planting mony was successfully held on Tuesday, November 4th in celebration of their 20th anniversary on Campus. Although the weather was cold, many turned out to cel- ebrate with the planting of a red oak in the quad. A reception followed at the Wave, where many speakers extolled upon the virtues of our organization. MC of the event, and MAPUS president, Wylie Hall opened the festivities with an introduction of the MAPUS executive and their roles within the university. (See www.upei.ca/~mapus) Wylie then intro- duced a number of guest speakers at the event.

The MAPUS Report

Gary Bradshaw, Vice President of Finance and Facilities, spoke first upon the importance of MAPUS within the campus community, and the dedication of MAPUS to the future growth of the uni- versity. He was followed by Professor Don Mazer, who spoke about the impor- tance of the coordination between the physical and social environment, which MAPUS was exemplifying with the tree planting event. Student Union president Brandon Mackenzie then spoke upon the historical and future path of the MAPUS organization, which led naturally into the speech of Olive Bryanton.

Olive is one of the individuals who conceived the idea of an organization at UPEI for mature and part-time students. Through her efforts, and those of the first

To The Readers:

Did you agree with anything I had to say? Did you perhaps find yourself muttering "yeah" or "right on"? On the other hand, did you total- ly disagree? Have you discussed com- plaints about The Cadre with any friends during this school year? If so, what have you done about it?

Yesterday I realized that my complaining wasn't going to help improve anything, and in fact, making derogatory remarks about The Cadre Was just the type of thing I'd like to see stopped. What occurred to me is that the sole difference between defeatist type complaining and making 4 positive type of contribution, is real- lv quite a simple one: writing down points of view, making suggestions, — and taking them to the office of The Cadre. My letter, as heavy handed as it may be, was exceptionally well received and sparked some interesting discussion.

The Cadre and the Student Union, in my opinion, aren't perceived as Overly strong forces on campus; but they truly should be. But then again, » how can I expect them to be when I don't support them? If I want to see 'epresentatives of the student body hold the UPEI Board of Governors, PEI Government or any other institu- ‘ion for that matter responsible for their actions, I must make my con- Cems known and lend my voice in the

cries of "FOUL!". Shame on me for being one who for two years com- plained almost daily about the lack of tuition funding,

yet never actually contributed to the situation. If I had marched down- town...heck if everyone who had at least once in their university life felt like they were drowning below the poverty line, had marched and lobbied too, would changes have come soon- er?

As students at the major cen- tre of post-secondary learning we have the power to force change; but not if everyone squanders the opportunity. For the university private (student's rank) battling in the trenches of daily life, The Cadre and Student Union should act as their sword and shield. This can only happen if everyone

‘makes a contribution, no matter how

small; be it voicing a concern, writing a letter, participating in social events, or just helping a fellow student get by.

So I urge you. Don't look at other students as members of a rival faculty; look at them as fellow stu- dents who have many of the same issues as you. Don't wait for someone else to take the lead; be a leader your- self and help clear the way for others. And most importantly, don't complain; contribute.

Sean Brady, 3rd year Computer Science Student

executive and their peers, MAPUS began as a fledgeling group poised to help mature and part-time students find their roots in the university educational system.

Through those efforts, and the efforts of everyone that has followed, MAPUS has grown to become an intricate part of university life for both mature and part-time students, and allowing them to give back where they can. MAPUS mem- bers participate in the senate, student union, fundraising activities, social events, and in many other activities and events on campus.

MAPUS is dedicated to ensuring that mature and part-time students at UPEI have a positive experience. This is accomplished by maintaining a lounge where students are welcomed and feel

comfortable, acting as an advocate for all mature and part-time students at UPEI, offering services and activities specific to their needs, and providing a staff resource person to assist students. ;

MAPUS would like to offer another 19 trees to be planted at various locations on the university grounds. These additional trees will be planted in the spring. The donation of 20 trees is provided as a legacy to mature and part- time students from the past, present, and future at UPEI. They are going to stand as a symbol of the interconnectedness between the people and the environment, as progress continues to change the land- scape where we all learn.

UPEI Cadre November 24 2003 page 15