Digital Edition - August 02, 1994 by SPOKENewspaper

PERSPECTIVE

Habitat for Humanity

The Future of Conestoga College: Programs have to continually adapt to the changing world

Students set up

m M

college chapter for

Habitat

Page 3

Page 5

-4-J

Conestoga College, Kitchener, Ontario

Vol 26, No. 26

August

1994

College approves break-even budget By Mike

money

Contract income, the

Beitz

the

college receives for training em-

Despite a reduction

operating

trative operations, said the college

to make up for the decrease in government grants, said Mullan. "It’s certainly an important source of revenue for the college. But it’s also one that’s dependant upon the economy. In a recession, industries don’t always have the money to spend on training.” Contract income is projected to increase in the 1994-95 budget to $2.2 million from $1.9 million the

has been forced to look to other

year before.

ment

govern-

which fell to $42.5 million from $45 million last year. Kevin Mullan, Conestoga’s vicepresident of finance and adminisgrants,

sources of revenue to offset the

drop

income.

"The decision by government to raise

the provincial tuition fees has

certainly helped,” said Mullan. “A 1 0 per cent increase is fairly significant.”

The 1994-95 budget

Shelley Kritz, Doon Student Association (DSA) director of public relations, examines a rip in one of the lounge chairs in the student lounge. Kritz said she believes the chair was deliberately (Photo by Mike Beitz) damaged by someone using the lounge either at night or on the weekend.

Conestoga support staff stretched to the college has lost

By Frank Knobloch

22 support

staff

Job cutbacks have stretched support staff at Conestoga College "to the limit,” says the president of the

burden on those left they are not able to fully cope with their jobs,

staff at the college, “but

gut

one area of

said physical resources director

nicians, he said.

David

Putt said there had not been plans to have the building fin-

days of week of Seplast

August or the first tember is when you

will see

some activity out there,” he said. The building, which will encompass 40,000 square feet, will be constructed outwards from the nursing wing of the main building toward the 401. It will feature

two

floors, plus a

me-

chanical spine, an elevator, and

approximately 20 new classrooms. However, there will be no computer labs located in the new

ished this year.

“Even

we had started back in we would

April of this year,

have had one hell of a time trying to make September. We are slated to be ready by September of 1995.”

members

lege.”

Clerical staff at the college need

year, six

six support staff

are taking

early retire

See Board budget, page 4

says union president

help, she said. “They’re being asked to do more, but they don’t

have the resources” to meet the needs of the academic staff. Wallce said changes need to be made at Conestoga and all colleges. “There needs to be more whistleblowing on how each college is

managed. There are

staff in the sys-

tem who need

to be telling the

truth.”

Wallace said the organization of

Conestoga’s departments

changed too frequently. “It’s like a bag of beans. Every spring, shake it up and see where they fall.” As a result, she said, “you don’t have See Cuts cause, page 4

Life

$10,000 donation July 19 to its fundraising campaign. Investing in Skills for Tomorrow, from London

cost at between $3.9 and $4.3 million.

said that for the first time,

the college used fundraising to

provide the majority of the

London Life regional manager Gary Shaw presented president John Tibbits with a cheque for $5,000, the

first

half of the total

at the offices

donation,

of London

Life in Waterloo.

According

to a

news

release, the

balance of the donation will be given next year. “This

a nice donation.

It’s

good donation any time you get $10,000,” said Tibbits.

Putt estimates the project’s

million from $6.7 million in 1993-

upcoming

Life.

reasons of security, safety and the convenience of service tech-

"Probably the very

ing to the student, the image to the public, and the integrity to the col-

in the

academic and

the school, for

business could be started as early as the final days of August, Putt.

about the service that we’re provid-

Conestoga college received

building, said Putt. College computers are being centralized to

days off

By Sean McMinn

school of business

Conestoga’s new school of

wages, will not have a significant impact on the 1994-95 year, said Mullan. Although there are no unpaid

Conestoga receives $10,000 from London

August construction set By Rob Heinbecker

at the

very poor.”

College staff are worried, said

Employee Union(OPSEU),

for

morale

relying on

Social contract legislation, which

increase in tuition income to $7.4

limit,

Wallace. “They’re concerned

Anne Wallace, president of Local 238 of the Ontario Public Service said

that the

is is

calls for

has forced employees to take unpaid days off and freezes their

94.

The reduction has placed such

she said in an interview. Wallace said she could not comment on the mood of all support

support staff union local.

reaction

college

positions since April 1993.

an-

last year, Conestoga College’s board of governors approved a break-even budget June 27 for the 994-95 year. The reduction is due in large part

to a 5 .8 per cent decrease in

Vandals

other area the college

strike

ployees of various industries,

fund income of $1.2 million from

fi-

See School of business, page 4

Tibbits said the money will go towards the school of business being started this year and for

equipment. Investing in Skills for Tomorrow, which was launched on June 4,

1992,

Conestoga’s

first capital

campaign. Tibbits said the goal

ndon Life representatives Eileen Plouffe and Gary Shaw present )nestoga College president John Tibbits (right) with $5,000 (Photo by Rob Heinbecker) e q ue construction of the

to raise $4.5 million; the college

said Tibbits,

has raised $4.3 million. The main goal of the campaign.

school of business facility

Doon campus.

at the

2 Spoke, Tuesday, August

1994

OPINION

SPOKE Sean McMinn

Editor:

Associate Editor: Mike Beitz Production Manager: Rob Heinbecker Advertising Manager: Rob Heinbecker Circulation Manager: Michelle Voll Faculty Supervisor: Jerry Frank

—

print students of Spoke is published and produced by the journalism Conestoga College. Spoke is mainly funded from September to May by the DSA. The views and opinions expressed in this newspaper.do not necessarily reflect the views of the college or the DSA. Advertisers in Spoke are not endorsed by the DSA unless their advertisements contain the DSA logo. Spoke shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors in advertising beyond the amount paid for the space.

