BELLEVILLE, Ont. (18/10/12) Aramark employee Amanda Davenport takes the order of a customer at the Loyalist College Tim Hortons. Photo by Taylor Renkema.

By Taylor Renkema

Results are pending from a survey sent out to Loyalist students to see what they think of the food services at the college. A comments box has also been added to the student MyLoyalist Portal- where students access their grades and school e-mail accounts.

The new survey was sent to the student body through e-mail, and wraps up on Oct. 26. It’s sent out every year to see what changes students want in food services.

Fred Pollitt, director of student life at Loyalist, and head of the food service advisory committee said they have met once, shortly after the Thanksgiving weekend.

He said the committee is waiting to see what the results of this latest survey show to decide what changes, if any, will take place.

“What’s down the road, who knows? It will be interesting to see what direction students want us to go in,” he said.

This is only the second year Loyalist has had a contract with Aramark Food Services, having just switched from Chartwells after that contract expired.

Key Performance Indicator results from the 2011-2012 school year show a 23 per cent decrease in the number of students who are satisfied with the food services.

Pollitt said Aramark has actually done a lot of good for the school. He mentioned the new items at the campus Tim Hortons, such as breakfasts and a third “express” register as well as the addition of a Subway outlet.

He said food services on residence have improved the most in the last year.

“Students love the fact that they can get one or two slices of pizza up until midnight.  They don’t have to order a pizza, wait for the delivery, you don’t eat the whole thing, they just want one piece,” he said.

Pierre Overvelde, Loyalist’s food services director, refused to meet for an interview.

BELLEVILLE, Ont. (28/09/12) Residence Coordinator Dave Templar assures students that despite some recent incidents at Loyalist College residence, it's still a safe place. Photo by Alexa Hansen Forson.

By Alexa Hansen Forson

Loyalist College is still a safe environment despite previous concerns after parties out of control sent two people to hospital and damaged a residence window, say campus officials.

Diane Spencer, Loyalist College executive director of college advancement and external relations said it’s important for the community to understand that campus safety is a priority.

“The Loyalist culture is one of safety. We have a safe campus, we’re very proud of that, and we want to maintain that. Whether its residents anywhere on campus or, individuals in the community. It’s very important for all college students as well as staff members to understand the importance of safety. It’s a real priority.”

Spencer also said students need to understand their responsibility in safety.

“It’s very important for each of us to take responsibility for our own actions. It’s a wonderful opportunity to remind people of the fact that they are responsible for their own conduct and for the behavior of their guests to the campus.”

Dave Templar, residence coordinator, said additional security guards have been added to residence to control some of the behaviour. An additional residence assistant has also been on duty Thursday to Saturday.

The window that was broken nearly two weeks ago is supposed to be fixed soon. Templar said they called a local contractor immediately but the window had to be specially ordered.

BELLEVILLE (09/24/12) Lauren Haines loads the dishwasher in her residence kitchen. She said she'd rather have a clothes washer and dryer instead of her new kitchen appliance. Photo by Sarah Armour.

By Sarah Armour

New dishwashers installed in the apartment style residence at Loyalist College are causing students some problems.

Since being installed in the summer, small issues have occurred with the new machines. A number of students in residence have experienced leaks and overflows, due to misuse.

“We’ve had to bring in some contractors to do some under warranty, but (we) quickly fixed and are working on those,” said Dominique Dawes, residence programmer.

Students weren’t informed of the proper way to run the washer or which products to use with the machines. Dawes said the machines did come with manuals, but she is unsure where they ended up after installation.

After taking a Facebook survey, giving students the option to vote on what they wanted renovated or added to residence, the decision was made to add dishwashers to all kitchens. Although there have been minor problems with the dishwashers, most students are happy the residence’s money was spent on the washers.

“You can always bring your own TV to res you can’t bring a dishwasher, and it benefits the students to not doing dishes anymore and they can focus more time on their studies,” said Davis Scheel, a second year student.

“They could have used the money for a different thing such as a washer or dryer,” said Lauren Haines, another second year student.

