Generally speaking, the average student goes to the bathroom with one or two specific goals in mind; one of which is not to select a new social action group to join. Or is it? Washroom stalls across campus are becoming increasingly more cluttered with advertisements ranging from club meetings to Vonage telephone service. It’s a frightening trend that’s creeping up and it is more than just awkward: it’s pointless, invasive and simply inefficient.

Saunter into the washroom in the basement of Leacock across from the Arts Lounge and one will find a plethora of papers competing for attention. At the forefront of this race is a proactive French tutor. While she’ll “listen to your specific needs,” she makes no promise to meet them. Amazingly, dozens of copies of her contacts have been taken.

Then there are the science and engineering buildings. Wong Chemical Engineering and Otto MAASS Chemistry’s washrooms contain ads for SACOMSS, Helpline, Walksafe and McGill Nightline. But really, is anyone ever going to be sitting on a toilet thinking, “let me jot these numbers down” while proceeding to pull a pen out of his or her derriere? The same door has an ad about resisting privatization. Never has a more ironic choice of words ever invaded a washroom stall.

The Shulich Science and Engineering Library does not have any ads in its johns. Maybe the advertisers pity the poor overworked science students and realize they don’t have time to read.

Sherbrooke 688, the building where languages are imprinted into the brain, also has some washroom issues. There aren’t that many ads, but on one floor, each stall has a bold-print, bilingual sign reminding patrons to flush the toilet. These signs are also illustrated with a picture of a bear on a potty – in case the message isn’t clear. Yet, the toilets remain unflushed- an accident or a silent protest of bilingualism?

There are also posters encouraging social action. Picture it: eager young students see the ad, and think “ah yes, now I’ll change the world” and join their political peers to promote justice. Imagine the following awkward conversation between the leaders of the organization and the new members: Exec: “What inspired you?” Aspiring activists: “We saw an ad on the toilet.” Exec: “Oh.”

Last but not least: James Administration’s classy third-floor, single-stall, wheelchair-accessible washroom contains nothing more than a sign that reminds patrons to lock the door to avoid “awkward moments.” Thank you, administration. You have once again proven your advice to be invaluable to the students you serve.