Spoke, Conestoga College, 299 Doon Valley Dr., Room 4B15, Kitchener, Ontario,

N2G 4M4

Telephone: 748-5366

)

View from the moon

shows flaws of

Earth

wonder what would have 25 years ago if, when Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz” Aldrin turned

I happened key

the

of the

in the ignition

lunar lander,

62 ?/

hadn’t started.

Although I was not born until two months after their historic mission on July 20, 1969,

have relived

moment

that

my mind

at least a

Alcohol and academics

thousand

do not mix

times.

Only, in my dreams, instead of Armstrong and Aldrin hopping around on the dusty surface of the moon, it’s me. After planting the Canadian flag, I go about my scientific duties. I perform tests, collect rock samples and take photographs. When the mission is over, I climb bad into the Eagle, put the key in the ignition and turn. A dry, clicking sound is the only response from the engine. It won’t

my knowledge

pair

not what

After the

should be. I’m stranded on the moon. shock and panic have passed, I begin contemplating watch the Earth slowly spin millions of kilometres

who manage

possible,

It is

when one has

left

From up

here hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and droughts

seem

of a relatively young planet.

even a strange kind of beauty in the display of nature’s raw force that often goes unappreciated from ground level. But, for all this beauty, the moon affords a spectacular view of the In fact, there is

the

moon,

all

human

race

come

sharply into

It’s

pileup on

One

easier to see the futility of war, the pettiness of hatred and

unlucky

the

broaden-

after

the

comments

19-year-old Richard

Globe and Mail reported

that there

were

four civil suits pending against Ontario univer-

same Globe

dents.” It

side, they

make

does not seem right with so many families and

estoga adds to the mix by opening a campus pub. Campuses should be a place of refuge from booze.

London

cause a multi-vehicle

Highway 401

1989 Globe and Mail

on the edge of a kilometre-wide crater, helmet in hands, it occurs to me that man’s perception of himself would change drastically if he could only see himself from this distance. Maybe the Bosnians, the Haitians and the Rwandans would end the

from booze-related injuries. article, Carmi Cimicata, national director of the alcohol awareness advocacy group, Bacchus, said: “The three main groups of problem drinkers are the unemployed, professionals and stuIn the

booze do not make a

Sports, education and invite alcohol-related car

article:

tasty cock-

tail.

The chair of Conestoga’s board of governors, Helen Friedman, was quoted as saying that students could go to the pub between classes to relax. What does alcohol

Solomon, a

University of Western Ontario law professor, said in a

wealth.

e intoxicated

students experiencing problems with alcohol that Con-

accidents, they also invite lawsuits. Robert

power and

tf*

sities resulting

student says to the other,

Not only do campus pubs

focus.

jealousy, and the insignificance of our greedy drive for

In 1989, the at least

Bert and Ernie are lucky, they

safely.

the faults of the

to the Roost.

earth’s ugliness as well.

From

those wild cards

“Hey, after these beers let’s go to the Roost and have a few more. Then maybe we’ll take a spin over to my friend’s place in London.” How is the bartender at the pub supposed to know that the students (call them Bert and Ernie, for reference sake) have had three or four drinks each before coming

the planet.

things on earth.

like very natural steps in the evolution

by lawsuits. Liability for the conduct °f

Sloan over imbibed and choked to death from vomit after binge drinking at a University of Guelph pub.

Ontario’s highways.

think to myself, to understand the inevitability of

It is

that are often the cause of frequent tragedies

Picture this scenario:

easier to see the big picture

alco-

By Frank

Solomon made

to avoid detection.

campus

Knobloch

months

drinking, there will always be a few jokers in the deck

re-

restrictive

hoi policies or they will be hit hard

ing substantially.”

Even with careful guidelines in place at the pub to prevent problem

away. It’s

the

waiting to happen.

initial

situation as

of interplanetary space vehicle

duce more

Condor Roost, is not a "staff dream” as president John Tibbits envisioned it in comments made at its opening, but a disaster

start.

Unfortunately,

onestoga College’s new pub,

“Universities will intro-

Sitting

Safety laws for boaters are non-existent

turmoil in their countries.

Maybe people would stop destroying the environment. Maybe we would stop complaining about the global economy,

the

Muskoka

opinion, please send space, and to

in.

remove any

to the editor. If

Spoke reserves

you have a

the right to edit letters to

libellous statements.

Your

letter

Spoke

office,

Room 4B

it is

in the

known

two

look forward to every year.

latest

incident claimed the girl

cases such as these

even worse is the fact tims were so young.

16 from driving watercraft of any Setting speed limits on waterways

girl for

What makes

Kitchener .Ontario, N2G 4M4 Telephone: 748-5366

kind.

Gravenhurst.

Accidental deaths are tragic.

Water

activities at a

that the vic-

summer

cot-

limit that

vent these senseless tragedies.

driving

same cottage belt when the boat he was riding in was hit by a jet ski.

Spoke, Conestoga College, 299 Doon Valley Dr., Room 4B15

There should be an age

sion?

operating wa-

prohibits children under the age of

would help

in the

But responsibilities must be met. We need to instil guidelines to pre-

Should 14-year-olds be operating

same month,

boaters are experi-

tercraft.

these crafts without adult supervi-

seven-year-old boy drowned

Doon campus.

She died July 15, one day after she and a friend crashed their Sea Doo on Six Mile Lake, near Earlier in the

let-

many of

tage are a joy that so

of a 14-year-old Toronto

all

enced and trained

cottage area.

fit

must be

before they can drive a boat would

ensure that

accidents too

rules that govern our roads

should also govern our waterways. Requiring people to earn a licence

Georgian Bay-

fatal

to think ahead a

more.