Dawes said she has seen an overall improvement in the cleanliness of apartments. “Even during the room inspections I found that the apartments are in a cleaner state, I’ve even opened the dishwashers to see dishes in them.”

She said roommate issues about dishes have been eliminated because of the new dishwashers.

With better instructions, and information on the machine students could have avoided some problems, but for now residence staff have the issues under control, said Dawes.

BELLEVILLE, Ont. (05/03/12)-Suzanne Brant, one of the coordinators of the Cultural Awareness course beginning March 6 held at Loyalist College, is excited to begin the weekly class held in room 3H10. She hopes the recipients will have a greater understand and appreciation for the aboriginal cultures of Canada. Photo by Sarah Schofield.

A cultural awareness course is on its way at Loyalist College starting Tuesday evening, March 6.

Each three-hour weekly cultural awareness class aims to bring a wider understanding of the aboriginal cultures to both aboriginal and non-aboriginal people from the Quinte area.

The class starts at 6 p.m. and is free.

One of the coordinators, Suzanne Brant, explains what to expect.

“We cover things like creation teachings, teachings on the peacemaker, treaties, historical events and how we ended up on reserves. We cover many topics during those eight weeks,“ said Brant, whose Mohawk name is Katsitsiarishion.

Over the past 15 years of holding the course, Brant has seen a growing interest in both the number and range of people wanting to take the course. Five years ago  they started seeing an increase in attendees.

“We’ve had anywhere from 25 to 40 people sign up for the classes. Usually there are three or four students from the college that come in the program. Ninety-five percent of the attendees are non-aboriginal people. It’s always been that way. “

Paul Latchford, coordinator of aboriginal services at Loyalist College, is credited with playing a big role in starting the course.

“We knew that as we started doing services for aboriginal peoples, management and faculty needed to have an understanding of who we were as aboriginal peoples. That’s really where the course came from,” Latchford said.

“He knew that it was important that we had some cultural awareness for the college system itself,” said Brant. “It started off with a lot of staff from Loyalist College and they would come to Tyendinaga into the community and that’s where the cultural awareness classes were held before. It was really his vision and understanding of the need for educating the college community.”

The importance of having a course like this offered to the public is obvious to Brant.

“I think it’s important to understand the relationship of how we ended up on reserves and why we are the way we are. Also what needs to change to have better lives in our communities.“

“It’s not just one culture. There are many aboriginal nations and indigenous nations across Canada and everyone has a different way of living whether it is there practicing ceremonies or their diets.”

She suggests that people need look no further than this community to get a taste of culture.

“People become fascinated with the pyramids and the Mayan civilizations but what they don’t realize is that that same knowledge and indigenous understanding is right here in their backyards. These people are willing to share and if they’re willing to learn they could walk away with a greater knowledge of what is here in Canada. “

Classes run every Tuesday starting March 6 at 6 p.m at Loyalist College in room 3H10. For more information contact the Aboriginal Resource Centre at 613-969-1913 ext. 2250.

BELLEVILLE, ON. (13/02/12) - Stephen Hounam is a Loyalist College student participating in the Open Mic at the college on Thursday February 16, with the band Blue Suit Jacket. He is a new member and said that "it's so nice to play with other people instead of alone." Photo by Meagan Pecjak.

Loyalist College is right on key when it comes to supporting their student’s talent.

Loyalist College will be holding an Open Mic on Thursday, February 16, in the Shark Tank pub at the school.

The show will consist of the many talents that Loyalist students have to offer. Blue Suit Jacket is just an example of one of the performances of the night.

Other performances include: Taylor Lewis, Eric Ceasar, Noah Reede and several more talented students.

Blue Suit Jacket is a local band with a dash of Loyalist college talent with Stephen Hounam, a second-year Loyalist College tv and new media student. He is new to the band and will be playing guitar, and singing back-up vocals.

“It’s so nice to play with other people instead of alone,” said Hounam.

“I am so excited to have a band. It’s actually really exciting. I have been playing acoustic solo because I just haven’t found the right people.”

