Editorial

The opinions expressed in this column do not neces- sarily reflect those of the staff of this publication, or of the Student Union.

One of my old (and favourite) summertime jokes is, ‘‘ what does the ‘‘P’”’ in P.E.I. stand for?’’. The answer, **patronage, because that is what comes first in P.E.I.’* Of course, this is usually after most of the Government summer jobs have gone to friends, fam- ily, and supporters of the politicians. I accept this as a fact of life and I do not really care. I guess then that it should not surprise me what the ‘‘P’’ in U.P.E.I. also stands for.

Every year 1 am thoroughly disgusted at the amount of patronage that goes on at our campus. It seems ironic that in an institution of higher learning, it is not what knowledge you know but rather what people you know that gets you a job. It appears that about 80% of the student jobs that are offered by the Uni- versity are GIVEN to family and friends of many of the people in power at the University. Every summer our campus turns into a big family picnic, with so many of the administrators friends and family work- ing here.

This is not an attack on any of the people hired but rather this is a note of discontent for the hiring prac- tices of some of the people in power on campus. I know that many of the workers hired do a good job, but it is unfair to not allow someone who may be as good, or better, at the job if they were given achance to work. I do not feel that any priority should be given to any students, but if there was to be special treatment given I would hope that the University would try to aid those students who are in unusual circumstances that limits there working options, such as out of province students or foreign students.

This patronage, which is no more then a grotesque abuse of power, must be stopped! The University must not only teach from textbooks but must also teach that skill and hard work pay off when students are looking for jobs. How can the University speak with such a double tongue? They stress higher educa- tion for students to aid them in their job search yet they show that itis not education that gets you ahead but rather it is an acquaintance that get you the jobs. Tf you do not know anyone on campus to get you a job, then you will have to join a sports team, The

amount of athletes that work for the University is unusually high.

I feel that a definite hiring policy should be put in place by the University in order to stop this kind of practice from happening in the future. These types of hiring procedures, which are common yet illegal in the Government, should not be common or allowed on campus.

I feel that the only way this practice will ever be stopped is if we hire someone to stop it, Uncle Bob maybe??

Cory Large, Editor

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor:

I would like to respond to the letter from a Concerned Business Student in the last issue of the X-Press.

First ofall, I would like to address the comment made about ‘‘society members who do not seem tocare’’. Are you asociety member, concerned student? Do you care? Why have you not either a) ran for a posi- tion to try and implement some changes you feel necessary or b) brought you concerns and ideas to someone who can make some changes.

Second, you give several theories about why you think enrolment in the Business Society is so low. How- ever, consider that in some classes enrolment is higher than ever - example, the freshmen class. I’m very impressed to see the number of first year stu- dents who have signed up this year. It’s great to see such interest because these people are the ones who will someday run our society. I also think thatthe executive of the society has to be given credit forit’s efforts to recruit first year students and welcome them. As for the lack of enrolment in other classes, | think it’s more because of lack of interest and student apathy than the fact that we have ugly furniture in our

lounge.

The role of the various academic societies on campus is basically a social one - they provide and excellent opportunity for students to make friends, get details on profs and courses, and share some common inter-

JPEI X-P RESS

September 26, 1991

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