The

time to lay

Any rules. summer there have

rules.

named Tamara Rae Goldman.

beef, or an

signed, and include your program and year for verification. Send

That

many. The life

Letters to the editor all letters

little

personal watercraft, also

to laugh.

should say,

“Sea Doos,”

Spoke welcomes

would force us

tougher

Already this been two fatal accidents involving

At any rate, I can’t help but think that if we could see ourselves from the vantage point of the moon, we would be hard pressed not

ters to the

down some

not.

down

time to lay

rules for boaters.

Or,

government, the high cost of living, unfair taxation, low wages, the poor quality of education, the weather.

Maybe

question the safety of that.

do not blame the parents of the permitting her to go out on

the water alone.

many people

understand that

often do not stop to

consider what might happen. certainly not in the spirit of

any

sport to stop and discuss dangers

and possible serious consequences. Besides, most of us think it will never happen to us. But it does. So perhaps government regulations

curtail joy-riders

from

speed where heavier water traffic is common, and police boat cruisers would be needed to full

enforce these restrictions.

do not suggest taking away

joys of summer. as

much

the

like water sports

as anyone.

But we need

to control

ates water vessels

who oper-

and how the ves-

sels are handled.

Safer lakes and rivers would make for

fun.

-r

Spoke, Tuesday, August

1994 3

Habitat for Humanity

A partnership of new homes

Daniel Avenue: Roman Catholic

By Rob Heinbecker

Diocese of Hamil-

ton.

Makram and Afaf Gobran can relax in their little

new home, which was

more than

a concrete slab in

ground less than two weeks ago. The Gobrans arc among the newest owners of a Habitat for Humanthe

house, but theirs holds special

ity

significance. Their building

marks

In July

home

of 1992, a

built at

Daniel Ave. became the group’s first blitz-build, in

which

home

erected and finished within a

week

builds across Canada. (The other

was in Winnipeg) Those blitz-builds were part of the Jimmy Carter work project, and the former U.S. president spent time working on some of the homes.

or two.

This

Carter visited the Daniel first

attempt

Waterloo

the

gave

at a blitz

opportuany problems

affiliate the

nity to try to iron out

site

Avenue

July 19, 1993, and his presence

attracted a host of other politicians

and Habitat leaders, which

completion of 13 Habitat for Humanity homes built on Daniel Avenue over a two-year period. The Daniel Avenue homes are a special achievement for the Water-

The next event took place during when the floor of a house at 150 Schweitzer Ave. was

dillo,

loo region Habitat affiliate, because

constructed on a Habitat float dur-

tional president Millard Fuller.

they have provided media attention and some Waterloo firsts over the

lifted in

the

last

two

years.

Avenue

Kitchener from the

could occur on future

blitz-

builds.

Oktobcrfest,

ing the Oktobcrfest parade.

its

beginning of 1992, Habitat acquired a strip of land along DanIn the

iel

that

was

four pieces by crane onto

foundation and the house was completed.

later

10 homes were built one of two large scale blitz-

In July 1993,

in-

cluded former governor-general Ed Schrcycr, Ontario premier Bob Rae, Kitchener

Habitat

Mayor Dom CarCanada president

Wilmer Martin and Habitat

interna-

Conestoga College’s second-semester journalism students produced a daily newsletter about the people and events taking place during the week. 'Hie newsletter be-

came

souvenir for the

a hot

who came from

volunteers,

the United States

The

final

all

over

and Canada.

home was

finished July

23, almost exactly one year after the Carter blitz-build. This time, Schreyer lended his name as he participated in the Homes Across Canada Tour 1994, from July 18-30. "It is a good feeling to have all these people helping me, especially

since

we do not have a relationMakram Gobran about

ship,” said all

the volunteers

his

who had worked

home. He said he was espe-

cially surprised at

how many came summer va-

out to help during the

Makram and Afaf Gobran’s new Habitat home completes the Avenue

project after two years.

(Photo by

Students establish Conestoga College may be con-

new business school, but for Humanity is moving in.

structing a

Students

itat

for

tion,

Kitchener.

to eliminate

chapter established in the

would be easier

summer get new

students involved during the

fall,

said A1 Berdun, a third-year engi-

a need for a chapter

because you can never have enough people working for a good cause,” said Berdun. Tracey Kestle, a construction student, said she wanted to give something back to the community. “It is a lot better to give

thing from the heart to

who can not achieve home for themselves.” The goals

her

yard once her family had settled

Merla Adamson, her

home

who has

much

laundry room, a

with her house,

fruit cellar,

flower

Adamson

said there

a great if

one another.

Charlotte Kenkel, of 150 Schweitzer Ave., said there has been more for her children to do since her 10

new neighbors moved

there are

0 youngsters.

Gobran family moving in, there will be 44 children living in the 13 homes. Mark Dorsey, of 59 Daniel Ave., the

said he has planted cedar and peach trees, put in a

vegetable garden and wallpapered and painted rooms. “It is nice to fix up your home the way you want,” said Dorsey, adding that

things are better financially since

on Daniel Avenue. Dorsey said that he knows and

living

She said the busy individual

lifestyles all the families lead don’t give them the time to see much of

Now

With

in.

beds, a patio and two screen doors.

deal.

bus.

lived in

aside from putting in a bedroom, a

Heinbecker)

Her daughter, Jessica, used to be the only one waiting for the school

for a year, said she really

has not done

Rob

July July

in.

new back

Berdun.

have something Some suggestions the members were discussing for events ranged from a car wash to staging a Kitchener Rangers versus the Conestoga Condors hockey game. One of the ultimate goals the Con-

like to

encourage

programs

all

come and

in the

school

participate.”

of the chapter meeting, said being a

member would not mean a person

would have to go out pound nails. “There

to a site

and

are tons of

areas for people to get involved in that will

always

reflect the individ-

gets along with all of his neighbors and appreciates the situation where he knows he can trust his children

with the people next door.