Hounam said that they hope for a great turn out at the Open Mic. “I’ve been telling a lot of my friends just to shake up some interest,” he said. “Usually there’s a lot of people wherever we play.”

“We are hoping for a pretty big audience,” said President of Student Government, Chris Barnim.

“I know last year we had a big turn out. So we are hoping for that again this year.”

Blue Suit Jacket will be the closing act of the night.

Hounam said that because they perform last, Blue Suit Jacket is hoping that people don’t start clearing out before they get to perform.

Marcus Curle is a second-year electrical techniques student and a member of Student Government as the Building Sciences and Skills leader. He said that they are expecting about 100 or more people to come to the show.

When it comes to narrowing it down to a certain number of performers, the evaluation is “really straight forward,” said Curle, one of the judges for the auditions.

“If someone is kind of shy, but has talent, we would rather have them,” he said.

Barnim said that the number of people who sign up to audition varies from year to year. “We never really have the same number,” said Barnim.

The top three qualities they look for “are ability of their talent, connectivity with the audience, stage presence, and how well they work the stage,” said Barnim.

“We have some very talented people on the card for that night, so definitely come check them out.”

The show starts at 8 p.m. this Thursday, and goes until midnight.

“Come out and support the talent of Loyalist,” said Barnim.

BELLEVILLE, ONT. (03/02/12) Ryan Rumohr, a third-year civil engineering student, gives blood at the blood clinic put on by the Canadian Blood Services at Loyalist College Friday, Feb. 3. Rumohr, who was a first-time donor, said he would do it again. Photo by Rebecca Rempel.

It’s an easy way to get a free cookie.

As well as a free beverage, an excuse not to do anything strenuous for the rest of the day and a heart-felt thank-you.

Staff of the Canadian Blood Services held their bi-annual donor clinic at Loyalist Friday, Feb. 3. The agency visits Loyalist once each semester and has time-slots for 110 donors throughout the day. Eighty-five donors pre-registered and many more students and faculty were expected to drop in.

“Our target was 64 units,” said Kingston regional contact Annie Barrette. “We actually collected 66 units at Loyalist.”

The regional base in Kingston travels from Kingston west to Brighton area. They run mobile clinics in communities during the week, usually two or three, in addition to their base in Kingston opening its doors three days a week.

The whole process for giving blood takes about 45 minutes, with the actual bleeding taking 15 minutes.

After registering, donors have their iron levels checked, answer a questionnaire, speak with a nurse regarding recent medical history, have their vitals checked, give blood and then revitalize with juice and cookies. At any one of these steps leading up to the actual donating, volunteers can be deferred. Reasons for deferrals include low iron levels, travel to a malaria known area, a new piercing or tattoo, or recent dental work.

In addition to regular donors, there were many first-timers rolling up their sleeves on Friday. Emilee Somerville, a first-year developmental service worker student, was sitting in the cafeteria with her classmates when they saw the clinic and decided to go.

“Feel pretty good,” said Somerville after completing her donation. “I’d do it again for sure.”

Third-year engineering student Ryan Rumohr was also a first-time bleeder.

“I’m used to needles and getting prodded,” said Rumohr, who’s been in a few accidents. “So it’s all good.”

“My dad needed blood, my mom needed blood and my brother needed it. All from accidents,” Rumohr said as he gave blood. “I can see (giving blood again).”

Don Terry has been donating blood since 2000.

“I did,” Terry said when asked if he knew anyone who has needed a blood transfusion. “I got hit by a dump truck. Cut my nose, broke a couple ribs, punctured my liver and had breaks in my pelvis.”

Terry said it was important for people to give blood.

“I wanted to bring my grandson with me this morning so he would get the idea.

“I look at is almost like organ donating,” Terry said. “If somebody else could use it, then fine.”

The mobile clinic won’t be rolling back into Loyalist until November 2012, but volunteers are welcome to make an appointment at the next clinic in Belleville, which will be at the Belleville Fish and Game Club March 5.

BELLEVILLE, Ont. (07/02/2012) People walk past the Black History Month display in the Loyalist College library. The display will be up for the month of February, and will be updated several times through the month. Photo by Dan Pearce

February is Black History Month. It’s a time to reflect, and recognize the importance of African-Canadians, their development, accomplishments and contributions, to the culturally diverse Canadian society spanning through five centuries.

