, UWinnipeg has been expanding their horizons with the addition of multiple faculties, including; arts, business and economics, graduate studies, kinesiology, applied health, science, and theology [2]. The UWinnipeg mascot is “Wes Lee Coyote”, who actually received a makeover recently, in 2016 [3,4]. The University of Winnipeg has a large selection of clubs, leagues, and recreational activities held/sponsored by the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA), the department of Recreation Services, and the Athletics department; as well, certain activities are available to the public, check those out here. The University of Winnnipeg’s Library has an astounding inventory, with over 750,000 different items (e.g. books, videos, etc.) [8]. Roughly 12.6% of the school is comprised of international students (1,250), and 10% self-identifies as indigenous - one of the largest idigenous participation rates around Canada in Universities [8]. UWinnipeg has also garnered many affiliations in their small time in existence, including: AUCC, IAU, UArctic, CWUAA, Gallery 1C03, CUP, and more [9].
For more information, check out the official University of Winnipeg links below...
References
[1] https://core.myblueprint.ca/V5/PostSecondary/CollegeUniversity/Institution
[2] https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/academics/faculties.html
[3] https://www.wesmen.ca/video/New_Wes_Lee_Coyote_Reveal
[4] https://www.wesmen.ca/video/Wes_Lee_Coyote_Retires
[6] https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/recreation-services/clubs-and-leagues.html
[7] https://theuwsa.ca/uwsa-student-groups/student-groups/
3
For a Sociology and Rhetoric Writing Double Major At Winnipeg
What is the class environment like?
Before COVID-19, I genuinely looked forward to attending my communication classes as they were compromised of less than 40 students typically, which gave the opportunity to have in-depth group discussions. Too, the program is small, so you really get to know all your professors and classmates. What I enjoy about the class environment is that the content, professors, and classmates all assist you to think about topics critically, as the small classes allow you to learn from one another and not just from a PowerPoint.
1
Why did you choose your program? What makes it unique to you?
Like many university students, I explored a few different programs before finding the perfect one for me. I accidentally fell into Rhetoric Writing and Communications from Environmental Sciences after taking academic writing, a required elective for my school. I knew this program was right for me when I found I could use my strongest skill in writing to talk about themes I was passionate about. The Rhetoric Writing and Communications program is unique to me because the curriculum, courses, and professors all encourage a culture of openness and creativity, leaving the students responsible for discussing their interests within their assignments. What I love about my program is that the professors teach the appropriate methods to communicating whatever you intend on sharing. For example, I used Narrative Critique theory which was taught in my Rhetorical Criticisms course to discuss how a museum in Germany affectively defended illegal underground techno clubs after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The courses and content really allow students to explore their interests within their assignments, making studying a lot more interesting
QUESTIONS
JUICY
2
What advice do you have for high school students applying to your program?
My biggest piece of advice to high school students who wish to enter Rhetoric Writing and Communications is to interact within the communications world during their free time. For example, many Instagram accounts I follow are news outlets, publication platforms, and platforms who focus on my key interests. I also like to listen to podcasts, read short articles, subscribe to relevant newsletters, and read local news. Too, you can begin to explore other communication skills like graphic design, web design, photography, videography, and photoshop. I highly recommend picking up an additional side skill as communication is like technology, it is always changing. I am more interested within the writing and researching side in communications, but I taught myself graphic design and web design to help me execute correlating projects.
4
What do you think is special about your university’s campus life?
The University of Winnipeg is centered within Downtown Winnipeg, allowing students to go to restaurants around the school. Too, it is close to multiple bus lines. I think what is so special about the U of W is that because it is a smaller school, it is a lot less overwhelming. If you are someone who likes smaller crowds, the U of W is perfect for you.
5
What is the biggest change from high school to university/college work and classes?
The biggest change for me was time management. University has less assignments due, but they are heavier in content. This means you need to plan time frames in advance to make sure you have enough time to complete your assignments as they typically include reading textbooks, doing secondary academic research, writing, sourcing, editing, and proofreading. Prioritizing time for your assignments will help you manage any stress caused by school.
A very special thank you to our interviewee...
SHAREE HOCHMAN
Hey there! My name is Sharee Hochman and I am in my fourth and final year as a double major student at the University of Winnipeg, studying Sociology and Rhetoric Writing and Communications. With the knowledge I gained about social dynamics and operations within Sociology and my experience with writing to inform audiences within Communications, I grew a great passion for sharing current events, public policies, and social concerns. This passion led me into my current role as a Volunteer Social Issues Writer with the online publication platform INKspire and in my current internship working within communications with the United Nations Urban Economy Forum. In my free time, I am typically working on my side project in developing an online publication and educational platform called She Breaks it Down, a space dedicated for woman to discuss theories and actions on social innovation. As someone who is driven to create conversations regarding social change, my aspiration is to take my skills abroad and learn about other countries initiatives in social innovation. If you are interested in reading more about my work in social innovation, check out my personal website which links to all my published works at shareehochman.wixsite.com/work. Additionally, feel free to contact me at shareehochman@icloud.com or through Instagram @shareehoch for any tips and tricks in exploring the communications world, travel, or just for a friendly conversation!