"This is the way it should be, with neighbors helping each other and looking out for one another.”

would

But Berdun stressed

into.”

Forevents, Berdun said, the chapter

"We would

Michelle Kuntz, another thirdyear engineering student and host

whose goal

garden

ual career they intend to

estoga chapter would represent “I feel there

to start a

"The emphasis right now is on membership and fund raising,” said

Hab-

The organization has built about 00 homes across Canada since the Canadian contingent began in 1985, including 13 homes on Daniel Avenue in Kitchener. The members wanted to have the it

There are Habitat chapters at the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, but Berdun and

... to

poverty housing around the world.

look after the couple’s children while they worked on their new

the different

profit organiza-

(Photos by

the families don’t socialize a great

the others said those chapters only

Humanity. is a non

after.

sense of unity on the block, even

represented Waterloo, while a Con-

Habitat

one year

home. Many other Habitat home owners devoted their time as well. Afaf Gobran said she would like

The Gobrans’ neighbors, the Adamsons, used a week of their vacation to help work on the build, and were joined by both sets of the Adamsons’ parents.

Conestoga have estab-

lished a college chapter of the

20, 994.

Avenue site. Above: taken Jimmy Carter build. Below: taken

of the Daniel

just before the

new Conestoga chapter of Habitat for Humanity

neering student.

By Rob Heinbecker

Habitat

Rob Heinbecker)

1993

18,

cation period.

Another of the Gobrans’ neighbors, Helen Dreyer, volunteered to Daniel

A photo comparison

like to

going each month.

estoga chapter would strive for

have or be a part of a collegefunded building project over the next summer or two, said Berdun.

that

no mem-

ber would have to work on a build if

they did not want

"We

to.

keep this a democratic process,” he said. If only 10 or 5 people out of 30 want to be a part of a build, that would be fine, are tying to

he added.

Any

student interested in joining

the Habitat chapter can find out

more information by going

2A88

room

(third-year civil engineering

room) and asking

for Al

Berdun or

Michelle Kuntz.

some-

somebody

a house or

HERE'S YOUR CHANCE TO GET INVOLVED!

the chapter has set out

are simple.

ICE

if cV\V \oVVJr.

BREAKERS * VOLUNTEERS WE NEED YOU

FOR: *

ORIENTATION WEEK PARTIES/EVENTS

SHINERAMA Contact the DSA office for more information *

New

Habitat for Humanity chapter members, from left to right, are: Michelle Kuntz, Cindy Diehm, Al Berdun, Tim Cooke, Mark Dean (Photo by Rob Heinbecker) and T racey Kestle.

4 Spoke, Tuesday, August

1994

Cuts cause low moral: union head

Continuing education adapts to job market challenges have indications from

By Frank Knobloch

col-

leagues, in other colleges, that their

New courses reflect the changing needs of the public, she said. “We’re very much market driven.

The director of continuing educaConestoga College says that because courses have been changed frequently to meet business and industry demands, enrolment figures have increased for the

enrolment was flat for the spring. Ours was up six per cent for the

The only

spring.”

the public

past four years.

said.

tion at

Marilyn Black-Lambert said, “I

About 20 per cent of

the courses

offered through continuing education are

changed every year, she

“Our

life-blood

our new

we have to offer

thing that is

the relevance of the

courses and the quality of our teachers.

“Hopefully, we’ve struck a chord with the public so that they will

anywhere from one night a week to three nights a week. I’ve met students who were taking three and four courses at night.”

needs.”

Lambert

said she hopes continu-

ing education student numbers will continue to increase, “but I don’t

expect the increase

dramatic as

She said a

was

this fall to

be as

Susana

Pellizzari, a senior staff

member

with continuing educa-

constant reorganization.

career related, she said. “They

know why

tion,

Part of the problem at the

said the feedback she gets

from teachers

that

who

people

The course dropout rate

students.

1993 profile of

very low, she said.

poor communica-

tion, said

Wallace. “I think

college

take continuing education courses are more dedicated than full-time

that the college could provide

better service, with

input from the employees.”

"The nice thing about continuing

Wallace said college, employees are treated “like a

a single course, but 26 per cent take

choose what areas they want to upgrade in,” said Black-Lambert. There are a lot of “career changers” who take

two or more courses, she

part-time courses, as

students taking part-time courses

72 per cent were 40 years old or less, and the majority were between 21 and 30. Most take

showed

that

said.

education

that individuals

it is

a safe

commodity,” but managers were only

that not

all

blame,

some “in the umbrella of As a union

senior managers.”

way

Sixty-eight per cent of part-time

of exploring other careers without

representative, Wallace said,

Con-

giving up a current job, she said.

her dealings with manage-

students have taken courses

estoga in the

last five years, said

Black-Lambert. “If we weren’t giving them what they needed, they wouldn’t come back.”

She said she does not like to make comparisons between full-time and

Nowadays, “you don’t

bum

It’s difficult

for colleges to

courses offered this

“Remember what

they’re doing.

for

The majority

employed, so

fall at

WordPerfect

they’re working a full day. They’re

Windows 2, job search, cash management, ACCPAC Plus, 940s big-band swing and a human

coming

resources certificate program.

to school

the evening

in,

all the newest kinds of equipment and technologies, said Lambert, but they try.

the college include:

work

an adversarial environment. It doesn’t have to be that way, but certain players in our college prefer it that way.” Wallace said the province “asked for too much too soon” from the public sector in cutbacks. “The system was

keep

pace with

New

are tenuous.

“In the structure that

time students are very dedicated. are

ment

your

bridges.”

part-time students, but feels part-

Susane Pellizzari, senior support staff member with continuing education, said teachers say that part-time students are more (Photo by Frank Knobloch) dedicated than full-time students.

they’re here.”

last fall.”

fall

any opportunity for stability. We never know who does what.” She said college president John Tibbits should explain the need for the

look to the college for their training

courses.”