No events or special activities have been scheduled in Belleville. Although in the past, Belleville Public Library has recognized Black History Month with book displays this year their emphasis is on heart health month.

A display in the Loyalist’s Parrott Library was prepared over the weekend and be on view from Feb. 6 – 26.

“We do up displays for various significant declarations. We have included a broad scope of black history published works from the days of the Underground Railroad, to more current books of heritage interest and included short summaries of key historical facts for quick reading,” said library technician, Lynn McCraken.

“We don’t receive any instructions from the college administration regarding Black History Month. However, we are very open to our international students if they would like something done,” said Jodie Russett, the international centre’s co-ordinator.

Various students expressing an interest in bringing awareness to cultural events and special declarations have approached the International Centre in past years. The international centre provides advice, in the area of advocacy, social and academic services.

“We do whatever we can to assist any students who are dedicated and committed to these special occasions, to bring awareness to all students of the college,” said Russett.

“To me, Black History Month represents the beginning of the social justice movement. While it is important to have a designated time to celebrate, we must never lose touch – taking every opportunity to recognize our history and call it out

when we see it,” said Catherine O’Rourke, director of student services.

Rosemary Sadlier, president of the Ontario Black History Society, was instrumental in attaining the month of February as Black History Month, with national declaration activation in December 1995.

An excerpt from Sadlier’s address posted on the OBHS website reiterates how important history is to students.

“African Canadian students need to feel affirmed; need to be aware of the contributions made by other blacks in Canada; need to have role models; need to understand the social forces which have shaped and influenced their community and their identities as a means of feeling connec

ted to the education experience and their life experience in various regions in Canada,” wrote Sadlier.

The portrait history of special achievers lines Loyalist’s hallways.

BELLEVILLE, ON (1/17/2012) Kirk Fleming, the Director of Facility Services, oversees the contract between Loyalist College and the company who maintains it. The living or "green" wall was constructed with the link longue costing $50,000 from the student body. Fleming has worked for Loyalist College for the past 13 and a half years. Photo by Mark Tarnovetsky.

By Mark Tarnovetsky

The cost of going green is about to set in.

The responsibility of maintaining the living wall, a section of wall in the Link Lounge of Loyalist College made entirely of green plants, is to be transferred to the facility services department by the end of March.

A living, or “green” wall, is a self-sufficient vertical garden that uses a recycled water support system.

The living wall’s upkeep is covered under a warranty in a contract that expires at the end of March, after which the facilities department at Loyalist will take full responsibility. Maintenance will include a monthly routine of inspection of the plants and water filtration system.

The living wall was built during the construction of the Link Lounge in April of last year, connecting Loyalist College’s main building with the new Sustainable Skills, Technology and Life Sciences Centre.

The cost of the living wall amounted to  $85,000.

“Loyalist College students’ ancillary fees were used for this project,” Loyalist Student Government business manager Julie Cooper confirmed.

Full-time students are required to pay an ancillary fee of $969. Winter registration students’ pay $484.50, and summer students $261.50. The fee is used for various projects, not only the living wall.

“There is always a cost concern for something new,” Kirk Fleming admitted.

Fleming, the director of facility services at Loyalist, has estimated annual maintenance costs to reach $1,800.

Over 300 individual plants make up the wall, featuring 15 different species.  Fans have been installed inside the wall so the roots have enough air circulation.

Fleming believes the living wall “adds to the atmosphere” of the Link Lounge.

Despite the living wall’s pleasing esthetics, the system is not connected to Loyalist College’s HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system. Some living walls work in conjunction with a building’s air conditioning system, lowering costs, however, Loyalist College’s living wall is cosmetic only.

“If you just put a bunch of plants in your home you’re going to get the same results as the wall. It just saves us space and everything is in one area to maintain,” Fleming said.

