N ew D C S A all fire d up BY CANDICE LICHTENBERGER Chronicle staff ntroducing the 1999-2000 Durham College Student Association... I March 10, late afternoon: anticipa- tion was high, and so were hopes as this year's DCSA candidates gathered in a conference room in the Student Centre. Dwayne Christo, current DCSA presi- dent, held their fate in his hands. Votes had been tabulated and it was time to announce the winners. After a week of campaigning, the nominees were more than ready to hear the results. Moya Frape walked out of the room with a smile on her face and excitement in her eyes. She was president. "I want to get to know everyone (in the DCSA)," Frapc said. "I want to get the group together and get to work." Frape plans to work closely with Christo for the next few weeks and learn the ropes of the presidency. Students must have thought Dan McWhirter was tlie "McMan for the job" because he was voted in as this year's vice-president of Student Affairs. "I'm very relieved," McWhirter said. "This is a lot of weight off my shoulders." McWhirter believes the DCSA's open-door policy will be one of the best aspects he will offer students. "I am looking most forward to interacting with the stu- dents and working with this year's DCSA," he said. McWhirter wants to concentrate on the issues students find most important. ' - "I will do my best to carry on the tradition of an out- standing student association with my leadership and my Pholos by Vanossa Straiten willingness to fight for what's right," he said. HEAD OF THE CLASS: Some of the new members of the 1999-2000 Durham College The vice-president of Administration position went to Student Association share a group hug following the release of election results, March Michelle Laffin, who is very anxious to start doing her 10, in the student centre. Back row (l-r): Dan McWhirter (VP Student Affairs), Erin job. and David Social "It (campaigning) was pretty stressful," Laffin said. "I Helmer (VP P.R. Promotions), Warner (VP Affairs). Front (l-r): Moya really didn't know who was going to win." Frape (President), Michelle Laffin (VP Administration). See DCSA on pg. 2 INSET: Current DCSA President Dwayne Christo greets successor Moya Frape. New dental plan means No suspects new cost for students in campus BY DAVID BROWN Chronicle staff go toward a new dental plan. Durham students currently get emergency break-ins final bill is in for students attending dental care under the student health plan, but Durham College next fall. All full-time beginning in the fall students will pay $78 and BY CANDICE Thestudents will be paying $2,049 to enrol. get access to more basic preventive services. LICHTENBERGER offices must also be careful-
Although it was already known tuition was Up to a maximum of $500 per year, the new ly watched. Chronicle staff ___ going up from ;-1,508 this year to $1,660 next plan will cover 100 per cent of the cost of "We obviously increased year, non-tuition fees will also be going up exams, X-rays, cleanings and polishings, After several attempts at security, and staff have been from $299 to $389 in the fall. and 75 per cent for other procedures, breaking into staff offices at made ' aware of that," Most of the increase in non-tuition fees will See Student fees on pg. 2 Durham College last Beatson said. month, security measures Sergeant .Jim Grimley of have been taken to prevent the Durham Regional Police it from happening again. said the .college contacted The force returns Between 2 a.m. on Feb. 1. police on Feb. 2 at 6 a.m. and 6 a.m. on Feb. 2, 15 Most of the break-ins* Page 5 attempts were made to happened on the second break into staff offices, and floor, he said. four were successful. "It appears that all Brian Beatson, director of (offices) entered were dental Physical Resources, said and human health studies mostly personal items, offices," Grimley said. including a CD player and a Grimley said it appeared set of keys, were taken from a screwdriver or a crowbar the four offices. was used to force entry to "The police were contact- the offices. ed promptly," BeatsonSaid. Police have no clues right
. "Any time there is a secu- how as to who may have rity Issue like this, there is a broken into the offices, he concern." ." said. Fg. 3 Pg. 14 Pg. 17 To prevent future break- Anyone with Informa- ins, locks have been tion about this case is asked Big-Nigh! Big dreams Big-play changed on the offices from to call the Durham Regional Polonsky celebrates Evil Breed ready to Morrison leads which items were stolen. Police break and enter unit 10 years at DC fight at Bandwarz off the boards Along with changing at 579-1520, ext, 2758 or locks, Beatson said the Crimestoppers at 436-TIPS, 2 mewRONiae MARCH 16, 1999