From page

Students who take continuing education courses have definite goals and 70 per cent of them are job or

it’s

suffering before the social contract

came

and no one

addressed the real issues.”

School of business to be finished by September 1995 From page

Board Budget

nances needed. In the past, the college

had sub-

From page

mitted a proposal to the provincial

government for approval, and argued its necessity. After the proposal went through the government system and was approved, the college would receive

ment.

The cost of the plans is incorporated into the 199394 budget. Mullan said

funding.

the college to

ing in the

economy forced

Con-

estoga had not faced before bridge financing, which Putt

994-95 year, the

come more

ernment through federal-provincial infrastructure programs. Another aspect to the project that

efficient in

its

re-

ceived $1.2 million from the gov-

new

with an

college will be forced to be-

go elsewhere.

However, Conestoga has

that,

increase in students enrol-

But government cut-backs and the bad state of the

com-

pared to a short-term mortgage. He said donations are being given

over a period of time instead of all at once to make it less painful for the contributor.

Some money may

not be seen until

997, although the

general contractor must be paid in

project, especially the design

full, said Putt.

was completed

Because of the uation,

tight financing sit-

much of the planning of the

advance

work, order

for the college to better ascertain the costs involved.

operation.

“The challenge will be to maintain a certain level of service with less funding,” he said. “Essentially, we’re being forced to do more with less.”

Spoke, Tuesday, August

1994 5

Conestoga president says courses are always changing environmental sciences area and think we need to look at that.”'

By Sean McMinn Industry

constantly changing

and Conestoga College must continually adapt to meet the needs that develop from those changes, says college president John Tibbits. "Our programs are constantly being updated and upgraded to

Mike McClemcnts, head of technology at Conestoga, said the school of technology

already

developing a post-diploma program in environmental looking

engineering.

students and for the community,”

“A program advisory committee was suggesting that there was a requirement for graduates of some

Tibbits said in an interview.

sort

Conestoga has advisory committees from the community that inform the college on what needs

said

industry has.

mitting a proposal

make

sure they are relevant for the

what do, and

think that quite clearly

we’re going to have to we’re

the process of

doing it more new program-

now, is bring in ming,” said Tibbits. According to Tibbits, the college is looking more at environmental sciences because it is one of the fastest growing areas. "We’re not a major player in the

of environmental program,”

McClements. ’’That’s a field which is expanding.” The school of technology is subin

response to an

industry-based advisory committee in

woodworking

the

which

will

industry,

be a joint venture with

the University of Waterloo, said

McClements. Tibbits said there are other things

come up

with

"When students tune into the real-

A common

first year will help stu-

planning a revision to

LAS A for the

dents

New

students will

choice, he said.

common

first

year and be

mix of courses, inold system in which

make

more informed The program offers

career choices in private investiga-

high-tech security, customs

introduced to a

tion,

stead of the

human relations, the judicial system, communications and other

and law enforcement, said Hays. The other major change to LASA involves second-year students who will learn through modules instead of courses, he said. “Our emphasis will be on practical, hands-on learn-

courses, he said.

ing.”

they started in specialized areas. In the

revised system, students

will get a taste

of law, investigation,

students were coming into program with misconceptions about police work, said Hays. They had TV images of police, “a view based on ignorance of reality.” If students thinking of entering

want

to get a true picture

in action,

LASA

of police

they should watch reruns

will allow students to learn outside

of the classroom.

McClements ing this

said students enroll-

September

will be the first

with the option of a three-year tech-

nology program involving co-op. "What that has replaced is what we had in previous years, which was a two-year technician program

where students had the option of being co-op or not co-op.”

McClements

said the school of

technology conducted an operational review of programs last year to

Colleges struggling to keep up with technology

failure rate.”

In a module, goals and learning guides will be spelled out for students, said Hays. "All of this translates to getting

to the point

more of our students really do

Hays

calls

own

lives.”

community colleges

"the second miracle of education in

first

There are varying opinions on problems that face students and Conestoga College. the

Paul Scott, broadcasting pro-

Ontario.”

"The

dents to “find and assimilate

By Frank Knobloch

where they

take charge of their

miracle was the public

school system.

How

in the

world

those old pioneers working 16 hours a day ever got it going, I just don’t know,” said Hays.

Colleges were the laughing stock Hays. "We

in their infancy, said

were called Comical College and Coconut College.” During the height of the hippie

gram co-ordinator at Conestoga, cites rapid

changes

in technol-

closely monitored, he said. “I guess

“we took people who were in bad, bad shape,” said Hays. “They

directed independent

couldn’t read and they couldn’t

Scott.

should

call

learning.

You can

not turn people

loose and say, ‘here, go study this’. It would be almost like correspon-

dence courses. They would have a

They were on drugs.” Hays said that after two years of

think.

could cause a decline in the quality of education. “When equipment becomes dated, the quality could drop.”

became

universities

Today, Conestoga

a top-notch

learning institution, said Hays. "It’s my view that the applied arts pro-

grams here

are the best in the prov-

ince, or certainly

among

Anything I have seen son isn’t any better.”

the best.

compari-

Hays said a college education meets the needs of today’s workforce because “we’re over-supplied with PhDs and lawyers.” But college graduates should not rule out university as an option for

further education, he said.

per-

son may get a job and do well at it with a community college educa-

one

(Photo by Frank Knobloch)

payments (fed-

place. Ninety percent of the former misfits were hired in traditional

right up.”

tions in transfer

eral grants to the province)

When

tion, but there’s a point

where he

needs a broader education.”

The business community will have to be more involved if they want to maintain the current level of graduates coming out of community colleges, said Scott. Resources are only part of the problem, he said. “One of my biggest concerns is the oral and written communication skills of students

absolutely im-

number of the kids out there simply don’t perative. Quite a

Ryan

available.”

said the educational sys-

tem has to educate young people on career options before they actually make their decision. “Applicants should be 100 per cent sure of their choice

when

coming

system. Students

into the college

come

into col-

they

enter college.”