BELLEVILLE, Ont. (18/01/12). Ankit Patel is an international student from Ahmedabad, India taking first year fitness and health at Loyalist College. Patel wanted to come to Canada for schooling because he knew of the good culture and education that was offered here. Patel says that he found Loyalist College by searching online. Photo by Rhea Munroe.

By Rhea Munroe

When Rahul Prakash, a second-year student at Loyalist originally from Trivandrum, India first came to Loyalist College last year he said that he noticed there were few international students in the school. However, this year, he’s seen a dramatic increase in the number of international students. Prakash’s observation is something that the college has noticed as well.

Laura Naumann, the director of student enrolment services said that the increase is “due to the efforts of the international office. Catherine O’Rourke spent a fair bit of time in Asia.”

O’Rourke, who is student success director of Loyalist College, said “Loyalist College is an identified SPP member. What that means is that the Ontario government, the federal government and the high commission of a target country have set up a program where they have identified specific institutions to be a partner.

“SPP is student partner program. Loyalist is identified as a SPP with the high commission of India. And as a result of that it has again raised our profile in that country,” said O’Rourke.

The recruiters go to different countries for a week or two at a time and run education fairs for students and inform them about Loyalist College and the many different programs that are offered. This is what Naumann said she thinks is the single largest reason for the increase.

Up until this year, the increase in the number of international students has been steady, but never quite peaked like it has this year.

O’Rourke also points out that there has been an increase in the use of social media to promote the programs at Loyalist.

Prakash said that his reason for coming to Canada was for “a better offered education. A diploma from Canada will help me a lot back home in finding a job. It will also help me to stay in Canada for jobs.”

However, Riccardo Basagni from Arezzo, Italy said that he came to Canada for schooling because “I wanted to try a different experience. I always liked learning new languages and studying abroad.”

Prakash said that his agent told him about Loyalist College and another school in Manitoba which he opted not to attend because he liked the programs Loyalist offered, and he did not want to deal with the cold winters of Manitoba.

O’Rourke said she knows the international students are enjoying their time here because “peers are inviting peers to come to study at Loyalist College. If the experience wasn’t a positive one, we wouldn’t see the number of students who are inviting their friends to come.”

When Prakash came to Loyalist, he didn’t know anyone but now finds himself with lots of friends from both India and Canada.

Ankit Patel, a student from Ahmedabad, India says that he would definitely recommend Loyalist to a friend.

It is being expected that the years ahead will only see more of an increase in the number of international students continuing their education at the college.

Starting in January, students will be able to line up for both Subway and the cafeteria after 3:00 pm, now that Aramark has extended the hours for the main cafeteria until 6:30 pm every night.

Loyalist College will have extended cafeteria hours in the new year, following many complaints from hungry students.

Pierre Overvelde, Loyalist’s food services manager, confirmed in an email that the main cafeteria, which previously closed at 3:00 pm, would stay open until 6:30 pm on weekdays. As well, the “Res Express” delivery program has been canned for good, and Subway will replace Tim Hortons as the food option on Saturdays.

Also coming in January will be a food service advisory committee consisting of both student government and school administration representatives. It won’t be the first time student government and Aramark – the food services company at the college – representatives have met though.

Chris Barnim, student government president, said that he credits a meeting with Overvelde before reading break as a major step in implementing the new hours.

“Every idea that we have he’ll write it down and take it into consideration, so they’re very cool.”

Barnim, who also works at the library, puts in some late hours at the school. He said he’ll appreciate the added variety in dinner choices.

“I’m uber excited, I can’t wait, I’m here late and Subway…you can only have it so many times a week.”

But some students still want longer hours of operation. Tony Coculuzzi, an animations student, said that he’d like to see the cafeteria stay open until at least 9:30 pm.

“There’s a lot of students that they need to accommodate and they’re not accommodating us.”

Kevin Weese, another student in the animation program, said the new hours are a good start.

“It’s an improvement, but I’d really like to see it later, because they have the Subway open until 8, so why not have this open until 8, because a lot of people will usually work until 7 or 8.”

Overvelde declined the request for an interview, but said that “These decisions were made with the assistance of input from the students and faculty and we feel that this will better serve the College community.”