AMPUS NEWS — soroxsovcms THE VOICE, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY14, 2013 3 Security system changes College changing locks over 15 years old, adding loudspeakers By HAIILEY MCDONALD ing every lock and key on campus in a new measure designed to make Langara safer. In addition to replacing the locks, campus security is also installing loudspeakers outside main doors that will be used to alert students of impending threats inside the school. “We're a great college and part of a great college is having and building safety culture and enhanc- ing the reputation of our college,” said Dan Krefting, manager of campus security. The new security changes will allow students and instructors to lock themselves inside classrooms in the event of an emergency. Krefting said that while Langara is a safe place, re-keying is neces- sary because the school’s current locks are over 15 years old. University transfer student Monika Szucs said she feels safe at school, but recalled an incident recently that made her feel uneasy. Szucs said she saw a suspicious- looking man on campus several times who seemed to be selling something. She said she asked the man if he attended Langara, to which he replied he didn’t. On Jan. 25, the college’s Facebook page posted that a student had reported a suspicious person in the gymnasium changing rooms. Krefting said that security investigated the report but didn’t find anything troubling. The new security measures will also make it more difficult for duplicate keys to be cut. Business transfer student Amirab- bas Yousef thinks the new locks are a good idea but thinks the college should take further action to protect students. He suggested that the college implement a keyless entry system that would give students access cards instead of the current open-door policy. “T think that would be a more secure and safe way of doing it,” said Yousef. Si is in the process of chang- Elke HAILEY MCDONALD photo One of the many locks on campus that are currently being replaced DEANNA CHENG photo The Langara Run Club, lead by founder Dean Tsatouhas, had its second meet yesterday on the Langara Golf Course. New faces on edu. council Students want more voice in decisions regarding curriculum 66 [The] student representa- tive for the education council brings together the gap be- tween the college and students Gigi Tsui By BEN BULMER Ihe results of Langara education- al council elections were re- leased this week with a clear winner in both student represen- tative categories: Gigi Tsui and Am- man Bhogal — the only nominees. The educational council, a body of 20, consists of faculty, administration and two students. The council is responsible for grad- ing criteria, exam policies and autho- rizing changes to courses and pro- grams. The council has the power to autho- rize changes but it’s up to the depart- ments themselves to initiate those changes. Of the 14 positions up for elec- tion all were voted in by acclamation. Tsui is optimistic about her position but admits she’s not really sure what powers she will have. “TThe] student representative for the education council brings together the gap between the college and students.” As the council authorizes changes to programs on all subjects, Tsui said she would have to do a lot of research be- fore making a decision. “Some of the materials are pretty complex, but it’s a good learning oppor- tunity,” she said. Rute Xu moved to Canada from China one and a half years ago and has been the educational council representa- tive for four months. Xu says that the council has helped her with communi- RUTE XU Student represen- cations skills and tative public speaking as well as critical thinking. Xu said that a student’s view on things is an important part of the coun- cil. “The department representatives have different perspectives, so as a stu- dent I can find unique problems that they might not think about,” said Xu. Max Yang, who sat on the council from Nov. 2010 until Jan 2018, reiterat- ed Xu’s comments about the student representative position being a unique voice in a world of academics. When a program proposal was ab- sent of any assignments and focussed purely on exams, Yang questioned why no assignments had been given. One good thing about the council, said Yang, is that people can voice their doubts and suggestions. The council considered Yang’s pro- posal for a less exam heavy course but voted against it. Foreign students find sense of community Origin of Students 2011 stats 1. CHINA 57% 2. KOREA 9% 3. JAPAN 6% 4. HONG KONG 3% 5. TAIWAN 3% Source: Langara nstitutional teseach department International education department helps students adjust to life in Canada and make new friends By KAYLA ISOMURA offered unique opportunities to so- cialize with other students at the school. Langara’s 1,200 foreign students are able to adjust and meet new people through workshops, sporting activities and lunches supported by the school’s international education department. Celine Huang, international student coordinator, said workshops rece in students at Langara are help students find housing and volunteer work in Vancouver, specific to “lifestyle-related issues.” “We try to address any concerns that [students] have and we do set aside some time for them to ask any questions,” she said. While the department works with these students adjust to life in Vancouver, they also have “a group of volunteers that organize on and off-campus events,” helping stu- dents transition to life socially in the city. Students are invited to events like the “i-Café,” held every semester, said Huang, which is an on-campus event open to all students to “mix and mingle.” In addition to i-Café, the depart- ment also hosts sporting events open to all students, which include curling, basketball and yoga. Any local students interested in meeting, or working with interna- tional students, are welcome to attend any of the events as well said Huang. “Tf [students] want to drop in or if they need to sign up they can just come to our office,” she said. A list of events can be found outside the international education office, room A107. Activities this week include a Valentine’s Day café Feb. 14, yoga in the school gym on Feb. 15 and lunch at Bei Jiang restaurant also Feb. 15.