The nursing program

said the continuing reduc-

training, another miracle took

aware of the success, “they shut

Bob Hays, LASA program co-ordinator, says Conestoga

more career

think that

know what

be an independent learning

will

most,

rapid growth of information will

process, but the students will be

they will not be able to keep

pace with technological developments, he said. Ryan said, “First and forecounselling

be a major task for students. The chair of nursing at Conestoga’s Stratford, Doris Ryan, said im-

in-

formation” needs to be addressed. Without those skills,

ogy as a problem, while Grant McGregor, the school’s principal, said keeping up with the

proved counselling is needed. It will be a struggle for colleges to keep pace with the rapid changes in technology, said

jobs.

the top colleges in Ontario.

Mike McClements, chair of technology, said technology students now have the option Of taking co-op. (Photo by Sean McMinn)

years, the late ’60s and early ’70s,

Many

the

technology program in the woodworking cluster of programs which

90 per cent

ity

competitive standard, "we’ve been

enter a

the

being revised

of police work, they often change their minds,” said Hays. Many do not meet the rigorous physical criteria for police work that the program requires students to meet, he said.

two years.”

is in

process of establishing a three-year

positive.

learn

The co-ordinator of the law and security administration program (LASA) at Conestoga College says the program will see big changes

last

The school of technology

than being in classrooms,” he said.

more ways students can

of Barney Miller, he said.

to study

on the weekends and the college not really open on weekends.”

"And we have

are

By Frank Knobloch

new semester. Bob Hays said to help maintain

to ensure access to the

You might want

determine how effectively it was meeting the requirements of industry, and generally the feedback was

the college needs to change. "There

LASA program for the

more ways college.

make

tries to

the realities of nursing

clear to applicants, she said.

sounds

“It all

terribly

glamor-

ous and exciting, but I found that once the individuals went into the clinical area, then I had my dropouts.

Once you’re

actually

and you get your first patient that’s covered from head well, to toe in sweet violets that’s what nursing is all about.” If applicants had more exposure to the actual job before they entered the program, it would help the dropout problem and in there

boost the success rate, she said.

Ryan too

said society often places

much emphasis on

careers.

of understanding

lege poorly equipped.”

“It’s the lack

McGregor said, “I think we’re one of the better colleges in the system.” He said Conestoga’s record in job placement, and prizes won in competitions,

of the importance of roles we play in society,” she said. “The

demonstrates the high standing. McGregor said teaching stu-

whole perspective is totally screwed up. I’m rather communistic in my philosophy. But I’m not a communist, that direction.”

just lean in

6 Spoke, Tuesday, August

1994

new building

Contractors face tough time to win bid for manager of

By Rob Heinbecker It is tough to find work out in the world today, especially if you are a general contractor interested in

building Conestoga’s

new

the project,

would be

Because of the tough economic been going bankrupt, and the college wants to be sure it will not be to dry, said Conestoga College director of physical resources David Putt.

hung out

said the consultant looks for certain

the event the contractor

heating, lighting and plumbing.

things in these categories.

bankrupt, he said.

Fixing

attain

100-per-cent bonding. Putt

For company history, a consul-

do some of the work themselves. The first step a contractor must take is to submit their name to a consultant agency working for the college for a pre-

size the contractor has

qualification check, said Putt.

after everything

The

consultant, the Walter

Fahey

partnership, will research the appli-

cant in three categories:

Putt said a general contractor, as

form of would guarantee

essentially a

numerous small contracwork such as

eral contractors

times, general contractors have

insurance, which

tors for specialized

On the odd occasion, he said, gen-

school

Bonding

background of site superin-

tendent, and contractors ability, to

dinating

of business.

history,

responsible for hiring and co-or-

company

tant looks at the longevity

firm and the

of the

number of jobs of this completed

the past.

The

site

the completion of the building in

on the project and

“For the first time ever, we have asked that the contractors show they can get a bonding company that will bond them 100-per-cent so if the guy shows up on the site for one day and goes belly-up we .

superintendent looks

were

are covered.”

said the consul-

tant used a point

know what kind of

mine which contractors met the

system

to deter-

college’s requirements, and the

has. Putt said.

list

down

to nine or 10.

Putt said meeting the college’s re-

quirements only allows the contractors the opportunity to bid for the job; the pre-qualified contractors

picked up the designs and spec-

ifications of the building July 19 in

order to will

Once

naturally the college wishes to credentials he

make

their bids. All bids

by Aug.

the

12.

contractor

is still

Left photo: Paul Snyder breaks up concrete in front of Door #5. Middle photo: Sydney Gregory, cleans up the mess. Right photo: Gregory and James McCuaig smooth it over. All three work for S. G. Cunningham contractors of Kitchener. (Photos by Frank Knobloch and

Rob Heinbecker)

GET Fitness Instructors

FIT!

We are currently accepting applications for instructors for our

fall

fitness

classes. Morning classes: 7:15 Wednesdays & Fridays Noon:

8:00 a.m. Mondays,

1 2:35 -1:15 p.m. Mondays, Fridays

Fitness: 4:40

Wednesdays

5:25 p.m. Tuesdays

& Thursdays

Applications should be accompanied

by resume. For more information please contact Duane Shadd at the Recreation Centre, 748-3512, Ext. 385

JmsF

pitying

chosen,

one more hurdle, said Putt, since the company must be approved at a full board of governors meeting, which will take place on Aug. 22. there

ball-

PDtlTIClPdCTIOn

Spoke, Tuesday, August

1994 7

New perspective European point

$135,000. Over in England it’s 135,000 pounds, double ours, and

By Frank Knobloch After seven weeks of touring Europe, even the

should take

said Higgins.

ent.

derful time.

how the other he said. “You hear see

(Photo by Frank Knobloch)

was

won-

good experi-

ence for her.”