Student fees go up D C S A exe cutive continued from pg.l plan have not been final- including fillings and the ized, but will be in place by removal of up to two wis- fall. dom teeth. Pitcher said class presi- as s e s the torch Cathy Pitcher, adminis- dents voted overwhelming- p trative co-ordinator for the ly to accept the plan at their DCSA, said she has had a lot January meeting, but the continued from pg. 1 of people asking for more final costs were only recent- Laffin said she put a lot of effort into her than just emergency dental ly determined. campaign and believed in herself and her qual- coverage. Aside from the dental ifications from the beginning. 1999-2000 DCSA Executive "1 do believe there's a plan, students will also pay "I had a lot of support from my friends," she huge need for the dental an extra $5 for the health said. plan," she said, adding that plan and another $7 for Getting organized, finding out what's going President - Moya Frape it is in line with most other intercollegiate athletic fees. on around the school and getting more VP Student Affairs - Dan McWhirter dental plans. Most of the other fees involved are among the list of things Laffin said Social Affairs David Warner "For the cost of $78, remain at this year's level. she wanted to start immediately. VP - you're getting $500 worth Bonnie Ginter-Brown, "I am excited," she said. "I'm anxious to get VP PR and Promotions - Erin Helmer of services. It's a pretty executive director of student started." VP Administration - Micnelle Laffin good deal," she said. services, explained that Barb Buta, who had to leave for work before Students will be able to non-tuition fees vary from the results were announced, earned the posi- VP Finance - Barb Buta pick up forms at the DCSA school to school because of tion of vice-president of Finance. office and take them to any the different services avail- Buta said she was glad that students had Board of Governors Representative dentist they choose. able. Many colleges don't enough faith in her and her abilities to choo.se Like the health plan, stu- have a student centre while her for the position. Brandon Alexander dents will be able to opt out Durham students contribute "I thank everyone who voted for me," Buta of the new dental plan, and $45 to our student centre. said. "I look forward to having a great year." a family plan will also be Many students will also Brandon Alexander was elected as the col- available. be paying program-specific lege's student representative for the board of shadowing members of current DCSA members. "Opt-out plans are much fees. They range from $10 governors. Alexander's main responsibility will They will do so until April 23, and at midnight less expensive than opt-In for programs like Office be to represent the college and issues that con- on April 24, they assume their positions. plans because you're going Administration and Law cern its students while sitting on the board of Christo has faith in this year's DCSA and with a much higher number and Security, to a more governors. believes they will succeed. base," said Pitcher. hefty 5350 for programs like Achieving goals set by last year's DCSA is "The DCSA is a team. They can conquer any The details of the family Graphic Design. what Buta intends to get started on right away. problem they come across if they work as a The new DCSA will begin its work by (ob- team." Voters s c arc e on el e cti on d ay BY VANESSA STRATTON helped me," Frape said, "All Chronicle staff______the professors in the Law and Security program and everyone loomed in Police Foundations." over this year's DCSA Jim McLeIlan, who also ran Disappointmentelections. Out of the for DCSA president, said the 4,500 students at Durham whole event was a "great learn- College, only 304 voted. ing experience." He said a per- Current DCSA president son "doesn't have to work at Dwayne Christo said the voter the executive level to make a turnout was even lower than difference and be involved." last year's meagre 412. But, he With the new DCSA set to is quick to point out, it is officially take control at mid- through no fault of the DCSA. night, April 24, Christo "We had posters up around expressed some sadness about the campus," he said. leaving. "We made sure students "I've put three years into knew the elections were coming this school," he said. "I'm up." going to be losing that part of Christo pointed out that the my everyday social life. You number of voters fluctuates get to know a place, and the every year and that the low people in it, so well." number of voters isn't only a He said that because he was problem for Durham. involved in various school "Other colleges have the activities he's now on a first- same problem in terms of low name basis with half the peo- voter turn-out," he said. ple he comes across at Durham. Christo said the number of The transition from the cur- votes has no bearing on a can- rent DCSA staff to the newly didates ability. elected staff will be a slow one. "The amount of votes we From now until the received had no effect on changeover date. the new whether the right or wrong per- Photo by Vanossa Stratton DCSA will be "job-shadowing" son got voted in." WHERE HAVE ALL THE VOTERS GONE?: Katrlna Burwood (left), Stacy Esple and the current staff. He said he had no reasons Christeen McCallum were among the very few students who cast their vote at last Frape said she and the rest why the number of votes was so Wednesday's elections. Less than 7% of eligible voters turned out. of her staff will be following low. the current staff to see what "We held elections in the cafeteria The final disappointment of this "The disappointment is strictly goes on in the DCSA for the next where it was available to everyone." years elections came when two posi- because half of the challenge and fun month and a half. Another surprise for Christo was the tions were acclaimed. When a position of the DCSA elections is campaigning Over this time, they will watch the lack of nominees for the position of VP is acclaimed it means that there was against an opponent." goings-on in the office, sit in on com- of Sports. only one candidate running for a cer- Durham College's new Student mittee meetings and be observing how "We had people show interest tain job. These people are automatical- Association president is Moya Frape. A things are done. beforehand," he said. "My only guess ly given the job. But, Christo stressed, first-year Police Foundations student, Christo said the new staff will do a is that people got nervous." this does not mean this year's Frape was pleased with the outcome. great job if they keep one thing in He said people sometimes don't real- acclaimed candidates aren't worthy or Her first act as DCSA president is to mind. ize all that is involved in working for able to do the job. show her appreciation to those who "The DCSA is a team. They can con- the DCSA. "I'm sure they (the acclaimed candi- helped her run for the position. quer any problem they come across if "It's not a three-hour-per-week job." dates) will do an excellent job." he said. "I'm going to thank everyone who they work as a team." THE CHRONICLE March 16, 1999 3 MPUS NEI¥S Smiling after 1 0 years at D . C . BY BEN MEDD strike a chord with Fenlon. Chronicle staff "In his speech he said that he loves the students of Durham and I really believe him," said Fenlon. "You can The room was dark, the candles were really tell that he meant it because of bright and so was the smile on Gary all the little things that he does for us." Polonsky's face as he wove his way The little things must have really around the tables, circling and greeting piled up for Polonsky because his let- his friends and co-workers. ters of congratulations had piled up He seemed to have a witty remark too. for everyone as each table he visited Premier Mike Harris, Oshawa Mayor broke into smiles and laughter as soon Nancy Diamond and one of Polonsky's as he spoke. friends (who sent his letter from his Polonsky was In high spirits March laptop on a beach in Mexico) were just 4, as Durham gathered to pay homage a few of the people who weren't able to to the man who has unconditionally come out but still wanted to send their given his last 10 years to the college best wishes. and to the community. Diamond has been genuinely Polonsky himself was humbled by impressed with Polonsky's contribu- the attention that his 10th anniversary tions. as president of Durham College was "She (Diamond) unfortunately, was- attracting. n't able to attend, but she wanted to "I'm a little bit embarrassed by the Photo hy Bon Mood show her appreciation for the great )ob whole thing," said an appreciative A FEAST FIT FOR A PRESIDENT: Polonsky was In high spirits when that Gary had done," the mayor's Polonsky. he was honored for a decade at Durham College. office reported. "She had a previous He, however, had absolutely noth- appointment that night and regret- ing to be embarrassed about if his co- it out for the festivities. seated with the rest of the DCSA, tably wasn't able to attend." workers had anything to say about it. They managed to comfortably fit remembered his first encounter with For all of those who could attend, And they definitely did have some- 250 people paying $65 a plate to have Gary Polonsky. the night began with cocktails, fol- thing to say. dinner with the man of the hour in the "Well, I remember the first time that lowed shortly by the dinner and "It was a great evening to recognize school cafeteria. Round tables were Gary and I actually met. I was standing speeches. the many, many, many things that added to fit everyone. at the bus stop on my way to school Polonsky listened intently to the Gary lias contributed over the 10 years The new tables added a certain and a car pulled up beside me. It was speeches, all the time smiling and that he's been here," said MaryLynn touch of elegance to the room, which Gary, he stopped and gave me a ride to chuckling at the occasional joke, seem- West-Moynes, VP of Academic was buzzing with waitresses, wine and school," said Fenlon. "Another time it ing slightly uncomfortable with all of Excellence and Innovation. "He's real- a cheerful Polonsky. was late at night and I was on my way the attention. ly done a lot for the staff, students and The board of governors and the home. I watched as Gary walked out to This was unavoidable, as it isn't community of Durham." DCSA were also In attendance for the his car, stopping along the way to pick often Durham has the opportunity to Not surprisingly, many of ceremonies. up garbage." honor the man who has done so much Polonsky's admirers managed to make Ben Fenlon, VP of Social Affairs, Polonsky's speech also seemed to for the College