New research head appointed

Ralling leads renewed emphasis on research & development

PEI has a new Director for the Office of Research & Development. Dr. Geoff .

Ralling was formerly the Director of the Biotechnology division at Diagnostic Chemicals. Although he began in his new position on August 2, 1993, he is not new to UPEI. Since 1989 he was an adjunct professor in the Depart- ment of Pathology and Microbiology. He has also worked as a researcher at UPEI.

Dr. Ralling has been employed in the past with Agriculture Canada at the Research Sta- tion, and with Aqua Health Limited in the West Royalty Industrial Park.

His Education includes a BSc from Mt. Allison University in 1074, anda PhD from the Univer- sity of Western Ontario in 1985.

What are the duties of a Director of Re- search & Development? President Eliot sums up Dr. Rallings’ duties “... he will attempt to organ- ize support of research - ie find funding for those who wish to do it, especially in the Vet college.”

But why is all of this important? To some, research may seem to bea waste of money, but it actually can stimulate the economy if it is adapted to the interest of the greater society,

says Eliot. It also helps us as students to get a better education.

“University professors know how to teach and how to research ...good teaching is part of our research.” The more professors and schol- ars discover, the more information is available to us. “Professors should be contributing to what is taught.” If our professors are of the latest trends in their field then we, as students, will hopefully be getting the most up-to-date education possible.

REBECCA MOORE

Campus lighting improved

New alarms and well-lit paths improve safety

security at UPEI from consultant Brian.

i n response to a report on campus

Ash, new lighting has been placed throughout the campus.

Don Coles, Director of Maintenance, told the X-Press that double-headed lights had been placed in many areas through the centre of campus where there used to be only single- headed lights. Coles stated that a higher light level was needed for a path through campus. President Eliot also mentioned that one well-lit main walkway was needed.

Emergency response systems were also installed so that an individual can have immedi- ate contact with security. This response system consists of five remote units (those blue posts you see around campus). Each unit has a hands- free communication system, (with which you can talk to security), an automatic 1.5 million candlepower red strobe light, a blue position identification light, and an area light.

If you feel in danger from some sort of physical threat, press the red emergency call button on the unit. This activates the bright red Strobe light and at the same time sends a telephonic signal to the campus security office which opens two-way communications. For any other emergency situation, you should press the silver intercom button. This will allow for two-way communication with the security de- partment. These are to be used in emergency Situations only.

When asked why this new lighting was Necessary President Eliot stated that it was recommended by Ash, the consultant brought

in to look at campus security “from a different perspective”. The two lighting projects to- gether cost approximately $22,000, but is this new lighting effective? Has the lighting on the paths most frequently used by students been improved? Or must students look to find the well-lit paths?

When asked if it made her feel safer on campus, one fourth year student said, “ New lighting doesn’t stop what goes on in the resi- dences. | don’t feel any safer.” Another third year student said that he’d be more likely to walk

alone if there is a well lit path. “Perhaps it’s because ofa false sense of security, |’m probably not as safe walking alone under bright lights as | was with a buddy under dimmer lights.” Other students believe that it puts off potential attack- ers ,and that the new lighting is an improvement in campus security.

In any case, the new lighting is there. Security still strongly recommends that you walk in pairs and on the new, well-lit paths.

REBECCA MOORE

ATTENTION?! FIRST YEAR SCHOLARSHIP STUDENTS

(Those on renewable scholarships) Don’t forget our September fun event:

DATE: Thursday, September 23, 1993

TIME: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Room 111, Robertson Library

**Door Prizes, Fun Activities, Scholarship Information ANG MOTE 2 cs srscce ieee. as

.

See you on the 23"!

Your Peer Advisors and Shirley Hudson

Program Coordinator

September 16, 1993/X-Press/5