June 16 with his wife, Carol, to

wedding anni-

Although people complain about

—

weren’t for the flowers there,

Gyger,

Gyger

medal

a step up.

a Conestoga College

engineering technician

electrical

who

student

it is

earned the bronze wiring

in the residential

category of the Vocational Indus-

Clubs of America (VICA)

trial

national competition in

Kansas

City, Missouri, last June.

May, he won the gold medal the Skills Canada Competition

Hamilton.

“When

a purse ripped off her shoulder.

boat.

served individual pizzas, enough

He said he enjoyed the trip but found some annoyances. "Nothing is open there after 5: 30 p.m., except

for

way

has a long

still

catch up to here.”

Consumers pay a high price to live on the continent, he said. “You can buy a three-bedroom house here for

for

one person, for $ 5.”

year-milestone, said Higgins, “es-

came

VICA

he had checked over his

away, he might have won a medal as well. To win his bronze, Gyger had to compete against 60 people, com-

would be good enough,

’’said

my-

right

medal.”

pared to 15 in the Skills Canada

and got the impression from the organizers that finishing was the

Gyger’s confidence in his abil-

Competition.

goal.

self

up for something and not get

ity to

win was tested early

in the

Gyger found

the

VICA compe-

run than Skills Can-

at the comGyger has not been of-

Despite his success

competition after he wrote the

tition better

theory exam.

ada because “the guys down there were getting paid to run it,” while Skills Canada was run by volunteers, who could be distracted by

fered employment.

other obligations.

said.

blew

away,” he said of the theory exam, which was based on the American code book of rules and regulations. He said the book was difficult to use and differed from the Cana-

prentices run through the

dian version.

tition

“It totally

He added

that

VICA

had ap-

compe-

in order to iron out

any

good after that, I had a chance

problems before the competitors ever came to Kansas City.

The next stage of the competiton was the practical application test, in which competitors

Gyger said the practical application test for VICA was more realistic than the test by Skills Canada because it was possible for a com-

“I

and

didn I

’

feel too

did not think

(of winning).”

petitions,

“Everyone’s should be but

telling

ticket to get a job,

has not happened yet,” he

“I’m hoping that this will get me an apprenticeship, because that is

Gyger

tracting companies, but

hopes the

next time he hands out resumes,

companies

will be

Canada

competition completed the proj-

to do, but other than that, he said,

ect.

When itors

was over, four compet-

had completed the project,

but only three of

them worked.

Gyger’s was one of those three.

Gyger

said he decided to con-

centrate on finishing his project instead of trying to get

perfect,

Systems Management

for the

computer program

they designed for Micro Tech

a graduate of the

Com-

company

puting, a consulting

The program stores all of the company’s invoicing information and purchasing orders, Dummer

of the judges of the projects, said

complaints.”

May

offer

from Software AG of Canada, a software development company, but decided to go with Schneider because he “liked the hours and the pay.”

required to

work

in his

between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and can then choose to work out of his home. office

Dummer in

ployment

attributes

some of

his

emaward he won while

finding immediate

to an

said.

Russ Moore, a systems analyst in Hamilton and one

with Dofasco

him think: “These people have gone 10 miles farther than anyone else” in the design of their computer program.

“The award get the job,” the

definitely helped

Dummer said.

documentation of the project

know how

does not

his project partners

faired in the job market, but said

were other CP\A graduates

there

who

got jobs before he did.

“The CP\A program best to be in because are

more jobs out

is I

one of the

think there

there in that field

of work.”

Dummer program

added

that

he found the

“While program you might

to be thorough.

the right stuff after all.”

Conestoga’s annual proj-

taking advantage of the sum-

the

think that you’re never going to use it. But when you get out into the real world you discover they taught you

(

Tozun Homes for rent »

Minutes from the college Two and three bedroom apartments

Fridge, stove,

and dryer included Pool available in complex

mer.

Gyger

will return to

Conestoga

in the fall to finish his final year.

For inquiries

Investments

please contact

Ltd.

Dummer said he plans to stay with Schneider a long time.

May

“I took

the job interview.”

you’re

Dummer’s group made

that

CP\A program. Dummer, along with team members Glenn Dulmage and James Forbes, won the first-place award in the

Cambridge.

“This job is in my area of interest and training,” Dummer said. “The people are nice and it’s an excellent company to work for. I have no

limit.

the Skills

(ASM)

inter-

ested.

Gyger works for a temporary work agency and gets the odd job

employment

said that he has not re-

ceived any calls from local con-

petitor to

Nobody

onds.”

ultimate goal.”

were given a project to complete properly within a six-hour time

complete the project.

inexpensive, safe

tion for

Dummer,

success that this

few job opportuni-

But, fortunately, there are also

Dummer also received a job Paul Gyger, bronze medalist at a skills competition in Missouri. (Photo by Rob Heinbecker)

Train travel

and convenient, he said. “The trains are always on schedule and if they’re late, it’s only by a few sec-

They received top honors from judges and $350 from the Associa-

Dummer accepted a job in the sys-

fin-

top half and

Gyger. “I didn’t want to set a

ished project instead of leaving

like to finish in the

that

to the

you get along with your

of a troubled econ-

tems department with J.M. Schneider in Kitchener. He designs computer programs used by employees in the plant and in the offices and handles all the manufacturing information on computer.

who

wife.”

ect demonstration day.

By Nicole Downie there are

pecially

finds

Conestoga College computer programmer\analyst (CP\A) program, is one of them; he found a job only two weeks after graduating in May.