over the past l(\ycars. Durham, York closer 3 cheers for KPI to nursing agreement were conducted over the phone in BY VIKKI SPENCER lems in Ontario's health care system, BY VANESSA STRATTON September 1998 and again in Chronicle staff Chronicle staff with a shortage of nurses predicted in December 1998. More than 27,000 the near future. graduates from Ontario's 25 colleges "Everyone recognizes Ontario is Durham College has been given took part in the telephone surveys. Durham College may be inching beginning to face the latest crisis in three reasons to smile. Results from Durham College president Gary closer to an agreement with York worker shortage, this time in health Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Polonsky said all of Ontario's col- University that will allow nursing stu- care," Polonsky said. studies show Durham as ranking In leges should feel good about the sur- dents to upgrade their diploma to a York and Durham had "shaken the top five colleges throughout veys for two reasons. degree. hands" on an agreement, said Polonsky Ontario. "There are very few systems in the A credit-transfer (or articulation) in an interview earlier this year, but In the employer satisfaction sur- broader public sector that report to agreement between the two schools has because of a strike at the university, and vey, Durham College rated second the taxpayers with a collective and been in the works for several years, but subsequent changes in administration place. Graduate satisfaction surveys individual report card," Polonsky the process has been hampered by at York, this agreement was never hon- showed Durham College at third said. strikes, changes in administration and ored. place and graduate employment The second reason, he said, is that financial issues. Another issue hampering the negoti- placed Durham at fifth. all colleges did very well in the sur- But an agreement may be in place as ation process has been the potential The employer satisfaction KPI has vey results. early as September, 2000, said Gary financial problem universities face if a provincial average of 97 per cent. The KPI surveys mark a change in Polonsky. Durham College president. they enter into credit-transfer agree- Durham ranked second (with nine the way colleges of applied arts and : Ontario "I did get a very hopeful e-mail yes- ments. . other colleges) at 98 per cent. technology throughout terday (March 8) from York about When a university agrees to accept Durham ranked third overall at 91 receive funding from the Ministry of potential nursing articulation," said college credits, they can expect per cent in the graduate satisfaction Education and Training. Polonsky. Increased enrolment. But there is no survey. The provincial average is 90 Under the current system, college Articulation would mean that additional funding available to univer- per cent. funding is based entirely on student Durham's nursing students could trans- sities to deal with these extra students. And Durham ranked^ fifth with 91 enrolment. The more students a col- fer their college credits toward a. univer- This is especially a problem in nurs- per cent in the graduate employ- lege has, the more money it gets. sity degree. ing programs, which are expensive to ment survey, two per cent higher Over the next few years, up to 10 per Although Durham has been looking run because of small staff-student than the provincial average of 89 per cent of government funding will be into credit-transfer agreements with ratios. cent. ’. linked directly to its success. York for some time, there is an imme- "(Universities) argue they have no More than 6,000 employers took With the results of the KPI, a col- diate push for an agreement in nursing incentive to grow," said Polonsky. "In part in telephone surveys that deter- lege can change and/or shape its pro- in particular. In December 1998, the fact, there's an incentive not to grow." mined the employers' satisfaction grams to better suit students' needs College of Nurses of Ontario Polonsky is co-chair of a committee with the graduates knowledge and and give employers what they want announced that by 2005 it wants to of university and college leaders work- education in the line of work they in a graduate of a specific program. require nurses to hold a bachelor's ing on province-wide articulation. He are in. KPI marks the first time Ontario degree in order to become registered to said he hopes the day will come when Durham College Student colleges have funding based on the practice. - students have a "clear pathway" from Association president Dwayne same system-wide criteria. Right now. nurses can apply for reg- college to university. Christo said these results show that Polonsky said there was a great istered status with either a college While Polonsky declined to say who Durham College students are getting collaboration between all 25 colleges diploma or university degree. exactly had sent him the e-mail, he did the education they need for the and the government. The proposed .new requirement say that it was from "a senior member workforce. "The colleges did co-operate...and means that the shortage of nurses