HALIFAX, N.S. — Dalhousie University has removed its notetaker program, which allowed students with accommodations to access lecture notes uploaded by fellow classmates. This was a shock to many students as they were given no notice of the change before the term began.
However, Dal’s days of sweeping budget cuts under the rug have passed since they announced — in an exclusive interview with the Mackerel — that this is just the first step of a multi-step program to improve on-campus accessibility.
“To start, we’ve restructured our entire mission surrounding accessibility,” said Dalhousie’s chief accessibility officer, Abel Baudied.
“University is supposed to prepare students for the workforce. By the time they graduate, we want students to be the best versions of themselves so they can be the most efficient cogs in the capitalist machine. It will hold students back if we give them special treatment in areas they need support — the machine won’t change for them.”
The Mackerel probed further into his philosophy, asking Baudied what he thought of current government initiatives to improve equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.
“E D I A?” he responded. “IDGAF,” and then he changed the subject.
“Nobody will take notes for you in work meetings,” said Baudied when asked directly about the notetaker program. “Students need to learn that they are on their own for this.”
When the Mackerel reminded Baudied that minutes are taken for most professional meetings, he responded that most of his meetings take about an hour.
In addition to removing the notetaker program, the university plans to implement other methods to better prepare students for “reality.” Starting next week, power to all the campus elevators will be cut, which Baudied said, “helps the environment too.”
Following that, perfume dispensers will replace water refill stations, and all ramps and staircases will be removed — prompting students to find creative solutions for getting to class. Dining hall staff have also been instructed to add peanuts to dishes where they are “least expected.”
For an issue that could’ve been solved by asking note-taking students to volunteer their time, rather than give them a measly honorarium, Dalhousie has chosen to double down on creating a hostile learning environment.
“This is the most accessible plan of action,” Baudied reassured the Mackerel. “It gives Dalhousie’s administration access to more money. As chief accessibility officer, it’s my job to find ways to accommodate these needs.”
By Lauren Sooksom