ssues & ideas EDITOR LUKASZ JONCA THE VOICE, THURSDAY, OCT. 2, 2014 7 Recreational enhancement at LSU The LSU has brightened up Langara’s social life by bringing in new gaming tables to the building By ORVIS NELSON ew Ping Pong and foosball ta- bles in the Langara Studens’ Union Building stand as a lega- cy to outgoing LSU councillor Ameer Mohammad. During 2013 student council elec- tions Mohammad made student recre- ation the main focus of his campaign. Ed Hensley, the outgoing Secretary to Council was motivated by the idea fol- lowing a survey that showed students wanted more activities on campus. “IT always believed academics must have provisions for sport with no ex- ception,” Mohammad said. The LSU building is an enclave for students to socialize and make new friends, the inclusion of these tables adds another element for socialization in the area. The cost of the new recreation items including delivery, setup and accesso- ries totalled $3800. “This was the sole decision of the LSU in-house staff and to us it is money well spent,” Hensley said. Business management student Ma- yan Dayani enjoys having something to do besides playing with his cellphone. “It’s actually good, it’s something that helps out with something to do on cam- pus... You play against anyone you can and have a good time,” he said. Students James Mornin and Andrew Artist battled out a match of table ten- nis last week. “Good hand-eye coordi- nation,” Mornin said, returning the tiny ball to Artist. “These things are here to bring peo- ple together,” said marketing manage- ment student Paolo Santos. “It’s good for yourself, it’s good for the communi- ty you start making new friends.” The tables are open to students, staff and instructors whenever the LSU is open. LUKASZ JONCA photo From left to right students Mayan Dayani, Supipon Wangsangthong and Paolo Santos enjoy their spare time by playing some Ping Pong at the Langara Students’ Union Building. Issues with the LSU Students at Langara College are not sure where to voice their problems By VIVIAN CHUI improve communication between students and the college, citing low turnout to campus events, slow wire- less Internet and general complaints. Elected on platform of increasing transparency and communication with members, outgoing LSU secretary, Ed Hensley, is leaving a package of recom- mendations for the incoming council. Hensley will be including suggestions for the new council to install comment boxes, run online feedback surveys and improve email services. A forum for leaders of the college and the LSU to discuss pertinent issues is currently in the formation stage. “Both the college and the LSU could be better at communicating to students where they can get information,” Hens- ley said. The LSU stood firm against a fee in- crease proposed by the college in Sep- tember. “It seems an easy way to pass costs onto students,” said Hensley. Lies: Students’ Union plans to Student engagement during Wel- come Week was only 10 to 15 per cent, according to data collected by the LSU. Because the majority of students are only at Langara for two years, they are leaving the school by the time they get their bearings, according to Hensley. Students can approach Langara’s ombudsperson, an independent and confidential resource for problems such as grade appeals, with any issues regarding the college. For any general problems, the LSU is available via the information desk or email. Contact in- formation of information officers and councillors is listed online. Mining engineering student, Robert Dai, had issues with campus Wi-Fi in the library. “I didn’t talk to IT. [just go up to the second floor,” Dai Said. IT representative, Justin Yau, said students can call or come to the IT of- fice when they encounter technical dif- ficulties. Dibar Gill, a nursing student, said he has not had issues with his mobile elec- tronic devices on campus. Student concerns 1 Langara has issues with Wi-Fi con- nectivity 2 There are broken locks on washroom stalls 3 Where can | voice my concerns and complaints? 4 Campus lacks light- ing after dark VIVIAN CHUI photo Students can reach the IT department by email or visiting them at the office with concerns. Off campus event planning helps student clubs Langara clubs are moving their events off campus more often as rules and restrictions are causing difficulties By JAMES GOLDIE on this weekend likely have their eyes set beyond the Langara Stu- dents’ Union building. The Langara Social Club, for exam- ple, is hosting its first event of the year at Fortune Sound Club on Oct. 11. Ac- cording to Vancouver area events pro- moter Vanessa Wong, this is becoming the new normal for student groups. “More people would rather go out to a club than go out to a school spon- sored event, as it’s just so much harder to throw them given the strict rules and regulations,” Wong said. On-campus, themed events such as 80s nights or black light parties are losing popularity according to Wong. She also said students would rather have bands come to campus to perform, which can be a logistical nightmare. As a result, more groups are hiring professionals to host events for them. “Nightclubs provide an easier way to throw a party without the stresses of organization,” Wong said. Second-year microbiology student, Constantine Brad, is an event promoter 66 Sa: looking to get their dance More people would rather go out toa club than go out to a school sponsored event, as it’s so much harder to throw with Crew Entertainment. In the past year-and-a-half his com- pany has seen an increase in student groups seeking help with off-campus fundraising activities. Brad would like to partner with stu- dent clubs in need of fundraising assis- tance. His company allows clubs to sell tickets to existing events at Vancouver nightclubs and keep a portion of the sales. Brad said he would like to host events on campus, however, there are a lot of factors that make it difficult. Obtaining a liquor license and poten- tial noise complaints are common ob- stacles according to Brad. Second-year student Emad Alshehri would prefer going off campus for an event. “You don’t want to see the same people every day,” he said. “Off campus you could meet new people.” Langara clubs must apply through the college to host off-campus activi- ties. CONSTINE BRAD Microbiology stu- dent at Langara College. them given the rules and regulations VANESSA WONG