A Tourist's Guide to the UVic ECS Discord
Written and Submitted by: Jenn Wong
The Moderators
The moderators are the enforcers of justice in these lands. Although few, each possesses abilities far beyond those of a regular being. Every user is subject to their rule, but can expect to be treated fairly. Despite their power, the moderators like to mingle amongst the users, and don’t use their power unless someone is causing trouble. Rumour has it their power is not innate, but granted, and they sometimes recruit more to join their ranks.
The mod team works hard to ensure the server remains a safe place for everyone. If they tell you to stop some action, please listen to them. If you’d like to become a moderator, wait for mod applications to open up (usually in September) and apply! Don’t worry if you haven’t been active in the server before, everybody is welcome, and first years especially are encouraged.
The Nitro Boosters
The nobility and the elite of Discord, the Nitro Boosters show off their wealth with a pink gem next to their names, and usually a matching name colour. Unlike the elite in many other societies, the Nitro Boosters use their wealth to benefit all, with minimal benefit to themselves.
Boosting the server helps unlock benefits for everybody. Boosting the server allows everyone to upload large files (up to 50/100mb depending on what tier is unlocked), enables higher quality voice calls and streams, and most importantly, unlocks more emote slots to use in the server. If you buy Nitro (not Nitro classic), it comes with 2 free boosts you can use on any server.
The ESS
Members of a council from an alternate reality (maybe even the true reality). They host weekly meetings and advertise frequently. They seem to hold some special power, but it is unknown what this power does other than highlight them.
The ESS is a student union for students in engineering (and soon computer science) programs at UVIC. They provide funding for clubs, host events (such as free food days), send students to conferences, and much more. Perhaps most importantly, they sell food at cost and provide free coffee at their office in ELW 206 (just up the main stairs from ELW lobby). On Fridays, they provide slushies too. If you want to help out, just go to the office and see if there’s anything you can do!
On the server, directors and executives of the ESS can be identified by their orange names.
The General Users
The general crowd you see in your day to day life. There really isn’t much to say about them.
Outside of the course channels, the server has some other spaces. There are 2 general channels for any conversation, as well as a general channel for members of the LGBTQ+ community. There are also channels to have debates, talk about / advertise clubs, talk about co-ops, and post memes and photos. In the Hobbies and Lifestyles categories, there are many more channels to talk about your hobbies, movies, games, share art (if it’s not your art, please credit it), and much more. If there is something you want to talk about, but don’t think there is a place for it yet, you can request one in #server-inquiries. When participating in any channel, please respect your peers and the rules.
The Scholars
The scholars are only ever seen studying or researching at the Academy. On rare occasions, they are seen in public, but never for a long time. It is unknown if they do anything other than study.
Many people on the server use it purely for the course channels. To avoid getting the “unread messages” notification (the small white arrow next to the server) for other channels, you can mute them by right-clicking (on desktop). You can also right-click a category to quickly mute everything in the entire category. You can also hide the channels you’ve muted by right-clicking the server icon and selecting “Hide Muted Channels” to free up some space.
If you can’t find a channel for a course you’re taking, it might be archived or might not exist. You can ask for it to be made in #server-inquiries. Please only do so in the semester it is being offered, or a bit before the semester starts. If the course is combined (has multiple course codes), please put each course code in your require and say that they’re combined.
The Lurkers
The silent watchers. The lurkers are everywhere, but they do not make their presence known. However, a lurker will sometimes choose to react. This is usually the only way to detect their presence.
Lots of people don’t talk on the server, but still use it. Often times, someone else will ask and answer the same questions you did. If you don’t feel the need to talk in the server, that’s completely ok! If you want to join in on any conversations though, please do so! As long as you respect your peers and the rules of the server, you will always be welcome.
The #bot-commands Tribe
The #bot-commands region is a lawless land, overrun by spam-creating creatures known as “bots”. Although mostly uninhabited, the #bot-commands tribe has made it their home, taming the bots for utility and entertainment. Visitors or lost passersby to the region will often see members of this tribe playing games with a bot. They are always encouraged to join in the games.
As a general rule, #bot-commands should be muted at all times. Most bot commands should be used in this channel to prevent bots from spamming other channels. You can also play bot games such as hangman or blackjack in this channel.
The Unverified
Beyond the great walls of Discord, there lies the unverified. Nobody knows when they arrived, who they are, or why they are there. They are kept at bay only with the help of an especially powerful bot, the verification bot.
To access the server, you first need to verify with your @uvic.ca email. Send !vhelp for instruction. If you need more help, @moderator and hopefully someone is available to help you.
If you’re a UVic student and interesting in joining the Engineering and Computer Science Discord, you can do so here.