INside .. The Douglas College Newsletter m= New Westminster Campus, David Lam Campus & Thomas Haney Campus Walk like an Egyptian Five political science students travelled to Cairo, Egypt in March to attend the Cairo International Model United Nations (CIMUN). From left to right are Chris Yu, Kevin McConnell, Luciana lon and Denis Lancien (Noushin Naziripour of Langara College not shown here). Camel rides, pyramid tours, visits to the Egyptian museum, Memphis and the Citadel and long hours in model United Nations talks — it was all part and parcel of the Cairo International Model United Nations (CIMUN) held in March 2001. Five political science students were joined by Political Science instructor Marlene Hancock and Humanities and Social Sciences Departmental Assistant Catherine Elson on a nine- day trip, five of which were spent at the CIMUN conference. Almost 400 delegates attended from around the world, with days starting at 8:30am and often running until 7:30pm. “Events like this really expand the boundaries of learning,” says Hancock. “Part of learning is in the classroom, but also in extracurricular activities like this.” The students, who represented Egypt at CIMUN (while Egyptian students represented Canada), would agree. “Twas on the World Trade Organization (WTO) council,” says Chris Yu. “Citizens of} Western countries are strongly opposed to the WTO, but if you go to a developing country, you'll discover that they don’t often feel this way. They see it asa step closer to becoming a developed country.” It was also a learning experience of another sort. “When we were shopping in the market we found out how highly regarded Canadians are,” says Yu. “We saw lots of Canadian flags and stickers in stores, and we walked by one guy who spotted a Canadian flag on one of our shirts and yelled out ‘Hey Canada! Hockey night in Canada!” “We, meaning the women, also got lots of marriage proposals,” adds Luciana lon. Anyone who would like to join the organizing committee for DOUGIMUN (Douglas College International Model United Nations) 2002 — “an enthusiastic person who likes the idea of becoming an ambassador for the weekend,” says Hancock — can call her at 527-5208. Spoken communications network underway Lin Langley and Debra Wolinsky of the Communications Department (LLPA) are organizing and hosting a first-of-its-kind meeting for BC instructors who teach spoken communications: oral presentations, interpersonal, intercultural and counselling skills. “Often instructors of spoken communications are the sole practitioners in their department or institution,” says Langley. “We hope to create a network of professionals who teach in the broad spoken communications field so that we can offer field-based professional development and support.” The meeting will be held at the New Westminster Campus Friday, May 11, Jam-3pm, room 1814. For more information, contact Langley at 527-5285 or Wolinsky at 527-5296. IN Douglas College Program gives students skills and confidence The Basic Occupational Education (BOE) program at Douglas College has provided education to students with employment barriers for almost 20 years. It constantly evolves to respond to ever-changing labour market and industry demands, and has gradually expanded to encompass some of the major industries in the electronic, mechanical and general assembly fields, food services and hospitality industry and the business and retail sector. Now, the Customer Service Cashier Training Program, derived from the BOE program's self-paced format, also provides specific training to a traditionally employment- barriered population. Launched at the David Lam Campus in January 1997, the Customer Service Cashier ‘Training Program provides vocational training opportunities for individuals with limited work experience who are seeking suitable entry-level employment. “Students receive training in customer service excellence, employability skills and the use a Point of Sale cashier system,” says Joy Conran, Adult Special Education instructor. “They also get classroom, lab and practicum opportunities that give them hands-on experience. Some students from the Retail and Business option of the BOE Program transfer to our program for more specific training.” “Numerous employers have inquired about the Customer Service Cashier Training Program, wanting students to participate in a practicum at their site,” says Conran. “Last semester, six students were offered employment while completing the practicum component of the program, with at least 70 to 80 percent getting jobs from their practicums after graduation.” Employment opportunities for the students have varied from large department stores, retail clothing shops, banks, grocery stores, home and garden centres and community recreation facilities. For more information on the Customer Service Cashier Training Program, please contact Joy Conran at 527-5810. For more information on the BOE program, please contact Dana Sova at 527-5620. Take Up the Challenge! A challenge has been issued to employees of post-secondary educational institutions in the Lower Mainland to participate in the Commuter Challenge on Wednesday, June 6, Clean Air Day. In addition to Douglas College, employees of SFU, UBC, BCIT, VCC and Langara College will be taking up the challenge. This friendly competition is designed to encourage commuters to use active and sustainable transportation more frequently. You can participate by making a commitment to walk, jog, cycle, rollerblade, take public transit (strike permitting!) or carpool to work on June 6, Report your commute at the Commuter Challenge desks in the concourses at both David Lam and New Westminster on the morning of June 6 and our total “green” commuter rates will be compared with those of the other participating institutions. Prizes will be awarded for the longest self-propelled commute, the most unusual mode of transportation, and the single commute that uses the greatest number of different modes of transportation. Watch for more information in the weeks to come, and take up the challenge! For more information, contact Patti Romanko (romankop@douglas.bc.ca). Sponsored by the Douglas College Green Team. Quote of the Month “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968)