Gyger said his fellow Canadian had put his project together 90 minutes before the time ran out,

People are light-fingered there, but very polite about it.”

he said. “The government

must be getting a good whack of money from those $ 5 pizzas.” But he said he does recommend seeing Holland in spring, when the tulips bloom. There are six million tulips planted, he said, and when they bloom, “it’s just perfect.”

Kirk

level.

never heard of anybody having

Europe is a must-see for students and a great way to celebrate a 25-

omy

“I

also has a high tax

The county rate,

drals.”

But pickpockets are not overly ag-

“We went to a restaurant and they

In these times

same

thought that I would

cathe-

land.

finished just beat the buzzer, and

I first

completion,

“There are even signs

gressive, he said.

competition,

while the other competitors

numerous signs

warning tourists about them.

world.”

gory, but in the apprenticeship di-

they were considered on the

un-

Higgins advises students on a budget to stay away from Switzer-

began to think it was possible to win a medal. Gyger added that the one completed project which did not work belonged to a Canadian, the gold medal winner at the Skills Canada Competition in the same catevision. In the

said, but there are

many

Europe, he

try in the

said once he realized this, he

VICA

Pickpockets victimize suspecting tourists

Together they travelled through England, Holland, France and Switzerland, and cruised through Germany on a Rhine River tour

bloody coun-

a few success stories.

for Paul

versary.

ties.

Going from a gold to a bronze medal may be considered by some as a fall in the standings, but

“There were streets that you down in some countries. mean, if you go looking for trouble, you’re bound to find it.”

the drabbest

College student wins bronze skills at U.S. competition He

visiting Europe,

wouldn’t walk

Award winner

By Rob Heinbecker

when

would be

rope

shows

going over there it’s no bed of roses. wouldn’t like to live in England in a little grey house with a grey slate roof,” he said. “If it

get a jug of milk after supper. Eu-

to.

Students should see Europe, said

Having been there for seven it was wonderful to see, but was happy to come home.” Higgins was in Europe from May

the bars. It’s close to impossible to

adventure led him

here.”

things in Canada, he said, “just try

his latest

that’s

about Europe, but you have to see

celebrate their 25th

Peter Higgins, Conestoga’s globetrotting groundskeeper,

money

Germany and had

where

the

“My daughter went for six

it.

make

weeks

weeks,

made over

Higgins.

half lives,”

those people don’t

Other highlights of their travels were a visit to Monet’s Japanese gardens and cathedrals in Cologne and Strasburg, France. But there are precautions that you

most hardy traveller can grow weary and long for home. Peter Higgins, head groundskeeper at Conestoga College, is no differ-

“You should

—

view a good experience

Phillip

Galin at Tudor Lane

Phone# 893-5891, 884-4773, 894-6116

8 Spoke, Tuesday, August

1994

SportsWorld caters to thrill-seekers of all ages Lazer Runner and pony rides. A pass costs $ 8.95 for adults, $ 4.95 for children under 2 and seniors over 65, and $6.95 for toddlers aged one to four. People who arrive after 4 p.m. pay a special “twilight” price of $1 1.95. The waterpark is a great place to cool down on a hot summer day. One price allows unlimited use of the waterpark facilities. Adults pay $10.25, children and seniors pay $7.30, and toddlers get in for 95 cents. People who arrive after 4 p.m.

facilities,

By Nicole Downie Summer day trips and activities do not have to be far away and expensive. SportsWorld is a "world of fun” that will provide a day of games, rides and slides, and is right here in Kitchener.

Youngsters enrolled in Conestoga College’s summer camps spent the day there July 14, and the children and counsellors agreed they had a great time. “The kids really enjoyed it,” said camp director Jen VanDerZwaag. "They got a chance to let loose and have fun.” Pioneer SportsWorld, located at 100 SportsWorld Dr., off Highway 8, has something for everyone of all ages. There are things to do at SportsWorld year round. Inside the dome there are baseball batting cages and an indoor driving range for golfers. There is also an arcade with over 100 games.

and rope bridges. Swimmers can rent children’s

boats, live

Two

of the slides are “Easy Riders” which provide a slow, leisurely ride. The “Splasher” is faster, and the two “Dare-

The

large

thrill

wave pool provides

lots

room

one metre high for 2 minutes and then 1

for

race

swimming, roll up to

while before

when SportsWorld comes

alive.

It is

open

from 0 a.m. to 0 p.m. during the summer, with free parking and free park admission. Day passes provide unlimited use of the park, except the 1

pony

rides, go-karts, a ferris wheel, the

down

Scrambler on which burlap sacks are used to

a large slide.

munchies should strike at any time of the day, there Cream Shoppe for ice cream, milkshakes, frozen yogurt, popsicles and sundaes. Or, full meals are offered at Moose Winooski’s restaurant, which offers big helpings of home-style Canadian food.

starting again.

Summertime

for $3.75 for the day, and

Action lovers will enjoy the “Lazer Runner.” Participants wear a vest and enter the battle arena, where they try to hit their opponents with a laser phaser. If hit, the victim’s vest vibrates and his or her laser stops working temporarily.

Waves

rest for a

rafts

jackets are available for a daily rate of $2.

and a “big dipper slide

seekers.

as well as a surrounding sunbathing area.

life

There are two mini-golf courses which depict the history of Waterloo Region. Within the courses are man-made waterfalls and ponds. There are rides as well, including bumper cars, bumper

pay $6.50. SportsWorld visitors can choose from five waterslides.

devil” slides are for

such as a “play action pool” and a “kiddies’ spa.” lets little children splash and play on swings

The wading pool

If the

The "Deep Dive Tube Slide Ride” is a real splash. Swimmers climb up and then plummet through a tube into 3.6 metres (12 feet) of water. Young children and toddlers can enjoy their

own

water

the Ice

World of fun Above: Chantal Boucher(l) and her sister Michelle get a scare

on the Scrambler. (Photo by Nicole Downie)

Left: SportsWorld’s

one

the

wavepool