Fire safety warnings ignored by many

FIRE campus including Public Safety, Residence Life and Facilities.

“We need to stop this kind of destructive behavior on campus,” Charlie Schaffner, director of public safety, said. “It is important that students stop pulling the alarms and using the fire extinguishers.”

According to Schaf fner , every time an extinguisher is wasted it costs another $45 to replace it. Last year, it was reported that $5,000 went to replacing and filling the tanks. Another problem with stu dents using these safety devices for pranks is that in the event that there truly is a fire, there will be no way to put it out.

In the past, Cabrini has seen an instance in which there was no extinguisher available. “Afew years ago, there was a small fire in the apartments. When a RA went down the hall to get the fire extinguisher, there was nothing in the case,” Schaffner said. “This put the rest of the residents in danger and could have caused some a few complications so the registrar agreed to give freshmen and sophomores the option to register online for fall 2004.

Cabrini’s registrar, Phyllis Bean, said, “Asurprising number of freshmen who registered for the fall 2004 semester used Banner Web. Fifty-six percent of freshmen used Banner Web and an impressive 30 percent of sophomores registered online as well. The students have proven to be computer savvy and find it convenient to access the office of the registrar in their dorm rooms.”

Erin Miesegaes, a freshman early childhood education major, said, “I’m confused by the registration process because the spring 2005 course schedule does not match the online schedule. I will register online for the sole reason of avoiding the long lines in the registrar.”

Bean warns freshmen saying, “Core requirements fill up first. Students need to have several alternate choices prepared. Although some professors are willing to allow students to register after the class is closed, not every professor will. Having alternate classes prepared is essential.”

Jessica Boettger, a sophomore early childhood and elementary education major, said, “I have never registered online and have never had any problems registering in the office. I would prefer to go to the office because I have been experiencing trouble when attempting to access Banner Web, although I am open to registering online.” trying to prepare alternate classes but it’s frustrating not knowing what will be open when I register. I will register in the office because I am a freshman and I’m not comfortable with Banner Web. I would rather work out any problems that arise with them in person.”

Bean’s assistant, Francis Harkness, said, “Although we welcome students to register in the office, the office has plans to move all class registration to the web in the distant future.” In reference to Harkness’ first registration, she said, “It will be interesting to see if the percentage of students registering online increases even more than the fall semester. I am anxious to see if the online trend continues.” major damage. We do not want that to happen again.”

There are some things that students can do to promote fire safety around campus. One thing is to avoid propping doors. When students do this, it messes up the alarm systems and they have to be reset.

Another thing, which many female students are guilty of, is lighting candles and incense. It is one thing for the dorms to smell nice, but it is another thing when they are not carefully watched and are not put out.

Finally, one other habit that is extremely dangerous is smoking in the rooms; being one of the most likely causes of a fire, residents are advised not to smoke.

According to the facilities staff, there has been a new fire alarm installed in House 2, which have been triggered by hair straighteners, malfunctioning hotwater heaters and the temperature of the laundry room.

“We need everyone’s help in preventing this type of vandalism and destruction around the campus,” Schaffner said. “Students can report any signs of a fire hazard so that they can be prevented in the future.”

In reference to the conflicting online schedule and hard-copy schedule, Bean said, “The hardcopy of the course schedule that is available in the registrar’s office is outdated the day we get it. Professors are constantly changing class times and the hard-copy is therefore misleading. I recommend students relying on the online course schedule because the site is updated daily.”

Dave Barba, a junior marketing major, said, “I will register online. It is easier because you can use Banner Web to view the availability of classes and their status.”

Registering online provides students a way to avoid hearing, “Sorry, your history class is closed out.” Online registration opens up to each grade level at 7 a.m. on the first day of their grade level. If you are an unfortunate student who is scheduled to register at 3 p.m. on the second day of

The office of the Registrar believes there are not many cons to registering online. If students have a history of WebCTconnection problems, the office recommends accessing Banner Web at low volume times like early in the morning or late in the evening.

Paul Archambault, a senior history major, said, “I think registering online is a good idea, but I have had problems with Banner Web in the past so I will go to the office to register. This is also my last semester at Cabrini and I want to be sure any problems are handled right away while I am in the registrar’s office.”

The office of the registrar will continue to welcome students to the its office. Bean said, “If students read through the online directions and still feel uncomfortable then the office will register them. One pro of registering in the office is the candy we give out! Students can’t get candy on Banner Web!”

Megan McCall, a freshmen pre-pharmacy major, said, “I’m

Barba said, “I’m a junior, I shouldn’t need an advisor’s signature to be able to enroll in classes. I should be free to choose whatever classes I want.”

“Any student who plans to register online as a means to avoid meeting with their adviser should reconsider. After Nov. 19, when registration is finished, the office of the registrar provides lists of all students and their spring classes and all advisers will receive their advisees’ class schedule. If any student was not previously approved by their adviser, the student will be dropped from every class,” Bean said.

Clear and user-friendly directions are available on the third page of the course schedule which is available in the office of the Registrar.

Bean said, “Registering online is the most convenient way to ensure that students will be placed in the classes they want most. If a student can download music and pictures and send an e-mail, they can certainly register on Banner Web for spring 2005.”