of the York University administration "It means that Durham College the government was a very good lis- already predicted in Ontario could esca- team." He added that he hoped the students are going to be job-ready tener and partner," he said. late. Universities alone will probably arrangement would be signed by upon graduation," Christo said. "I think we are all praising one not be able to handle the number of September 2000, . The graduate employment and another for our respective results as students who will have to apply there if "There's a lot of work to be done," he graduate satisfaction Key well as for our collective achieve- the new requirements are put in place.. said. "But both parties have committed . Performance Indicator (KPI) surveys ment." This could lead'to more serious prob-' themselves to'doing the work." 4 THE CHRONICLE March 16. 1999
So, what's the prescription for munchies? Hiiniiin beings .shouldii'l lei other liuniiin truth is that there arc some negative side being sulTer, especially wlien a substance Did you know? effects that can come with using marijuana, exists lhat can ease the pain. It's lliat simple. Marijuana is believed to... such as temporary loss of memory while At least, it should be tliat simple. Tlie prob- 'Relieve (he pain of arthritis * Relieve asthma attacks conversing, sleepiness and inflammation of lem is dial tlic said substance is marijuana, " Arrest the advance of glaucoma ' Reduce nausea and pain from cancer the wliilc in your eyes. But the positive and ;»i illegal drug that has been the centre of an * Help migraines and headaches * Help overcome insomnia negative effects of every drug must he age-old debate: should it be legalized lor * Control spasticity from multiple sclerosis * Block epileptic seizures weiglicd to determine which drug is right for people with chronic pain'.' ' Relieve menstrual cramps ' Help with depression you. Well, (lie answer is yes. inWashinglon, can reduce or completely to alleviate pain over other drugs'.' As for becoming addicted to marijuana, it Marijuana, in its natural form, is one of relieve the side effects, as well as reduce or Consider this: a drug docs not have to be is possible to become psychologically the sulcsl therapeutic substances known to relieve the pain cause by the disease itself. considered the most effective of its kind addicted to it, as it is with any pain-relieving man. It lias been used for thousands of years In the case of epilepsy, marijuana may pre- before it is made medically available, so nei- drug. If prescribed dosages arc followed and to treat many ailments, and no one has ever vent epileptic seizures. Pressure within the ther should marijuana. Different drugs work restraint is used by the patient, there sliould died from an overdose. eyes, a predominant symptom of glaucoma, differently for different people. The deci- be no opportunity for addiction. Debilitating diseases such as AIDS, mul- may be relieved by smoking marijuana. sion about which drugs a patient should take Marijuana is sort of like the underdog tiple sclerosis, cancer, epilepsy and glauco- Many Can.idiiin.s are in favor ofgovemmenl- is one that should be made by patients and the substance that many people don't stand ma cause their sufferers a lot of pain. And conlrollcd distribution of this chronic pain- (heir physicians, not the government. up for and support. But why? Other sub- sometimes medication used to relieve this alleviating, natural drug to suffering fellow Another concern lhat frequently surfaces stances lhat were in the same boat have been pain produces major side effects. Loss of Canadians. about (he medicinal use of marijuana is (hat accepted for medicinal use. Why the contro- appetite, nausea, and vomiting commonly go Health Minister Allan Rock announced to it is too dangerous, harmful and addictive to versy over marijuana? along with taking a drug called AZT, which the House of Commons on March 3 that the be used as medicine. Allan Rock is headed in the right direc- is used to treat AIDS patients. federal government will begin testing mari- Doctors arc permitted to prescribe tion. He is taking the first step towards Chemotherapy, used to treat cancer patients, juana for medicinal use in Canada. If our cocaine, morphine and methamphctaminc. improving the quality of life for Canadians results in the same side effects. health minister supports testing the use of It is unjust to compare marijuana with these with debilitating diseases. Let's show our Marijuana, us outlined in a medicinal the drug for medicinal use. it must be doing substances, because they arc far more addic- support and stand up for what's right. Let's marijuana briefing paper published by an something right. But why choose marijuana tive and, if taken in excess, can kill you. The help fellow Canadians in need. organization of full-time lobbyists
If there's "Have you got I think that nothing else as long as it that can help your prescription helps the and they're yet mon?/' person that using it safely, marijuana it should be -Rasta Wayne, Negril Jamaica 55 should be y; legal. legalized.
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