Into the Arms of the New Barn

a.k.a. New Student Centre By Marieve MacGREGOR

If one were to take a moment and watch the view from the Student Centre construction cam today, what do you suppose they would see? Students walking confidently on their way to class or the bookstore? Students head- ing fearlessly into every corner of the building? Students bustling about in full awareness of their surroundings? No. One would see fear, confusion, and intimidation in the eyes of many. So what’s to be done? Well, it is this reporter's intention to straighten out the where, what, who, when, why, and sometimes how, of this building.

The New Student Centre is organized as such. There are two floors: the first and the second. The first floor has a nice large stretch of hallway, food services, entertainment, and a book- store. The second floor contains many offices which hold the Student Union, Student Services, the yearbook and newspaper, and health-related organiza- tions. Now here is the catch about the second floor: the two ends, so pro- claimed “south” and “north,” are not attached. In other words, one cannot walk from “north” to “south” and back by any convenient means. Instead, one’ will have to walk down the stairs, across the aforesaid hallway, and back up again when manoeuvring from one end to the next. Inane, you say? Perhaps, but this way there is more pri- vacy for students. Personal and private business is taken care of on the “north” end, while public communications and student hogy business resides down

“south.

The North End

The “north” end of the second floor has a welcoming atmosphere. The lobby area is very open and comfort- able, with pamphlets galore to read and almost every school calendar imagina- ble from Canada and around the world. The receptionist, Patsy Meyers, is very informative and will aid any student who wanders in.

‘aft are two offices per-

Ceeeeee ee eee st

[10}

Future plans for the Student Union Centre

taining to the Women’s Centre. Do not stop at the first room, for it is small and dark and full of mess. Attempt to ven- ture into the next room, which is usual- ly alive with friendly people and fervid chatter. A lovely and pleasant woman’ by the name of Ruth Freeman is the one in charge, and she will welcome you wholesomely. This is a place where women and men can come together for emotional and psychological support when faced with difficulties, like sexual abuse. This is also a wonderful environ- ment to feel relaxed and safe no matter what your reasons. They have special events that occur throughout the year such as the AIDS walk and “The Vagina Monologues,” as well as a vol- unteer team. To get more information, call 628-4332, or just drop by any time. Need financial aid? Having sec- ond thoughts about parting with that arm and leg? Then maybe you should head towards the Student Loans Department, which is down a hall to the right, just in front of Mrs. Meyers’ desk. Joy Livingston-Ford will be happy to help and give advice. Don’t cringe at the term ‘student loans’, for there are other ways of paying as well.

Grants, bursaries, lines of credit, and scholarships are all at your fingertips, it’s just up to you to reach for them.

Having second thoughts about part- ing with that arm and. leg? Then maybe you should head towards

the Student Loans Department.

Straight ahead as you enter the “north,” you will find the Health Centre. There, you may encounter either of the two counsellors Marion Morrison or Shirley Hudson. They han- dle both academic and personal coun- selling. There is also a physician there who will do HIV tests, vaccinations, and STD screenings, among other things. To find out the clinic time table you may call at 566-0616, or simply walk up and book your appointment.

If you wish to travel, watch for postings around the campus throughout the year and head on up to the confer- ence room. There are several types of Student Exchange programs such as

SEEK, C.U.S.O., and the JET pro- gramme. Keeps your eyes open for these names.

There is plenty of help for any student with a disability. The ACE pro- gram is entering its fifth year of exis- tence and in the last year has had its first class graduate. This is a program for adults with disabilities to get their university degree. There is also a learn- ing disability service which helps pin- point what help you may need and how to go about studying. Jeni Mutch and Liza Frizzell run the ACE program, while Joanne McCabe is in charge of the Services for Students Who Have Learning Disabilities.

Finally, what do you do when you’re healthy, well-travelled, emotion- ally secure, and highly educated? You get a job, that’s what! But uh-oh, where to look? Look no further (alone). because there is also a Career Development Centre. In the CDC, Mamdouh Elgharib will help with you in perfecting your resume, cover letter, and also help your search for employ- ment. And that is the “north”!

The South End

As you enter the "south" you will come into direct contact with the front desk. This is where you may take care of your health plan coverage, receive your student planner, and express general inquiries. However, they do not hand out school calendars, that is done in the registrars office. Hours of opperation are Mon-Fri 9am- 4pm, and their e-mail is studentu@upei.ca.

The "south" is divided into two halls. Down the hall to the left resides the Student Union. The Student Union is headed by SU President Chris Power, Executive Vice President Krista Gallant, VP Activities Matt McCarville, . and VP Finance Paul Murphy. If you have any suggestions or concerns about student life or student activities, give these fine people a visit.

Down the corridor to the right,